Saturday, August 31, 2019

Case Study: Filipro, Inc. Essay

I. Viewpoint Mr. Delfin Castillejos II. Time Frame July 24, 1984 III. Statement of the Problem What will Filipro, Inc. do regarding the on-going strike at Alabang and Cabuyao plants because of unfair labor practices? IV. Statement of the Objectives To resolve the problem between the management and the workers of the company To make a good relationship with some potential sources of funds such as commercial bankers and investors by giving the demands of the striking workers To develop a good employer-employee relationship V. Areas of consideration It is a company of nutritional products (milk, coffee, soya-based products, infant dietetics) The products are in demand in the market The company is steady and gainful Unfair labor practices by company management On-going strike by workers Low sales when it comes to infant formulas or baby foods (10%) Competitors in the market, the CFC and Commonwealth Foods, Inc. Well-known products Market acceptance abroad The company can introduce more health based products The company might lose the possible sources of funds due to on-going strike VI. Alternative Courses of Action Alternative 1: Improve the policies as well as the human behavior and human resource management of the company Alternative 2: Give or supplement the demand of the workers (UFE- Union of the Filipro Employees) VII. Evaluation of the Alternative Courses of Action Alternative 1: Improve the policies as well as the human behavior and human resource management for the of the company The advantages are the ff. Harmonious relationship among the management and the workers will build More investors will easily encourage to invest The disadvantages are the ff. Slow to adopt the new sets of policies and procedures More time will consume in orienting them the new management Alternative 2: Give or supplement the demand of the workers The advantages are the ff. The workers may stop from striking Workers can add more good reputation to the company by giving them their demands Rebuild good relationships between the management and the employees The disadvantages are the ff. Time consuming because it will take time to convince the striking workers Additional expenses for the company VIII. Recommendation I choose to recommend the Alternative 2. Give the demands of the workers – the Union of the Filipro Employees (UFE) concerning about the union affairs and labor practices. The management will give the right and fair treatment among the employees in Alabang and Cabuyao plants like in the other plants financially and morally. Discuss with them the workers about giving the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement). Although this alternative is additional to the expenses of the company, they can afford to give the demands of the workers and the members of the union. Since it is stable and profitable organization, workers can demand more financial assistance and more  benefits. They can cover up the expenses for Filipro, Inc BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 1983 and 1982 1983 1982 Increase or (Decrease) ASSETS Amount Percent Current Assets â‚ ±1,091,564,748 â‚ ±886,120,318 205,444,430 23.18% Investment in Shares of Stock 3,487,120 3,487,120 – – Property, Plant and Equipment 468,763,650 344,537,676 124,225,974 36.06% TOTAL ASSETS 1,563,815,518 1,234,145,114 329,670,404 26.71% LIABILITIES Current Liabilities â‚ ±898,609,980 â‚ ±643,186,565 Deferred Income Tax 13,147,827 5,815,718 Total Liabilities SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital Stock 379,450,000 270,000,000 Advance Payments on stock subscriptions 3,170,657 46,250,788 Retained Earnings 269,437,054 268,892,043 TOTAL SHE 652,057,711 585,142,831 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’EQUITY â‚ ±1,563,815,518 â‚ ±1,234,145,114 IX. Action Plan Specific Activity Time Frame Person Responsible Budget Meet and discuss with the union and management the demands of the striking workers 1 week Mr. Delfin Castillejos and the union – Evaluate the financial statements of the company 1 week Mr. Jose Asperilla – Supply the demands of the workers September 1984 up to present Management – Facts of Case Description Strength Weakness Opportunities Threats Stable and profitable organization Nutritional Products Products are in demand in the market Unfair labor practices Competitors in the market (CFC and Commonwealth Foods, Inc.) Well-known products Market acceptance abroad Might lose the possible sources of funds More health based products to advertise

Friday, August 30, 2019

Brandwashed, Martin Lindstrom (Zoom in- Zoom out)

â€Å"By uniting us against a common enemy, fear also brings humans together. It has a preserve yet delicious binding quality. It's for this reason that we love to spread fearful rumors, sometimes blowing them out of all proportion just to heighten the sense of danger.† (33. Brandwashed)Zoom In:In this passage, Martin Lindstrom denotes a method used by big corporations and advertising companies that literally scares people into buying things. Lindstrom explains that â€Å"uniting us against a common enemy, fear also brings humans together†, which is a stark statement, but definitely not an inconceivable one. This is such interesting prose, because when we humans feel afraid, the last thing we are thinking about is how united we are. We are thinking about what we can do to eradicate the danger, and how we can feel safe. In 2009, sales of the well known hand sanitizer Purell rose by 50%, which also happens to be the year that the H191 pandemic (better known as â€Å"swin e flu†) erupted.This statistic is fascinating because we can see how us humans were scared of something, in this case, getting the swine flu, but we managed to unite and buy 50% more hand sanitizer. This was our way of eradicating the danger, and feeling safe. The most enthralling part of this is that hand sanitizer does nothing to prevent the H1N1 virus, because it is spread through the air in the form of a cough or sneeze from a infected individual! You may be asking yourself â€Å"How and why did people choose to buy Purell to feel protected from H191?†. Well, Purell posted a statement on their website saying that â€Å"According to the Centers for Disease Control, one of the ways you can help protect yourself from Swine Flu is by practicing good hand hygiene. specifically using an alcohol-based sanitizer.†What they are trying to insinuate is that their product is the key to good hygiene — and that without it you will not be as healthy, and will be at r isk of getting the Swine Flu. The CDC did say that hand sanitizer is good for hand hygiene, but the CDC never said that hand hygiene protects against Swine flu, because that would be a scientifically proven lie. Simply put by Lindstrom, the company totally blew the CDC's statement â€Å"out of all proportion just to heighten the sense of danger†. This example is really captivating, because it sheds light on a situation that most people would  never question. It really shows how big corporations are using fear to provoke emotions, which lead us to buying thing in order to once again feel safe.Zoom Out:Does fear really sell? Everyone is afraid of something but regardless of what that is, there is no doubt that fear sells. Since few products actually solve a person’s fears but rather placate fear temporarily, brands that effectively evoke feelings related to fear can establish long-term relationships with consumers who think they won’t be safe unless they keep bu ying the brand. Anyone who pays for any kind of insurance is proof that fear sells for a long, long time. You choose to buy life insurance; because you are afraid of your family’s well being once you are gone.There are so many ways to portray messages of fear, and that’s why it’s used in so many diverse industries to sell both products and services. For example, the sunscreen industry shifted its messaging from helping people get the darkest possible tans, to helping people avoid getting skin cancer. By using a message that elicits feelings of fear in consumers’ minds, sunscreen brands turned what could have been a brand disaster into a brand opportunity. â€Å"Cutting your sun exposure is easier than cutting out a skin cancer†. This message persuades us to buy more sunscreen, by making us fear the consequences of skin cancer.Personal:Almost every person that I know has been persuaded to buy something by fear, or has at least seen a form of adverti sement in which fear is used as a medium. I can recall an anti-smoking ad that I once saw on the morning news. It depicted footage of a real life open-heart surgery, gore and all, because the victim had smoked cigarettes his entire life. The commercial was so vivid, so vial, so real that I felt the need to reach for the remote, and change the channel.I have seen many commercials like that one since, all getting up close and personal with lifelong smokers who have debilitating deformities, all reaching out to try to get people to quit. These commercials have persuaded viewers to never go near a cigarette, and have definitely taught me that the consequences of smoking certainly outweigh the pleasure of popping open a pack and lighting one up. These commercials use  fear as a medium, but aren’t trying to sell anything, besides the truth.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Business Ethics in Bangladesh Essay Example for Free

Business Ethics in Bangladesh Essay Morality (706) , Business ethics (133) Social responsibility requires individuals engaging in business endeavors to behave in an ethical manner. Ethics are principles of behavior that distinguish between right and wrong. Ethical conduct conforms to what a group or society as a whole considers right behavior. People working in business frequently face ethical questions. Business ethics is the evaluation of business activities and behavior as right or wrong. Ethical standards in business are based on commonly accepted principles of behavior established by the expectations of society, the firm, the industry, and an individual’s personal values. Critically, â€Å"Business Ethics† can be defined as the critical, structured examination of how people & institutions should behave in the world of commerce. In particular, it involves examining appropriate constraints on the pursuit of self-interest, or (for firms) profits, when the actions of individuals or firms affects others. (9) With unethical business practices often receiving publicity, the public sometimes believe that people in business are less ethical than others in society. But ethical problems challenge all segments of our society, including government, churches, and higher education. Most business leaders realize their firms cannot succeed without the trust of customers and the goodwill of society. A violation of ethics makes trust and goodwill difficult to maintain. In thousands of companies, executives and employees act according to the highest ethical standards. Unfortunately managers in some firms behave unethically, and these instances are often highly publicized. Personnel executive say the major reason managers behave unethically is to obtain power and money. Business ethics is a wider term that includes many other sub ethics that are relevant to the respective field. For example there is marketing ethics for marketing, ethics in HR for Human Resource Department and the like. Business ethics itself is a part of applied ethics; the latter takes care of ethical questions in the technical, social, legal and business ethics. When we trace the origin of business ethics we start with a period where profit maximization was seen as the only purpose of existence for a business. There was no consideration whatsoever for non-economic values, be  it the people who worked with organizations or the society that allowed the business to flourish. It was only in late 1980’s and 1990’s that both intelligentsia and the academics as well as the corporate began to show interest in the same. Nowadays almost all organizations lay due emphasis on their responsibilities towards the society and the nature and they call it by different names like corporate social responsibility, corporate governance or social responsibility charter. Primary and Important Sources of Business ethics Ethics in general refers to a system of good and bad, moral and immoral, fair and unfair. It is a code of conduct that is supposed to align behaviors within an organization and the social framework. But the question that remains is, where and when did business ethics come into being? Primarily ethics in business is affected by the following sources – family, religion, culture, legal system, codes of conduct, and personal experience. It is for this reason we do not have uniform or completely similar standards across the globe. These factors exert influences to varying degrees on humans which ultimately get reflected in the ethics of the organization. For example, ethics followed by Grameen Phone Ltd. are different from those followed by Square Group or Unilever for that matter. Again ethical procedures vary across geographic boundaries. A person’s values is the source of their ethics, and it is their philosophy, spiritual or religious beliefs that usually help mold and shape those values, but most of all it is how a person is raised by his family that sets the foundation for his ethics in later life. It’s the basic source of business ethics. It is one of the oldest foundations of ethical standards. Religion wields varying influences across various sects of people. It is believed that ethics is a manifestation of the divine and so it draws a line between the good and the bad in the society. Depending upon the degree of religious influence we have different sects of people; we have sects, those who are referred to as orthodox or fundamentalists and those who are called as moderates. Needless to mention, religion exerts itself to a greater degree among the orthodox and to lesser extent in case of moderates. Fundamentally however all the religions operate on the principle of reciprocity towards ones fellow beings! Culture is a pattern of behaviors and values that are transferred from one generation to another, those that are considered as ideal or within the acceptable limits. No wonder therefore that it is the culture that predominantly determines what is wrong and what is right. It is the culture that defines certain behavior as acceptable and others as unacceptable. Human civilization is fact has passed through various cultures, wherein the moral code was redrafted depending upon the epoch that was. What was immortal or unacceptable in certain culture became acceptable later on and vice versa. During the early years of human development where ones who were the strongest were the ones who survived! Violence, hostility and ferocity were thus the acceptable. Approximately 10,000 year ago when human civilization entered the settlement phase, hard work, patience and peace were seen as virtues and the earlier ones were considered otherwise. These values are still in practice by the managers of to day. Still further, when human civilization witnessed the industrial revolution, the ethics of agrarian economy was replaced by the law pertaining to technology, property rights etc. Ever since a tussle has ensued between the values of the agrarian and the industrial economy! Laws are procedures and code of conduct that are laid down by the legal system of the state. They are meant to guide human behavior within the social fabric. The major problem with the law is that all the ethical expectations cannot be covered by the law and specially with ever changing outer environment the law and specially with ever changing outer environment the law keeps on changing but often fails to keep pace. In business, complying with the rule of law is taken as ethical behavior, but organizations often break laws by evading taxes, compromising on quality,  service norms etc. A business code of ethics is a series of established principles an organization uses when operating in business or society. Organizations often develop these codes to ensure that all individuals working in the company operate according to the same standards. Most individuals have an internal code of ethics or moral principles they follow in life. A situation one individual finds ethically reprehensible may not seem so to another individual. Using a code of ethics in business attempts to create a basic understanding of acceptable ethical behavior to be used when handling situations involving the company, government agencies and the general public. If an individual is rewarded or is not punished for behaving unethically, the behavior will probably be repeated. This type of experience encourages other to do unethical things in future. Likewise the threat of punishment and the lack of reward for unethical activities encourage that particular person and all others to behave ethically. Factors Influencing Ethical Behavior To encourage ethical behavior, executives, managers, and owners of firms must understand what influences behavior in the first place. The several factors that affect individuals’ behavior in business: the business environment, organizational factors, and an individual’s personal moral philosophy. Almost daily, business managers face ethical dilemmas resulting from the pressure of the business environment. They are challenged to meet sales quotas, cut costs, increase efficiency, or overtake competitors. Managers and employees may sometimes think the only way to survive in the competitive world of business is by deception or cheating. In some instances, an organization may use someone else’s successful work without the permission of the owner or originator. Conflict of interest is another common ethical problem stemming from the business environment. Often an individual has a  chance to further selfish interests rather than the interests of the organization or society. To gain favor with people who make purchasing decisions for their companies, a seller may offer special favors or gifts, ranging from a metal to clothing to trips. Some offer cash-a kickback-for putting through a contract or placing orders with a company. Others offer bribes. Such illegal conduct will damage the organization in the long run. In order to limit unethical behavior, business firms must begin by expecting their employees to obey all laws and regulations. The international business environment presents further ethical dilemmas. Business people and government officials in different countries and cultures often operate according to different ethical standards. The organization itself also influences ethical behavior. Individuals often learn ethical or unethical behaviors by interacting with others in the organization. An employee who sees a superior or co-worker behaving unethically may follow suit. An organization can also use rewards to influence the behavior of its members. If an individual is rewarded or is not punished for behaving unethically, the behavior will probably be repeated. Likewise the threat of punishment and the lack of reward for unethical activities encourage ethical behavior. The severity of punishment also sends a message to other individuals who might be considering similar activities. A person’s own moral philosophy also influences his or her ethical behavior. A moral philosophy is the set of principles that dictate acceptable behavior. These principles are learned from family, friends, co-workers, and other social groups and through formal education. In developing a moral philosophy, individuals can follow two approaches: The Humanistic Philosophy focuses on individual rights and values. Individuals and organizations adopting this philosophy would honor their moral duties to customers and workers. Individuals and organizations following the Utilitarian Philosophy seek the greatest good for the largest number of people. Most of us would agree that it is ethics in practice that makes sense; just having it carefully drafted and redrafted in books may not serve the purpose. Of course all of us want to be fair, clean and beneficial to the society. For that to happen, organizations need to abide by ethics or rule of law, engage themselves in fair practices and competition; all of which will benefit the consumer, the society and organization. Primarily it is the individual, the consumer, the employee or the human social unit of the society who benefits from ethics. In addition ethics is important because of the following: 1. Satisfying Basic Human Needs: Being fair, honest and ethical is one of the basic human needs.   Every employee desires to be such himself and to work for an organization that is fair and ethical in its practices. 2. Creating Credibility: An organization that is believed to be driven by moral values is respected in the society even by those who may have no information about the working and businesses of that organization. British American Tobacco, for example is perceived as an organization for good corporate governance and social responsibility initiatives. This perception is held far and wide even by those who do not even know what business the organization is into. 3. Uniting People and Leadership: An organization driven by values is revered by its employees also. They are the common thread that brings the employees and the decision makers on a common platform. This goes a long way in aligning behaviors within the organization towards achievement of one common goal or mission. 4. Improving Decision Making: A man’s destiny is the sum totals of all the decisions that he/she takes in course of his life. The same holds true for organizations. Decisions are driven by values. For example, an organization that does not value competition will be fierce in its operations aiming to wipe out its competitors and establish a monopoly in the market. 5. Long Term gains: Organizations guided by ethics and values are profitable in the long run, though in the short run they may seem to lose money. For Example, Tata group, one of the largest business conglomerates in India was  seen on the verge of decline at the beginning of 1990’s, which soon turned out to be otherwise. The same company’s Tata NANO car was predicted as a failure, and failed to do well but the same is picking up fast now. 6. Securing the Society: Often ethics succeeds law in safeguarding the society. The law machinery is often found acting as a mute spectator, unable to save the society and the environment. Technology, for example is growing at such a fast pace that the by the time law comes up with a regulation we have a newer technology with new threats replacing the older one. Lawyers and public interest litigations may not help a great deal but ethics can. Business Ethics- Practice in Bangladesh In Bangladesh, though practice of Business ethics is still not so commendable in public sector and small companies, but business ethics has been an increasing concern among larger companies, at least since the 1990s. Major corporations increasingly fear the damage to their image associated with press revelations of unethical practices. The following information about the functions relating ethics and social responsibility of 2 reputed companies of our country will give a brief idea about the practice of Business Ethics in Bangladesh. Advanced Chemical Industries (ACI) Limited is one of the leading conglomerates in Bangladesh, with a multinational heritage. They have a mission to achieve business excellence through quality by understanding, accepting, meeting and exceeding customer expectations. They follow International Standards on Quality Management System to ensure consistent quality of products and services to achieve customer satisfaction. They are focusing on improving the food habit of consumers through providing more ready to cook products and ready to eat as well. Their visions are to establish harmonious relationship with the community and promote greater environmental responsibility within its sphere of influence. Their Values are Quality, Customer Focus, Fairness, Transparency, Continuous Improvement, and Innovation. Societal Development through Educational Programs: ACI’s guiding principle in all its operations is to be a responsible corporate citizen. Thus Social Responsibility is a top priority for every individual at ACI. Their Initiatives and significant contribution to societal development is Continued Medical Education (CME) for medical professionals and Children’s Education Programs. ACI has also undertaken an English Education program in Faridpur, one of the remotest districts of Bangladesh. This provides support to teach English Language to school going children. Doctors in Bangladesh who are not living in the metropolitan cities have very limited access to the Internet or any other sources of information. In order to keep them updated on the developments in the medical practices regularly, the CME program has been proven highly effective. ACI believes that by promoting education of children, they are contributing to societal development by shaping the minds of their futur e leaders. Environment Friendly Practices: ACI has undertaken extensive programs to educate crop farmers all over rural Bangladesh in Good Agricultural Practices. They have a team of agricultural experts working at the field level all across the country, holding a range of technical trainings and field demonstrations. ACI also has similar education programs for animal and poultry farmers. These include, Technical trainings on diverse aspects of farming, and on application of new technologies, Farmers‘ group meeting for sharing of learning and experience, Free visits to farms by veterinarians, to identify problems and give advices to individual farmers. Most importantly, making the farmers aware of ways to protect the environment from hazardous uses of chemicals on their farms, allowing them the opportunity for informed decision-making. ACI hopes to continue to play a leading role in promoting greater environmental responsibility among farmers in Bangladesh. ACI Company produces some products which do not work properly, like ACI Aerosol. It is mainly produced for killing mosquitoes, but that’s not true. Most of the mosquitoes go away for sometimes but not killed. Sometimes some  products like ACI Atta, ACI Maida, etc contains 1975 grams instead of 2000 grams but they fix their prices for 2kg of the products. These are unethical for their marketing practices. Over the last four decades, Unilever Bangladesh has been constantly bringing new and world class products for the Bangladeshi people to remove the daily drudgery of life. Over 90% of the country’s households use one or more of Unilever products. They aim to give everybody a little something to celebrate about themselves every day. They believe that to succeed in business, it is essential to maintain the highest standards of corporate behavior towards everyone they work with, the communities they touch, and the environment on which they have an impact. Effective Code of business principles: Their code of business principles describes the operational standards that everyone at Unilever follows, wherever they are in the world. It also supports their approach to governance and corporate responsibility. Code of business principles are- Standard of conduct, Obey the law, employees, consumers, shareholders, business partners, community involvement, public activities, the environment, innovation, competition, business integrity, conflict of interest, compliance, reporting, monitor. Women Development and Women Empowerment: Unilever strongly believes in the importance of empowering women in Bangladesh, because the progress of any society will be constrained if a significant part of its population is neglected and excluded from the benefits of development. They believe, with economic and educational empowerment, women can become more vocal about their rights and become stronger in withstanding repression in any form. So they have established â€Å"Fair & Lovely Foundation†. The mission of this foundation is to encourage economic empowerment of Bangladeshi women through information and resources in the areas of Education, Career and Enterprise. It is this realization that has brought about the Fair & Lovely Foundation Scholarship Program. Under this scholarship scheme, women who have passed their HSC each receives a Taka 25,000 scholarship to support her tertiary level education. Unilever produces Fair & lovely fairness cream, lotion, etc and they claim that skin color will be white after using this product. But that it is not true. There are no scientific values about whiteness. This is totally unethical performance in marketing activities of this company. Comparative Customer Evaluation on Ethical Performances of 3 Reputed Companies of Bangladesh Figure – Customer Response on Maintenance of Ethical Procedure by the Companies (1) Figure – Customer Response on Deceptive Practices Used by the Companies (1) Figure – Customer Response on Significant Contribution toward Ethical Marketing (1) Figure – Customer Response on Satisfaction through Using Products of the Companies (1) Figure – Customer Response on Changing of Defective Products by the Companies (1) Bribery & Nepotism- A Curse against Ethical Practice Corruption is a very strong example of unethical behavior and it is still prevailing in different business sectors of our country in the form of Bribery and Nepotism. Nepotism is the way in which someone approaches and compels a person of power and authority to take necessary steps to get his work done by capitalizing kinship, friendship or political lobbying. Bribery means offering gifts, money etc. to get a work done in unethical way. Often public officers are infamously alleged for taking bribes to award public contracts using their power. Bribery and Nepotism also exist in the corporate world, which is very harmful for ethical practices and creates hindrances in building proper and ethical business environment. Managing or Encouraging Ethical Behavior Managing the financial operations of a company can be a complex effort. Companies need to balance their desire to grow with the realities of maintaining their financial relationships, satisfying their investors and making a profit. Government Regulations: The government can do so by legislating more stringent regulations. But, rules require enforcement and when in many cases there is evidence of lack of enforcement even the ethical business person will tend to â€Å"slip something by† without getting caught. Increased regulation may help, but it surely cannot solve the entire business ethics problems. Trade Associations Setting Guidelines: Trade associations can and often do provide ethical guidelines for their members. These organizations within particular industries are in an excellent position to exert pressures on members that stoop to questionable business practices. Companies Providing Code of Ethics: Employees can more easily determine and adopt acceptable behavior when companies provide them with a â€Å"code of ethics.† Such codes are perhaps the most effective way to encourage ethical behavior. A code of ethics is a written guide to acceptable and ethical behavior that outlines uniform policies, standards and punishments for violations. Because employees know what is expected of them and what will happen if they violate the rules, a code of ethics goes a long way towards encouraging ethical behavior. However, codes cannot possibly cover every situation. Companies must also create an environment in which employees recognize the importance of complying with the written code. Managers must provide direction by fostering communication, actively modeling and encouraging ethical decision making, apart from investing in training employees to make ethical decisions. Whistle Blowing Technique: Sometimes, even employees who want to act ethically may find it difficult to do so. Unethical practices can become ingrained in an organization. Employees with high personal ethics may then take a controversial step called â€Å"whistle blowing.† Whistle blowing is informing the press or government officials about unethical practices in an organization. Whistle blowing could have averted disaster and prevented  needless deaths in the Challenger space shuttle disaster, for example. How could employees have known about life-threatening problems and let them pass? Whistle blowing on the other hand, can have serious repercussions for employees; those who make waves sometimes lose their jobs. The main objective of business is to serve people with their every need for the well-being of human being and to ensure that, there is no alternative of following business ethics. Since the practice of business ethics in our country is still not ubiquitous, we are not getting the proper environment for the business, and thus often we are facing some crisis situation and it is hampering our total economic development. Our policy makers and the top executives of the organizations should give more concern in making ethical policies and take proper steps to encourage business executives and service holders to follow them. 1) â€Å"Ethics In Marketing On Bangladesh Perspective: Study on Few Companies of Bangladesh†- collected from â€Å"World Journal of Management Volume 2. Number 2. September 2010†, the direct link- http://wbiaus.org/10.%20Tajmeela-FINAL.pdf 2) â€Å"Business for the 21st Century†- Skinner & Ivancevich 3) â€Å"An Integrated Approach to Business Studies† (4th edition)- Bruce R Jewell 4) â€Å"Business Studies† (4th edition)- Dave Hall-Rob Jones-Carlo Raffo- Alain Anderton 8) www.sagepub.com/upm-data/10923_Chapter1.pdf 9) www.businessethics.ca/definitions/business-ethics.html Business Ethics in Bangladesh. (2016, Apr 12). We have essays on the following topics that may be of interest to you

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Construction Industry Research Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Construction Industry Research - Article Example sought to debates theories infrequently presented by industry supporters about competition being either inapplicable or destructive in the construction industry (OECD Competition Committee, 2010). I agree with the author that construction is a pivotal industry in OECD markets since it develops and sustains the structures and substructures that nearly all other industries require. As a result, I was not surprised if found out at either of their theories about the irrelevance of competition in the construction industry were convincing to the author. A report-like approach by the other leads the OECD Competition Committee to discover the absence of discerning characteristics of the construction industry that lower the advantages that competition introduces to consumer welfare. However, I think the preliminary challenge that the committee should have tackled was focusing on teaching and training innovation as a holistic solution for improving competition in the construction sector. For instance, the article points out that China is aware of the importance of this solution to their cartel challenge in its construction sector. I also think that the articles should have ended with r ecommendations for the listed countries for dealing with the cartel challenges in their respective construction industries on top of the government’s

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Walt Disney Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Walt Disney - Essay Example Combining all these aspects will create better perspectives that can be used for future decision-making. First, the marketing capabilities of Walt Disney are a critical asset that translates short-term and long-term benefits. In particular, the brand name Walt Disney is considered as one of the most recognisable names in the market. It has been observed that the company has successfully attracted the market composed of consumers aged 12 years old and below. Indeed, the strategy of enticing children is an effective instrument in expanding the market. For instance, parents are likely to go with their children in acquiring the services offered by Walt Disney theme parks. Second, the decision to expand the operations of Disneyland to Hong Kong has some perceived weaknesses. As mentioned previously, Walt Disney has suffered consecutive setbacks in its overall operations. Despite the growth in the theme park sector, the company is still burdened by the lack of financial flexibility caused by the decline in revenues. Third, the market in Hong Kong provides several potentials including the possibility of encompassing the market in Mainland China. With its sheer population, China has the capacity to improve the attendance in Disneyland. In addition, the clients based from other Southeast Asian countries make the proposition more lucrative. The projected annual increase in attendance will assure growth revenues. Apart from the ticket sales, Walt Disney merchandises including the other products will be easily sold. The strength of the market of China and the improving economy will eventually boost the spending power of Chinese and will result to increase in visitors. Finally, establishing... After discussing the salient points that were assumed, it is important to provide a solution to the main problem. As stated, the concern of Walt Disney before pursuing the investment is on risk minimization and benefit maximization. The analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats sums up the suggested methods. In maximizing the benefits of the project, it is important to consider the strengths and opportunities of the company. The brand name that Walt Disney has nurtured will be conspicuous once the investment is manifested. Identification is the first step towards recognition and experimentation. Similarly, the potentials of the forecasted increase in attendance have to inspire Walt Disney to expand its services and embrace the other needs of the customers in theme parks. In minimizing the risk, Walt Disney has to be adept in translating the weaknesses and threats to positive drivers. First, the lack of financial flexibility has to drive the company towards securing better financial loans and advantageous partnerships. Without the needed resources, the company can still make the investment possible through the efficient allocation of resources. Second, the impending threat caused by the government can be neutralized by forging win-win deals with the government. This has to be done without curtailing the function of the government to protect the consumers. With some positive forecasts and government intervention, Disneyland Hong Kong is only a few years away. Contrary to the popular notion, the presence of potentials provides no guarantees to success. In fact, the situation becomes more complicated and thorough and critical analysis of the situation is required.

Monday, August 26, 2019

WK5-Critque Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

WK5-Critque - Essay Example Most of these articrafts were collected and donated by the curator and founder, Dr. David Pilgrim. The Jim Crow museum also owns a website link that serves as a valuable educational resource for research scholars at national as well as international levels. The website is very simple in layout and design. With a bold title description at the top, the format of the articles presents a clear and readable font size with a number of pictorial illustrations. There is no link, advertisement or content pasted on both sides of the article to avoid reader’s distraction. However, one has to move back to the main menu page for navigating to another article or resource. The information is well structured with bullets, numbering and headings for clarity. One of the most notable merits of the presented information is the acknowledgement of the sources in-text as well as at the end of the articles. The sources used are mostly from the scholarly journals and accredited books supporting the au thenticity of the information. Apart from several merits, the update information is not mentioned anywhere for the website or individual resources. The sources for the incorporated images are also not mentioned that makes it difficult for research scholars to track unbiased opinion. However, undoubtedly, the website is serving as a good learning and teaching resource.

Reaction Paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reaction Paper - Assignment Example In this paper, I will focus on the long-term maintenance and management of persons who are addicted to Opioid drugs. Methadone is recently been used as a treatment for persons suffering from opiate addiction. However, its reception in the country and internationally has not been positive, in the sense that, it has brought many controversies. Conversely, in my opinion methadone has been a great boost for persons addicted to opiate drugs, as well as, heroin. This is because it blocks the euphoric and numbing effects of opiates. Secondly, cravings for opiates are relived, which has been stated to be a major factor for relapse. Besides, from reducing cravings, it has helped in reliving symptoms associated with withdrawal from opiates. The fact that methadone does not cause any intoxication or euphoria in the body causing a person to work effectively is the major reason methadone is the appropriate maintenance treatment. Therefore, the use of methadone as a long-term drug for drug addiction maintenance is effective. Because according to the research conducted by Proctor et al. (2014), it is clear that the advantages of methadone over buprenorphine were many. In the research conducted by Akhondzadeh et al (2014), the research indicated that the use of self-help group was most preferred because of the higher agreeableness, as well as, lower neuroticism that were seen in people who attended NA meetings. Although the use of methadone is, a good approach of dealing with people who are opiate addicts in this time and age people are too busy to find time to attend NA meetings. Additionally, it was established that people who attend NA meetings had a lower level of education and come from poor backgrounds than those who used methadone as a form of maintenance for drug addiction (Matesa, 2011). For that reason, it is clear that although there are different methods of drug maintenance they

Sunday, August 25, 2019

International Cooperation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

International Cooperation - Essay Example International institutions are essential in ensuring cooperation between states and this is mainly through enforcing reciprocity. These institutions ensure that they institutionalize cooperation in such a manner that states find it hard to renege on those treaties or agreements that they have made with others. Furthermore, international institutions are designed to reduce mistrust and instead foster a spirit of confidence between member states, thus making possible an environment that is conducive for cooperation. The formation of these institutions guarantees the creation of ground rules that are necessary to build confidence between member states, which allows for the development of better initiatives for cooperation. The reciprocal nature of cooperation through international institutions is necessary for fostering the needed agreements to reduce friction between states and instead bring about mutual benefits between partners at the state level.International institutions act as a m eans through which states can be able to achieve international security mainly through developing confidence between member states. It should be noted that states normally try to secure themselves in the belief that there will come a time when their security might be threatened by their neighbors or other international players. In order to ensure their mutual security, states have come to cooperate in this sector, an example being NATO which has brought together some of the most powerful states in the world.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Analysis of Globalization and Transnational Processes Literature review

Analysis of Globalization and Transnational Processes - Literature review Example Apart from the highly debatable claims about the diminished role f states, there are additional issues that theories f globalization face. For the focus on how globalization negates the very concept a center and periphery by generating diasporic public spaces tend to lead to an undertheorizing f the differentiated peripheries, which have disparate relationships with the various centers. This is an undertheorizing f the centers which, United States hegemony not-withstanding, are composed f a number f complexly hierarchized and contending entities, for example, in Scottish--English--Welsh relationships. It is, as well, an undertheorizing f the peripheries which also have complex hierarchical inter-ethnic, cultural, and sometimes racial inter-relationships, first fall within their own borders, then between themselves as peripheries, and, finally, with the various centers. In other words, in theorizing the undoubtedly new phenomenon f globalization, it is critical not to lose sight f the specifics f this process. There are complex and dynamic patterns f racial, ethnic, cultural, class, and social hierarchies that are being generated within particular societies and on a global scale. Sometimes these generate new hierarchical spaces, but often they reinforce old hegemonies within and between nations, without necessarily undermining the power f nation-states as such. Thus I have pointed out that globalization, as it restructures societies internally, simultaneously establishes and reinforces international hierarchy f races, ethnicities, cultures, and nations. Broadly speaking, this hierarchy is based on an international ranking according to political, economic, and cultural prestige and power. This is measured, for example, by such standard economic criteria as per capita gross national product rates f technical innovativeness, and the obvious consequences that economic and technical dominance has for global military dominance. This global racial-cultural hierarchy places Anglo-American culture at the apex and Sub-Saharan African culture at the base. Hegemony is exercised, the first fall, within the complex racial and cultural hierarchies internal to the United States and Europe, and through this route, extends itself globally. Latin, Slavic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hindu, and other cultures (usually with their own complex and dynamic internal cultural, social, economic, and political hierarchies) jostle to occupy intermediate positions between the two extremes.  Ã‚  

Friday, August 23, 2019

Whole Food in Texas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Whole Food in Texas - Essay Example His acquisition strategy regarding independent small food stores and groceries helped him to uplift the company to be the nation’s one of the largest health food stores. The company aimed not only at the product quality but also the betterment of the employees, customers, shareholders, and the environment. They largely focused on social service activities such as sponsorship of several charitable foundations, and low interest loan program for local farmers in addition with the economic development operations. In order to meet the customer satisfaction, the firm expanded its prepared food section and added a restaurant area; it influenced the customers to spend more. The company had given comparatively good salary and incentives to the employees considering them as team members rather than employees. That was the real secret behind the success of the company. The CEO received only $1 per year in salary whereas the company executives were earning 19 times the average annual sala ry of full time team members. It shows his higher concern toward the success of the company. Wild Oats Markets is a Colorado based food company founded by Gilliland Elizabeth Cook in 1987. The company’s main growth strategy was new store developments and acquisitions. By this concept, they could acquire ranges of business ventures such as natural food stores and farmers markets.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Successful people Essay Example for Free

Successful people Essay Failure is not what sets us apart from the successful individuals around us, but it is how we see and what we do about this failure that makes us outshine them. I finished high school in a public school, but I have never seen this as a deduction from my character or my knowledge. However scarce resources were back then, I managed to perform well. It was not until I was in college when I had my first encounter with failure. I only passed one course, out of the five that I was taking. This made me question my own belief system and how I managed the academic aspect of my life. I know that at one point I did something unacceptable to my own standards. Once I have realized my gaffe I was willing to make up for it. As I tried to recuperate from my letdown, it dawned on me that one of my teachers embarrassed me in front of the whole class and questioned my ability and the lack thereof, leaving me with feelings of resentment. Instead of being supportive and encouraging me, she did the opposite. I have always had the assumption that educators educate children, not make them feel inferior to them because of the numerical measurement of their abilities. Educators are not only teaching concepts, they teach life. And what she taught me was that I did not have what it takes to be better. This is when I realized that I wanted to change what she does, and I wanted to be that change. I deem that I can become a better educator than her, especially to the underserved students because I understand what they go through and I empathize, not pull them down more. I will be able to see from their viewpoint because I grew up in a place like this and can relate to them by utilizing my familiarity with the culture and my personal experiences as a means of teaching. This realization, along with my lifelong passion to share my knowledge and experiences, has led me to the dream of becoming a teacher. If I can show these students my passion for education through a context that they can understand, I can help change their lives. My own failure made me realize why education is vital to everybody. It teaches about life and about the failures that we get to encounter along the way and how to remain standing even after all that’s happened. I worked hard when I was in high school, not because I am underserved, but because I know there’s much more to life than just being caught in a place like this, knowing that I could do better. A lot of these children think that they do not warrant a beautiful future ahead, because of where they came from. But, I can be the example of that beautiful future, I struggled, I was victorious, I went downhill, but I was strong enough to get back on track again. If I can, so can them.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Globalization and the Digital Divide Essay Example for Free

Globalization and the Digital Divide Essay The globalization era has been developing in recent years. The use of technology has an important role in running the business. Any information about companies can be known in a second. This condition pushes the people in business to provide the accurate, detail and trusted information which is related to the company. It also makes the company compete to improve the performance of their operational activities. To help understand how modern business development, every company definitely has an orientation to make a high profit, therefore the company tries to build a good image in public. Companies will compete to increase their success both in industry and trade field. At first, the company will be profit-oriented, but as it progresses, it is not only focused on profit-making but also focused on social responsibility to keep the company alive. Companies must think about the impact on their environment. Rapid business development drives industry growth, especially in Indonesia. An industrial activity must be related to the utilization of resources and produce valuable products. This will have a direct and indirect impact on the environment. The natural resource management industry, especially the management of non-renewable resources (petroleum, natural gas, coal industries, etc.) is a short-term industry, but it has a long-term impact on the environment. Despite having a positive impact on the economy of a country, an industrial activity also has a negative impact on the surrounding environment. Negative impacts due to activities that cause environmental damage, should be minimized first for the good of the company and the community. At the same time, governments, stock exchanges, markets, investors and the public require companies to be transparent about the goals, performance, and impacts of their sustainability. Then came the practice of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) in the business world. CSR is the companys contribution to the stakeholders towards sustainable development by minimizing the negative impact of operational activities. Now CSR is widely known and in Indonesia has many companies that apply it. In addition, the policy has been made regarding the disclosure of CSR as stipulated in Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 40 of 2007 and mentioned that a company that carries out its business activities in relation to natural resources, is obliged to carry out social and environmental responsibility. CSR is expressed in a report called Sustainability Report. As reported in www.globalreporting.org (2017), Sustainability Report is a report published by the company about the economic, environmental, and social impacts caused by daily operational activities of the company. One of the guidelines that can be used by companies in carrying out CSR activities is the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative). GRI is an international non-profit organization with network-based structure. GRI encourages the implementation of reporting with Sustainability Report as a way for companies and organizations to become more sustainable and contribute to a sustainable global economy. Companies report their activities based on principles and disclosures of standards in accordance with GRI Generation 4 (G4 Guidelines). In that way, the companies will feel the importance of CSR reporting that can improve their image, bring profit and ensure the survival of the company. However, if a company does not report CSR, it will create a conflict with stakeholders. Manufacturing is an industry whose main activity is processing or converting raw materials into finished or semi-finished goods so that goods have added value. Each processing of raw materials from manufacturers would produce waste, causes the environment to feel its impact. The large number of manufacturing companies operating in Java Island, making Java is the largest contributor of waste in Indonesia (National Geographic Indonesia, 2011). That is why covering the issue of environmental damage must be with a high skepticism. Because, besides a large number of output produced by the manufacturing company for its operational activities, it is still more output to be spent to repair environmental damage. Cases of thousands of liters of oil owned by PT Central Georgette Nusantara Printing (CGNP) that spill out pollutes Cibingbin River in Bandung, West Java makes people uneasy because the waste has been polluting the river that empties into the Sanguling Reservoir. The companys operational activities in this area cause environmental damage and harm the people around. It also causes two hectares of paddy fields managed by local people, threatened crops failing. This condition makes people consider the environmental issues are the main ones. After getting pressure from both the government and the people around the factory, the company is ultimately responsible for the environmental pollution issue. The case above pushes the role of CSR as a business-enhancing success for a company. This research is using firm size, profitability, leverage, public ownership and industry sensitivity as independent variables and CSR disclosure which uses G4 guidelines as the dependent variable. Firm size is an indicator that can indicate a condition or characteristic (large or small) of a company. Large companies are more in demand by analysts and brokers because they tend to be easy to publish financial reports and tend to be in stable performance positions (Astuti Nugrahanti, 2015). Profitability measures the overall effectiveness of management in generating profits with its assets (Smart Graham, 2010, p. 66). It means to measure the activity of the company in earned net profit. Leverage provides a description of the companys capital structure, thus it can use to see the level of risk of uncollectible debt (Fahrizqi, 2010). Public ownership is the proportion of share ownership owned by the public of the companys shares (Arthana, 2012). Industry sensitivity can be interpreted a s how big the influence of industrial activity that is directly related to the environment (Winarsih, 2015). The research about the determinant of CSR has been done by some researchers such as Arthana (2012) showed that public ownership and firm size have no significant effect on CSR disclosure. Meanwhile, leverage and profitability have a significant effect on CSR disclosure. However, it was a different research by Kusuma (2012). It showed that that firm size and public ownership have a significant effect on CSR disclosure and leverage does not affect the CSR disclosure. The research by Kusuma (2012) was support by Wijaya (2012), Zanirah (2012) and M. Nur D. Priantinah (2012) showed that firm size significantly influences, but to leverage and profitability does not affect the disclosure of social responsibility. Zanirah (2012) showed that the firm size has a positive significant effect and leverage has a negative effect, while profitability has no significant effect on CSR disclosure. M. Nur D. Priantinah (2012) showed that profitability and public ownership have no significant effect on CSR disclosure. Firm size has a positive significant effect and leverage has a negative significant effect. C. Putra (2012) has a different result compared with M. Nur D. Priantinah (2012) and Zanirah (2012). It showed that firm size has a significant effect on CSR disclosure in manufacture companies while leverage, profitability, and public ownership have no significant effect. From earlier studies that show the different effects on CSR disclosure exhibit the research gap with different variable and different object push the researcher to retest research by C. Putra (2012) by adding a variable to improve the results about â€Å"THE EFFECT OF FIRM SIZE, PROFITABILITY, LEVERAGE, PUBLIC OWNERSHIP AND INDUSTRY SENSITIVITY ON CSR DISCLOSURE (A CASE STUDY OF MANUFACTURING COMPANIES LISTED IN INDONESIA STOCK EXCHANGE YEAR 2013-2017)† Research Questions Based on the background, the research questions that are discussed in this research are: Does firm size have a partial effect to CSR disclosure on manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange at 2013-2017? Does profitability have a partial effect to CSR disclosure on manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange at 2013-2017? Does leverage have a partial effect to CSR disclosure on manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange at 2013-2017? Does public ownership have a partial effect to CSR disclosure on manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange at 2013-2017? Does industry sensitivity have a partial effect to CSR disclosure on manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange at 2013-2017? Do firm size, profitability, leverage, public ownership and industry sensitivity have a simultaneous effect to CSR disclosure on manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange at 2013-2017? Research Limitation The discussion of the problem is limited to affecting some variable to CSR disclosure, which consists of firm size, profitability, leverage, public ownership and industry sensitivity. The company which is observed is manufacturing companies listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange at 2013-2017. Research Purpose To analyze whether firm size has a partial effect to CSR disclosure to manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange at 2013-2017. To analyze whether profitability has a partial effect to CSR disclosure to manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange at 2013-2017. To analyze whether leverage has a partial effect to CSR disclosure to manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange at 2013-2017. To analyze whether public ownership has a partial effect to CSR disclosure to manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange at 2013-2017. To analyze whether industry sensitivity has a partial effect to CSR disclosure to manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange at 2013-2017. To analyze whether firm size, profitability, leverage, public ownership and industry sensitivity have a simultaneous effect to CSR disclosure to manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange at 2013-2017. Benefit For Company This study is expected to give information for manufacturing companies in preparing meaningful sustainability reports and making steady sustainability reporting and directed to standard practice. It contributes to the understanding of determinants of CSR disclosure to improve the implementation of disclosure guidelines. This study is expected to be an input for companies in doing consideration and decision making which will be useful in providing an additional value of the company. For investor As an overview of CSR disclosure that serves as a reference for investment decision making. For accounting department As a meaningful contribution to the accounting department to develop a study of financial management especially for CSR disclosure. For student This study helps extends the scope of previous studies by introducing independent and dependent variables engage with CSR. The results of this study are expected to be a reference and comparison for further research, which is a concern with the CSR disclosure. Glossary Firm Size Firm size is the number of assets owned by the company. Thus, the large and small of a company can be seen by its assets ADDIN CSL_CITATION { citationItems : [ { id : ITEM-1, itemData : { DOI : 10.1017/CBO9781107415324.004, ISBN : 9788578110796, ISSN : 1098-6596, PMID : 25246403, author : [ { dropping-particle : , family : Rahman, given : Arif, non-dropping-particle : , parse-names : false, suffix : }, { dropping-particle : , family : Widyasari, given : Kurnia Nur, non-dropping-particle : , parse-names : false, suffix : } ], container-title : Jurnal Akuntansi Auditing Indonesia, id : ITEM-1, issue : 1, issued : { date-parts : [ [ 2008 ] ] }, page : 25-35, title : The analysis of company characteristic influence towards CSR disclosure: Empirical evidence of manufacturing companies listed in JSX, type : article-journal, volume : 12 }, uris : [ http://www.mendeley.com/documents/?uuid=ad81e84f-e72e-4aeb-998f-b3df3f96da8f ] } ], mendeley : { formattedCitation : (Rahman Widyasari, 2008 ), plainTextFormattedCitation : (Rahman Widyasari, 2008), previouslyFormattedCitation : (Rahman Widyasari, 2008) }, properties : { noteIndex : 9 }, schema : https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json }(Rahman Widyasari, 2008). Profitability Profitability measure the focus on company profits ADDIN CSL_CITATION { citationItems : [ { id : ITEM-1, itemData : { author : [ { dropping-particle : , family : Marcus, given : Brealey Myers, non-dropping-particle : , parse-names : false, suffix : } ], edition : Lima, id : ITEM-1, issued : { date-parts : [ [ 2006 ] ] }, number-of-pages : 372, publisher : Erlangga, title : Dasar-Dasar Manajemen Keuangan Perusahaan Jilid 2, type : book }, uris : [ http://www.mendeley.com/documents/?uuid=eaa4ed05-0031-4fc6-9f14-1d31d7503a15 ] } ], mendeley : { formattedCitation : (Marcus, 2006), manualFormatting : (Marcus, 2006, p. 80), plainTextFormattedCitation : (Marcus, 2006), previouslyFormattedCitation : (Marcus, 2006) }, properties : { noteIndex : 9 }, schema : https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json }(Marcus, 2006, p. 80). Big companies are expected to earn more profit than small companies. It also measures the using of the efficiency of company assets AD DIN CSL_CITATION { citationItems : [ { id : ITEM-1, itemData : { author : [ { dropping-particle : , family : Husnan, given : Suad, non-dropping-particle : , parse-names : false, suffix : }, { dropping-particle : , family : Enny Pudjiastuti, given : , non-dropping-particle : , parse-names : false, suffix : } ], edition : Pertama, id : ITEM-1, issued : { date-parts : [ [ 1996 ] ] }, publisher : Unit Penerbit dan Percetakan (UPP) AMP YKPN, publisher-place : Yogyakarta, title : Dasar-Dasar Manajemen Keuangan, type : book }, uris : [ http://www.mendeley.com/documents/?uuid=561254b1-8c37-4dae-9f07-9552249e0f60 ] } ], mendeley : { formattedCitation : (Husnan Enny Pudjiastuti, 1996), manualFormatting : (Husnan Enny Pudjiastuti, 1996, p. 73), plainTextFormattedCitation : (Husnan Enny Pudjiastuti, 1996), previouslyFormattedCitation : (Husnan Enny Pudjiastuti, 1996) }, properties : { noteIndex : 9 }, schema : https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json }(Husnan Enny Pudjiastuti, 1996, p. 73). Leverage Leverage means measuring the companys ability to fulfill its financial obligations. It can be that leverage is measure how far the company uses debt ADDIN CSL_CITATION { citationItems : [ { id : ITEM-1, itemData : { author : [ { dropping-particle : , family : Husnan, given : Suad, non-dropping-particle : , parse-names : false, suffix : }, { dropping-particle : , family : Enny Pudjiastuti, given : , non-dropping-particle : , parse-names : false, suffix : } ], edition : Pertama, id : ITEM-1, issued : { date-parts : [ [ 1996 ] ] }, publisher : Unit Penerbit dan Percetakan (UPP) AMP YKPN, publisher-place : Yogyakarta, title : Dasar-Dasar Manajemen Keuangan, type : book }, uris : [ http://www.mendeley.com/documents/?uuid=561254b1-8c37-4dae-9f07-9552249e0f60 ] } ], mendeley : { formattedCitation : (Husnan Enny Pudjiastuti, 1996), manualFormatting : (Husnan Enny Pudjiastuti, 1996, p. 70), plainTextFormattedCitation : (Husnan Enny Pudjiastuti, 1996), previouslyFormattedCitation : (Husn an Enny Pudjiastuti, 1996) }, properties : { noteIndex : 9 }, schema : https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json }(Husnan Enny Pudjiastuti, 1996, p. 70). Public Ownership Public ownership is the proportion of share ownership owned by the public of the companys shares ADDIN CSL_CITATION { citationItems : [ { id : ITEM-1, itemData : { author : [ { dropping-particle : , family : Arthana, given : Ronny, non-dropping-particle : , parse-names : false, suffix : } ], container-title : Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa FEB UB, id : ITEM-1, issue : 2, issued : { date-parts : [ [ 2012 ] ] }, page : 1-14, title : Pengaruh Karakteristik Perusahaan Terhadap Pengungkapan Tanggung Jawab Sosial Perusahaan (CSR) Pada Perusahaan Yang Terdaftar Di Indeks LQ45 Bursa Saham Indonesia (BEI), type : article-journal, volume : 1 }, uris : [ http://www.mendeley.com/documents/?uuid=848daaaf-51e9-409e-b044-80ae139493e6 ] } ], mendeley : { formattedCitation : (Arthana, 2012), plainTextFormattedCitation : (Arthana, 2012), previouslyFormattedCitation : (Arthana, 2012) }, properties : { noteIndex : 9 }, schema : https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json }(A rthana, 2012). The bigger the share which is owned by the public, the more information will be explained, the investors want to get more information about its investment and make sure that it is safely managing then the obligation will be fulfilled. Industry Sensitivity Industry sensitivity can be interpreted as how big the influence of industrial activity that is directly related to the environment ADDIN CSL_CITATION { citationItems : [ { id : ITEM-1, itemData : { author : [ { dropping-particle : , family : Winarsih, given : Arga Mustika, non-dropping-particle : , parse-names : false, suffix : } ], id : ITEM-1, issued : { date-parts : [ [ 2015 ] ] }, title : Pengaruh Media Online , Sensitivitas Industri Dan Struktur Corporate Governance Terhadap Kualitas Environmental Disclosure Governance (Studi Pada Perusahaan High Profile di BEI), type : report }, uris : [ http://www.mendeley.com/documents/?uuid=d495d810-1aa1-41f2-8dc4-6690588eae85 ] } ], mendeley : { formattedCitation : (Winarsih, 2015), plainTextFormattedCitation : (Winarsih, 2015), previouslyFormattedCitation : (Winarsih, 2015) }, properties : { noteIndex : 10 }, schema : https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json }(Winarsih, 2015).

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Example Answers to Questions on Consumer Behaviour

Example Answers to Questions on Consumer Behaviour -PURCHASE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS- Problem Recognition: The problem recognition is where psychological needs are involved; the intensity or awareness of the problem may vary as the individual realize that the actual state of mind or feeling is not a wanted one, as a consequence, the individual take action to change it by acquisition of a product or service. Information Search: This is the stage when the awareness of the problem is accepted and the self-realization of what kind of purchase could solve the difficulty. Where and how it can be acquired? What information is on reach? At this stage, consumers will search information that will allow them to make a decision. Information Evaluation: The evaluation of the information will be evaluated based on a certain criteria; the consumer will find means to differentiate between them. They may target shops, brands, pricing, promotion or even physical aspect like packaging. Decision: The next step after evaluation is the decision, which may be a natural result of the product assessment. The consumer may have to prioritise the assessment or choice of product/service/solution even further by choosing if the convenience or price is the most significant factor, or one may predominate on the other. Post-Purchase Evaluation: The majority of cases consumers are likely to be some level of after-acquisition analysis in order to reassure them whether the product/service fulfilled previous expectation. -BUYING SITUATIONS- Routine Problem Solving: This is when items that fall into the routine problem solving category in order not to risk by changing to new competitor products. The consumer is satisfied with the same brand and the benefit of changing may just bring an unnecessary effort of information, evaluation and decision. This generally happens with cheap or low-cost products. Limited Problem Solving: Involves more attention and decision -making those routine acquisitions. Goods tend to have an elevate value and last longer. It is more likely to occur when acquiring services. The consumer has the need to acquire the product right from the first time and will like not to risk by trying. Extended problem Solving: The extended problem solving is similar to the limited one but it compromises a more serious purchase, meaning that it is even more severe that the limited one. Goods have a much more value, consequently, a even higher risk for the buyer. It will be motivated to know as much as possible about the product and the decision will be based on coherent, practical and cognisant grounds. -BUYER BEHAVIOUR THEORIES- The buyer behaviour processes and acts on individuals involved in buying and using products or services. The formulation of the marketing strategies that will succeed in implementation depends on the understanding of how people behave when buy and how does the environment is composed. The decision environment are the influences that make people to take a decision, for instance family traditions, reference groups that enhance associate or disassociate behaviours. The consumer buying process consists of 5 steps: Need recognition: This is when an individual recognise the need for the acquisition of a product, in the scenario of the hair care company, the buyer acknowledge the need for the product by different factors as internal or external stimuli, social esteem, etc. Information search: this is when the recognition process is complete; the fallowing step is where to acquire the product (memory, family, advertising, internet) Alternative evaluation: As it is rare to find exactly what people look for there is always an evaluation for alternatives (rational or irrational). Purchase decision and associated risk: It is important that the purchase of a good do not involved a high risk in regard of performance, financial, physical, social and egocentrically. Post purchase evaluation: The final stage of the consumer buying process with the overall performance in contrast to the expectation prior the acquisition. The key factors that influence marketing activities in buying satiations are the cultural, social, personal and psychological factors. -FACTORS INFLUENCING CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR- Cultural: Language, religion, education, values and attitudes, etc. Social: Primary groups, secondary groups, inspirational groups and dissociative groups. Personal: as age, occupation, economic class, life style. Psychological: Motivation and the greatness of the need. All this information is used to develop a clear picture and valid associations of how people take the decision to acquire a product, along with specifications of a valid target process, which will then be applied by the organization. Types of Buying Behaviour: Level of involvement is an individuals intensity of interest in a product and the importance he or she places on a product. Consumers go through a problem-solving process. The 4 types of Problem-Solving are: Routine Response: buying that requires very little search and decision effort; it is used for products that are low priced and bought frequently. Examples include soft drinks, snack foods, milk, etc. Limited Decision: Buyers use when they purchase products occasionally or need information about unfamiliar brands in a familiar product category; it requires a moderate amount of time for information gathering and deliberation. Examples include Clothes, know product class but not the brand. Extensive Decision: employed when unfamiliar, expensive, or infrequently bought products (such as homes, automobiles and furniture) are purchased; buyers used many criteria to evaluate brands and spend more time searching for information and deciding on the purchase. Impulse Buying: unplanned buying behavior involving powerful urge to buying something immediately. A lot of impulse decisions are made at the checkout area and can be on items such as candy, sodas, batteries, film, etc. Situational influences in the buying decision process: Situational Influences: Elements that influence the buyer to change his mind. Situational Processes: Physical surroundings Social surroundings Time perspective Research purchase Momentary mood and conditions Psychological Influence in the buying decision process: Psychological Influences (factors that determine behaviour) Selective Exposure: Select one important factor while ignoring another (go to Libya because is cheap and worm ignoring hostile environment) Selective Distortion: Twisting information with personal feelings or beliefs (pay  £700 when just can afford  £550) Selective Retention: Thrusting beliefs and feelings in regard of a product/service that actually are where never associated. Perceptual organization: This is based on organizing and integrating new information with what is already stored in the consumers memory. (Marketing Æ’Â ¨Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Consumer Focus Æ’Â ¨Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Product made for the consumer needs) (Sales Æ’Â ¨ Product Focus Æ’Â ¨Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  Consumer buy a product that may do not suit the consumer) Interpretation: The interpretation of the consumer on an untried product/service (how the consumer see it). Main reasons why a marketer fails while delivering a message to the consumer are: Consumers block out sellers info. Consumers interpret sellers information differently than intended. Consumer discomfort info the conflicts with cultural issues. -EXTERNAL INTERNAL FACTORS THAT AFFECTS THE BUYER BEHAVIOUR PROCESS- Environmental influences: The decision making process is always connected to the environment in which the product and the buyer are. These influences are the fallowing ones. Sociocultural influences: Influences from current trends as a whole and the various social groups they belong in order to enhance status. Technological Influences: It affects many aspects of the decision-making by product development and innovation. Economic and competitive influences: Price, value for money and conscious assessment of the need to acquire are prevalent influences. Political and legal influences: Legislations, regulations, consumer rights and advertising also effect the overall decision-making process. Psychological influences (The individual): The psychological influences are these aspects that affects an individual perception while executing a conscious or subconscious decision-making process. Personality: Very extensive area of study consist on features, behaviours and experiences of the consumers. Perception: It indicates the way in which people interpret, analyse and make sense of present and upcoming situation while being affected by personality, experience and mood. Learning: The process by consumers of understanding and retaining info from a product. Motivation: Is based on Maslows hierarchy of needs (Physiological, Safety, Love, Esteem, Self-actualisation). Attitudes: Is a perspective that an individual takes on a certain subject (Cognitive, Affective, Conative). Sociocultural Influences (The Group): Social groups will inevitably affect purchasing decision were the individual are member of, as individuals are influenced by social and cultural factor from their location of provenience. Social class: Is a form of social grouping for identification of masses. Culture and Subculture: It refers to the personality of the society where consumers live in (Art, Language, Literature, Music and Products which are consumed by society). Reference Groups: these are groups where an individual belongs or aspire to belong (professional bodies, social societies, lifestyle groups) Family: It is the key influence of the buyer behaviour of the individuals. -RELATION BETWEEN BRAND LOYALTY, CORPORATE IMAGE AND REPEAT PURCHASE Brand loyalty this happens when a consumer is predisposed to acquire the same brand of goods/services constantly over a certain period of time instead of varying among manufacturers of the same product/service. Perhaps brand loyalty can be measured by the consistence or volume of acquisitions of the same brand within the same category. Corporate image is a conceptual mental image developed by corporate advertising techniques to highlight their image so it can boost desirability to consumers, suppliers, employers and stakeholders. Companies develop a corporate image in order to enhance psychological perception, reputation and corporate culture. A positive corporate image can augment consumer adoption and develop further brand loyalty. Repeat purchase is the action made by buyers while repurchasing a previously purchased product. Repeat purchase is a pattern used in order to calculate the consistency of loyalty to a brand. The relationship between these three factors is enormous as they aimed the same result. The difference is that all make part of the same scope but in different stages. For instance when a company invest on the development of a positive corporate image, consumers will then mature a positive psychological perception over a period of time (depending the intensity and technique used). These perceptions will impulse consumers to try, and consequently, to adopt the product as preferable acquisition among all other similar brand products. When consumers make a repeat purchase of the same brand, the company is then able to assume a certain degree of brand loyalty.

Monday, August 19, 2019

American Homeland Security :: essays research papers

Homeland Security Millions of innocent lives lost on 9-11-01. A problem not widely discussed in the United States much until September 11, 2001 the date of the attack from terrorist organizations on the world trade centers’ New York towers in New York City. The United States of America (USA) has not worried much about self defense or in this case homeland security. Due to the actions on September 11th homeland security has been the main goal of many politicians and voters. Homeland security builds coalitions and partnerships, protects civil rights and civil liberties, and develops human capital. Coalitions and partnerships are one of the key points of homeland security (United States 2). Homeland security was created during Cold War (Watson 1). This was to protect the USA from the possibility of a nuclear war with the communistic government of the Russians at the time. Today the USA’s department of homeland security collaborates horizontally which is between different federal agencies (United States 2). This is done to ensure communication between different federal groups. Also, this ensures that the different groups join forces concerning issues in the country. They collaborate vertically through different forms of government (United States 2). One of the many coalitions for homeland security is the U.S. Department of States. This was created in 1789 (United States 3). It was made to protect the rights of people and foreign relations. This helps benefit the different forms of government having positive relations with other countries. Also homeland security protects civil rights and civil liberties (United States 2). This is done through the two main organizations the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The CIA gathers information that protects the USA and it was created to do such (â€Å"Civilian† 8). While the FBI was founded to provide other law enforments with corporative assistance (â€Å"Civilian† 12). The rights of many people are enjoyed due to the operation of these two coalitions that sometimes seems like a partnership. These liberties and rights are taken for granted by people who don’t realize how much they rely on civil liberties and rights that are the backbone of the USA. With out these organizations there would be more illegal drug trafficking from foreign companies and also domestic drug trade. These organizations are a form of internal protection.

House of the Spirits Essay -- essays papers

House of the Spirits In Allende’s The House of the Spirits, Esteban Trueba is the principal male character. During the course of the novel, Trueba increases his power in the world as he progresses in status from a conservative landowner to a powerful senator. He is tyrannical, treating his family members and the tenants on his family hacienda, Tres Marà ­as, like subjects rather than intimate community. The basis for most of Trueba's actions is the desire for power, control, and wealth, and he pursues these things at any cost, disregarding his emotional decline and the effects of his actions upon the people in his life. The most brutal display of Trueba’s power are the many rapes he performs in Las Tres Marà ­as: â€Å"†¦not a girl passed from puberty to adulthood that he did not subject to the woods, the riverbank, or the wrought-iron bed†¦he began to chase after those from the neighboring haciendas, take them in the wink of an eye, anywhere he could find a place in the fields.† Trueba rationalizes away his guilt, absolves his sins by â€Å"harden[ing] his soul and silenc[ing] his conscience with the excuse of progress† . His actions, however, come back to haunt him later in the novel, when the product of one of his rapes, his illegitimate grandson, Esteban Garcia, becomes a leader in the military regime and captures his beloved Alba, who is tortured and raped by Garcia's men. Trueba also desires control over his wife, daughter, and granddaughter. He wants â€Å"control over that undefined and luminous material that lay with her [Clara] and that escaped him†. In addition, when Clara stated, â€Å"You can’t keep the world from changing, Esteban. If it’s not Pedro Tercero Garcà ­a, someone else will bring new ideas to Tres Marà ­as,† Trueba ... ...aracteristic he had had since childhood, when he used to throw himself on the floor foaming at the mouth, so furious that he could scarcely breath, and kicking like one possessed by the devil†. Trueba is successful politically and financially, but he suffers emotionally. As Trueba's wealth and power grow, his relationships with his family members and tenants crumble. His failure to achieve a balance between his priorities and the needs of other people causes many disturbances in the social interactions throughout his life. Trueba attempts to solve many problems through the use of his uncontrollable fits of rage, and this is his ultimate downfall. Trueba is unable to comprehend the effects of his actions and he refuses to realize his emotional decline, resulting in his long and miserable life until he dies in the arms of his granddaughter, Alba, at an old age.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Ezeulus Defeat in Chinua Achebes Arrow of God Essay -- Achebe Arrow

Ezeulu's Defeat in Chinua Achebe's Arrow of God When the Umuaro people began to encounter the spreading European colonialists, most realized that the colonialists were not like their other enemies and that they could not be defeated in the same way. So, even those most fiercely opposed to the colonial presence at first eventually conformed to its power. However, Ezeulu, the tragic hero of Chinua Achebe's Arrow of God, was not the typical Umuaro villager. As the chief priest of the powerful deity Ulu, Ezeulu felt that he could be subordinate to no one and accordingly rose up in direct confrontation with both the colonialists and his own community. Even as strong of a man as Ezeulu could not fight successfully against such outnumbering odds; Ezeulu was defeated completely and witnessed the breakdown of his family, his religion, and even his own sanity. The first contact that the Umuaro villagers had with the colonialists in the novel came as the result of a war stemming from a land dispute with a neighboring village, Okperi. Ezeulu's actions in this conflict would shape the future relationship between himself and colonial Captain Winterbottom, called Wintabota by the villagers. The conflict leading up to the war began in an Umuaro meeting of the elders. Being a democratic society, the village had no chief and therefore relied on the assembly to make decisions, such as whether or not to go to war. Nwaka, an important Umuaro elder, led the people to believe that they should attack the Okperi people because they had infringed upon farmland that traditionally belonged to Umuaro. Ezeulu did not agree with the war and believed that it would not be accepted by the gods. Therefore, he said, "If you choose to fight a man for a piece ... ...tting their old god. As Ezeulu realized that the title of Ezeulu would not be passed on to one of his remaining sons (and that they would probably not accept it even if it was available), he lost his sanity. Everything that had been important to him, his family, his religion, and his community had abandoned him. Now, even his own mind turned against him. Achebe's Arrow of God is such a powerful novel because it shows that the immense power of colonialism can cripple even the strongest of men like Ezeulu. While we watch Ezeulu spending the remainder of his waning life living "in the haughty splendor of a demented high priest" spared the knowledge of the final outcome, a question forms in our minds: if Ezeulu could not stand up to the white man, what chance did the average man have? (229). Work Cited Achebe, Chinua. Arrow of God. New York: Anchor Books, 1969.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

What Impressions of the Characters Relationship Are Conveyed?

What impressions of the characters relationship are conveyed by the language they use, and the interaction between them? In this text, the opening scene of Ibsen’s Dolls House, the conversation between Helmer and Nora shows who acts as a more authoritative figure through imperatives, patronising lexis and explanative language. This is to show the relationship between the married couple regarding terms of how they address each other. I will also consider gender theories such as Debora Tennen’s gender theory of politeness and Zimmerman and West’s suggesting men are more dominating in conversation.The purpose of the text, A Dolls House, is to reveal information about the relationship between Nora and Helmer through the interactions of their conversation and their lexis. Nora speaks in a polite manor, ‘just this minute’ which could be interpreted through Trudgill’s gender theory suggesting women use precise pronunciation to aim to be viewed at a h igher class. The adjective, ‘just’ could imply Nora will act quickly in order to respond to her husband because he has a higher status and power over herself.However, her husbands language is very different, ‘been wasting money again? ’ this rhetorical question implies a threatening and dominant tone. This could be interpreted by kZimmerman and West’s gender theory which suggests men act more dominant in conversation in order to gain and keep power. The terms of address the couple use change in relation to the conversation topic. Nora addresses her husband by his second name, ‘As you please, Torvald’ which could imply their relationship is formal and she has little authority as he holds all the power.This could be interpreted by Debora Tennen who states that women use terms of address and politeness to form bonds. However, Helmer addresses Nora in two different approaches; whilst they are having a general conversation Nora is referred to as his possession, ‘My little skylark’ the adjective ‘little’ implying she is belittled as she has no authority. Also, the use of the pronoun, ‘my’ implies Nora belongs to Helmer and she has control over her hence the metaphor for her name.However, when Nora ‘misbehaves’ she is addressed with her name, ‘Nora, Nora! Just like a woman! ’ his use of explanative language portrays his loss of patience with her but also he is telling her off like Nora is a child in a patronising manor. The repetition of ‘Nora’ implies she has done wrong and he dismisses her to get her to behave like a father would to a child. This could be interpreted by Grice’s maxims of quantity as he speaks more than Nora implying he has a higher level of authority and power.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Of Plymouth Plantation Essay

â€Å"Of Plymouth Plantation† is a manuscript of Bradford’s history starting in 1620. The first book was copied into the church records and preserved, but unfortunately the second part was presumably lost. The manuscripts were found in the residence of the Bishop of London and were published together for the first time in 1856. There seems to be immeasurable history in these books. William Bradford, the author of â€Å"Of Plymouth Plantation† gives a narrative of the voyage to Cape Cod. In the beginning of chapter 9, Bradford starts with a story of a young sailor whom had cursed and slighted the pilgrims for their weakness and constant sickness. However, that same sailor died from an unstated disease, giving the pilgrims peace as they no longer had persecution from any sailor. Bradford also mentions that young John Howland had fallen into the sea. Howland was under the water for a long time and as he held on to a topsail halyard, a rope that hangs overboard, he was pulled down to a deep level while the ship moved at a steady pace. After he was rescued Howland was sick for a long time, but survived in spite of his experience. As the Pilgrims finally reach Cape Code, Bradford explains the problems of the voyage which were part of the reason they had not made it all the way to Jamestown. The Pilgrims were elated to see land however they were also troubled because they had arrived during winter. Not only were land  conditions poor for farming at this time, but the ground was also hard. The few provisions they brought had been mostly for the journey, and not necessarily for the winter. Yet, due to the condition of the ship, the general consensus was to stay at Cape Cod. The Pilgrims arrived at Cape Cod aboard the Mayflower on November 11th, 1620. When they arrived, sixteen men, lead by Miles Standish, went on an exploration hoping to find a nearby river. In the process, they stumbled upon a small group of natives. However, the natives ran away when they caught sight of the Pilgrims. The Pilgrims followed the natives and consequently came across a former village where they took some of the provisions that were left there. They also came upon two more dwellings where they found some seeds, which they were thankful for. On December 6th, the Pilgrims set out in a shallop to explore further. As they were approaching land, they spotted a group of ten to twelve natives. The day was coming to an end, so the Pilgrims set up a barricade in case of attack. The next morning they set out to find the natives. They came upon the group of natives and saw that they were cleaning a fish. As the sun set, the Pilgrims set up another barricade for protection. As they were going to sleep they could hear wolves in the night, and they fired off their muskets to scare the wolves away. At day break, the Pilgrims found themselves under attack by the natives, which caused them to retreat from the area. However, the winter weather had gotten bad, and they had to spend some time on an island before heading back to the ship. On Monday, they were able to return to the ship. The party subsequently anchored in Plymouth where they began to build the colony’s first house. When reading these two chapters of Bradford’s manuscript, one would begin to appreciate the value of history. America’s possession of the first accounts, from Bradford’s perspective, of the Mayflower’s voyage to Plymouth is invaluable. In _American Historical Review_ David Read said, â€Å"William Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation could easily be categorized as yet another largely unread, dry-as-toast document from the days before things got really interesting in this country (p512).† Any reader would realize the piece of history which makes this logic absurd, nevertheless understanding that it is dry and very difficult to read. Bradford seems to ramble on about significant details; however this is a manuscript and not a professionally written book. One of the best-known sections of Bradford’s manuscript is chapter nine, which details the arrival to Cape Cod. The Pilgrims are struck by what they perceive as a desolate wilderness, utterly hostile and without comforts. Bradford emphasizes the tribulation they endured in sailing to this new land, and in his writings, Bradford wants the reader to understand that things did not get any better. Continuing in chapter ten, readers can see Indians being more problematic and viewed as a hostile force of nature to be reckoned with, ready to destroy the Pilgrims. In conclusion, the point of these chapters in â€Å"Of Plymouth Plantation† is to emphasize the struggles, hardships, and privations suffered by the Pilgrims in an attempt to show that they had been chosen for success by divine Providence. As David Partenheimer said in _Explicator_, â€Å"In any case, it is a remarkable moment in American literature when the New World is typologically conceptualized as the Promised Land for a chosen people despite a landscape of hell (p121).† Works Cited Bradford, William. â€Å"Of Plymouth Plantation.† _The Norton Anthology of American Literature_. 7th ed. Vol. A. Ed. Nina Baym. New York: W. W. Norton, 2007. 105-120. Print. Partenheimer, David. â€Å"Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation: 1620-1647.† _Explicator_ 56.3 (1998): 121. _Academic Search Elite_. Web. 17 Oct. 2014 Read, David. â€Å"William Bradford’s Books: Of Plymouth Plantation And The Printed Word (Book).† _American Historical Review_ 109.2 (2004): 512-513. _Academic Search Elite_. Web. 17 Oct. 2014.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Personhood and Abortion Essay

The topic of personhood and abortion is a very controversial one. I agree with Marquis and Thomson’s theory on how personhood does not settle the ethical debate on abortion. Therefore, I will explain Don Marquis’s argument, his critique of the traditional pro-life argument, why this argument is far off from the general idea of what a person is and why I agree with his argument. Then, I will discuss Judith Thomson’s argument and why I believe the Burglars and Seed People argument is the most persuasive. Lastly, I will describe what I believe the definition of a person is. Towards the beginning of Marquis’s article he states, â€Å"The anti-abortionist charges, not unreasonably, that pro-choice principles concerning killing are too narrow to be acceptable; the pro-choicer charges, not unreasonably, that anti-abortionist principles concerning killing are too broad to be acceptable†¦All this suggests that a necessary condition of resolving the abortion controversy is a more theoretical account of the wrongness of killing. † (92) I agree that personhood alone does not solve the issue of abortion. His article discusses the principle concerning the wrongness of killing. This principle entails that it is wrong to destroy cancer-cell cultures or any other human cell cultures that are done in a lab. This is far-off from what the general idea of a person is. Cells and a person share little of the same characteristics; therefore, the anti-abortionist’s principle is too broad. Marquis says, â€Å"Killing adults is wrong because it deprives them of their future. But in killing a fetus, we are also depriving it of its future. Thus, it seems inconsistent to object to one but not the other. (90) Basically, he is saying that if we think killing an adult is wrong then we ought to think that killing a fetus is wrong. Marquis concentrates on applying that personhood doesn’t matter when arguing about abortion because most arguments involving personhood are too narrow or too broad in scope. What matters is the fact that killing is depriving one of one’s future. This princ iple even suggests that fetuses at an early stage of pregnancy fall under the wrongness of killing idea. Marquis also discusses how the pro-choicer believes in a moral principle concerning the wrongness of killing that fetuses do not fall under. He says that this principle is too narrow in scope and does not embrace enough. This principle would allow for the killing of infants that were mentally handicapped or ill. I agree with Marquis’s concept on how personhood does not settle this controversial issue. Just being a person does not explain why abortion is wrong. As Marquis discusses, the wrongness comes from the loss of one’s life deprives one of the future. Judith Jarvis Thomson’s article begins with her saying, â€Å"Most opposition to abortion relies on the premise that the fetus is a human being, a person, from the moment of conception. I think that the premise is false, that the fetus is not a person from the moment of conception. A newly fertilized ovum, a newly implanted clump of cells, is no more a person than an acorn is an oak tree. † (97) The first premise of the Potential Persons Argument says, â€Å"If it is wrong to kill persons, it is wrong to kill potential persons. † (Lecture) Thomson believes that potentially being something or someone does not give one the rights of actually being that something or someone. Therefore, a freshly implanted clump of cells in a female is no different than a new acorn growing to potentially become an oak tree. An acorn is just a potential oak tree; there is no guarantee that it indeed will grow into an oak tree, just as a clump of cells has the potential to grow into a human, but there is no guarantee this will happen. Thomson uses an interesting example in her argument. A violinist is dying and only you have the right blood type to save him. You are kidnapped overnight and the violinist’s circulatory system is plugged into yours. You have to stay plugged into him until he gets better. It is permissible for you to choose to disconnect yourself from him because you did not consent. The same idea would apply to rape and incest. Thomson says, â€Å"Even supposing a case in which a woman pregnant due to rape ought to allow the unborn person to use her body for the hour he needs, we should not conclude that he has a right to do so; we should conclude that she is self-centered, callous, indecent, but not unjust, if she refuses. † (108) This quote explains why the violinist theory would apply to rape and incest. Thomson also uses the Seed People argument, which I believe is the most persuasive argument. There are â€Å"seed people† who float in the air, land on your carpet and grow into adults. Because of this, you buy preventive screens, but the seed people pass through the screen and take root. It is permissible to get rid of the seed people because you did take preventative measures. This argument implies that abortion would be permissible if the mother did take preventative actions while having intercourse and still got pregnant. I agree with Thomson on this. If a woman is on birth control and uses a condom while having intercourse and she still gets pregnant, then it should be morally permissible for her to get an abortion. It is normal for adults to have an urge for intercourse and I believe they should be able to do so even if they do not want a baby. Intercourse is not just about pleasure, but about love as well. Therefore, it should be permissible for adults who have had protected intercourse to get an abortion. Some people might object to Thomson’s theory on the seed people because you are still â€Å"killing† a person. But, you have the right to what happens in your body and therefore I believe you have the right to make the decision for an abortion. Overall, I agree with Thomson’s article. I like that she starts with a controversial pro-life argument and then finishes with a pro-choice conclusion. She used great analogies when presenting her arguments. What makes up a person is another controversial issue. In my opinion, a person is a self-conscious or rational being with the ability to reason and a notion of self-identity. Although, I think an individual’s definition of a person may be based upon whether they believe abortion is morally permissible or not. One might try to fix the definition of personhood in order to get the desired outcome about abortion. For example, an individual who thinks abortion is morally permissible might define a person as someone who has the ability to reason, ability to consent, ability to control one’s attention and action, ability to communicate, and ability to be morally responsible. By this definition, a fetus would not really be a person because fetuses can not do all of these things. Therefore, abortion would be morally permissible because the fetus is not a person.