Thursday, October 31, 2019

The level of awareness of the World Trade Organization Coursework

The level of awareness of the World Trade Organization - Coursework Example The aim of this paper is to reveal the level of awareness of the World Trade Organization and its perceived role within different segments of the population, and then ascertain if there is a link between â€Å"education and knowledge.† This has been accomplished firstly through a large sample of questionnaires conducted with members of the general public (50 respondents being the desired level). As can be seen in appendix 1, the questionnaire has included relevant questions relating to WTO purpose, mission, work, structure, and recognition of their logo, in other words brand awareness. Then a group of fifty students were approached for questionnaires, being a representative sample of final year degree students. The results from both questionnaires were analysed and compared to identify whether the prescribed thesis has been proven or not. The objective of this dissertation is to ascertain the following: - †¢ Whether there is sufficient brand awareness of WTO in terms of brand recognition, recall and characteristics between student population and general public. †¢ Whether there is a co relation between level of education and knowledge of WTO affairs. †¢ Whether cultural differences between the two sample populations have any impact on the knowledge, perception and learning process about world trade affairs, WTO in particular. †¢ Gather a general perception about liberalisation of trade.... Whether there is a co relation between level of education and knowledge of WTO affairs. Whether cultural differences between the two sample populations have any impact on the knowledge, perception and learning process about world trade affairs, WTO in particular. Gather a general perception about liberalisation of trade. Once the objectives are achieved, analysing the future marketing strategy of organizations like WTO to sustain or improve their branding efforts. Methodology This chapter will describe the different methods applicable to this research. The research philosophy, approach, strategy and data collection methods will be briefed. The research intended for WTO is mid way between positivism and interpretivism as the topics require objective knowledge testing as well as subjective analysis of participant's views. Deductive research approach involves hypothesis testing and draws generalizations as a result of it. This research falls under inductive approach as the generalizations like branding awareness, recall etc, are tested in different contexts. Also considering the data sample size deductive research leading to universal generalizations falls short of credibility. Strategy used for research could be experimental, survey, case study, action or qualitative. Qualitative, experimental like focus groups and case study approach are ruled out due to type of research and the timelines available for research. Action research is the best method to be chosen if the firm for which the project is done (Here WTO) is also actively involved in the research. Survey ensures covering a vast sample size within the project timelines, economically. Surveys can also be

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Economics of Labor Immigration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Economics of Labor Immigration - Essay Example Evidently, those countries do not have enough skilled workforces to meet their labor needs and therefore they are compelled to depend on skilled immigrant workers. Hence, immigration greatly assists a developed/developing economy to meet its growing demand for labor in different sectors. As Kenny (2012) reports, immigration significantly contributes to the sustainability of Americans’ quality of life, which is a direct indicator of a nation’s economic development. The author strongly argues that immigration notably benefits the US to obtain a skilled group of workers from overseas countries. To justify his views, Kenny refers to a study conducted by Patricia Cortes and Jessica Pan. This study reports that the percent of foreign-educated nurses who attend the US licensure exam increased from 6% in the mid-1980s to over 20% in current days. The study also indicates that nurses who were educated in Philippines earn nearly 4% more than the average nursing wage due to their high quality work. In short, many vacancies for qualified and skilled workers in US would be left unfilled if the Federal government adopts a hostile approach towards immigration. Similarly, an aging population in the United States and Europe is likely to impede their growth rate because old people are less productive. Evidently, an elderly individual cannot complete his job task as fast and efficiently as one of his young colleagues does. Hence, an aging workforce would negatively impact organizational productivity and ultimately a nation’s economic performance. However, immigration can better address this issue because there are millions of qualified immigrant workers searching for employment. Kenny (2012) points out that... This essay analyzes how immigration influences the factors contributing to economic growth. Considering the impacting changes in the economic profile of the developed countries and the challenges facing the conservative business models, the need for luring the innovative thoughts is of prime requirement now. In addition, the recovery of an economy that had undergone severe financial crises and a series of corporate failures has to be backed up by uninterrupted supply of potential human capital. It seems that industrially developed countries largely depend on immigrants to meet their workforce needs. However, many people argue that growing immigrant population steals a notable percent of Americans’ jobs and this situation would adversely affect the overall economic development of the country. From the discussion, that was presented in the essay it is clear that immigration can positively influence factors contributing to economic growth. Immigration is essential to meet the gro wing demand for labor in the United States. In addition, the researcher states that it is a better solution to the problem of an aging workforce population in the country. Employment of skilled immigrants is a recommendable strategy to boost the technological advancement of the US. Finally, immigration can noticeably contribute to technology and innovation. In conclusion, the researcher suggests that it is advisable for the United States Congressman to make necessary arrangements for liberalizing immigration laws in the nation.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Strategic Supply Chain Management of Bakehouse

Strategic Supply Chain Management of Bakehouse Introduction Supply chain management has an important process in the business, as part of all the operations from the raw materials for manufacturing a product, to delivery on ready product to the end customer. The main focus of this module is based on the supply chain practices of an organisation that has potential to growth in the field of bakery industry. According to Wei Wu, (2013), the implementation of effective supply chain management can reduce costs, the shared information can maintain the higher market sensitivity. Supply chain involves the overall supply chain system of the organisation, including planning, operations, logistic and all the management activities such as: suppliers, manufacturing, distribution, and retailing to the end customer or consumer. The aim on this module is to review the current model of the supply chain of the bakery shop Backhaus and implementation on the literature review on SCM to coordinate different choices as an alternative for improvement on the existing Supply Chain Management. Background of the Organisation The Bakehaus as a concept was established back in 1988 in Germany, as a family business. There are twelve different products of bred as an offer to their customers, as a best seller product. The selling offer also gives a wide range of products, such as: sandwiches, salads and soups, pastries, cakes and hot snacks. (Eat Out Magazine, 2016). Bakehaus is a German bakery shop that is located in UK London- Hammersmith. The organisation is operation from 2011, and has been new to the competitive market. The shop is located on King Street, Hammersmith Tube Station. (Bakehaus, 2016). The vision of Bakehaus is to produce quality bakes products for low prices. There are 15 employees currently working in the shop. Long-term mission of the organisation is to expand, or open more shops around London, as a growing business in the industry. The products in terms of bread are based on grains and seeds from German suppliers, and there are no chemical additives or pre-mixed flower added, which gives the unique taste of the traditional German bread. Organisational Supply Chain Model The implementation of Supply Chain Management can have a positive impact on the business productivity, which will increase the improvements in returns on investments and assets. According to Lambert (2008) the main focus of the organisations is at their supply chain network, as their dependence on the SCM reflects on the competitiveness in the global market economy. (as cited from Naslund Williamson, 2010). Bakehaus sells a variety of different bakery products, but the main product is bread. When the product reaches the end consumer that represents one end of the supply chain network. The whole process of the supply chain begins from the suppliers of raw material, manufacturing, distribution and retailer or the Bakehaus shop which delivers the products to the end customer. According to the interview that has been undertaken from our team Evolution with the manager of the shop, there are eight suppliers that the organisation have a long-term relations.   The main suppliers of Bakehaus are: Watts Farms-UK for suppling vegetables, Klemme- for supplying bread. The relationship between the organisation and the suppliers is built on trust and loyalty, and its a non-contractual long term relationship, which is maintained for five years from the opening of the business.   The supply chain network for Bakehaus on their main product (bread) is direct from the manufacturer in Germany , which gives a competitive advantage on products in terms of quality and freshness. (see Figure 1). Figure 1: Bakehaus Current Supply Chain Model Adapted from: (Team Evolution Group Presentation, 2016) The costs for the transportation from Germany to UK is bared to minimum (as low as 0%), which gives the organisation additional savings that can be used in designing new products or services. The wastage on the shelf products is below 5%, and the main concept is based on freshness. BakeHaus Supply Chain Management Practices There are different levels of improvement that can be used in order to create an effective supply chain management. From the theoretical point of view Bakehause as part of their supply chain network is practicing techniques which have a positive impact on the strategic role of the organisation in terms of long term planning, consistent development and profitability and leading the organisation to competitive advantage in the market. (Cetinkaya, 2010). The two main techniques that the organisation is practicing involves: inventory management system which is used to the point of stocking the warehouses and just in time manufacturing system that is used in shop for delivering fresh and quality products to the end customer. Managing inventory plays a vital role in the supply chain network in order for the products to reach the end destination following the necessary time frame. Backhaus by applying this technique can keep their stock inventory at the lower level, which leads to more flexible supply chain. (Elms Low 2013). The inventory method that the organisation is applying within the supply chain network is called First in First Out (FIFO). 1.4 Literature Review on Supply Chain Practices There are many different theories in the literature that has been published over the years, when we look at Supply Chain Management as a practice. SCM plays a vital role in the organisational performance, as the organisations are challenged to find the best supply chain practice in order to meet the customer demands as well as minimizing production costs. (Jain, Dangayach, Agarwal Banerjee, 2010). Supply Chain Management can be defined as a network that includes facilities for producing raw material, transforming the raw material to ready products that are shipped to the end customer by using different kind of distribution channels. The main objective of the Supply Chain Management is to add value to the overall production and sales, minimising the costs, and to create a list of benefits for customers, suppliers and the organisation. (Shukla, Garg Agarwal 2011). The SCM network in one organisation can be successful, but problems can also occur. There are different ways in order to improve the current SCM. The improvements that can be used in practice, can give the organisation better performance in their SCM, and that can lead to better quality, customer satisfaction and loyalty. Supply Chain Management Practices includes: Agile Model, Lean Management, Kaizen, and Total Quality Management. 1.4.1 AGILE Model       Agility in organisational terms refers to flexibility. When considering agile improvement of the SCM, the main focus will be on the market. Agile model of Supply Chain practice can be applied in order for the organisation to be more flexible in terms of forecasting and dealing with the customer demands. (Christopher, 2000). In today business competitive industry, agility can play a vital role for the organisations in order to meet the needs of the customers. Agile Supply Chain which referees to flexibility, gives the organisations competitive edge in times of changes such as: environmental changes, technological changes or demands changes in the existing market. (Dhayalan, Devadasan, 2011). Just in time (JIT) is a system that has been developed in Japan in early 1970, as a management philosophy which combine the right product whit the right quality at the right place and the right time. Goddadrd (1986) believed that JIT as a philosophy has been applied to maximize customer demands at a minimum delays. (as cited from Kootanaee at al, 2013).

Friday, October 25, 2019

The Pepsi-Cola Story :: essays research papers

The Pepsi-Cola Story Summer of 1898, a young pharmacist Caleb Bradham looking for ways to attract people to his pharmacy invented the beverage now known around the world as Pepsi-Cola. After the first advertisement the sales of the new soft drink began to go up. Knowing the importance of good distribution system Pepsi was one of the first to switch from horse drawn transport to motor vehicles. Throughout its existence Pepsi adjusted its marketing strategies trying to keep up with the social and economic conditions of its consumers. During the Great Depression and continuing into the World War II Pepsi emphasized the low prices of the drink knowing that people had narrowed their budgets. In the mid. 1950s the emphasis fell on Pepsi being a lifestyle accompaniment. The breakthrough move by Pepsi was made in the late 1950s to capture the market of new generation of baby boomers. Its best known advertisement slogans such as â€Å"You’re in the Pepsi Generation†, â€Å"Have a Pepsi day† o r â€Å"You’ve got a lot to live, Pepsi’s got a lot to give† set a new standard for advertising. To dominate in a soft drink category Pepsi, after 65 years of selling only Pepsi-Cola, introduced new products: â€Å"Mountain Dew and Diet Pepsi.† To capture the completely new market of X-ers, throughout 1980s and 1990s Pepsi’s commercials featured superstars, supermodels, actors and sport stars. In the mid. 1980s Pepsi-Cola declared a victory in the cola wars.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Keeping Pepsi-Cola as its cash cow presidents of Pepsi-Cola decided to back up their positions by investing in a fast food restaurants and snack industry. In 1965 the new PepsiCo resulted from the merger of Pepsi-Cola and Frito Lay’s, Inc.. Pepsi-Cola stuff knew that in order to survive in the direct competition with giants like Coca-Cola they will have to come up with more innovative products. Pepsi-Cola Company now accounts for 25% of the world’s soft drinks with more than 70% of its sales coming from North America. In the beverage category Pepsi-Cola Company had some losses but are thinking of restructuring their strategies to create a new and even more dominant beverage company. Frito-Lay Company is the most successful snack chip company on Earth with 5 of its products leading the world snack chip market. Frito-Lay leads the market with a greatest margin of lead from the closest competitor. By 1996 Frito-Lay operated in 39 countries what means th at there is a long way to go.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Review of Schechner’s Performance Theory: Approach Essay

Schechner’s theory has been one of the most prominent bases of knowing performance theory (). From my acknowledgement, based on Schechner’s theory, in knowing to approach/perform, Cambridge Theory seems to be the main explanation of this chapter. This theory consists of shamanism and/or Greek rites that (in Schechner’s opinion) clearly relates to theater, in addition games, music, sports and theater are quite similar in terms of rules, time, space, objects and non-productivity. In assumption, the origin theater comes from the Greek. According to the Greek, they are the ones who establish theater. They make theater as a ‘primal ritual’ for their God, Dionysus. However, this statement has not been proven exactly. But in the other hand, Murray states vividly about how Greek states their rites as one of the primal ritual. It is called Sacer Ludus. In this ritual, it consists of the dithyramb, where the story develops into a tragedy. The other one is called phallic dances. It refers to comedy approach. As a result, this ritual connects with theater as well. â€Å"It is hardly an exaggeration to say that when we look back to the beginnings of European literature we find everywhere drama, and always drama derived from a religious ritual designed to ensure the rebirth of a dead world† (Murray 1961:9). As it is been told before, Schechner gathers several groups of performance. Firstly it is play, and then it comes to games, sports, theater and ritual. Each of them has several elements: time, object, non-productivity, rules and space. Each performance has its specific time. For instance, when a guy tells a girl that he likes her, normally the girl responds normally. But if the girl responds him longer, then it make the guy assume that the girl is in doubt. In addition, object is also an important element. Because it defines the setting and character visually, therefore the audience can tell what the play represents. For example, in a basketball game, the basketball is the important object in the game. If the basketball is located inside the apartment, the context would be different; therefore the ball isn’t valuable anymore. Non-productivity is also important because every play must be set in a budget. If not, there would be no performance. Also, theater applies rules, so does games, sports and ritual. For example, each team in soccer player must have 11 people, while in theater it must contain player/actor and audience. While space, it takes different structures of place to perform, whether it is a game, ritual, sports and theater. Each space is different. For example, when you want to make a blocking during play, we must know when to come and when to go, and we must know the distance between the other actors. Above the information, in this case, I personally agree on Murray’s statement, yet I as well disagree on the thought that theater comes from Greek. Because in my opinion ritual is a part of peoples’ daily lives. People seem to make ritual as a symbolization of human being. Therefore, in order to approach people, they make a primal ritual for Dionysus and each individual.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

The Shoe Store Incident

This scenario provides a case for gender discrimination. Gender discrimination is illegal under Title VII (Bennett-Alexander & Hartman, 2007). In addition, in this scenario I will provide the legal and ethical issues that arise in this case. Furthermore, this paper will explain what Bob should do in this scenario.Title VII IssuesDiscrimination comes in all shapes and sizes, and managers have to be careful not to cross the line and do the wrong thing. Companies do not want lawsuits for discrimination or anything else. The storeçâ€" ´ best customer, Imelda, probably did not intend to offend anyone nor did she probably know that she was discriminating against anyone. Many times discrimination is not intended. Customers generally believe they are always right and get what they want.However, in this instance the customer is very wrong. Requesting a female employee over a male employee is a form of discrimination, gender discrimination. Gender discrimination is illegal under Title VII (Be nnett-Alexander & Hartman, 2007). If Bob asks Tom to step aside and allow Mary to assist Imelda with her purchases, he will be Ã¥ ¦ ¬n violation of Title VII and can be held liable to the employee for gender discrimination. Customer preference is not a legitimate and protected reason to treat otherwise-qualified employees differently based on gender(Bennett-Alexander & Hartman, 2007, p. 283). Legally and ethically, Manager Bob cannot swap employees Tom and Mary simply because Imelda wants it.Choice Tthe customer is promising to buy five pairs of shoes if she gets a female employee to help her. This would be a huge purchase for the store, great for the profit margin as well as a large commission for the employee. On the other hand, not providing afemale employee may denote a missed sale, Imelda may leave the store. Swapping employees would cheat Tom out of his commission. This would be unethical. Tom deserves his commission; he should not be asked or told to give this up.The Shoe Sto re has very clear company policies. Company policy does not allow two employees to split the commission (UOPX, 2013, para. 5). As stated previously, having Tom give up his commission would not be fair. Company policy rotates employees to keep commissions as fair and equal as possible (UOPX, 2013, para. 5).Manager Bob need to explain to Imelda as nicely and calmly as possible that he is very sorry, but cannot provide her with a female employee. Bob should promise Imelda that Tom is a very nice man and that she will be in very capable hands; ensure her that Tom knows shoes and will treat her and her feet right. Bob should smile and guarantee her that she will be happy with the service she receives. Bob should apologize for the problem, explain that he contacted his regional manager to see if he could make an exception to company policy this time and was told no, and explain that the company risks a discrimination lawsuit. Finally, tell Imelda that he understands if she chooses to shop elsewhere today and apologize again. Bob should not get into an argument with the customer; it is out of the stores control.Conclusion Knowing the law is important for any manager. When questions arise that cannot be answered easily, ask for help. Title VII does not allow discrimination because of gender, meaning a man cannot be treated differently from a female and visa verse. In this case, all must be treated equally. Company policy will not allow Tom and Mary to split the commission and asking Tom to give up his commission would be illegal. Imelda will need to make her own decision whether to shop at the Shoe Store and allow Tom to assist her or leave for another store or until another day. The company must do what isright and legal. The store must treats its employees properly and do what is legal and ethical. Whereas Imelda may not be happy, the company cannot do anything that may bring a lawsuit against them.