Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Porters 5 Forces Analysis of Starbucks Essay Example For Students

Porters 5 Forces Analysis of Starbucks Essay Management and Planning – CE00317-2 Group Assignment Learning Outcome: The written report of this assessment is designed to assess students’ ability to: 1. define, describe and discriminate between strategy and planning and show an understanding of the vocabulary of the subject applied to the management of a business organisation 2. describe and discuss a typical planning process including the role of qualitative and quantitative forecasting, modelling and dealing with uncertainty, through the use of recognised planning techniques 3. emonstrate and discuss the effective use of some techniques of strategic auditing and environmental analysis as applied to a typical organisation. 00 4. discuss and criticise some important issues relating to organisational design and orgnisational culture. Group Assessment: One Written Essay (50%) The work will normally be done in pairs. The work will include the analysis of an existing situation, the application of analysis techniques (in troduced in lectures and developed in tutorials) and the presentation of conclusions using similarly-acquired techniques. It is intended to promote and assess practical research skills. Read the case study (Page 6 onwards) and answer the following questions: 1. Using an appropriate model, analyse the ways in which Universal has provided a superior level of service to its customers. (30 marks) 2. Using the information provided in the case scenario, strategically evaluate the performance of the company up to 2004, indicating any areas of particular concern. (30 marks) 3. Matthew Black is well aware that the achievement of the growth targets for the 2005 to 2007 period will depend on successful implementation of the strategy, affecting all parts of the company’s activities. Explain in detail the key issues affecting implementation and the changes necessary to achieve Universal’s ambitious growth strategy. (20 marks) 4. What criteria would you use to assess whether Universal is an ‘excellent’ company? (20 marks) Assessment Requirements: A written report of approximately 2,500 words that synthesises and critically evaluates management and planning issues from the case study. State the number of words used at the end of the assignment. You may include diagrams, figures, appendices etc. without word penalty. A sliding scale of penalties for excess length will be imposed. The penalties will be as follows: Up to 10% excess words:no penalty 11-20% excess words:- 5% penalty 21-30% excess words:-10% penalty 31% plus excess words: cannot achieve more than a pass grade (50%). Guidelines: A written report must be compiled in a suitable format that must incorporate the following: †¢ A clear and concise outline of the practical management and planning issues; †¢ Generation of conclusions that draw upon both theoretical and practical aspects; †¢ Use of appropriate terminology that will indicate a thorough understanding of management concepts; †¢ Suitable referencing of he materials used to support arguments put forward that will indicate competence in the academic issues discussed; †¢ Evidence to suggest a more in-depth understanding of the planning concepts being reviewed and their practical applications; †¢ Written content and structure that will demonstrate practical benefits being derived from the module, reading lists and rese arch required for the assignment; †¢ A wide range of sources used and cited (a minimum of 5 and not before 1999). †¢ Full referencing of material and sources cited that incorporate the Harvard Referencing System. Mark Distribution for assignment The mark allocation for the assignment will be as follows: ? 30 % of the mark will be allocated for familiarity with subject/material and evidence of original thinking. ? 30% of the marks will be allocated for Quality of argument/reasoning; the depth of analysis; expansion of ideas/argument and recognition of wider context/complexity of topic ? 10 % of the marks will be allocated for the relevance of answer to task set; the accuracy of details; consistency of focus and the organisation of ideas. ? 10% will be allocated for the ease of comprehension; appropriateness of language; fluency of style and the use of punctuation, grammar, etc. 10% will be allocated for the presentation format; word count and length ? 10% will be allocated for the use of supporting evidence; acknowledgement of sources: references, quotes, statistics and range and relevance of bibliography Assessment Guidelines Grading Criteria: The criteria below detail the areas which will be taken into account when the assi gnment is marked. 1. Pass assignments are expected to be legible, tidy, well organised and written in clear understandable English. The report should include an executive summary or abstract at the beginning and end with clear conclusions and recommendations. If you have any problems with report formats please do not hesitate to contact the module tutor. 2. High grades need to demonstrate sustained coherent analytical ability. A systematic approach to analysis and evaluation is required for grades 60% to 70% for grades at the higher end of the scale, integration and synthesis is a requirement. The quality of the arguments used to develop and support prescriptions/recommendations are, the essential test of integration. 3. Evidence of reading and some understanding of models and concepts is needed to achieve a pass grade . Integration of theory and practice is expected for any grade above 50%. 4. You are expected to clearly state any assumptions you make, and support statements and theories by referencing to appropriate sources. if it is missing]. CASE STUDY: Universal Roofing Systems Introduction Universal Roofing Systems is a family owned and managed business specialising in the design, assembly and installation of low maintenance PVC roofing products for domestic housing. These products include PVC fascia boards and rainwater drainage systems. Today's Society Is A Dangerous and Corrupt Place EssayThis gave the company the flexibility to vary the number of teams according to the level of customer demand. Installation took place throughout the year, though it could be affected by winter weather. The two man teams were given comprehensive training in installation and customer care. Payment was by results and responsibility for correcting any installation faults rested with the team doing the particular installation. Sales and marketing Marketing and promotion were recognised as key to getting the company’s name known and its reputation for a quality installation service established. Comprehensive sales support materials were created for use by the canvassers and sales representatives. Sales representative were able to offer significant discounts to house owners willing to make an immediate decision to buy a Universal roofing system. In addition Universal received a significant income stream from a finance house for roofing systems, sold on extended payment terms. Universal offered a unique 10-year guarantee on its installations and proudly announced that over 30% of new customers were directly recommended from existing satisfied customers. The growth of the company had led to showrooms being set up in six large towns in the region and the business plans for 2005 and 2006 will see a further nine showrooms opening in the region, each of which costs ? 30K. Brand awareness was reinforced by the continued use of up-to-date Mercedes vans with the company’s logo and contact details prominently shown. Company structure and performance By 2005, the organisational structure of the company was in place, based on functional responsibilities. Matthew was now Managing Director, Simon was Operations Director with responsibility for the installation teams, and Matthew’s wife, Fiona, was Company Secretary and responsible for the administration and scheduling side of the business. Two key appointments had facilitated Universal’s rapid growth. In 2002, Mick Hendry was appointed as Sales and Marketing Director. Mick had 20 years of experience with direct sales in a large installer of PVC windows and doors. Through his efforts, Universal achieved a step change in sales growth, with sales increasing from ? 1 million in 2001 to ? 3 ·3 million in 2002. However, the increased costs involved meant the company made a loss of some ? 250,000. 2003 saw sales increase to ? 5 ·4 million and a profit generated. 2004 saw further sales increase to ? 6 ·8 million and a net profit of about ? 400K. Matthew recognised the increasing pressure on his own time and an inability to control the financial side of the business. 2003 saw Harry Potts appointed as Finance Director and put in much needed financial and management information systems. Future growth and development By 2005 Universal had seen 10 years of significant growth and was facing some interesting decisions as to how that growth was to be sustained. Firstly, there was the opportunity to move from a largely regional operation into being a national company. Indeed, the company’s vision statement expressed the desire to become ‘the most respected roofing company in Britain’, based on a ‘no surprises’ philosophy that house owners all around the country could trust. Economic factors encouraging growth looked fairly promising with a growing economy, stable interest rates and house owners finding it fairly easy to raise additional funding necessary to pay for home improvements. Secondly, there was a real opportunity to develop their share of the commercial housing market. The government had committed itself to a significant improvement in the standard of housing provided to people renting from local authorities and housing associations. Despite the appointment of a Commercial Manager to concentrate on sales into this specialist market, Universal had real difficulty in committing sufficient resources into exploiting this opportunity. In 2002 commercial sales represented over 11% of total sales, but currently commercial sales were around 5% of the total sales. Such were the overall growth predictions, however, that to maintain this share of sales would need commercial sales to more than double over the 2005–7 periods. Without the necessary commitment of resources, particularly people, this target was unlikely to be realised. Universal’s products also need to be improved and this largely depended on its ability to get into partnerships with its large PVC suppliers. There were some encouraging signs in this direction, but Universal’s reliance on PVC opened it to future challenges from installers using more environmentally friendly materials. Above all, however, the rate of projected growth would place considerable pressures on the senior management team’s ability to manage the process. The move towards becoming a national installer was already prompting thoughts about creating a regional level of management. Finally, such had been the firm’s growth record that its inability to meet the budgeted sales targets in the first quarter of 2005 was causing real concern for Matthew and Simon. Table 1: Information on Universal’s current sales and financial performance (? ’000) (where appropriate)

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Where do you see yourself in one year five years ten years free essay sample

Where do you see yourself in one year? five years? ten years? It’s a question many people face in interviews, yet don’t take the time to prepare for it. You may be tempted to envision where you’ll be in five years on a personal level, but that’s not an appropriate way to answer the question. Employers are looking for a few specific qualities when asking this question. You are committed to the company The current position is a natural step toward your long term goals You are self-motivated and have aspirations beyond the current position Your aspirations match the company’s You intend to stay with the company long term. Even if you don’t intend to, this is not the time to indicate that You are focused on your job target and career objectives and not simply taking the first job that is offered You will bring increasing value to the position as you grow and meet your long term goals One of the most important things you can do is to listen to the problems that need to be solved while you are interviewing. We will write a custom essay sample on Where do you see yourself in one year? five years? ten years? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Address these while answering the five-year question; positioning yourself as a long-term solution provider for the company. A common concern is sounding too ambitious, which could make the hiring manager feel threatened. Avoiding this is wise, but it’s good to show a healthy level of realistic ambition. 1. If you are a manager or wish to become one, emphasize your interest in having more responsibilities as well as mentoring others to benefit the company. 2. If you wish to gain expertise in a field, emphasize this while finding a way to show that your goals tie into the company’s objectives as well.

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Common App - How Effective is it?

Common App - How Effective is it?A Common App is an easy way to publish your final research papers and common AP exams. If you are just looking for an easy, low cost way to get around your AP exams, this may be a good way to go.It is a simple way to give students some practice for their AP exams. You can write up a sample essay on a major topic for just about any single subject. The idea is to give students a taste of what they will be expected to do when it comes time to write up a full final research paper.In order to make your projects accessible, you will need to set up some templates for project files that are not hard to understand. However, they will also need to be easy to read for the automated computer system that will process them. In this case, the project files will need to be readable by Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, or other word processing programs.It is one of the easiest ways to get AP exams if you have a lot of many courses you want to try to get through. If you can not plan very well, you will need to know which courses you want to study through. This is a large undertaking, so it is a good idea to know ahead of time what you will need to do.If you are taking English, you should study on grammar, composition, and rhetoric. It is a great way to check out a variety of texts and to do a little of research on the subject. The English course is one of the more useful online courses available for today's college students.One problem with the Common App is that it is really geared toward those students who have taken several AP classes. Because of the system's name, many people think it is only for the AP exam.There are several different courses available through the Common App that are just as effective as the ones listed above. By using these programs, you can help yourself improve your English language skills while boosting your confidence in writing academic essays.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Macbeth 2006 Film Analysis Essay Example

Macbeth 2006 Film Analysis Essay For my film analysis, I was fortunate that there many different adaptations of the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare. Most of them are set in the period of the play, like Roman Polanski’s 2002 version, which I also viewed and found to be disappointing at best. The only good thing was the realism of the sword fighting. Realistically clumsy in their armor, which was amusing, but other than that, dull, dull, dull. Instead, I opted to view and analyze the more modern version from 2006. The 2006 version of Macbeth was adapted by Geoffrey Wright and Victoria Hill, produced by the same team and also directed by Geoffrey Wright. Victoria Hill also happens to play the role of Lady Macbeth. The first interesting choice that the director makes is the setting. This version of Macbeth is set in the underground drug world of modern day Melbourne, Australia. The hierarchy of a royal kingdom is represented with the hierarchy of a drug lord’s operation with Duncan at the head of â€Å"the family†. The entire film has an almost â€Å"Miami Vice† feel to it. Drugs, cars, guns and violence draped over the timeless tale of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. From the opening scene, the director of this modern day Macbeth makes some interesting choices. The weird sisters are the first characters we see in a graveyard running around defacing the headstones and sculptures, but they are represented by three sexy school girls. By making a creative choice to structure the adaptation so that no one else ever sees the weird sisters, the director creates the question of whether the weird sisters are supernatural entities or figments of Macbeth’s imagination, it is left unclear and open to interpretation. The ambiguity of the existence of the weird sisters allows for the possibility that Macbeth is more than just greedy. Is he crazy? Is he high? Is he just losing it like his wife? In that same first scene in the graveyard, we see glimpses of Lady Macbeth mourning at the grave of a child while Macbeth stands back observing. This is just one of many scenes that lend themselves to question the psychological state of Lady Macbeth. In another early scene she is nearly unresponsive in the bathtub when Macbeth comes home. We will write a custom essay sample on Macbeth 2006 Film Analysis specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Macbeth 2006 Film Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Macbeth 2006 Film Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Drugs and alcohol are ever present in their home. This is the most sympathetic portrayal I have seen. The later scenes of her washing invisible blood from her while sleepwalking only add to the impression that Lady Macbeth is not well. She is a woman in mourning, possibly depression and is easily drawn into madness. Macbeth, on the other hand, a loyal henchman to his crime boss, Duncan, is portrayed as somewhat of a rock star. His wardrobe is outrageous even in relation to the other mobsters. He is brave, but brutal and Duncan rewards him for his loyalty and bravery. He is rewarded with not a kingdom but a nightclub which is where the weird sisters make their second appearance and deliver their prophecy to a cocaine tripping Macbeth amid smoke machines on the dance floor. Driven by their prophecy, the plots with his wife to kill Duncan, and takes the leadership of the gang for himself. Maintaining his power will require more murders and violence, finally driving his surviving enemies to unite and destroy him. Again, no one else sees the weird sisters. Other interesting choices were the integration of classic images from Macbeth. The vision of the dagger was represented on as a shadow on the wall of the approach to the door where Duncan slept. The dagger turned out to be a shadow from a palm frond created by a floodlight. Interestingly, Macbeth seems to â€Å"debunk† the â€Å"vision† and sees that it is only a shadow. This seems to shore up his confidence as he moves inside to kill Duncan. The scene where Macbeth murder Duncan is extremely violent, over top blood and guts and to make it worse, the director chose for Duncan to wake just before he is stabbed for the first time and see that it is Macbeth standing over him with a dagger. I think this choice by the director really reinforces the personal nature of this murder. Face to face, with a dagger even though there were guns everywhere. As the movie played out, I found myself wondering how the weird sister’s last prophecies would be represented. The integration of the prophecies by the director was, in my opinion, genius. Obviously, Macduff would kill Macbeth and in true form, he found him alone in a wine cellar in Macbeths home and stabbed him, again, old school, face to face, man to man, instead of with a gun. But what I was most curious about was how the director would represent the â€Å"Great Birnam Wood coming to high Dunsinaine Hill†. Seeing the mobsters with shield made of branches would not have worked and would have been tacky and campy at best. I was so impressed to see Macduff and the others come to Dunsinaine under the cover of a lumber truck from where? Yes, Brinam Wood, and they crash through the gate and the battle to take Dunsinaine and find Macbeth begins. Even though Macbeth sees the name of the truck on his security camera and even muses at it, he is still defiant and runs around reminding everyone that he cannot be killed by any man born of woman. The one scene that is either the funniest or the campiest in the film is a scene just before Macduff arrives where Macbeth is dressed for the occasion. He comes out of his room and is dressed in a black leather kilt. I thought the homage to the Scottish roots of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, but some have found it to be silly. A little tongue and cheek, but I appreciated the nod. In the end, Wright overdoes it with the gore, building to an excessive but extremely well-staged massacre. The brutality abounded. Perhaps, though, this over the top approach actually enhances Shakespeares powerfully timeless themes.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at AstraZeneca

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at AstraZeneca Introduction This paper discusses the concept of corporate social responsibility using AstraZeneca Plc. as the case study. Specifically, the paper analyses AstraZeneca’s employees who are part of the company’s stakeholders.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at AstraZeneca specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This analysis is based on the safety, health, and environment (SHE) program which the company considers as a major component of the corporate social responsibility (Turner 2005, p. 38).  The data in this report has been obtained from members responsible for promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in AstraZeneca and also from previous articles and books on corporate social responsibility. Company Background AstraZeneca Plc. was established in 1999 after the merger between Zeneca Group Plc and Astra AB. The corporate headquarters of the company are in the Unit ed Kingdom. AstraZeneca Plc was formed with the aim of generating long term growth and value to all the shareholders using the strength from two companies. Currently, AstraZeneca Plc is among the leading combined pharmaceutical companies. AstraZeneca has a strong emphasis on both innovation and research, and on commercial and manufacturing activities. AstraZeneca Plc. produces medicines for treating different ailments such as cancer, infections, pain control, gastrointestinal, and other ailments that affect the central nervous system. The company’s operations are spread in more than one hundred countries while the manufacturing process takes place in twenty countries. Presently, AstraZeneca Plc employs close to 54000 workers globally (Turner 2005, p. 38). Describing Corporate Social Responsibility AstraZeneca Plc defines corporate social responsibility as the efforts and initiatives undertaken by a company in order to facilitate sustainable development. The company takes sust ainable development as the ability of a given economic activity to meet the requirements of both the present and future generation. Currently, the company has put in place a lot of effort to improve its corporate social responsibility framework and in order to establish an appropriate technique for implementing and controlling the effectiveness of CSR. This is an indication that the structure for managing corporate responsibility issues has not yet been developed.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As a result, much of the work or activities of the company are based on the safety measures that were adopted sometimes back. However, the newly established safety, health, and environment (SHE) program is considered as a major component of the corporate responsibility that the company expects to launch. The program mostly targets the employees of the company who are part o f the stakeholders. The executives of the company believe that such a program will go a long way in promoting shareholders’ interests. This is in line with stakeholder theorists who assert that the executives of a given company should ensure that shareholders’ interests are promoted. This should also be done to other groups that may be affected by the activities of the company. The social approach demands that all corporation responsibilities be directed towards the company stakeholders and also ensure the safety and health of the general public (Boeger, Murray Villiers 2008, p. 187).  According to Pride Ferrell (2012, p.96), the various aspects of corporate social responsibility include the environment, social, and economic responsibilities. These responsibilities usually act as the building blocks of the overall corporate responsibility of an organization. In some instances, the environmental sustainability largely focuses on the impact caused by people on the en vironment. On the other hand, social sustainability incorporates a wide range of issues that concern or affect the society as a whole. It is against this backdrop that AstraZeneca has found it important to put into consideration all the company stakeholders such as the employees, members of the community and other shareholders. The concept of corporate responsibility of the company includes various activities like the working conditions of employees, issues that relate to the environment, responsibility on the products of the company, marketing, and other related activities that provide support to the community. Since AstraZeneca Plc operates within the pharmaceutical industry, it considers activities such as animal testing and provision of medical supplies to be of extreme importance in its business portfolio.  According to Trevinno Nelson (2011, p. 371), the supply of medical products has mainly benefitted the underprivileged population in the developing countries. In an effort to develop an extensive and a worldwide corporate responsibility, AstraZeneca has developed its policies in such a way that it is quite easy for the companies to comply with both the national and international rules, and also maintain the expected levels of health and security. It is important to note that the company has embarked on various measures that can offer positive contribution to the surrounding community.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at AstraZeneca specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For instance, sponsorship and charity contributions are some of the philanthropic activities that the company has made positive impacts. There are also other initiatives that relate to the operational goals of the company that tend to improve the overall quality of life of the people. In addition, management of some of these activities is carried out from the company’s headquarter s.  However, some of the activities are conducted locally. In addition, the company has managed to contribute especially within the education sector in an attempt to increase people’s awareness on the importance of observing good health to avert health related problems. AstraZeneca’s corporate social responsibility on environmental activities focuses on addressing issues such as climate change, hazardous waste emission and disposal, and depletion of ozone layer as well as water resources. Creation of an environmental program has made it quite easy for AstraZeneca Plc to realize continuous improvements on issues that relate to the environment. Integrating corporate social responsibility The integration of corporate social responsibility within the company starts with the leaders. For instance, the chief executive officer of the company is actively involved in all the activities that revolve around corporate responsibility. In addition, the reporting system of AstraZen eca is framed in such a way that it allows the head of the corporate social responsibility to report directly to the chief executive officer. On the same note, the C.E.O. provides the necessary assistance to the head of corporate social responsibility especially when it is vital to approve new strategies and policies. In terms of the corporate mission and culture, AstraZeneca lacks a defined mission statement but believes that being among the leading pharmaceutical companies, its activities are focused in a bid to help the company in providing effective and innovative medicinal products in all the vital areas within the health sector. The company’s organization of corporate responsibility is not fully managed though some practices and structures are being incorporated. Moreover, there is no formal CSR structure in the company because the organization uses a global committee and separate corporations to carry out corporate responsibility. The code of conduct of the company hel ps the company to increase its commitment in various activities (Deck 2002, p. 39). As a result, the company is able to earn confidence and trust by maintaining the acceptable levels of ethical standards in different situations.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Considering the fact that the code of conduct is based on care, honesty, integrity, and diligence, it is effective for the code to cover variety of issues like business practices, political contributions, delegated authorities, equal opportunities, insider information, and group policies. Apart from relying on the code of conduct, AstraZeneca uses additional key principles and policies which include Global Human Resource Policy, Corporate Social Responsibility Policy, Bioethics Policy and SHE Policy (Cramer Bergmans 2003, p. 19). Monitoring corporate social responsibly At present, AstraZeneca lacks an effective mechanism for measuring, evaluating, and reporting corporate responsibility activities. However, the company finds it vital to avoid using measurement, evaluation and reporting systems that are associated with heavy bureaucracies (Baines, Fill Page 2012, p. 49). In order to achieve the latter, AstraZeneca is currently striving to develop slim and efficient systems that do n ot cause any suffocation to the existing enthusiasm. In addition, the company believes that it is necessary to develop appropriate systems that can be used to measure various aspects and at the same time help to identify the aspects that are reasonable to measure (Grayson Hodges 2004, p. 152). Criticisms of the AstraZeneca’s performance The current criticisms facing AstraZeneca are mainly as a result of the declining sales of its products. The company has also suffered a major challenge of failing to diversify in other areas to help increase the volume of sales. AstraZeneca has instead continued to focus only on prescription drugs (Burke Cooper 2009, p. 7). On the contrary, AstraZeneca’s competitors (such as GlaxoSmithKline) have managed to diversify into different areas o production such as consumer health, generics and vaccines. This has enabled such companies to gain a superb competitive advantage over AstraZeneca (Hancock 2005, p. 255). Conclusion In recap, it is evident that AstraZeneca Plc. has to a great extent, incorporated the concept of corporate social responsibility. The company has managed to address the needs of its employees in various ways. For example, the company has appreciated the value of employees as part of stakeholders of the company by introducing a safety, health and environment program known as the â€Å"SHE Program†. The program targets all the employees of the company as well as other members of the public who might be impacted by the activities of the company in one way or another. AstraZeneca has also integrated CSR effectively to an extent that even the leaders of company are actively involved in all the activities that relate to corporate responsibility. However, it is worth to mention that AstraZeneca lacks an effective system of monitoring the CSR activities. This means that the company is experiencing a lot of problems especially in identifying various aspects that need to be measured. In addition, Ast raZeneca continues to face increased criticisms because of its current performance whereby the sales are recording a declining trend (Trevinno Nelson 2011, p.54). The company has equally failed to diversify its activities and instead remained in a limited area of focus. This has occurred at a time when its competitors are doing considerably well because of their ability to diversify activities. This has consequently helped such companies to generate more sales and increase their competitive power. Recommendations In my view, it is evident that there is dire need for AstraZeneca to develop an effective system of monitoring its corporate social responsibility activities. Since the company lacks a well defined mission statement, it is important to come with an appropriate long term mission aimed at narrowing the gap between its mainstream operations and CSR. In order to improve its performance, AstraZeneca should try to diversify in different areas such as the production of vaccines a nd genetics. This will go a long way in minimizing the current competition being faced by the company. References Baines, P., Fill, C., Page, K 2012, Essentials of marketing, Oxford University Press, Oxford. Boeger, N., Murray, R., Villiers, C 2008, Perspectives on corporate social responsibility, Edward Elgar. Cheltenham, Glos, UK. Burke, R. J., Cooper, C L 2009, Research companion to corruption in organizations., Edward Elgar, Cheltenham. Cramer, J., Bergmans, F 2003, Learning about corporate social responsibility the Dutch experience, IOS Press, Amsterdam. Deck, MC 2002, â€Å"Corporate Codes and Ethics Programs†. Perspectives in Business Ethics vol. 3 no. 1, pp. 22-39. Grayson, D., Hodges, A 2004, Corporate social opportunity!: 7 steps to make corporate social responsibility work for your business, Greenleaf Publications, Sheffield. Hancock, J 2005, Investing in corporate social responsibility: a guide to best practice, business planning the UKs leading companies, K ogan Page, London. Pride, W. M., Ferrell, OC 2012, Marketing, Ohio, South-Western Cengage Learning, Mason. Trevinno, L. K., Nelson, K.A 2011, Managing business ethics: straight talk about how to do it right, John Wiley, New York. Turner, T N 2005, Vault guide to the top pharmaceuticals and biotech employers, Vault Inc., New York.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

MTV Network Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

MTV Network - Case Study Example MTV’s strategy in the Middle East is mostly based on the population, which comprises a large portion of teens whom it was targeting. The company saw the large population as an opportunity despite acknowledging that the challenges would be immense. MTV saw that the Middle East was an opportunity for expansion with respect to an audience of 190 million people that was unexploited. In addition, the company had undertaken adequate market research on the Middle East market and found out that there were no other channels providing similar content as MTV does with regard to international content. In the quest to fit in, MTV decided that it would produce 45% of the Arabia’s content locally to ensure that it met the standards of the conservative society. This would include a variety of programming ranging from music videos and reality shows to documentaries. Broadcasting 45% of local content would be a strategy that would help in unifying the area, which is known for constant po litical tensions. To beat the competition, MTV strategized a way of enabling the youths to voice their concerns and advertise their talents. In addition, usage of the Internet to allow people to access the channel anytime and anyhow they wish was also a good strategy that MTV devised to help in dealing with the competition of approximately 50 other local channels. The entire strategy is good and could work in this environment but with caution. This implies that the company should be very cautious on the content that it broadcasts.

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Horizontal Violence in the Workplace Research Paper

Horizontal Violence in the Workplace - Research Paper Example Conclusion A. Analytical summary B. Thesis statement reworded C. Concluding statement Horizontal Violence Definition: Horizontal violence is defined as the antagonistic behavior by an individual or people towards another individual or a group of people. It is can be classified as an act of bullying, which is today reported to be extensive among the nurses and health care professionals. According to Yildirim (2009), it is an unacceptable endemic present in the workplace culture. Yildirim’s view is that all members in organizations should address this issue as a group in order to eliminate this detrimental behavior. Additionally, it can be viewed as an inter-group conflict at work which may be manifested in concealed or unconcealed hostile behavior. When the term â€Å"horizontal violence† is applied in the nursing profession, it thereby defines a nurse to nurse aggression. This violence may be in the form of nonverbal or verbal behavior. Vartia (2001) states that it refe rs to situations where an individual is subjected to a recurrent and long-lasting hostile act which is oppressing. Those who are targeted have low self confidence as compared to those who are not targets. Thesis statement: From a principled outlook, tolerating bullying behavior is wrong and it violates the basic oath of keeping patients safety. Workplace Perception of Bullying There are numerous views that exist at work regarding why some workers are bullied and why people bully others. The perceived notion at work is that those who bully do it because it promotes their individual feelings. Bullies perceive that they can use their positions, for those in power, over those who may be weak. The perceived control of the bully over the victim may be the key to this act. An individual perceived by other people to be different may be exposed to some form of bullying acts. In cases where an organization or certain individuals perceive others as a threat, there are increased chances of bull ying. Additionally, perceptions of bullying or horizontal violence at work may also be under the influence of the culture in the organization. When an organization’s culture is positive, workers adopt proper behavior. However, when the culture in the firm is negative, workers’ attitudes towards new and different individuals are inappropriate. Signs of Work Place Bullying The detrimental effects of psychological cruelty may begin to appear as a result of collective injuries that may progressively build up in an individual, in this case a nurse. These are signs that bullying is taking place at work, among the health professionals. Among the nurses, signs of bullying range from nurses finding their tasks extremely difficult, low self esteem, to nurses with poor goals (Vartia, 2001). According to Yildirim (2009), signs of a bullied worker or nurse include: reduced motivation at work, low productivity, reduced concentration span, poor commitment to work and their relationsh ips with the managers, colleagues and patients are extremely poor. If these signs are not identified earlier, they are most likely to spill over to other nurses at work, thereby corroding a peaceful workplace environment for all health-care professionals. The anger that a nurse may feel towards a colleague who bullies may be channeled to actions that are not constructive. Thomas (2009) states that fatigue, depression and physical health problems are some of the signs depicted. Through his research, he also found that among