Attitude to Exercises and Activity Levels Essay

Attitude to Exercises and Activity Levels - Essay Example Individuals become lazy and less active. Some people are able to counter this by regular exercise schedules to keep the body fit and be physically and mentally alert. But majority of people are unable to find time to do so due to various factors. They become overweight leading to reduced activity levels. However, almost everyone agrees that physical fitness is needed to keep oneself active. Some relevant research works in these aspects are discussed below. Peter D Hart Research Associates reported the results of their survey on attitude towards physical activity and fitness among Americans conducted in 1993. Lack of positive attitude to exercise and poor activity levels were found to be a nation-wide problem not confined to any socio-demographic section. About 54% of less active persons were in the age group of 18 to 44. Physical fitness and overall health were higher in more active groups. Encouragingly, about 60% persons in the less active group desired to be more physically active. But there was no effort to implement this desire. The major constraints cited were: lack of time, poor health, family problems, lack of motivation, lack of access and satisfied with the current status. Health consciousness was the biggest motivator. (Anonymous, undated-a) A survey among university stu... (Mack and Shaddox, 2004) Similar results were reported in schoolchildren of Greece by Christodoulos et al (2006). The authors predicted the possibility of slowing down decline in physical activity due to increasing age. Hagger et al. (1997) in a UK study stressed the need for developing positive attitude among schoolchildren towards physical activity to maintain healthy and active life styles. Findings of Kearney (1999), Margetts et al (1999), Martinez et al (2007) involved studies on attitudes towards physical activity, body weight, health and activity levels. Physical activity was adjudged as more important to be more active and reduce overweight. But a large majority believed their present level of physical activity to be adequate. Removal of stress could be used as a motivator for increased physical activity through exercises. Young, tertiary-educated, slim, non-smoking and active males are more likely to consider physical activity more important. Quinn et al (2008) observed positive effects for physical education programme on obese females. Stein et al (2007) found increased physical activity resulting in increased athletic and social self-perception in boys and girls, but there was no effect on scholastic capability. Amireault et al (2008) identified age and annual income as moderators of intention-behaviour relationship and perceived control of behaviour by testing Azjen's theory of planned behaviour. These moderators could be considered for positive effects of intervention programmes. Seabra et al (2008) observed reduced physical activity in Portuguese female adolescents unlike male adolescents. Based on a review of works in exercise-physical activity, Livingstone et al (2003) concluded that methodology for physical

Theories of Motivation in Organization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Theories of Motivation in Organization - Essay Example Greater the satisfaction level less will be turnover rate and thus, greater employee retention. One of the most important factors, that govern the employee retention within the organizations, is motivation level of the employees. There are many other factors such as pay, compensation packages and good environment but motivation is the one that serves the purpose. Employees work with innovation and uniqueness only when they are motivated to do so. Successful completion of the tasks depends not only upon the intrinsic rewards but extrinsic as well, such as appreciation by the supervisor that ultimately leads to employee satisfaction and makes them motivated. There is an old saying ‘you can take a horse to the water but you cannot force it to drink’; it will drink only if its thirsty - so is the case with people. Organizations operating in strong economies like UK and USA have considered employee motivation as their foremost and important task to carry out. Their focus is to motivate the employees to such an extent that they work in the best interest of the organization and towards the successful completion of tasks. Human resource department is trying their level best to introduce such policies and strategies that are coherent with the needs and demands of the employees in order to keep them motivated. This paper will shed light on motivation theories with their practical implications in the organization and on the literature dealing with motivation in organizations. One of the most important theories related to motivation is Goal Setting theory proposed by Edwin Locke in 1960. Findings made by Edwin said that intention to work towards a common goal is a major source of work motivation (Robbins, S. and Timothy, J., 2001), however, in order to understand the motivation in the work place there are several dimensions of goal setting theory that explains the motivation. Supervisors in contemporary times motivate

Observations of babies and young children

Observations of babies and young children There are many different types of knowledge that can be found out about a child when carrying out observations on babies and children. Observations can help a practitioner gain an understanding of a child and whether they may need help or support within any of the areas of their education, personal life, home life and problems that the child may be trying to deal with. We as early years practitioners carry out observations on babies and young children to record and observe their physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social development. It is important to observe these areas of development to make sure that children are meeting their developmental norms in all of these areas. We also observe to be able to find out different techniques of how to promote these areas of development. Communicating with children appropriately within observations is extremely important; the child within this observation could be shy and find it hard to talk to adults, so therefore it is important that the practitioners get down on their level, have a genuine care for them, use open body language, an example of this could be uncrossing your arms and using an appropriate amount of eye contact, for example, not staring at the child, so that the child may feel uneasy and insecure but looking at the child in an ensuring way and trying to connect with them. According to, www.bestpracticenet.co.uk, EYPS Standards, It is important to, Have high expectations of all children and commitment to ensuring that they can achieve their full potential. This can be done by showing a child hat you have faith and confidence within them and their abilitys to grow and develop. This could be done by something as simple as using positive facial expressions, these are important; by doing this it could refle ct your happiness onto the child and by a practitioner being positive and smiling at the child, a young child may look up to you and think of you as a role model. Children will respond to this positive attitude and this may affect their self esteem, confidence and therefore they may want to form a relationship with you. If a child that you are carrying out an observation on is shy or withdrawn, there could be many reasons for this, so it is important to be aware and also to be sensitive to the child and their feelings, as by not doing this, it could affect a childs self esteem. Good skills of language should be used within observations, for example, a practitioner should vary their voice tone and not be too loud or quiet when communicating with a child. By carrying out observations, early years practitioners find out all of the individual needs of the children. This could vary from many different things, for example, if a child needs more support, such as whether they have any special needs or one to one requirements or whether a baby or young child may have problems with their recognition or sight ect. Many problems or abnormalities will be common within babies and young children and could go unnoticed, if observations arent carried out successfully. Observing the development of children can be fascinating. It is important to remember that each child is a unique individual. Children develop as they grow and learn new complex skills. The sequence of development is not the same for all children. An individuals ability progresses at different rates depending on inherited characteristics and the nurturing that child receives. Growth and development will progress well when a childs basic needs for food, warmth, sleep, exercise, encouragement and love are met by reliable adult carers. Development is holistic including physical, intellectual, emotional and social aspects. These areas of development are integrated into a whole special individual. From carrying out observations we can find a general indication of how a baby/child behaves and who they interact with also we can get a general overview of their interests, and what they dont appear to like; which is why it is important to observe so that we can encourage the youngsters to try new things. For example, if a child doesnt seem to be interested in reading books. Then a EYP could find out one of their interests, for example, Thomas the tank engine and then adapt this theme to the book corner. Observing a childs unique development is a rewarding skill to learn. As with all skills within life observation requires practice and it is important to perfect this skill whilst working with children. It is also important to carry out observations so that parents can be aware of their child/ babys progress and this will help the childs parents gain a knowledge and an understanding of their childs ability. It is also important to inform parents and carers about a childs development, as they will also be able to be a part of their childs education, for example, setting up an activity that promotes their childs overall skills and development. It is important to be objective when observing children, this is done by not judging a child and taking everything into consideration and having a positive outlook. EYPs should not have fixed views or a subjective manner before observing a child. For example, if someone tells you that a child that your going to observe is very naughty and very behind in their development stages. An early years practitioner should observe the child with no fixed views and not judge the child on what others may have said. When children are born, mid-wives or nurses come to the mothers house to be able to monitor and observe the child and make sure that they are developing properly, for example, putting on weight. When children go to nursery and school EYPs have many different observations that they carry out on the children for all of the different types of development. And they also plan activities on the basis of these observations. Before an observation is carried out it is important that many Ethical considerations are taken in to account. This includes many different factors that may affect the observation, for example, EYPs have to make sure that get permission from the supervisor of my placement, this is done by simply asking if it was acceptable if they carried an out an observation. It is important to consider getting the document signed after it had been completed. EYPs should know that they need a teacher or supervisor to advise them on their observation or whether it needed their advise and at what level they needed them to consult at. They also had to know what information should be shared with the teacher and the parents about the observation I have done. They also have to take into account the health and well-being of a child. According to, www.bestpracticenet.co.uk, EYPs Standards, Early years practitioners should, Plan and provide safe and appropriate child-led and adult initiated experiences, activities and play opportunities in indoor, outdoor and in out-of-setting contexts, which enable children to develop and learn. This is done by making sure that when the observation or activity is going to take place a child should be safe at all times and there should be no potential risks to the child. Also they have to think about how they would report the information, how they would set out the observation, whether the children could have been ill or could have suffered from a virus recently and wasnt their self, the child might suffer from a disease or a behaviour disorder. The time of day is important because if the child is hungry it might not be its normal self and might not be up to showing its skills, so therefore the observation might not be as successful. It is important to choose a random child and make sure that differentiation is included. Early Years Practitioners should also consider their own health, hygiene and well being before carrying out an observation. When carrying out an observation it is important to use the correct method for the certain type of development that is being observed or monitored. For example, if a child has special needs, etc. Then an EYP may observe them to see if they need any additional help, such as, one to ones, being seen by a nurse for its overall well-being or other issues. A child with special needs may need a translator for sign language or they may need their work or activitys put into Braille. Children with special needs may enjoy or learn more when doing sensory activitys. Additional needs children may require many specialists opinions or help, for example, speech therapists. Also it is extremely important that all children are treated equally and with dignity and respect. It is important that we inform parents of their childs progress regularly and that they are aware of any under development seen from observations; we must inform parents who can then take further action in involving a doctor, psycho logist, pedetrition, school worker. Children that are non-English, for example, they dont understand the English language and they cant speak or communicate the English language. This is can be quite a difficult situation; I have observed in one of my placements a similar situation. A girl came over from India and she could speak a little English but did not understand fully, to be able to succeed in many activitys within the classroom. This child was helped by the teacher using, phonics and the child was also provided with one to one help. However in extreme cases where children may not understand or speak any English at all, translators are useful. For a child that may struggle with the English language there are many ways or helping them understand and learn, for example, picture card activitys as this will stimulate their recognition of different objects. Also a child may benefit from, ICT and audio facilities, interacting and playing with other children. And it is crucial that a child that doesnt speak any English has lots of contact and communication with English speakers. From the ages of 0-3 children have strong social needs. At a very young age children form strong attachments. The Psychologist John Bowlby was the first attachment theorist, describing attachment as a lasting psychological connectedness between human beings (Bowlby, 1969, p. 194). He believed that the earliest bonds formed by children with their caregivers have a tremendous impact that continues throughout life. According to Bowlby, attachment also serves to keep the infant close to the mother, thus improving the childs chances of survival. The main theme of attachment theory is that mothers who are available and responsive to their infants needs to establish a sense of security. The infant knows that the caregiver is dependable, which creates a secure base for the child to then explore the world. So from a very early age children require eye contact and smiles. Also children need to hear language as this may comfort them or stop them from crying, this can be known as a distraction technique. When dealing with children its important to use your initiative, for example, if a child is crying, they may be tired or need feeding. Children enjoy listening to music and enjoy taking part in activitys that have an audio input, for example, According to, www.earlychildhoodeducation.co.uk, under how singing and music classes can benefit children, As a baby, hears the voices of its parents singing. Hearing songs, rhymes and simple rhythms can be very comforting for young children, especially when theyre feeling upset, irritated or tired out. It can help them relax and go to sleep, or music can be invigorating and exciting. By providing children with musical activities it will help them to thrive socially and increase their social development. As activitys like this encourage team work, for example, sharing. Children need to feel safe and secure around the people within their environment and their environment should be positive. This creates a foundation of which children can build on for social development. Children of this age have strong physical needs, Children need to be in an appropriate environment in which they will be allowed to grow and develop properly. For example, by experimenting and playing with different things both inside and outside of a setting. Children should be exposed to gross motor skills such as, running. And fine motor skills such as drawing and painting. Children that consume an unbalanced diet will be at risk of developing many problems. A balanced diet is important to maintain health and a sensible body weight. No single food will provide all the essential nutrients that the body needs to be healthy and function efficiently and properly. The nutritional value of a persons diet depends on the overall mixture, or balance, of food that is eaten over a period of time, as well as on the needs of the individual. A diet which includes a variety of different foods is most likely to provide all the essential nutrients. Children need energy for our bodies to function properly but the balance between carbohydrate, protein and fat must be right for us to remain healthy. Too much fat can lead to overweight, obesity and other serious health problems such as heart disease and cancer. Too little protein can lead to problems with growth and repair in the body. Eating sugary foods or drinks too often without appropriate dental hygiene can lead to po or dental health. We need enough vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre for health. A variety of different foods and particularly plenty of fruits and vegetables will help to ensure that we get the right mix. Research has shown that there are other naturally occurring substances in foods, particularly plant foods such as fruits and vegetables which are also beneficial to health. (School age children and youths, Nutrition notes) EYPs should know that children need a routine to be able to feel safe and secure; they need to know and feel that they know what is going on and that they are in control. Each child within my setting has a different routine, however I am familiar with all of them. For example, when a child cries they may need a bottle or they may just want or need a cuddle, (physical attention). When feeding a child it is important to make eating a fun thing to do, so it is good practice to smile and communicate with the children throughout. Children should be provided with sleep and rest as this will restore their energy within their bodies. Activities such as lullabys and storys should be provided to a child. As this will be a fun activity to be part of. When dealing with children, it is important to take into consideration all the areas of hygiene, for example, when changing a nappy, an apron and gloves should be worn and children should be cleaned with either cotton wool or wipes, or in some cases by bathing. When children get mucky during a day at my placement, for example, after an activity, dinner or tea. Children may need their clothes changing even though most children do wear bibs. Also within my setting we have alcohol gel that we use to make our hands clean and I make sure that I wash my hands throughout the day. As this will get rid of germs and therefore you will be more hygienic. Childrens emotional needs are to be cared for and to be loved and to be shown affection. Early years practitioners must, establish fair, respectful, trusting, supportive and constructive relationships with children. It is also important to communicate sensitively and effectively with children from birth to the end of the foundation stage. Children should be listened to, and EYPs should pay attention to what they say and value and respect their views. Early years practitioners must also demonstrate the positive values, attitudes and behaviour they expect from children. As this will help them grow and develop and help them achieve their goals. There are a whole range of recording methods that can be used when observing children it is important the correct method is used for the type of observation, for instance: a mapping observation can help record and monitor the childs attention span. But this observation must be recorded accurately and using the proper format. It is vital that when observing a child you do not make anything up, exaggerate a situation, be imprecise and that all information and recordings are accurate and true; this is why is is important that a supervisor signs the finished copy. Many settings use tick charts and check lists, this is good for monitoring the childs fine and gross motor skills and then linking them to the norms to then evaluate their needs or to find out activitys that may promote their skills. Tick charts work better if comments and evaluations are also used to bring them to life or when you link them to other observations that you have done. Observing children over a long period of time is a lovely way of both observing children and providing a structure for planning for individual children. This method works well with all age ranges and is popular with parents. The idea is that you carry out a short written observation, take a photograph if possible and then draw some conclusions about what you have seen. You also include some suggestions of what the childs next steps might be and ways in which they might be supported. A narrative observation includes noting down all of the childs language; this is good for recording and monitoring their language and social development. Event sample is good for attention span, behaviour or for looking at all of the different activitys that a child may take part in. A childs intellectual development can be monitored it includes noting down everything a child says and who they communicate with. It is important to have many methods of observation to be able to observe all of the childs skills and different areas of development. Children have a right to be observed and monitored to make sure that their development is at the right level. From observing we are able to see if there are any delays in development. Which in some cases, a doctor or other specialists would need to be informed and a child maybe taken in for tests or other procedures. After each observation, EYPs link the childs development to the norms of development; by doing this you could find out whether the child is behind, on the right level or in front of their years. We will also be able to see whether a child has hearing difficulties, which they would probably be told to go see a doctor and a doctor would recommend a place to go to or a treatment which a child may need. It is important that as an EYP we try and communicate with children and this is done by singing to a child, talking, asking them questions an d taking part in audio activitys, such as, nursery rhymes or singing activities. According to, ecrp.uiuc.edu, 2007, Children are unique and complex and thus often difficult to comprehend. And they do not readily engage us in dialogue in order to explain the reasons for their caprice as they explore the world that surrounds them. Yet, as practitioners it is important for us to know our children deeply, to flow with their currents, and to extend their nascent theories about how the world work. This can be done by observing and evaluation a childs needs.

Pigments Essay examples -- History, Prehistoric Painters

Pigments From prehistoric times, humans had discovered that pigments could be used to colour a surface and they have left their mark on their environment in the form of painted images [7]. Prehistoric painters used the pigments available in the vicinity of their homes. These pigments were the so-called earth pigments, soot from burning animal fat and charcoal from the fire. The colours available were yellow ochre, red ochre, and black [7], but with time, more colours were being discovered. In general, pigments are coloured material which is insoluble in a medium where they are incorporated [8]. Pigments will tend to absorb certain wavelength of light and reflect the others [9]. Wavelength reflected will represent the colour of the pigment. Dyes are coloured material which will dissolve in the medium and lose their crystal or particulate structure during the process [9]. Pigments can be classified into synthetic pigments and natural pigments [8]. The examples of natural pigments founded in animals and vegetables are carotenoids, chlorophyll, melanins, flavins, quinones, and anthocyanins [5, 6, 10]. In the industry, pigments are widely used as colouring agents in dyeing of cottons, silks and wool sample [11]. 2.1.1 Synthetic Pigments The first chemically synthesised pigments were made in Germany in 1704 by Diesbach who manufactured red lake pigments using potash and alkali as substrate [7]. Synthetic pigments can be divided into inorganic and organic pigments. Synthetic inorganic pigments usually composed by metal oxide or compound which from by the host of metal oxides. Moreover, the inorganic pigments possess thermal and chemical stabilities at high temperature. Most of the inorganic pigments are derived from toxic meta... ...-degradable. The increase of the packaging wastes caused serious global environmental problem [36]. Therefore, the development of biodegradable packaging materials from renewable natural resources has received widespread government support in EU countries and many national or international organisations [35]. The term ‘‘biodegradable’’ materials is used to describe those materials which can be degraded by the enzymatic action of living organisms, such as bacteria, yeasts, fungi and the ultimate end-products of the degradation process [37]. Biodegradable packaging materials may be broadly classified into biodegradable polymers and biopolymers based on whether the dominating ingredient is synthetic oil-based polymer or a biologically derived polymer. Biopolymers are naturally occurring long-chain molecules such as cellulose, polysaccharides, proteins and DNA [35].

International Business Report Essay

Introduction It has always been a major concern of programmers and software developers throughout the world, to protect the intellectual property rights and software privacy. Governments in different countries fight computer software piracy; in which it provides support to national programs in order to educate and provide awareness to business communities. Governments especially in wealthy countries, has taken serious actions related to software piracy through laws that prohibits it, they force penalties to those who commit software piracy. Software piracy has reached a further approach, since it includes piracy of movies, music, computer software, and CD recording. Governments, institutions, companies, and organizations all stated a clear point of view about software piracy and protection of intellectual property which in fact stands up fiercely to minimize it and reduce its effect on the society, as well as protecting the creative ideas and innovative expertise that provides a competitive advantage to the society in general. On the other hand, communities with individualistic, collectivistic, democratic approaches, and other parties with other approaches; each stated its point of view clearly according to its own interests, concerns, and objectives; since, some of these parties fight software piracy and supports protecting intellectual property, and mainly those parties are the ones concerned with about the benefit of the society. On the other hand, there are some parties stated that they oppose protecting intellectual property, for the reason that their objectives and interests are their major concern instead of the whole society. Q.1: Collectivism and individualism, democracy and totalitarianism, rule of law and rule of man: what do these concepts say about the intellectual property rights of software and the legitimacy of its protection? To begin with, the terms collectivism and individualism arises from the major term which is political system. A political system; is a set of political organizations, interest groups, and institutions, that integrates different groups into a functioning, self sustaining, and self governing society. The purpose of the political system is to protect people’s interests and objectives. Political systems differ from one country to another. The term political can be discussed in terms of collectivism and individualism. At first, the term collectivism encourages dependence on the organization and a preference for thorough training, satisfactory work place conditions, and good benefits. Collectivism is motivated by satisfying social needs and security. Its primal concern is to benefit the society in general, rather than the benefit of each individual. Since its concern is protecting the society, it stands fiercely for supporting intellectual property right and fights software piracy to protect the society. On the other hand, individualism; refers to the primacy of the rights and role of individual; it emphasizes individual freedom, self expression, and personal independence – the principle that all men have â€Å"certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.† Countries that follow individualistic political system develop a form of government that protects every individual’s property and any intellectual property they create especially automated property due to the ease of piracy. As cultural attitudes influence the protection of intellectual property rights, individualist societies are more vigilant than collectivist societies. Whereas, democracy and totalitarianism. Democracy is a political system that grants voters the power to adjust laws and regulations of the government to make decisions. Moreover, provides them the right to participate in elections. In general, democracy is concerned with individual property rights, especially the freedom to express their opinions. As well as protecting people’s innovations from software piracy. According to what is claimed, that democratic countries with strong political and civil liberties usually have lower software piracy rates. As for totalitarianism, subordinates individuals to the interest of the group. Where a single agent takes control of the political power, and tries towards not supporting the ideology of the state as well as the activities that counters the goals of the state. Therefore, it controls people’s ideas, knowledge, and experiences and directs those to its own good and interest. Therefore, the intellectual property right is not its major concern as well as standing against software piracy. Since their objectives and concerns are related to the objectives and concerns of the agent with the political power. As for the rule of law, states that no individual is above laws which are clearly specified, commonly understood, and enforced fairly, which are improved and regulated by the parliament. Due to that countries that follow rule of law, especially ones that create intellectual innovations, automatically protect these properties from the moment of creation. Whereas, rule of man; states that the ultimate power exists in one person. Rule of man is opposed to the rule of law; less aggressively protect intellectual property rights. Since its major interests and concerns is limited to only what the man of power is concerned of. Individualist’s societies are more cautious towards the protection of intellectual property when compared with collectivist societies. Q.2 What is the relationship among governments, institutions, organizations, and companies in developing the legal means to fight software piracy? To begin with, a software piracy is the illegal copying of software. Software piracy is not a trend or a topic that appeared recently. Software piracy was the past and the present dilemma and will be the future’s too if it is not stopped. Types of piracy include: end-user piracy, pre-installed software, Internet piracy, counterfeiting, and online auction piracy. As the software piracy problem grows, more people are affected by piracy daily. Software companies, governments, organizations, retailers, and honest consumers all pay the price for software piracy. Parties such as, organizations and companies hopes that legal actions and political arrangements held by governments and institutions and other related parties would lead to a decrease in software piracy. Governments are taking an increasingly stronger stand against piracy. They get nations to sign agreements and to require them to force intellectual property rights. Since software piracy affects governments financially. It robs the economy of jobs and in turn diminishes income tax revenues. The market fails and loses its attractiveness among international businesses as it affects the private individuals and investors. Accordingly to the case study, governments fight piracy; they relied on technical and business actions as a counterattack. Such as, U.S.A enhanced efforts, threatening to sanction countries. Institutions supported governments to toughen their laws. Since these laws can minimize software piracy and decrease its effect on institutions. As for software companies, that are considered the biggest stakeholders in the piracy issue. They depend on software sales to fund their company operations and their future developments. Unfortunately, software piracy is now taking a large amount of the income these companies depend on away from them. As the number of Internet users continues to grow, software piracy will become an increasing problem and businesses will lose even larger amounts of revenue. As their profits decrease, software companies will no longer be motivated to fund development of new products; which will reduce innovation, Consequently, software companies want stronger penalties enforced on all people who illegally copy software; a new and emerging trend being offered on the market is leasing the software. Retailers have taken a stand against software piracy too. Piracy affects all software retailers by forcing them to compete against cheaper pirated software. This competition lowers their profit. As the cost of the software increases, people turn to less expensive illegal substitutes. As for organizations, they provided global services in public policy, business development, corporate education, and the protection of intellectual property right. Intellectual property; refers to the creative ideas, innovative expertise that give an individual, company, or country a competitive advantage. Whereas, intellectual property right is the right to control and derive the benefits from copyright, patents, trade secrets, and trademarks. It is the right to protect those creative ideas. Problems occur because intellectual property is hard to conceive but easy to copy. There are number of agencies that were created to protect intellectual property right such as: †¢ WIPO (World International Property Organization): it is one of the sixteen specialized agencies to encourage creative activity as well as to promote the protection of the intellectual property right. †¢ TRIPS (Trade Related International Property Rights): it is an international agreement managed by the WTO (World Trade Organization). It has minimum standards and requirements for many intellectual property forms. Generally wealthier countries provide stronger as well as stricter protection of intellectual property from piracy. Notably such countries consider these properties more widely than poorer ones. Conclusion Communities whether they are collectivist, individualist, democratic or totalitarian, applying rule of man or rule of law, governments, institutions, organizations, and companies. All of these parties stated clearly as discussed previously, that they are prohibiting software piracy since they are cooperating with each other in minimizing this dilemma or at least to minimizing its effects on organizations. Through forcing laws or through organizations that encourages innovative ideas yet protecting intellectual property rights by forbidding piracy. Such organizations include; WIPO (World International Property Organization), TRIPS (Trade Related International Property Rights), and other related organizations. Software’s intellectual property rights can be protected when following these steps: 1. Writing the name of the author, or the creator on all of the copies that are distributed to the public. 2. Determine the time in which the product was released and distributed to public. 3. Modify the product every now and then. 4. Protect the product against any crises that might put the author’s reputation at risk. 5. Have a specific location for software programs. 6. Save master copies of software. 7. Provide software to only licensed users, and only allow authorized users to install software. 8. Apply security procedures on software used by authorized users only, which can minimize software piracy. In conclusion, the standards of software piracy are explicit. Hence, parties have been hopeful that collective political arrangements and legal actions by companies, associations, governments, and institutions would lead to a decline in global software piracy. Government intervention and collaboration in offering legal protection for intellectual property, and the criminalization of software piracy are unsuccessful in diminishing the dilemma. Even efforts at the international level to get nations to sign treaties and to require them to protect and enforce intellectual property rights according to global, not local, standards have not yielded the desired results. Unfortunately, the ease with which software can be duplicated, sold, and distributed continues to baffle the industry.

Globalization Process Essay

Globalization is the process of international integration arising from the interchange of world views, products, ideas, and other aspects of culture.[1][2] Globalization describes the interplay across cultures of macro-social forces. These forces include religion, politics, and economics. Your shirt was made in Mexico and your shoes in China. Your CD player comes from Japan. You can travel to Moscow and eat a Big Mac there and you can watch an American film in Rome. Today goods are made and sold all over the world, thanks to globalization. Globalization lets countries move closer to each other. People, companies and organizations in different countries can live and work together. We can exchange goods , money and ideas faster and cheaper than ever before. Modern communication and technology, like the Internet, cell phones or satellite TV help us in our daily lives. Globalization is growing quickly. A German company can produce cars in Argentina and then sell them in the United States. A businessman in Great Britain can buy a part of a company in Indonesia on one day and sell parts of another business in China the next, thanks to globalization. Fast food companies open shops around the world almost every day. Advantages * Globalization lets countries do what they can do best. If, for example, you buy cheap steel from another country you don’t have to make your own steel. You can focus on computers or other things. * Globalization gives you a larger market. You can sell more goods and make more money. You cancreate more jobs. * Consumers also profit from globalization. Products become cheaper and you can get new goods more quickly. Disadvantages * Globalization causes unemployment in industrialized countries because firms move their factories to places where they can get cheaper workers. * Globalization may lead to more environmental problems. A company may want to build factories in other countries because environmental laws are not as strict as they are at home. Poor countries in the Third World may have to cut down more trees so that they can sell wood to richer countries. * Globalization can lead to financial problems. In the 1970s and 80s countries like Mexico, Thailand, Indonesia or Brazil got a lot of money from investors who hoped they could build up new businesses there. These new companies often didn’t work, so they had to close down and investors pulled out their money. * Some of the poorest countries in the world, especially in Africa, may get even poorer. Their population is not as educated as in developed countries and they don’t have the new technology that we do. * Human, animal and plant diseas es can spread more quickly through globalization.

Personal Review of Avatar

Personal Review of Avatar Avatar is the mower which has opened the new epoch in the movie development. The idea of the movie has appeared many years ago, but only the innovative development of nowadays allowed the director to shot it. I would like to say that the idea of the movie is not new as well. Those who watched Pocahontas cartoon can easily recognize the main idea. Of course, the cartoon was a little bit different, however, the main characters and the main ideas were the same.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Personal Review of Avatar specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Considering the movie Avatar, it may be said that everything was fantastic, the play of the characters, the presentation and specially the format. 3D is a new format of the movies which allows to see the whole picture, better and more entertaining. The best scene is when the main characters are near the tree. I suppose that these are the most exciting moments, as it was the time when people understood that hey could trust each other. This is really important. There are many themes in the movie which coincide and differ at one and the same time. The problems of courage, trust, love, relationships, jealousy, greed, devotion to traditions and the relation to the customs of other nations, and other particular problems which may bother people in the modern world. The confrontation of the innovative technologies with the traditional settings may lead to the devastating wars. The movie impresses with the specific effects which add to the whole impression from the movie. The ideas and their implementation on the screen are ideal. Jeremy Wheeler’s Review of Avatar on Rotten Tomatoes Web Site Jeremy Wheeler, in his review, pays attention to the general description of the plot and the innovative technologies which allowed the face impressions of the characters to be captured. It is possible to agree and accept the discussion of the plot, however, the revi ew is more about the alien forces aimed at winning the territory. However, I cannot fully agree with it as the place of the relationships between people from two alien civilizations is important as well. It is very difficult to begin to trust a person whose civilization is trying to destroy yours. I suppose, the movie is more about personal relationships and the desire to show that it is possible to agree on some particular issues. Greed is central in this movie as trying to get the treasures of Pandora, strangers do not understand that different people value absolutely different things. Money is not the main treasure which may interest people. Soul and the corners of human mind are more important. The citizens of Pandora have managed to understand this, but those who live in our innovative world where money has become too valued have lost that feeling and cannot even imagine other values.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Mali Elfman’s Review of Avatar on Screen Crave Web Site Mali Elfman states that generally the movie is worth seeing, however, in her opinion, Cameron has chosen a simple story where bad gays enter the home of good ones and then, one good man feels sympathy to the one who is a bad gay and, as a result, the bad gay takes the side of the victims and does all possible to help them. The plot is rather primitive and Mali Elfman is sure that Cameron could choose something better and more impressive. However, the presentation is amazing and I absolutely agree with Mali Elfman who says that Cameron has opened the new period in the movie development. Underlining the weak sides of the movie Mali Elfman points at the primitive plot, too early footage and inappropriate music. I do not agree about the music as I suppose it is great and perfectly fits the situation. Additionally, I am sure that that the music creates additional mood which supports during the whole movie. James Rocchi’s Review of Avatar on MSN Movies Web Site James Rocchi pays much attention to the technique of the movie development and its price comparing and contrasting it with The Matrix and Transformers 2 calling those silly. Omitting the discussion of other movies and turning to the consideration of the Avatar, I would like to agree with the author of the review that the movie’s population is more connected with its presentation and the form of performance than its plot. Many people have already seen this story in Pocahontas and they are not really impressed with its novelty. But the way the movie is shot, the 3D format and the effects are the central in this movie. I absolutely agree with the author of the review that the special effects have made the movie popular, otherwise, it would be one more love story which does not deserve much attention. James Rocchi says that Avatar is not something new, but if one gets rid of prejudices and watches the movie, he/she will be impressed. Manohla Dargis’s Review of Avatar in The New York Times The movie reviews in The New York Times have always impressed with the detailed discussion of the scene and the behind scene episodes. The review by Manohla Dargis is not an exception. To summarize the Manohla Dargis’s review in a couple of words, it is possible to paraphrase his words saying that Cameron is able to create a movie which can raise WOW in heads of others. Again, like other film reviews, Manohla Dargis points at the primitiveness of the plot but the great interest of the society in it. It is possible to consider several reasons and the name of the director and the specific effects in combination with the 3D technologies are some of them. I agree with this statement and apart from the original plot in such movies as Titanic and The Matrix directed by Cameron, the story about Pandora is not new, it is just perfectly decorated and this makes others watch it. Catherine Shoard’ Review of Avatar in The Guardian Catherine Shoard opposite to Mali Elfman (the review was presented on Screen Crave Web Site) states that the footage was not early and it did not spoil the effect from watching the movie. The author of the review compares and contrasts the success of Avatar with the success of Titanic. I am not sure that the comparison is appropriate, but I have noticed that many reviewers remember other movies by Cameron writing about Avatar.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Personal Review of Avatar specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Shoard is sure that there is only one particular reason which may prevent Avatar from topping Titanic at the box office is the absence of the digital screens all over world and not all people will be able to see it in 3D. The review was written before the movie had been released that makes it possible to check the expectations and compare tho se with the movie which has already been released. Catherine Shoard was absolutely correct saying that Cameron has a lot of ideas which can impress. Peter Rainer’s Review of Avatar on The Christmas Science Monitor Peter Rainer calls the movie the state of the art and it is impossible to disagree with this idea. I am sure that those who have managed to watch the movie and have read the Peter Rainer’s review can absolutely agree with him. Even though many authors call the plot of the movie primitive, Peter Rainer is sure that there should be more movies with such plot to remind people about their essence, to show then that treasures may be uncountable and that the possession of a good heart is the only valued item in the world. The author of the review stresses on the interest of Cameron on the old clichà ©s, but the way of presentation always impresses. Apprising and stressing on the movie success, Peter Rainer wants to show that he is positive about the movie and the may it is presented on the screens. Roger Eber’s Review of Avatar on Rogerebert.com Roger Ebert’s review is considered to be the most impressive and the most positive. Calling Avatar a â€Å"technical breakthrough†, the critic states that the movie is not that long how it may seem from the first sight. There are a lot of different stories and the plot is really varied that one cannot get tired of the movie up to the last scene. When the movie is over, one even cannot understand what the movie is about. It contains too much from the pint of view of Eber and I absolutely agree. The plot is varied and therefore attracting. One may say that it is about love and trust, others may point at the customs and traditions value. However, the director wanted to show the technology and their abilities and the plot was just the cover for this. Cameron is able to make an impressive story from anything and even though the plot is not new, more and more people watch this film and admire its magnificence. Anne Brodie’s Review of Avatar on Monsters Critics Web Site Anne Brodie’s review contains too much sarcasm. Believing in the talent of Cameron, Anne Brodie states that the plot is primitive and the movie is attended only because of the name of Cameron and his ability to make a sensation. The format of the movie and the way it is presented is exactly why people watch it, but the plot does not deserve attention only because it is not new. I absolutely disagree with the author of the review and one should have a great talent to be able to create a new story out of the old plot. Not everyone is able to create a sensation on the basis of the already known plot and only a great movie can top Titanic and give the viewers so much impression. The sarcasm of Anne Brodie is inappropriate as being the master of the movies Cameron has just done his work. That is all.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More

How Organizations Monetize Their Presence On Social Networking Platforms The WritePass Journal

How Organizations Monetize Their Presence On Social Networking Platforms Introduction How Organizations Monetize Their Presence On Social Networking Platforms ). With advances in technology, businesses have learnt to use them to their benefit.   Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and eBay are Prime examples of technology driven companies. Given the proliferation of social networking sites, such as Myspace, Linked In, Facebook and twitter, it has become almost impossible to design marketing strategies without taking into consideration these media platforms. Social media has gained prominence and is considered vital for todays marketing mix. Both the small and big businesses have flocked to these media platforms. Whilst Major brands, such as Virgin and Starbucks, appear to have established their presences in these media platforms, social media adoption seems to be increasing amongst small businesses as well. According to study conducted by the University of Maryland, the rate of adoption among the small enterprises doubled from 12% in 2009 to 24% in 2010 (Rao 2010). The use of social media as a business tool is particularly evident in emerging markets of China, India and Brazil. According to a KPMG report, these countries are 20% more likely to expand their business frontiers into social media than their counterparts in UK, Germany, Australia and Canada (KPMG 2011). This can be attributed to their lower dependence on legal systems compared to the developed economies which bind their organizations to their long-established channel strategies. How organizations can monetize their presence in social networking platforms Businesses are targeting social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, as key market surveillance areas given their large user base. This becomes the key source for the businesses to innovate in congruence with the demands for their mutual benefit (Trottier, 2013). Given the popularity of these social networking platforms in various parts of the world, companies seeking to engage the vast and increasingly affluent online audience can use it as a marketing tool. Marketers can use these social networks for customer acquisition, retention and even generating their revenue. Business units such as marketing, sales, and HR can use these powerful tools to stimulate innovation and monetize their presence. Starbucks is a good example of a company which has successfully established its online presence in social media platforms. Having amassed over 35 million Facebook likes, Starbucks is without doubt one of the largest company that has successfully established presence in social media platforms (Smith 2013). One strategy which Starbucks used to attract Facebook users was through deals. This retailer company offered to give free coffee to the first 30,000 Facebook users that checked in at UK Starbucks stores using their phones (Smith 2013). This went a long way towards increasing the number of followers and ultimately translated to greater returns. Further, Starbucks used these media platforms to communicate with its ever increasing customer base abou t their favourite products (Smith 2013). Besides just informing their customers about their products via Facebook, Starbucks has also done well by integrating social issues that people care about into their brand. Given Starbucks success in establishing presence in social media platforms, other retailers across all sectors have similarly followed suit, from clothing sellers such as GAP who have amassed 4.6 million likes to general good retailers such as Target, and even to telecom providers and video games stores such as Verizon wireless and GameStop respectively (Smith 2013). Another company that has monetized its presence in Facebook is The New York Jets. In September 2010, the NFL team launched their ultimate Fan social game, the first application to generate revenue through Facebook (Carolyn 2011).   This application allowed Facebook users to predict game scores, root for their teams and to hold a virtual party with fans from different parts of the world. Further, the Jets engage with their fans on a regular basis via twitter. For example, towards the 2011 AFC playoff championship, the Jets advertised a contest for winning tickets to the tournament. The contest was twitter-based and winners were guaranteed free tickets to the 2011 AFC championship game against Pittsburgh Steelers (Carolyn 2011). It is clear that these companies are leveraging social media platforms to generate sales and increase their revenues. Many more businesses have also begun to exploit social networking sites as business tools, offering various deals and discounts through the sites. Whereas the opportunities created by social networking sites are many, success depends on how best to deploy creative skills to achieve the business goals. Creating traffic and brand awareness As a first step to monetizing social media presence, marketers must build their brand awareness and create traffic. Unless the brand is widely recognized such as Apple, it is necessary to develop social media magnetism (Conroy Narula 2010). Social media campaign can be done by word of mouth or advertising through TV commercials. Audience engagement  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The second step is building audience engagement. Unless marketers successfully engage with the audiences, they will not be able to reap great returns. For the social media campaign to be a success, marketers must effectively engage with the audience through meaningful conversation and by creating great content that raises awareness and increase sales (Carolyn 2011). Online Advertising Once a consistent traffic has been built and the audience have been engaged, then it becomes easy to monetize. The most basic form of monetizing is putting ads on social media sites and adding affiliate advertising links. Marketers can also choose to offer special promotions such as offering discounts exclusively to followers. Dell computers is a good example of a company that offers discounts to its followers. Dell tweets 15% off for any of their computers with special coupon code entered at checkout (Carolyn 2011). Social media has enabled Dell to amaze over 1.6 million followers and generate more than 2 million incremental revenues. Use of applications Companies may also use apps to monetize social media. They can charge a certain fee for the apps or give it freely in order to strengthen customer relationship. Gucci Connect is a quintessential example of a mobile marketing app (McKinsey 2007). The app enables users to watch live runway and to chat live with Facebook and twitter guests via their mobile devises. Setting up an online store on social media Finally, marketers need to set up a shop on Facebook. Companies can list their products and put updates on social media sites. Whereas these strategies should enable the company to monetize themselves on media platforms, most of the benefit has been branding and not actual purchases. However, for products which are inherently social in nature such as DVDs, books, and event tickets, these have translated to greater returns on investments. Challenges with the use of social media as a business tool Social media has certainly impacted on business. While many companies have found significant benefits with these social platforms, some have encountered unexpected risks and challenges along the way. There have been some challenges such as loss of sensitive information, reputational, legal and operational risks, and reduced productivity as a result of time wastage. Whereas there are many remarkable upside to using social media as a business tool, the vast reach of these media platforms also offer a vast uncharted sinkhole of risk (Merril et al 2011). The benefits may be outweighed by reputational risks. For example, in 2009 an employee from a national pizza delivery chain was recorded in a video camera tainting a sandwich which was to be delivered to a customer (Merril et al 2011). When the video was posted on YouTube where it drew heavy reaction from millions of viewers across the world. Viewers tweeted the news and in a span of 48 hours, the chain had experienced a change in consumers’ perception from positive to negative. Such embarrassing moments can tarnish the image of the company. Other risks of particular concern include risks pertaining to intellectual property and media risks, security risk and risk pertaining to employment privacy (Stelzner 2013). Companys security may be breached by malwares downloaded onto their website. Intellectual property risks may arise if employees post others information without their permission. Claims can be made against the company under such situations and contractual breach claims may result where the intellectual property belongs to an existing client (Merril et al 2011). Beyond these risks, some companies may face the challenge of integrating social media into their strategies. According to a Harvard Business review survey, 79% of the 2,100 organizations surveyed used social media platform as a business tool (Gullin 2010). The remaining 21% were in the process of launching social media initiatives. However, majority of these organizations pointed out to the challenge of integrating social media into their strategies. A vast majority of them seem to have no formalized social media strategy whereas others appear to struggle with how best to use the different channels. Methods and approaches to building relationships with customers that could potentially increase revenues in organizations A key important aspect that marketers should take into consideration is knowing how to communicate the right message with customers over media (Smith 2013). Most companies often post their updates through social media platforms which enables existing customers to interact with their favourite brand and get updates of their products. Whereas this approach enhances brand visibility and sometimes lead to new-customer acquisition, it often does not convert social media follows to direct sales and hence ends up hurting the bottom line (Smith 2013). A vast majority of online audience are eager to interact with their brands through these media platforms, but for them to engage in a financially meaningful way, marketers must know how best to reach them. Increasing traffic in the corporate page may seem somewhat beneficial, but it does not result in significant return on investment. As opposed to just focusing on increasing traffic, companies should focus on engaging more with the customers, both at the local and personal level. This would enable them to identify customer needs and tailor services and products to meeting those needs. Not only would this increase sales revenue, but it will also build and enhance customer relationship. Conclusion Business today has transformed from the previous pure brick business models to new approaches that utilize social media as business tools. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Myspace and YouTube among many others have become an important gradient in todays marketing mix. Customers’ buying experience has gone beyond the traditional transactional base to a contemporary conversational tone by connecting with the clients through the various socializing networks like Twitter or Facebook. In response to the changing consumer behaviors, it has become a business imperative to integrate with the social networking sites. These tools offer business with many benefits including customer acquisition, retention and generation of sales revenue. Further, business units such as marketing, sales, and HR can use these powerful tools to stimulate innovation and monetize their presence. Whereas there are many remarkable upside to using social media as a business tool, there are some unexpected risks and challenges as well. These include the loss of sensitive information, reputational, legal and operational risks, and reduced productivity as a result of time wasted. Beyond these risks, some companies may face the challenge of integrating social media into their strategies. In spite of these risks, social media platforms appear to have had tremendous impacts on the business world, given its ubiquity and remarkable ability to attract and retain new customers which ultimately translates to more returns on investment. There is however need for companies to establish a strategy and associated policies that seek to address the pertinent issues. Although these risks and challenges may seem significant, they can be easily managed with forethought and planning. References Agarwal, S., and Mital, M. (2009) â€Å"Focus on Business Practices: An Exploratory Study of Indian University Students Use of Social Networking Web Sites: Implications for the Workplace†, Business Communication Quarterly. ATT, (2008). The business impact of social networking. AT T Bashar, A., Ahmad, I. and Wasiq, M., (2012). Effectiveness of social media as a marketing tool: an empirical study. International Journal of Marketing, Financial Services Management Research, vol. 1 (11) Boyd, D. M., Ellison, N. B. (2007). Social Network Sites: Definition, History and Scholarship. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13(1), 210  Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚  230. Carolyn, B., (2013). How to monetize social media. Inc. Conroy, P., Narula, A. (2010). A new breed of brand advocates Social networking redefines consumer engagement. Delloite. Curtis, A. (2011). The brief history of social media. Retrieved fromuncp.edu/home/acurtis/NewMedia/SocialMedia/SocialMediaHistory.html Gillin, P., (2010). The new conversation: taking social media from talk to action. Harvard Business Review. Harvard Business publishing Hutley, R., (2009). Social networking as a business tool. Cisco IBSG Inc. ISACA, (2010). Social media: business benefits and security, governance and assurance perspectives. ISACA KPMG, (2011). Going social: how businesses are making the most of social media. KPMG International Li, C. Bernoff, J. (2008) Groundswell: Winning in a world transformed by social technologies. Boston: Harvard Business Press. McKinsey. (2007). How companies are marketing Online: A McKinsey Global Survey. McKinsey Merrill, T., Latham, K., Santalesa, R. and Navetta, D., (2011). Social media: the business benefits may be enormous, but can the risks-reputational, legal, operational-be mitigated? Information Law Group. ACE publishers Oracle, (2012). Is social media transforming your business? Oracle Corporation. Smith, B., (2013). Shortsighted social media strategy misses huge revenue opportunity. [Viewed on 27th November 2013] available from http://chainstoreage.com/article/shortsighted-social-media-strategy-misses-huge-revenue-opportunity Stelzner, M.A., (2013). Social media marketing industry report: how marketers are using social media to grow their businesses. Social Media Examiner Trottier, D. (2013) â€Å"The business of Conversations: Market Social Media and Surveillance and Visibility†, First Monday. Vol. 18, pp. 2-4.

Aid Should Help, Not Hurt

Aid Should Help, Not Hurt Aid Should Help, Not Hurt. Sending aid to other countries is called Foreign aid. Foreign aid is the transfer and loaning of funds, goods or services from one country to another. It is moved from one country to another country. (1) The main purpose of aid, mainly in poor countries, is to improve poverty, give support to the people who can’t reach their needs to survive, rebuild important buildings such as School, Hospitals, and Police Departments and restore a great economy to pick up the country once again. However, the usefulness of foreign aid for poverty relief in Africa has lost its objective. Since the 1950s, the idea that huge amounts of donations can cure poverty has led economic development discourses. More than half of the sub-Saharan Africa are now much poorer than in the 1960s. (2) I don’t deny that the fact that many factors that have contributed to poverty in Africa which include natural disasters such as famine, draught, and wars. But what about the huge excess of aid they have been guiding to this developing country? What did they use it for? According to statistics, while advancement has been made in other rising regions of the world, particularly East Asia in the last six decades, the percentage of those living in life- threatening poverty increased in sub-Saharan Africa. (3) Such statistics can be both terrible and at the same time crushing. There are several reasons to why foreign aid is unsuccessful for poverty relief in Africa. The first reason is that poverty in African countries is not a cruel circle waiting to be broken by foreign help. Instead, poverty is created by economic institutions that thoroughly block the incentives and chances of poor people to mak e their lives better by themselves and their country. Let us for instance the system of apartheid in South Africa which Nelson Mandela fought against. In this situation, apartheid was a set of economic institutions which was planned to work against the black South Africans. It contained rules that governed and dictated to people what they should do and what they should not do, including the motivations and openings they are entitled to. (4) In 1913, the South African government announced that 93 percent of South Africa was for the white economy, while 7 per cent was for blacks (who constituted about 70 percent of the population). Blacks had to have a pass, almost as a national passport, to travel to the cities for job opportunities in the white-controlled mines and industries. They could not own property or start a business there. Such economic organizations, avoid the people that need help and opportunities of the massive population of black South Africans and largely kept them in poverty. While the country was rich during this period , the wealth was in few hands and the common were poor. As such, foreign aid would not remove such institutional strength that disadvantaged the majority to access to the national resources. It should be noted that people in underprivileged countries have the same drives as those in rich countries. Just like those from developed nations, people from humble nations also need freedom of accessibility to economic reserves, to have the same chances to good health care, unpolluted portable water in their homes and value education for their children. The reason to why the poor remain poor is because their basic ability with their talents have been disallowed the opportunity to grow by their various establishments in those countries. In Sub-Sahara African states, it is important to note that once you are wealthy, you are advantaged because you are entitled to much more power while the poor on the other hand, are less fortunate and at the pity of those in power. By way of conclusion, the evidence from examples above and analysis have shown that poor people are trapped within economic institutions and until these institutions feel a major change, foreign aid and any growth it seeks to achieve will only be an illusion, not only in Sub-Sahara Africa, but across all developing countries o f the world.

Reading and Comprehension of texts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Reading and Comprehension of texts - Essay Example The title of the poem is â€Å"Death of a Naturalist†. Through analysis of the title, an individual can understand the themes of the poem. Moreover, the classroom setting of the poem indicates safety and danger as the teacher uses expressions such as â€Å"daddy frog† to give various examples of safety and danger. Besides, ideas of safety nightmarish images and ideas of safety and danger such as the use of words like the "punishing sun" and "Flax had rotted there." The purpose of the text is to show the dangers involved throughout a Childs life incorporating challenges of nature by using a frog. Additionally, nature is represented as an educational force in a Childs life. The safety and danger of situations among children develops in the poem since in the last stanza, and Heaney says that good times represent by the presentation of the weather. Frogs are yellow in the sun to represent danger while they are brown in the rain to represent safety. The reading of texts such as poems generates knowledge without involving teachers. The main points in the text reflect the challenges of safety and danger experienced by children. Some of the points that indicate safety in the poem includes flax-dam fostered in the heart. It appears in the first stanza and reveals various aspects of safety that a child should have. Besides, the sixth line of the poem, reads, â€Å"Wove strong gauze of sound around the smell,† .It represents dangers within the environment that a child need to notice and take necessary steps to escape from danger. The title of the novel is â€Å"The One Thing Needful†. The novel reflects hard times by booking the first sowing. Moreover, the author insists on the importance of facts among boys and girls. Additionally, it points out the importance of facts, as the only thing wanted in life since it’s a part that forms enhances rational thought. Sticking to facts should be the core principle parents bring up their children. The

Gun Control community and police safety vs right to bear arms Research Paper

Gun Control community and police safety vs right to bear arms - Research Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that judging by the current statistics, the United States has the highest level of gun-related violence, which is not only greater than everywhere in Western Europe, but around the World. Police officers receive reports of mass shootings virtually every day, with the latest one being the San Bernardino shooting in California, which left 14 people dead and 21 wounded. According to Shootingtracker.com, the San Bernardino shooting is undeniably the deadliest since the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting, which took place in December 2012, and left 20 children and 6 adults dead. The website, which defines a mass shooting as an incident where four or more people are shot at the same time, equally reports that the United States has witnessed 1052 mass shootings over a span of 1066 days. The situation in the United States is a sharp contrast to that in Scotland for example, which has a population of 5.3 million people but has made great strides in managing gun-related violence. The state of affairs in Scotland is said to have changed after the Dunblane Primary School shooting in March 1996, which left 16 children and 1 teacher dead. The public outcry that resulted from the 1996 incident prompted the British government to act with speed, and ban the private ownership of automatic weapons and handguns within their mainland. The effected changes similarly gave the authorities more control over the licensing of weapons.

Hospitality Contract and Event Management Assignment

Hospitality Contract and Event Management - Assignment Example The key factor that leads to a person contracting a caterer is because of his expertise in the sector. The person believes that he is being involved with a professional in the provision of the various services needed. A keen caterer would not compromise on his/her quality of product and provision of his/her services since he/she is there to get another contract or be recommended for his quality of his products and services.(Judge Advocate General's School (United States. Army), American Bar Association. Section of Public Contract Law2007) Another crucial characteristic is the manner he/she offers his/her services. Apart from the fact that the services should be of high quality, they should be offered at a considerable price and at the right time. The pricing of a caterer’s product and services should be considerable and effective free from hidden charges. These ensure that the caterer remains competitive and wins most of the contracts in the market. Another key feature that is crucial as far as provision of services is considered is the punctuality of his/her services. The services should be at the right place, at the right time with the right people offering those services. Another main characteristic that features in a catering contract is the innovation and new brilliant ideas. Catering sector is a competitive sector that requires caterer to be on their toes. Due to the fact that it is a dynamic sector makes it paramount to venture into new ideas that will attract customer for your products and services. They should offer the latest recipe of food, the latest outdoor design and interior design that satisfies the customers (Judge Advocate General's School (United States. Army), American Bar Association. Section of Public Contract Law2007) What caterer should be interested in is the satisfaction of his/her client. He/she should be pay attention to the way he/she prices his/her products, the way they deliver their products the quality of their products a nd the way they remain relevant I the sector. External factors affecting planning and management in the event and contract sectors Introduction. A hospitality sector which includes event planners and caterers is affected by internal and external factors just like other business enterprises. Internal factors such as management, finances, the level of safety menu among other actors plays an important role in the functioning of this sector. There are other uncontrollable factors which are external but can be controlled by planning well and sound management. One of such factors is the performance of the economy of a country. A well performing economy with sable prices, availability of skilled labor, flexible tax policies, performance of macro institutions, ease to put and run businesses and stable foreign exchange usually affects the smooth running of a business in the catering sector. When foreign exchange is unstable, prices are high, reduced expenditure by the government usually affe cts hospitality sector in the negative since there is reduced transaction (Anton S, Bryn P 1987) Hospitality sector is established and operates within the laws of a country. The law gives the licensing and gives the guidelines on how to operate in the sector. There are different laws such as laws that govern the t environment that do affect the hospitality

German Autobahnen Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

German Autobahnen - Assignment Example The present research has identified that Atobahn are officially named as Bundesautobahn in Germany because of the reason these are build as well as maintained by federal authorities present within the country. When we talk about German Autobahn, we may see that there is no specification of speed limit for cars and other vehicles. However, the advisory speed limit is about 130 kilometers/ hr. it is also important to understand that a hard limit is also imposed on some transports. For example 60 km per hour for those buses those carry standing travelers as well as trailers that pull motorcycles. On the other hand, passengers or travelers cars and buses have hard limit of 80 km per hour. Moreover, trailers that are used to pull passenger cars have limit 100km per hour. Last but not the least, when we talk about road safety of these autobahns found in Germany, we may conclude that the situations are quite better here as compared to highways and motorways found in other European countries . The chances of any crash and accidents are fewer as compared to those present in USA.

Summaries of two articles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Summaries of two articles - Essay Example The major influence on student learning and academic achievement are the children’s exposure to the quality of schools and teachers. A test based on the production function models was carried out on the quality of teachers and schools to explain their variance to a large extent on academic achievement rather than characteristics such as age, socioeconomic status and sex over which schools have little or no control over. As a result of the tests, governments have a responsibility to invest in quality learning levels by identifying the goods and services such as library resources, audiovisual equipment, different contacts and homework required and investing in them. Government resources on quality learning are weak and schools have control, but characters that the schools have little control such as preschool measures and out-of-school measures are the major effects on quality learning by schools(Little & Andy 168). Students from high income countries such as US practice preschool measures not influenced by the government or school control compared to low income countries which spend a lot of money on similar academic learning. Academic learning is of quality when it influences social achievement and students are not controlled by schools given their characteristics. The second article is on the importance of teaching as a career to first time tutors. It is necessary for any individual with an inspiration to become a teacher or enhance his or her teaching career to make an informed decision base. First time teaching requires proper understanding of the subject matter and the ability to recognize the learning needs of the students and, therefore, be able to engage them mutually according to their different learning capabilities in order to provide solutions for their success attainment and education progression. However, teaching poses numerous challenges for the first time teachers and, therefore, first time tutors should possess critical

Hospitality Contract and Event Management Assignment

Hospitality Contract and Event Management - Assignment Example The key factor that leads to a person contracting a caterer is because of his expertise in the sector. The person believes that he is being involved with a professional in the provision of the various services needed. A keen caterer would not compromise on his/her quality of product and provision of his/her services since he/she is there to get another contract or be recommended for his quality of his products and services.(Judge Advocate General's School (United States. Army), American Bar Association. Section of Public Contract Law2007) Another crucial characteristic is the manner he/she offers his/her services. Apart from the fact that the services should be of high quality, they should be offered at a considerable price and at the right time. The pricing of a caterer’s product and services should be considerable and effective free from hidden charges. These ensure that the caterer remains competitive and wins most of the contracts in the market. Another key feature that is crucial as far as provision of services is considered is the punctuality of his/her services. The services should be at the right place, at the right time with the right people offering those services. Another main characteristic that features in a catering contract is the innovation and new brilliant ideas. Catering sector is a competitive sector that requires caterer to be on their toes. Due to the fact that it is a dynamic sector makes it paramount to venture into new ideas that will attract customer for your products and services. They should offer the latest recipe of food, the latest outdoor design and interior design that satisfies the customers (Judge Advocate General's School (United States. Army), American Bar Association. Section of Public Contract Law2007) What caterer should be interested in is the satisfaction of his/her client. He/she should be pay attention to the way he/she prices his/her products, the way they deliver their products the quality of their products a nd the way they remain relevant I the sector. External factors affecting planning and management in the event and contract sectors Introduction. A hospitality sector which includes event planners and caterers is affected by internal and external factors just like other business enterprises. Internal factors such as management, finances, the level of safety menu among other actors plays an important role in the functioning of this sector. There are other uncontrollable factors which are external but can be controlled by planning well and sound management. One of such factors is the performance of the economy of a country. A well performing economy with sable prices, availability of skilled labor, flexible tax policies, performance of macro institutions, ease to put and run businesses and stable foreign exchange usually affects the smooth running of a business in the catering sector. When foreign exchange is unstable, prices are high, reduced expenditure by the government usually affe cts hospitality sector in the negative since there is reduced transaction (Anton S, Bryn P 1987) Hospitality sector is established and operates within the laws of a country. The law gives the licensing and gives the guidelines on how to operate in the sector. There are different laws such as laws that govern the t environment that do affect the hospitality

Summaries of two articles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Summaries of two articles - Essay Example The major influence on student learning and academic achievement are the children’s exposure to the quality of schools and teachers. A test based on the production function models was carried out on the quality of teachers and schools to explain their variance to a large extent on academic achievement rather than characteristics such as age, socioeconomic status and sex over which schools have little or no control over. As a result of the tests, governments have a responsibility to invest in quality learning levels by identifying the goods and services such as library resources, audiovisual equipment, different contacts and homework required and investing in them. Government resources on quality learning are weak and schools have control, but characters that the schools have little control such as preschool measures and out-of-school measures are the major effects on quality learning by schools(Little & Andy 168). Students from high income countries such as US practice preschool measures not influenced by the government or school control compared to low income countries which spend a lot of money on similar academic learning. Academic learning is of quality when it influences social achievement and students are not controlled by schools given their characteristics. The second article is on the importance of teaching as a career to first time tutors. It is necessary for any individual with an inspiration to become a teacher or enhance his or her teaching career to make an informed decision base. First time teaching requires proper understanding of the subject matter and the ability to recognize the learning needs of the students and, therefore, be able to engage them mutually according to their different learning capabilities in order to provide solutions for their success attainment and education progression. However, teaching poses numerous challenges for the first time teachers and, therefore, first time tutors should possess critical

Mattel Responds to Ethical Challenges Essay Example for Free

Mattel Responds to Ethical Challenges Essay Mattel, Inc. is a global leader in designing and manufacturing toys and family products. Well-known for brands such as Barbie, Fisher-Price, Disney, Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Tyco, Cabbage Patch Kids, and board games, the company boasts nearly $5.9 billion in annual revenue. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, with offices across the world, Mattel markets its products in over 150 nations. It all started in a California garage workshop when Ruth and Elliot Handler and Matt Matson founded Mattel in 1945. The company started out making picture frames, but the founders soon recognized the profitability of the toy industry and switched their emphasis to toys. Mattel became a publicly owned company in 1960, with sales exceeding $100 million by 1965. Over the next forty years, Mattel went on to become the world’s largest toy company in terms of revenue. In spite of its overall success, Mattel has had its share of losses over its history. During the mid to late 1990s, Mattel lost millions to declining sales and bad business acquisitions. In January 1997, Jill Barad took over as Mattel’s CEO. Barad’s management-style was characterized as strict and her tenure at the helm proved challenging for many employees. While Barad had been successful in building the Barbie brand to $2 billion by the end of the 20th century, growth slowed in the early 21st. Declining sales at outlets such as Toys ‘R’ Us marked the start of some difficulties for the retailer, responsibilities for which Barad accepted and resigned in 2000. Robert Eckert replaced Barad as CEO. Aiming to turn things around, Eckert sold unprofitable units and cut hundreds of jobs. In 2000, under Eckert, Mattel was granted the highly sought-after licensing agreement for products related to the Harry Potter series of books and movies. The company continued to flourish and build its reputation, even earning the Corporate Responsibility Award from UNICEF in 2003. Mattel released its first Annual Corporate Responsibility Report the following year. In 2011 Mattel was recognized as one of Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For for the fourth consecutive year. MATTEL’S CORE PRODUCTS BARBIE AND AMERICAN GIRL Among its many lines of popular toy products, Mattel is famous for owning top girls’ brands. In 1959, Mattel introduced a product that would change its future forever: the Barbie doll. One of the founders, Ruth Handler, had noticed how her daughter loved playing with paper cutout dolls. She decided to create a doll based on an adult rather than on a baby. Barbie took off to become one of Mattel’s critical product lines and the number one girls’ brand in the world. Since her introduction, Mattel has sold more than 1 billion Barbie dolls in over 150 countries. The Barbie line today This material was developed by Debbie Thorne, John Fraedrich, O.C. Ferrell, and Jennifer Jackson, with the editorial assistance of Jennifer Sawayda under the direction of O.C. Ferrell and Linda Ferrell. It is provided for the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative at the University of New Mexico and is intended for classroom discussion rather than to illustrate effective or ineffective handling of administrative, ethical, or legal decisions by management. Users of this material are prohibited from claiming this material as their own, emailing it to others, or placing it on the Internet. Please call O.C. Ferrell at 505-277-3468 for more information. (2011) Includes dolls, accessories, Barbie software, and a broad assortment of licensed products such as books, apparel, food, home furnishings, home electronics, and movies. To supplement the Barbie line, in 1998 Mattel acquired a popular younger type of doll. Mattel announced it would pay $700 million to Pleasant Co. for its high-end American Girl collection. American Girl dolls are sold with books about their lives, which take place during important periods of US history. The American Girls brand includes several book series, accessories, clothing for dolls and girls, and a magazine that ranks in the top ten American children’s magazines. HOT WHEELS Hot Wheels roared into the toy world in 1968. More than thirty years later, the brand is hotter than ever and includes high-end collectibles, NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) and Formula One models for adults, high-performance cars, track sets, and play sets for children of all ages. The brand is connected with racing circuits worldwide. More than 15 million boys aged five to 15 are avid collectors, each owning forty-one cars on average. Two Hot Wheels cars are sold every second of every day. The brand began with cars designed to run on a track and has evolved into a â€Å"lifestyle† brand with licensed Hot Wheels shirts, caps, lunch boxes, backpacks, and more. Together, Hot Wheels and Barbie generate 45 percent of Mattel’s revenue and 65 percent of its profits. CABBAGE PATCH KIDS Since the introduction of mass-produced Cabbage Patch Kids in 1982, more than 90 million dolls have been sold worldwide. In 1994, Mattel took over selling these beloved dolls after purchasing production rights from Hasbro. In 1996, Mattel created a new line of Cabbage Patch doll, called Snacktime Kids, which was expected to meet with immense success. The Snacktime Kids had moving mouths that enabled children to â€Å"feed† them plastic snacks. However, the product backfired. The toy had no on/off switch and reports of children  getting their fingers or hair caught in the dolls’ mouths surfaced during the 1996 holiday season. Mattel voluntarily pulled the dolls from store shelves by January 1997, and offered consumers a cash refund of $40 on returned dolls. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission applauded Mattel’s handling of the Snacktime Kids situation. Mattel effectively managed a situation that could easily have created bad publicity or a crisis situati on. Mattel stopped producing Cabbage Patch Kids in 2000. MATTEL’S COMMITMENT TO ETHICS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Mattel’s core products and business environment create many ethical issues. Because the company’s products are designed primarily for children, it must be sensitive to social concerns about children’s rights. It must also be aware that the international environment often complicates business transactions. Different legal systems and cultural expectations about business can create ethical conflicts. Finally, the use of technology may present ethical dilemmas, especially regarding consumer privacy. Mattel has recognized these potential issues and taken steps to strengthen its commitment to business ethics. The company also purports to take a stand on social responsibility, encouraging its employees and consumers to do the same. PRIVACY AND MARKETING TECHNOLOGY One issue Mattel has tried to address repeatedly is that of privacy and online technology. Advances in technology have created special marketing issues for Mattel. The company recognizes that, because it markets to children, it must communicate with parents regarding its corporate marketing strategy. Mattel has taken steps to inform both children and adults about its philosophy regarding Internet-based marketing tools, such as the Hot Wheels website. This website contains a lengthy online privacy policy, part of which is excerpted below: Mattel, Inc. and its family of companies (â€Å"Mattel†) are committed to  protecting your online privacy when visiting a website operated by us. We do not collect and keep any personal information online from you unless you volunteer it and you are 13 or older. We also do not collect and keep personal information online from children under the age of 13 without consent of a parent or legal guardian, except in limited circumstances authorized by law and described in this policy. By assuring parents that their children’s privacy will be respected, Mattel demonstrates that it takes its responsibility of marketing to children seriously. EXPECTATIONS OF MATTEL’S BUSINESS PARTNERS Mattel, Inc. is also making a serious commitment to business ethics in its dealings with other industries. In late 1997, the company completed its first full ethics audit of each of its manufacturing sites as well as the facilities of its primary contractors. The audit revealed that the company was not using any child labor or forced labor, a problem plaguing other overseas manufacturers. However, several contractors were found to be in violation of Mattel’s safety and human rights standards and were asked to change their operations or risk losing Mattel’s business. The company now conducts an independent monitoring council audit in manufacturing facilities every three years. In an effort to continue its strong record on human rights and related ethical standards, Mattel instituted a code of conduct entitled Global Manufacturing Principles in 1997. One of these principles requires all Mattel-owned and contracted manufacturing facilities to favor business partners committed to ethical standards comparable with those of Mattel. Other principles relate to safety, wages, and adherence to local laws. Mattel’s audits and subsequent code of conduct were designed as preventative, not punitive measures. The company is dedicated to creating and encouraging responsible business practices throughout the world. 1 Mattel, Inc., Online Privacy Policy, http://www.hotwheels.com/privacy-policy (accessed August 23, 2011). Mattel also claims to be committed to its workforce. As one company consultant noted, â€Å"Mattel is committed to improving the skill level of workers [so that they] will experience increased opportunities and productivity.† This statement reflects Mattel’s concern for relationships between and with employees and business partners. The company’s code is a signal to potential partners, customers, and other stakeholders that Mattel has made a commitment to fostering and upholding ethical values. LEGAL AND ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES Mattel prefers to partner with businesses similarly committed to high ethical standards. At a minimum, partners must comply with the local and national laws of the countries in which they operate. In addition, all partners must respect the intellectual property of the company, and support Mattel in the protection of assets such as patents, trademarks, or copyrights. They are also responsible for product safety and quality, protecting the environment, customs, evaluation and monitoring, and compliance. Mattel’s business partners must have high standards for product safety and quality, adhering to practices that meet Mattel’s safety and quality standards. In recent years, however, safety standards have been seriously violated, which will be discussed in more detail later. Also, because of the global nature of Mattel’s business and its history of leadership in this area, the company insists that business partners strictly adhere to local and international customs laws. Partners must also comply with all import and export regulations. To assist in compliance with standards, Mattel insists that all manufacturing facilities provide the following: 1 Full access for on-site inspections by Mattel or parties designated by Mattel 2 Full access to those records that will enable Mattel to determine compliance with its principles 3 An annual statement of compliance with Mattel’s Global Manufacturing Principles, signed by an officer of the manufacturer or manufacturing facility2 With the creation of the Mattel Independent Monitoring Council (MIMCO), Mattel became the first global consumer products company to apply such a system to facilities and core contractors worldwide. The company seeks to maintain an independent monitoring system that provides checks and balances to help ensure that standards are met. If certain aspects of Mattel’s manufacturing Principles are not being met, Mattel will try to work with them to help them fix their problems. New partners will not be hired unless they meet Mattel’s standards. If corrective action is advised but not taken, Mattel will terminate its relationship with the partner in question. Overall, Mattel is committed to both business success and ethical standards, and it recognizes that it is part of a continuous improvement process. 2 â€Å"Mattel’s Commitment to Ethics,† eBusiness Ethics, http://www.e-businessethics.com/mattel9.htm (accessed August 23, 2011). MATTEL CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION Mattel takes its social responsibilities very seriously. Through the Mattel Children’s Foundation, established in 1978, the company promotes philanthropy and community involvement among its employees and makes charitable investments to better the lives of children in need. Funding priorities have included building a new Mattel Children’s Hospital at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), sustaining the Mattel Family Learning Program, and promoting giving among Mattel employees. In November 1998, Mattel donated a multiyear, $25 million gift to the UCLA Children’s Hospital. The gift was meant to support the existing hospital and provide for a new state-of-the-art facility. In honor of Mattel’s donation, the hospital was renamed Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA. The Mattel Family Learning Program utilizes computer learning labs as a way to advance children’s basic skills. Now numbering more than eighty throughout the United States, Hong Kong, Canada, and Mexico, the labs offer software and technology designed to help children with special needs or limited English proficiency. Mattel employees are also encouraged to participate in a wide range of volunteer activities as part of â€Å"Mattel Volunteers: Happy to Help.† Employees serving on boards of local nonprofit organizations or helping with ongoing nonprofit programs are eligible to apply for volunteer grants supporting their organizations. Mattel employees contributing to higher education or to nonprofit organizations serving children in need are eligible to have their personal donations matched dollar for dollar up to $5,000 annually. INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING PRINCIPLES As a U.S.-based multinational company owning and operating facilities and contracting worldwide, Mattel’s Global Manufacturing Principles reflect not only its need to conduct manufacturing responsibly, but to respect the cultural, ethical, and philosophical differences of the countries in which it operates. These Principles set uniform standards across Mattel manufacturers and attempt to benefit both employees and consumers. Mattel’s Principles cover issues such as wages, work hours, child labor, forced labor, discrimination, freedom of association, and working conditions. Workers must be paid at least minimum wage or a wage that meets  local industry standards (whichever is greater). No one under the age of 16 or the local age limit (whichever is higher) may be allowed to work for Mattel facilities. Mattel refuses to work with facilities that use forced or prison labor, or to use these types of labor itself. Additionally, Mattel does not tolerate discrimination. The company states that an individual should be hired and employed based on his or her ability—not on individual characteristics or beliefs. Mattel recognizes all employees’ rights to choose to associate with organizations or associations without interference. Regarding working conditions, all Mattel facilities and its business partners must provide safe working environments for their employees. ISSUES WITH OVERSEAS MANUFACTURING Despite Mattel’s best efforts, not all overseas manufacturers have faithfully adhered to its high standards. Mattel has come under scrutiny over its sale of unsafe products. In September 2007, Mattel announced recalls of toys containing lead paint. The problem surfaced when a European retailer discovered lead paint on a toy. An estimated 10 million individual toys produced in China were affected. Mattel quickly stopped production at Lee Der, the company officially producing the recalled toys, after it was discovered that Lee Der had purchased lead-tainted paint to be used on the toys. Mattel blamed the fiasco on the manufacturers’ desire to save money in the face of increasing prices. â€Å"In the last three or five years, youve seen labor prices more than double, raw material prices double or triple,† CEO Eckert said in an interview, â€Å"and I think that theres a lot of pressure on guys that are working at the margin to try to save money. The situation began when Early Light Industrial Co., a subcontractor for Mattel owned by Hong Kong toy tycoon Choi Chee Ming, subcontracted the painting of parts of CARS toys to another China-based vendor. The vendor, named Hong Li Da, decided to source paint from a non-authorized third-party supplier—a violation of Mattel’s requirement to use paint supplied directly by Early Light. The products were found to contain â€Å"impermissible levels of lead.† On August 2, 2007, it was announced that another of Early Lights subcontractors, Lee Der Industrial Co., used the same lead paint found on Cars products. China immediately suspended the companys export license. Afterward, Mattel pinpointed three paint suppliers working for Lee Der—Dongxin, Zhongxin, and Mingdai. This paint was used by Lee Der to produce Mattels line of Fisher-Price products. It is said that Lee Der purchased the paint from Mingdai due to an intimate friendship between the two company’s owners. On August 11, 2007, Zhang Shuhong, operator of Lee Der, hung himself after paying his 5,000 staff members. Later that month, Mattel was forced to recall several more toys because of powerful magnets in the toys that could come loose and pose a choking hazard for young children. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other inside the child’s stomach, causing potentially fatal complications. Over 21 million Mattel toys were recalled in all, and parents filed several lawsuits claiming that these Mattel products harmed their children. At first, Mattel blamed Chinese subcontractors for the huge toys recalls, but the company later accepted a portion of the blame for its troubles, while maintaining that Chinese manufacturers were largely at fault. The Chinese view the situation quite differently. As reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency, the spokesman for Chinas General Administration of Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine said, â€Å"Mattel should improve its product design and supervision over product quality. Chinese original equipment manufacturers were doing the job just as importers requested, and the toys conformed to the U.S. regulations and standards at the time of the production. Mattel also faced criticism from many of its consumers, who believed Mattel was denying culpability by placing much of the blame on China. Mattel was later awarded the 2007 â€Å"Bad Product† Award by Consumers International. How did this crisis occur under the watch of a company praised for its ethics and high safety standards? Although Mattel had investigated its contractors, it did not audit the entire supply chain, including subcontractors. These  oversights left room for these violations to occur. Mattel has also moved to enforce a rule that subcontractors cannot hire suppliers two or three tiers down. In a statement, Mattel says it has spent more than 50,000 hours investigating its vendors and testing its toys. Mattel also announced a three-point plan. This plan aims to tighten Mattel’s control of production, discover and prevent the unauthorized use of subcontractors, and test the products itself rather than depending on contractors. THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT’S REACTION Chinese officials eventually did admit the government’s failure to properly protect the public. The Chinese government promised to tighten supervision of exported products, but effective supervision is challenging in such a large country that is so burdened with corruption. In January 2008, the Chinese government launched a four-month-long nationwide product quality campaign, offering intensive training courses to domestic toy manufacturers to help them brush up on their knowledge of international product standards and safety awareness. As a result of the crackdown, the State Administration for Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) announced that it had revoked the licenses of more than 600 Chinese toy makers. As of 2008, the State Administration for Commerce and Industry (SACI) released a report claiming that 87.5 percent of China’s newly manufactured toys met quality requirements. While this represents an improvement, the temptation to cut corners remains strong in a country that uses price, not quality, as its main competitive advantage. Where there is demand, there will be people trying to turn a quick profit. MATTEL VERSUS FORMER EMPLOYEE AND MGA In 2004, Mattel became embroiled in a bitter intellectual property rights battle with former employee Carter Bryant and MGA Entertainment Inc. over rights to MGA’s popular Bratz dolls. Carter Bryant, an on-again/off-again Mattel employee, designed the Bratz dolls and pitched them to MGA. A few months after the pitch, Bryant left  Mattel to work at MGA, which began producing Bratz in 2001. In 2002, Mattel launched an investigation into whether Bryant had designed the Bratz dolls while employed with Mattel. After two years of investigation, Mattel sued Bryant. A year later MGA fired off a suit of its own, claiming that Mattel was creating Barbies with looks similar to those of Bratz in an effort to eliminate the competition. Mattel answered by expanding its own suit to include MGA and its CEO, Isaac Larian. For decades, Barbie has reigned supreme on the doll market. However, Bratz dolls have given Barbie a run for her money. In 2005, four years after the brand’s debut, Bratz sales were at $2 billion. At the same time, Barbie was suffering from declining sales. In 2008 Barbie’s gross sales fell by 6 percent. Many analysts believe that Barbie has reached the maturity stage of its product life cycle. Four years after the initial suit was filed, Bryant settled with Mattel under an undisclosed set of terms. In July 2008, a jury deemed MGA and its CEO liable for what it termed â€Å"intentional interference† regarding Bryant’s contract with Mattel. In August 2008, Mattel received damages in the range of $100 million. Although Mattel first requested damages of $1.8 billion, the company is pleased with the principle behind the victory. In December 2008, Mattel appeared to win another victory when a California judge banned MGA from issuing or selling any more Bratz dolls. However, the tide soon turned on Mattel’s victory. In July 2010, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals threw out the ruling. Eventually, the case came down to whether Mattel owned Bryant’s ideas under the contract he had with the comapny. In April 2011, a California federal jury rejected Mattel’s claims to ownership. In another blow to Mattel, the jury also ruled that the company had stolen trade secrets from MGA. According to the allegations, Mattel employees used fake business cards to get into MGA showrooms during toy fairs. Mattel was ordered to pay $85 million in liabilities, plus an additional $225 million in damages and legal fees. MGA CEO Isaac Larian has  also announced that he will file an antitrust case against Mattel. Mattel continues to claim that Bryant violated his contract when he was working for the company . MATTEL LOOKS TOWARD THE FUTURE Like all major companies, Mattel has weathered its share of storms. The company has faced a series of difficult and potentially crippling challenges, including the recent verdict against the company in the Bratz lawsuit. During the wave of toy recalls, some analysts suggested that the company’s reputation was battered beyond repair. Mattel, however, has refused to go quietly. Although the company admits to poorly handling recent affairs, it is attempting to rectify its mistakes and to prevent future mistakes as well. With the economic future of the United States uncertain, Mattel may be in for slow growth for some time to come. Mattel is hard at work restoring goodwill and faith in its brands, even as it continues to be plagued with residual distrust over the lead paint scandal and its alleged theft of trade secrets. Reputations are hard won and easily lost, but Mattel appears to be steadfast in its commitment to restoring its reputation. QUESTIONS 1. Do manufacturers of products for children have special obligations to consumers and society? If so, what are these responsibilities? 2. How effective has Mattel been at encouraging ethical and legal conduct by its manufacturers? What changes and additions would you make to the company’s Global Manufacturing Principles? 3. To what extent is Mattel responsible for issues related to its production of toys in China? How might Mattel have avoided these issues? 9 Sources: Lisa Bannon and Carlta Vitzhum, â€Å"One-Toy-Fits-All: How Industry Learned to Love the Global Kid,† Wall Street Journal, Apr. 30, 2003, http://online.wsj.com. Adam Bryant, â€Å"Mattel CEO Jill Barad and a Toyshop That Doesn’t Forget to Play,† New York Times, Oct. 11, 1998. Bill Duryea, â€Å"Barbie-holics: They’re Devoted to the Doll,† St. Petersburg Times, Aug. 7, 1998. Rachel Engers, â€Å"Mattel Board Members Buy $30 Million in Stock: Insider Focus,† Bloomberg.com, Dec. 22, 2000. Mattel, Inc., Hot Wheels web site, http://www.hotwheels.com. â€Å"Independent Monitoring Council Completes Audits of Mattel Manufacturing Facilities in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand,† Mattel, press release, Nov. 15, 2002, www.shareholder.com/mattel/news/20021115-95295.cfm. â€Å"Investors and Media,† â€Å"Mattel Children’s Foundation,† and â€Å"Mattel Independent Monitoring Council,† Mattel, http://www.mattel.com/about_us (all accessed Apr. 30, 2003). â€Å"Mattel and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Announce Voluntary Refund Program for Cabbage Patch Kids Snacktime Kids Dolls,† U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Office of Information and Public Affairs, Release No. 97-055, Jan. 6, 1997. â€Å"Mattel, Inc., Launches Global Code of Conduct Intended to Improve Workplace, Workers’ Standard of Living,† Canada NewsWire, Nov. 21, 1997. â€Å"Mattel, Inc., Online Privacy Policy,† Mattel http://www.hotwheels.com/policy.asp (accessed Apr. 30, 2003). Marla Matzer, â€Å"Deals on Hot Wheels,† Los Angeles Times, Jul. 22, 1998. Patricia Sellers, â€Å"The 50 Most Powerful Women in American Business,† Fortune, Oct. 12, 1998. â€Å"Toymaker Mattel Bans Child Labor,† Denver Post, Nov. 21, 1998. Michael White, â€Å"Barbie Will Lose Some Curves When Mattel Modernizes Icon,† Detroit News, Nov. 18, 1997. Laura S. Spark, Chinese Product Scares Prompt US Fears. BBC News. July 10 2007, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6275758.stm (accessed May 8, 2009). Benjamin B. Olshin, China, Culture, and Product Recalls. S2R. August 20, 2007, http://www.s2r.biz/s2rpapers/papers- Chinese_Product.pdf (accessed April 5, 2008). Mattel Recalls Batmanâ„ ¢ and One Pieceâ„ ¢ Magnetic Action Figure Sets. CPSC. 14 Aug. 2007, http://service.mattel.com/us/recall/J1944CPSC.pdf. Parker. Magnetic Toy Sets (accessed May 8, 2009). Product Recall. Mattel Consumer Service. 1 Apr. 2008 http://service.mattel.com/us/recall.asp. David Barboza and Louise Story. 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