Organizational Behaviour Essay

Part A consists of three questions. Be sure to include both the questions and the responses in the document you submit. Your total combined responses for these three questions should not exceed 1000 to 1500 words. 1. Marketing specialists at Napanee Beer Co. developed a new advertising campaign for summer sales. The ads were particularly aimed at sports events where Napanee Beer sold kegs of beer on tap. The marketing group worked for months with a top advertising firm on the campaign. Their effort was successful in terms of significantly higher demand for Napanee Beer’s keg beer at sports stadiums. However, the production department had not been notified of the marketing campaign and was not prepared for the increased demand. The company was forced to buy empty kegs at a premium price. It also had to brew some of the lower priced keg beer in vats that would have been used for higher priced specialty beer. The result was that Napanee Beer sold more of the lower priced keg beer and less of the higher priced products that summer. Moreover, the company could not initially fill consumer demand for the keg beer, resulting in customer dissatisfaction. Use open systems theory to explain what occurred at Napanee Beer Co. Begin with a brief description of open systems theory. Use your own words (paraphrase) and remember to cite all sources using APA style. The open systems theory states that organizations are entities that continually exchange resources with its external environment. The organization is dependent on the external environment for resources such as raw materials, employees, financial resources, and information and equipment which are the organizations inputs. Those inputs are used by the organizations internal subsystems, such as production and marketing, and are subsequently turned into outputs such as products, services, employee behaviours, profits/ losses, and waste/ pollution (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 4). According to the open systems theory (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 4), the organization Napanee Beer Company’s internal subsystems were not operating efficiently. Due to the lack of communication between the marketing group and the production team, production was unaware of the increase in demand for the product and did not order enough inputs to meet this larger demand. Consequently, the materials used were much more expensive than they would have been had they been ordered earlier. This oversight cost the company sales on higher priced specialty beer and caused customer dissatisfaction. Had the production team been aware of the success of the marketing campaign, which was geared towards sporting events where Napanee Beer sold kegs of beer on tap, they would have been able to order the appropriate amount of kegs, saving the company a lot of money. This is not an issue between the external and internal environment but an issue with Napanee’s internal subsystems effectiveness (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 4.). The lack of communication between departments weakened the company’s ability to maximize its input to output capability; therefore, the company was not functioning at a high level of efficiency (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 5.). 2. The sales office of a large industrial products wholesale company has an increasing problem: salespeople are arriving late at the office each morning. Some sales reps go directly to visit clients rather than showing up at the office as required by company policy. Others arrive several minutes after their appointed start time. The vice-president of sales doesn’t want to introduce time clocks, but this may be necessary if the lateness problem isn’t corrected. Using the MARS model of individual behaviour, diagnose the possible reasons salespeople may be engaging in this â€Å"lateness† behaviour. Begin with a brief description of the MARS model. Use your own words (paraphrase) and remember to cite all sources using APA style. The MARS model represents the four factors that influence people’s behaviour and performance. These factors are motivation, ability, role perceptions, and situational factors (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 26). Motivation is what drives a person in a particular direction and the passion and persistence in which they pursue something (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 26). The ability of an employee refers to their natural aptitudes as well as their acquired capabilities (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 27). An employee’s competencies refer to his or her skills, knowledge and other characteristics that may be beneficial to the organization (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 27). Role perception is the third factor in the MARS model. This refers to how closely the employee’s perception of their job duties aligns with the employer’s (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 27). The final factor in the MARS model is situational factors. Situational factors involve conditions that are not part of the employee’s skill set or personality and are often out of their control (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 28). According to the MARS model of individual behaviour, the possible reasons salespeople may be engaging in this â€Å"lateness† behaviour is first the lack of motivation they are feeling to show up to the office at their scheduled start time (McShane & Steen, 2009, pp. 26-28). This could be due in part to the lack of incentive they receive for showing up on time. Furthermore, the absence of negative consequences for showing up late has not shown the sales reps that the company is serious about this policy. In order for the sales reps to be motivated to show up to the office in the morning instead of seeing clients first, there needs to be some kind of reinforcement from the company that demonstrates that showing up on time is a behaviour that they expect and value. The sales reps were most likely hired because of their ability to gain new customers and sell products; therefore, they see this aspect of their job as being priority and do not see the value in showing up at the office first. The biggest factor effecting this situation is role perception (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 27). The sales reps do not have a clear understanding that arriving at the office on time is an essential part of their job duties. It is clear from the sales reps behaviour that they are not aware of the importance of being at the office in the morning before they head out to see clients. While this may be a company policy in writing, it is not well practiced in the office, so it is perceived by employees as a recommendation rather than a rule. Situational factors may also contribute to the â€Å"lateness† problem (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 28). This could be because face time at the office does not support their task goals which are to go out and see clients and s ell products. The sales reps might find the commute to the office an inconvenience whereas they could instead cut that commute out of their day and drive straight to a client’s office. 3. Big Box Construction Company has received warnings from government safety inspectors that employees at some of its construction sites are not wearing the required safety helmets and noise-protection equipment. The company could lose these contracts if safety practices are not maintained. The company has warned employees that they could be fired if they don’t wear the safety gear, but this has had little effect. Describe an A-B-C analysis for this situation and provide two types of behaviour modification interventions that might change employee behaviour in this situation. In an A-B-C analysis of this situation the antecedent would be the warning the employees received from the company informing them that they must wear safety gear on the job site. The behaviour is that some of the employees are not wearing safety equipment on the construction sites. And the Consequences are that the employees face termination if they continue to disregard this policy (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 66). Two types of behaviour modification interventions that might change employee behaviour in this situation are: 1) Positive reinforcement, the supervisor can offer praise to the employees who are adhering to the safety guidelines (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 66). In addition, there could be a reward in place such as a bonus for employees who are wearing their safety equipment on the site every day. 2) Punishment, although punishment might generate negative feelings toward the company and supervisor, it is necessary because of the severity of the breach (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 67). The type of punishment will depend on the frequency of the offence. For example, the first offence could result in a write-up, the second offence in a suspension without pa y, and the third dismissal. Part B Read Case Study 4.1: Conestoga-Rovers and Associates on pages 97 and 98 of the textbook and answer the three discussion questions that follow it. Your answer for this case study should not exceed 600 to 800 words in length and should incorporate, where appropriate, content from Lessons 1, 2, 3, and 4. Questions 1) Why does Conestoga-Rovers and Associates and other companies try to create a positive work environment? The text explains that according to the dual cognitive-emotional attitude process, the positive emotional experiences employees encounter on a daily basis at Conestoga-Rovers contributes to their job satisfaction (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 80). When employees are satisfied with their job they are more likely to be accommodating to the organization’s clients, helpful to their co-workers, and can experience increased overall productivity (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 87). Therefore, it is beneficial for the company to foster a positive work environment where its employees are frequently feeling positive emotional experiences, so that their outlook on their jobs and the company will be much more favourable (McShane & Steen, 2009, p.80). According to the model of emotions, attitudes, and behaviour (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 79), our emotions will have a direct impact on our behavioural intentions which in turn will most likely affect our behaviour. If the employees at Conestoga-Rovers are bombarded with positive emotions in their work environment, than they are more likely to behave in a way that is agreeable to the company. Conestoga-Rovers acknowledges and appreciates its human capital and realizes that its employees knowledge provide a competitive advantage to the company (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 7). They realize that in order for the company to retain its valued employees and attract new ones they need to foster a positive work environment. By â€Å"adapting employment practices† to suit the needs of their employees the company is striving to retain its valued intellectual capital (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 6). 2) How does this company manage to provide events and perks that employees value? At Conestoga-Rovers and Associates having fun and maintaining a work-life balance are fundamental to the company and its employees. This is evident in the many perks this company offers its employees that vary from its extremely active social committee to the onsite daycare facility. As stated in the case study, an employee of Conestoga-Rovers suggested that the company build an onsite daycare facility, never really expecting that they would take her request so seriously. However, much to the employee’s delighted shock the company complied. This demonstrates the company’s dedication to its employees wants and needs. In addition the company has assembled a social committee to listen to what it is that employee’s value and have evidently been able to deliver to the Conestoga-Rovers employees what they want. By doing this for their employees the organization is building organizational commitment and loyalty to the company (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 89). By involving employees in company decisions that affect them and listening to their needs they are strengthening their employee’s social identity within the organization. This shows employees that their opinions are not only heard but are valued and trusted by the organization (McShane & Steen, 2009, p.89). The company has a â€Å"work hard-play hard mantra†, and their â€Å"social events and activities play an integral role in the company’s culture (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 97). This is evidently closely aligned with its employee’s values; therefore, the employee’s feel comfort in their shared values with the company prompting them to remain loyal to the company (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 89). 3) Is it possible that employees can have too much fun at work? From personal experience, I think that it is possible to have too much fun at work. When there are too many social events at work it takes away from an employee’s personal time and time at home with their family. An employee can feel forced to participate in social events that they do not want to partake in, and this can end up having a contrary effect to what the company is striving for. This added pressure to attend social events can add stress for the employee and take away from time needed to complete his/her work. Conversely, having fun at work can help build camaraderie amongst the employees and reduce the consequences of stress such as job burnout. Attending social functions can give employees a break from the monotonous routine of their job tasks; therefore, reducing the risk of emotional exhaustion and indifference towards their jobs (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 91). Fun events with co-workers can also help to build on an employee’s social awareness. For instance, when employees are interacting with each other and building personal relationships as well as professional relationships they are better equipped to â€Å"perceive and understand the emotions† of their co-workers (McShane & Steen, 2009, p. 84). Because they are getting to know their peers personal situations a little better, the interaction allows them to be able to experience some empathy for their co-workers.

Discuss the staging of Act 1 Scene 4 and Act 5 Scene 3 Essay

Macbeth was written in 1606 for the current King James I. 1606 was in the Jacobean period, a time when people believed in the Divine Right of Kings. This is the belief that Kings were chosen by God. They also believed that the worst possible crime was to kill a King and this would result in being dammed to hell. They also believed in the â€Å"Great Chain of Being†, the importance of beings from highest to lowest. At the top was God and below him were the different positions held by Angels. Below Angels, the King was positioned above all other human beings. Because of this the King was given the title â€Å"God’s Deputy On Earth. During the Jacobean period there was also a strong belief in witchcraft; this being present in the play greatly intrigued the audience. Act 1 scene 4 and act 5 scene 3 both show examples of Kingship. The Kingship shown in these two scenes are very different. In order to understand these differences we must focus on the way in which the scenes are staged and the audience’s opinions generated by the script. Duncan is a very well respected and admired King. The people of Scotland admire and bow down to him, as they believe he is a good ruler. Duncan praises and rewards those who do well to him. He congratulates Macbeth in winning the battle against Norway and promotes him to Thane of Cawdor. Its ironic how Duncan’s two most trusted companions betray him. Macbeth had gained the title Thane of Cawdor off the previous traitor that turned against Duncan and fought for Norway. Duncan truly believes in loyalty and trust. This implies that Duncan is an extremely confident man. When he walks into a room, he knows people are watching him and this does not bother him. Macbeth rules very differently to Duncan. After killing Duncan, Macbeth begins to fear that this could easily happen to him. Macbeth does not praise those who do well, but punishes those who do bad or even nothing. If he feels they may be a threat to him he will immediately take action and eliminate them. Macbeth has no loyal friends, simply scared servants that do what they are commanded, fearing for their lives. The first scene shows Duncan as King surrounded by his loyal company, whereas the second scene shows Macbeth as King without the company of anyone except his servants which are treated with very little respect. In both of these acts the Kings are displayed in the same room of the castle. In act 1 scene 1, Duncan is informed about the death of Thane of Cawdor who is found to be a traitor and sentenced to death. The atmosphere presented is shameful but Duncan knows that the decision he made was right. In act 5 scene 3 Macbeth hears that the English army is heading for the castle. He also finds out the unstable condition of his wife. He jokes to the doctor and asks what the condition of the country is. The doctor replies very honestly saying that he would want to be as far away from Dunsinane as possible. In this scene Macbeth realizes that he will never be the King that Duncan was, he can see that the honor he receives is merely from the mouth and not from the heart. To show the different views from each scene I would present them similar to each other, as this would allow the audience to compare and make a connection between the scenes more clearly. In act 1 scene 4 I would arrange the characters in order to show their status. I would place Duncan in center stage and make sure that he is the main focus. In order to enhance this idea his position on stage must be raised above others. I would have his loyal accompanists by his side. By doing this it would create the sense that Duncan is a man of high status and respected and honored as a King. To create a connection between the two scenes I would place Macbeth in the same position as Duncan in act 5 scene 3. Duncan’s reaction to the betrayal and sentenced execution to the once loyal Thane of Cawdor should be very calm. He could also show a slight sadness by shedding a tear, this would show the audience that Duncan is shocked and upset by the acts of mistrust. Macbeth is faced with a similar situation in which could endanger his position as King, I would make him react violently and irritated. To create an obvious link between the tow scenes I would use a large throne as a distinctive prop. This throne would be grand and covered in red velvet. In act 1 scene 4 I would have Duncan using this throne in a proper manner, sitting up straight and proudly, where as I would have Macbeth slouching with one leg on an armrest. By using this prop it would display their differences in Kingship. In act 1 scene 4 Macbeth displays his loyalty towards Duncan by crying out â€Å"O worthiest cousin!† as Macbeth and Banquo approach. As he says this line I would make him have his arms wide open reaching out towards Macbeth. In line 31 Duncan says â€Å"†¦let me infold thee and hold thee to my heart.† On this line I would make Macbeth kneel down and kiss Duncans ring. Rings were worn by Kings as symbols of their positions. Kissing this ring would show Macbeth’s respect towards Duncan. In part 3 of act 5, line 11, a servant informs Macbeth about the English army’s approach towards the castle. Macbeth is worried, he shows great disrespect towards the servant by addressing to him with â€Å"thou cream-fac’d loon†. Whilst Macbeth says this line I would make him use violence towards the servant, hitting or shaking him. This would show an evil and uncaring King that is simply using his status to place himself above everyone else. Towards the end of this scene a doctor talks to Macbeth about the condition of his wife. Macbeth looks down to the doctor even though the doctor knows more about his wife than he does. Macbeth often reassures himself by referring back to the witches’ prophecies, while he does this I would have him pacing back and forth. The witches never told Macbeth what to do; they simply predicted the future and left it in the hands of Macbeth. This raises the idea that Macbeth might not have been King if he did not kill Duncan, or he could have become King at a later date from the natural death of Duncan. Dressing both of the Kings in each scene differently can compare their differences in personality. I would dress Duncan in a large pure white robe to show his clear conscience. I would also adorn him with gold jewelry to display his high status. Macbeth would be dressed very differently; I would have him in more common clothing in the colour black. This black would show the evil hidden within him. This evil side is suggested when Lady Macbeth describes Macbeth as looking like â€Å"the innocent† yet being â€Å"the serpent under†. By using different lighting I would be able to display what the Kings are feeling in each scene. In act 1 scene 4 I would use an orange light, this would create a feeling of warmth, as Duncan is kind, caring and in great company. In act 5 scene 3 I would have a blue light, this will give the scene a cold, empty and negative feel. All of these stage techniques would enable the audience to compare and contrast the two scenes of Kingship. If these were not used it would make the story harder to understand, hidden within Shakespeare’s script. In both of these scenes the Kings received high amounts of respect whether it was truly from the heart or falsely from the mouth. Macbeth was seen to be simply an â€Å"unfit† King by those who knew him closely as apposed to a â€Å"bad† King. This is because in the Jacobean period, whomever becomes King, has been elected by God, God being the top of the â€Å"Great Chain of Beings†. Back then God’s opinion meant everything, and could fix peoples opinion on a bad King.   

Budget Allocation For Internal Communication Marketing Essay

Budget Allocation For Internal Communication Marketing Essay 1. Introduction Jack Cohen founded Tesco in 1919 when he began to sell surplus groceries form a stall in the East End of London. The Tesco brand first appeared in 1924. The name came about after Jack Cohen bought a shipment of tea from T.E. Stockwell. He made new labels using the first three letters of the supplier’s names (TES), and the first two letters of his surname (CO), forming the word TESCO. The first Tesco store was opened in 1992 in Burnt Oak, Edgware, Middlesex. Tesco was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1947 as Tesco Stores (Holdings) Limited. The first self service store opened in St Albans in 1951 and the first supermarket in Maldon in 1956. Tesco is Britain’s leading retailer. It is one of the top three retailers in the world, operating over 3,700 stores globally and employing over 440,000 people. Tesco operates in 13 countries outside the UK- Republic of Ireland, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia etc. It has its headquarter in Chesnutt, It ha s many types of stores and include Tesco Extra (24 hour), Tesco Metro (located in +town centres) and Tesco Express (attached to garages). It sells many things including food and non food items. These item include food, drinks, toiletry, CDs, DVD, books, medicine, clothes, organic food. The type of ownership that my company has is public limited company. This means it is a large company with many employees. It has shares on the stock exchange and anyone over 18 can invest in a share. Currently it is estimated that 88%of all UK food is sold through a small handful of supermarkets with Tesco being the market leaders. This equals to market sales of over  £62bn per annum clearly highlighting the buying power the supermarkets have over the supply chain. The mail players are Tesco, Sainsbury, ASDA and Morrison who compete on price and quality. Tesco has recognized that their customers are motivated primarily on price and have positioned them self’s in the market as a value added s upermarket. 3. Budget: A budget is generally a list of all planned expenses and revenues. It is a plan for saving and spending. A budget is an important concept in microelectronics, which uses a budget line to illustrate the trade-offs between two or more goods. In other word budget is an organizational plan stated in monetary terms. The purpose of budget is to provide a forecast of revenues and expenditures and enable actual financial operation of the business to be measured against the forecast. So for this communication plan we have allocated a budget according to the category and nature of the communication. The budget allocation shows that more amount of money will be spend on advertising in TV/ Radio, Newspaper, Outdoor add. It is clearly sheen form the table that more amount of money will be spend on external communication than in internal communication with the help of which the company will communicate with its costumer more time to lunch its product and gives information a nd different offer to its costumer. 4. Target Market

Canon in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Canon in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - Essay Example The canons describe the nature of the relationship that God required a man to establish both among themselves and with Him. By upholding the specific religious laws, the canons succeed in safeguarding the longevity of the faiths since successive lineages pass the canons orally or through articulate literature. In doing this, the canons further succeed in creating the peaceful and cohesive societies envisioned by God. The same concept and role of the canons manifest itself in Christianity as well. The first set of laws in the bible originates from God as he strives to regulate the behavior of the Israelites. With the introduction of Jesus in the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms the need for upholding the laws besides introducing a feature of liberty in the religion. In retrospect, the above discussion presents the position and the role of canons in the respective religions. The laws are both written and oral often passed down through a series of linages through the teachings of the reli gious leaders. The nature of the canons just as is the case with the other religions strives to unify the adherents of the faith by providing a standard for behavior. This results in the creation of holistic and equally cohesive societies. The Torah, which is the holy book in Judaism, provides a chronological set of required behaviors thus providing the adherents of the faith with a series of legislation often interpreted by the leaders of the religion thus ensuring the longevity of the faith as has been the case.

Flipgrid in Turkish Language Classes Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Flipgrid in Turkish Language Classes - Article Example As such, Flipgrid creates a social and interactive learning environment for foreign languages and it allows teachers to assess student performance. Each week involves five hours of instruction. Flipgrid is useful as it involves an interactive environment with question grids to enhance learning (Flipgrid 2014 b). The frequency of questions varies; Weekly questions are asked at the end of each week after 5 hours of weekly Turkish language instruction. End of Unit questions is different from weekly questions as they are more summative in nature (Flipgrid 2014 b). Â  Learners can practice their conversational Turkish skills on Flipgrid through face-to-face videos that strengthen speaking skills. In a class of 10 students of Turkish B1, students were often asked varied questions about their learning experience and were asked together collaborative as couples or in two groups of 5 students each. The interviews conducted on 20th December 2014 contained open and closed-ended questions allowing the students to have liberty in their responses. The responses were subsequently written and analyzed. Â  Flipgrid allows students to share their responses as well thereby creating an interactive collaborative space that encourages learning. As such, it creates a social learning environment and social presence has been shown to improve student performance and learning as well as instructor satisfaction (Swan and Richardson 2003, 68). Â  It is extremely useful for Turkish language learning as it can better train the tongue for pronouncing foreign languages (Waid 2014). This way the teachers are able to achieve their learning objectives. A teacher can hold discussions by providing a prompt grid to which students respond via video. Â  

The Body in Health, Lifestyle or Sporting Magazines Essay

The Body in Health, Lifestyle or Sporting Magazines - Essay Example The myth about beauty will be broken by revealing the real benefits media enjoy by impacting the values of women. The paper also focuses on identifying ways through which this insecurity can be prevented or remedied. Changing standards of feminine beauty with time The portrayal of women as a marketing object has a long history in media but the trend of extremely thin models is not very old. Earlier, the idea of female beauty was closely linked to her realistically voluptuous body. In the early 20th century, the culture of fashion underwent a shift from the chubby female figure to a thinner fragile look. However, this thinner new female ideal was not really misleading and made women think about taking care of their health. This description of a female figure initially created a healthy trend in common people as they started to incorporate sports activities in their free time to make their bodies healthier and more active. During the mid 20th century, ideal female body image became thi nner (someone like Marilyn Monroe who was a size 14 was considerably overweight as compared with today’s standards). After initial acceptance of this idea, the trend went on following the notion, â€Å"the thinner the better†. Unfortunately, with the passage of time, these underweight models became the representatives of female beauty, which is still the case today. However, with the development of digital imaging techniques, the beauty ideal presented today to young women is more unrealistic and unattainable than ever before. The recent hype for promoting the thin beauty is increasing towards unattainable thin figures, most of the time being artificially â€Å"perfect† which is facilitated by digital tools and computer. In this way, the media can be held responsible for creating stereotyped notions of beauty, being linked with skinny, ultra-slim and very female bodies (Arya, 2009). The myth of beauty Being surrounded by so many media with so many skinny women r aises the question of what actually can be called an ideal or perfect female figure. The description of beauty described by the media seems to be quite similar to a Barbie doll:   a thin and tall figure, always smiling and ready to be played with. The ideal body shape broadcasted by media is actually of the skeletal and underweight woman. The representation of skinny women is supported by media to such an extent that it became the standard for the ideal body for Miss American contests, where most of the contestants weigh much less than 15% of their expected body weight and therefore giving a clear-cut message that it’s ok to be underweight but still you can look pretty (University of California, 2007).

Histology of the skin Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Histology of the skin - Term Paper Example Continued pressure on the skin may cause it to thicken. The appendages of the skin include the nails, hair, sweat gland, and oil glands (Milady 220). The skin is grouped into two main divisions namely the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis also known as cuticle is the outermost layer of the skin. Its main purpose is to offer protection to the body. It is the thinnest layer and contains no blood vessels but has numerous small nerve endings. The layer is divided into five sub-layers namely the stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, and stratum spinosum and stratum germinativum (Milady 220). Stratum corneum or horny layer is the outermost layer of the epidermis. It is composed of packed scale-like cells, which are usually shed off and replaced by other new cells coming to the surface from the layers beneath it. The cells are made up of chemical proteins known as Keratin, which mixes with sebum, a thin layer of oil, to aid in protecting and waterproofing the horny layer (Milady 220). The stratum lucidum also known as clear layer lies underneath the horny layer. It consists of small transparent cells through which rays from the sun pass. The stratum granulosum or granular layer consists of a group of cells that resembles granules. The cells are usually dead and are normally pushed to the surface to substitute the cells that have been shed from the stratum corneum (Busam, and Goldblum 2). The stratum spinosum or spiny layer is a sub-layer and usually lies above the basal stratum and beneath stratum granulosum. Milady (220) notes that it is in the stratum spinosum that the process that causes skin cells to shed starts. The stratum germinativum, malpighian, or basal cell layer is part of the epidermis found deepest. It consists of a dark pigment known as melanin that protects the skin from ultraviolet rays of the sun. It is also responsible for development of the epidermis (Milady 220). Dermis also

M&T Bank's Sustainable practices and analysis Term Paper

M&T Bank's Sustainable practices and analysis - Term Paper Example (M&T Bank : Facts & Figures) With the growing awareness about the importance of sustainable growth, more than 150 financial institutions across the planet have signed the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) symbolizing their commitment towards sustainable development. According to Ebenezer Olufowose, Executive Director, Access Bank plc, sustainable business practices signify a balanced composition of â€Å"balancing economic growth, social development and environmental protection to ensure future generations are not compromised by actions taken today.† (Osae-Brown) Along with its primary business, M&T Bank has been highly active in initiating commendable sustainable practices. With the sustainable business practices for a better environment, social development and economic escalation mainstreamed into its primary business, M&T Bank portrays a comprehensive as well as a positive picture in its business sustainability report. Healthier Environment The US government in 19 80 initiated Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) under which banks can directly be held responsible for the environmental contamination proven on their part and to pay penalties to compensate for the loss to the environment. (Bouma et al 24) The Act, in the last three decades, has led to a rising concern amongst US banks regarding their existing environmental procedures and M&T Bank has quite followed the ongoing trend. M&T Bank has been awarded with two prizes for the two new innovatively designed branches which are known to use ‘green’ technology and reduce the consumption of natural resources which deplete the environmental healthiness. M&T’s newly constructed branch’s structure in Chambersburg, Pa primarily constitutes, apart from florescent lamps, LED’s and ceramic metal halide lights in the lobby, a large number of energy-reducing elements including a colonnade with a canopy which provides shelter to t he customers when they enter the branch and also protects the branch from direct sunlight. The branch also encourages its employees as well as the visiting customers to use fuel efficient vehicles as reserved parking areas are provided for these vehicles whereas racks are also available for bicycles. The glass walls provide for lesser dependence on artificial lighting and the routine work can be carried out by utilizing the natural light. The unique structure of the branch in Chambersburg is not the first of its kind. Similarly structured branch has also been constructed in West Seneca, NY earlier. The distinctive branch design depicts a serious intention of M&T’s management to try and improve its environmental contributions and its plans towards going ‘greener’ and more efficient in the future. Apart from the efficient design, M&T has implemented many changes including double side printing, paper recycling program, carpooling services, greater use of audio/video conferencing and, more importantly, installation of more efficient high-tech equipment which has reduced its carbon dioxide emission levels pretty sharply. Another measure taken in this respect is the setting up of a senior level advisory committee which evaluates the feasibility of environment-friendly alternatives available and helps the executives, operation managers and employees, at large, to contribute towards stepping

Eating Challenge Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Eating Challenge - Essay Example And also with bread, I have also unconsciously picked up bread placed on the table. I also found out that in these instances, people are likely to feel the urge to just give in – cheat on the challenge, in other words. I also learned that for individuals who are not accustomed to eating fruits and vegetables are likely to find the challenge difficult. However, for people who are adept at preparing and cooking vegetables or preparing salads, the challenge can be easier to manage. My first forays into cooking these meals were made with the help of the internet and I was surprised that many delicious meals could also be prepared using fruits and vegetables. It took a while for me to master these preparations and I went through many ruined meals before I finally picked up some useful techniques in cooking these meals. All in all however, I was enlightened by the experience. I found out that I actually had the discipline to engage in a vegetable and fruit diet, and to resist pork and minimize my bread intake. I also enjoyed the experience especially whenever I would weigh myself and see that I really was losing weight and that my ‘sacrifice’ was actually paying off. Losing weight can build confidence in one’s looks and eventually an overall confidence in oneself. It felt good to lose the extra weight and I was proud that my efforts paid off. Finally, I have learned from the experience that with sacrifice and discipline, many things are

Legal Scenarios Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Legal Scenarios - Case Study Example Parties to a contract of employment cannot alter the nature of the contract by simply putting a label on it. In this scenario, ‘indicia’ conspicuously balance the relationship in favor of an employment. To begin with, the level of control exerted by Big Time over Glenn suggests an employee. The more the control exercised by one party over the other, the more the relationship weighs in favor of a contract of services. The exercise of control over the way in which work is carried out, and degree of such control are to be examined and applied as prominent distinguishing factors (Abdalla, Abraham v. Viewdaze Pty Ltd (2003)122 IR par. 23). The control test looks not only whether it is the employer who dictates what is to be done, but also the means of doing it, when it is to be done and where it is to be done (Employment Status, p.9). Big Time exercises great control over Glenn, in that it dictates the destination of the products, while Glenn is required to follow instruction s. The second ‘indicia’ relates to the right to delegate. In Express and Echo Publications Ltd v. Tanton [1999] IRLR 367, the court held that a wide power of substitution is inconsistent with a contract of services. The general rule is however not absolute. ... y, Sargeant and Jefferson, 2013, p.17).In this scenario, Glenn has a limited power to delegate given that he must seek prior consent from the management of Big time. The manager was not obliged to accept every request, and could, therefore, dictate when Glenn could delegate. The third indicium rests to the fact that Glenn used his own truck and tools to do the work. Where an employee provides his own tools of trade, the relationship is more likely to be one for services (Abdalla, Abraham v Viewdaze Pty Ltd). Nevertheless, not every instance that an employee provides their own tools that the balance tilts in favor of independent contractors. In Hollis v Vabu Pty Ltd (2001) 207 CLR 21 the court considered that bicycles that the workers provided are not tools that could be used exclusively for the courier work that they had been contracted. Similarly in this scenario, a truck cannot be used exclusively for delivery of fresh produces exclusively. However, it is material if Glenn had adap ted the truck for delivery purposes only. The fourth ‘indicia’ arise from the fact that Glenn is required to make his own arrangements for taxation purposes. If the employer deducts tax on a PAYE basis, it is an indication of a contract of services. It follows that where the worker makes his own tax arrangements, the relationship is more likely to be one of an independent contractor. However, not all relationships where the worker makes his own tax arrangement are a contract for services as in Federal Commissioner of Tax v J Walter Thompson (1944) 69 CLR 227. Finally, the other indicia concern the bearer of a financial risk in case of a loss. Where the employer bears the risk of any financial loss or injury that arises in the course of the worker discharging his duties, the contract is

Blue Streak Essay Example for Free

Blue Streak Essay What suggestions would you offer to Art to improve his operation? It seems as though, Art prematurely opened the two locations in neighboring states. Because Art was a constant figure in his other locations from inception, the vision that he had for those locations were taught and able to be practiced to his standards. There are at least three areas in which this operation can be improved. It is clear that art believes that the common denominator in the success of all his other locations is his presence. At the locations in neighboring states his managers feel as though, he frequents the locations too much. There is a clear disconnect in his intent and their out look of the situation. His manager likely believe that he doesn’t trust them to effectively manage, and do the job in which they were hired. They likely seem his as a micromanager. I believe that this problem can be solved with simple communication. He explains the reasoning behind his constant visitations and I’m sure his manager will be able to understand his reasoning and that will relieve some of the tension. Also, his managers do not seem to know what Art is expecting of them as managers. This problem can be handled with training. Art may want to think about closing down his locations for a limited period of time in order to teach his managers what is expected of them. When Art visited these locations, it seems as though he never effectively What management skills must Art master if he is to resolve his problems and continue to grow? Conceptual skills may help him to understand that in order for the company to succeed he needs to plan and organize his goals. Using these skills increases the ability to see the organization as a whole. It would help Mr. Benton to understand the relationships among the different offices and see how the organization fits into its broader environment. These skills are cruel for the top management and will the company will grow and it will also allow Mr. Benton to grow as a person. Mr. Benton can apply the skills mastered in his company by realizing how the out-of-state offices are connected to the other offices. By understanding this he can understand the business as a whole and decide on the objectives and then proceeding to plan and organize management task. Therefore, mastering conceptual skills are  recommended to learn since it will help the CEO understand the company as whole making better decisions and resolving the problems at easier way.

Effectiveness and Efficiency of Distribution Channels In FMCG

Effectiveness and Efficiency of Distribution Channels In FMCG Fast Moving Consumer Goods popularly known FMCG is as the name suggests is the most demanded products in the market. It includes everything from food items like flour, biscuits, ice creams, etc to body products soaps, face creams to cigarettes to beverages, etc. consumers need these things in their everyday life so they invests a good portion of there income in these things. There are so many companies which are dealing in FMCG products like HUL, Dabur, Cavin Care, AMUL dealing in dairy products, etc. By the vary nature of the product the companies are seeing this as a great source of income. As large number of companies are looking this sector as a profitable venture, so for sustaining there position and gain new market they have to bring some thing unique in their products or services to gain position in the market or to sustain there. In modern business distribution network has a great impact on the success of any business. In the FMCG segment the role of a excellent distribution channel becomes even more crucial because the delivery of FMCG Product is confined to day to day basic. Hence in order to survive and thrive in a highly competitive market you have to have a distribution channel which has no problem at any point of the distribution channel. The factor which is of crucial importance to survive in any business is the understanding of the mind of the individual consumers. What are main characteristics which consumer consider while making a purchasing decision regarding FMCG Product. In order to make right decision regarding all these aspects the company requires a complete knowledge of the problems faced in distribution channel and what should be done in order to overcome all these problems. Better infrastructure facilities will improve their supply chain. FMCG sector is also likely to benefit from growing demand in the market. Because of the low per capita consumption for almost all the products in the country, FMCG companies have immense possibilities for growth. And if the companies are able to change the mindset of the consumers, i.e. if they are able to take the consumers to branded products and offer new generation products, they would be able to generate higher growth in the near future. Table of Contents Introduction A Distribution Channel is a set of interdependent organizations (intermediaries) involved in the process of making a product or service available for use or consumption by the consumer or business user. Channel decisions are among the most important decisions that management faces and will directly affect every other marketing decision. Functions of Distribution Channel All Use Up Scarce Resources All May Often Be Performed Better Through Specialization All Can Often Be Shifted Among Channel Members Types of Distribution Channel A channel of distribution or trade channel is the path or route along which goods move from producers to ultimate consumers or industrial users. In other words, it is the distribution network through which a producer puts his product in the hands of actual users. The channel of distribution includes the original producer, the final buyer and any middlemen-either wholesaler or retailer. The term middleman refers to any institution or individual in the channel which either acquires title to the goods or negotiates or sells in the capacity of an agent or broker. But facilitating agencies that perform or assist in marketing function are not included as middlemen in the channel of distribution. This is because they neither acquire title to the goods nor negotiate purchase or sale. Such facilitating agencies include banks, railways, roadways, warehouses, insurance companies, advertising agencies, etc. The following diagram (chart) is illustrative of the channel of distribution which may exist in a market: The above chart indicates that the number of middlemen may vary. If there is direct sale by the produce to the consumers then there is no middleman. But that is very rare. As the chart shows the producer may sell goods to retailer who may then sell the same to consumers. The producer may sell goods to wholesalers who may inturn sell to retailers and the retailer may sell to consumers. The fourth alternative channel of distribution is when any agent/dealer intervenes between the producer and retailers and acts as a middlemen. The agent is appointed by the producer for the sale of goods to the retailers. Another alternative channel is there when producers agent sells goods to wholesalers who sell to retailers. Agent/dealer is an independent person/firm buying goods and selling them to retailers. Agent/dealer may also sell to wholesalers who may then sell to retailers and goods are thus made available to consumers. In the channel of distribution there may be more than one agent/dealer and wholesaler. A brief explanation of different channels of distribution is given below: Manufacturer Æ’Â  Customer: This is also known as direct selling because no middlemen are involved. A producer may sell directly through his own retail stores, for example, Bata. This is the simplest and the shortest channel. It is fast and economical. Small producers and producers of perishable commodities also sell directly to the local consumers. Big firms adopt direct selling in order to cut distribution cost and because they have sufficient facilities to sell directly to the consumers. The producer or the entrepreneur himself performs all the marketing activities. Manufacturer Æ’Â  RetailerÆ’Â  Customer: This is one stage distribution channel having one middleman, i.e., retailer. In this channel, the producer sells to big retailers like departmental stores and chain stores who in turn sell to customer. This channel is very popular in the distribution of consumer durables such as refrigerators, T V sets, washing machines, typewriters, etc. This channel of distribution is very popular these days because of emergence of departmental stores, super markets and other big retail stores. The retailers purchase in large quantities from the producer and perform certain marketing activities in order to sell the product to the ultimate consumers. Manufacturer Æ’Â  WholesalerÆ’Â  RetailerÆ’Â  Customer: This is the traditional channel of distribution. There are two middlemen in this channel of distribution, namely, wholesaler and retailer. This channel is most suitable for the products with widely scattered market. It is used in the distribution of consumer products like groceries, drugs, cosmetics, etc. It is quite suitable for small scale producers whose product line is narrow and who require the expert services and promotional support of wholesalers. Selection Criteria of a Distribution Channel While selecting a distribution channel, the entrepreneur should compare the costs, sales volume and profits expected from alternative channels of distribution. In order to select the right channel for distributing his product, a small-scale manufacturer should keep in mind the following considerations: Market Considerations: The nature of the market is a key factor influencing the choice of channels of distribution. The following features of the market should be considered to determine the channels: Consumer or Industrial Market: If the product is meant for industrial users, the channel of distribution will be a short one. This is because industrial users buy in a large quantity and the producer can easily establish a direct contact with them. But in case for goods meant for consumers, retailers may have to be included in the channels of distribution. Number and location of buyers: When the number of potential customers is small or the market is geographically located in a limited area, direct selling is easy and economical. In case of large number of customers, use of wholesalers and retailers becomes necessary. Size of order: Direct selling is convenient and economical where customers place order in big lots as in case of industrial goods. But where the product is sold in small quantities, middlemen are used to distribute such products. A manufacturer may use different channels for different types of buyers. He may sell directly to big retail stores and may use wholesalers to sell to small retailers. Customers buying habits: The customer buying habits like the time he is willing to spend, the desire for credit, the preference of personal attention and one stop shopping significantly affect the choice of distribution channels. Product Considerations: The type and nature of the product influence the number and type of middlemen to be chosen for distributing the product. The important factors with respect to the product are as follows: Unit value: Products of low unit value and common use are generally sold through middlemen, as they cannot bear the cost of direct selling. On the other hand, expensive consumer goods and industrial products are sold directly by the producers. Perishability: Perishable products like vegetables, fruits and bakery items have relatively short channels, as they cannot withstand repeated handling. Goods, which are subject to frequent changes in fashion and style, are generally distributed through short channels, as the producer has to maintain close and continuous touch with the market. Bulk and weight: Heavy and bulky products are distributed directly to minimize handling costs. Coal, bricks, stones, etc., are some examples. Standardisation: Custom-made and non-standardised products usually pass through short channels due to the need for direct contact between the producer and the consumers. Standardized and mass-made goods can be distributed through middlemen. Technical nature: Industrial products requiring demonstration, installation and aftersale service are often sold directly. The consumer products of technical nature are generally sold through retailers. Product line: An entrepreneur producing a wide range of products may find it economical to set up its own retail outlets. On the other hand, firms with one or two products find it profitable to distribute through wholesalers and retailers. Age of the product: A new product needs greater promotional effort and few middlemen may like to handle it. As the product gains acceptance in the market, more middlemen may be employed for its distribution. Middlemen Considerations: The cost and efficiency of distribution depend largely upon the nature and type of middlemen as given in the following factors: Availability: When middlemen as desired are not available, an entrepreneur may have to establish his own distribution network. Non-availability of middlemen may arise when they are handling competitive products, as they do not like to handle more brands. Attitudes: Middlemen who do not like a firms marketing policies may refuse to handle its products. For instance, some wholesalers and retailers demand sole selling rights or a guarantee against fall in prices. Services: Use of those middlemen is profitable who provide financing, storage, promotion and aftersale services. Sale Potential: An entrepreneur generally prefers a dealer who offers the greatest potential volume of sales. Costs: Choice of a channel should be made after comparing the costs of distribution through alternative channels. Company Considerations: The nature, size and objectives of the business firm also play an important role in the selection of distribution channel. It includes financial resources, market standing, volume of production, desire for control of channel, services provided by manufacturers, etc. For example a company with substantial financial resources need not rely too much on the middlemen and can afford to reduce the levels of distribution. Similarly a company desiring to exercise greater control over channel will prefer a shorter channel. After deciding the number of middlemen, an entrepreneur has to select the particular dealers through whom he will distribute his products. While selecting a particular wholesaler or retailer, the following factors should be taken into consideration: a. Location of dealers business premises; b. Financial position and credit standing of the dealer; c. Knowledge and experience of the dealer; d. Storage and showroom facilities of the dealer e. Ability of the dealer to secure adequate business and to cover the market; f. Capacity of the dealer to provide aftersale service; g. General reputation of the dealer and his sales force; h. Willingness of the dealer to handle the entrepreneurs products; i. Degree of co-operation and promotion service he is willing to provide; j. Nature of other products, if any handled by the dealer. Need for Distribution Channel Why are all these layers needed in distribution ? Why cant a producer simply sell to a retailer, who sells to a consumer? Its a fair question, and in some cases, that is exactly how it happens. But the fact is that many producers are either too small or too large to handle all the necessary functions themselves to get their products to market. Consider the small, specialty manufacturer who is terrific at making fine leather handbags but may not have the expertise to market its products as well as it makes them, or they may not have the money to hire a team of full-time salespeople to court the customers and secure the orders. An intermediary who works for several small, noncompeting firms can easily handle those functions cost-effectively. An intermediary who specializes in importing and exporting can handle the intricacies of customs paperwork, overseas shipping, and foreign markets, too. Conversely, large companies need intermediaries because they are also in the business of manufacturing, not marketing. Turning out tens of thousands of cases of soft drinks, for instance, do you think Pepsi has time to take and fill individual orders from households? Channel members like wholesalers and retailers are useful because they are best at specific aspects of sales in their markets, leaving the manufacturers to do what they do best-which is turn out the best possible product. Having a distribution channel breaks the whole buying and selling process and all its related negotiations into manageable tasks, each performed by companies that specialize in certain skills. Using an import wholesaler, for example, can be handy because they know the laws and customs of the suppliers nations; and they generally offer their own lines of credit so the retailer wont have to deal with currency exchange or negotiate payment terms with a bank in another country. Another advantage of the distribution channel is its ability to even out the natural ebbs and flows of a supply chain. This comes from the ability of some channel members to store excess goods until they are needed, and to stockpile goods in anticipation of seasonal sales peaks. Depending on how close their relationships, channel members may also work together to purchase goods or services in greater quantity at discounts, passing the savings on to customers. Even for consumers, the distribution chain is handy-beyond handy, in fact! It has become a necessity in our society. What if there were no supermarkets, for instance? Can you imagine how much more time and money you would spend having to buy every item at its source? How practical would it be to run out to the nearest farm to pick up a quart of milk and some salad ingredients on your way home from work? FMCG Sector Overview FMCG is an acronym for  Fast Moving Consumer Goods, which refer to things that we buy from local supermarkets on daily basis, the things that have high turnover and are relatively cheaper. Products which have a quick turnover, and relatively low cost are known as Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). FMCG products are those that get replaced within a year. Examples of FMCG generally include a wide range of frequently purchased consumer products such as toiletries, soap, cosmetics, tooth cleaning products, shaving products and detergents, as well as other non-durables such as glassware, bulbs, batteries, paper products, and plastic goods. FMCG may also include pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics, packaged food products, soft drinks, tissue paper, and chocolate bars. A subset of FMCGs is Fast Moving Consumer Electronics which include innovative electronic products such as mobile phones, MP3 players, digital cameras, GPS Systems and Laptops. These are replaced more frequently than other electronic products. White goods in FMCG refer to household electronic items such as Refrigerators, T.Vs, Music Systems, etc. These types of goods are required frequently by consumers and so a large part of the monthly salary or income will be spent on buying all the goods listed on the consumers shopping list. New players keep joining the FMCG circles but find the going tough unless they have a well planned strategy along with large cash reserves for their product promotion. A particular FMCG company might be a strong urban market leader, but will still find it tough to enter the rural markets or a new Indian state or area. Although FMCG companies generate a large volume of sales and money, they are always under pressure as they keep facing a lot of competition from their fellow competitors. Due to this, the FMCG companies try to do their level best in maintaining a fine balance in their profits and the product price. Thus they keep facing new challenges on their margins month after month. One of the key factors for an FMCG company to do well is a proper distribution network. If a distribution network of a particular FMCG company is well oiled, then that particular FMCG Company will definitely find the going much easier in the market. But companies have to allot a large chunk of their finances in developing and fine tuning their distribution networks. The promotion of a product of an FMCG company too is considered very crucial for its success. The market has many players. Every FMCG company has to fight for its space and audience in the Indian market. Thus, when a multinational company enters the Indian market, it creates an even bigger challenge to the existing players on the FMCG scene. If the promotion is done well, then the manufacturing of the product can even be outsourced. This can save valuable finance for a company. This in turn will help the company to utilize their energies on other aspects of their product. Some of the top players on the FMCG scene in India are Hindustan Unilever Ltd., ITC (Indian Tobacco Company), Nestlà © India and Dabur India. So, we can say that FMCG are the products which are: Sold quickly at relatively low cost Sold in large quantities Have low absolute profit but high cumulative profit Sector Performance FMCG is one of the few sectors that has been unscratched and has shown consistent growth despite economic recession and this can be proved by some of the leading magazines articles like: According to Business Standard-FMCG resilient to the economic slowdown and dip in consumer sentiment. According to Economic times it is one of the very few sectors undergoing MA in recent times. Economic times also comment that Indian rural market in untapped and unpenetrated. The growth in this sector is also evident from the fact that many FMCG companies are planning to foray into West Asia, South Africa and Egypt. FMCG industry  provides a wide range of consumables and accordingly the amount of money circulated against FMCG products is also very high. The competition among FMCG manufacturers is also growing and as a result of this, investment in FMCG industry is also increasing, specifically in India, where FMCG industry is regarded as the fourth largest sector with total market size of US$13.1 billion. FMCG Sector in India is estimated to grow 60% by 2010. FMCG industry is regarded as the largest sector in New Zealand which accounts for 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Some of the merits of FMCG industry, which made this industry as a potential one are low operational cost, strong distribution networks, presence of renowned FMCG companies. Population growth is another factor which is responsible behind the success of this industry. Some of the well known FMCG companies are : Sara Lee Nestlà © Reckitt Benckiser Unilever Procter Gamble Coca-Cola Carlsberg Kleenex General Mills Pepsi Mars etc. FMCG industry  creates a wide range of job opportunities. This industry is a stable, diverse, challenging and high profile industry providing a wide range of job categories like sales, supply chain, finance, marketing, operations, purchasing, human resources, product development, and general management. Indian FMCG Sector FMCG is the fourth largest sector in the Indian Economy with a total market size of Rs. 60,000 crores. FMCG sector generates 5% of total factory employment in the country and is creating employment for three million people, especially in small towns and rural India. The FMCG sector in India is a sector which is dominated by a high level competition between all the players. This particular sector includes MNCs as well as local Indian companies. Certain companies are leaders in a particular state or area. While some of the companies are very strong in the rural areas compared to the urban areas. Some of the most powerful companies in the FMCG sector are: Hindustan Unilever Ltd., ITC (Indian Tobacco Company), Nestlà © India, GCMMF (AMUL), Dabur India, Asian Paints (India), Cadbury India, Britannia Industries, Procter Gamble Hygiene and Health Care and Marico Industries. All these companies have a proper distribution network along with proper product promotion tools which have helped them to regularly increase their sales and visibility on the Indian scene. Well-established distribution networks, as well as intense competition between the organised and unorganised segments are the characteristics of this sector. FMCG in India has a strong and competitive MNC presence across the entire value chain. It has been predicted that the FMCG market will reach to US$ 33.4 billion in 2015 from US $ billion 11.6 in 2003. The middle class and the rural segments of the Indian population are the most promising market for FMCG, and give brand makers the opportunity to convert them to branded products. Most of the product categories like jams, toothpaste, skin care, shampoos, etc, in India, have low per capita consumption as well as low penetration level, but the potential for growth is huge. The Indian Economy is surging ahead by leaps and bounds, keeping pace with rapid urbanization, increased literacy levels, and rising per capita income. The big firms are growing bigger and small-time companies are catching up as well. According to the study conducted by AC Nielsen, 62 of the top 100 brands are owned by MNCs, and the balance by Indian companies. Fifteen companies own these 62 brands, and 27 of these are owned by Hindustan Lever. Pepsi is at number three followed by Thums Up. Britannia takes the fifth place, followed by Colgate (6), Nirma (7), Coca-Cola (8) and Parle (9). These are figures the soft drink and cigarette companies have always shied away from revealing. Personal care, cigarettes, and soft drinks are the three biggest categories in FMCG. Between them, they account for 35 of the top 100 brands. Hindustan Unilever Limited has been operating in India from a long time. They are Indias largest FMCG Company and are also one of Indias largest exporters. The list of their popular products is a very large one. Some of their popular products are Lifebuoy, Rexona, Lux, Liril, Lipton Tea, Brooke Bond Tea, Bru Coffee, Pepsodent, Surf, Rin, Wheel Laundry Detergent and Kissan. The company has an excellent research centre which was established in 1958 and has a strong team of highly qualified scientists. Recently they have launched new projects like Ayush Ayurvedic Products Services and Pureit Water Purifiers. ITC which was set up in 1910 in India was earlier known as Imperial Tobacco Company of India Limited. ITC has a vast presence in wide array of products and some of them are greeting cards, cigarettes, paperboards, packaging, branded apparel, foods confectionery and FMCG products. ITC has proved its worth by being one of Indias biggest foreign exchange earners. Although it already has many leading products from a long time, it is recently wooing over successfully new customers in its businesses of branded apparel, packaged foods confectionery and greeting cards stationery. Nestlà © first made its presence in India in 1912. It has always managed to get itself listed in Indias Most Respected Companies. This has been possible due to its practice of producing products of a global standard in India. It has also been able to provide customer satisfaction to the consumers of its products. The success of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) has proved that a cooperative too can grow into a top class company if it is backed by proper vision, hard work and a quality product. This has helped it to become the largest food product marketing organization in India. Some of its popular products are Amul Ice cream, Amul Milk, Amul Butter, Amul Shrikhand, Amul Milk Powder, Amul Ghee and Amul Cheese. Thus the above four examples show a variety of factors which are responsible for turning a company into a leading FMCG company. The top 10 companies in India are as follows: The FMCG sector can be sub classified into: Personal Care: The personal care category has the largest number of brands, i.e., 21, inclusive of Lux, Lifebuoy, Fair and Lovely, Vicks, and Ponds.   There are 11 HLL brands in the 21, aggregating Rs. 3,799 crore or 54% of the personal care category. Cigarettes account for 17% of the top 100 FMCG sales, and just below the personal care category. ITC alone accounts for 60% volume market share and 70% by value of all filter cigarettes in India. Foods: The foods category in FMCG is gaining popularity with a swing of launches by HLL, ITC, Godrej, and others. This category has 18 major brands, aggregating Rs. 4,637 crore. Nestle and Amul slug it out in the powders segment. The food category has also seen innovations like softies in ice creams, chapattis by HLL, ready to eat rice by HLL and pizzas by both GCMMF and Godrej Pillsbury. This category seems to have faster development than the stagnating personal care category. Amul, Indias largest foods company, has a good presence in the food category with its ice-creams, curd, milk, butter, cheese, and so on. Britannia also ranks in the top 100 FMCG brands, dominates the biscuits category and has launched a series of products at various prices. Household care: In the household care category (like mosquito repellents), Godrej and Reckitt are two players. Goodknight from Godrej, is worth above Rs 217 crore, followed by Reckitts Mortein at Rs 149 crore. In the shampoo category, HLLs Clinic and Sunsilk make it to the top 100, although PGs Head and Shoulders and Pantene are also trying hard to be positioned on top. Clinic is nearly double the size of Sunsilk. Herbal care: Dabur is among the top five FMCG companies in India and is a herbal specialist. With a turnover of Rs. 19 billion (approx. US$ 420 million) in 2005-2006, Dabur has brands like Dabur Amla, Dabur Chyawanprash, Vatika, Hajmola and Real. Paint: Asian Paints is enjoying a formidable presence in the Indian sub-continent, Southeast Asia, Far East, Middle East, South Pacific, Caribbean, Africa and Europe. Asian Paints is Indias largest paint company, with a turnover of Rs.22.6 billion (around USD 513 million). Forbes Global magazine, USA, ranked Asian Paints among the 200 Best Small Companies in the World Chocolates/Confectionary: Cadbury India is the market leader in the chocolate confectionery market with a 70% market share and is ranked number two in the total food drinks market. Its popular brands include Cadburys Dairy Milk, 5 Star, Eclairs, and Gems. The Rs.15.6 billion (USD 380 Million) Marico is a leading Indian group in consumer products and services in the Global Beauty and Wellness space. Outlook for FMCG Sector: There is a huge growth potential for all the FMCG companies as the per capita consumption of almost all products in the country is amongst the lowest in the world. Again the demand or prospect could be increased further if these companies can change the consumers mindset and offer new generation products. Earlier, Indian consumers were using non-branded apparel, but today, clothes of different brands are available and the same consumers are willing to pay more for branded quality clothes. Its the quality, promotion and innovation of products, which can drive many sectors. Methodology Exploratory research: The exploratory research design is appropriate for any any problems in which a very little knowledge is available. An Exploratory study is in the nature of a preliminary phase and is absolutely essential in order to obtain a proper definition of problem in hand. So it is helpful in breaking broad and vague problems into smaller, more precise sub problem statements, hopefully, in the form of specific hypothesis. In this study the exploratory research has been used to frame structure questionnaires, individuals with knowledge and ideas have been interviewed to get the idea to frame structure questionnaire. A part from books and journals has been used to gather information about the insurance and the insurance industry. Data Collection: In this study internal and external source for data collection had been used. In the internal and external sources of data collection these two types of data comes into picture: Primary Data Secondary Data Primary Data All the primary data for the purpose of the study were obtained by interviewing the retailers with the help of a questionnaire. Questionnaires were framed on the basis of product its competition. The questions were designed in such a way as to elicit maximum information and data. Secondary Data Secondary data has been collected from books and websites. Internet websites: www.google.com, www.Coca-Cola.com, www.wikipedia.com, www.coca-colaindia.com Magazines Business World Management and Technology Questionnaire There can be two types of questionnaire. Questionnaire for Whole sellers: Name: Age: .. Area: . Years in the Business:. .. Date. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_STNJ3qjC9Nk/SX30qf_Ve3I/AAAAAAAAAcU/P3nV5aXUBdY/s320/Coca-Cola_logo5.jpg Q1. Which coca cola cold drink brand sells the most? Coke b. ThumsUp c.Limca d. Sprite e. Fanta f. Maaza g.Others Q2. Which mineral water sells the most? Kinley b. Aquafina c. Bisleri d. Local brands Q3. What type of package cold drinks sells the most? 300ml bottle b. 600 ml pet bottle c.

Examining the Factors affecting Successful Strategic Management

Examining the Factors affecting Successful Strategic Management Todays an organization want to achieve success, they should consider all aspects for reaching the desired ends and how to avoid difficulties to help plan successful strategies. When an organisation has a strategy it enables them to ensure that decisions made on a day-to-day basis fit in with its long term interests. Strategies are also important as any decisions an organisation makes today can have a negative impact on its future results. A strategy will also help encourage employees, departments to work together to achieve common goals. In this essay I will concentrate on three schools, including design school, planning school and positioning schools. Furthermore, I will clarify some points in others schools of thought by particular looking at the overall, key issues and assumptions of this theory. According to Mintzberg, Ahlstrand, and Lampel (1998), they suggest that there are a lot of influential factors affect strategy. The schools will help organization to evaluate their macro and micro dynamics of a company. The first three schools that is design, planning and positioning schools of thought are prescriptive in nature. Those schools discuss how a strategy should be formulated. Accordingly, organization based on current situation and its environment to identify directions actions. The next six schools, entrepreneurial, cognitive, learning, power, cultural, and environmental are concerned with a specific aspect of strategy formation rather than prescribing an ideal strategic behaviour, it may be characterized as descriptive, emergent and subjective. Whereas, the configuration school alone constitutes the third group that integrates the various elements of strategy formation from all the previous schools mentioned. The first of the prescriptive schools is the Design school. The value of this strategy formation is that it seeks to establish a fit between an organizations strengths and weakness and its internal potential and external possibilities. This school also considers the role played by managerial values and social responsibility as important in the process of strategy making (Shekhar, 2009). Therefore, the CEO has a responsibility for a strategy formation. On the other hand, the strategy should be individualized, simple and explicit. According to his framework, a strategy formulated should be consistent in its goals as well as policies. Moreover, it must be adaptive to the changes in the organizations environment, provide and maintain competitive and should be feasible. The advantage of this type of school is that it forces consideration of external factors and will be more appropriate in organisation that needs reorientation. In the assignment 2, I will concentrate on how both internal a s well as external factors impact strategy of organization, and also according to this theory to provide some evaluation, selection, using SWOT analysis and Porters Five Force to descript how organization can fit between strength, weakness and the opportunities. The next school that I will discuss is a Planning school. It is a member of the prescriptive schools and a strategy formulation also mention as a formal process. The principal of this school has a separation between strategy formulation and strategy implementation. According to this school, strategy is a plan, a direction, a guide or a course of action into the future. The planning school consent with most of the premises in the Design school. However, the execution of strategy became formalized. The CEO takes the responsibility for the formulation of the whole process. By applying powerful analytic tools such as rigorous strategic planning methodologies, scenario analysis, managers can forecast the future of their business and can be accurately enough to let them to choose a suitable strategic direction. I will discuss these issues in the next assignment. The Positioning school also is part of the first group of schools. This school is different from other schools, it also known as an analytical process. In the positioning school, there are only a few key strategies or positions in the market place, which is economic and competitive, while there are no limits to strategies in some schools, for example the design and planning schools. The process focused more narrowly on calculation and on the close-ended selection of strategic positions than on the development of integrated and unusual strategic perspectives or on the specification of coordinated sets of plans (Marko, 2004). Strategies developed under this school are generic, specifically common, identifiable positions in the marketplace. In addition, when compared with other schools, it is less emphasis on political effects, including internal and external on the strategy formation in an organization. In the next assignment, I will focus on tools, methods such as BCG matrix, Michael Porters Generic Strategies, Profit Impact of Market Strategies and some other tools to clarify how to analysis and calculate in order to support the process of developing the strategy. In the next assignment, I will highlight some of the critical aspects of strategy formation in ten schools of through. In detail, the entrepreneurial school views strategy formation as a visionary process and visions can be set by a single or multiple founders of a company. The power school views strategy formation as a process of negotiation, the power refers to political power or the political relations surrounding an organization. The cognitive school views strategy formation as a mental process, it analyses how people perceive patterns and process information. The learning school views strategy formation as an emergent process of trial and error learning within an organization. The cultural school views strategy formation as a collective process, based on beliefs and understandings shared by the members of various groups and departments in organization. The environmental school views strategy formation as a reactive process, it described the relationship between particular dimens ions of the environment. Thereby reacting to the challenges imposed the external environment. According to configuration school, this strategy formation is seen as a process of transforming the organization from one state of decision-making structure into another. Mintzberg, Ahlstrand and Lampel (1998) stated the key to this strategy if for the organisation to recognise the need for the transformation, however to be able to do this without damaging the organisation. From this assignment I have learnt the importance of implementing strategic management into an organisation to gain competitive advantage. Applying Mintzbergs schools could help an organization about evaluation, development and transformation. Using the schools, organization can be able to identify their objectives, its strengths and weakness, to help expand on potential, developing on their opportunities and strengths. The key point to the schools is finding which strategy making technique best fits into an organisation, and developing further on it. Having successful achieving these goals, it will transform and give an organisation higher strategic competence. (1090 words)

Bowling For Columbine :: Michael Moore Film Review

1. I think media has a great impact on how people behave. The media is defined as listening to music, watching TV, movies, reading magazines, and searching the internet. I think when people here about certain things in songs, or see things in movies or on television it has an effect on them. If there is violence in a TV show or on the news kids can think that's cool to do and do it. A lot of movies show fighting and violence and it effects people and they may do what they see. Television in the home is the greatest source of visual violence for children. Video games expose young children to a level of violence unimaginable. The news also creates fear . 2. I agree with Michael Moore's message in the documentary. I think there is way to much violence in our society, I also think there should be a restriction on guns. Children in our society today, see violence in their schools, on TV , their neighborhoods, and their homes. The daily new is rife with reports of child molestations and abductions. War in foreign lands along with daily reports of murder, rape and robberies also heighten a child's perception of potential violence. 3. I don't think the documentary was biased at all . I think Michael Moore showed both to sides every story he told about . He focused on both sides of the story rather than just one. 4. The NRA Civil Rights Defense fund was established by the NRA board of directors in 1978 to become involved in court cases establishing legal precedents in favor of gun owners. To accomplish this the fund provides legal and financial assistance to selected individuals and organizations defending their right to keep and bear arms. 5. I do not think it was appropriate fir the NRA to arrive in Denver for a convention after the Columbine massacre occurred. I think people were still in mourning and alls they wanted was to be left alone. The people in Denver probably wanted nothing but to ban guns, and here comes the N R A thinking everyone should have the right to have a gun in order to protect themselves. I think the N R A should have waited a great deal of time before going to Denver for a convention. 6. States with the largest increases in gun ownership also have the largest drops in violent crimes.

Al Capone Essay -- Criminal Crime Convict Al Capone Biography Essays

Al Capone Throughout America's history there have been many famous criminals, John Dillinger, John Gotti, Lucky Luciano, just to name a few. However, due to his extreme wealth and Godfather like status, the most notorious and famous one might have been Al Capone. Alphonse Capone was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 17, 1899 to immigrants from Naples, Italy. At a very young age, he became involved in organized crime by quitting school after sixth grade and joining a local neighborhood gang. There he met Johnny Torio, who would be his eventual mentor for the crime organization in the city of Chicago. Soon Capone really hit the big time in organized crime when he joined the famous Manhattan Five Points Gang and their leader Frankie Yale, working as a bartender and bouncer. There he received his nickname, "scarface", when he was cut on his left cheek during a conflict while working at the gang's club. Under Yale, it was thought that Capone did his first of many killings. However, like many other gangsters at the time, Capone was never tried for his "alleged" or "ordered" murders do to prominence and the power that these crime families had in the community ("Capone, Al"). At the same time Capone was working for Yale, his boyhood friend Johnny Torrio moved to Chicago to help run the gambling and brothel business there under mob boss "Big Jim" Colosimo. When Colosimo was assassinated, Torrio became the new crime boss and sent for Capone to help him run the busines...

Camus Philosophy As Revealed I :: essays research papers

In L’Etranger, Camus uses Mersaults’ experiences such as his mothers’ death, killing the Arab, the trial, and his interactions with other characters throughout the novel to convey his philosophy, which satisfies all principals of existentialism. To convey his existentialist philosophy, Camus uses the death of Mersaults’ mother in the beginning of the novel. On the first page, Mersault is more concerned about the exact time of his mothers’ death, and not the fact that he recently lost a loved one. This shows that Mersault feels that there is no reason to mourn for his mothers’ death, and also conveys the existentialist idea that reason is powerless to deal with the depths of human life. The fact that Mersault shows no compassion ultimately conveys Camus’ philosophy of existentialism. Also, at Mersaults’ mothers funeral Mersault does not cry or behave the way that society expects him to act. This is because Mersault is an existentialist, and does not act in the ‘appropriate’ manner in which society expects, which makes him estranged from the people around him. In the events leading up to the point when Mersault kills the Arab, the heat, sun, and light begin to affect him more and more, at which point his sensual feelings overwhelm him and cause him to pull the trigger and kill the Arab. This part of the novel shows how Mersault is estranged from nature, in the way that for the first time in the novel the sun and his sensual pleasures begin to act against him, and cause him to lose control. During the trial, Camus begins to ridicule the legal system, and make apparent the fact that Mersault is truly an outsider. Camus does this by making Mersault feel as though he is ‘out of place’ at his trial. He also does this by showing that Mersaults’ case is rushed, due to the fact that there is a more exciting parricide case next. This reveals Camus’ philosophy by Estranging Mersault from society, and legal system. During the time in which Mersault is imprisoned, he begins to feel that he is unable to accept death and wants to ‘escape the inevitable’.(p.104) This is how Camus uses Mersault to explain another principle of existentialism, which is that an existentialist begins to feel fear, anxiety and angst. The reason that Mersault feels this is that he is denied everything in prison and has nothing to deal with but himself, which makes him able to consider what is going to happen to him. Camus Philosophy As Revealed I :: essays research papers In L’Etranger, Camus uses Mersaults’ experiences such as his mothers’ death, killing the Arab, the trial, and his interactions with other characters throughout the novel to convey his philosophy, which satisfies all principals of existentialism. To convey his existentialist philosophy, Camus uses the death of Mersaults’ mother in the beginning of the novel. On the first page, Mersault is more concerned about the exact time of his mothers’ death, and not the fact that he recently lost a loved one. This shows that Mersault feels that there is no reason to mourn for his mothers’ death, and also conveys the existentialist idea that reason is powerless to deal with the depths of human life. The fact that Mersault shows no compassion ultimately conveys Camus’ philosophy of existentialism. Also, at Mersaults’ mothers funeral Mersault does not cry or behave the way that society expects him to act. This is because Mersault is an existentialist, and does not act in the ‘appropriate’ manner in which society expects, which makes him estranged from the people around him. In the events leading up to the point when Mersault kills the Arab, the heat, sun, and light begin to affect him more and more, at which point his sensual feelings overwhelm him and cause him to pull the trigger and kill the Arab. This part of the novel shows how Mersault is estranged from nature, in the way that for the first time in the novel the sun and his sensual pleasures begin to act against him, and cause him to lose control. During the trial, Camus begins to ridicule the legal system, and make apparent the fact that Mersault is truly an outsider. Camus does this by making Mersault feel as though he is ‘out of place’ at his trial. He also does this by showing that Mersaults’ case is rushed, due to the fact that there is a more exciting parricide case next. This reveals Camus’ philosophy by Estranging Mersault from society, and legal system. During the time in which Mersault is imprisoned, he begins to feel that he is unable to accept death and wants to ‘escape the inevitable’.(p.104) This is how Camus uses Mersault to explain another principle of existentialism, which is that an existentialist begins to feel fear, anxiety and angst. The reason that Mersault feels this is that he is denied everything in prison and has nothing to deal with but himself, which makes him able to consider what is going to happen to him.

July’s People Essay

July’s People is a story about the drastic change and upheaval of society caused by the ending of apartheid in South Africa. Throughout the story the theme of conflict between blacks and whites is brought up and explored. This theme of conflict is largely played out between Maureen, the white suburban mother of three, and July, her servant and host during this time of upheaval in Johannesburg. While the two engage in conflicts throughout the book it isn’t the type of conflict that is injurious to either party, it is the type which forces both sides to grow and evolve their opinions and outlook on society. Read more:  good people David Foster Wallace essay This change and evolution is seen mainly in Maureen who, over the course of the story, evolves and in the end is essentially reborn into a more enlightened version of herself as a result of the conflict which she goes through with July. At the onset of July’s People, all Maureen Smales has ever known is being a mother and wife. As the story progresses it becomes clear that she will shed this role and step into a version of herself vastly more complex and real than the one she left behind. The longer Maureen is in the village, the less in touch she is with the person she was back in Johannesburg. Along with losing touch with her old self, Maureen begins to discover things about her family that she did not realize in the city, â€Å"He left the smell of his sweaty sleep behind him; she had not known, back there, what his smell was (the sweat of lovemaking is different, and mutual). Showers and baths kept away, for both of them, the possibility of knowing in this kind of way. She had not known herself; the odors that could be secreted by her own body. â€Å"(p. 103). During this passage Maureen is using the stage of not knowing the natural odor of herself and her husband as a metaphor to emphasize that back in the city everything gets covered up by cologne or otherwise, while in the village, where none of this disguise is available, the true smell, or nature of a person becomes clear. As Maureen’s old reality begins to slip away it leaves a gapping hole in its absence. The hole then needs to be filled, and this is where July and the conflict he brings comes into play. What Maureen learns about the dynamics of culture while talking to July is eventually what fills up the hole. From early on in the book, Maureen and July are in conflict with each other, butting heads on numerous topics including control of the Bakkie and Maureen’s role in the village. While this conflict may look counterproductive at first glance, it is actually providing both Maureen and July with valuable insight into each other’s thoughts and feelings of the current situation. As it becomes increasingly clear that Maureen is losing touch with who she was in the city, the reader begins to see Maureen struggling to understand July and the mentality of the people living in the village, † -My, my, my. What can we do. Is terrible, everybody coming very bad, killing†¦ burning†¦ Only God can help us. We can only hope everything will come back all right-â€Å". Maureen then goes on to say, â€Å"-But you don’t mean the way it was, you don’t mean that. Do you? You don’t mean that. -â€Å"(p. 95). Here Maureen is taken aback at the fact that a black person might not want the social change that the end of apartheid would bring with it. This is a prime example of a white suburban woman being faced with a idea that doesn’t fit into her categorization of the world and her struggling to understand this new and strange concept. The more that Maureen has these conflicting moments with July the more she begins to grow and move towards releasing her old ideas and prejudices, while adopting a new view of the world. The closer the story draws to its end the more Maureen is seen letting go of her old self and adopting new ideas in their place. For Maureen, the gun that Bam brought with him is her very last link to her life back in the city, when it is stolen Maureen tries desperately to get July’s help to get it back, pleading with July, †You’ve got to get that gun back. (p. 149). Maureen is clinging to the last link she has to her past self, trying to hold on to the smallest bit of normalcy and having the gun ripped away from her brings all that crashing to the ground. For Maureen, the ultimate moment of letting go occurs just after the gun is stolen following a conversation with July, â€Å"The skin of her body was creeping with and ecstatic fever of relief, splendid and despicable to her. †(p. 153). This passage is Maureen’s way of expressing her release of her old self. The use of the word fever here is a clue to what is going on, the body uses a fever to kill off an illness by overheating it, and now Maureen is having the part of her that is connected with Johannesburg â€Å"killed off†. The despicable yet splendid feeling that this gives her symbolizes how painful and hard it is to let her past go but also how good it feels to be ready to move freely into the future. Once Maureen was ready to move on it just took the right situation and the arrival of the helicopter was just that situation, â€Å"She is running to the river and she hears them, the man’s voice and the voices of children speaking English somewhere to the left. But she makes straight for the ford, and pulling off her shoes balances and jumps from boulder to boulder, and when there are no more boulders does as she has seen done, moves out into the water like some member of a baptismal sect to be born again†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (p. 159). This passage encompasses both Maureen leaving behind her old self as well as her moving forward to be re-born into a new person. This is the moment when Maureen’s journey comes full circle. She was prepared for this moment of rebirth by way of her numerous conflicts with July, through which she grew greatly as a person. As the story evolves and Maureen begins to realize that she and her family are not the same people they were back in Johannesburg, she finds herself in conflict with July and his thinking more and more. These conflicts, which existed in her, were not so much those of racial equality but rather of personal identity. By way of her discussions with July, Maureen is able to sort out the issue of personal identity and transform herself into a â€Å"born again† person by the end of the book. While these discussions often take on the form of a conflict they are conflict which leads to growth, not to destruction. The conflict that she has with July over the course of the story is essential to Maureen becoming the free, reborn version of herself and to discover who she is outside of apartheid.

Gloria Anzaldua’s Aztlan: the Homeland

In her essay La Frontera, Gloria Anzaldua provides a detailed history of the persecution of the Chicano settlers of the U. S. Southwest at the hands of their Anglo oppressors. Anzaldua refers to the Aztlan, the borderlands between the United States and Mexico encompassing parts of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, as a â€Å"vague and undetermined place created by the emotional residue of an unnatural boundary†¦the prohibited and forbidden are its inhabitants†¦the squint-eyed, the perverse, the queer, the troublesome†. I find the author’s utilization of the word queer to describe the Aztlan peoples particularly interesting, as it draws a recognizable parallel between the historical struggles of Chicanos with the enduring tribulations of the LGBTQ community in modern America. Anzaldua accuses â€Å"The Gringo†¦the fiction of white superiority† of â€Å"seizing complete power, stripping Indians and Mexicans of their land while their feet were still rooted in it† and even goes so far as to make mention of â€Å"Anglo terrorism†. The author’s characterizations of the oppressive actions of the political-ruling white class towards the Chicano people can just as easily be applied to recent legislation crafted by several right-leaning politicians that serves only to strip LGBTQ individuals of their civil rights and to designate said persons as second class citizens. These statutes include the recently invalidated Proposition 8 here in California as well as the Federal Defense of Marriage Act, which would have forbidden gay couples from enjoying the same marriage benefits as heterosexual spouses, current state laws or constitutional amendments in 35 states that define marriage as being exclusively between a man and a woman, and current anti-sodomy laws aimed squarely at gay couples in 13 states that remain on the books despite such laws being outlawed by the US Supreme Court 10 years ago. Such anti-gay legislation is similar in prejudicial and persecutory scope as recent anti-immigration legislation enacted in Arizona and Alabama that seeks to intrude on the civil rights of Latin Americans in those states, who face imprisonment and deportation for non-compliance. As described by Anzaldua, the continuous berating of the Chicano people, â€Å"faceless, nameless, invisible, taunted with hey cucaracho and mojado† is ll too similar to the constant torment faced by members of the LGBTQ community by intolerant members of the oppressive majority, such as being verbally assaulted as â€Å"fags†, â€Å"queers†, â€Å"homos†, and much worse. Gloria Anzaldua eloquently equates the Chicano struggles with their Anglo imperial masters in the Aztlan with the LGBTQ struggle for civil rights in modern American society, and unfortunately, these fights will have to both continue to be waged will into the foreseeable future.