Subject of Course Project Essay Example for Free

Subject of Course Project Essay In today competitive economy, we need information system in every aspect of the organization because Information systems help in decision making process in a cost effective way. Using technologies to discover, analyze and act in real time on the large volumes of data in research laboratories will be beneficial to the organizations. Every organization produces large amount of data and we need a system to contain it and extract information effectively. Databases management systems are design to ease difficulties in maintain complex information systems. An organization such as Mayo Clinic not only has the clinical heath care system but also has the larger department focuses on research and innovations. These types of organizations contain many different research laboratories that use different database system and technologies, bio specimens and produce many different results. This indicates that they have large valuable data yet missing a system that can link them together so that we can compare and contrast all the pertaining data out there. Business Problem Statement The core problem to be solved is inefficient database systems of each disconnected database systems to a system that can communicate many different databases with easy to pull information out of. Due to difference in needs of each research labs, it would be very unproductive to use one type of database for all the labs. However, we need a system that can communicate different databases and queries all the information quickly. Name of the Organization The name of the organization is Mayo Clinic. I want to specifically focus the issue of database system of research department and more specifically about the database system of the lab that I am currently working with. At my lab, we are currently using a Microsoft Access Database to store both clinical and laboratory information by saving in it the share folder for other team members to access. However, there is no tracking system in place and with multi users involve, we have no way of know who or where the information could be wrong. Many other labs also have issues with current databases that they are using due to limited user abilities, missing tracking in place, and waiting time for programmer to give us reports. General Benefits By building a system that can give both clinical information and research information help save time and money of the organization and employees. It will encourage more collaboration within the institutes. If we have information on the samples that other labs already worked on, we no longer need to waste resources to produce the same data by sharing the results. There will be more time for innovations by removing the repetitive experiments. This system can also help at finding more resources such as which labs are working on the similar samples or experiments thus increase collaboration either by exchanging samples or working on the ideas together. It is also important to point out the sharing contents will be control by the users to avoid conflict. A system that can communicate with other database can pull up information of the same patients without needing to re-enter them in many different databases will save time and employee can focus on different tasks. High Level Approach Building a database system will take hours of mapping connections and writing a program that can be customized by users. The best way is to have web base database systems for the labs which don’t have a good relational database yet. Then, build a system that can link the entire relational databases to talk to each other and pull out data. There is two ways we can build the system either by outsourcing or in-house program development. Another step is to find out which way is more cost effective with the time we need to have them ready. Also, it would be important to have a research server and a team to maintain the systems. Audience The needs of an effective research laboratories database system are obvious yet it is costly and time consuming to build one. All the principle investors need to be participating and build the system together and budget into their lab cost. Senior managements and mangers of the labs of Mayo Clinic need to know the importance and benefit of having central research database system.

Collective Selection Theory and Class Differentiation

Collective Selection Theory and Class Differentiation Selection argues that fashion as a force in culture, collective selection substitutes class differentiation as a motive for its dynamic change. The elites (buyers and designers) are the ones that move but do not affect the fashion system thus causing collective selection. This occurs because buyers and designers are intertwined in a mesh of a uniform culture where they read the same trends and have the kind of influences to each other. The collective selection forms part of a new movement towards newer tastes with driving forces of fashion being historical continuity (newer fashions arising from older ones), modernity, collective taste from social interaction and finally psychological motives which Blumer (1969) acknowledges but does not favour. From his examination, he observes fashion as a central force that affects cultural sociology. His form of fashion is semi-autonomous which responds to but it is not influenced by opinions and taste of elites. This was a first attempt by socio logists to take the topic of fashion seriously. Georg Simmel in his 1904s class analysis of fashion had given a casual examination of the topic. Introduction Fashion is among the most creative and important industry in the world.  Everyone participates in development of the fashion industry to a certain degree. Fashion is a subject that periodically rediscovers itself and it is fascinating in its dynamics of humanities and social sciences. Social thinkers over time have treated the fashion industry as a window for social change and social class. Fashion has been viewed to embody characteristics representing modernity and culture. Some sociologists argue that it is hard to fathom a social life be it in arts, sciences, politics, entertainment, academia, business, law or morality without exhibiting elements of fashion in one way or another. Society tend to flock to styles, ideas, methods and practices that appear new and exciting to them, and after a period of time, the intensity of the fascination diminishes when newer ones emerge. The need and desire to be in fashion is manifested mostly in dressing. This is characterized by a pull of th e societys or inividuals continuity and the also the push to adopt new innovations. A cultural analysis of fashion is essential in understanding the dynamic shift in trends over time. Unlike the trickle down theory by Georg Simmel in 1904 which did not observe fashion first-hand, the Blumers collective selection theory gives attention to the whole process of meaning to society with focus on practices that are contemporary. An observation is made from the above two theories that fashion setters are the ones who mainly benefit from the intertwined relationship whereas followers benefit a little bit. Blumer asks fellow sociologists to take seriously the topic of fashion. He argues that this is so because fashion is more than clothing. Fashion is natural as it did not appear to society that in history as fashion but achievements that were up-to-date. He further states that fashion is important socially because where it operates be it in philosophy, business or science, it assumes a central position. Blumer asserts that fashion is a behavior that is rational. Fashion has its respectability because people respond to its character that is of distinction and propriety. Simmels (1957) view of fashion as style in his trickle-down theory provided insights such as the relevance of prestige in fashion operation and the proper identification of the realm of fashion as a form of change which is natural as opposed to aberrant. This analysis however falls short of catching the real position of fashion as a wider social happening. Simmel adds that fashion is taken up by social elites for the reason of classifying themselves from the other lower class. The lower group or class adopts the style of the upper group. When new fashions emerge, the upper class shifts to flee from their counterparts hence causing a continuous trickle-down effect characterized by the need for the upper class to distinguish themselves. In a nutshell, fashion is influenced by need for social stratification and social mobility. Though there has been wide criticism of the social class theory as being simplistic and also one-dimensional, it has had broad influence on todays fashion becaus e observation of fashion trends of many consumers show that high status people and the wealthy set the trend in fashion. For instance fashion magazines show images of items that are highly priced and outside the reach of lower class group, this cause a drive for the ordinary group to imitate and emulate the rich. However, it is not the wealth and prestige of the elite that makes the very design fashionable, but it is the designs potential fashionableness that allows the elites prestige to be attached. This is possible because the elite, rather than set the trends/fashion, they struggle and strive to follow its direction. This is based on the fact that people will consume fashion but not because of their wealth or prestige of their social class but just to show fashionability. Moreover, the elite have to make a decision of choosing between competing trends in fashion and that the choice they make is not always dependent on prestige of the innovator of the same fashion. In addition, c lass structure of the 20th century was different from the subsequent centuries. The contemporary societys class has a diversified structure and puts emphasis on fashion modernity. Zeitgeist theory Blumer (1969) expands on the views of Simmel by outlining all the societal conditions of fashion appearance because fashion emanates from societies. On the theory advanced by Herbert Blumer, fashion comes from a process that is collective where people adopt collective tastes expressed in trends in fashion. The driving force of fashion is not always imitation of the higher class people per se, rather they follow trends in fashion because of their desire to be fashionable. Consumers make a choice among various options available in the fashion market. People think of choices of their fashion as personal style and expressing individuality. As the selection goes on at individual level, it also occurs in aggregation into tastes that are collective. As selection and aggregation process in fashion goes on, a zeitgeist theory of trend is reflected. Individual choices in fashion spark a movement which has collective character implications on society. For example a style observed by a public figure may manifest the zeitgeist trend. The theory is a critique of the trickle-down effect of imitation of people of high status. The theory views fashion and trend as a collective or aggregation of choices of individuals in the society. It emphasizes not imitation or copying, but the desire by an individual to be fashionable. For instance, the desire to be in fashion does not necessarily mean emulation of values, lifestyle, or status of the group that sported the style first. Such individuals may opt to be in a collective moment which does not require imitation of what others are wearing. A status theory in trends might suggest that joining a trend is copying. Moreover, fashion rises as emulation then follows by a decline when early adopters try to stratify themselves from the masses by adopting new style. It then follows that, if one tries to equate joining a trend with copying, then the conclusion is that copying is a driving force for fashion. However, the trickle-down effect or status theory does not completely exhaust all the motivations for trends in fashion. According to the zeitgeist theory, imitation of elites and copying does not completely define fashion. Therefore, the theory disaggregates fashion from copying and that it moves not because the market is saturated with copies. In a nutshell, copying in fashion change may play a small role but it is not the engine without which the industrys innovation would stagnate. Social construction element of fashion in a society Blumer argues that fashion as a form of change is not linked to any field arbitrarily but it may affect or influence the content of that particular field which it operates. Fashion is the linkage to the past, the present and the future of the followers of fashion. Blumer (1969) gives six features which are basics of fashion which underline the function played by time in the whole fashion process. First is the readiness and willingness to change particularly in the area and the people through their practices, beliefs, attachments and they must also be ready to accept new forms of social order which thrusts them into the right direction in the future. The assumption and presupposition is that the area of fashion change is in passage, it will responding to changes around it and it is geared towards remaining abreast of current and new developments. Secondly, new proposals or models compete for them to be adopted and embraced. The models for adoption should be diverse by covering a range of viewpoints, themes, doctrines, practices, lines of preoccupation and artifacts use. Thirdly, there has to be relatively free room or opportunity for making a choice between the proposals or models. Fourthly, the selection should be made based on response to the interplay or incipient taste rather than rational considerations, merit or utility. This brings the difficulty of determination of merits because the guiding principles of fashion are not utilitarian or considerations that are rational. Fifthly, is the topic of presence of figures who are prestige and who espouse upon themselves the competing proposals. Blumer (1969) adds that what is perceived to be up to date is better than mere promotion of trends in fashion of certain figure that is prestigious (actor, organization, individual). The sixth element or feature is the area of applicability of the fashion. It should be open to emerging new interests in response to effects of outside situation/events, new participants being introduced in the fashion area and shift social interactions. Blumer argues that a course of fashion development must be present so that a given model is solidified and socially lifted which is important for a certain time frame (Blumer, 1969: 288). According to Meyer and Rowan (1977) as fashion comes and goes within the context of institutional environment, as long as they are accepted and institutionalized as standards in behavior, they can be regarded as institutions. A critique of fashion mechanism features Viewing fashion mechanism from the perspective of a continuing process of fashion that is of collective selection in a competitive model brings a different picture of social analysis. The elites in fashion form part of a collective process which responds to a shift in sensitivity and taste. Features such as historical continuity, modernity, collective taste and psychological motives which affect fashion mechanisms are discussed below. Historical continuity Fashion grows out of predecessors. The innovators of fashion always consider prevailing fashion for purposes of embracing, elaborating or departing from it. A continuity line is thus formed which typically has a trend. This continuity means that no extreme change occurs. On the other hand Blumer calls the popular adornments which lack successor as fads. Modernity Blumer refers to modernity as zeitgeist. Fashion is modern and seeks to remain abreast of modern times. Fashion is always sensitive to changes in developments. Fashion becomes responsible and responsive to trend, to developments in ornamentation, fabrics, and fine arts. Collective taste Collective taste is a force that ensures a process which selects, sets limits and provides guidance and also undergoes refinement through attachment to social forms. Taste is tri-fold in nature. It operates like a selector by giving basis for rejection or acceptance. It is also an agent which guides the growth of action lines and by shaping objects for the purposes of meeting demand. Fashion change occurs frequently in societies where there is more interaction between people and where the newness of the change is most valued rather than feared. Fashion is also not individual but social in nature. Psychological Motives Earlier scholars have traced fashion to be desires for notoriety and personal prestige. For instance, some define it as the effort towards increasing the self attractiveness under conditions that impair ones integrity of the ego. According to Blumer (1969), such explanations are shallow as they singly or either collectively, has been unable to account for trends in fashion because they do not show how the different feelings lead to fashion process. The definitions fail show fashion as a collective selection process as it is. In summary, there are many factors influencing fashion change. Fashion change is selected collectively through interplay between public taste that is dynamic and desire by the elite group to shape modernity which is part of the public. Fashion, according to Blumer (1969) appears as a collective class or grouping for the near future than a movement that is laid down by the prestige figures. Conclusion Blumers (1969) analysis of fashion as being social rather than individual in nature is a holistic attempt by a sociologist to explain the topic. Blumer (1969) concludes that fashion helps individuals and society in general to deal with the dynamics and potential complexities of modern world. Through the process of collective selection, social order is achieved. Fashion brings into fore a measure of uniformity and unanimity in a market that would have been fragmented. It introduces some order in the present. It does so by establishing a model that limits variability hence ensuring uniformity. Secondly, fashion serves at detaching the grip of past events in a dynamic world. This calls for option to move towards new directions hence it cannot be referred to as old-fashioned or out-of-date. Finally fashion operates as preparation that is orderly to the future. It offers elites the chance to give their models and at the same time adopts the ones that withstand collective selection. The ab ove three ways help society move in a unified and orderly manner. Fashion should be viewed as a pivotal mechanism which informs social order in a modernized society. Sociologists should strive to analysis fashion without irrationality and inconsequential behavior.

Issues faced by the multinational companies

Issues faced by the multinational companies Multinational company (MNC) is actually a multinational corporation that functions with a headquarters in the origin of that country, while having other facilities and assets that are based in location of other countries. Multinational corporation that operates in different countries provides technology, marketing skill and finance capital for a more profitable market in return. Many host countries have impose regulation which gives them a portion of share in profit, market and also jobs which is generated by multinational corporation in that particular country. Multinational company can be categories into 3 elements which is horizontally integrated multinational corporations, vertically integrated multinational corporations and diversified multinational corporations Horizontally integrated multinational corporations Corporations that manage productionestablishments in different countries that produces similar products ( example, McDonalds) Vertically integrated multinational corporations Manage production establishment in certain countries to produce products as input to its production establishment in other countries ( example, Adidas) Diversified multinational corporations Production Establishment is neither horizontally or vertically integrated ( example Microsoft) Globalisation: Globalisation can be seen in much different way, one way of seeing it as increase in the share of economic activity that is taking place across national boundaries. Globalisation that takes place has given a great impact on a number of interrelated developments such as: Growth in foreign direct investments and multinational corporation, Enhance the development of communication and transport technology, privatization of public sectors services Internationalization of financial markets. The impact of globalization can be both positive and negative, the positive side can be seen the potential of generating wealth and improving the living standards of a country. Countries that have the skill and resources are able to take advantage of the opportunities provided by global market. However, it seems to be flaws for countries that do not fall into this category. Globalisation can be said to have increase the gap between of poor and rich people, this can be seen through policies that are drives globalization process in the matter of business and not for the people. Globalisation is not entirely positive or negative, below are the point of view of people regarding the debate of globalization. Positive view Globalization is about worldwide economic activity about open markets, competition and the free flow of goods, services, capital and knowledge. Consumers are its principal beneficiary. Its benefits in terms of faster growth, quicker access to new technology, cheaper imports and greater competition are available for all. Globalization has made the world economy more efficient and has created hundreds of millions of jobs, mainly, but not only, in developing countries. It generates an upward spiral of jobs and prosperity for countries that embrace the process, although the advantages will not reach everybody at the same time. ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) brief on globalization, Nov 2000 Negative view What are doing, in the name of globalisation, to the poor is brutaland unforgivable. This is especially evident in India as we witnessthe unfolding disasters of globalisation, especially in food and agriculture.Dr Vandana Shiva, environmentalist Introduction: Unilever as an MNC Unilever was form in year 1930 through merger by Lever Brother in British and Marganie Unie of the Dutch and now Unilever is based in London.Unilever is one of the fast moving consumer goods (FMNG) in the world. They offer a wide range of products in food, beverages, personal care products and many more. The success story of Unilever can be seen in the annual turnover in the year 2009 which is à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬39.8billion worldwide and employs 163,000 employees around the world. Unilever established as a MNC because they have a headquarter in London, United Kingdom while other businesses operating in other countries. Here we will study how globalization and Unilever gives impact to the society as a whole. Macro-environment for Unilever in host country (PEST analysis) : Political Unilever being a MNC company in the world does not support any political parties whose activities is to promote the party interest, this is because they believe that the business they operate in must be behave with honesty , integrity and openness. However, the political trends still affects Unilever for example in UK where the headquarter is situated. In early February 2010, Unilever has been burden by the increase of taxation by the UK government. Initially, the company is already facing economic instability because consumer is unwillingly to spend more money. Paul Polman, the chief executive said that the daily mail, If on top of that we would get an additional regulatory or tax environment that would make us non-competitive that would be unfortunate for the UK. Mr. Polman is worried with the increase of taxation; Unilever has to pay even more into for expenditure cost for research laboratories, manufacturing facilities and more. The graph above shows us the expenditure cost of Unilever from year 2000 to 2009. From year 2000 until 2004, Unilever has been less on expenditure such as manufacturing facilities, and research and development sector. As of year 2004 onwards the cost has been increasing yearly until 1,700 (million) and with the recent increase of taxation in UK, Unilever will have to spend more on expenditure cost in the year to come. This would improve the competitiveness of Unilever with other competitors as the firm is facing massive problems to deal with higher taxation, which will result in lower profit gained. This would be a motivational factor for the firm to encounter the problem by setting effective strategies to sustain such taxation rate at the same time remain competitive from price aspect. For instance, Unilever has implemented several technologies pallet live storage system from Bitto Storage System Ltd to store frozen products. Economic environment In the economic environment, Unilever generates wealth by adding value to raw materials, and manufacturing their product for the consumers. The parties that are involve in the economic environment is their employees, government, investors, and many more communities that benefits from the activities of the company. This graph shows the parties that benefit from the activities that are ventured by Unilever in UK. Despite the economic instability that happens in decades, Unilever is still able to generate an operating profit of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬5,020 and sales of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 39,823 million in 2009. This graph shows us that the employees gain the biggest share of the company which is à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬5.2billion, whereas the least share is earn by the local communities which is à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬89million. The provider of capital obtains the 2nd highest share which is à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬2.5billion and the governments gain à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬959million from the company in the form of corporation tax that is issued by the government. Sociological Environment Making a difference in society is one of Unilevers biggest aim because they want to deliver the best and to give back to the society that has been supporting the success of Unilever. Unilever will be focusing on 4 elements which is giving more choice to consumers, focusing more on research and development on healthier products, to provide nutrition information to the understanding of consumers and also improving nutrition quality of their products. In order to improve the nutritional quality of the product and maintaining the taste , It is estimated that reduction of salt intake by 1g can reduce the chances of strokes by 5% and heart attack by 3 % reducing salt by as little 1 g. The Nutrition Enhancement Programme has come up with a strategy known as salt reduction strategy , in this strategy it states that in 2009 we set product benchmarks to achieve a dietary intake of 6 g of salt per day by the end of 2010, with the ambition to reduce further to5 g per day by the end of 2015. This graph clearly shows that Unilever has taken the responsibility in giving consumer to make healthier choices. Unilever has come up with healthier products and also providing the health information on the products so that consumer will understand the content of nutrient in the product. For example, Knorr is one of Unilevers famous food solution brands in UK, all crouton varieties are now containing less 70% less saturated fats and up to 40% less sodium. Unilever has also extended their impact by working together with World Food Programme (WFP) where they support developing countries and improving the health and nutrition of product. In order to reach out to the people , Unilever in UK has donated à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬500,00 through global partnership and with (WFP). They also encourage people to donate through website to the Haitis earthquake disaster relieve cost. Unilever also had donated soap and Puriet ( water purifier that does not need pressured water and or electricity. Technology Environment In the technology sector, Unilever has been spending in the area of e-business to improve brands communication and market through internet, and also making transaction simple along chain. Unilever Technology has work together with Unilever R D group in order to meet consumers needs. In the year 2003, Unilever introduce the new pallet live storage system from Bitto Storage System Ltd. The purpose of this technology is to store frozen products. Plans are being made to improve IT infrastructure in Unilever. For example, increment in the energy-efficiency of data centers and applying power management strategies. Tele presence video conferencing is also applied in order to reduce the impact of business travelling. Telepresence has been generated in 13 countries and plan to add another 39 countries in 2010. This technology have helped us to reduce our emission by 4,230 tonnes and save up to à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬12 million in travel cost for the year 2010 . PEST of Unilever in different countries Political Unilever in Nigeria are now facing with difficult time this is because of the governments policy such as indigenization, nationalization and also to deplore state infrastructure The effect of this has made given Unilever with no choice but to consider pulling out of Nigeria and relocate themselves to Ghana. Unilever chose to leave is because there is no commitment made to the deplorable state of basic infrastructure in the country that causes a big loss to the business. Moving on, Unilever is also losing business because the inadequate power supply which has cost billion of naira and multiple taxation from regime in Nigeria has reduce the profit made drastically. The government of Nigeria should intervene this issue of basic infrastructure and develop the necessity needed before Unilever pulls out and cause bigger lose to the country such as increase in the rate of unemployment and living standard of the people can be advance. Economic The market environment is highly competitive in the Western Europe and this has disrupted the market of Unilever, one of Unilevers main competitors in the Western Europe would be Procter Gamble (PG). EU free trade policy has also affected the profit potential of Unilever. Products are also force to reduce in price by retailers, and due to current economic tide many consumer are unwilling to purchase expensive products. In developing countries (Asia and Africa), where political instability, Unilever has come up with strategies in order to maintain the momentum of profitability. Example, some products are in small packages for low income earner for affordability, and this has help to increase the profit and at the same time increase the hygiene level of the people. Due to inflation and fluctuation of currency Unilever in some country such as Nigeria to be precise has suffered a decrease in profit in 2005 compared to 2004. Graph below will show the turnover of Unilever in Nigeria. This graph will show us the turnover in 2004 and 2005 is N3.34 billion (naira) and N2.56billion (naira) respectively. The profit after tax is N2.17billion (naira) and N1.61billion (naira) respectively in the year 2004 and 2005. From here we can conclude there is a decrease in profit in Unilever of Nigeria. Low per capital income of the people has also affected the market of Unilever because over 30% of African population lives on less than $1 per day. This would highly affect Unilevers competitiveness in the industry as it is important for an international firm to encounter every fluctuation in business, either currency or increment in taxation. It shows that Unilever has implemented a brilliant strategy to encounter the price factor for products, which is changing the packaging to affordable price by reducing the size, consumers crave for Unilevers product can still be fulfilled. As shown above, turnover for Unilever has increased tremendously even after 2005 which show Unilever is capable and competitive to maintain its business level. Socio-cultural Unilever has done their part to maintain the socio-cultural environment with its sustainability development. The company has been working very hard to bring improvement hygiene and better nutrition to the people in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Over 30% of Africa population lives on less than $1 per day. The awareness for people regarding hygiene and nutrition is very important and this has given the opportunity to strengthen their goodwill. However, marketing vehicles such as advertisement in print media has been overcome with challenges such as low workforce. Therefore, employment of more resources is very important for instance face-to-face communication to increase the awareness of the people. Unilever has also employed 100 nationalities to ensure diversity between employees and consumers. The major strategy that is use by Unilever is a diversity toolkit which is use to manage and leverage diversity that increases high demand of their products in the developing and emerging market. Unilever has also extended their impact by working together with World Food Programme (WFP) where they support developing countries and improving the health and nutrition of product. In order to reach out to the people, Unilever in UK has donated à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬500, 00 through global partnership and with (WFP). They also encourage people to donate through website to the Haitis earthquake disaster relieve cost. Unilever also had donated soap and Puriet (water purifier that does not need pressured water and or electricity. This would align with sustainable environmental outcome that is increasingly important globally because the firm has implemented several remedies in enhancing its sustainable development from human rights, community services and environmental aspects, such as donations and activities to increase cleanliness awareness among the African nation. Technology Since in 2000, Unilever has been spending on IT to enhance the development of its business, mainly giving priority to the e-business sector as to improve brands communication and market through the blooming of internet as making transaction simple along chain. Unilever Technology has work together with Unilever R D group in order to meet consumers needs. In the year 2003, Unilever introduce the new pallet live storage system from Bitto Storage System Ltd. The purpose of this technology is to store frozen products. Plans are being made to improve IT infrastructure in Unilever. For example, increment in the energy-efficiency of data centres and applying power management strategies. Tele presence video conferencing is also applied in order to reduce the impact of business travelling. Telepresence has been generated in 13 countries and plan to add another 39 countries in 2010. This technology has helped us to reduce our emission by 4,230 tonnes and save up to à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬12 million in travel cost for the year 2010. Sustainable development from environmental aspect can be seen as an important element for Unilever in improving its technology to reduce pollution towards the environment. The technologies implemented are highly effective in reducing pollution caused by the business and this is affected by the increment in awareness of environmental issues globally in recent decades for positive environmental outcomes. Impact of globalization: The people around the world have always given the opportunity to exchange goods, services, culture, and knowledge with each other. However, recent technology and reduce of barriers has increase the exchange rate in recent years. This has given markets challenges, big markets means earning more money and interrelated to greater wealth generation for investing in development and reducing poverty, whereas weak domestic policies and trade barriers has stop a country from being flexible and fail to take the opportunity to maximise the benefits and minimise economic downfall. Below is table that shows the impacts generated by the globalisation process. Positive impact Enhancing competitionin recent decade is always a factor for firms to set effective strategies to remain competitive and also gaining additional profit in the future. Through competition, can help promote efficiency and productivity for the business, with different challenges that an international firm has to encounter to maintain its business activities and profit because business strategy is crucial in order to excel as it would improve business systems and practices. Improved environmental awareness and accountability has contributed to positive environmental outcomesby encouraging the use of more efficient, less-polluting technologies and facilitating economiesimports of renewable substitutes for use in place of scarce domestic natural resources. Negative impact The income earned by individuals will decrease due to the economy fluctuation and also low profit for a firm. This could be seen during economy fluctuation where employees salary is cut and increment in unemployment. Therefore, the economy will not be improved. Sustainable developmentis increasingly important because it is not only about how well a business runs, instead, how well the people is being treated. Human rights are also included in this section where fairness in treatment and other necessities of an employee or customer must be fulfilled. Potential impact of globalisation: Technology Unilevers technology is very important to maintain the momentum to generate profit. New technology in the business which has branches globally will impact the productivity and encourage effectiveness as it will improve the living standard of the people. Existing technologies has consume large amount of energy and chemical in producing products and as a result produce large amount of wastage of water. Unilever has co-operated with Voltea Limited in order to save the usage of water. Volteas breakthrough Capacitive Deionzation (CapDI) is the first desalination system that is able to recovery high water usage and also operates without producing any chemical that might pollute the water. In addition, this system has substantially reduced energy in production of products. The technology will soon be implemented by other businesses globally under the influence of Unilever, which was earlier to alter Unilevers host countries technology. CEO of Voltea Michiel Lensink has said, Working with in dustry leaders, our technology has proven itself to be a breakthrough in low-energy, low-cost water desalination. As we continue our growth, we are keen to seek out industry leading partners who can further strengthen our position. Clean water is essential in sustaining agriculture such as tea production in Lipton tea on of Unilevers top leading beverage brand. Sustainable development Unilever has made approach in making tomorrow a better day. With their tag line creating a better future everyday shows that they have venture into enhancing the development of society. For the hygiene concern, Unilever are able to change the hygiene behaviour of 1 billion people in the future with emphasising on hygiene education programmes on developing countries such as Pakistan, African and also Sri Lanka. Reduction in the rate of carbon dioxide, water usage, and chemical waste will continue in the manufacturing operation because up to 2009, Unilever has manage to save up to 15% of water usage and reduce 25% of carbon dioxide emission to the environment. This would effectively influence lifestyle of undeveloped countries and areas globally as these countries deserve to have better living standards under global effort by Multinational Corporation. Changes in Lifestyle Change in lifestyle is a crucial factor in globalisation because the benefit that consumers extract from tea would affect the health of younger generation and consumption pattern of tea. Health is more important as time goes, tea is better than coffee from benefit because study has shown that tea containing anti-oxidant that can reduce the rate of getting a heart attack and cancer. Lipton tea can also change the lifestyle of older adults enjoying the fact that a modest price for a cup of tea and snack , they can meet up with friends and family members instead of going to a bar and paying for an alcoholic drink that does not even bring much health benefits compare to what tea has to offer. People in recent decade has identify the importance of healthy living which therefore act as an indirect force to encourage tea consumption worldwide, as compared to coffee that would carries negative impact on health. Tea consumption http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/y4343e/y4343e05.htm Tea exports http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/y4343e/y4343e05.htm Graphs above demonstrated the tea consumption that is increasing tremendously. World tea consumption and exports are both playing a relatively profitable business. Strategy for globalisation: Unilever has applied several remedies and improvement in business activity in order to sustain globalisation that will give enormous impact to its business. Personal care for future sales growth and profitability Unilever has identified the key to achieve sustainable profitable growth through its personal care business segment as it generate the fastest-growing business compared to other sector such as food and beverages. Personal care business refers to the products that are self managed, such as hair shampoo and skin care products. This is because the demand for these products in the market has been increasing, as well as the existing sales from this segment is satisfying. However, Unilevers greatest rival Procter Gamble (PG) for many years have been more innovative and creative in introducing new products. In the previous year in the personal care sale increase only by 1.4% to à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬11.30billion while overall turnover rose by 1.4% to à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬40.2 billion. In order for creating future sales growth, Unilever will focus more personal care segment for future sale growth and sustaining profit from increasing raw material cost. Graph below shows the revenue increment in Unilever s products line, including personal care segments. http://www.goldmood.com/cosmos/h/UL.html External Pressure and Organisational Restructuring High cost of raw material, adverse exchange rates and macroeconomic worries such as politic and regulation of countries might affect the performance of Unilever. In order to secure generation of profit and sustaining raw material cost Unilever has come up with few strategies. Unilever has to reduce 20,000 jobs across its production division and combine its Personal Care and food sector into one category to reduce cost that will be delivered to consumer. Unilever has come up with Path to Growth strategy that promises improvement in its performances. This strategy will help the organisation to restructure its two global divisions, Home Personal Care and Food into one division. This would effectively lower production costs that will be implied into price of the products and influence consumers consumption from price aspect. Price is a crucial matter to consumers due to economy fluctuation that will affect lower spending power. Restructuring Unilever Unilevers CEO Patrick Cescau has announce that Unilever will be changing their management structure in order to focus on developing markets and promoting executives with experience in that environment. This is due to the reason of constant change in global business activity which makes Unilevers management structure less effective to cope with latter business strategy. Centralising management has combined its central and Eastern Europe division will allow emerging economies to share similar consumer traits and potential for growth, as well as combining the cost that the firm has to sustain for distance management. Besides, combination of Home Personal Care and food sector is the companys effort to increase its profitability in profit by reducing production cost from workforce aspect. This is because the cost that will be delivered to consumer will be lower and make products affordable for consumers to purchase. glohttp://business-strategy-case.blogspot.com/2008/04/unilever-business-strategy-2008.html http://www.unilever.com/sustainability/strategy/

The Old Man And The Sea :: essays research papers

The Nobelprize winning book: The old man and the sea, has been written by Ernest Hemingway and was published in 1982, though the original American print had been published in 1952. The title is exactly what the book is about. It is a short story. The story is written in one continuous whole and is written from the view of the writer, it is very realistic. The description of the setting are the dominating factor in this book. The author spends a lot of time, for describing the sea, and what takes place. There are a lot of dialogues in the book. Example:"Who gave this to you""Martin. The owner""I must thank him""I thanked him already," the boy said."You don't need to thank him.""I'll give him the belly meat of a big fish," the old man said. "Has he done this for us more than once?""I think so""I must give him something more than the belly meat then. He is very thoughtful for us."The next fragment I find really representative for the whole book, because it is a fragment in which the old man is talking to himself, like he does all the time, and he is saying how great the fish is, which he does quite a few times too."He is a great fish and I must convince him, hethought. I must never let him learn his strengthnor what he could do if he made his run. If I werehim I would put in everything now and go untilsomething broke. But, thank God, they are not asintelligent as who kill them; although they aremore noble and more able."The book is about an old man, who goes out fishing (his profession, not as a sport) one day. He decides to go really far out, before the sun comes up. Then one of his lines goes under, and he hooks the fish. But the fish is so strong, that he can't pull him up. The old man thinks that if he lets the fish pull his boat, a sailing-boat the size of a rowing-boat, the fish will go out of strength and die soon.But it's a very very strong fish and he keeps pulling for a day and a half. Then the fish gets out of strength and starts circling around the boat, a sign of tiredness. But when the fish is close to the boat the old man sees how big he really is, he thinks he is about 1500 pounds.

The Effect of Racism on the Self-Esteem of African Americans and the He

Throughout the past, scientists have attempted to explain the health disparity between African Americans and Whites. With the completion of the human genome project, it was shown that there is very little difference between different races on the genetic level. However, â€Å"African Americans are twice as likely to die from cardiovascular disease as their European counterpart,† the question that has arisen is where do these differences stem from (Harell, Floyd, Daniels and Bell). Recently, scientists have begun to believe that racism could possibly explain these differences (Belgrave &Allison, 2010). Racism has been an issue for African Americans since the early days of slavery. Everywhere they go, they face a possibility of being treated differently because of their race. Within the past fifty years, the racism that African Americans faced has dropped, however it is still prevalent. According to Belgrave and Allison, racism is defined as â€Å"the negative beliefs, actions, and emotions based on race† although there are different types of racism, this definition gives a generalization on what racism is. It seems as though racism is the cause of many of the health problems that are faced by African Americans. Whether it is because African Americans generally do not receive the same health service as Whites or because direct racism causes higher blood pressure, racism has a negative health effect on African Americans (Belgrave &Allison, 2010). Purpose The purpose of this experiment is to see whether racism has an effect on the self-esteem of African Americans and the health risks associated with racism, mainly high blood pressure. The independent variable is perception of racism and the dependent variables are the self... ...nd blood pressure. Racism is a problem facing many African Americans in the United States. It is affecting both their self-esteem and health. Until they are given the help they need or racism dissipates from society, they will always have these problems. References Belgrave, A. Z., & Allison, K. W. (2010S).African american psychology, from africa to america. (2nd ed., pp. 96-112). Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications, Inc. Fischer, A. R., & Shaw, C. (1999). African americans mental health and perceptions of racist discrimination: The moderating effects of racial socialization experiences and self-esteem. Journal of Counseling Psychology,46(3), 395-407. Retrieved from psycnet.apa.org/journals/cou/46/3/395.html Harrell, C. P. J., Floyd, L. J., & Bell, S. R. Psychophysiological methods: enduring value to research within black psychology.

Stoichiometry of a Precipitation Reaction

|| || Data Tables: Step 3: Show the calculation of the needed amount of Na2CO3 Convert 1. 0g of CaCl2-. 2H2O to moles of CaCl2-. 2H2O 1. 0g x 1 mole CaCl2-. 2H2O 147. 0 g CaCl2-. 2H2O = 0. 00680 moles CaCl2-. 2H2O The mole ratio is 1:1 Hence if we have 0. 00680 moles of CaCl2-. 2H2O we will as well need 0. 00680 moles of Na-2CO3 Convert moles of Na-2CO3 to grams of Na2CO3 = 0. 00680 moles Na-2CO3 x 105. 99g Na-2CO3 1 mole Na-2CO3 = 0. 72g This means that we need 0. 72g of Na-2CO3 to fully react with 1g of CaCl2-. H2O Step 4: Mass of weighing dish_0. 7___g Mass of weighing dish and Na2CO3__1. 4__g Net mass of the Na2CO3 __0. 7__g Step 6: Mass of filter paper __0. 7__g Step 10: Mass of filter paper and dry calcium carbonate__1. 2__g Net mass of the dry calcium carbonate_0. 5___g (This is the actual yield) Step 11: Show the calculation of the theoretical yield of calcium carbonate. The mole ration between CaCl2-. 2H2O and CaCO3 is 1:1 that means that if we have 0. 00680 moles of CaCl2-. 2H2O we will get 0. 00680 moles CaCO3Convert the moles of CaCO3 to grams of CaCO3 = 0. 00680 moles CaCO3 x 100 g CaCO3 1 mole CaCO3 = 0. 68g CaCO3 Show the calculation of the percent yield. = Actual yield/Theoretical yield x 100 = 0. 5/0. 68 x 100 = 73. 5% Conclusion: The objective of the experiment is to predict the amount of product produced in a precipitation reaction using stoichiometry. Secondly, the experiment accurately measures the reactants and products of a reaction. Also, the experiment is to determine actual yield vs. theoretical yield and to calculate the percent yield.For example in this experiment, we were able to predict that we need 0. 72g of Na-2CO3 to fully react with 1g of CaCl2-. 2H2O. Another example is that, we calculate the amount of theoretical yield of Calcium Carbonate to be 0. 68g and the percentage yield to be 73. 5%. The scientific principles involved here was that when two or more soluble substances in separate solutions are mixed together to form an insoluble compound they settles of a combined solution as a solid. The solid insoluble compound is called a precipitate.For example in this experiment, we combined sodium carbonate and calcium chloride dehydrates to produce a precipitate of calcium carbonate. The formula mathematically is Na2CO3(aq) + CaCl2. 2H2– = CaCO3(s) + 2NaCl(aq) + 2H2O. Sources of Error and ways to minimize them: There may still be some solid particles in the beaker thereby we will not be able to get the correct mass (quantity) of the Calcium Carbonate. To minimize the error we should use an instrument that can be able to scoop out the entire solid from the beaker.Also if the water in the Calcium Carbonate is not properly dried, the net mass of the Calcium Carbonate can be extremely high. To solve this we must make sure the Calcium Carbonate is well dried. Error of approximation: the molar mass if not well approximated, can lead to an error in the calculation. To minimize this error the instruction sho uld indicate how many decimal point or how significant figure to approximate to. I am highly impressed with the experiment.

Planning and enabling learning

Rationale The following is research that I carried out Is relating to four mall points. The first being Negotiating with learners, when we first meet with a learner we conduct an Minimal assessment and a on line test for functional skills, this allows us to check on previous learning and any under planning knowledge they already have, thus allowing us to make sure the learning will be set at the right level for that particular learner.When we are sure we know this we can discuss with the learner what targets we are going to set them, this would Include goals and actions we want them to reach, we want the learner to achieve so would make the targets SMART so they are achievable to the leaner, in turn this would help to keep the learner motivated in the learning environment. Having started with the internet I looked at various sites detailing the reasoning and methods of negotiating with learners in respect of initial assessments and agreeing goals and actions.During my research I foun d a site detailing how negotiating with learners has changed over time in regards to higher education. This can, however, be considered for other areas of education. The website (www. Hacked. AC. UK) looks at a publication by Mac McCarthy for ‘Higher Education for Capability. (Originally from Lack et al 1992) Within in this it is considered how learning contracts are used.McCarthy considers the factors affecting negotiating with learners and believes the ability to negotiate is affected by: * the established view of education within an organization the established view of how the organization operates * personal factors which influence the extent to which the teacher feels comfortable negotiating with learners * the demands of the course which defines the limits of what can be negotiated and to what extent. Inclusive learning Is the next subject for research one that I conducted a micro teach for, this Is a huge subject area that I will try to condense Into a few words.Deliver y methods I consider these to be valid and Interesting points but wanted to discover more ethos of negotiation, I therefore looked towards the Learning Skills Council for further information regarding the starting point of initial assessment. Wanting to gather more information on methods and reasoning for initial assessment I discovered a useful publication from them (Initial assessment, Learning Skills council. They state that a good initial assessment must be done early on Planning and enabling learning By precociousness's STALLS Assignment Unit 2 Jerry Tyler.The following is research that I carried out is relating to four main points. The first initial assessment and a on line test for functional skills, this allows us to check on previous learning and any under pinning knowledge they already have, thus allowing going to set them, this would include goals and actions we want them to reach, we what can be negotiated and to what extent. Inclusive learning is the next subject for re search one that I conducted a micro teach for, this is a huge subject area that I will try to condense into a few words. Delivery methods I consider these to be valid and interesting points but wanted to discover more Planning and enabling learning Rationale The following is research that I carried out Is relating to four mall points. The first being Negotiating with learners, when we first meet with a learner we conduct an Minimal assessment and a on line test for functional skills, this allows us to check on previous learning and any under planning knowledge they already have, thus allowing us to make sure the learning will be set at the right level for that particular learner.When we are sure we know this we can discuss with the learner what targets we are going to set them, this would Include goals and actions we want them to reach, we want the learner to achieve so would make the targets SMART so they are achievable to the leaner, in turn this would help to keep the learner motivated in the learning environment. Having started with the internet I looked at various sites detailing the reasoning and methods of negotiating with learners in respect of initial assessments and agreeing goals and actions.During my research I foun d a site detailing how negotiating with learners has changed over time in regards to higher education. This can, however, be considered for other areas of education. The website (www. Hacked. AC. UK) looks at a publication by Mac McCarthy for ‘Higher Education for Capability. (Originally from Lack et al 1992) Within in this it is considered how learning contracts are used.McCarthy considers the factors affecting negotiating with learners and believes the ability to negotiate is affected by: * the established view of education within an organization the established view of how the organization operates * personal factors which influence the extent to which the teacher feels comfortable negotiating with learners * the demands of the course which defines the limits of what can be negotiated and to what extent. Inclusive learning Is the next subject for research one that I conducted a micro teach for, this Is a huge subject area that I will try to condense Into a few words.Deliver y methods I consider these to be valid and Interesting points but wanted to discover more ethos of negotiation, I therefore looked towards the Learning Skills Council for further information regarding the starting point of initial assessment. Wanting to gather more information on methods and reasoning for initial assessment I discovered a useful publication from them (Initial assessment, Learning Skills council. They state that a good initial assessment must be done early on Planning and enabling learning By precociousness's STALLS Assignment Unit 2 Jerry Tyler.The following is research that I carried out is relating to four main points. The first initial assessment and a on line test for functional skills, this allows us to check on previous learning and any under pinning knowledge they already have, thus allowing going to set them, this would include goals and actions we want them to reach, we what can be negotiated and to what extent. Inclusive learning is the next subject for re search one that I conducted a micro teach for, this is a huge subject area that I will try to condense into a few words. Delivery methods I consider these to be valid and interesting points but wanted to discover more