Heineken Environment Analysis Essay

The bargaining power of suppliers The suppliers of raw materials to Heineken Company are mainly farmers. Therefore, the threat for power of supplier is high. The bottle supplier for Heineken is provided by Heye Glas Nederland which is fully supplied the green bottle for the worldwide distribution of Heineken beer. In the past, Heineken kept only 33% its stake in Heye Glas in order to secure the supply of high quality export bottles at a lower cost to meet the needs for demand but now Heineken has kept 100% stake in 2002. Beer is produced by water, barley, hops and yeast. These ingredients are supplied by farmers. Heineken also mentioned that competition for agricultural products from the biofuels industry that is affecting their costs. The bargaining power of buyers The buyers in this industry have many choices as there are many companies serving beer. This will increase the choice of the customer and hence the threat for power of buyers is high. For example, for serving customer at the pub, there are a lot of beer brands for them to fit their taste such as Guiness, Carlsberg, Tiger. Therefore, buyers now have a choice to choose the one they like. As a result, choosing of customer for what kind beer they want to drink will bring threats for Heineken. The threat of potential new entrants Nowadays, an explosion of smaller brewers has entered the market during the past decade that making the industry much more competitive. Heineken is one of the largest brewers in the world and they have to share market with other brewer. The barrier in the beer market is low. Therefore, the threat of potential new entrants for Heineken is high. This will make Heineken considering to create innovation or uniqueness into their product that can  sustain competitive advantages in the beer market. The threat of substitutes Beer is a kind of beverage which contains alcohol. However, people can switch to drink wine which also is alcohol drink. Customer’s taste is not similar so that they have right to choose what they want to enjoy, so this will affect the beer market as well as Heineken Company. As a result, the threat of substitute for beer market is high. The extent of competitive rivalry Heineken has achieved the economy of scale in the market especially in Europe. It holds about 30% of market share in European beer market. Since the beer market is growing, so the competitors will try to attain their growth targets. The large brewer like Heineken tends to enforce their own strategies to the beer industry and due the economies of scale they will produce higher quality and unique products which can make their own place in the market, hence keep themselves growing to achieve their target. Internal analysis of the company Analysis the resources Tangible: Since Heineken know that their plant and equipment is a key for company production, they invest so much in the infrastructure to make sure that their operation is working efficiently. For example, Heineken have four breweries in Russia, all those use KHS Till plant technology. This equipment at Heineken’s packaging can processes 50 liter kegs in addition to 30 liter at an output of up to 140 kegs an hour. As a result, the two-lane machine can operate with one racking, six washing and sterilizing stations. Intangible: brand name is most valuable asset of the Heineken Company, they has built this name Heineken with premium brand. The company recognizes that brand is very important key for them to develop a strong presence globally in the beer market so that Heineken have a lot of marketing activities for its brand name. Furthermore, branding is also a highly defensible competitive advantage for Heineken; this would bring strength to company expansion. Hence Heineken Company can stretch their production internationally and add more money for company. Management capability: Heineken implemented a number of new initiatives in the area of leadership development in 2004. One is a new leadership competency model that defines behavior expectations from all senior managers at Heineken. The model takes Heineken company ambitions and values as a starting point and translates these into the leadership behavior required from senior managers. With marketing differentiation using different message within normal media advertising can also have differentiating effect. This differentiation will bring strengths for Heineken. When most advertisers are pursuing essentially the beer market with the same message like showing gregarious groups of males in public houses having an enjoyable night out. In the other hand, Heineken managed to differentiate its beer by using a series of advertisements employing humour and the caption Heineken refreshed the parts other beers can not reach. Organizational structure In 2005 Heineken announced that it was created a new top management structure, this would drive and support growth as a global organization. In order to connect functions, operation and finance in a more effective way, the company create a new more streamlines Executive Board. Hence change would lead to create strengths for operating regions and global functions. Furthermore, Heineken has grown substantially over the past four years. The new structure is better suited to the present organization and ensures faster decision-making. In the beer market where the consolidation process is accelerating and rapid introduction of innovations is essential, this is crucial to the achievement of Heineken’s long term ambitions. Culture Heineken is proud of they are one of the world’s great beer companies. Hence their culture will reflect the company view and values. These values create so many strengths for company to develop their environment within the  company. Heineken based on the value that they respect their employees, business partners, customers, shareholders and all others who are connected to the company. Furthermore, Heineken make life more enjoyable by bring enjoyment to life, they also encourage this core value within the working places and atmosphere within the company. In addition, company has a fundamental belief in the concept and delivery of quality, it is also reflected in their other activities such as their social and employment policies. This will create benefit and value both for Heineken and their reputation. As a result, these values define Heineken corporate culture and working methods which help company to do the business successfully.

How does disability affect child development? Essay

The situation that I chose to use on this topic is based from my own personal experience, I have a 7 year old son who was born with profound hearing loss and was also recently diagnosed with severe Autism. When he was young prior to the diagnosis of his condition I didn’t see anything wrong with him, being a young Mom to my first born I had little knowledge about child’s development, he looked normal to me because he was always smiling and giggling, he was eating right and rarely gets sick so I was at ease and never really thought that something was wrong. But everything changed when he turned 1 year old. I noticed how delayed he was compared to other children his age, he wasn’t walking and couldn’t sit by himself, he wasn’t responding to his name and wasn’t engaged to activities or toys. His development was so delayed that he didn’t start walking until he was 2 years old, he only learned to sit straight by himself when he turned a yea r and a half but he still needed guidance otherwise he’d lose balance and would fall. Living in a country where it was impossible to get access to medical needs needed for my son’s condition, we were in a country where you need to have money to get your child assessed and diagnosed and we weren’t that rich to afford it. We were lucky when we finally got our visa to come here in Canada as a Permanent Resident when my son just turned 2, for the first time we were able to get him assessed and diagnosed, that was when we found out that he was born with profound hearing loss on both ears and that explained his poor balance and delayed development. A year after the diagnosis my son was able to undergo a surgery, he had his cochlear implants to get access to sounds. We were told it will take years for him to learn to speak but it didn’t stop from there. Two years after his surgery my son was diagnosed with severe autism, he was five. I saw the sudden change in his behavior as he was growing and everything became more challenging, he stopped wearing his c ochlear implants for reason we don’t know till these days. My son is still non-verbal, but he’s getting interventions from specialized services, he goes to an inclusive school and he’s getting a lot of support and help from the school. He’s shown progress ever since this agency from specialized services started working with him, school and support from specialized services has helped him a lot and we are lucky to be here in Canada were supports for children is always there. As I faced these challenges with my son all these years I’ve learned a lot of things, I’ve learned that there are different reasons out there resulting to why a child develops a learning or behaviour problems, my son’s journey for instance is an example of a situation where he got his learning and behaviour problems from his disability, his deafness and Autism affected his development in so many ways like his; social development, emotional, communication and language. He was born with a disability and special needs but with the help of intervention and support from school and the services provided by the Government he’s able to learn things to improve his learning and behavior problems. No medical support and assessment could also be a reason resulting to a child’s learning and behavior problem, my son and I were lucky to be given the opportunity to come live in Canada where medical support and intervention for children with special needs are priori tized. Children from a country with no medical help and support are likely to develop learning problems because of the lack of intervention to help support them in areas they are in need of help. My son was in that situation for a short time, that situation where we can’t do anything because money is stopping us from getting medical support. Despite my son’s disability we’re just lucky to be receiving all the supports there is. There are a lot of explanations why a disability can affect a child’s development, it depends on what specific type of disability a child has and which area of a child’s development this disability affect. A child may have ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Asperger’s syndrome and Down syndrome, all these types of disabilities affect a child’s development that causes a problem with their learning ability. Autism affects a child’s emotional and social development, Autistic children appear to lack a â€Å"theory of mind’. (Baron-Cohen, nd.). Children with Autism prefer to be alone and they may have difficulty regulating their behavior which results in crying and even sometimes self-injurious. Reinforcements and daily modeling and teaching are very important to support a child with Autism build up their ability and knowledge. Same goes to children with hearing impairment that affects their language and communication skills, there are different disabilities and each result to learning and behavior problem, most disabilities are stopping a child’s normal development and sometimes causing a child distress and frustration also to the family’s part. A child with disability can be really challenging because some children with disability such as learning or physical disability may be exposed to discrimination at school by other students and that they will be treated differently than the rest of the students, they may get bullied and teased by other classmates because of their condition which can affect their self-confidence and in turn affect their learning ability and development.

Educator Role Plan Essay

Envisioning my future and creating my personal strategic plan addressing my professional development needs for my career is imperative as I face changes in my career post-graduation. Realizing my strengths and weaknesses will allow for development in the areas of need. Faculty educators may perform different roles such as advisors and mentors. A strategic plan with set goals and sub-objectives will allow for prioritization and planning in meeting the requirements of the different roles. Professional organizations such as the National League of Nursing (NLN) also allow for networking opportunities, resources, and tools to meet the goals. Strengths and Weaknesses â€Å"Preparing new nurse educators, nurse educator curricula must address the core knowledge and skills essential for effectiveness and excellence in the nurse educator role† (Kalb, 2008, p. 217). Identifying strengths and weaknesses will enable the nurse educator to address and develop areas that are considered weaknesses and flourish in areas of strength. My primary weakness is that when work is slow, I tend to become less motivated. While some nurses would take that extra time on the floor to catch up on menial tasks, I would take the time to relax. I realized that early in my career as a floor nurse, so I would always ask for the first admission or look for ways to assist the team. With that being said, my strength from that is that I work well under stress. The closer I get to a deadline, the better my thought process seems to work. In order to develop my weakness, it is important that I manage the down time appropriately. Strategic Plan The nurse educator role, whether it is as faculty, school nurse, or public health, is essential to the development of the profession. â€Å"Nursing faculty drive the work that occurs in schools of nursing† (Milone-Nuzzo & Lancaster, 2004, p. 506). Nurse educators are the key to preparing a workforce that will provide quality care for the communities in which they serve. There is a core of skills and knowledge that the nurse educator will require, regardless of his or her particular role. The responsibilities of educators in various settings may differ in certain aspects, but the main role of any educator is to facilitate learning. â€Å"One method of future planning is to reflect on several possible scenarios and create a vision to support the desired outcome† (Hinojosa, 2012, p. 34). Faculty educators may perform roles such as advisors, lecture and clinical education sessions, skills labs, faculty committees, mentoring, maintaining competencies and accreditations. Faculty is responsible for curriculum development, student assessment and evaluation, and integrating appropriate teaching styles where necessary (Finke, 2009). To meet the objective to perform the roles, goals should be set with clear sub-objectives to identify the plan over the three to five year setting. Goal #1 To become an active member in the profession of nursing faculty at the local community college. Sub-Objective #1 In order to meet my goal, my first sub-objective would be to complete my education in the Master of Science in Nursing in education (MSN/ED) with the University of Phoenix. Sub-Objective #2 After graduation, I would develop a resume indicating educational and career background. Sub-Objective #3 I will apply, interview, and accept employment at the local community college, thereby meeting my goal. Goal #2 To commit myself to continual and lifelong learning to ensure I am knowledgeable and qualified to teach. Sub-Objective #1 After completion of the MSN/ED program at University of Phoenix, determine if more education for either nurse practitioner or Doctorate will be indicated for career advancement. Sub-Objective #2 Continue my education through continuing education units that will enhance and develop previous learning. Sub-Objective #3 Increase knowledge of culturally diverse students to better assist them in their learning experience. Professional Organization The NLN is an organization that addresses the academic spectrum of nursing programs. The NLN includes nurse faculty members and is â€Å"committed to delivering improved, enhanced, and expanded services to its members and championing the pursuit of quality nursing education for all types of nursing education programs† (National League of Nursing, 2014, para. 2). The NLN provides tools, activities, and resources to ensure the success of nursing educators. This organization offers career development and networking opportunities. Conclusion The NLN is a professional organization that provides resources for the members to be successful in nursing education. As new nursing faculty, a strategic plan with set goals will be key to meet the demands of a nursing educator. Development of strengths and weaknesses will allow for professional growth and development and I face the changes in my career post-graduation. References Finke, L.M. (2009). Philosophical foundations of the Curriculum. In D.M. Billings, & J. A. Halstead (Eds.), Teaching in nursing: A guide for faculty (3rd ed., pp. 3-17). St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier. Hinojosa, J. (2012). Personal strategic plan development: Getting ready for changes in our professional and personal lives. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(3), e34-8. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1017693193?accountid=458 Kalb, K. A. (2008). Core competencies of nurse educators: Inspiring EXCELLENCE in nurse educator practice. Nursing Education Perspectives, 29(4), 217-9. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/236656695?accountid=458 Milone-Nuzzo, P., & Lancaster, J. (2004). Looking through the right end of the telescope: Creating a focused vision for a school of nursing. Journal of Nursing Education, 43(11), 506-11. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/203966935?accountid=458 National League for Nursing. (2014). Faculty pr ograms and resources. Retrieved from http://www.nln.org/

Reflective paper on selt- esteem (Social Psychology) Essay

Reflective paper on selt- esteem (Social Psychology) - Essay Example One has to continuously learn and ponder through the thick and thins of life and adjust one self accordingly so as to understand his or her limitations with respect to those very changes and phases of life. Self-awareness is a unique facet of a man’s life and must therefore be considered whenever some major action is being undertaken in life, or for that matter even a minor one. Self esteem has also got a pivotal role in chalking out one’s usage of his or her emotions in crunch and difficult situations as well as the reactions that are involved in the aftermath of some big tragedy that might take place in a person’s life from time to time. The same could be equally true for his or her attaining success in an arena of life, which are also there along with the moments of grief and sorrow. A childs level of self esteem literally impacts every area of his or her life which for that matter might include health, his or her ability to learn, execute different behaviors as well as understand the importance of having jointed relationships, not only with the family members but also with friends and acquaintances. Children and young people who have a high level of self-esteem and self-confidence respond well to others and are surely at a benefit in every field of life, whether it is concerned with the family or cohort relationships like school, sports or organizational activities. Children with a high level of self-esteem are also more likely to lead happy and creative lives whereby they develop a positive attitude as well as an innate drive for self-confidence that will eventually guarantee them the success they desire for in their personal lives as well as in their upcoming careers. If, for instance there is a child having a clear learning difference gets encouragement that is added with a high level of self-esteem, he will in his coming years not only have the courage to stand moments of frustration but also have more patience as

Summary devil's knot Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Summary devil's knot - Essay Example orts are geared towards depicting the rumors for what they are in an attempt to dismiss this urban legend that consumed the lives of six innocent youngsters. When the bodies of three eight year old boys-Steve Branch, Christopher Myers and Michael Moore were found dumped in a stream barely half a mile away from their home, the police were clueless, the people frightened and the town was in shock. After four weeks, the police, by the testimony provided by Jessie Misskelley Jr. a seventeen year old, arrested him and his two friends Damien Echols and Jason Baldwin, charging them with homicide. After a much publicized trial, the trio was pronounced guilty and Baldwin and Misskelley were sentenced to life imprisonment while Echols was put on death row. Leveritt followed the trial from day one and it was clear that the three boys were being put in the dock because they had â€Å"an obsession with heavy metal music†¦.Baldwin had fifteen shirts with the heavy metal thing.† Leveritt’s search for the truth revealed to the world the xenophobia of the small town, and how this is translated into a travesty of justice. The collective moral panic that had gripped the town â€Å"cost at least one innocent youth his life† (Root, 2003) Leveritt, systematically analyses the proof offered and the lack of evidence to show how the police bungled the case and the jury handed out life sentences and death penalties because all were â€Å"blinded by their fantasies about satanic cults† (Ebert). The biggest flaw in the whole case stems from the fact, that the police believed the testimony of Misskelley.Jr. a school dropout with an IQ of 72 and a history of behavioral problems, who implicated himself together with Echols and Baldwin. The police arrested the three without any physical evidence, which was against the law. Apart from that, the scene of the crime had not a drop of blood, while in fact the three children had been brutally killed, and their hands and feet tied together. Since the

Ethical Reasoning in Business Decisions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Ethical Reasoning in Business Decisions - Essay Example In the research, the emphasis is given on the use of ethical reasoning for developing important business decisions. The specific issue is reviewed using as an example the marketing plan of a tobacco firm, GB Tobacco, especially in regard to South East Asia. The decisions of the firm’s manager Fiona Fuller are analyzed through appropriate theory. Recommendations are made for potential alternatives and changes, where necessary so that the firm’s marketing plan in South East Asia is not opposed to ethics. As explained in the case study, Fiona Fuller has to face a significant challenge in the short term: she has to identify a strategy for enhancing the growth of the firm’s profits. The market of South East Asia seems to be an ideal place for achieving such target since elsewhere the perspectives for the firm’s growth are limited mostly due to the changes in the legislation related to tobacco products. The options proposed by Suppakorn would be evaluated using the Seven Step model, a theoretical framework that allows the identification of ethical dilemmas and constraints in regard to critical business decisions. The Seven Step Model of ethical decision making would help Fiona Fuller to develop ethical decisions. The specific model incorporates seven phases, which can be described as follows: a) Identification of the facts, meaning those issues that can be considered as having ethical implications. In the specific case, these facts are: in Malu existing legislation bans the import of cigarettes; still, the unregulated market is well developed. As a result, the import of cigarettes in the country needs to be necessarily developed through smuggling distributors in neighboring regions. The marketing strategy of GB Tobacco needs to be designed taking into consideration the above fact, i.e. the non-legal import of the firm’s products in the market of Malu.

Strategic plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Strategic plan - Essay Example It is in this regard that this essay is written to evaluate strategic planning at Cornell University in terms of The most important external environmental issues that Cornell University has to contend with are as follows: (1) the financial crisis, (2) political policies regarding government support; and (3) private donations. The global financial crisis would have a profound effect in the strategic plans of Cornell University in terms of its effect to the number of enrollees. As companies become affected by this crisis, employment is drastically altered with worst scenarios leading to unemployment. If parents get unemployed, the enrollment of children would definitely be affected. Also, private donation would potentially be lessened due to the financial crunch. Concurrently, political policies regarding government support would also be affected by the financial crisis. There could be possibilities of cut in government budget allocating funds for educational support. Cornell has an outstanding faculty and record of academic excellence that promote the best traditions of research and scholarship while engaging with the critical issues of the contemporary world (Cornell University 2009). â€Å"Student demand for entry to Cornell is high and continues to grow, as does the talent of our student body at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. The universitys location and academic traditions have enabled the creation of exceptional intellectual community between and among faculty and students.† (ibid.) Due to the challenges identified in the environment, Cornell University has to address the following issues: â€Å"(1) As is true for other institutions of higher education, Cornell must seek new revenue sources to avoid unsustainable tuition increases and/or limits to student access and to faculty and student achievement; (2) Cornell competes for students, faculty, and staff with outstanding universities, some of

Individual Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Individual Paper - Essay Example It is the responsibility of the project manager to ensure that the organization selects the right project. For the survival of the project, adequate resources are vital which will ensure its sustenance to the final stage. The projects should be in line with the organizational goals. Periodical review of the program is necessary for the achievement of its set goals. In case, the planned outcome and the actual outcomes are not in unity, the program management reviews the entire project regarding the allocation of resources and carries out necessary changes to ensure the achievement of major objectives (Butler, 2012) The program management office assists in the formulation and the enforcement of different policies and standards that govern the implementation of the program. It monitors the progress of the project and reports to the project management team for necessary actions. This is one of the best practices in project management due to the active monitoring of the projects. Project portfolio management and the project management office are essential for the success of a project. The project management team outlines the resource requirements for the completion of the projects and seeks necessary funds to finance the expenses. Every stage of the project lifecycle is important for its success from its conception, planning, implementation, evaluation, and control. For these reasons, many organizations formulate the project portfolio management and project management departments within their organizations (Mustafa, 2012). The program management office provides the foundation for portfolio management. They provide project management guidance to the project managers. It is the responsibility of the project management office to establish a project management process for the organization. Project management office is necessary throughout the project life. The office sets the standards that it uses for comparison and the

Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 81

Essay Example On the onset of the operating of the business demographically our target market is mostly women 25-40 years of age working full-time and earning above average income. We are planning to operate the company in the U.S and following are the strategies that we intend to apply. Our business is called â€Å"Holistically shredded†. We deliver total body and mind transformations via tailored personal training sessions, professional nutritional meal plans, naturopathy consultations and motivational support. Our business will be operating from Hard Candy gym at Sydney CBD. Legal form of ownership is sole trader as it is easy to establish. Our products and services include various personal training sessions, professional nutritional meal plans, and naturopathy consultations and also provide motivational support. Various recreational exercises including squat, leg extension, and others are major part of our products and services. We also frame various nutritional and diet plans for various people; these plans vary accordingly with the interest of individuals (Czinkota, 2012). Furthermore, we also facilitate our customers by motivating and encouraging them to follow their diet plans. We are having separate plans for such individuals to encourage them to follow their fitness and nutritional plans. The target market the health organization would aim at would be a various number of groups of people. One of these aggregations of individuals might be individuals looking to get thinner through legitimate practices and having great to guide them through their weight reduction travel. The other target business sector might be individuals looking to prepare and increase muscle estimate and in addition bulky quality. The other assembly of individuals might be lady, men and adolescents that are searching for great cardio sessions with a qualified mentor. The recreational center will expect to give these assemblies of individuals with the offices and great

Western Civilization Essay Example for Free

Western Civilization Essay Rome was one of the greatest empires that ever lived. With all of its power, it was the center of the world. Rome was a united empire and with the support of its citizens the empire went on to live for many years. Rome had many strengths such as wealth, location, and especially their military. Their geographical location made them very strong and powerful because being by the sea made trade easy as well as exporting and importing to help grow the empire. The Roman Empire started small and rapidly spread through Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The Roman Empire was lead by emperors. For many years Romans controlled all parts of the government and military, but slowly they started to fall apart. Every decision that Rome made had a vast affect on the empire. Because of the decisions the Roman Empire made, it created a domino affect on the empire and the empire then started to fall apart. Also, many thoughtless decisions made by emperors weakened the city and eventually caused the Roman Empire to crumble. The empire declined due to political, economic, and religious reasons. It also declined because of the military and the decreasing population. The Roman Empire began in 27BC and before that it was called the Roman Republic. Since they expanded and gained so much power they became the Roman Empire. While the Roman Empire grew, so did everything else. It made many improvements in the arts and sciences. They also encouraged men and women to have an education. The Romans was a modern empire because it allowed their people to be free, but also have them understand that they have to follow the laws. Most empires did not allow the freedom the Roman Empire gave their people, and that is why the Roman Empire was one of the best. The reasons why the Roman Empire was the best because it kept the society together and the military helped with they safety of the people. One reason why the Roman Empire declined was because of religious views.  Rome was united because they followed the same religion. Since they followed the same religion, views, and ideas it kept them together. The Roman religion affected the people in a good way and taught them to stay together. The new religion of Christianity started to attract a majority of the Romans. Everyone started to follow Christianity and it become part of everyone’s’ lives. Since everyone started to follow Christianity and what is what doing to the people, the Roman emperors felt that Christianity was really powerful and could be a possible threat to the Roman Empire. Many of the Romans committed to the faith of Christianity and they refused to abandon it because it was the most important part of their life. The Romans took their beliefs very seriously and would do anything to keep them. Because the Romans went against the Emperors, it led to many differences in the society. Also, Romans started to disconnect from the â€Å"united† Roman Empire. The Romans were splitting up and they were not united anymore. This caused the decline in patriotism and the Romans were not as patriotic as they used to be. The Romans disunity from the religion also caused problems in politics and government. By the time Constantine legalized Christianity it was too late because the Roman people were already on their own. The ruling to ban Christianity was a terrible decision and caused the empire to fall. Another reason why the empire fell was because of the many political problems. One major problem with the Empire was that it was a huge city, spreading from Spain to the Persian Gulf. The Roman government system was built to control a small region, not an empire. Since the empire was so huge, it was very hard to go from one side to the other side. Because of the huge area it was also hard to communicate with everyone. Back the, they did not have clear roads or cars to travel so it was hard to keep the whole empire under one government. Because they could not keep the whole empire together, two capitals were created. The capitols separated the empires, the Western Empire and the Eastern Empire, but they were still one huge empire. They followed the same laws, rules. Adding the second capitol however, added economic problems. The government could not control the whole region and started to make mistakes. The emperors in charger after the huge empire was created were not trained to deal with the huge land; and that is why they  made mistakes. With that, the soldiers lost trust of the emperors and started to take orders from the general. In those times, the military was mostly everything and that showed how strong and powerful the empire really is. Because of this military not trusting the emperor, it was most likely that the empire would fall. Because they expanded so much and did not know how to control it caused their decline. When the Empire was split into the eastern and western half it caused many problems. Splitting the region resulted in having two different emperors. Having two different rulers caused much confusion and they both had different ideas. The Eastern half of the Empire was made up of the heavily urbanized and rich trading cities of Greece, Persia, and Egypt, whereas the Western Empire was comprised of rather poor, small cities and extensive farmland. Splitting the empire caused the people to be not united. Having the people ruled by separate emperors was difficult because the Roman Empire is used to being united and together. This caused people to have more of an opinion, which caused the decline of the Empire as a whole. The most important factor that leads the fall of Rome was the decline of the economy. The Romans were very wealthy, but slowly their economic system started to decrease. Rome made most of its money from taking over other countries and empires. When they invaded other countries and territories they took their money and resources to help the Roman Empire grow. They stopped getting their money because there were no more countries or empires to take over or conquer. Since Rome did not have a fixed economy, they had no more money. The Romans did not set up an economy where they would have a flow of money. Also, when the military declined, other nations stopped paying tributes and taxes that ran the military and the empire. This led to the Roman Empire not having enough money to support the empire. Because money was scarce, roads and bridges were stopped being built; which led to a decrease in trade. One way they were making lots of money was from trade. Since that was decreasing, it stopped them getting money. Because there were less places to travel, trading decreased. Because the people had no one too trade their food with farmers were affected. Eventually, the farmers entirely died out and Romes main economic giver was lost. Also, wars were a great impact on the economy. The Roman Empire fought many wars, and as they  fought more, they needed more money. The empire was spending most of the money in the military. Later on they did not have the money to support the military. Because they needed more money, they started to make more coins. Making more money caused inflation. Because the government could not receive money through other places, their empire slowly declined due to the inflation. The economic problem caused many other problems to arise. Since they had no money, they couldn’t protect their country or their people. Because of the economic issue everything else started to fall apart and that is why the main reason of the empire’s decline was because of their economic issues. The Roman Empire also was not very up to date with using and inventing technology, which caused some of the fall. The Roman Empire was using slaves to do many of their work. The empire was an agricultural economy so most of their money would come through farming, so they would have slaves doing this. Since they had slaves, they did not progress in terms of advancing their technology. Having people do their work for little or no pay, they did not realize it would affect them. When something was needed, they would just use the slaves to make it or get it. This caused the empire to decline because they never furthered their research or technology to keep up with the rest of the world. Because they did not have the resources to keep updated they were being left behind and other countries were invading the empire. Also, they did not advance in their weapons, so the military was weak. They didn’t invent any new weapons, while other countries and empires were having new weapons. Havi ng no technology caused the empire to decline. The decline of the Roman Empire was also caused because of the empires leaders. If the leaders were qualified and knew which was best for the empire, the empire may have survived. For example, the emperors should have made a correct system for the economy. If they had a legitimate way of getting money, then the empire would have not crashed. Since the emperors believed they would be getting money from their takeovers, they would be okay. They did not realize that one day they would be no more places to conquer. Also, when the trading had stopped, the emperors should have found another way to do the trading, but they did not. The emperors of the Roman  Empire were not experienced enough to handle the responsibility and that is why the Roman Empire fell. Also, Christianity was outlawed to keep all of the Roman citizens under complete control, but that did not happen. The people rebelled when they were told they could not follow Christianity. The emperors also could not control their huge empire. Because they were wide spread, they had a hard time keeping everything and everyone under control. With the right leadership, many of these problems would have not even occurred. Also, problems would have been resolved much quicker because the leader would know what he is doing. Another important reason for the decline of the empire was the invasions. The Romans have been fighting against the barbarians for many years. The Roman Empire had to be on the look out from the barbarians that lived on the borders. These barbarians formed a constant threat for invading Rome. Since the empire was so big, it needed more manpower to cover all the borders. After time, they did not have enough people in the military to secure the borders, After time, the barbarians were out numbering the Romans. They were also getting stronger. The barbarians started to close in on the Empire. During the war, Rome was not as powerful and the barbarians were crushing them. The Romans could not defeat them because the barbarians kept coming. The barbarians completely overwhelmed the Roman people. The Romans were getting killed and no one to replace them with. Because the shortage of people in the military, the barbarians came and invaded the Roman Empire. The empire could not protect itself because of the multiple problems. One problem caused another and another. If Roman Empire had money to support the military and have it be strong as powerful like it was before, the Empire would have not been invaded. Towards the end of the empire, the decreasing in population had an effect on the empire. Depopulation occurred for many reasons. Because there was no trade, there were no farmers and industries, and also less people in the military. The shortage of industry led to Romans importing goods rather than exporting. Since they had no money, industries did not have enough money to run and make goods. Therefore, people who worked in the industries had no jobs and had to go elsewhere to get a job. The shortage of farmers led to  Romans depending on other nations for food, basic needs of life. Depending on other countries did not help that much because they did not always give the Romans what they wanted and when they wanted it. The military was reduced because there was not enough people to join and keep it as big as they did before. This shortage of people was brought on by a few factors. Because of having economic problems, people left, which made the Roman Empire smaller and weaker. The military was not as big as it used to be which caused other nations to see the Roman Empire as weak. There were many reasons why the Roman Empire declined. It took the Roman Empire many years to come to an end. The Roman Empire stood for many years and it was one of the best empires that ever stood. The empire was strong and united, but eventually it came to an end. The economy was one big problem because it affected and started many other problems to follow. When the economy crushed, it caused a huge affect on the empire as a whole. The empire was not getting money, which stopped many projects and trading. The empire was not strong and powerful anymore because they had no money to support the military and trading. Other big problems were the religious and political issues. Christianity had a major outlook as it came into effect. When the new religion came about, it caused the people to separate and question their emperor. The new religion caused a lot of abruption being that the emperor banned it from ever being believed in. Many of the poor political decisions caused the decline. With the land getting bigger and bigger the government did not know how to control it and made two capitals. Having two capitals instead of caused the Roman Empire to separate and united. Some of the few small problems were the technology advancement they did not have. Not being up to date with technology caused a problem because they were using their old ways. Because they did not have the technology they were not as powerful. All of these reasons were causes to why the Roman Empire declined. Works Citied Goldsmith, Edward. The Fall of the Roman Empire. n.pag. Web. 15 Nov 2012. . Gibbon, Edward. General Observations on the Fall of the Roman Empire in the West. Ancient History Sourcebook n.pag. Web. 15 Nov 2012. . Bartlett, Bruce. HOW EXCESSIVE GOVERNMENT KILLED ANCIENT ROME . . N.p.. Web. 15 Nov 2012. The Fall of the Roman Empire. . Ancient Civilization . Web. 15 Nov 2012. Slavery In Ancient Rome. Ancient History Sourcebook n.pag. Web. 15 Nov 2012. .

HM Leadership Style An Analysis

HM Leadership Style An Analysis Hennes and Mauritz (H and M) was established in Vasteras, Sweden in 1947 by Erling Persson. H and M offers fashion and quality at the best price and offers fashion for women, men, teenagers and children. The collections are created centrally by around 100 in-house designers together with buyers and pattern makers. HM also sells own-brand cosmetics, accessories and footwear. The stores are refreshed daily with new fashion items. In Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany and Austria HM offers fashion by Internet and catalogue sales. HM does not own any factories, but instead buys its goods from around 700 independent suppliers, primarily in Asia and Europe. HM has about 16 production offices around the world, mainly in Asia and Europe. The turnover in 2009 was SEK 118,697 million. HM primarily operates in Europe, North America and Asia, and have around 2,000 stores spread over in 37 countries. The company is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden and employs approximate ly 68,000 people on a full time basis. HMs strategy is to offer fashion and quality at the best price. HMs annual report (AR1 2008) emphasizes that quality relates to both; HMs products exceeding customer expectations, and also customers being satisfied with the company itself. The report states Taking responsibility for how our operations affect people and the environment is also an essential prerequisite for HMs continued profitability and growth. HM is driven by strong values such as commercial mindset, simplicity, constant improvement, cost consciousness and entrepreneurship (AR1 2008, p.13). Long-term strategic goals of HM In the Annual Report (AR1 2008, p.7), HM, CEO Rolf Ericsson states that the long term goal is to Make fashion available to everyone, give the customer a fashion experience that strengthens HM brand. They also state the goal of a 10-15% increase in the number of stores every year, which would be funded internally (AR1 2008, p.13). The aim to increase sales in existing stores, while focusing on quality and continued profitability. How does HM want to get there? To execute its strategy HM focuses on 3 main aspects of its business concept (AR1 2008): à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Price, which is controlled by limiting the number of middlemen, buying in large volumes, relying on its in-depth, extensive expertise within the design, fashion, and textile industries, buying the right merchandise from the right production markets, being cost-conscious at all levels and maintaining effective distribution procedures (Job advertisement for Buyer on the careers site at). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Design: Products are designed in-house and production is completely outsourced (AR1 2009, p.11). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Quality: Central emphasis on quality with extensive testing and ensuring least environment damage (AR1 2009). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Merger and Acquisitions: Acquisitions (like FaBric Scandinavian, the Swedish design company), and Design Collaborations (collaboration with Mathew Williamson) are adopted (HM press at). In 2009, HM plans to open 225 new stores and recruit 6,000 to 7,000 employees. SWOT Analysis Strengths- One of the main reasons for HMs popularity is because of its trendy items for such a low price. This store offers quality clothing at department store prices which is rare for many retailers today. Strength for this company is their overall delivery time. It only takes 12 weeks to get an item from the design to its retail state which is very impressive for a worldwide, low price retailer. The average for retailers is usually about 6 months which is double the time that HM uses. They also manage to keep the stores brands fresh with guest designers coming in for different lines in the store. Some of these have been Madonna and Robert Cavalli. They also keep the prices affordable by using very few middlemen and buy large volumes cost consciously. But with these strengths come weaknesses as well. Weaknesses- One of the strengths I mentioned above can also be a weakness for this company. Buying large volumes means that there is no real guarantee that all the items will be sold. This means that theyre already low prices may have to be lowered in order to make room for the next collection. This means that if these items are not sold in time, then the company will have to pay more for extra storage for the items not sold. Another weakness could be its wide range of customers this brand provides for. The range is for men between the ages of 18-45. This is not including the childrens clothing and maternity wear and the huge wide range of different styles they provide depending on what store you go into. This can be difficult to manage especially in a vertical company because there is no real focus on a target customer and gets more expensive to provide machinery for all these different groups of people. But with these huge leaps there are many opportunities for this company flouris h. Opportunities- One good opportunity would be for HM is to have matching clothes for mothers and children. I think this would be a good opportunity because there are also maternity wear and childrens clothes and I think that it would appeal to a larger crowd. They would like to dress their children like them in the same styles. Threats- since HM is a brand that is very unique it has very few threats as far as retail chains go. One of these stores would have to be the clothing chain called ZARA. This is a store that also has fairly reasonable prices but is most famous for its rapid delivery time. It only takes two weeks for the design to make it into retail stores. Even with HMs time which is 50% faster than most retailers, cannot even compete with that time. The second threat to HM is Gap just because of their quality at reasonable prices and their wide range of people they reach as well with their vertical company as well. There is a market for babies as well as men and women HUMAN RESOURCE HMs corporate strategy is to expand on a continuing basis, and as a consequence, employee strength also increases continuously. For 2009, HMs Annual report (AR1 2008), forecasts the addition of 6000 to 7000 new jobs. Their staff is spread across approximately 37 countries and come from different cultural backgrounds. Their strategy is to recruit locally whenever a new store opens (AR1 2008). The main area for which HM may have clearly articulated policies are listed below. The policy areas are based on the categorization by Armstrong (Armstrong (2006), pp.148-156): à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Overall Policy and Values: HMs website indicates that their objective is to be a good employer, including in those countries whose laws and regulations fall short of their own requirements. To quote the Head of HR In order to meet peoples expectations of HM as an attractive employer, the company develops global guide lines on diversity, equal rights and against discrimination (AR1 2008, p.34).At HM, HR activities are guided by a fundamental respect for the individual (AR1 2008). This applies to every aspect from fair wages, working hours and freedom of association to the opportunity for growth and development within the company. This also indicates that the company has specific policies for areas such as Equal opportunity, Managing diversity, Employee development, Health and Safety, among others. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Employee Relations and Voice: HM has an open door policy granting all employees the right and the opportunity to discuss any work-related issue directly with management (AR1 2008). They also support their employees right and ability to organize and to decide who should represent them in the workplace (AR1 2008). HM has positive experience of open and constructive dialogue with the trade unions and they welcome such relations wherever they operate. They consider such cooperation to be essential if they are to become even better. Examples of collaboration on staffing issues include their agreement with UNI (Union Network International) and the work they do with the EWC (European Works Council), (AR1, 2008). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Promotion: To quote Mr. Pà ¤r Darj, Head of HR at HM . Internal recruitment and job rotation enable the company to grow quickly (AR1, 2008). This statement indicates that HM has policies related to promotion. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Employee Development: To quote Mr. Pà ¤r Darj, Head of HR at HM . I tell employees, if you do not grow neither will HM (AR1, 2008). This indicates that policies exist for this area. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Rewards: HM focuses on rewarding people by providing more opportunities and responsibilities, and not through a promotions and job titles (AR1, 2008). This indicates that HM has policies for this area. Other areas with clearly defined policies might exist, but these are not evident from available sources. ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR HM operates in 37 countries and has a work force belonging to these 37 countries because they recruit locally (AR1 2008, p.34). HMs espoused values are stated to be the foundation for a multinational company in a multi cultural market where great respect is paid to the individual. Interviews with the CEO and Head of HR in the annual report indicate a participative culture where everyone is made to feel like a part of the companys success (AR1 2008). To quote Par Darj,(Head of HR) The key words for continual growth are responsibility and commitment. We have committed employees and we are prepared to delegate responsibility at every level, (AR1 2008, p.34). The company encourages what it calls the The HM spirit; employees committed to their work and prepared to take on new challenges, common sense, hard work and team spirit are encouraged. All their operations are typified by an essential respect for the individual; including reasonable wages, reasonable hours, and opportunity to grow, and develop within the company (AR1 2008, p.34). Quotes from employees about the organizational climate indicate that the values above are values in use. These quotes can be found on the Careers site at. Based on this information, the prevalent culture appears to be primarily task oriented (E H Schein 1985). Such a culture can support HMs HR related strategies and policies (like Open door, job rotation, freedom of association etc.). They also have a significant impact on HR aspects; Recruitment needs to focus on finding candidates with the right fit to the organizational culture irrespective of local culture, facilitating expatriation of experienced staff when new stores are opened, facilitating rewards schemes aligned with organizational culture, enabling HRD that can empower employees to take on new challenges and work in new teams. Motivational issues at HM. HM is a flat organization, which might give the impression that its hard to move up within HM, but actually, the opposite is stated to be true on the careers site(at ). HM as an organization is constantly evolving and is growing fast, thus providing more opportunities to its employees. Employees are motivated by providing new challenges; in another department, another role or, another country. HM encourages employees to try many different roles within their organization (AR1 2008 and AR2 2008). HM recruitment advertisements indicate possibilities like: working abroad, furthering education and learning new things. Their websites promotes that many in management today, actually started on the shop floor. HM also provides a comprehensive benefits package. HM fulfils employee aspirations by providing opportunities to take more responsibilities. (Ref: careers site at ) To quote the Head of HRM at HM, By the same token, if titles and pay structures are what motivate the employee, and then were most definitely not the ideal company for you. As we said at the beginning: a perfect relationship is all about balance and mutual understanding(AR1 2008, p.34). The information above, together with information about HMs HR strategies and policies, resonates with Herzbergs 2 factor model of motivation. Advancement, responsibility and satisfaction gained from the work itself are main motivators, while benefits, fair treatment etc. prevent dissatisfaction (Herzberg and Snyderman, 1957). The main motivational issue and challenge at HM could be: nurturing and maintaining a balanced relationship with employees. Line managers may need good awareness of their reportees aspirations, to enable motivation by providing responsibilities and opportunities aligned to the employees perception of growth. The strategy to motivate using job-rotation (across sites, roles, functions) and promoting learning could be an HRD challenge, especially considering the pace of growth. A potential issue could arise during periods of slow growth, since employees might be frustrated by the lack of opportunities. This could manifest locally too, since travelling abroad might not be feasible for many employees. Individual development versus organisational development HMs annual report (AR1 2008) and website (Careers website), emphasize that working at HM is about commitment, both from the individual and the organization. HMs Head of HR emphasizes that organization can grow only if the individuals grow (AR1 2008, p.34). HM wont make a career plans for its employees, but will provide them with tools to go as far as they possibly can on their own. This indicates that at HM, individuals are expected to drive their own development, within the framework that the organization provides. The organization appears to facilitate and promote cross-functional and cross-boundary development opportunities for individuals, which is aligned with its own development and growth strategies. To quote Pà ¤r Darj, (Head of HR), We have committed employees and we are prepared to delegate responsibility at every level. I tell employees, if you do not grow neither will HM, (AR1 2008 p.34). This indicates that HM treats individual development and organizational development as tightly linked areas. SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT HM values personal qualities much more than formal qualifications. Pà ¤r Darj, Head of HR states that at HM, great grades and all the university credits in the world are no guarantee of a job or a fast-track career. They look for, more than anything, people with the right personality. HMs belief is that people can gather skills as they go along, but personality and attitude cant be taught (AR1 2008, p.34). Since HM is a fast company and the tempo is always high, they need employees who are self-driven and capable of direct communication well (SR 2008). Hence HM recruits people who like responsibility and decision-making. Information from the careers site (at ), and from interviewed candidates ( Ref: Int1, Int2 and Int3) indicates that a love of fashion combined with a focus on sales is perceived as an advantage. These appear to form the basis for HMs recruitment requirements (and person specifications), programmes and drive its selection processes. Feedback from candidates indicates that the selection interview approach is usually face to face and mostly structured situational based (Armstrong (2006), p.447), covering customer service and fashion trends. This is followed by panel interviews and aptitude/work sample tests (as defined by Armstrong (2006), p.447). It appears that candidates are filtered at each stage of the process (Int1, Int2, and Int3). Sources of candidates: Internal Recruitment: This is their first choice for a new job opening. External recruitment is considered only if no internal options are available. External recruitment: Potential recruits (minimum age is 16 years) are encouraged to apply directly to the local store, from the careers website. HM does not offer summer jobs or work experience placements. Buying is centralized in Stockholm, and so is the recruitment for the same. HM recruits locally to its new stores (AR1 2008, p.34). HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT Organisational learning and management development issues at HM. The average numbers of training days per employee in 2008 are, 10 for new sales staff, 1 for existing sales staff and 5 for existing management positions. HM usually conducts all training in-house (classroom, stores and one to one), written and produced by HM staff. External training has been considered for some areas like buying. E-learning has also been initiated for a few subjects (SR 2008). However, indications are that HM today focuses more on on-the-job, just- in time, hands on learning. For example, when they opened their first HM store in Japan, locally recruited employees were sent to Norway and Germany for gaining experience in existing operations. Also, during the sales intensive opening phase of a new store, colleagues from other countries are brought in temporarily (SR 2008). To quote the head of HR at HM,As an employee of HM, you can be an entrepreneur and you will be given responsibility early on. HM claims to provide structured opportunities for on-the-job, hands on and work place based training. (AR1 2008 and Careers site). To summarize, it appears that HM focuses on experiential Self-directed learning today ( as defined by Armstrong (2006), p.557) , however, they are moving towards incorporating a blended approach with simulation and e-learning included (Armstrong (2006), 570-582) REWARD MANAGEMENT The reward management process of HM and its potential influence on human resource management. HMs careers website (at )indicates that the company offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes staff discounts, incentive bonuses, company sick pay, private health care a pension scheme. Share options are not provided. The head of HR, indicates that they do not consider titles and pay structures as motivational tools. Opportunities to fulfill an employees aspirations by wanting more responsibility, as a means of getting on with in the organization quickly, are provided (AR1 2008, p.34). Apart from these, as stated by different categories of employees on the careers site and the annual report, the main reward is the job satisfaction they derive. Thus, HM appears to provide a total reward framework, with greater emphasis on relational rewards even though transactional rewards are provided (Armstrong (2006), pp.639-631). HMs reward management is consistent with other HR areas, including organizational culture, recruitment/selection etc. and is also in sync with the overall HR strategy of open doors, job rotation etc. which is essential to fulfill HMs strategy of fast growth. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENTS ROLE IN HMS SUCCESS, AN ANALYSIS. The previous sections illustrate the various HRM practices at HM. This section details how these practices contribute to the success of HM as an organization, in the context of the SHRM course literature. These are categorized under the various aspects of SHRM below: Linking People with strategic business needs H M today is a hugely successful multinational company. The success of HM is primarily based on the business model of entire design being done internally and centrally, manufacturing totally outsourced, but quality ensured and local retailing with hired places, local staff and local shop managers empowered to take decisions. The success, business growth and expansion plans were possible because HM have formatted their HR strategy in line with the corporate strategy. As evident from their Annual Report (Ar1 2008), when they expand into new markets they do not lose sight of their core values. They have succeeded to manage all components of HRM effectively to ensure that core values are upheld in all parts, regardless of country and cultural differences. Their strategic and coherent approach in recognizing that the organizations most valued assets are the people working there is evident from the statement issued by their CEO, It is our employees that make the corporate strategy possible . Our committed employees are essential to HMs ability to grow and continue to be highly profitable. At HM we share the same goals at the same time as we minimize bureaucracy and focus on the individual. We delegate a lot of responsibility to local markets, stores and individual people and we encourage people to take their own initiatives at all levels(AR1 2008). These are in accordance with Armstrongs definition of HRM (Armstrong (2006), p.3). The various elements of HR strategy, (Armstrong (2006), pp.123-146), like improving performance through local recruitment, in house training, and total reward, job rotation (external skill base), increasing commitment (selection based on personality, learning experience, rewards based on core values etc. ) have been built in to the HR Policy and Procedures, and are seen to be practiced, thus proving that the business success of the company has been supported effectively by the HR linkages. Rewards Management HM has implemented the concept of Total Reward Management very successfully. Apart from the financial compensation, job satisfaction as a reward has motivated the employees to perform and contribute their maximum to ensure customer satisfaction and business success through increased sales. This is evident in the statements by the employees from various levels on the Careers site at . As a stated policy, there is more emphasis on personality development through delegated authority in the decision making process and greater autonomy to local elements of the organizational structure. Being a multinational company with employees of different cultures, this decentralized decision making process and empowerment of employees have proven direct impact on the success of HM (AR1 2008) Various techniques associated with Intrinsic Motivation (Armstrong (2006), p.254) have been given more importance and priority than the extrinsic aspects. Work environment related parameters like leadership, empl oyee voice, recognition, achievement etc. have been built in to the HR policy and practiced to leverage the critical business goals of continuing growth and increased profitability. Performance Management HM has adopted a strategic and integrated approach to achieve organizational success through improved performance of its employees (Armstrong (2006), p.115). HM employees have been told that the growth of the employees and the organization are closely linked (AR1 2008, p.34) .The practice of Shop Managers going through a process of reviewing that days business with their subordinates on a daily basis, is part of the performance management activity. This underlines the fact that HM has recognized the importance of such a practice, and built in that process by which managers and their subordinates work together, agree on what needs to be done and how it is done (Armstrong (2006), pp.499-513). They are able to plan, prioritize and develop their sales team in a customer-focused environment (AR1 2008, pp.31-36 and Careers Site). At HM a shop manager is in charge of the daily running of the store; it is like running their own business (AR1 2008, p.34). The HR strategy of delegating authori ty for managing the shops activities is a key factor contributing to the success of the organization. Managing Diversity in teams and groups HM operates in 33 countries and is expanding its business to open new shops in countries where they are currently not present. By their HR policy and procedures, when a new shop is opened the staff are recruited locally. They also have the practice of job rotation and movement of employees from one location to another based on internal recruitment (promotions). This brings together people of different cultural back grounds together in the same team, and successfully managing such a team is crucial to the success of the organization. The HR strategy is, not to have very rigid procedures, and the corporate culture of respect to the individual. As stated in their Annual Report (AR1 2008), the HR strategy ensure the following: 1. In order to meet peoples expectations of HM as an attractive employer, company develops global guide lines on diversity, equal rights and against discrimination. 2. HMs objective is to be a good employer, including in those countries whose laws and regulations fall short of their own requirements. The whole of their activity is shaped by a fundamental respect for the individual. This applies to every aspect from fair wages, working hours and freedom of association to the opportunity for growth and development within the company (AR1, 2008). 3. HM has positive experience of open and constructive dialogue with the trade unions and they welcome such relations wherever they operate. They consider that cooperation is essential if they are to become even better. Examples of collaboration on staffing issues include their agreement with UNI (Union Network International) and the work they do with the EWC (European Works Council). (SR (2008)) HMs success in executing their strategy of continuous international growth and expansion, while maintaining its Swedish organizational culture, indicates that its HR practices have contributed to the successful management of diversity in teams and groups. Planning, Recruitment and Selection The HR strategy, which is closely aligned with the organizational strategy to achieve continuing growth and profitability, envisages recruitment of people every year to run the new stores scheduled to be opened. For example, as per their Annual report (AR1 2008), about 6000 7000 employees are to be recruited during this financial year, to meet the requirements of the 225 new stores being opened worldwide. The planning and recruitment is based on the HR policy to recruit locally when a new store is opened (Armstrong (2006), pp.363-388). Future employees are evaluated and chosen (Armstrong (2006), pp.409-471) according to certain criteria practiced by HM and based on the companys culture. They look for people with personality who can perform well within the culture, growth and motivational framework provided at HM. To quote Pà ¤r Darj, Head of HR, At HM, great grades and all the university credits in the world are no guarantee of a job or a fast-track career. Of course, we do welcome those things, but what we are really looking for, more than anything, is people with the right personality. This is based on the belief that one can always gather skills as you go along, but personality and attitude cant be taught. Either youve got it or you dont. One of the most important things we look for is drive. (AR1 2008, p.5-34). Organisational Behaviour At HM, a lot of importance is given to personality development and for opportunity for the employees to grow within the organization. Various practices empowering the employees; like a Shop Manger being allowed to take independent decisions, and managing the business like an entrepreneur etc. are designed to increase employee loyalty and commitment to the organization and are great motivators (Armstrong (2006), pp.239-316 and AR1 2008). The HR strategy for employee motivation; total reward with emphasis on Intrinsic Motivation (Armstrong (2006), p.254), has been proven, to be directly related to forming the success of the organization. All their operations are typified by an essential respect for the individual; including reasonable wages, reasonable hours, opportunity to grow and develop within the company (AR1, 2008) The prevailing organizational culture at HM encourages team work, supports effective leadership and provides adequate growth opportunity for employees. These HR strate gic initiatives in turn make significant contributions to the organizational goals of continuing growth and profitability. Human Resource Development Ensuring Learning and Development opportunities for its employees is an integral part of the HR strategy at HM (AR1 2008), and these essential ingredients contribute significantly to the success of the organization. Human Resource Development is a continuing process at H&M; the new recruits being sent to already existing shops for gaining valuable experience, experienced employees being brought to new shops to support the new local recruits during the intensive opening period activity etc. This is critical to the process of organizational learning and helps them climb the learning curve faster (Armstrong (2006), p.554). Keeping employees highly motivated is essential to the success of HM, due to the nature of its business of dealing in high fashion consumer goods. The various concepts that can be adopted to increase performance (like job satisfaction as a reward management tool) are very effectively employed and as the employees themselves state, Im happy to be here and every day is a challenge (Careers site at ). Expectancy Theory, which states that if individuals feel that the outcome of learning is likely to benefit them, they will be more inclined to prove it (Armstrong (2006), p.556) has been proven on the shop floors of HM. The HR practice of giving responsibility to the employees early on in their career, treating them as entrepreneurs rather than just employees, (AR1 2008, p.34) is a definite and positive step towards their development. Considering the employees as capable of shaping its results and improving it in big and small ways, is key to HMs approach to learning and development. International HRM HM is a multinational company with operations in 33 countries and new countries being added every year as the organization grows. The strategy of local recruitment when a new shop opens leads to the situation of a collective work force belonging to different nationalities adjusting to a common organizational culture. This is the big HR challenge, which the company has very successfully overcome. The HR strategy of delegation of authority and empowerment of employees has played a very important role in this success. The shop manager runs the business as an entrepreneur and is authorized to take independent decisions with in the overall guide lines. Think globally and act locally, Laurent (1986) (from Armstrong (2006), p.104), has been adapted as the mantra for success at HM. They have identified the core and non core activities (design and manufacturing; being core, done centrally, and distribution; noncore, done locally) , they have built global brand equity while honoring local customs, they share their learning and create new knowledge. Conclusion To conclude, HM has balanced the needs of coordination, control and autonomy and maintained the appropriate balance between them. These are critical to the success of any multinational company ( Bartlett Ghosal (1991) from Armstrong (2006), p.104) . -

The Internet Essay example -- essays research papers

The Internet Imagine a place where people interact in business situations, shop, play video games, do research, or study and get tutoring. Now imagine that there are no office buildings, no shopping centers, no arcades, no libraries, and no schools. These places all exist in a location called the Internet - "an anarchic eyetem (to use an oxymoron) of public and private computer networks that span the globe." (Clark 3). This technological advance not only benefits people of the present, but also brings forth future innovations. People use the Internet for many purposes, yet there are three popular reasons. First, there is the sending and receiving of messages through the electronic mail. Second, there are discussion groups with a wide range of topics in which people can join. Finally, people are free to browse into vast collection of resources (or databases) of the World Wide Web. Electronic mail (e-mail) brings a unique perception into the way of communication. Although, it did not replace the traditional means of communication such as letters and telephone calls, it has created a new method of transmitting information in a more efficient way. E-mail saves time between the interval of sending and receiving a message. Sending an e-mail message halfway around the world can arrive at its destination within a minute or two. In comparison, a letter can take from a few days to a couple of weeks, according to ...

Homosexuality Is a Mental Illness Essay -- Argumentative Essay

Homosexuality Is a Mental Illness The history of gay or same sex marriages has been long in the whole world. Most of the western societies in the early time tolerated it. Astonishingly, they went to an extent of celebrating the same sex relationships and marriages. In ancient Rome, there are evidences of the same sex marriages but their proof is not clear. Same sex marriages can also be traced in medieval Europe and also the ancient Greece. There are also some other proofs of gay marriages among Africans Native Americans. There have been a lot of evidences which shows that homo sexual desire has been recorded from primordial times in the east part of the globe. This yearning is the reason behind gay unions, normally between men. It repeatedly included some variation in age. There has been very rare information on relationships amongst women in early times. This could be because women were not treated with equal status with men, such that while men were free to practice sexual and romantic pleasure both without and within marriage, women were not allowed (www.gay-art-history.org). In China, Male love was quite encouraged especially in Fujian, the southern province. Men would marry youths in sophisticated ceremonies. These marriages would last long. At the last part of this marriage, the senior partner would help the younger partner find a female wife so that he could settle down and start a family. At the west, ancient Greece gives us the first western documents regarding gay relationships. In ancient Greece, gay relationships and marriages were a norm in the society. Fortunately, these relationships did not substitute marriage between woman and a man, but occurred beside or before it. During Hellenic times in Europ... ...s morality. Since time in memorial, same sex relationship is deemed immoral and it will remain immoral forever. Allowing this thing to happen openly is to send a bad message to God, the people and the sanity will have been undermined. This goes against gods teaching and according to the holy Bible; it is the same reasons that made Sodom and Gomorrah to be burnt down. The same thing can still happen today. References: Eric M. Rodriguez (2010). At the Intersection of Church and Gay: A Review of the Psychological Research on Gay and Lesbian Christians. Journal of Homosexuality.1-35 Ralph E. Roughton, (2002) MD. Rethinking homosexuality. What It Teaches Us About Psychoanaysis. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association. The world history of gay love. Retrieved on 7th December 2010 from www.gay-art-history.org

Praise of Chain Stores by Virginia Postrel Essay example -- wal-mart, e

â€Å"So what’s wrong if the country has 158 neighborhood California Pizza Kitchens instead of one or two?† Virginia Postrel inquires in her In Praise of Chain Stores essay (Postrel 348). In rebuttal, I plan to answer her question with more reasons than one. However, the responses I intend to offer apply not only to the CPKs of America, but for all the national retailers, big box stores, chain stores, and the like. National retailers destroy the local character of small towns. Chain stores should be limited to only run in a few highly populated urban areas. Furthermore, the costs saved in the convenience and familiarity of chain stores do not outweigh the negative economic impact and damaging effects that they can have on a community’s well-being. Postrel develops her support of national retailers throughout the essay, offering the opinion that it isn’t the stores that give places their character, but instead, aspects like the terrain, weather and culture that do (Postrel 347). While terrain, weather and culture can set apart regions, such as New England from The Deep South, and Southern California from the Midwest, it’s the community that gives each town their own special character. A community consists of the residents, their restaurants, hardware stores, pharmacies, ice cream parlors, farmers markets, and so on. These places, and the interactions that occur daily at each establishment, are the fabric that differentiate them, and create the breeding ground for diverse characteristics to flourish. While Postrel argues that wildly different business establishments across America in the past is a myth , it’s actually not necessarily that the products that varied from store to store, but more the aforementio ned factors that truly set ... ...he amount of a certain retailer’s establishments constructed within a certain amount of mileage. For example, a Wal-Mart on the north side of town and the south side of town is excessive. There is no question that chain stores have a detrimental effect on the measurable character and community of small towns. Not only are residents effected economically and collectively, but the character of the area is also threatened or compromised. In conclusion, we should all take a step back and see how we can give back to our community by leveling the playing field for local businesses. The first step in doing so is to realize the negative influences chain stores impose on small towns. Works Cited Postrel, Virginia. â€Å"In Praise of Chain Stores.†Model Essays: A Portable Anthology. Eds. Jane E. Aaron and Ellen Kuhl Repetto. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2013. 345-49

Aztecs, Incas, and Toltecs

The Americas on the Eve of Invasion I. Introduction A. By 1500, Americas densely populated by Indians – misnomer – Columbus/Indies 1. Term has meaning only when used to apply to non-Indians B. Mesoamerica and Andean heartland 1. Imperial states in place when Europe arrives 2. Few areas influenced by two main centers 3. Areas that developed independently II. Postclassic Mesoamerica A. Introduction 1. Toltecs/Aztecs replace Mayas of 8th century CE a. By 15th century Aztecs created extensive empire – war, religion, agrarian 2. Downfall of Mayans – Teotihuacan a. Nomads from North come down . Toltec Culture – 968 established capital Tula 1. Sedentary/agrarian peoples with militaristic ethic 2. Cult of sacrifice/war 3. Aztecs saw Toltecs as givers of civilizationB. The Toltec Heritage 1. Leader Topilitzin followed Quetzalcoatl – feathered serpent 2. Empire spread over much of central Mexico 3. 1000 Conquered Chichen Itza – Mayans under cont rol of Toltecs 4. Toltec influence northward a. Trade turquoise with American Southwest b. How far – to Mississippi/Ohio – debatable evidence 1. Stepped temples – Monk’s Mound 2. Ritual sacrifice 3. pottery 4. Social stratification . Large city – Cahokia could handle 30,000 people C. The Aztec Rise to Power – eagle with serpent on cactus 1. Geography – aquatic environment – chinampas a. Aztecs/Mexicas won control of lake b. Nomadic tribes or agricultural culture 2. Political structure – centralized city with tributary city-states 3. Military – tough warriors/fanatic followers of religion 4. 1428 emerged as independent power D. The Aztec Social Contract 1. Subject peoples a. Pay tribute, surrender lands, military service b. King civil power/god on earth 2. Stratified society a. Histories rewritten 3.Human sacrifice – cult of military class supplying war captives as sacrifices E. Religion and the Ideology of Conquest 1. Incorporated features from past Mesoamerican religions a. Little distinction between world of gods and natural world b. Deities – fire, rain, water, corn, sky, sun – pantheon 1. Gods of fertility/agriculture 2. Creator deities 3. Warfare and sacrifice c. Female form for all gods 2. Yearly festivals/ceremonies a. Expansive calendar 3. Sacrifice – to energize the sun god – needed nourishment of human blood a. Types and frequency/degree changed with Aztecs – borrowed from Toltec . religious conviction vs. political control 4. Religious questions – afterlife, good life, do gods exist 5. Art has flowers/birds/song and blood F. Tenochtitlan: The Foundation of Heaven 1. Metropois – central zone of palaces/whitewashed temples 2. Adobe brick residential districts 3. Larger houses for nobility 4. Zoos, gardens for king 5. Geographically connected to island by four causeways 6. Calpulli ruled neighborhoods G. Feeding the People: The Economy of the Empire 1. Mass population needed to be fed a. Tribute b. Irrigated agriculture – chinampas – floating islands 1. 20,000 acres 2.High crop yields – 4 times a year – corn/maize 2. Trade a. Regular intervals to market b. Barter or cacao beans/gold for currency c. Pochteca – long distance trade 3. State controlled distribution of tribute a. Primarily redistributed to nobility III. Aztec Society in Transition A. Widening Social Gulf 1. Life based on calpulli (neighborhood) groups a. Governed by council of family heads 2. Nobility came from heads of calpullis 3. Military leaders based on success in taking captives a. Ritual warfare – uniforms 4. As society grew, widening social disparity – no longer egalitarian (hmmm†¦where have I seen this pattern before? a. Scribes, artisans, healers between peasants and nobility 5. But†¦competition not between social classes, but between corporate groups B. Overcoming Technologic al Constraints 1. Role of women – relatively equal, but subordinate to men a. Peasant women – fields, child-rearing b. Revered as weavers c. Polygamy among nobility, monogamy among poor d. Could inherit property 2. Limits of technology a. Women – six hours a day grinding corn/maize 1. Couldn’t be freed from 30-40 hours of preparing food 3. Controlled vast number of people amazingly – 1. 5 million to 25 million C.A Tribute Empire 1. Most power in hands of Aztec ruler and chief advisor a. â€Å"elected† from best siblings of royal family 2. As time passed, ritual sacrifice/military dominated all elements of life 3. City-states – as long as they made tribute – they could have autonomy 4. Weaknesses a. Rise of nobles altered dynamics b. Society based on system of terror 5. By 1500, Aztec society was in the down, military period – height far earlier IV. Twantinsuyu: World of the Incas A. Inca Empire – Twantinsuyu †“ highly centralized 1. Integrated various ethnic groups 2. Irrigated agriculture 3.Incorporated elements of previous civilizations – agriculture/religion/metallurgy 4. Introduction a. Genius for state organization/bureaucratic control b. When central authority broke down, regional leaders took over i. war between rival chiefdoms B. The Inca Rise to Power 1. Inca â€Å"ruler† – military alliances and campaigns to take over 2. Subsequent rulers with names you’ll never remember expanded and consolidated land a. Between 9 and 13 million people under rule C. Conquest and Religion 1. Reason for conquest a. economic gain b. political power 2. religion – cult of ancestors a. deceased rulers mummified . split inheritance a. leader’s power goes to successor b. leader’s property goes to male family 4. political and social life related to religion a. holy shrines – stones, mountains, rivers, caves, tombs – huacas 1. Prayers/human sacrifices b. Temple of the Sun – center of state religion D. The Techniques of Inca Imperial Rule 1. Leader/inca considered a god 2. Court also temple 3. Four provinces ruled by governor, power then divided further a. Local rulers could remain autonomous if they were loyal 4. All nobles played role in state bureaucracy a. Nobles gained privileges, had a lot to lose b.Could wear large ear spools – orejones – gee thanks 5. Spread language – unified 6. System of roads with way stations – tambos – one day apart 7. For labor, people benefited from large, expensive work projects – only central gov’t can provide a. State-sponsored irrigation made cultivation possible 8. Instead of tribute, they wanted labor 9. Relation between men and wome a. Needed to stay close b. Women link to the moon 10. Downfall a. Marriage alliances created rivals for the throne – ahhh†¦that whole succession problem rears its ugly head E. Inca Cul tural Achievements 1. Art – built on styles of predecessor peoples . Metallurgy – gold/silver/bronze, copper b. Pottery/cloth 2. But†¦No system of writing†¦No wheel 2. Math a. Knotted strings quipo to count 3. Infrastructure – greatest achievement a. land/water management b. extensive road systems c. Architecture and public buildings d. Terraced farming on steep slopes F. Comparing Incas and Aztecs aka â€Å"if you forget everything else, remember this† 1. But first, before we get started†¦look at the words used in this section a. No really†¦look at the words used b. They start with words like â€Å"although†, or â€Å"both† c. It’s just beautiful how the reader can make connections . In fact, my eyes are filling a little misty a. This is one of the best Comparative Analysis Essays I’ve ever seen in your Stearns book, and after 14 chapters of taking notes, I’m starting to i. feel like Stearns is like a brother, an older brother, but a brother ii. but†¦I digress†¦let’s get back to it 3. Similarities a. Represented military and imperial organization success b. Controlled circulation of goods c. Agricultural based with a food surplus d. Nobles became more important than local leaders e. Allowed for diversity as long as authority f. Empires acquired by conquest of sedentary peoples . Belief systems, cosmology similar roots h. Both couldn’t survive shock of conquest i. Your book says they do survive the conquest, but I beg to differ, they were split up into small little regions ii. But, I will accept that they carried on the culture 4. However â€Å"We cannot overlook the great DIFFERENCES† a. Aztecs have better trade and markets b. First, there quite similar, variations of same system c. Metallurgy, writing systems, hierarchy i. Ummm†¦book†¦could you give us some specifics d. Overall†¦this section does a horrible job discussing differenc es V. Other Indians A.How to differentiate – based on degree of social order/material culture/political structure 1. Diversity based on geographical factors 2. Not all agriculture based B. How many Indians? 1. If you guessed 14,375,421, you were wrong 2. Between 8. 4 million and 112 million – Gee thanks†¦that’s real close i. Numbers changed due to a. Understanding of impact of disease b. archaeological studies c. improved estimates of agricultural techniques 3. Europe about the same size as the Americas – population wise C. Differing Cultural Patterns 1. Basically†¦it’s hard to say there is just one type of â€Å"Indian† . Some hunted, some gathered, some farmed, some did a mixture ii. Some had huge class divisions, some were more egalitarian iii. Most lived in small kin-ship based groups 2. North America extremely diverse i. Some lived in cliffs, towns or teepees ii. Agricultural unless farming too tough, then hunter gatherers 3. Similar to Europe/Asia i. Kin based societies ii. Communal owning of property iii. Women subordinate, but some had high positions 4. Part of ecological system, not controlling it â€Å"You think you own whatever land you land on†¦earth is just a dead thing you can claim, but I know†¦Ã¢â‚¬ D. American Indian Diversity in World Context 1. Paradox – wealthy/accomplished civilizations, but â€Å"primitive† to Europe 2. But†¦how much is the difference based on lack of†¦ i. wheel ii. large pack animals iii. metal tools iv. written language 3. They developed, just differently E. Global Connections 1. Isolation prevented diffusion of ideas – it’s not bad, just the reality 2. Lacks world religions, large domesticated animals (yes†¦they had guinea pigs) 3. Not immune to diseases 4. Lacked ironworking F. I’m tired, and I’m going to bed

Meta reflection 2 Essay

â€Å"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions†. We could never go back to the past were what we did has already been done. When we discover new things you don’t see your old thoughts the same way. We add new information that will help us to expand and deepen our knowledge through our understanding the experiences that we had encounter. I saw too many things, I could never go back to being that old me that. I have experience adventures and the taste of life these experiences molds us by being an open minded person. I can never go back to that person who is full of ignorance. I was searching for wisdom and knowledge as possible. When I found them in philosophy I bathe with wisdom and knowledge combining them made a pleasurable account to my life. Applying these new found ideals, and fresh truths to my life adds new impact on my existence. I would not grow but I will surely have the drive, inspiration and motivation to want more of knowledge. My huge amount of ignorance is too big to became a marble, it’s the cause that the essence of my existences that stretches my mind to be active and be an open minded as possible. Change is constant and prior to my experience they have mold me. Many situations had come to my life with a synthetic a priori. I may not know that I all ready had this phenomena. Behind the knowledge I have know is the product of my studies and the cause of my studies, sometimes cramming can help boast the minds ability, push its power to the fullest capacity to acquire new knowledge. I can never surely go back to the quote that I have written to my introduction is that we or our own minds is expandable and learn so many things. the experiences that we all experience is the fact we are living the life of a being in this world that true reality resides and will surely be never disappear Subconsciously we acquire new experiences. Each time we do our routines and the normal phenomenon we don’t mind the fact that we are giving our right choices, our only one choice. It’s risky to live life but with the feeling of love that we feel its worth the fight and risks to live for in this world. The experience we gain is the interpretations of our lived moments in this reality. The beingness of being is the experience of being a being in this reality. We only live once and our mind is the one that makes the decision with our own considerations that we are beings in this reality. Only the wises gets the best of both world. Reality with experience is the main purpose of being in this world. We stretched our capacity and exhaust this mind of ours and gain new knowledge. By stretching our mind we can go beyond the normal capacity of things. The beauty of life is going to take up the challenges and ordeals that it gives us the power to marvel at life. Lived experience of my life is awesome, because I feel being loved, hate, and not taking life seriously. I thought at first life was so simple, I only have in that period of time a small amount of understanding in my existence. Know with philosophy and I am loving wisdom, I made a new decision that life is complex with many things to do and take it at hand. With that experience I can only reminisce the times but I can no longer go back. How could I go back? With a time machine? May be not its only a theory that time travel is possible. I don’t intend to go back to the past experiences my a posteriori was the best so why would I. With everything that I am and everything that I can do is the product of my experiences, they were the stepping stones that could not hit its wall of finality. Experience for me is cant be exhaust because we keep on experiencing from day to day of our life. We can never stop experiencing, it’s a fact I keep on learning and gaining more knowledge than before I know. I and everyone can never go back to the way they were before. We may not be the same as the past. I couldn’t know everything with experience, it’s the philosophers bases of everything that has happened. Without it what could be the progress of the world and the human world. Gaining new knowledge is the transfiguration of us we can’t go back to the dimensions that we once have reside.

Conflict Analysis Essay

1. Describe a recent conflict situation: A situation arose when, in my previous position, I was standing in as section manager when my manager then was away. One of the employees had taken off-sick and he was scheduled to do standby for the week. I needed to get somebody to replace him on standby and asked the other two members of the team to fill in. They both refused and n argument broke out between the two, over who was going to complete the standby for the week. They were each convinced that the other person should do it for various reasons. This resulted in conflict and arguments between them. 2. What was the cause No clear policy or procedure I place to handle such a situation. Unwillingness of team members to compromise. 3. What did you do to resolve the conflict Called a meeting, explained the situation to both members, ask that they should consider the effects on the team and the company. Explained that while there was no procedure or agreement, the team works towards a common goal. Explored possible solutions and they agreed to share the standby duties between them, on condition there will be a standard agreement for this type of situation. 4. What did you do to make the conflict worse I said to them that one of them would HAVE to do it and that they must sort it out themselves. 5. How could you have handled it better Called up a meeting in the first place and explained the situation. 6. Negative outcomes Arguing and shouting between the members. Bringing up incidents of the past. Blaming of the employee who was off sick. 7. Positive results Highlighting of a situation that was not thought about. Action plan was put in place to create a procedure to handle the situation. When my manager returned to address such a situation, the team agreed that a standby swap would be most suitable. The next scheduled person would take over and the absent person would return and cover that person’s next standby. Members now make the necessary arrangements for standby before planned Leave/training etc. 8. Describe a possible conflict and strategy to prevent/resolve a conflict: The Department has been restructured There are 2 employees on standby per week, broken down into the relevant sections. This ensures that even if there is an emergency, there is always someone to cover the plant until a temp standby employee can resume