Useful contacts in fashion industry

Thinking about my future life and calling, long term purposes for this MA are to construct utile contacts in manner industry in UK, derive a existent penetration into the Ethical Manner Industry in UK, and hopefully finish a work arrangement at the Ethical Fashion Forum. In order to carry through my undertaking, I need to make the prognosis research of the Ethical Manner in UK and India in order to make to the best subject of my research. To finish this MA, good clip and undertaking managementskills is traveling to be one of my most of import challenges. Besides, my strong focal point would be on strategically be aftering and developing research accomplishments. Carry throughing my acquisition understanding ends will give me new understanding and cognition on the Ethical Manner Industry in UK and India. For accomplishing all of the above, I need to construct countless contacts with the manner interior decorator, concerns and administration concentrating upon sustainability in the manner industry in UK and India. Once, I have made adequate contacts and collected information ; I will so discourse and orate about my undertaking proposal. Ultimately, when I get an enthusiastic response, by looking at the success of Ethical Fashion Market, UK, I will so interchange those thoughts with Kakoli Banergee, Trustee, Satya – Jyoti Trust, India ; to join forces and explicate my undertaking program. If I receive a positive hope I would believe I have eventually completed my MA journey, successfully.ANSHU YADAVInvestigate into an Ethical Manner market in UK and IndiaUndertaking PROPOSALTitleInvestigate into an Ethical Manner market in UK and IndiaPurposeUnderstand the current scenario of ethical manner concern in India and associate to UK. Research UK ‘S ethical manner concern ; provi dea program for doing of a selling organic structure ( Eco – Fashion Park ) for ethical manner manufacturer group and craftsmans in India.RESEARCH QUESTIONSWhat is Ethical Fashion?Specifying Ethical MannerSustainability and ternary underside lineFinding out issues and patterns of Ethical MannerReviewing history of ethical mannerFast Fashion and Cheap FashionWhat is the market size of Ethical Fashion?Domestic ( INDIA ) market research on the Ethical Fashion Business and Lifestyle.International ( UK ) market research on the Ethical Fashion Business and Lifestyle.What is sustainable production and ingestion. Specifying the sustainable production and ingestionDomestic ( INDIA ) industry research on methods of sustainable production and ingestionInternational ( UK ) industry research on methods of sustainable production and ingestionSustainable Fashion manufacturer groups and their jobs in IndiaWhat are the assorted enfranchisement possibilities for set uping a sustainable manner concern in UK and India?Ethical criterions and LabelingTrade Tariffs and BarriersWhat is value concatenation?Specifying value concatenationResearch into associating the national ethical manner manufacturers and international purchasers and markets.RESEARCH METHODSMeasure: Case Study, Grounded Theory and Consumer reactions survey.Quality: Experimental AnalysisANSHUYADAVInvestigate into an Ethical Manner market in UK and India3. Primary Research: Focus on garnering information on ethical manner from India and UK3.1 Interviews with cardinal forum members of Ethical Fashion Forum, UK.3.2 Interviews with emerging manner and fabric interior decorators in sustainable design in UK and India.3.3 Social networking, for case, Face book,3.4 Fashion Business networking: Ethical Fashion Forum ( UK ) , Designer Forum ( UK ) , Ethical Trade Initiative ( UK ) , Craft grade ( India ) , Labour administrations, Manufacturers of Sustainable Fibers, Yarns and Fabrics.3.5 Personal contacts in the Fashion Industry will assist me derive appreciable attack.3.6 Questionnaires and Videos of assorted creative persons involved in Sustainable Manner patterns.3.7 International tendency and manner show visits. For case, London Fashion Week, London ; The Cloth Show, Birmingham ; Premier Vision, Paris3.8 Design institutes and authorities organic structures3.9 Non – Net income Administration, Satya – Jyoti Trust, India.4. Secondary Research: Concentrating on Ethical Fashion Forum in UK.4.1 Co – work with Ethical Fashion Forum as a research houseman, alongside an associate manager, roll uping research for EFF undertakings and events.4.2 To understand the deductions of explicating a selling organic structure ( Eco – Fashion Park ) in India, for the sustainable Practioners.4.3 Analyze Journals ( MONOCLE, DRAPERS, FINANCIAL TIMES, ECO- TEXTILE ) Weekly Magazines ( TREND UNION, NEW CONSUMER, THE ECOLOGIST ) and Online Magazine ( THREAD ) , and Readings ( ECO- CHIC, BY SAND Y BLACK ; GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK, BY T BLANCHARD, BUSINESS ETHICS AND VALUES, BY PETE ENGARDIO ; SUSTAINABLE FASHION AND TEXTILES BY KATE FLETCHER.4.4Get studies from on-line Databases and Articles ( MINTLE, GMID, JUST STYLE.COM )5. Literature Research: Refer to BibliographyRational number OF MY PROJECTIn my position point ethical manner is the exciting topic to analyze as it has been catching the headlines within manner industry in recent times.It is the singularity in manner that allows us to look at sustainability in advanced ways. Therefore, Fashion provides an chance of consciousness for sustainability. Many sustainable patterns and motions are deriving impulse and traveling towards mainstream. Green edifices, insides, place merchandises and even green nuptialss and events are booming, yet manner is when embraced in sustainable ways, holds even greater impact potency. What is besides alone to manner, more so than other sustainable tracts, is that it is a big vehicle. Ethical manner besides interested me as it focuses on ailment patterns in the mills, poorness decrease, environment instruction, production and ingestion issues, with a strong attending on workers wellness ; in relation to the manner industries. Ethicall manner at a planetary degree has captured my involvement, for the really simple ground, that London manner has stepped frontward to advance ethical manner vesture. Top store, Marks and Spencer, Zara, Next, Europeon Fashion concatenation and USA Banana Republic are all specializing in â€Å"going green† . With a strong focal point on Ethical Fashion Forum ( UK ) , I want to cognize how to make such a non for net income administration, where the ethical manner manufacturer group, from field to mill to stop merchandise, exchange thoughts, collaborate and pass on efficaciously on assorted sustainable patterns and events.My cognition in Ethical Manner from UK wouldthen let me to supply the program of doing a successful selling organic structure ( Eco – Fashion Park ) for Ethical Fashion manufacturer groups and craftsmans of India, in India.GOALS AND OBJECTIVESLEANING GOAL 1:1.1 Clarity of ideas: Think profoundly for filtrating clear and in-depth information.1.2 Asse ssed: Bing able to make up one's mind the best concluding research subject.LEARNING GOAL 2:2.1 Quick and Accurate Reading: discover to read relevant subjects and fast. Besides to better drumhead and note taking accomplishments, to be able to use utile informations resource at clip of digest of my undertaking.2.2 Assessed: Leting myself to do reading list and note returns wonts.LEARNING GOAL 3:3.1 Professional Writing and Presentation Skills: enhance my English speech production and composing accomplishments, professional attack towards any assigned undertaking and entries.3.2 Assessed: Confidently being able to joint and present myPGC Presentation and Learning Agreement.LEARNING GOAL 4:4.1 Project – Planning and Self – Time Management Skills: Producing a comprehensive undertaking proposal with a proposed attack, research way and agenda to be followed.4.2 Assessed: Bing able to bring forth a timely entry of Project Proposal.LEARNING GOAL 5:5.1 Professional Cognition: Hi story of Ethical Fashion Design, Business and Industry, increased consciousness of Ethical Fashion Business in planetary context.5.2 Assessed: Bing able to near future research stage professionally.LEARNING GOAL 6:6.1 International Work Experience Placement: Co- work with Ethical Fashion Forum to derive more cognition about Ethical Manner6.2 Assessed: Possible Case Studies and Personal Growth of improved synergistic accomplishments.LEARNING GOAL 7:7.1 Research orientation accomplishments: Better my research devising accomplishments, by ego apprehension and implementing them in my thesis.7.2 Assessed: Bing able to do a research oriented MA Dissertation in the last stage of research.Undertaking TERRAINResultKNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDINGUndertaking Proposal, presented in the PGC phaseProject related information aggregation and analysis, utilizing the primary and secondary research methodsLearning understanding: refer to this papersSelf clip directionSKILLS, QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTESProjec t Management: refer to the undertaking clip frameLearning Contract Summary FormPlan of learning resources inside the University ( Oct- Nov 2008 )Reading relevant magazines and books in library and utilizing library larning resource to acquire the selling study which I needAttend the talks that are related to my undertaking proposalAttend undergraduate talks of Fashion and Textile Management.Ask inquiries about y research from my coach and supervisorMultiple photocopies of magazines, diaries, study and books from libraryPlan of learning resources outside the University ( Jan-June 2009 )Observe the magazine market from intelligence, studies, web logs, forum on web sitesMake contacts with the relevant industry or hopefully happen a research internship with Ethical Fashion Forum, UK, which can assist me derive the cognition of Sustainable Fashion and Textile industry.Maintain Chronofile ( My Research log book )Academic supportKeep in touch with supervisors and professors during making t he undertakingUse the library larning resource to obtain any relevant study that I need.Practical acquisitionTry to reach as many Fashion Designers, Sustainable Fashion Producer groups, consultancy ‘s and non for Net income Administrations.Interview the people who relate to my undertaking proposal and larn the accomplishments of communicating.Designation of larning demandsSuggestions from my supervisor and coachLectures which are related to my undertaking proposalLatest studies and intelligence on manner, design and ethical manner marketRoll up a batch of documentariesrelated to sudate stores and sustainable Manner and Textiles.Learn to acquire the sentiments from different people and understand Ethical consumer and manufacturer groups in UK and India.Besides interact with manner pupils and do pictures inquiring about their purchasing attitudes towards Ethical Fashion Clothing.Skills to sum up the information that I obtain during the researchSkills to take a precise note from interview ( primary research ) and books and picture ( secondary research )Designation of non-learning resource demandsEntree to university computing machine which has professional package to bring forth my papers and seting exposures and imagesTarget day of the month for completion of undertaking proposal

3m’s Conundrum of Efficiency and Creativity

Introduction 3M is an innovative and creative company that flourished since 1930 with the invention of masking tape and again in the 1950’s with Scotchgard the fabric protector. Then during a glue that was invented that was considered a failure in the 1970’s someone came up with the idea of taking that glue solution and using it on the back of paper to hold the paper to anything. So the invention of the post-it came out and the business really took off. in the 2000 the newly appointed CEO James McNerney implemented the Six Sigma management style.He did this because he felt the company was stale and not growing as much as he felt. This new management style is â€Å"designed to identify problems in work processes, and then use rigorous measurement to reduce variation, eliminate defects, and increase efficiency† (Nelson and Quick, 2011-363). The very things that some believe got 3M were they were, McNerney wanted to streamline the company and eliminate the wastefuln ess. Initially his idea caused a growth of twenty-two percent annually but not for long.McNerney was committed to Six Sigma and imbedded it deeply into 3M until his departure in 2005. Some experts believe that McNerney, by implementing the Six Sigma program into the company stifled the creativity and did not allow for failure or trial and error. This seemed to many a contradiction because the post-it, that brought 3M to forefront, was in fact a glue that originally did not work but because of the latitude afforded in creativity it allowed the engineers to experiment with it for something else. Issue Addressed Whether or not Six Sigma is the way to go for 3M?With the 15 percent rule of the Richard McKnight established in the earlier days of the company, creativity and innovation was in abundance. When James NcNerney took over as the CEO, he brought Six Sigma to the company. Six Sigma is the â€Å"measure of quality that strives for near perfection† (Nelson and Quick, 2011-364) Sixty percent of all corporate Six Sigma programs fail to produce desired outcomes and results. Creativity worked in creating masking tape, Scotchgard fabric protector, and Post-it Notes. Six Sigma has not produced such large scale products for 3M.Answering the Questions 1. Relative advantage of Six Sigma oTime efficient & Cost effective – eliminate the extra ideas and create the â€Å"right idea the first time† oCustomer loyalty oReduction of incidents oLower costs for providing goods and services -Relative disadvantage Six Sigma oCreativity and innovation decreases due to the lack of opportunity to come up with ideas. oComplicated process to learn and keep going oRisk of failure / fear of the unknown 2. Using Six Sigma 3M’s programmed decisions are well thought out and researched.On the other hand, their non-programmed decisions could be better because they lack the ingenuity and inputs of employees that drive new ideas. So I have to believe that because of t he rigidness of the management style does not allow for the employees to create new products and bring forth the new ideas. 3. While I am all for putting processes in place and improving effectiveness and eliminating waist, I have never been a fan of the Six Sigma process. I feel the Six Sigma, just as the expert believe, takes away the creative processes and does not allow enough flexibility for research and development. Society and business are always changing. Consumers develop needs for new products and preferences for new styles. Businesses look for new technologies that give them the competitive edge (Pace – 95). † I have to believe that research and development are the keys to staying power and any company can come up with an idea and launch a company but true staying power is coming up with new ideas and the Six Sigma is too rigid to allow for that. 4. Intuition and creativity should play the biggest role in 3M. However, with Six Sigma these two characteristics are very limited. M does not get tons of new ideas from all over in the company. 5. Preference to work would be with a company where decision making leaves room for risk and failure in search of innovation. Collaboration of multiple ideas is what created a lot of successful companies and products like Apple and Twitter. Conclusions I believe if 3M wants to grow as a company that it needs to go back to what made 3M the well known company that it is today; the leading edge technologies that were invented during the free time that was allotted for experimentation.Allow the people and engineers do the thinking and provide the latitude to experiment and give those people the opportunity to create the next big product to grow the firm and take it to the future. I feel that 3M is just in survival mode and has not really come out with anything big since the implementation of the Six Sigma program. You cannot hire great ideas or innovation, but you can hire people who have those characterist ics and provide them the tools to do just that. Six Sigma has proven to make 3M profitable in the beginning but for the long run it has hurt 3M. M has not proven to make a substantial difference from the creativity and innovative ideas and processes from before Six Sigma’s time. ? References http://solutions. 3m. com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3M-company/Information/Resources/History/ http://www. isixsigma. com/new-to-six-sigma/getting-started/what-six-sigma/ Nelson, D. & Campbell-Quick, J. , (2011). Organizational Behavior: Science, the Real World and You. (7th ed. ). Canada: South-Western Cengage Learning. Pace, Joe. The Workplace: Today and Tomorrow. The Professional Development Series, Book One.

Bcg Matrixs Problems and Its Reconstruction

It illustrated two main problems (interpretation and logistical problem), which related to understanding the role of MAS in strategic sensemaking. The interpretation perspective defined strategic sensemaking as a learning process, and interactive use of MAS have positive influences. However, interactive perspective neglects the relationship between MAS use and MAS dimension. The logistical perspective just said MAS dimensions is important in this information processing, but not explain how MAS dimensions contribute to strategic sensemaking. Both information processing did not deal with these problems. Theoretical framework In the literature view authors defined strategic sensemaking as the individual process of observing, interpreting, and communicating strategic issues. Through these three successive processes to understand how managers use the management accounting system and how MAS dimensions contribute to this use. Management accounting system in the observation phase, there are two characteristic modes of observation – scanning and focused search. Scanning behaviour can provide managers with different perspectives on strategic issues and it is more likely to accommodate new information. However, managers are more likely to use MAS for focused search, which can faster identificated the problems in areas covered by the system. It is required by executives because the limited attention capacity to achieve targets. We must concerned that the statistical analysis and data mining technique can reveal the weak value information from the various kinds of data which people usually cannot find out directly. High level of formalization as the character of MAS that focus attention on selected areas, whereas potential loss at other important areas and cause constrain the information. Authors said consistent data will reduce scanning behaviour and may decrease the possibility that strategic issues are identified. We thought these situations will occur, but managers use the MAS for focused search is inevitable. How to use their MAS for scanning and focused search together and have the greatest efficiency is worth considering. In the interpretation phase, authors thought manager’s awareness is a key factor to interpret strategic issues accurately. Reliable information related to controliability perceptions and external information can reduce bias, errors and potential to increase confidence in judgement by consistent information. Therefore, MAS also can increase awareness during issue interpretation. Manager’s awareness and more extra information were useful, but managers use MAS determine strategic issues is important as well. Another point about MAS in form of short-termism have side-effects and harmful to the interpretation of strategic can balance the effect of short-term performance. Correct form and flexible MAS information style are other factors effect strategic issues. However, we felt that this point may not key point in this phase. Authors stated find more extra information with a great degree of manager’s awareness to interpretation strategic issues. In the final phase – communication phase, authors introduce a new definition about media richness, which separated by three levels. High media richness of MAS should have a positive effect on sensemaking, but did not have enough evidence to prove there have positive influences. On the other hand, managers use interactive MAS has positive impact on communication which reduced equivocality of strategic issues. The interactive use of MAS contributes to strategic sensemaking by providing directions and facilitating interactive that help to resolve equivocality of strategic issues is the biggest positive effect in communication phase. Authors further described the quality dimension of MAS, and proposed that when evaluating the MAS’s effectiveness, not only the information characteristics, but the system quality dimensions (integration, flexibility, accessibility, formalisation and media richness) should be considerate. Of course, the integration analysis of information quality dimensions and system quality dimensions will give the comprehensive assessment of MAS’s role in stagey sensemaking. Authors have given the overall research framework. Information and system quality dimensions, both impact the three phases, which in turn impacts the effectiveness of MAS for strategic sensemanking. However, in our view, the research framework is too coarse. Is there interaction between the information quality and system quality? If exist, how is its impact on the MAS effectiveness, Are there any counteraction from MAS use to information quality and system quality? All these question are not involved. Impact of MAS on Processes in Strategic Sensemaking Authors of the article use some statistics to explain how MAS influence processes in strategic sensemaking. We think they have interpreted what MAS can bring to companies. On observation, from doing some research and statistics analyzing, they get a high association between interactive use and focused search supports the notion that managers use MAS to look for specific information that is useful to discuss strategic issues. It is useful for us to understand the influence of MAS. On interpretation, they say some people suggest that the processes to prepare MAS information can also increase awareness. It is a positive impact. They also doubt whether a high level of MAS formalization negatively impacts in strategic sensemaking. But they do not say how to solve this problem. If a high level of MAS formalization has been used in companies, how to avoid changes and risks? On communication, they analyze particularly what positive impact MAS can bring in strategic sensemaking, such as on communication. In strategic sensemaking it is important that information concerning strategic issues is communicated to managers who have complementary information or are able to take action. † We all agree this point of view. Authors also tell us that there are two kinds of interaction when asked about the role of MAS information. It can help us understand what MAS information can help to companies. However, it does not say how the system can function effectively between mana gers and staff. For example, how to forecast negative problems occur in the future? How to make this system flexibility in order to be suitable for more and more companies? We think there are still more important views do not be mentioned in this article. Although they use some cases to show some positive impact, it does not mean that systems are perfect. And the article does not tell us how to avoid any other questions such as how to avoid some risks when MAS be used. We agree that there must have some unstable elementary. We find another article talks about the effectiveness of management accounting systems. It also does not mention how managers can use it effectively. Because there may have some negatively impacts if every manager use a high level of MAS formalization. From these two articles we can find that it is essential to solve this problem. We think there must have some risks if the level of management accounting system becomes too high. Although it has many positive impacts, it still cannot forecast risks in the future. Many managers try to deal with this problem through tools, but this is not sustainable. A good management accounting system should be a long-term management system not just a high level system. It should consider risks and changes for companies in the future. We suggest that do more research for this system. Asking more managers for this system is essential, in order to find some negative impacts and solve them. Research Methodology Authors focus on measurement instruments of observation communication, and effectiveness of management accounting system in strategic sensemaking to make this research. Because the limited empirical evidence, complex and broad phenomenon, the most of relationships suggested are only tentative. Therefore, the authors of the article state that: we chose an exploratory multiple-case design with 30 top and middle managers of 7 large companies in Germany. In the aspect of select sample, the authors introduce too detailed of the sample, and the range of the sample just limited in the companies of Germany. No explanation for the professional term such as replication logic. The highlight of this article is that authors collect data through semi-structured interview and a questionnaire. The diversified methods of data collection can obtain different result to be analyzed. Although the author has taken some steps to reduce hindsight bias and allow the identification of unconscious effects of MAS in strategic sensemaking, the authors do not explain why the data have to be avoiding these situations and how these data affect the result in the part of semi-structured interviews. In the aspect of questionnaire, the authors quote a large number of words to introduce and explain which methods and aspects they used for data collection and analyze of the questionnaire. However, authors do not explain the absent questionnaire whether it is influence the survey or not. Furthermore, the incomplete questionnaire might affect the accuracy of the result possibly. For analysis result, authors should explain more particularly and do not just use two number of percentages to illustrate. This paper needs some specific data to support the summary in the research. We suggest that authors can add more explanations for the professional term and reduce some unnecessary introduction such as for sample or give more detailed data in the appendix. Comparison to another article We compared this article with another similar one. The title of the comparison article is â€Å"The effectiveness of management accounting systems† by Teerooven Soobaroyen and Bhagtaraj Poorundersing. In Teerooven’s paper, Regarding that there is little consideration of other more mainstream contextual factors such as uncertainty and decentralization(DEC) applied on research of the effectiveness of MAS, in addition to the information quality dimensions, in assessment of effectiveness of MAS, they focused on the effect of two contextual variables, namely task uncertainty (TU) and DEC. They thought the absence of evidence on its actual timeliness, aggregation and integration may limit the benefits of knowing how far broad scope information has had am impact in the first place. Moreover, traditional methods usually are carried under some hypothetical conditions which often opposed to actual conditions, and this could undermine the practicality or validity of the results. Considering the impact of situational variables on the state of available MAS will be more near the practical situation. That the evidence on the influence of contingent variables in the relationship between MAS and managerial performance remains incomplete and of limited usefulness also make it reasonable. However, unlike Teerooven’s paper, the author of this paper take consideration of system quality dimensions in addition to information quality dimensions, they recognised that not only the information quality itself but also the system performance on processing information can have impact on the analysis of MAS’s role. In these two articles, both of them have their own emphasis, however, if combing their thoughts, more comprehensive, more extract evaluation of MAS would be acquired. The same aspects in select sample, there are more researchers and set out the requirements of sample selection in the comparison article. The author comments that â€Å"in this respect, the following lists and databases were used to triangulate and identify a reasonably full and reliable list of manufacturing companies†¦.. † In the aspect of research method, the choose of this article are compared as deeper discussion of this research. Teerooven comment that: MAS play a significant intervening role between task uncertainty (TU) and decentralization (DEC)†. We feel that it is relevant to make valid comparison. The author chose to conduct their research using a questionnaire survey. Although we believe that the interview of semi-structured and questionnaire are superior to just sending out questionnaires, the comparison article may produce more accurate result due to using a large amount of research objects and screening by Teerooven and Bhagtaraj. For the aspect of design questionnaire, the highlight of the comparison article is that there are total 41 questions which are divided into five parts about MAS. According to the different management structure of the companies, the authors of the comparison article design two different questionnaires which are â€Å"Sale/marketing manager† and â€Å"Production/operations manager† and give full of time to respond within three weeks. The design of questionnaire has played an important role for the research result. In the aspect of research result, authors also have clearly classified above all aspect. There are not present in the article and we feel that this is a major weakness of the article by Marcus, Utz and Susanne. On the other hand, the comparison article have put into data result and the questionnaire template in the appendix. We feel that authors can expand the range of sample selection or add another research method to analyze. Conclusion According to the knowledge what we learn and some relevant knowledge what we not familiar with, we are not sure that we propose some questions and doubt is reasonable. But we feel that the article have some questions like that the research framework is unsophisticated, there is not correlative between information quality and system quality and the problem is when the company has use the high level MAS formalized, which methods are used to improve and reduce the risk. For details of the problems, the author can deal with a more particularly and improve some shortcomings, to make the article more fluently, such as no explanation for the professional term. Bibliography Poorundersing. B and Soobaroyen,T (2008) The effectiveness of management accounting systems, published by Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Available at: http://www. emeraldinsight. com. libaccess. hud. ac. uk/journals. htm? issn=0268-6902volume=23issue=2articleid=1641976show=pdfPHPSESSID=lcnec7hn2ja606agg4g49si4u5 [accessed at 20 March 2012 ] Bcg Matrixs Problems and Its Reconstruction It illustrated two main problems (interpretation and logistical problem), which related to understanding the role of MAS in strategic sensemaking. The interpretation perspective defined strategic sensemaking as a learning process, and interactive use of MAS have positive influences. However, interactive perspective neglects the relationship between MAS use and MAS dimension. The logistical perspective just said MAS dimensions is important in this information processing, but not explain how MAS dimensions contribute to strategic sensemaking. Both information processing did not deal with these problems. Theoretical framework In the literature view authors defined strategic sensemaking as the individual process of observing, interpreting, and communicating strategic issues. Through these three successive processes to understand how managers use the management accounting system and how MAS dimensions contribute to this use. Management accounting system in the observation phase, there are two characteristic modes of observation – scanning and focused search. Scanning behaviour can provide managers with different perspectives on strategic issues and it is more likely to accommodate new information. However, managers are more likely to use MAS for focused search, which can faster identificated the problems in areas covered by the system. It is required by executives because the limited attention capacity to achieve targets. We must concerned that the statistical analysis and data mining technique can reveal the weak value information from the various kinds of data which people usually cannot find out directly. High level of formalization as the character of MAS that focus attention on selected areas, whereas potential loss at other important areas and cause constrain the information. Authors said consistent data will reduce scanning behaviour and may decrease the possibility that strategic issues are identified. We thought these situations will occur, but managers use the MAS for focused search is inevitable. How to use their MAS for scanning and focused search together and have the greatest efficiency is worth considering. In the interpretation phase, authors thought manager’s awareness is a key factor to interpret strategic issues accurately. Reliable information related to controliability perceptions and external information can reduce bias, errors and potential to increase confidence in judgement by consistent information. Therefore, MAS also can increase awareness during issue interpretation. Manager’s awareness and more extra information were useful, but managers use MAS determine strategic issues is important as well. Another point about MAS in form of short-termism have side-effects and harmful to the interpretation of strategic can balance the effect of short-term performance. Correct form and flexible MAS information style are other factors effect strategic issues. However, we felt that this point may not key point in this phase. Authors stated find more extra information with a great degree of manager’s awareness to interpretation strategic issues. In the final phase – communication phase, authors introduce a new definition about media richness, which separated by three levels. High media richness of MAS should have a positive effect on sensemaking, but did not have enough evidence to prove there have positive influences. On the other hand, managers use interactive MAS has positive impact on communication which reduced equivocality of strategic issues. The interactive use of MAS contributes to strategic sensemaking by providing directions and facilitating interactive that help to resolve equivocality of strategic issues is the biggest positive effect in communication phase. Authors further described the quality dimension of MAS, and proposed that when evaluating the MAS’s effectiveness, not only the information characteristics, but the system quality dimensions (integration, flexibility, accessibility, formalisation and media richness) should be considerate. Of course, the integration analysis of information quality dimensions and system quality dimensions will give the comprehensive assessment of MAS’s role in stagey sensemaking. Authors have given the overall research framework. Information and system quality dimensions, both impact the three phases, which in turn impacts the effectiveness of MAS for strategic sensemanking. However, in our view, the research framework is too coarse. Is there interaction between the information quality and system quality? If exist, how is its impact on the MAS effectiveness, Are there any counteraction from MAS use to information quality and system quality? All these question are not involved. Impact of MAS on Processes in Strategic Sensemaking Authors of the article use some statistics to explain how MAS influence processes in strategic sensemaking. We think they have interpreted what MAS can bring to companies. On observation, from doing some research and statistics analyzing, they get a high association between interactive use and focused search supports the notion that managers use MAS to look for specific information that is useful to discuss strategic issues. It is useful for us to understand the influence of MAS. On interpretation, they say some people suggest that the processes to prepare MAS information can also increase awareness. It is a positive impact. They also doubt whether a high level of MAS formalization negatively impacts in strategic sensemaking. But they do not say how to solve this problem. If a high level of MAS formalization has been used in companies, how to avoid changes and risks? On communication, they analyze particularly what positive impact MAS can bring in strategic sensemaking, such as on communication. In strategic sensemaking it is important that information concerning strategic issues is communicated to managers who have complementary information or are able to take action. † We all agree this point of view. Authors also tell us that there are two kinds of interaction when asked about the role of MAS information. It can help us understand what MAS information can help to companies. However, it does not say how the system can function effectively between mana gers and staff. For example, how to forecast negative problems occur in the future? How to make this system flexibility in order to be suitable for more and more companies? We think there are still more important views do not be mentioned in this article. Although they use some cases to show some positive impact, it does not mean that systems are perfect. And the article does not tell us how to avoid any other questions such as how to avoid some risks when MAS be used. We agree that there must have some unstable elementary. We find another article talks about the effectiveness of management accounting systems. It also does not mention how managers can use it effectively. Because there may have some negatively impacts if every manager use a high level of MAS formalization. From these two articles we can find that it is essential to solve this problem. We think there must have some risks if the level of management accounting system becomes too high. Although it has many positive impacts, it still cannot forecast risks in the future. Many managers try to deal with this problem through tools, but this is not sustainable. A good management accounting system should be a long-term management system not just a high level system. It should consider risks and changes for companies in the future. We suggest that do more research for this system. Asking more managers for this system is essential, in order to find some negative impacts and solve them. Research Methodology Authors focus on measurement instruments of observation communication, and effectiveness of management accounting system in strategic sensemaking to make this research. Because the limited empirical evidence, complex and broad phenomenon, the most of relationships suggested are only tentative. Therefore, the authors of the article state that: we chose an exploratory multiple-case design with 30 top and middle managers of 7 large companies in Germany. In the aspect of select sample, the authors introduce too detailed of the sample, and the range of the sample just limited in the companies of Germany. No explanation for the professional term such as replication logic. The highlight of this article is that authors collect data through semi-structured interview and a questionnaire. The diversified methods of data collection can obtain different result to be analyzed. Although the author has taken some steps to reduce hindsight bias and allow the identification of unconscious effects of MAS in strategic sensemaking, the authors do not explain why the data have to be avoiding these situations and how these data affect the result in the part of semi-structured interviews. In the aspect of questionnaire, the authors quote a large number of words to introduce and explain which methods and aspects they used for data collection and analyze of the questionnaire. However, authors do not explain the absent questionnaire whether it is influence the survey or not. Furthermore, the incomplete questionnaire might affect the accuracy of the result possibly. For analysis result, authors should explain more particularly and do not just use two number of percentages to illustrate. This paper needs some specific data to support the summary in the research. We suggest that authors can add more explanations for the professional term and reduce some unnecessary introduction such as for sample or give more detailed data in the appendix. Comparison to another article We compared this article with another similar one. The title of the comparison article is â€Å"The effectiveness of management accounting systems† by Teerooven Soobaroyen and Bhagtaraj Poorundersing. In Teerooven’s paper, Regarding that there is little consideration of other more mainstream contextual factors such as uncertainty and decentralization(DEC) applied on research of the effectiveness of MAS, in addition to the information quality dimensions, in assessment of effectiveness of MAS, they focused on the effect of two contextual variables, namely task uncertainty (TU) and DEC. They thought the absence of evidence on its actual timeliness, aggregation and integration may limit the benefits of knowing how far broad scope information has had am impact in the first place. Moreover, traditional methods usually are carried under some hypothetical conditions which often opposed to actual conditions, and this could undermine the practicality or validity of the results. Considering the impact of situational variables on the state of available MAS will be more near the practical situation. That the evidence on the influence of contingent variables in the relationship between MAS and managerial performance remains incomplete and of limited usefulness also make it reasonable. However, unlike Teerooven’s paper, the author of this paper take consideration of system quality dimensions in addition to information quality dimensions, they recognised that not only the information quality itself but also the system performance on processing information can have impact on the analysis of MAS’s role. In these two articles, both of them have their own emphasis, however, if combing their thoughts, more comprehensive, more extract evaluation of MAS would be acquired. The same aspects in select sample, there are more researchers and set out the requirements of sample selection in the comparison article. The author comments that â€Å"in this respect, the following lists and databases were used to triangulate and identify a reasonably full and reliable list of manufacturing companies†¦.. † In the aspect of research method, the choose of this article are compared as deeper discussion of this research. Teerooven comment that: MAS play a significant intervening role between task uncertainty (TU) and decentralization (DEC)†. We feel that it is relevant to make valid comparison. The author chose to conduct their research using a questionnaire survey. Although we believe that the interview of semi-structured and questionnaire are superior to just sending out questionnaires, the comparison article may produce more accurate result due to using a large amount of research objects and screening by Teerooven and Bhagtaraj. For the aspect of design questionnaire, the highlight of the comparison article is that there are total 41 questions which are divided into five parts about MAS. According to the different management structure of the companies, the authors of the comparison article design two different questionnaires which are â€Å"Sale/marketing manager† and â€Å"Production/operations manager† and give full of time to respond within three weeks. The design of questionnaire has played an important role for the research result. In the aspect of research result, authors also have clearly classified above all aspect. There are not present in the article and we feel that this is a major weakness of the article by Marcus, Utz and Susanne. On the other hand, the comparison article have put into data result and the questionnaire template in the appendix. We feel that authors can expand the range of sample selection or add another research method to analyze. Conclusion According to the knowledge what we learn and some relevant knowledge what we not familiar with, we are not sure that we propose some questions and doubt is reasonable. But we feel that the article have some questions like that the research framework is unsophisticated, there is not correlative between information quality and system quality and the problem is when the company has use the high level MAS formalized, which methods are used to improve and reduce the risk. For details of the problems, the author can deal with a more particularly and improve some shortcomings, to make the article more fluently, such as no explanation for the professional term. Bibliography Poorundersing. B and Soobaroyen,T (2008) The effectiveness of management accounting systems, published by Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Available at: http://www. emeraldinsight. com. libaccess. hud. ac. uk/journals. htm? issn=0268-6902volume=23issue=2articleid=1641976show=pdfPHPSESSID=lcnec7hn2ja606agg4g49si4u5 [accessed at 20 March 2012 ]

Some of the most prominent ways men's domination and women's Essay

Some of the most prominent ways men's domination and women's subordination are produced, reinforced - Essay Example This not only gets the women harassed, by they may also feel like sexually stimulated even if they least mean it to happen. There is also disparity in the treatment given by teachers to the male and the female students. Teachers are generally more biased towards boys than girls. This disparity shows up in the form of more appreciation, encouragement and reward to the male students than the female students. Media has played a big role in the creation of gender imbalance. Women have been portrayed as objects of sex in cartoons, movies and theatres. There is little realization of the identity of women as human beings with the same feelings, emotions and intelligence as owned by men. The worst part of the story is that the more a woman exposes, the more empowered and liberated she is considered. This is indeed hypocrisy. Media continuously emphasizes that for women, exposure means freedom and acknowledgement of this notion on the part of the women has made them objects of

Obama Speech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Obama Speech - Essay Example According to Obama, we all have an obligation for those who are less fortunate. I certainly agree with this statement. Indeed, the world would be such a horrible an uninhabitable place were it not for the many people who have dedicated their lives to changing the lives of the less fortunate. The society depends on the contribution of all the people within the society to function properly. Therefore, all the members of the society including the less fortunate are an important part of the society. They are the largest economic drivers and the pillars of economy would collapse if the less fortunate failed to participate in the society. Therefore, it is our primary purpose to put the less fortunate at the forefront of our needs since we all need each other to survive.Agreeing with Obama seems to make sense since having an obligation to the society means having an obligation to ourselves too. The success of the whole society means success to our personal objectives. Seeking to achieve per sonal goals without caring for the society qualifies as selfishness. There are many things that we can do to the less fortunate to uplift their living standards. In doing so, overwhelming gratification is experienced and in the process, the society becomes a better place to live for all. It is true that our individual salvation depends on collective salvation. A better society is better for an individual too. One of the most important characteristics of the Obama’s speech is his attribute to Tedd Kennedy.... By reflecting to Tedd, Obama was in a position to put weight to his sentiments. He had already given a testimony of his life experiences, as an exemplary example of service to humanity. Therefore, his attribute to Tedd was meant to give authority to his speech by acknowledging Tedd. He used Tedd as another example of how our individual contribution to the welfare of the society can bring such a tremendous and positive change to the society. It is through his attribute to Tedd that people could see a living testimony of a selfless individual who have done his level best to serve the less fortunate within the society. This was an appropriate and effective way of delivering his message to his audience. It is always important to give credit to the societal icons that have made the world a better place to live in. By appreciating Tedd’s efforts, Obama made his point clearer and more powerful. It is also worth noting that the attribute made it possible for Obama to confirm his speec h. From the attribute, Obama sought to make it clear that everybody who cares about the society would deliver similar sentiments. This made his speech authoritative and assertive too. Obama comes out as a people minded person. It is evident that he puts the interests of the community ahead of his personal gains. Throughout the speech, he gave different experiences that molded him to be the person he is today. Although he recounts the days, in which he used to be an ordinary person. He recounts some of the most challenging times in service to humanity, â€Å"it wasn’t easy, but eventually, we made progress† (Obama and Olive 774). This is a clear proof of his people caring persona. However, his involvement in community service made him see the wider and deeper

Critically evaluate the usefulness of cognitive theories of learning Essay - 2

Critically evaluate the usefulness of cognitive theories of learning for the HR practitioner - Essay Example processes and the way in which these thoughts may have an influence on people’s understandings, interactions with their surroundings and their behaviour. Cognitive dissonance may cause disagreements and problems at workplace such as reduction in productivity and increase in the absenteeism or turnover rate of the employees (Schermerhorn et al., 2011). Like all other theories, the cognitive theories also have their strengths and weaknesses. This paper aims at evaluating the usefulness of cognitive theories in helping the HR practitioners. For instance, one of the strengths of cognitive theories is that they provide better understanding and knowledge on how people think. Moreover, based on the many studies done in the past, it has been observed that there are numerous positive influences of cognitive theories. This in turn has helped the cognitive theories to gain popularity since they can be used to understand the thoughts of people in relation to their reactions to their surroundings and to different situations (Bandura, 1989). However, on the other hand, cognitive theories have also faced criticism for having some weaknesses. For instance, there exists no common definition of the different cognitive theories. Nevertheless, the information provided by studying various cognitive theories has been taken into account in understanding an individual’s thoughts and reactions to their environment. This essay aims to e xplore the definition of cognitive theories and critically analyse the advantages and disadvantages of cognitive theories in learning for the HR practitioner. Human resource management practices are influenced by cognitive theories which are based on the assumptions that internal mechanisms like motivation, creativity, intelligence etc determine human behaviour (Shermon, 2004). Bandura (1989) presented the social learning theory according to which people acquire new information and behaviour by observing others. Bandura described learning as a social

Unit 3 Discussion Board Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Unit 3 Discussion Board - Essay Example our seafood products so that not only we provide tasty sea food but also the healthy and fresh food which can be taken as an alternative to the mainstream food supplies. Based on this, our core strategies include value proposition as well as the product positioning. As discussed our main focus will be on creating value added seafood products therefore based on this proposition, we intend to add value to the processed seafood by making various seafood dishes and prepare them as ready to cook products. It is because of this fact that we are planning to sell fresh and preserved Fish, Frozen seafood, Processed and Canned Seafood, Preserved and Frozen oven ready fish dishes for modern food service. The value proposition in this whole product will be the perceived health benefits which a customer can enjoy by eating white meat. Backed by latest research, we will market our product based on the idea that eating seafood is not only healthy but it can also provide great taste when cooked and processed in our way. Regarding the product positioning, as discussed earlier that we are intending to target the hospitality sector of UAE therefore, there will be two channels involved in carrying out our strategy. Firstly, we will target the hotels which will be selling our product and secondly, we intend to open our own stores cum restaurants which will be used to sell our product range. Since this will be an international venture and product positioning in international market require that products can be evoked and distributed as bundles of attribute capable of generating benefits for the customer (Johansson, 1985) therefore we believe that our product will include an intangible perceived benefits to the customer in terms of taste and healthy

Insurance companies Finances Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Insurance companies Finances - Coursework Example The organization will also be able to save the cost of loans which they would have otherwise opted for. The demand of current assets in the organization can be efficiently met by investing the unassigned surplus in the right area. The properties maintained by the business organizations are insured to adhere to the safety standards. The insurance of the properties involve a premium and are known as property insurance premium. The systematic methods of calculating these types of insurance premium fall under different ‘classes’ and these classes have different eligibility criteria. Properties with risky factors or having disputed issues, and properties specially protected are not generally eligible for the class ratings. For these types of cases, insurance premiums are specially rated. The rates used are specifically for those assets which are determined by physical inspection. The method of class rating is based on the assumption that the future losses to be insured will be determined largely by some sort of factors. The major classification factors in homeowners insurance include construction material, age of the home and protective devices like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. One of the major advantages of class ratings is that it is easy to apply. Premium quotations of the ratings can also be quickly obtained. It is also known as Manual Rating. These rating are mainly used in homeowners insurance, private passenger auto insurance, workers compensation, and life & health insurance. Compensation Insurance Fund considers the following items when establishing a merit rating for a policy. They are classification evaluation, management business practices, and management safety practices Classification Evaluation: This category evaluates any changes in the operations of the employer when compared to the other operations normally contemplated within the same classification. The process of

Corporate social responsabilty and ethics Essay

Corporate social responsabilty and ethics - Essay Example The approach further assesses the harms length that may emanate from unethical business practices in order to ascertain the role of societal inclusion in mentoring effective corporate, social, and public images to a company (Harrison, 2007:1). The following discussion seeks to identify the practical approach of corporate social responsibility in Northern Rock Bank in relation to the business practices, and the present theoretical approaches born therein. The internal managerial practices Executive remuneration is the amount paid to the top most managers of different ranks in any organization. It is set by the board of directors who may follow a certain set criteria and outlined in the organization’s salary and remuneration policy. Most of the managers’ demand for higher pay makes the parties involved in the remuneration system to have a hard time in resetting the system. However, sustained pay system may not be the best to reinforce executive performance (Idowu, & Leal Filho, 2008:56). It is impossible to regulate executive salaries due to various reasons, which are in a lane manifested in a range of activities. For instance; a manager may demand for a salary increment and may yet not be a good performer (Tricker, 2012:65). Others have the knowledge but lack the basic concepts of practicing what they have in their areas of responsibility. They have very little to do in the organisation compared to their subordinates who are in turn required to work hard for a low salary (Visser, 2010:156). The directors of the Northern Rock legally seize the bank shares which were to be sold and help settle all the debts it owed the bank of England. The shareholders are therefore liable to sue the directors (Innes, & Norris, 2005:128). This is due to the unfulfilled promise by the directors that they would compensate but they instead de-valued the shares so that the shareholders would get something very negligible. They did this by stating that they were; under a new management and were unable to operate as a successful business. It is the government, which led the Northern Rock to countenance the problems (Regester, Larkin, & Regester, 2008:45). They have a prima facie case for their rights having been violated by the government officials as is stipulated in the Human Rights Act of 1998, which deemed the plaintiff to compensation. The Northern Rock clients included business investment agencies, households and firms. These firms dealt with different business operations. The business investments were often in need of expenditures in the present to acquire returns in the future (Baxi, & Prasad, 2005:68). Therefore, businesses need to borrow to finance their investments since the lenders pursue to earn long-term profits from the capital investments (Idowu, & Leal Filho, 2008:58). Eventually, they demand flexible accounts, which allow them instant admittance to their deposits (this means, they value short development deposit accounts). The perso ns leading to the collapsing of the Northern Rock bank include; the directors, the shareholders, the savers, the stakeholders and the government. However, the stakeholders and the directors have greatly contributed since they led to the bank being nationalised by the British government. The British Bankers Association helped calm down the worried Northern Rock’s customers. The government interfered with the bank operations and took away the shareholders w

How the social media can benefits a new company with that much Essay

How the social media can benefits a new company with that much competition - Essay Example Social media is undoubtedly effective newest tool and strategy for growing a new or an existing business. Hundreds of social media networks are obtaining wider popularity across the globe since more and more business people are tempted to use social media to share their views, ideas, feelings and information with others. Social media is about how people use internet for their communication purposes. Social media refers to any of the many online tools that allow people to share information and learn from others through a communication network in an open process. Social media thus refers to online contents that are created and consumed by regular people for each others. As Singh and Diamond (2012, p. 10) noted, it may be comments a person adds at the end of a website- article or family photograph he uploaded to a photos-haring site or a video he uploaded to a video-sharing site. Until the last decade, businesses had to use direct communication for most business and marketing activities, but the emergence of social media brought tremendous changes in business and marketing communication. It has not only brought greater opportunities for many businesses, but also posed bigger challenges for many to survive in competing with others. For a new business to be set up successfully, marketing communication is an extremely important function since its ultimate goal to reach its customers will be successful only if it can communicate its people about the business and its goals. When introducing a new brand or the existing brand with new product or service to the market, it needs to be communicated to its people to make them aware about it, to inform or persuade them to buy or to keep on reminding them about the goods or brand (Kitchen, 1999, p. 21). Social media can play pivotal role in marketing communication and thus perform the functions of advertising as well as marketing promotional activities. A new business to be set up or an

Genzyme Summary Essay Example for Free

Genzyme Summary Essay Genzyme was founded in 1981, Sanofi purchased the company in 2011. They went public in 1986, raising 27 million dollars. Genzyme startet as a start up Company by scientists studying genetically inherited enzyme diseases. Their strategy didn’t focus on the â€Å"blockbuster drugs† like other biotechnology companies but drugs for rare diseases. To developing a drug, it takes 10-14 years at the cost of around 800 million. But the blockbuster drugs had 1 billion dollars revenue. Genzyme has received several honor awards like â€Å"national medal of technology†. The food and drug administration established in 1983 the â€Å"Orphane drug act† giving seven years market exclusivity to developers of drugs for rare diseases. This gave Genzyme big advantage when it comes to clinical trials, advertising and sales, it does not requires a lot. Their first success was the â€Å"Ceredase† drug- to treat the Gaucher`s disease. It was sold to over 4000 patients, with annual revenue of 800 million dollars. They had different way of manufacturing and sales compare to other companies. They did not do licensing to large pharmaceutical company. Genzyme was the worlds third largest biotech company in 2006 only profiting of rare diseases. Reflection of the case * Avoided â€Å"blockbuster† market and good management Good strategic to focus on a niche market instead of the †blockbuster† market. The degree of existing rivalry and entry barriers was low. Henri Termeer took a risk in moving to a start up company but with his experience and expertise, the company went stronger and independent. * First ones to market and the exclusivity Genzyme entered a small, untapped market. Being the first biotech company that focus on rare diseases and having the market exclusivity made them leading biotech company. They had the ability to identify almost all customers. They had big advantage when is comes to clinical trials, restrictions, FDA and small numbers of test patients required.

The Effects of Poverty on the Inner City Family Values Essay Example for Free

The Effects of Poverty on the Inner City Family Values Essay The family is the basic unit of the society. It is an institution that is composed of the father, mother and their children. It can be said that the existence of the family is a simple matter but we should realize that the conglomeration of families is what makes up the world today. The existence of families is governed by family values that are passed from generation to generation. Family values are proven to be effective in keeping families intact no matter how dynamic the world is. In other words, the inability to maintain and practice family values at home makes a family chaotic thereby affecting the society as a whole. There are various family values that are utilized and practiced by families worldwide. However, most of the common values include individuality, integrity, industry, knowledge, compassion, love of family and optimism (Learning Family, 1999, p. 1). These values are useful in keeping family cooperation and order that will result to happiness at home. Moreover, we are aware that family values affect how we face the realities of life. Our values can manifest to others about what kind of people we are, and can assist them in understanding our actions (Learning Family, 1999, p. 1). In this paper, the primary factor that could affect family values is the problem of poverty that surfaced in the world today. This paper will give a simple yet thorough discussion of the effects of poverty on actual and perceived families found in the inner city and their values. The basic manifestations of poverty are overpopulation, food shortage and related problems, high crime rate and poor educational background of which family values can be applied in solving for these problems. Poverty and Its Effects to Actual and Perceived Inner City Family Values Poverty is a problem that hits the whole world. Many countries are suffering from poverty and its constituents always hope for changes. Having families forced to fill the streets due to inability to afford a house is a reality. Even in the United States, there people who are found in the streets as they could not afford to own a house (Wattenberg, et. als. , 2003, p. 517). It is for a fact that the United States has been considered as a country that has the highest national income worldwide (Wattenberg, et. als. , 2003, p. 517). Yet, poverty still exists due to unequal distribution of income and wealth. Due to this situation, many families are becoming malfunctioned as their children caused so many problems in the society. Family values are no longer frequently taught among children since juvenile delinquency is rampant nowadays. There are two kinds of families that we need to deal with in analyzing family values in relation to poverty in the inner city and these are the actual family and the perceived inner city family. In order to have a basic backdrop in understanding the paper, it should be put in mind that these two kinds of family will be analyzed with respect to each manifestation of poverty together with the family values mentioned earlier. Hence, the purpose of this paper is trying to stress the differences in views between the actual and the perceived poor inner city family. Schools are getting problems of truancy as a sign that parents can no longer control their children in their homes. Parents are more focused in solving financial problems that they tend to forge their children’s emotional and psychological needs. Overpopulation and Its Effects to Actual and Perceived Inner City Families The problem of poverty includes population growth. As time continues to exist, the number of people living in this world also increases. In line with that, life expectancy as well as standards of living became more complicated. Besides, the populace has developed into a huge number that is about six billion, and continues to increase over time (Overpopulation Website, 2008, p. 1). In addition to that, the pressures of rising populations on natural resources and commercial greed coalesce, resulting to detrimental consequences (Overpopulation Website, 2008, p. 1). As many people exist, there is shortage of space in cities wherein most families live to earn a living. Housing problems occur and the government is trying to resolve the issue. Due to the rising number of unemployed people, homeless families continue to increase. Children start to show disgust in the situation leading them to stray in the streets. Aside from that, many families stay in the streets to earn a living by selling whatever materials to passersby and run errands to other people. Besides, those people in the countryside try to relocate into inner cities in order to search for economic opportunities. This situation adds to the burden of having a congested place in the urban and suburban communities. Diseases that affect the people living in the cities continue to be a problem since clean water supply is limited. In other words, overpopulation greatly affects those families who live in the inner cities since all other huge problems related to poverty exist there. For a detailed analysis on the effects of poverty on the actual inner city family values, we need to consider the matters discussed earlier. The main focus in this section is the effects of poverty on the actual families in inner cities and their values. Considering overpopulation, there are family values that are utilized by actual families. These values include industry, compassion, and optimism. Actual inner city poor families are aware of the value of industry, compassion and optimism. First and foremost, the hardships that these families need to bear require an optimistic heart so that life can be fully enjoyed. Small amount of food can be shared by family members and a few clothing supply can be used by them. However, actual families are weak in terms of compassion since they would not care for other people’s welfare as long as their own families can survive. The future is that a family of three members who are earning the minimum wage in the year 2009 can still considered as living below the federal poverty line. The only family values that can prevent this situation are industry since there is no other way. Yet, because of poor educational background leading to poor qualification in work with better pay make the family members indolent. The effect of poverty on the value of industry is very severe as long financial crisis may result to inadequacy of work qualifications. Actual families and its members usually blame each other in their poor educational background due to the coming of more family members leading to more mouths to feed. Parents are always blamed by their children of their inability to afford for the educational needs of their children. As a result, the value of industry never worked out due to lack of work qualification. In addition, poor actual families view poverty as something that they do not deserve as they thought they worked hard to earn a living. Whatever it may be, the actual families still believes that no matter how hard life is, optimism is a value that should not be discarded. On the other hand, the views of perceived families on inner city values are much more different than views of actual family. The perceived family in the inner city viewed overpopulation as the failure of the government to address the issue. Perceived families most likely blamed the government for not giving then sufficient work opportunities that resulted to their economic difficulties. Aside from that, perceived families living in urban and suburban communities do not care about the value of compassion. Most frequently, people in inner cities who are poor fight against each other over little resources. Their dire needs of living allowance made them inactive to the welfare of other people but for themselves. In addition, perceived families in inner cities are not optimistic in nature. They tend to submit to negative actions just to escape poverty. There are so many cases of theft, robbery and even rape that exist in perceived families due to the inability of family members and even neighbors to help each other. The scarce resources in the inner city due to overpopulation pushed young children to wander in the streets for possible alms and donations. Just think of the existing people in the streets begging for food and basic necessities, perceived families in the inner cities experienced these things. However, the value of industry is something that is treasured by perceived families on inner cities. This is due to the fact that if they will not work to earn a living, they have nothing to eat. Their children will suffer more due to lack of sustenance. Poor perceived families on inner cities could be aware of the fact that only a sincere industry could give them a chance to earn a living.

An Ethical Evaluation Of The Israeli Palestinian Conflict Religion Essay

An Ethical Evaluation Of The Israeli Palestinian Conflict Religion Essay The Middle East is perhaps the most important region in the world. For followers of the three monotheistic faiths, it contains several holy cities, with the most important being Jerusalem. The violence in the region, specifically in Israel-Palestine, makes it difficult for observers of these religions to worship as they please. There have been many efforts to resolve the conflict begun in the first half of the twentieth century, from peace talks to international laws. However, nothing seems to have helped. The solution needs to be one that benefits all in the region and is ethical. It is impossible, however, to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with the current definition of ethics being used ethics of obligations, rights, and claims. Instead, a new ethics of fairness and forgiveness needs to be followed. Memory also needs to experience a shift from a focus on vengeance to a focus on remembering justly. Terms Defined In order to better understand the terms used by different groups examined within this paper, it is necessary to define basic terms and indicate in which ways they will be used. Israel will be used when referring to the present country of Israel. This does not include the occupied territories and is limited to the present day land. Eretz Israel will be used when necessary to describe the historically Biblical land of Israel. Any other forms of Israel discussed will be defined by the year or another trait. The occupied territories (OT) as a term will be used when discussing both the West Bank and Gaza Strip or, in different time periods, any of the lands Israeli forces occupied. If this is the case, the year will be given as well as a geographical description. During the Six Day War in 1967, for example, the Sinai Peninsula would also be an occupied territory. The West Bank was conquered by Israeli forces during the 1967 Six Day War and have been in relative control of the territory ever since. Current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is planning yet more Israeli settlements within the West Bank. However, international organizations such as the United Nations believe the continued settlements to be illegal.  [1]  The Gaza Strip was controlled by Egypt until the 1967 war, when Israeli forces invaded and conquered it. In 1994, the Palestinian Authority (the governing body of the occupied territories) took political control of lands in the strip not being used by Israeli arme d forces or settlers. East Jerusalem was taken over by Israeli forces during the Six Day War. According to UN Resolution 181, Jerusalem is supposed to be an international city, with a special international regime which shall be administered by the United Nations.  [2]   Fundamentalism is defined by the Encyclopedia Britannica as a type of militantly conservative religious [and/or political] movement characterized by the advocacy of strict conformity to sacred texts.  [3]  To the American public, this term generally is associated with Islamic fundamentalists. Within any religion, however, there can be different groups of fundamentalists. Islamic fundamentalists often restrict themselves to very literal interpretations of the Quran, their main holy text, and the Hadith, a book about the life of the Prophet Muhammad. Islamic fundamentalists are often associated with Islamism. Not all Islamic fundamentalists are Islamists, but generally speaking, all Islamists are Islamic fundamentalists. Islamists want a religious state, with Islamic law, or Sharia, replacing secular laws. Islamists also promote the notion of pan-Islamism, or the unity of all Muslims, and the elimination of non-Islamic influences, such as western ideals, practices, and more.  [4]  For many, this means waging a holy war against outsiders, known as a lesser jihad in mainstream Islam. Jewish fundamentalism is a little more difficult to explain. Gush Emunim is an example of one such group. Zionism is the notion that the Jewish people need to reestablish their homeland in Israel. After the founding of Israel, Zionism evolved into the thought that the Israelis have the right to occupy the entire land of Israel. For some, this means Eretz Israel. There are Zionists who support the state of Israel without religious views coming into play. These are not usually fundamentalists. Zionist fundamentalists are those who use religious viewpoints to support an extreme Zionist cause one that usually involves the occupation of lands in Eretz Israel and the expulsion of all non-Jewish people from Israel, specifically Muslims. The Current Problem with Ethics in the Middle East The area of ethics is difficult to define. The average person tends to believe that it involves laws and/or religions. However, ethics can be better defined as standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do, usually in terms of rights, obligations, benefits to society, fairness, or specific virtues.  [5]  Religions and philosophies do serve as moral compasses for many individuals, but people who do not subscribe to any particular religion still can be ethical and moral. Ethics can be situational or static, and, like other values, can be compromised. Ethics is also involved in notions of justice. While ethics deals with notions of right and wrong, justice utilizes ethics and law in order to come to a fair conclusion regarding specific cases. Highly publicized viewpoints on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, such as those presented by groups like Hamas, often cite a problem of retribution and justice when discussing relations with groups on the other side. There is too much of a focus on achieving justice, or retribution, for past actions. For many, this justice is a requirement for future peace negotiations. However, retribution is not always the right way to achieve a just end nor is it always an available option. There is also a problem with the use of rights. Each group to be evaluated claims the other has no right to exist, whether it is through their actions or ideologies. Israel should not exist, say those who agree with Hamas and Hezbollah, because the inhabitants had no right to occupy the land held by the Palestinians. They believe that they are defending their homelands against Israeli invaders and use this to justify their actions. Many Israelis believe that groups such as Hamas have no right to exist because of their ideological and physical attacks against Israel. These groups create a security problem for Israeli citizens, so Israelis believe any actions against the Palestinians are justified. The problem with claiming that one group has more of a right to exist in an area than another is that rights are very tricky: Rights are, in the words of the legal philosopher Ronald Dworkin, trumps over all other claims. They can also become barriers to compromise and to peace, since it is more difficult sometimes impossible to give up rights than to give up mere preferences of other claims.  [6]   Current peace-seeking groups do try to address some of these problems. Gush Shalom, for example supports a Right of Return for Palestinian refugees where the Israeli government will help to set the Palestinians up in Israel, or even another country. Palestinians can also choose another method of compensation. However, until the work of groups like Gush Shalom can become more mainstream, it does not seem like the above problems can be rightly addressed. From the current ethical standpoint, no one can win. The Middle East has been in turmoil for many years and, as a result, thousands of lives have been lost in the violence. There can be no justice, in the traditional sense of the word, for these victims. There is no way to muddle through the claims on all sides to determine exactly who started what first, or to get retribution for all those who have hurt and suffered. Justice can only occur once we alter our current stance on justice. Presentation and Evaluation of Group Ideologies Each of the following groups has been chosen because of their fundamentalist ideologies and their popularity among the common people within their countries. Hamas has gained political power in the Gaza Strip, giving them legitimacy amongst people residing there. However, their link to terrorism as a result of their ideological beliefs has limited the ability of other countries to recognize Hamas right to lead. Hezbollah faces a similar problem within Lebanon, on a more violent scale. Gush Emunim is the only group to have virtually ceased to exist, except in acceptance of ideology. The beliefs of this group have now become the norm for many living within Israel. Hamas was founded in 1987 and grew out of Egypts Muslim Brotherhood. The next year, however, Hamas published their charter one that began to separate itself from the nonviolent message of the Muslim Brotherhood.  [7]  The group slowly turned into a combination of Islamic fundamentalism and Palestinian nationalism.  [8]  The organization gained power through its extensive social programs. The bulk of their current budget goes to schools, healthcare, soup kitchens, and other social services. Since coming to power in the Gaza Strip in 2006, Hamas has consistently attacked Israel and other Palestinian groups who recognize Israels right to exist through media and physical means. Hamas charter calls for the destruction of Israel and the creation of an Islamist state in its place.  [9]  It is only this, they believe, that will cease the colonization and western influences in Middle Eastern lands. Hamas refuses to recognize the right of Israel to exist. This combined with terrorist links have caused several countries to refuse to recognize the right of Hamas to lead. These counties have since ceased all funding and support. Hezbollah is a Shiite Muslim political group in Lebanon created as a result of the 1982 invasion of Lebanese lands by Israeli forces. Hezbollah won popularity within Lebanon through their social programs. Their political leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has a very religious background, but does not serve as the religious leader.  [10]  Hezbollah sees the destruction of the Israeli state and the replacement of Israel with an Islamic state as a long-term goal.  [11]  More immediate goals include the establishment of an Islamist state within Lebanon and the expulsion of western powers and influences.  [12]  The main idea is that an Islamist state is the only one which an outside western force will not be able to invade and take over.  [13]  Hezbollah sees violence as a method to bring about the change that they seek. The group itself is quick to point out, though, that they have moved to a less violent and imposing platform based on political action instead of terrorism.  [14 ]  Hezbollah has indeed taken to involvement in political life within Lebanon. It remains a minority group within the Lebanese Parliament. In August of 2008, the Lebanese Parliament approved a national unity cabinet, giving Hezbollah veto power with eleven of thirty seats.  [15]   Both Hamas and Hezbollah have taken extreme positions against Israel. These groups have resorted to violent means in order to get their point across in the past, and continue to do so today. Ironically, these actions have only gotten these groups condemned by international organizations. Violence causes more problems for the people they are trying to help as well as harming others unnecessarily. Hamas has focused too much on their claim to the land which now makes up Israel. From a logical standpoint, there is no way to de-establish Israel and give what Hamas would consider ample justice or retribution. Founded in 1974, Gush Emunim subscribes to an extreme form of Zionism, which calls for Israeli control over Eretz Israel. The group is theological in nature, though this does not make it exclusively religious. The Jewish people have been chosen by God, according to the Bible. The goal of Gush Emunim is to establish settlements in the Palestinian territories in order to eventually regain control of the lands given by God, as well as to promote this goal among others. For members of this group, there is no room for compromise, and to give up the control of any part of Eretz Israel would be blasphemy and a sin against God.  [16]   Gush Emunim began to set up settlements in the occupied territories in the mid to late 1970s. Due mainly to ideological issues, the settlements ended up facing a large amount of resentment and problems with the nearby Arab settlers. They asked for the Israeli government to step in and, eventually, the government felt as though it was forced to do so due to public opinion and violence around the settlements.  [17]  Gush Emunim then set up more settlements in order to reach its goal. To further complicate peace talks and other negotiations in recent years, former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has been purported to be a big supporter of Gush Emunim.  [18]   Gush Emunim focused too much on the right of the Israeli people to rule over all of Eretz Israel and not enough on the possible consequences of their actions. While they did come close to achieving their goal, supporters of Gush Emunim forced the government into an awkward position and ended up alienating Palestinians. Using religiously-related rights to these lands also put outside groups in an awkward position. Who is the United Nations to say that God did not give all of Biblical Israel to the Jews? Movements for Peace The following groups have been chosen for their peace-achieving efforts in the Middle East. Gush Shalom is a predominantly Jewish organization, having starting in Israel. The International Solidarity Movement is Palestinian-based. However, like other peace-seeking groups, members of both organizations come from a variety of places. Both groups support the Palestinian struggle. However, the connections between the International Solidarity Movement and possible terrorism are pushing people with the potential to make a difference away. Founded in 1993, Gush Shalom is a very well known peace movement group active within Israel.  [19]  The group is extremely concerned with the treatment of the Palestinian people. They recognize the problems caused by Israeli forces and focus on creating a partnership between the two countries in order to have a more prosperous future. The groups main goals are related to ending the occupation and bringing peace to the region. Unlike other groups, Gush Shalom recognizes the Right of Return of the Palestinian refugees, allowing each refugee to choose freely between compensation and repatriation to Palestine and Israel, and fixing by mutual agreement the number of refugees who will be able to return to Israel in annual quotas.  [20]  Even more than that, Gush Shalom has proposed that Israel could help set up Palestinian refugees in another country.  [21]  No one within the organization is paid for their work, as all involvement with Gush Shalom is voluntary.  [22]  The o rganization has won several awards for its efforts to bring peace to the region. The group also works closely with the Palestinian Liberation Organization. This relationship even led to a draft of a peace agreement between the two organizations.  [23]  In this agreement, a two-state solution was discussed, wherein the border of the Palestinian state was defined as the lines of the cease-fire agreement of June 4, 1967.  [24]  A council would be established for Israelis and Palestinians to rule Jerusalem, the capital of both states, together.  [25]  This was first brought up by the United Nations.  [26]  The most interesting part of this document is how Gush Shalom handles the refugee problem. As mentioned before, Palestinian refugees have a choice between staying in Palestine, moving to Israel, or establishing lives in another country.  [27]  A truth commission of historians would be established, whose report on the major problems in Israel and the occupied territories would eventually placed in the textbooks of both countries.  [28]   From an ethical standpoint, Gush Shalom is pushing a new, radical point of view. Other peace groups advocate for the equality of Palestinian peoples and the establishment of a two-state solution. However, this is the only public organization that has made it a priority to investigate the problems inherent in the Middle Eastern conflict and publish them for future Israelis and Palestinians to read about and learn from. Gush Shalom is also one of the only Israeli-based groups petitioning for a Right of Return for the Palestinian people. They recognize the need for massive negotiations and compromise in order to achieve peace. If political groups can take the ideas and positions given here by Gush Shalom, peace could be possible. The biggest problem standing in the way of politicians and groups is how to get elected in Israel while running on this kind of platform. The International Solidarity Movement (ISM) was founded in 2001, with the express mission of assisting the Palestinian people in gaining support for their cause, as well as offering a degree of protection and a way to voice their opinions.  [29]  The ISM promotes nonviolent forms of fighting the occupation, like protesting, marching, and documenting problems between Palestinians and Israeli armed forces (IDF).  [30]  Perhaps the most important part ISM plays is the assistance they give to Palestinians during emergencies, like escorting ambulances through checkpoints.  [31]   In recent years, there has been some controversy over ISMs possible support for suicide bombings. There have been several poorly worded documents in which ISM leaders and other ISM-related people have seemingly supported suicide bombings carried out by Palestinians.  [32]  There have also been some connections to terrorists.  [33]  However, ISM states that they oppose the tactic of suicide bombings, especially those that have been carried out against civilian targets. We dont however think that it is a more brutal tactic than dropping a bomb from a fighter plane on a civilian-occupied apartment building, firing a tank shell down a crowded city street, or placing dynamite in a family home. They are all brutal and repulsive acts.  [34]   ISM also goes on to say that suicide bombings are simply weapons of desperate people who just do not have access to other weapons. While they believe these bombings are reprehensible, it is, in their opinion, an understandable move by an oppressed people fighting for their basic rights.  [35]   While this group is doing very real things to help the Palestinian people within the occupied territories, it is also far too focused on being anti-Israel. There are not a lot of occasions where the ISM and Israeli groups can work together, because of the problems within the ISM handling publicity issues. The poorly worded documents and possible ties to terrorism referred to above have a lot to do that. Despite ISM issuing statements to counter these claims, there are still a lot of concerned people and organizations who are leery of being involved with ISM. ISM workers also face a lot of danger, and many have been killed as a result of their work mostly by the IDF.  [36]  Because of these problems, it is also difficult to say, from an ethical standpoint, how helpful this organization is. It does provide helpful services to Palestinian farmers, like help with harvesting and protection from the IDF. However, there are just too many warning signs for this group to be fully embrace d. A Change in Ethics Evaluating the situation in Israel-Palestine using the current system of ethics does not work. The ethics of rights, obligations, and duties, brings with it too many questions and too many opportunities for disagreement and exclusion. Rights bring up claims which cannot necessarily be disputed or worked with. Obligations and duties require more of a direct acknowledgement of wrongs one group has perpetrated against the other. Unfortunately, in this conflict, there just is no way to keep score. Details of conflicts are too murky in most cases to concretely say which party started what problem. With that in mind, how can it be determined which party owes the other more? This task would be so time-consuming and tedious that there is no way it would benefit those currently in the situation. And so, the world must find a different way of viewing the ethics of this conflict. In his book, The Prophets, Abraham Heschel comes to the realization that there is a better form of ethics, one based not on obligations but instead on fairness. This is based on his unique understanding of the link between justice and righteousness. In essence, they are separate ideals, though they are linked: Righteousness goes beyond justice. Justice is strict and exact, giving each person his due. Righteousness implies benevolence, kindness, generosity. Justice is form, a state of equilibrium; righteousness has a substantive associated meaning. Justice may be legal, righteousness is associated with a burning compassion for the oppressed.  [37]   Justice, then, is more concrete and straightforward. It is something that is currently rewarded, but instead should be automatic.  [38]  However, it can be misused and corrupted.  [39]  This corruption can lead to a perversion of justice, where oppression is rampant.  [40]  Righteousness is needed to help keep justice pure. It involves the quality of a persons character.  [41]  Righteousness is what helps to give justice a more personal touch, moving from a notion of retribution to one of satisfaction and assistance. Justice involves the claims of one person or group and the responsibility of another person or group to answer that claim.  [42]  This works because of the sense that each person in a community is tied together.  [43]  What one person or group does to help another also helps the community as a whole. Righteousness is what helps people to give to the community and to assist each other. In the traditional sense of the word, justice requires retribution jail time, fines, or other punishment to fit a crime or wrong-doing. However, there are situations in which the classic notion of retribution is unthinkable or improper. If one of the parties has died, it becomes more difficult to seek justice for him or her. It is also difficult to handle justice when there are too many conflicting stories to produce proper retribution. Both of the above occur in the Middle Eastern conflict. As exemplified in the story of Cain and Abel, sometimes options other than punishment must be explored: Cain, slaying his brother, does not receive the punishment he deserves. Though justice would require that Abels blood be avenged, Cain is granted divine pardon and protection.  [44]  Here, in a situation where retribution may have been understandable, God instead decides to forgo this form of justice for one of protection and forgiveness. Forgiveness does not dictate that retribution be gi ven for an action, but instead requires a surrendering of grudges and anger. It should be personal and conditional: We may forgive the criminal; is it right to forgive the crime? I may forgive a wrong done to me; but do I have the right to forgive a wrong done to others? Unconditional forgiveness may be found in Pandoras box, a fine incentive to vice. Anger is a reminder that man is in need of forgiveness, and that forgiveness must not be taken for granted.  [45]   When this is applied to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the real importance of this distinction takes shape. An outside entity cannot fix the conflict, or bring it to an end. It is not the place of the United Nations or other countries to forgive the Israelis and/or the Palestinians. In order for peace to occur, a Palestinian may have to forgive the Israeli people as a whole for wrongs done to them in the past, just as an Israeli may have to forgive the Palestinian people. Does this forgive the crimes themselves? Absolutely not. Does this justify what has occurred between the two parties? Again, the answer is no. However, it is only with this mindset of starting anew that the people involved in this conflict can move beyond past actions and start to look ahead into the future. According to Heschel, then, justice does not have to involve retribution. His ethics of justice involve fairness, righteousness, and forgiveness instead. Using righteousness, Heschel acknowledges the necessity for a personal touch to how justice is carried out. Forgiveness gives us the idea that it is acceptable to forgive a wrong instead of seeking retribution, and that it is a God-like quality. Forgiveness does not dismiss the wrongs committed, but simply clears both the aggressor and victim of some level of guilt and pain. Heschel worries a lot about the misuse of justice. When the human factor is removed from consideration, the compassion that righteousness brings into the equation is gone and no real justice can be had.  [46]  Righteousness must accompany any form of justice, because There are many ways of evading the law and escaping the arm of justice. Only a few acts of violence are brought to the attention of the courts. As a rule, those who know how to exploit are endowed with the skill to justify their acts, while those who are easily exploited possess no skill in pleading their own cause. Those who neither exploit nor are exploited are ready to fight when their own interests are harmed; they will not be involved when not personally affected. Who shall plead for the helpless? Who shall prevent the epidemic of injustice that no court of justice is capable of stopping?  [47]   Israelis, then, can be seen to be the skilled exploiters, while the Palestinians do not possess a real ability to fight for themselves. The international community does not help out, unless their well-being is threatened. The United States will hold peace talks, but beyond that, little governmental help is offered to the Palestinians. What the Palestinians need is a prophet of sorts, someone to voice the problems they face. Where Can the Alternate Understanding Be Seen Today? Former President Jimmy Carter could be the Palestinians prophet. He was instrumental in bringing about a more peaceful period in the Middle East when he hosted the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel in 1978. In the end, three different conclusions were made. The Gaza Strip and the West Bank were to be given the opportunity to rule themselv