10 Tips About Basic Writing Competency

10 Tips About Basic Writing Competency 10 Tips About Basic Writing Competency 10 Tips About Basic Writing Competency By Mark Nichol Here are ten areas to be sure to attend to if you wish to be taken seriously as a professional writer. Formatting 1. Do not enter two letter spaces between sentences. Use of two spaces is an obsolete convention based on typewriter technology and will mark you as out of touch. If editors or other potential employers or clients notice that you don’t know this simple fact, they may be skeptical about your writing skills before you’ve had a chance to impress them. 2. Take care that paragraphs are of varying reasonable lengths. Unusually short or long paragraphs are appropriate in moderation, but allowing a series of choppy paragraphs or laboriously long ones to remain in a final draft is unprofessional. 3. If you’re submitting a manuscript or other content for publication, do not format it with various fonts and other style features. Editors want to read good writing, not enjoy aesthetically pleasing (or not) manuscripts; efforts to prettify a file are a distraction. Style 4. Do not, in rà ©sumà ©s or in other text, get carried away with capitalization. You didn’t earn a Master’s Degree; you earned a master’s degree. You didn’t study Biology; you studied biology. You weren’t Project Manager; you were project manager. (Search the Daily Writing Tips website for â€Å"capitalization† to find numerous articles on the subject.) 5. Become familiar with the rules for styling numbers, and apply them rationally. 6. Know the principles of punctuation, especially regarding consistency in insertion or omission of the serial comma, avoidance of the comma splice, and use of the semicolon. (Search the Daily Writing Tips website for â€Å"punctuation† to find numerous articles on the subject.) And if you write in American English and you routinely place a period after the closing quotation mark at the end of a sentence rather than before it, go back to square one and try again. 7. Hyphenation is complicated. In other breaking news, life isn’t fair. Don’t count on editors to cure your hyphenation hiccups for you; become your own expert consultant. (In addition to reading the post I linked to here, search the Daily Writing Tips website for â€Å"hyphenation† to find numerous articles on the subject.) 8. Avoid â€Å"scare quotes.† A term does not need to be called out by quotation marks around it unless you must clarify that the unusual usage is not intended to be read literally, or when they are employed for â€Å"comic† effect. (In this case, the implication is that the comic effect is patently unamusing.) Usage 9. For all intensive purposes, know your idioms. (That should be â€Å"for all intents and purposes,† but you should also just omit such superfluous phrases.) On a related note, avoid clichà ©s like the plague except when you don’t. They’re useful, but generous use is the sign of a lazy writer. Spelling 10. Don’t rely on spellchecking programs to do your spelling work for you, and always verify spelling (and wording) of proper nouns. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Writing Basics category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Homograph ExamplesConfused Words #3: Lose, Loose, LossBail Out vs. Bale Out

Critique vs. Criticism

Critique vs. Criticism Critique vs. Criticism Critique vs. Criticism By Maeve Maddox Although dictionaries list critique and criticism as synonyms, the words are not exact equivalents. Perhaps because its two letters shorter, headline writers often use critique when criticism would be the more appropriate choice. Take the following example: News Anchor Fiercely and Succinctly Claps [sic] Back at a Viewers Critique of Her Appearance Here is the so-called critique: All the female reporters and anchors wear little to no jewelry but B Ciara wears the biggest and worst jewelry I have ever seen, please have her play by all same rules as every one else. The viewers petty comment is not a critique. It is a criticism. The word critique connotes a detailed analysis that describes and weighs the characteristics of something before drawing conclusions based on evidence and inference. The type of critique Im most familiar with analyzes and evaluates a piece of writing. Other kinds of critiques are written by political analysts, scientific theorists, and philosophers. A critique considers positive aspects of a subject as well as negative ones. A critiques conclusion may be negative, but the critic will have demonstrated a line of reasoning that led to it. The meanings of critique and criticism overlap, but criticism is already used in a general sense to refer to an expression of mere disapproval or faultfinding. It seems desirable to reserve the word critique to refer to a detailed and thoughtful analysis. Here are some alternative choices for criticism in the sense of censure: condemnation denunciation disapproval disparagement opprobrium attack stricture recrimination Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Synonyms for â€Å"Leader†Hang, Hung, Hanged90 Verbs Starting with â€Å"Ex-†

The Ways Of Competitive Advantage Development Assignment

The Ways Of Competitive Advantage Development - Assignment Example The government through its trade and finance departments play a significant role in making sure all SMEs obtain relevant information about the orientations. In addition, commercial banks, investment banks, and other financial institutions help the enterprises through the provision of credit facilities and guidance on feasible investment destinations (Reijonen 2012). The most significant aspect of orientation is developing a comprehensible understanding of how SMEs perceive and put the concept of marketing into practice. The practices of SMEs will determine their distinctive size, industry or even the crop of customers. Enterprises have adopted unique policies and practices that have to ensure their stability or growth. Bad decisions have resulted to decline in the performance of certain SMEs. However, the government plays important role in the process of ensuring all SMEs have equal opportunities to expand if they have attained all legal formalities. Market orientation is a business approach whose focus is to identify and meet the affirmed wants or needs of prospective customers. According to the philosophy of market orientation, all SMEs must create strategies and policies that are in consensus with the changing demands and expectations of consumers within its niche in the market. These enterprises are vital to the process of driving innovation and competition not only in the US but also in the world at large. They are arguably the backbone of major economies of the world, US included.... According to the philosophy of market orientation, all SMEs must create strategies and policies that are in consensus with the changing demands and expectations of consumers within its niche in the market (Porter & Kramer 62). These enterprises are vital to the process of driving innovation and competition not only in the US but also in the world at large. They are arguably the backbone of major economies of the world, US included. The enterprises provide the biggest chunk of employment opportunities to Americans (Porter & Kramer 2011). Besides, they account for the largest group of exporters in the US and largely rely on imported goods for production processes. The market outlook compliments the market orientation towards examining and resolving poor performance in the past, consumer demand, existing economic aspects, and business opinion. Interactions between market orientation and brand orientation will either promote or derail the competitive advantage of SMEs (Porter & Kramer 20 11). The brand orientation is identity-driven and always views the brand as the hub for a business organization together with its strategy. For enterprises whose major concern is brand orientation, it is inevitable to design brands that excel in the market against competitor’s which then appear less superior (Porter & Kramer 2011). Brand orientation is a costly process since it demands extensive and all-inclusive consultations. In contrast, market orientation is image-driven. The image of an organization will determine whether it is marketable and has incredible niche in the highly competitive market. Over the past few decades, brand orientation and market orientation appeared to have diverse strategic options. However, the perception has changed over the

Forensic science - fingerprint analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Forensic science - fingerprint analysis - Essay Example Ninhydrin treatment involves dipping the items in a ninhydrin solution and allowing the prints to develop over 24 to 48 hours (Lennard, 2001). Physical developer is an aqueous solution, which contains a ferrous/ferric redox system along with silver nitrate and citric acid, and stabilised by a surfactant. Placing a document in the reagent, leads to the deposition of silver from the solution onto any latent fingermarks. The reaction is catalysed by water-insoluble components of the deposit (Lennard, 2001). Small particle reagent is a suspension of molybdenum disulfide in a detergent solution. Small particle reagent suspension can be applied with a spray and then rinsed with water to remove the excess powder (Lennard, 2001). Cyanoacrylate treatment is either with cyanoacrylate vapour or cyanoacrylate fuming, which results in the formation of a hard, white polymer on any latent print. The reaction is catalysed by moisture and ionic material present in the deposit. Cyanoacrylate fuming can be done with home-made chambers, expensive commercial units or portable fuming systems (Lennard, 2001). Basic Yellow 40 (BY40; Maxilon Flavine 10 GFF) is a non-toxic, highly fluorescent dye, which stains cyanoacrylate-developed latent prints. The stain has an excitation maximum at 440 nm with a luminescence emission peak at 490 nm. Basic Yellow 40 is very sensitive to ultraviolet light and can be used with a simple long-wavelength ultraviolet lamp (Security & Safety Supply.) When considering chemical treatments, the surface type is a major consideration. Latent fingermark deposits behave differently on different substrate types; therefore, some techniques are effective on some surfaces, but not on others (Lennard, 2001). For porous surfaces, the choice of chemical treatment will depend on whether the item was wet or not. If the item has been wet, the method

Rhetoric & Stereotypes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Rhetoric & Stereotypes - Essay Example †¨The language and rhetoric that is used to reinforce the stereotype of each group will be described. It will be examined if there some â€Å"truth† to stereotypes of these groups (and others, as well)? †¨Finally, there will be an in-depth self-appraisal about what this writer has learned based on this. The following are stereotypes generated by the writer which are not necessarily true but are commonly associated with the following respective groups. Generally, politicians have the reputation for being men who are usually lawyers, liars, crooked, long-winded, all talk and no action, cheaters, stealers, dishonest, powerful, power-hungry, ego-centric, self-centered, and egomaniacal. Tattooed persons may have the reputation of being the following: cheap; pro basketball players; losers; people who smoke; trailer trash; bikers; biker babes; self-cutters; people with low self-esteem; exhibitionists; people of low social class or socioeconomic status; people from the ghetto or who exalt ghetto life or the ghetto lifestyle; following their cultural norms; getting tattoos for fun; being sailors; being punks; being fans of â€Å"emo† music; and drunks. Feminists may be stereotyped as being annoying, loud, pushy, lesbians, dykes, whiny, single, organizers, protesters, bra-burners, peo ple who use the title â€Å"Ms.†, independent, ballbreakers, complainers, whistleblowers, strong, strong-minded, stubborn, and well-educated. Senior citizens may be labeled as grumpy, old, leaky, sickly, frail, poor, forgetful, repetitive, wistful, reminiscing, mean, doddering, docile, childlike, dependent, ornery, wise, professorial, people who live in the past, long-winded, toothless, bald or balding, frugal, cheap when it comes to money, hard-of-hearing, blind, sight-impaired, dependent on prescription drugs, unsteady, bad drivers, and people who have decreased mobility. †¨ Not all of

The business strategy of marks and spencer

The business strategy of marks and spencer Marks Spencer (MS) is one of the leading retailers in the United Kingdom (UK). The high quality services are being provided to the customers in the areas of clothing, food and home products. Based on reliable statistical data, the number of customers visiting MS stores every week approaching the figure of 21 million. From all over the world, 2,000 suppliers take the responsibility of outstanding quality products to satisfy the customers. The key factors behind the business such as service, quality, value, trust and innovation are equally important since the beginning of MS 125 years ago till date [8]. Business is growing in 41 different countries other than UK by following the well-defined rules and regulations regarding customer care, product quality, innovation and trust. More than 76,000 people work in UK and overseas for MS. To become the worlds most sustainable major retailer is the ultimate goal of MS. For the achievement of this goal, Plan A was launched in January 2007 consisting of 100 commitments to attain in 5 years, but Plan A has extended to 180 commitments to reach by 2015 [9]. The Plan A consists of five pillars to help the MS customers to lead healthier lifestyles. To combat climate change, reduce waste, use sustainable raw material and trade ethically are the four pillars upon which Plan A stands. All the 180 commitments are under the five pillars of Plan A. MS is trying best to work through Plan A by involving customers and suppliers to achieve the desired results [8]. The first section presents the analysis of external environment of organization. Internal environment and identification is the main focus in second section and third section deals with the impact of external environment on the strategic direction of the organization. Identification of the major issues and challenges facing MS is key discussion in last section, and there is conclusion after that to summarize all the sections. Political, economic, social and technical (PEST) are the four most important factors to analyze the external environment of MS. The restrictions or limitations applied by the government in any country are covered under political aspects (import/export duties). But economic aspects indicate the strength and growth of organization based on stock market share value. Social aspects reflect the common people interest in the society and technical issues point to the involvement and utilization of modern emerging technology to advertise and enhance the organizations business. This external environment with four major factors plays a significant role in determining the organizations business strategy to achieve the optimal results. Q.1: Analysis of the organizations external environment. Strategic Analysis of Business Environment External and internal environment influence the organizational operations, therefore strategic direction of business depends on both environments. Strategic analysis helps identifying the environmental factors that can significantly affect the business. On the other hand, environmental analysis indicates the activities both inside and outside the organization. For appropriate business strategy to reflect the organizational environment, environmental analysis must be taken into account. The following discussion considers external and internal organizational environment in detail [6]. 1.1 External Environment External environment consists of conditions and forces such as (political, economical, social and technological) that are beyond the control and affect the organizations strategic options. External environment defines the competitive situation of organization and potentially have both positive and negative impact on business. The classical PEST analysis identifies four major categories of external factors that significantly affect organizations capability to survive and grow. Based on operating region, external environment is divided into three interactive segments having remote, industrial and operating environments. However, changes in the external environment also create new opportunities [1]. Different external factors have different influences which need to be discussed separately for clear understanding. Some influences inter-linked with each other create a bit of complexity. For instance, information technology completely changed the nature of work, customer behavior and life-style as well. External environmental study helps to decide the business strategy accordingly to gain the competitive advantage. Based on PEST analysis, four major external factors are going to discuss in detail [2]. Remote Environment Operating Environment Industrial Environment 1.2 Political Environment Business growth and investors interest both are strictly relevant to the political stability in a country. The government trade policy is another important factor that affects organizations business. Organization operates in an administrative and legal framework provided by the political government. The restrictive environment affects all aspects of organization. The legal and administrative framework cover lot of factors including pricing regulation, tax rates and incentives, mandatory employee benefits, wage legislation, trade regulations and tariffs, industrial safety regulations and product labeling requirements. Permissive administrative/legal context favors organizations business, employees and consumers. The development pace of organization depends on specific laws and regulations to work with. Political activities also affect suppliers, customers and competitors [2]. 1.3 Economic Environment To discuss the effect of economy on organizations business, there is a definite need to consider the crucial macro-economic trends. In this regard, the factors that influence business are taxation, interest rates, inflation, disposable income, unemployment, GNP trends, general demand, government spending, money supply, business cycle stage (e.g. prosperity, recession and recovery), economic growth rate and tendency to spend at national and international levels [1]. 1.4 Social Environment In social environment changes in values, attitudes, beliefs, opinions, different life styles and other trends are taken into consideration. Successful business strategy must have the ability to target different demographics, class structure in the society, various cultures and ethnic conditions of individuals. As a consequence of changing marketplace concepts, customers are compromising the quality over price. Fashionable clothing demand has increased to great extent. The price sensitivity of majority of customers left MS at less competitive position [1]. POLITICAL ORGANIZATION SOCIAL TECHNOLOGICAL ECONOMIC 1.5 Technological Environment Rapid change in technology greatly influences the market conditions and existing trends as well. Electronic media is playing very important role in introducing new fashions in the society. Therefore, organization needs to consider all such factors relevant to modern technology. Utilization of modern technology set the new standards regarding services and product quality. In the technological environment business is affected in terms of investment and consistent application of technology to compete in the market [2]. Q.2: Analysiss of the organizations internal environment and identification. Analysis of Internal Environment and Identification SWOT analysis may be used to measure the degree of fit between strategies and environment. Based on this analysis, strengths and opportunities are used for the profit of business and protect organization against weaknesses and threats. There is no great deal of thought in the utilization of SWOT analysis due to simple nature so the results are not very reliable. This analysis has no ability to cope very well with some of the complicated aspects of modern strategic theory. In the current situation simple analysis of internal environment of MS is concerned, thats why reasonable results may be achieved based on SWOT analysis [5]. 2.1 Strengths All internal and external aspects that give strength to the organization are included in the strong points. The strength indicates the current market position of business in terms of customers, competitors and internal resources. Strength is a resource advantage relative to competitors and the needs of the markets a firm serves or expects to serve. The distinct advantage that helps the organization to achieve the comparative advantage in the market. The origin of strength is the resources and competencies available in the organization [5]. Excellent and quality products give the strength to MS in terms of customers and competitors. Based on better treatment and good salary, the employees are in excellent relationship with MS. Large number of MS stores in the UK and overseas represent the strong infrastructure. The financial strength is obvious due to the large market share. MS is one of the major retailers in the UK, profitable and mature as well [4]. 2.2 Weaknesses In spite of good strength in industry, there are weak areas as well that require an improvement. MS products are more expansive than other competitors on the high street but justifiable based on excellent quality. The main focus is on the customers in between 35-44 years old, neglecting the younger and children. Because of expansion program to Europe, USA and other countries, MS lost focus on local market. There is no business strategy to capture the potential available in the younger generation market .Most of the times no special offers are available to the customers in the form of sales. Internally, customer services need to be improved including updating the use of technology to manage the merchandise in the store [4]. 2.3 Opportunities The most important factor in the business growth is to avail the new opportunities in the market. To grasp the potential available in the market, there is a definite need to arrange the flexible business strategy that may change according to the trends. Introduce the wider range of colour clothes, variety and different types of collections to target the majority of customers .By utilising suitable effective strategy such as younger more contemporary models to attract the younger generation. Superior resources and capabilities based on modern technology is a key factor to attain the competitors advantage level. There is a need to improve the food stores for successful MS food business [4]. 2.4 Threats In the presence of intense competition between different organizations in the industry, threat is ever present force. To avoid the danger of threat the organization always tries to improve the performance in terms of customer services, quality product and lower cost. Business extension to overseas has proven less successful for M&S; there is a need to target the local market. Strong competitors are targeting the youth market; therefore there is a danger that MS could lose this market [5]. Organizations Internal Factors Opportunities Threats Weaknesses Strengths External Factors Q.3: Identification of the major issues and challenges facing the marks Spencer. Challenges and Issues Facing Marks Spencer MS is one of the biggest retailers in the UK providing diverse nature services to the customers including clothes, food and home products. They always try their best to emphasize Quality at affordable prices, but this is not always the case. They are losing the trend to capture the younger market and other retailers are taking the advantage of this weak point. To grasp the potential of this area is the big challenge MS facing. The goods prices are going up and to provide the cheaper product, they have to import the stuff which decreased the image of MS as British Goods seller [8]. The customers trends were changing towards natural and environmentally friendly products so, MS launched plan A consisting of 180 commitments to overcome the challenges. Many problems are related to changing climate conditions. To combat the climate change is the major challenge that MS facing. Reduce the waste going into landfill is also the big issue for MS to deal with. The plan A is launched by considering the fact that great challenges exist and management needs to deal with customers and suppliers to achieve the targets. To attain the carbon neutral level is an important commitment that is trying to be achieved by efficient utilization of fuel. For example, huge vehicles are being used for transportation. Energy saving is also the important part of plan A [8]. There are a considerable number of clothes going to landfill in the form of waste. Instead of wasting, these cloths may be provided to the non-profit organizations who are working for the needy people of society. The reduction of waste is significant factor in plan A. MS is trying their best to improve the lives of people in the supply chain. To help the customers and employees live the healthier life-style through plan A [9]. Q.4: External environment and the impact on the strategic direction of the organization. Impact of External Environment on Strategic Direction The strategic direction refers to the action plan that leads to the achievement of ultimate goals of organizations strategy. The strategic direction of MS is based on the idea to become the worlds most sustainable retailer by 2015. In spite of the fact that there is no set bench mark exit to compare the worlds most sustainable retailer, this plan is admirable to provide so much services and containing large number of commitments. To achieve this target, the business development department launched plan A based on five pillars. The business is not limited to the physical boundaries of organization. What happens outside does affect the strategic direction and the organization has to act or react accordingly to cope with the situation [2]. The external forces such as political, economical, social and technological that affect the strategic direction of organizations business is beyond the control. Therefore, sometimes organization is bound to change the strategic direction of business to cope with the situation and to achieve the ultimate goal [1]. The political environment contains administrative and legal factors which affect the strategic direction due to some administrative and legal restrictions. The soft conditions support the business to reach the final destination (desired level). But hard conditions bound the organization to change the business strategy to achieve the desired result. The organization has to work within the framework provided by the political government in a country. The change in political setup may also influence the strategic direction because organization needs to follow new legal and administrative instructions by the new government [2]. In the social environment public trends play a very important role in the strategic direction of organization. Change in values, beliefs, attitudes, opinions and lifestyles influence the organization to change the business strategy to fulfill the demands of customers in a changing atmosphere. The cultural, demographic and religious tendencies create new opportunities in the market for business growth [3]. The major change in technology set the new standard to compete in the market and this scenario totally change the strategic direction of Organization to stay in the market and to achieve the business objectives. Strengths may be replaced by weaknesses and competencies can become rigidities. Technological change opens new opportunities to grow the business by exploiting new market potential and unmet demands. The cost, rate of change and innovation are the factors related to materials and machines used for manufacturing goods and services [6]. The existence of strong competitors is an ever present threat to the organization, change in the strategic direction and business plan may affect the organization to reconsider the business strategy to save the customers and business. Sometimes organizations has to introduce the new better business plan to capture the potential in the market. For example, MS gave second version of plan A by adding new commitments to achieve the level of worlds most sustainable retailer by 2015 [8]. The change in strategic direction of an organization is not an easy task as so many associated factors need to change. For instance, reconfiguration of existing resources and capabilities take place by changing the strategy. This action is taken only when no other option is available. Q.5: What should the organization do to achieve or maintain competitive advantage in its industries? . Competitive Advantage Competitive advantage refers to the state of organization when profit level exceeds the average of its industry. To achieve the status of competitive advantage is the ultimate goal of business strategy. Cost advantage and differentiation advantage are the two basic forms of competitive advantage. These two conditions are necessary for the existence of competitive advantage. One of them is to deliver the same benefits as competitors but at minimum cost (cost advantage) and the other one is to provide the competing product with more benefits (differentiation cost). The position of organization in industry as a leader is identified based on cost or differentiation [7]. 5.1 Competitive Advantage Model The block diagram describes the resource-based concept of competitive advantage by combining the resources and capabilities to provide the superior value creation [6]. Capabilities Distinctive Competencies Cost Advantage Or Differentiation Advantage Value Creation Resources 5.2 Resources and Capabilities Superior resources and capabilities are essential factors to develop the competitive advantage. In the absence of these factors competitors introduce better product with less price and advantage disappears immediately. Basically, resources indicate the organization-specific assets that are utilized to develop cost or differentiation advantage. The examples of such resources include installed customer base, reputation of company, brand equity, proprietary know-how, patents and trademarks. How efficiently the organization utilizes its resources to achieve the competitive advantage is measured in terms of capabilities. For example, bringing the product into the market quicker than competitors represents capabilities. The combination of resources and capabilities result in distinctive competencies which in turn activate efficiency, quality, innovation and customer awareness. Such attributes act as a catalyst to attain the status of cost or differentiation advantage [7]. 5.3 Achievement of Competitive Advantage Level Learn Customer Demands To achieve or maintain the competitive advantage in its industry, the organization should follow some necessary points as a routine matter in favor of customers and the business plan as well. Analysis of Competition Product Differentiation with Target Market Analysis Modern Techniques Economic Moat Creation Business Information Resources 5.3.1 Learn Customer Demands Customers are the most important entity in the business circle. To understand the demands of customers is a significant factor towards competitors advantage. Organization must offer good quality product at minimum price to attract the customers and capture the market [6]. 5.3.2 Analysis of Competition Another important step to achieve the competitors advantage level is fair analysis of competition. For example, who are the major competitors in the industry and what type of different products are they offering. The quality and price of similar goods need to be considered in the analysis. The strength of major competitors in the industry is taken into account [6]. 5.3.3 Product Differentiation with Modern Techniques Provide good quality products with low cost by utilizing modern fabrication techniques play very important role to maintain competitors advantage level. Modern technology, superior resources and capabilities with better management are the key factors to sustain the position of competitors advantage [7]. 5.3.4 Target Market Analysis The term target market refers to the group of customers and communities at which the organization aims its services and products. Distinction between target markets based on social, demographic and common characteristics make the best target for the organization to focus [6]. 5.3.5 Economic Moat Creation On the basis of advantage regarding barriers to enter into the market, discourage the competitors from challenging your market share. In some situations the capability of well established company to manipulate barriers to enter and compete in the market acts as an effective method against new competition. To preserve the profit potential and make the business secure for upcoming future is also included in the process to create economic moat. 5.3.6 Business information resources Information technology is playing a significant role in every field, supplying plenty of relevant information available to business resources. The business information resources may be used to set the suitable business strategy that is superior as compared to the competitors. Business information companies provide such services to become advantage competitors [7]. Summary MS is one of the biggest retailers in the UK who has the aim to achieve the position of worlds most sustainable retailer by 2015 based on the completion of 180 commitments. All commitments revolve around five pillars of plan A. Climate change, waste, natural resources, fair partnership and health and wellbeing are the five pillars on which the plan A stands. The organizations business is affected by internal and external factors. Strengths and weaknesses are the main internal factors that are under the control of management. But external factors such as political, economical, social and technological are beyond the control of the organization. The external factors put on the different restrictions and strategic direction of business depends on such forces. Threats and opportunities are the other two factors which may determine the business strategy. Superior resources and capabilities are utilized to attain the level of competitor advantage. Some necessary actions to maintain the pos ition of competitor advantage such as learn the customer demands, competition analysis, modern technology utilization and product differentiation are names of a few. To meet 180 commitments by the end of 2015 is the biggest challenge. Other major challenges are the efficient utilization of resources to work on plan A for the achievement of main objectives relevant to the five pillars. CONCLUSION MS launched Plan A in 2007 because they were facing tough competition from their rivals. MS was lacking behind in many sectors of the retail market, so they needed a comprehensive plan to become the worlds most sustainable retailer. In order to achieve all this, MS called this Plan, Plan A because they believe its now the only way to do the business and there is no Plan B. By adopting the Plan A MS has fought back really well and their sales are on the rise which resulted in increased market shares and they are successfully becoming one of the worlds most sustainable major retailers.

The Bayesian Theory of Confirmation, Idealizations and Approximations in Science :: Scientific Papers

The Bayesian Theory of Confirmation, Idealizations and Approximations in Science ABSTRACT: My focus in this paper is on how the basic Bayesian model can be amended to reflect the role of idealizations and approximations in the confirmation or disconfirmation of any hypothesis. I suggest the following as a plausible way of incorporating idealizations and approximations into the Bayesian condition for incremental confirmation: Theory T is confirmed by observation P relative to background knowledge where I is the conjunction of idealizations and approximations used in deriving the prediction PT from T, PD expresses the discrepancy between the prediction PT and the actual observation P, and stands for logical entailment. This formulation has the virtue of explicitly taking into account the essential use made of idealizations and approximations as well as the fact that theoretically based predictions that utilize such assumptions will not, in general, exactly fit the data. A non-probabilistic analogue of the confirmation condition above that I offer avoids the 'old evidence problem, which has been a headache for classical Bayesianism. Idealizations and approximations like point-masses, perfectly elastic springs, parallel conductors crossing at infinity, assumptions of linearity, of "negligible" masses, of perfectly spherical shapes, are commonplace in science. Use of such simplifying assumptions as catalysts in the process of deriving testable predictions from theories complicates our picture of confirmation and disconfirmation. Underlying the difficulties is the fact that idealizing and approximating assumptions are already known to be false statements, and yet they are often indispensable when testing theories for truth. This aspect of theory testing has been long neglected or misunderstood by philosophers. In standard hypothetico-deductive, bootstrapping and Bayesian accounts of confirmation, idealizations and approximations are simply ignored. My focus in this paper is on how the basic Bayesian model can be amended to reflect the role of idealizations and approximations in the confirmation or disconfirmation o f an hypothesis. I suggest the following as a plausible way of incorporating idealizations and approximations into the Bayesian condition for incremental confirmation: Theory T is confirmed by observation P relative to background knowledge where I is the conjunction of idealizations and approximations used in deriving the prediction PT from T, PD expresses the discrepancy between the prediction PT and the actual observation P, and stands for logical entailment. This formulation has the virtue of explicitly taking into account the essential use made of idealizations and approximations as well as the fact that theoretically based predictions that utilize such assumptions will not, in general, exactly fit the data.

Limitations: Sample and Respondents

————————————————- Limitations The market research process carries many limitations. It is important to recognize these limitations as they can lead to less accurate or bias results.. The following points are recognized as limitations that must be addressed. * Method used * Respondents to the method * Time constraint * Resources Method used: When sampling our population a non-probability sampling method was chosen known as convenience sampling. This method possesses limitations which must be taken into consideration.Due to the nature of the method it can often have a poor reflection of the whole sample. In this research it has been found that through our method, younger age students are the students who are answering the surveys. Also a majority of respondents were from the business faculty rather than the arts, science etc. These factors can all limit the accuracy of the re sults. Respondents to the method: Corresponding with our chosen method is the limitation of accurate results due to respondents responses. They may give an answer that is not necessarily accurate due to laziness or inconvenience.The online surveys are also limited as researchers do not receive detailed knowledge or reasoning of why people have put certain answers. Internet surveys can also lead to misunderstandings and it may be hard to follow up respondents, as you may not know who has answered the survey. Time Constraint: Other limitations that should be recognized is time. Due to the duration constraint placed upon the research process, limitations arose. Through more time the market research could have been done in a more detailed and thurrer manner using the most effective method.Resources: The resources available also limited us to get the most accurate results as possible; we were not able to get a list of all Macquarie students to ensure a more accurate reflection of the pop ulation was used. Also It is known that experience of the actual researches themselves can vary results. Inexperienced researches may not use the best survey method and may subconsciously jump to conclusions throughout the research. As this is our first time conducting such research limitation occur due to this. ————————————————-Recommendations for overcoming limitations The method used did tend to limit the accuracy of our research. This could be overcome by using another method, one categorized under probability sampling such as simple random sampling would produce a more accurate reflection of the sample and there would be less room for a bias result. Respondents may also give conclusions that are not accurate. This can be overcome by assuring the survey is simple, easy and clear. It could be done in many languages to overcome limitations with students who do not speak fluent English.The issues with time had an impact on the richness of research. To follow respondents up with interviews or any further questions, the survey could include a space for the respondents email. This could also enable in depth interviews to create a deeper understanding of respondents answers. Lastly the fact that this research has been carried out by inexperienced first time researchers is a limitation. This can be overcome through advice from professional researchers in order to achieve the most accurate results possible.

Pyschology essays

Pyschology essays The question of whether it is right to have random drug testing in public schools or not is a very controversial issue. The main issues with this is whether or not it is an invasion of privacy or an issue of unreasonable search and seizure. In school the students have enough stress and other things that are going on to worry about random drug tests. The money this would cost could be put to many other places in the education department. The idea of random drug testing in public schools is an outrageous and foolish notion in my opinion. One of the most important issues with the question of drug testing in public schools is if its an invasion of privacy or not. To most people this would be a clear case of invasion of privacy. The question of whether or not a student is taking any type of illegal drug should be the responsibility of the students parents or guardian, not the schools. The only exception that I could see would be if there was a case where they thought that the student was having erratic or dangerous behavior. Students at public schools these days already feel like they dont have any privacy with cameras in classrooms and buses and the arrival of more cops. Adding drug testing to these other factors would make any type of privacy at school nonexistent which in turn would probably make students less willing or motivated to learn and do there school work . To me the less comfortable you feel or in this case if you felt like you didnt have any privacy you wouldnt be as willing to learn or participate in s chool activities. Another key issue would be if random drug testing in public schools is a case of unreasonable search and seizure. It seems that it would clearly be a case of unreasonable search and seizure of every student at every school because they do not have any reason to suspect that students are doing any type of illegal drug. I mean what reason could you possibly have in giving ...

Discuss the relationship between polyarchy, Essay Example

Discuss the relationship between polyarchy, Essay Example Discuss the relationship between polyarchy, Essay Discuss the relationship between polyarchy, Essay Discuss the relationship between polyarchy, pluralism, and democracy. Are they synonymous? Introduction Polyarchy, pluralism and democracy†¦ are they one and the same? Surely at that place would look to be a common yarn running through the three footings, but are they synonymous? This essay will see these inquiries. It starts by specifying what is meant by polyarchy, by pluralism and by democracy. In specifying each the essay will sketch the characteristics and features attributed to each in bend. It will so continue to analyze how polyarchy, pluralism and democracy are linked and it proposes that while they are non synonymous there is a clear relationship between the three. The essay will explicate what this relationship is, demoing how they are linked and placing what differentiates the three. The essay will reason with a sum-up of the cardinal proposal, that they are non synonymous, and the grounds why. Polyarchy The word ‘polyarchy’ is Grecian in beginning and literally taken agencies regulation by many, hence by definition it is the opposite to monarchy ( regulation by king or queen ) or oligarchy ( regulation by a few ) . In footings of modern political thought the term was foremost used by Robert Dahl in relation to the political system in America. There are seven establishments which must be for a authorities to be classed as a polyarchy. Dahl identifies the features of a polyarchy as follows ( 1989 ; 233 ) ; Control over governmental determinations about policy is constitutionally vested in elective functionaries. Elected functionaries are chosen and peacefully removed in comparatively frequent, just and free elections in which coercion is rather limited. Practically all grownups have the right to vote in these elections. Most grownups besides have the right to run for the public offices for which campaigners run in these elections. Citizens have an efficaciously enforced right to freedom of look, peculiarly political look, including unfavorable judgment of the functionaries, the behavior of the authorities, the prevalent political, economic, and societal system, and the dominant political orientation. They besides have entree to alternate beginnings of information that are non monopolized by the authorities or any other individual group. Finally, they have an efficaciously enforced right to organize and fall in independent associations, including political associations, such as political parties and involvement groups, that attempt to act upon the authorities by viing in elections and by other peaceable agencies. So for a Government to be classed as a polyarchy the above conditions must be present. The features that Dahl defines are all regulations about the manner in which the Government and the people it governs can work. Pluralism The actual significance of ‘plural’ means many, more than one, so pluralism agencies of many. Pluralism is about many thoughts, civilizations, beliefs, life styles or, in a word, diverseness. It is about the harmonious being of difference. Pluralism in this sense is one of the most of import characteristics of democratic society. It is the antonym of dictatorship, which proposes a individual belief system, no other beliefs are tolerated and of monism that there is merely one belief system. The rules upon which the Global Centre for Pluralism is founded encapsulates the importance of pluralism ‘that tolerance, openness and understanding towards the civilizations, societal constructions, values and religions of other peoples are now indispensable to the really endurance of an mutualist universe. Pluralism is no longer merely an plus or a requirement for advancement and development. It is critical to our existence.’ ( www.pluralism.ca ; 12/12/06 ) In footings of political idea there is a school which proposes that pluralism is concerned with groups and administrations being in control as opposed to the people. It could be argued that the United States of America is an illustration of pluralism with the influence of Trade Unions, civil rights militants, fiscal and concern anterooms, webs of like minded people. Pluralism places great importance on engagement in the political procedure through associations and groups. Democracy The word ‘democracy’ is Grecian and means ‘rule by the people’ . It is widely known that democracy is a signifier of authorities where the people have a say in how things are done. However it wasn’t until the Twentieth Century that democracy was seen as the best system of authorities. Political theoreticians give legion postulating definitions of democracy and there are many fluctuations ; broad, representative, minimum or direct democracy to call but a few of the fluctuations. In general when mentioning to democracy it is taken that it is a mention to broad democracy unless stated otherwise. While there are many fluctuations, they are fluctuations on a subject and all portion the same implicit in dogmas. For the intents of this essay a simple definition of the foundations of democratic idea will be taken. In drumhead democracy can be characterised as holding the followers ; Public engagement people have both a right and a responsibility to be active and knowing in both authorities and civil society this includes standing for/voting elections, fall ining civil and/or political administrations, paying revenue enhancements, protesting and petitioning. Government is accountable to the people for its actions and all actions must be crystalline, that is unfastened to public examination. To this terminal there are preventive steps to guarantee that functionaries and organic structures do non mistreat their power. Elections are regular, free and just and the result is accepted by the non-winning party. Principles of equality and tolerance – rights of the minorities are protected even though the bulk of the people regulation. Peoples are free to take part in civil, spiritual or political groups of their pick. Economic freedom – the Government does non command the economic system and people are allowed to ain concerns and belongings. Protection of Human Rights Multi-party system Rule of jurisprudence – everyone, with no exclusion, is bound by the jurisprudence. The relationship between Polyarchy, Pluralism and Democracy The seven features of polyarchy can be linked to the democratic procedure rather clearly. Dahl does this in Young et. Al. where he identifies five standards of democracy ( as tantrums with the sum-up in the subdivision above ) and so impute which of the seven establishments identified as defined in his 1989 bookDemocracy and it’s Criticsare necessary to guarantee that facet of democracy. Voting equality; elected functionaries and free and just elections. Effective engagement; elected functionaries, inclusive right to vote, right to run for office, freedom of look, alternate information, associational liberty. Enlightened apprehension; freedom of look, alternate information, associational liberty. Control of the docket; elected functionaries, free and just elections, inclusive right to vote, right to run for office, freedom of look, alternate information, associational liberty. Inclusion; inclusive right to vote, right to run for office, freedom of look, alternate information, associational liberty. ( Adapted from 1993:19 ) . This analysis shows that the chief dogmas of democracy are inextricably linked to the mechanisms of polyarchy. It is proposed that as democracy has grown so hold the mechanisms through which democracy can be managed and because of that the polyarchic system has emerged. Polyarchy is a political system necessary for the democratic procedure. Dahl in Young et. Al. provinces that ‘democracy on a big graduated table requires the establishments of polyarchy’ ( 1993:18 ) Democratic administration was originally over little countries and involved relatively fewer people. As democracy has grown, from the city state to the nation-state and now even exceeding national boundaries there has been a alteration in the patterns and establishments of democracy. The larger the figure of people the democratic country covers the greater the incidence of different thoughts, pluralism, and hence the greater the demand for the agencies in which, in order to allow everyone hold a say, the establishments – the machinery of democracy be developed in order for it to work. If we take for illustration a little administration, dwelling of five people, that maps based upon democratic rules where everyone has an equal say in how that administration is governed and in its hereafter. At a meeting it would be manageable for each of those persons to voice their sentiments and for all to be heard. If the administration grew to 500 people, in order to maintain the same democratic rules it would necessitate to present procedures through which all members could voice their sentiments if they wanted to. In order to make this some kind of representation would necessitate to be introduced. As Dahl compactly states in Young et. Al. ‘the alteration of graduated table and its effects – representative authorities, greater diverseness, the addition in cleavages and struggles – helped to convey about the development of a set of political establishments that, taken together, distinguish modern representative democracy from all other political systems, wh ether non-democratic governments or earlier democratic systems. This sort of political system has been called polyarchy.’ ( 1993 ; 17 ) Pluralism portions common evidences with democratic idea in the belief that everyone can and should take part in treatment and argument in order to hold the best class of action for the common good and that the best manner to get at determinations if through treatment. One of the features of a polyarchy is the being of big Numberss of societal groups and administrations which are, to a big extent, independent in relation to both the authorities and to one and another. These have come about due to people with different beliefs and thoughts organizing themselves into like-minded groups. Some pluralists propose that democracy is impracticable and unwanted. Peoples are excessively busy acquiring on with their lives to be bothered with political relations and that the groups should be representative but to discourse that would be to stray from the focal point of this essay. As the ideal of democracy has grown so has polyarchy and pluralism. Democracy when it foremost started was on a little footing and the ideal grew so did the people subscribing to it and therefore the ideas and thoughts of more people more different†¦ pluralism. The means through which this can be managed, polyarchy therefore besides grew to accommodate†¦ Pluralism is inextricable linked with both the growing of democracy and development of polyarchy. Laminitis of the Global Centre for Pluralism, Aga Khan, states that ‘we can non do the universe safe for democracy unless we besides make it safe for diversity.’ ( www.pluralism.ca ; 12/11/06 ) Decision The essay has defined polyarchy in footings of the machinery through which democracy can be carried out. In analyzing what is meant by pluralism it has shown that this is one of the most of import characteristics of democratic society in that it upholds rules of tolerance and diverseness, the harmonious being of a multiple of different thoughts and beliefs. It has shown that democracy is a signifier of authorities which places the people in power. Polyarchy has emerged as a response to the growing in democracy, as a practical solution as to how democracy can work. As democracy has spread is has to accommodate to let for the plurality of beliefs and thoughts, diverseness that forms a really of import portion of the democratic system where in a healthy democracy everyone has the right and is able to show their sentiment without fright of reprisal or recrimination. So while polyarchy, pluralism and democracy are inextricably linked, they are non synonymous ; Democracy is the steering ru le, pluralism the diverseness within the public of whom is governed and polyarchy the construction which has developed in response to the growing in the figure governed through democracy enabling the system to map. Bibliography Arblaster, A. ( 2002 )Democracy ( Concepts in the Social Sciences ) 3rdEdition, Buckingham ; Open University Press Crowder, G. ( 2004 )Isaiah Berlin: Autonomy, Pluralism and Liberalism,Cambridge ; Polity Press Connolly, W. E. ( 2005 )Pluralism,Durham NC: Duke University Press Dahl, R. A. ( 1967 )Pluralist Democracy in the United States: Conflict and Consent,Chicago ; Rand McNally. Dahl, R. A. ( 1989 )Democracy and its critics, Yale University Press Dahl, R. A. ( 2000 )On DemocracyYale University Press, Held, D. ( 1996 )Models of DemocracyStanford University Press, Prothro, J. W. and Grigg, C. M. ( May, 1960 ) , ‘Fundamental Principles of Democracy: Bases of Agreement and Disagreement’ in Journal of Politics, Vol. 22, No. 2 pp. 276-294 Young, R. et. Al. ( 1993 )Introducing Government, Manchester ; Manchester University Press. Web sites www.pluralism.ca Global Centre for Pluralism

Zimmer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Zimmer - Essay Example This allowed orthopedic companies to lower costs due to greater technology. Zimmer pioneered minimally invasive surgeries (MIS), which lowered surgical times, lessened pain, and improved recovery. The industry was forecasted to grow at 23 percent annually, but much of this growth was to occur in the spinal product segment. Zimmer did not cater to this market at all and instead focused on the knee and hip segments. Zimmer Holdings was founded in 1926 after Justin Zimmer, the original founder, could not convince his employer to sell aluminum splints. Zimmer left his job and created his own company. Over the next few years, Zimmer expanded and became a major domestic player in the orthopedic industry. In 1972 Zimmer was bought out by Bristol-Myers, which had designs on Zimmer reaching a global market. In 1989 Bristol-Myers merged with Squibb to form Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS). In 2001, with the company already a major global pharmaceutical company, a decision was made to turn Zimmer into an independent publicly traded company. BMS appointed several individuals in management positions so as to smooth the transition to the NYSE. By the following year, Zimmer was second in the knee market worldwide, third in the hip market, and fourth in the trauma market. The president of Zimmer Incorporated, J. Raymond Elliott, quickly assessed where the company was at and decided to expand the company into Europ e. Also, Elliott wanted to do something about the spine market, where Zimmer had no presence at all. Sulzer Corporation was founded in 1834 as a Swiss manufacturing cast-iron company. Throughout the years Sulzer expanded and acquired many medical technologies. By the new millennium, Sulzer Medica (SM), as it was known by then, was a global player in the biomedical implant business. After going through some legal troubles, the company was rebranded as Centerpulse Orthopedics. Zimmer was

Technological progress is responsible for the rise of Essay

Technological progress is responsible for the rise of post-bureaucratic forms of organizations - Essay Example In other words, cross cultural business started to increase rapidly from 1980 onwards. Until 1980, most of the organizations operated with the help of Weber’s bureaucratic structure. Moreover, bureaucracy was dictating the organizational world during this period. However, the introduction of globalization and the rapid growth of technology helped the organizational world to operate more democratically from 1980 onwards. According to Josserand et al (2006) pointed out that â€Å"More than a simple exercise in reinvention, the post-bureaucratic era is characterized by hybridity. Far from being the end of bureaucracy, the post-modern area is that of its refurbishment† (p.54). In post bureaucratic organizations, the decisions are taken based on dialogue and consensus rather than authority and command. Organizations started to function as a network rather than hierarchy, because of the development of technology and scientific business management principles. Josserand et al ( 2006) cited many difficulties that involved in the transition of organizational world from bureaucratic to post bureaucratic. ... he organizational world from bureaucratic to post-bureaucratic, some people argue that technological progress is the major factor behind the development of post-bureaucratic forms of organizations. However, many others are of the view that along with technological advancements, plenty of other factors such as the evolutions of scientific management principles, concepts such as corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, contributed to the progress of post-bureaucratic organizations. This paper critically analyses these arguments. Technology & Post-Bureaucratic Organizations Role of Information communication technology or ICT The introduction of computers and internet have revolutionised the functioning of the organizational world. Many of the traditional organizational principles have given way for modern principles. For example, Bureaucratic organizations encourage individual work more whereas Post-Bureaucratic organizations encourage teamwork more. In other words, collectivism is prevalent in Post-Bureaucratic organizations whereas individualism is prevalent in Bureaucratic organizations. These changes in the organizational world were stimulated by the advancements in technologies. For example, in most of the IT companies, projects are executed with the help of project management teams. In other words, teams are responsible for the success and failures of a project rather than individuals. The above change helped individual employees to relax more and their job stress has come down drastically. It should be noted that the introduction of computers and internet helped the development of the concept of teamwork. â€Å"In recent years it has been argued that the widespread adoption of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) presages the