Friday, September 20, 2019
Apple inc.
Apple inc. Background of Apple Inc Apple inc. is a based American corporation that manufactures and designs Smart electronic products ranging from computer software, hardware to other consumer electronics. The company has a an outstanding Macintosh personal computer line, Mac OS X, for its exceptional dependable user base which makes them significantly stand out, the iTunes media application and the iPod personal music player. The company has its base in Cupertino, Califonia, having its CEO and founder to be Steve Jobs, the company can beat its chest to having 284 retail locations spreading across 10 different countries. On the1st, of April 1976 Apple was established by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne to sell the Apple I personal computer kit. Steve Jobs was said to own 45% of the company, Steve Wozniak with 45% and Wayne with the remaining 10% Apple with time has brought about a significant reputation in the consumer electronic aspect. The users of Apple electronics tend to be fascinated about and loyal to the products and on the other hand those who have no experience with Apples product most times criticize them an being too expensive. On August 15, 1998 Apple released the iMac and was able to cover up its past failures which includes the first Apple portable, which was to wrong looking and bulky and the Newtons, Apple in entering the PDA market. In 2001, after several years of rigorous developments, Apple came up with Mac OS X a universal operating system targeted at both consumers and professionals. The Mac OS X was a different re designs from its previous the Mac OS 9 which could not constrain the power of UNIX while offering a streamlined user experience with a simplified GUI (Graphical User Interface). The iMac line of professional computers combined with the Mac OS X regained Apples profitability coupled with the r elease of the iPod portable digital audio player, later in the year which was just to crown its productions. The historical success of the iPod created a platform for future product, including the best mobile device in history, the iPhone and the Mac Book line of portable computers and the latest release of the iPad on the 27th of January 2010. Introduction This report is based on carrying out a strategic logistic analysis of Apple Inc. with a view to developing opportunities to develop logistic capabilities of Apple Inc. in this cognizance to the swot analysis, five forces analysis and Porters Generic strategy, Apples frame work. Virtually all these strategic models were done from the logistic perspective. This report addressed the main strategic approaches to logistics that can be done by Apple Inc. This report also look into management issues with regards to the implementation of a new logistics strategy especially from the perspective existing capital, technical and human resources. Finally, this research also helped to evaluate trend and the importance of new technology especially with respect to the future logistics strategy of new companies, critically evaluative the strategic significance of new technology developments and business trends on future logistic strategies for Apple Inc. Its Business Apple Inc. success in the IT world is as a result of the wide range of products varieties portfolio and the strength of the Mac OS X technology. Good brand loyalty. Giving a face-lift to desktop and notebook lines. Well known hardware and software products, the iPod, iPhone, Macintosh Computer, Mac operating system, iTunes. Apple Inc. sells a wide range of third-party Macintosh (Mac), iPhone and iPod compatible products, including application software, printers, storage devices, speakers, headphones, and different other accessories and peripherals via its online and retail stores, and digital content and applications through the iTunes Store. Apple Inc. sells to consumer, small and midsized business, education, enterprise, government and creative customers. Swot analysis The Apple SWOT Analysis the source for the top level management and data information. The analysis puts in view the organizations essential business structure and all its activities and gives the update of the revenue lines and strategy. (Data monitor April 2009,page 30) Strengths Apple Inc. major in developing its own software and hardware. iTunes Music store generates more revenue and the iPod which has easy accessibility on the Windows platform. Apple has an alcove audience that gives the organization some deceleration from the direct price competition. Providing a whole new dimension to desktop and computer lines. Its online access technology can be used to promote product awareness and sales. Has more maneuverable low debt ability. Excellent brand loyalty is associated with Apple Inc. Affiliation with Intel computers in 2006 till date. Powerful research and development department. Weaknesses No strong connection between Intel and Microsoft. Weak domination in business sector. Most Apple product has a very short life cycle which causes revenues to focus on the release of new products and services. Having to major its market in the education and publishing not in other markets. Slow turn around on high demand products. Its market is lacking way behind its Major competitor Microsoft. Past communication between the founder and employee which brought about its loss of reputation. Opportunities Large market population which tend to be brand driven. High rate of virus on personal computers to provide a constant market for its anti virus softwares. The ties of apple other companies are weak, Apple can develop good relationship for joint ventures. The high rate of music downloads and Mp3 are increasingly marketable. The sale of computer via the online platform are on the increase. The laptop market growth is increasing so Apple Computers should concentrate on the improvement and development of new models to satisfy the needs of individual customer. Threats Incompatibility with other organizations softwares. Dell, HP, Sony and Toshiba are major competitors facing Apple in the laptop sector. Free download of music and other software is common with other sites which has high impact on sales for online store sales of music and MP3 download. High prices of its product compared to its competitors which make them loose their market. The long lasting recession may impact the sales of the company due to higher prices of the products and services. The launching of the new Microsoft vista windows 7 which is gaining market share. Speedy change in technology is on the increase. The SWOT analysis above gives us a view that Apple Inc. has strengths that it can use to further develop the brand and invariably increasing its market and gaining an edge over its major competitors. Apple is a company with great success, the iPod music player sales increased its second quarter profit to $320in June 2005 same with its Macintosh computers. The iPod allows the company to in viewing other segments to go into. Apples Mac note books also contribute to the Apples high income. The brand name is one of the most popular brand names in the world, which offers good customer views of its products in the customers satisfaction. Early in 2005 Apple made an announcement on the putting an end to its relationship with IBM the supplier of their micro chips and switch to Intel specialists commented on saying it may make them loose their customers confusion. There is weight on the company to pump up the price of its Mp3 and music download from the music industry since most other company make their income from iTunes than selling their compact discs, |Apple has made sales of 22million on sales of its music player the iPod and further sales of 500million on the downloading of songs from its iTunes store. This shows a statistic of 82% of legitimate downloaded music in the US. The development of the iTunes music store to ease users on tracking their music and downloading it, this was made available, and by the use of the USB cable. Software was made in such a way it allows the pausing of music on incoming calls. There is a great deal of new technological strategies alliance opportunity for Apple. another new software is the Podcast which are downloadable media which is done via the internet and plated back on later events that suits the user. It has a free subscription which Apple can make it a paid subscription to generate more income The biggest fear of Apple Inc is the high level of competition in the IT markets. As a successful company the rate of competition is high so the company has to work rigorously on its market research in order to maintain and retain its position in the market The vast popularity of iPod and Apple Mac are on high demand, and will be affected if economies begin to falter and demand falls for their products. The level of close product substitution effect in the innovative and fast moving IT market. There for the iPod and MP3 are in the trend today, but only yesterday it was CD, DAT, and Vinyl. The future technology might be completely different and the music player could be displaced by the Wireless technologies. Five forces analysis The five forces strategic analysis was developed by Michael Porter. The Five forces framework is widely used as a type of industry analysis b (Johnson et al., 2005). The understanding of the way each of the five forces allow organizations have the basic insight in allowing them model the best fit strategies to be successful in their market (Thurlby, 1998). Apple operates in two primary industries: Computing Hardware and Software Delivery of Entertainment and Media Apple has always been under intense competition within the computer, software, and entertainment industries. Figure 1: Five forces analysis for Apple Inc Competitors Apple Inc top competitors include Dell, Microsoft, HP, Alien ware, Gateway, IBM. Strategic positioning Strategic position is aimed at achieving profitability and competitive advantage. Apples strategic position is to offer users the best computing experience by innovating in hardware, software, and Internet offerings. Environmental Analysis of Apple Inc. Apple, Inc operates as a multinational corporation that designs and manufactures consumer electronics and computer software products. The external environment is the institutions and people outside a business organization that affect it; these include national and local government, trade unions, competitors, customers, suppliers, etc. The external environment is one of the contingency factors that has to be taken into account in designing an organization.( Ed. Jonathan Law.) The external environment has three components: the remote macroeconomic environment, the industry environment, and the operating environment within the organization itself. There are key macroeconomic variables that affect Apple: inflation, unemployment, and competition. The first key macroeconomic variable that affects Apple is inflation. Inflation in an economy can be the result of an increase in aggregate demand that is unaccompanied by an increase in aggregate supply. A rise in any component of aggregate demand can bring about inflation. One reason for a sudden, unanticipated rise in aggregate demand can be an unanticipated rise in the supply of money. Inflation can also result from a decrease in aggregate supply that occurs when businesses find that production inputs have risen in price. Such occurs when labor costs and the price of raw materials such as plastics or metals. Decreases in productivity can also have a negative impact on aggregate supply and, therefore, cause a rise in prices. Apple has been in a situation where the aggregate demand for the iPod touch and the iPhone have been really high but the prices for these products it as a reasonable cost to the consumer. Another key macroeconomic variable that affects Apple Inc is unemployment. The unemployment rate is the percentage of people who are not working but who are actively seeking employment. Shifts in labor market that can create unemployment. At any given time the unemployment rates may differ greatly among nations. Two reasons for the difference are Different natural rates of unemployment and Nations may be in different phases of business cycle. McConnell C.R. and Brue S.L. (2004, p. 140). Between 2001 and 2006 the United States unemployment rate was considerably lower than that of Canada. If the unemployment rate is high then that means Apple may have had to lay off a bunch of employees because of the economy. If there arent many employees working at Apple then productivity will go down. Wages are an industry variable that is determined by the unemployment rate. If the economy is bad and Apple had to lay off employees then the wages of the existing employees may not go up for a long period of time or may even go down. The last key macroeconomic variable that affects Apple is gross domestic product (GDP). The gross domestic product (GDP) is a basic measure of a countrys economic performance and is the market value of all final goods and services made within the borders of a nation in a year. It is a fundamental measurement of production and is very often positively correlated with the standard of living. If there is an announcement in the news that there has been an increase in the GDP this will be an indication that the economy is, in all likelihood, in a growth phase. If the GDP number is comparatively weak or declining, this reflects a negative economic environment for the country, indicating a depressed economy. The world economy is depressed and facing a great recession. These facts will lead consumers finding themselves with less disposable income which will eventually cause them not to spend much consumption on luxury products. Apple will be largely influenced by the reluctant consumption ne eds. However, Apple has better positioned itself in the market. The introduction of new iPhone with a relatively cheap price is reflecting a very good sales strategy to accelerate consumption. Apple has successfully sustained a better profit rate in the last three years despite global economy slow down. However, there is no company that can always increase its profit while the national GDP is decreasing. There are many opportunities and challenges that exist for Apple, Inc. A big opportunity that Apple has is they open their stores in a slow, even-handed way to make sure each one is profitable. Other companies that over extended themselves in the boom could have to pull back drastically as their customers are reluctant to spend. That opens opportunities for Apple to negotiate more favorable lease terms in struggling shopping malls. Another opportunity would be that as Apple opens more and more international stores, that sector of Apples business will be less and less affected by financial troubles in the U.S. An ongoing challenge that Apple faces is keeping the price of their products affordable. Apples business plan includes pricing their products so the consumer can afford them. Even with the current recession Apple is still making a high profit from their computers and electronics. Another challenge according to( www.macobserver.com), Apples Mac growth is three times the average P C sales growth, and theyve sold 120 million iPods, burying the competition. Apple has branched out into the mobile phone market gaining even more consumer awareness. As a result, Apple has had to invest heavily in customer service. Some wonder if they can keep up the pace. Implementing a new logistics strategy within an organization Apple has historically taken a far different path than the traditional Windows and Intel combination. Microsoft provides the Windows operating system to separate downstream hardware producers such as Dell. Apple vertically integrated both the operating system software and hardware completely under Apple. A consumer running Microsoft Windows can choose from a myriad of systems based on the Intel processor, while a consumer running Apples OS X must purchase Apple hardware. Apple is adjusting this strategy by migrating their microprocessors from IBM and Motorola PowerPC to Intel. Analysts believe that the Intel-based Macintosh may be able to run Microsoft Windows applications by the end of 2006. (Burrows) In addition to switching processors, Apple positioned their computers as an immediate option for the traditional Microsoft Windows user. With Apple Boot Camp, users may now use Mac OS X or Windows on an Apple computer. (Sutherland).By allowing users to run Windows on an Intel Mac, Apple reduced the switching costs for traditional PC users. Apple may steal away customers that are willing to pay a premium for a system that runs both Windows and Mac OS X. Apple continues to retain a strategic option to license its technology to clone makers such as Dell. Past attempts at licensing Apple technology (to IBM, Gateway, and others) failed on accord of Apples rigid demands. Many technology leaders (such as a 1985 letter by Bill Gates to Apple CEO John Sculley) criticized Apple for keeping a closed architecture. Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak criticizes this strategy, We had the most beautiful operating system, but to get it you had to buy our hardware at twice the price. That was a mistake.Whether Apple would be willing to pursue this reversal of vertical integration is unclear. Although such a move would cannibalize a portion of Apples own hardware sales, it would also provide royalty-based revenue that could approach $1 billion annually. (Burrows) Jobs traditionally sided against licensing Apple technology. He referred to Mac clone producers as leeches and he personally killed Power Computing by terminating their license in 1997. Increasing inventry Despite a weakening economy and a need to meet customer demand, Apple has been able to maintain a fast inventory turnover rate. The Mac and iPhone maker is sitting at five days worth of inventory on any given day, beating Dells seven days worth of inventory, according to data from UBS. Other PC makers are having even more trouble matching Apples inventory efficiency. Lenovo, for example, is averaging 15 days of inventory, and HP is sitting at 32 days. Intel, however, is showing a much slower inventory turnover rate at 89 days, and D-Link is sitting on a staggering 131 days worth of inventory. Apples quick turnover rate may have been due in part to preparing for its just announced iMac, Mac mini and Mac Pro updates. The company released new desktop computer. Models on March 3, and keeping inventory low helped assure that there would be fewer of the previous model machines sitting on store shelves. While maintaining a higher inventory level can help a company cope with sudden increases in demand, it can also show a companys inability to adequately gauge market interest in their products. For now, it looks like Apple is managing inventory better than its competition. (Jeff Gamet) Future logistic strategies for Apple Inc The development of Apples coverage device and Once developed the Apple convergence device will provide a wide range of functions and powerful processing capability that can be applied to the field of medical care to enhance efficiency and modernize the industry. Apple should work with medical device companies and care providers to develop a set of criteria for necessary capabilities for consideration in developing the platform. The device will function as an integral part of an overhauled recordkeeping, care giving, and medical administrative system modernized for the twenty-first century. The device and software it runs will make use of compatible equipment to measure, document, and file measurements, symptoms, and diagnosis in an easily accessible and fully-portable medical files system. The system will help to streamline care giving, administration, and claims filing, by eliminating mountains of paperwork and cumbersome filing systems. Conclusion This research will give the reader an overview of the logistics implementation strategy adopted by Apple Inc and how the organisation can help improve its supply chain network now and in the nearest future. Reference http://www.brighthub.com/computing/mac-platform/articles/65346.aspx#ixzz0jRgxpiYB Michael Dougherty http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/555326 Data monitor April 2009,page 30 Apple SWOT Analysis. November 23rd, 2009 | Adam | Posted in Marketing www.mba-tutorials.com/marketing/273-apple-swot-analysis.html Jeff Gamethttp://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_beats_competitors_at_inventory_turn_over/ http://marketingteacher.com/Lessons/lesson_fivefoces.htm Thurlby B (1998) Competitive forces are also subject to change, Management Decision London Johnson, G., Scholes, K. Whittington (2008) Exploring corporate strategy: text and cases. London: Prentice Hall McConnell, C.R. and Brue, S.L. (2002).. Economics: Principles, Problems http://www.macobserver.com. http://www.spoke.com/info/pY9wQEu/KarenBurrows
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Braham Stokers Dracula :: Dracula Essays
Free Essay on Dracula In the novel Dracula there are many qualities that are necessary for success. Firstly determination is a key factor to succeeding; secondly revenge is a factor in succeeding; furthermore fearlessness plays a big role when they go to kill Lucy; lastly intelligence is needed to make all the plans. When Jonathan Harker get captured by Dracula he is afraid, but he is also determined to get free. "I can not say in this room much longer for I shall die," he said. A small crack of light appeared through the stones. "I pushed the stone with all my might but it only move, I found a carving utensil which I used to make the hole bigger" said Jonathon. "The hole got bigger and bigger then the stone just fell out." When Jonathan Harker and the rest of the people go to hunt Dracula they are determined to kill him because they do not want Dracula to kill anyone else. In order to kill Dracula they must plunge a stake through it's heart, cut off it's head, and stuff it's mouth with garlic. They use silver knives to kill him just as the sun sets. "Get him before he flees" said Jonathan, "he must not get away." Arthur proceeds with the stake cautiously. "I got him" yelled Arthur. Abraham shoves a clove of garlic in the Count's mouth. "get him before he tries to get away." Jonathan and Quincey, use silver knives to cut off his head. "We have finally done it we killed Dracula" said Quincey. Jonathon was determined to escape. Arthur, Abraham, Jonathan, and Quincey are determined to kill Dracula. In order to get out of the Count's castle Jonathan thinks of three things survival, escaping and kill the Count for trapping him in the castle. "I can't die I have to get out, I have to end his rain of terror, he can`t get away with what he did to me" said Jonathan. This shows that Jonathan Harker wanted to kill Dracula through revenge, but he also killed him so Dracula would not kill anyone else. When Van Helsing, Holmwood, Seward, and Quincey Morris go to kill Lucy they must be fearless of the un-dead.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Essay --
This Ocean energy is found around the world. 70% of the oceans surface is covered in water. According to alternative-energy-news website ââ¬Å"Ocean energy is recovered when the wave power farm operates on the wave energy that is created when a float/ buoy flows with the natural movement of the waves.â⬠The equipment needed is a very big buoyant crafted buoy, a long reliable cable wire and a heavy weight so the buoy does not float away and ruin your research. ââ¬Å"The concept is simpleâ⬠, says John Lienhard, a University of Houston mechanical engineering professor: ââ¬Å"Every day the moonââ¬â¢s gravitational pull lifts countless tons of water up into, say, the East River or the Bay of Fundy. When that water flows back out to sea, its energy dissipates and, if we donââ¬â¢t use it, itââ¬â¢s simply spent.â⬠The stronger the waves the more energy can be taken from it to power our world. We as humans use and waste this energy doing everyday work. Yes, you do need special equipment for processing wave energy from the ocean, main thing you need is a buoyant buoy to throw into the ocean and weigh it down with one solid weight, so you donââ¬â¢t lose almost 3 million dollars. Our energy sources is formed when the tidal energy is produced through the use of generators in the ocean. The generators are large under water turbines that are placed in areas with the highest tidal energy.The turbinesââ¬â¢ job is to take in the kinetic motion of the withdraw and flow of the ocean's tides (shallow water) to get electricity. The tidal turbines are best used for shallow waters, because it is stronger than and most stable than casting it into the ocean where you would have to check on it everyday in almost deadly weather. They help because turbines rotates slowly so ships and passing ani... ...ards fuel and on going operation that represent upwards of 80% of the plantââ¬â¢s cost of energy. The greater availability of wave energy in areas means that devices will be able to absorb more energy and convert that to power at a greater rate that devices in areas with low wave energy density. Ocean power technologies will to live initially in areas with wave energy density.â⬠As you read this excerpt from the website what are your opinions. Early-stage prototype government backed funding. We can conserve ocean energy by not polluting the ocean, save energy (use less lights and electricity). We can also conserve other natural energies. Ways to conserve energy would be: walking, biking, carpooling, using the mass transit. You can turn your refrigerator down, wash clothes in warm or cold water, turn down water heater, and the big thing we can do is Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
How I’Ve Changed over the Past Year
How I Have changed over the past year? Humans are as changeable as the weather. Or perhaps a more frequent changer. And being one myself Iââ¬â¢m no different. Every night when I look back to the previous day I see no change. But when I look back to the year that has just passed, I do see the difference. The experiences I went through changed me to a better or may be something close to a reformation. Nevertheless Iââ¬â¢m not the same anymore I was always known to be short-tempered and egoistic. But last year one incident really changed the way I was and thought. My sudden fluctuations in temper made me lose a lot of friends and the loneliness I was in taught me to be more friendly and patient. My friends always knew how to react to my rudeness but unfortunately I forgot my new friends were not accustomed to it. I met some buddies in a friendââ¬â¢s birthday party, last year, who were more than just casual acquaintances. One of them dropped coke over my new silk dress and that did it! I started yelling at her without noticing I am ruining the party. To my surprise the girl started crying and ran away while I was left standing clueless. The birthday boy came up and said ââ¬Å"I think you better go wash yourself, Sunnu, before the spots get dry. Iââ¬â¢ll call you later. â⬠He never called and probably would not have if I had not met him in a mall a few days later. ââ¬Å"Yes, I didnââ¬â¢t. But neither did you. â⬠He answered when I asked why he did not call. ââ¬Å"But you said ââ¬Ëyouââ¬â¢ will call. ââ¬Å"Yes, but donââ¬â¢t you think you were at fault and should have taken the first step and said sorry? â⬠I was very confused. I did not know what he meant. Why should ââ¬ËIââ¬â¢ be sorry? It was ââ¬Ëherââ¬â¢ fault, not mines. But now I know why he did not. I was too egoistic to even think of being sorry, let alone saying it. She did a mistake unintentionally, but I did a bigger mistake by not doing what I should have done ââ¬â forgive and forget. I realized this when one day one of my friends told me ââ¬Å"Sunnu, you never accept the fact that even ââ¬Ëyouââ¬â¢ can make mistakes. You are always too angry to even think what other people might feel at your choice of words. â⬠I was lonely. My friends had left me trying every possible ways to make me realize. But this lone feeling gave me time to think over everything and that is when I realized how wrong I was. One day, one week, one month and in a year I changed myself. I was a reformed Sunayna. I was better and the proof is all the old friends and many new ones happily smiling on the pictures in my ââ¬Å"My Friendsâ⬠album on Facebook.
Monday, September 16, 2019
Globalization and Sustainability: The Importance of Government
The world was once vast and unknown. Communication was once dreaded as messages would take exceeded amounts of time from one point of destination to the next. Countries would not know of each otherâ⬠s affairs for months because the world was large beyond anyoneâ⬠s imagination. But as soon as technology reared its head the world rapidly became smaller. It modified everything within its grasp. Communication that once took months could now take seconds. Travelling abroad that would have taken years now took hours. Every institution that fell into this form of globalisation changed. It is obvious to see that governments have also been effected by globalisation in such ways that they can either imitate or contrast with each other. Yet a controversy exists about the issue on the effect of globalisation on governmental power. On one side of the argument globalisation is considered as a force that weakens the power of government whereas others debate the contrary, claiming that there is no effect and power remains constant. Still both arguments fail because of the extremity that they impose. A better argument would be that globalisation does effect government power, not to the point of weakening, but ensuring that no abuse of power occurs unknowingly. Globalisation is simply a tool that enables the actions of governments to be monitored by other countries and world organisations. With comparison of Australian and Canadian environmental policy, it will be clear that actions taken by the government have been influenced (not controlled) by globalisation. The idea of the world becoming a small interactive village is what many would consider the effect of globalisation. Boundaries are no longer an issue and can be crossed with an easy click of the mouse. But globalisation is far from being a new concept that came along with technology. It has existed since humans have had curiosity. The exploring of new lands, the discovery of new peoples and nations, to the fascination of natureâ⬠s physical features, people have been in the process of globalisation for centuries. Technology had simply allowed globalisation to progress a little more rapidly than what it had accomplished in the past. Although it seems that globalisation brings promise of a unified Utopian society this is far from becoming the truth. Todayâ⬠s world is based on the market. The selling of goods and services to the consumer to gain profit. Therefore globalisation has become the expansion of the market place with greater opportunities for production and trade in new locations. 1 Relations are established between nations, not for the mere satisfaction of peace, but for the insurance that a trading partner exists where profit can be gained. This motivation from profit leads to the element of the manufacturing process. In order to achieve maximum profit corporations need to spend less in producing a product. They go about this through means of cheap energy fuel (usually fossil fuels like coal), low labour wages, and cutting costs in waste disposal. For an exceeded amount of time corporations have been able to escape the clutches of the law because it was seen that damage to the environment was a small price to pay in exchange for high profits. For instance abuse to the Canadian forests in the past two centuries has led to a large proportion of it being cut, 8 000 kilometres long and hundreds of kilometres wide. When large damage has been inflicted only then will peopleâ⬠s concerns be aroused. Governments then needed to intervene, to steer corporations from inflicting anymore damage to resources and environment. Canadian government had only made environmental policy a main concern since 1985. It was in the Ontario provincial election where pollution was made a significant issue. This was the first time ever that the issue of pollution was made a priority. Ever since the topic of concern for pollution has been maintained by both provincial and federal institutions. Australia on the other hand began its involvement on the issue in 1980. It was in this year that the World Conservation Strategy was published and the country took it upon itself to formulate a similar document that would help enforce the idea of sustainable environment throughout the nation. 4 Although government intervention seems to guarantee some progress towards sustainability the idea of globalisation alters the desired effects. World trade allows the cheapest producer to gain maximum profits. Competition for profits is then always present. In order for competition to exist all producers must somehow keep product costs low while maintaining or increasing product output. If legislation is passed within a country that holds a corporation responsible for destruction to the environment by means of their waste, corporations can still outrun any consequences from their actions. It is difficult to prosecute institutions because they are essential. 5 They provide jobs, goods and services, and distribute money towards many organisations. The industry allows economy to prosper as well as many citizens that partake in the production and consumption of the goods. The destruction of the environment is seen as irrelevant to the benefits of cash profit that the industry brings. What corporations fail to observe is the future outlook. The concern is only on maximum exploitation for maximum gain. No corporation has interest in conservation because of the mentality of whatever is left by a corporation will simply be used by a competitor. 6 Yet the immediate gains will not always be present because sooner or later resources will be exhausted and there will then be a failure to produce, soon followed by a collapse within the industry production and profit. Sustainability will ensure that resources can be reserved as well as allowing time for some replenishment. It is for this reason that governments have decided to be involved, for a fall in industry would lead to a fall in the economy and the welfare of the state. Canada and Australia share the same vision when it comes to sustainability. Both understand that environmental policy is essential to maintain a prosperous nation. There has been a similar vision on the purpose of developing environmental policy. The development is to allow (i) multiple times scales in which the present is considered as well as the near and farther future; (ii) effect on various dimensions of social life where economy, environment, and social equity are viewed as equal; and (iii) diverse social and ecological scales where region and locality are a concern as well as the global nation. 7 All three aspects are to produce an ecologically balanced society, with stable institutions designed to assure equilibrium within tolerances that the natural environment can support. This is much easier said than done. The event of there being total agreement is never achieved and compromising always leads to one or all parties involved to be unsatisfied. In order to satisfy government policy, as well as avoid negative outbreaks by environmental conscience citizens, corporations need to follow the specified guidelines of environmental sustainability. Institutions then need to pay much more attention and effort towards waste elimination and treatment. This costs a substantial amount of money. Two options are to either increase product prices or cut spending on other operations within the process. Increasing prices would allow costs to be covered and avoid in any profit loss experienced by the corporation but high prices could cause for decrease in profit for it causes a decrease in profits by the lower prices This again is a of current competitors. This is the reason why the second option is more favourable. Cutting costs in the operation allows for the same amount to be spent on production and in some instances even less. Most popular method of cutting is within the removal of management layers. By eliminating certain amounts of staff and replacing them with computers and automation manufacturing processes companies can then compete in the world market. 9 This occurs mostly in wealthy nations such as Canada, Australia, England, and the United States. Since poor nations have no strict policies on labour leading to low wage structures, production by corporations within these nations can produce product cheaply and sell at an admirably low price. Since wealthy nations have high labour costs, expensive social programs, and a high degree of foreign investment, in order to compete in the world market they choose to employ less. 11 It seems to be a simple enough tactic but other corporations have been so used to a certain process of production that instead of changing their methods they would rather relocate to poorer nations in which they could keep profits or exceed them tenfold. Globalisation leads to the reallocation of corporations. In less hostile environments, these corporate conglomerates can destroy and manipulate the environment to their pleasing and will not be accused for they supply many jobs in a poor nation that needs income to fuel its economy. This global mobility allows corporations to escape environmental policy. The acceleration of jobless growth in poor nations leads to unemployment, creating pressures that allow economic activity that is destructive as well as it undermines efforts of mitigation, planning, and regulatory enforcement. 2 Environmental policy with absence of enforcement leads to the lack of interest in enforcement. The NAFTA agreement, the elimination of tariffs among trading countries, between the United States, Canada, and the developing Mexico is a good example of how businesses escape strict policy. Because of Mexicoâ⬠s low wage enforcement and anti-union government, environmental policy falls prey to lower standards and enforcement. 13 The nation really does feel opposed to the destruction but if they fail to allow industries to do so they will lose business to global mobility. The problem is does not lie on government passing legislation for policies have been made. The problem lies within the amount of enforcement that is dedicated on ensuring that the policies are practised to the full extent. Not every country has the same view when enforcement of policy is the issue. Some nations are better off than others so it is easier for them to proceed with strict enforcement but Third World countries, in order to compete in the world market, are more lenient because of the need to better establish a prosperous economy. This is a main concern among many because the problem is never fully solved but simply reallocated. This is when international policy becomes a suggested solution. Governments need to strike a common chord with each other when it comes to environmental sustainability. It needs to be seen that if restrictions are present and enforced equally throughout all nations then the concept of conservation will be spread throughout globally. In order for this to succeed a new flow of financing and technology for environmental conservation needs to be achieved. Third World nations would also not feel the pressure to exploit for maximum profit if debts were alleviated and industrial countries initiated programs to provide access to technical assistance, training technology transfer, and planning grants to increase their capacity to manage environmental and energy challenges. 15 Through this method it would allow nations to stand on equal ground and be able to maintain a harmony between nature and industry. This is a fantasy to be achieved for the motive of wealth is always the motivation that leads to the neglecting of policies. The proposal of a world government is an idea that could ensure that a universal policy be followed by all countries and ensure that enforcement be weighted equally among all nations. A world government generates both relief and fear when it boils down to policy making. The relief comes that all nations are treated equally and must follow all laws that have been passed by this supreme institution. Yet, not all nations are equal even though the idea of it sounds appealing. Some nations are better off than others are so it is difficult for everyone to participate fully when some nations can achieve goals easier than others can. The main fear springs from the idea of losing identity and power. A single government representing the world of many different cultures and beliefs is very hard to imagine. Minorities might feel threatened in that they have no legitimate say in the outcomes of producing legislation. This in turn leads to the representation of governments in countries. They would feel threatened in the sense that they truly have no power since the world government would be the one in control of matters of all countries globally. So, what needs to be done is not the production of a world government but an alliance between world organisations and existing governments. Globalisation through this method does not infringe on the power of government but allows for compromise to occur and for then to understand the need for a unified co-operation to maintain the environment and resources for future enjoyment and use. In Australia for instance, the Confederation of Australian Industry and the Australian Conservation Foundation, along side with a number of state governments, agreed to endorse the National Conservation Strategy for Australia in 1986. This promoted the need to save the environment and ecological beauty of Australia for there was a realisation that damage to the environment would lead to damage to the economy. The concern was in tourism. The natural environment is a critically important part of tourism and is increasingly being recognised as such through the term ââ¬Å"Ecotourismâ⬠. 17 Through globalisation and government assistance it is possible to see the importance of conservation which in turn would set precedence for other countries to follow. This was the main intention by the Australian Tourism Industry Association who argued that tourism can and does (i) enhance environmental appreciation by changing peopleâ⬠s attitudes; (ii) act as a justification for environmental conservation; (iii) enhance environmental management for conservation; and (iv) enrich the social and cultural environment of the Australian community. 18 A global government may have a unilateral authority and may think broadly but it can not possibly reach out to everyoneâ⬠s interests in the decision making. Mutual adjustment is the best method to solving the environmental problem by the use of global co-ordination. When this occurs it produces policies and plans that take account many positions that exist. A countryâ⬠s own government needs to be aware of the essential needs of its people and must respond to the concerns of various authorities of energy, roads and highways, land use, city planning, air and rail transport, and industrial policy. 20 These needs then need to co-relate with those needs presented by organisations that stand for the protection of the planets resources and environment. Governments have not lost power but need to re-learn how to distribute their influence. Both the federal and provincial governments, at least in Canada, hold the distribution of authority over environmental policy. The municipal governments still participate even though they have been given no authority over the matter. 21 But the majority of the work is achieved by organisations that press governments for swifter actions towards policy making. In Canada, the Greenpeace group, located in Vancouver and Toronto, had a revenue of 7. 4 million dollars without government or corporal aid from 1987 to 1990. The source of revenue came from concerned individuals within the country who see the needed value of conserving the planet. In response, political parties must address these issues to ensure that the public receives the results that they desire. When the creation of the National Conservation Strategy in Australia took place both the Fraser Liberal government and the Hawke Labour government played an important role in the structure that the policy was comprised of. 23 Through globalisation the world can look upon itself and see that there are better methods of approaching problems. Profit can not constantly exist if there is no planet to work from. The governments see this and pressure each other to abide by a universal understanding that there is a great need for sustainability. Powers are not decreased or removed but simply placed into a different context where instead of the individual gain the overall gain should have more precedence. Both Canada and Australia have set example that industry and environment can exist together and it is the governments duty to ensure that guidelines are set to allow enforcement take place. Globalisation can help environmental policy only if other countries have full understanding of the benefits and participate with means of improvement. The poorer nations need to be guided by the wealthy to prevent any further destruction on the remaining resources that the planet contains. Global understanding and consensus will allow for countries to maintain their distinctiveness but allow for one common trait to exist, a total appreciation of the shared home we call earth.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Company Law Question Solution Essay
QUESTION Ramrajee Baboo is a young attorney with a Masterââ¬â¢s Degree in Corporate Law, specialising in project financing documentation. Ramrajee has been appointed to the Board of UDECOTT as it moves forward in a new program based on project financing for its new proposed constructions. UDECOTT is a state enterprise and Ramrajee is paid a stipend of $3,000.00 per month. UDECOTT had previously engaged the services of a general commercial law practitioner, Buji Bamee, to provide legal advice at a cost of $50,000.00 per month. Unknown to Ramrajee, the Chairman of the Board in an informal meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of UDECOTT agreed to terminate the contract of the consultant and have Ramrajee vet the project financing documents in her capacity as a director. Ramrajee was never informed of this decision. Two weeks prior to a board meeting, Ramrajee received board papers including certain project financing contracts for discussion at the next board meeting (scheduled to take place two weeks later). Ramrajee perused the papers cursorily and made certain brief notes. At the board meeting the documents were discussed and Ramrajee made certain general observations. The agreements were subsequently executed. It later transpired that the documents were not properly vetted and UDECOTT suffered a 10 million dollar loss. The agreements were not examined by any attorney other than Ramrajee. The government minister responsible for UDECOTT is quite annoyed and would like someone to be held liable. The Chairman said he relied on Ramrajee to vet the documents but Ramrajee has stated that her duty is that of a general review and would have needed detailed legal analysis beyond what is contemplated by her role as a director to uncover the deficiencies in the documents that occurred. Advise the Minister as to the conduct of Ramrajee. ANSWER ISSUE: Did Ramrajee exercise the level of skill required of her as director? LAW: Directorsââ¬â¢ behaviour in office is governed by statutory and common law. Directors hold a fiduciary responsibility to the company for which they work which requires them to properly manage the assets of the company within the powers conferred on them. Under statute, according to section 60(b) of the Companies Act of Trinidad and Tobago, a director shall ââ¬Å"direct the management of the business and the affairs of the companyâ⬠. In effecting this management, he must do so in accordance with section 99(1) of the said Act which states that a director and officer of a company shall in exercising his powers and discharging his duties: a) Act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interest of the company; and b) Exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. These are all to be done in the best interest of the company. Where directors act in accordance with section 99, they may be indemnified against any liabilities incurred as a result of holding such a position pursuant to section 101. Under common law, the director owes a fiduciary duty to the company, as found in Pardy v Dobbin NFCA 11 (CanII), which ââ¬Å"exacts from directors a strict ethic to act honestly and in good faith in the corporationââ¬â¢s best interestâ⬠. ANALYSIS: As a director of the board, Ramrajee owed a very specific duty of care towards the company. In particular, she was expected to exercise diligence and a level of skill that reflected her qualifications, as found in section 99(1)(b). While Ramrajee was unaware of the informal decision to terminate the consultant who was hired to perform general commercial law activities, the mere fact that Ramrajee was a member of the Board and had specialized skills in project financing documentation means that it would be expected that she use these skills. Moreover, the highly-paid consultant was a general practitioner and did not have this specialized skill. In addition, she was given two weeks to review the documents during which time she could have scrutinized them, but she did not. Her duties under statutory and common law required her to review the documents carefully. She did not exercise the level of care and skill required by her fiduciary position which was not in the best interest of the Company. As she breached section 99 of the Companies Act, as well as her common law fiduciary duties, she should be held liable and will not be indemnified by the company under section 101 for the loss sustained. RECOMMENDATION: Minister, she is in breach of her statutory and common law duties and should be held liable.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Subculture
Cortland Bolling Branham SOCI 1301 In the article ââ¬Å"Authenticity in the Skateboarding Worldâ⬠, subculture is described as a completely separate culture with its own set of values and norms outside those of the worldââ¬â¢s society. Skaters can be described as one of these subcultures because of their unique values, norms, and sanctions that differ from most sports. Unlike sports such as basketball the norm for skaters is their lack of interest in competition and trying to out due each other.According to Beal and Weidman the skateboarding community follows two central values, participant control and the devaluing of competition; many skaters explain that they chose to skate, and that they choose individually whatââ¬â¢s acceptable. After interviewing more skaters the authors discover that like other cultures they also have their own sanctions. One example is that many of the skaters that are in it to look cool, or to be better than everyone else are looked down upon as n ot being ââ¬Å"real skatersâ⬠, but instead conformist.While sports are a common spot for subcultures, they are not the only place they can be found and in fact most people belong to one. For example I am a member of a Baptist church. While it is true that Baptist are Christians just like Methodist and Catholics, we have our own sub subculture or set of values, norms, and sanctions that somewhat differ from the other Christian churches. In a Baptist church praise and worship is often very loud and up beat while at a Lutheran church they remain quiet unless spoken too and sing old hymns, so being loud would be considered rude and vulgar.
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