300 word essay, history of history 4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

300 word , history of history 4 - Essay Example IV concentrated on fighting the Romans and the Spaniards5, and neglected his duties and vows as the Pope and his expectations as a Church leader6. However, soon, due to certain events7, he underwent a radical shift in his approach towards his office, and from then onwards, expended all his efforts and all his life in establishing rules and practices that were aimed at reviving the lost spirit of the Church8. Renke cites several examples of the reforms that Paul IV introduced as part of his reforms, such as reinstituting the government officials and clergy9, and making the practices of the Church more strict and binding upon the public as well as the clergy10. Renke writes in a very theatrical style11, and presents the history of Papacy with a lot of earnest and interest, which is evident through his writing. However, he merely presents his own opinions about the events that occurred, and his own perceptions about the actions of the Pope and other individuals whom he has mentioned in his book12, rather than citing the incidences themselves and leaving the judgment and conclusion to the readers. Therefore, his writing style is clearly biased towards a certain standpoint, and his writing cannot be claimed to be critical or analytical in nature. It is, nevertheless, quite entertaining and absorbing, and makes the reading of historical anecdotes quite interesting to the general

Response to Coments on DQ1 JS and DQ2 MBw7 Essay

Response to Coments on DQ1 JS and DQ2 MBw7 - Essay Example As you mentioned a company can wipe off the balance sheet a portion of its debt by converting the bonds. The bondholder also benefits in case of a conversion because the investor benefits from all the coupons payments that were received and from the equivalent value in stocks which can be converted into cash by selling them in the open market. DQ2 I agree with you that convertible bonds are a win-win proposition. The bondholder benefits when the bonds are converted into common stocks because the investor would be trading in a principal bond balance which was not liquid for an asset that is extremely liquid due to the fact that common stocks can be sold in the open market instantly. I once owned some common stock of Wal-Mart. When I needed some money I called my broker and he sold my common stocks the same day I placed the sale order. Common stocks are a liquid asset. The cash in the form of coupon payments that the bondholder received represents an added benefit for the bondholder. T he company that issues convertible bonds benefits from the flexibility that convertible bonds provide. Convertible bonds are great investments options that provide the investor with the best of both the equity and debt market (Little, 2011). References Investopedia.com (2011). Convertible Bonds: An Introduction. Retrieved May 18, 2011 from http://www.investopedia.com/articles/01/052301.asp Little, K. (2011).

Psychology Essays Down Syndrome Child and AAC

Psychology Essays Down Syndrome Child and AAC Down Syndrome Child and (AAC) Augmentative or Alternative Communication System Doesthe Down syndrome child, acquiring the ability to communicate usingaugmentative or alternative communication (AAC) System, follow a similardevelopment path as that of typical language development? The Down syndrome child, bydefinition, is different from others. Therefore, more than likely he or shewill experience some level of mental retardation and physical disability.Physical disability can include health, immunity, and physical problems whichaffect the sight, the hearing and speech. This would imply that most childrenborn with Down syndrome have limited intelligence, limited physical ability,and, similar to the deaf child, because of hearing deficits, will have delaysin language development. Language development and auditory function have beenlinked in numerous studies. Where in the deaf child intellectual function isnot an issue, it should be noted that in most deaf individuals, languageimpairment continues throughout life although the ability to communicate can beaugmented through other means such as hearing aids, sign language, and thelike. Language delay would beprognosticated in intellectually and/or auditorily impaired children frombirth. In the child with Down syndrome, given the additional physical problemsincluding impaired motor skills affecting articulation, a language delay, to agreater extent, would be both implied and expected. The question as to whether,with the use of augmentative or alternative communication (AAC) the child thenfollows the path of typical language development, albeit retarded or delayed. In the paper entitled Languageand Communication Characteristics of Children with Down Syndrome, (Miller,J in Pueschel. S.m. et al., p. 224) a collaboration of views that include thedelay which involves the necessity in language for cognitive development, anddeficit which involves the additional characteristics needed for languagedevelopment, is needed. That collaboration with the inclusion of otherenvironmental factors that can affect verbal skills and language comprehension.In fact, this study places more emphasis on the environmental factors thaneither delay or enhance language development in the delayed or deficit child. Given that all factors areinterchangeable in studies, i.e. level of deficiency or delay and environmentaland social factors, it can also be surmised that a child with variations ofthese combinations, would find his/her world enhanced with the ability tocommunicate. Studies using AAC with Down syndrome children generally speakingshow better communication skills which would lead to better environmentalfactors based on at least less frustration in social situations. Foreman and Crews (1998, p. 1)define AAC as to commonly refer to mechanical and electronic systems usedwith cerebral palsy and physical disability but include sign language as usedwith the deaf. This article also refers to the language system developed byMargaret Walker Makaton. The system was developed as a support tocommunication development in adults. This method, now used in over 40countries, combines the use of signing and speaking. Also mentioned in thisarticle is the use of picture communication that requires no reading skills butrather use pictographs to convey information. Both methods have been shown to havepositive results for the child along with concerns of stigma and difficultlyfor either the child or the family to learn the AAC. While these concerns havebeen voiced, on the other hand, better communication skills have cut downsignificantly on behavioral outbursts due to the inability to communicate. The studies also indicate thatlearning basic signs for no, help and the like empower the child. Thisempowerment would imply enhanced environmental factors as a consequent tobetter social skills. But further, as Foreman and Crews study shows (1998, p.6): The ability to name objects is of greatuse to young children with a limited capacity to communicate (Grove Walker, 1990). Most of the frustration experience by young children withcommunication difficulties is limited by the ability to name a desired toy,food or activity. While this study taughtchildren naming skills through four methods fv communication, it concludes thatthe multimodal method of instruction is an effective way of encouragingchildren with Down syndrome (1998, p. 7) and signing may carry most weightamongst the various modalities. Another point to be discussedis to the question as to whether children with Down syndrome have a pattern oflanguage development that is distinct or different from the typical. Studiesconducted by Harris (1983, pp. 153ff) and Coggins (1979, pp166ff) determinedthat children approximately three years old or younger, whether normal or Downsyndrome develop approximately the same. It is with older children where normalchildren acquire more advanced language skills (Coggins, 1979). Harris studysuggested that were different language strategies were used both groups, normaland Down, progressed in age. Miller points out that apreference for gestural expression over verbal expression among children withDown syndrome by educators, parents, and speech-language pathologists (Miller,p. 6) has been noted. This makes sense, as confirmed by many researchers;intelligibility of speech is a major factor in Down syndrome. This inability toproduce intelligible speech is attributable to physical problems mentionedabove, to include the muscular structure of the jaw, and often-reported oversizedtongue. This would go along with where studies indicate the normal child andthe Down syndrome child split from each other in language development. Themuscular development coupled with normally developing cognitive skills allowthe normal child to interact and communicate by the age of 5 or 6 whereas Downsyndrome children remain unintelligible. Additional to physicaldisability is the deficit in understanding concepts and complex ideas. AsMiller points out, ideas relating to time and space, relationships, causality(Miller, p. 8) are difficult to impossible for the child with Down syndrome tounderstand. It is in this area that the factors involving the physical,cognitive and environment can be linked to where the Down syndrome childsdevelopment and language skills reach a ceiling. From research conducted, itcan be safely assumed that children with Down syndrome stop developing aroundthe age normal children are able to understand the above-mentioned ideas andconcepts. This inability, retarding cognition, will then as a consequenceretard ability to communicate at a complex level of thinking as do normallydeveloping children and adults. This would indicate that, despite the currentAAC available, at some point language development would not continue on thesame path as in the typical. An important variable however, is environment, inthe determination of just how far this child can develop. Since gesture was noted to bepreferred in this group, studies noted in the article by John Clibbens, pointsto arguments such as those of Remington and Clark (1996) that signingfacilitates interactions and thus speech development and those carried out byMiller (1992) and Launonen (1996) both of which point to advantages in signingand greater advancement in vocabulary among subjects during an importantdevelopmental period (Clibbens, p. 2). Launonens follow up study in 1998found that there was still significant difference in social and linguisticskills between the two groups. Both of these authors emphasize signing asbeneficial both in the short and long term. Interesting to point out thatstrategies used by deaf mothers were looked at for research purposes. Clibbens,Powell and Grove (1997) note that signing is preferred as it is a naturallanguage system that does not require special equipment among other reasons. One of the major argumentsagainst signing is that it does not encourage children to speak. Yet othershave noted that as the child grows (to some extent as does the normal child)that speech overtakes use of gesture to communicate. It would seem that empowermentis an important factor in all people and this would not exclude the child withDown syndrome. Empowerment implies self-esteem. This comes out of socialinteraction that has positive feedback. When a child is able to find a way tobetter communicate with his environment and have his needs met, he is morelikely to want to learn, on some level, and to do more of the same. The generalfeedback in studies reviewed show that use of AA is generally positive for allparticipants. Empowerment and self-esteem, has been shown in studires of allsorts to enhance the life generally and leads to success in relationships.Success in relationship again, has been shown in numerous studies to be as theresult of good ommunication. Communication, as proven by these studies iseffective both verbally and nonverbally as through signing with thispopulation. There have been many thingssaid about the Down syndrome child that have not been included in studies.These things could be considered beyond the typical. Down syndrome childrenhave been noted to be openly loving and naively devoted because of theirchildlike nature. More and more opportunities are opening up for these childrento include roles on television. More exposure with less stigmatism, furtherempower the Down syndrome child as well as others with physical, mental andcognitive disiabilties. Events such as the Special Olympics, develop thephysical where before these chidren were coddled and hidden. This furthers theempowerment and self-esteem of the Down syndrome individual and encourages himor her to further develop language skills. Any method that furthers thechances of a disabled child such as one with Down syndrom to benefit from inclusionin events and circles of others in society brings benefit and furtherdevelopment in all areas of growth. AAC includes a growing number of methodswhereby the ability to communicate can be enhanced. Thus, what was previouislydescribed as impossible or atypical for a child born with Down syndrome nolonger applies. In conclusion, the child whohas learned one mode or a combination of modes of augmentative or alternativecommunication (AAC) System, follow a similar development path as that oftypical language development to a point. The factors that must be considered inevaluating this question are cognitive in that the intellectual ability toconprehend complex ideas will be retarded or impaired and reach a ceiling.Compared to the norm, where, at a similar developmental point, the typicalprogresses. Further, beyond the cognitiveand intellectual factors, there are the physical factors that impedeintelligibility. This is based on physical deformity and which contribute todelays which further impede ability to communicate. This separates languageability related to muscle development and jaw structure from the typical at thephysical level. AAC techniques cannot yetbring language development to the level of the typical or the norm, yet theycan increase vocabulary, extend communication skills, beyond what is now thenorm for the Down syndrome child. This enhancement helps the child developother social skills that bring the environment closer to him or her and others, While researchers in AAC techniquesrealize the factors that inhibit or enhance their studies involve the type ofmodality or combination thereof along with social factors level of deficiency,and the environmental factors that contribute greatly to the better functioningof children with Down syndrome. Because the stigma of retardation anddisability has lessened over the years, more opportunities are available toenhance learning and social skills. Sports events such as the above-mentionedSpecial Olympics allow a Down syndrome child to experience physical strengthand the sense of competition which build on self-esteem and emotional balance.More and more acceptance of such children has come about in the communityleading to support groups, respite, and more understanding of what is availableand what works. The capacity and capability ofthese children, studies and personal experience show, has been underrated. Acouple of generations ago, these children were not expected to survivechildhood. While they have shown mental deficiencies, their emotional abilitiesto give and receive are not deficient by the reports of many. More and more,these children are participating in regular schools, grow up to do work thathas meaning to them and are able to maintain independent living skills. Manyare developing talents such as singing, acting, music which also can beconsidered skill enhancing providing further means of communication andlanguage development. The answer is to the question:Does the Down Syndrome child, acquiring the ability to communicate usingaugmentative or alternative communication (AAC) System, follow a similardevelopment path as that of typical language development, is yes and no. Nobecause the child born with Down syndrome will develop at all levels atypicallyand this would include language development. However, as stated below: Providing the best strategies for communication for a child with anintellectual disability is an enormously complex task. Augmentative proceduresare not the complete solution to the communication problems of these children.However, by a slow process of trial and assessment of these procedures, smallgains can be achieved in the eventual construction of a system that allowschildren to communicate more effectively. The practical benefits of theseprocedures for children with Down syndrome (and all children with intellectualdisabilities) are of great importance to the improvement of their lifeopportunities. (Foreman, p. 8) Improvement of live andopportunity has been the result of, at least in part, augmentative procedures. References Coggins. T. E. (1979). Relational meaning encoded in thetwo-word utterances of stage 1 Downs syndrome children. Journal of Speechand Hearing Research, 22, 166-178. Clibbens, J. (2001). Signing and lexical development inchildren with Down syndrome. Down Syndrome Research and Practice 7(3),101-105. Clibbens, J. Powell, G.G. Grove, N. (1997). Manualsigning and AAC Issues for research and practice. Communication Matters,11 (2), 17-18. Foreman, P., Crews, G. (1998). Using augmentativecommunication with infants and young children with Down syndrome. Down SyndromeResearch and Practice Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 16-25. NSW, Australia, University ofNewcastle. Harris, J. (1983). What does mean length of utterance mean?Evidence from a comparative study of normal and Downs syndrome Children. BritishJournal of Disorders of communication, 18, 153-169. Launonen, K. (1996). Enhancing communication skills ofchildren with Down syndrome: Early use of manual signs. In S. von Tetzchner M. H. Jensen (Eds.), Augmentative and Alternative Communication:European Perspectives. London: Wherr. Launonen, K. (1998). Early manual sign intervention:Eight-year follow up of children with Down syndrome. In Proceedings of theISAAC 98 Conference. Dublin ISAAC/Ashfield Publications. Miller, J.F. (1992). Development of speech and language inchildren with Down syndrome. In I.T. Lott E.E. McCoy (Eds.) DownSyndrome: Advances in medical care. Chichester: Wiley. Pueschel, Siegfried M., Tingey, Carol, Rynders, J. E.,Crocker, A. C. Crutcher, D. M. (Eds.) (1987). New perspectives on Downsyndrome. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co. ISBN 0933716699Congresses Chapter 9, 233-62.

The Illegal Bushmeat Trade :: essays research papers

The second half of the 20th century has seen the continent of Africa in continuous turmoil. Civil wars, the AIDS epidemic, deforestation, and desertification are just a few of the problems facing Africa. A more recent threat to this ancient and fragile environment has emerged and is quickly gaining strength at devouring life – the bush meat trade. â€Å"Bush meat† refers to the smoked carcasses of various wild, and often endangered species that are sold illegally at rural markets of undeveloped countries and even at ethnic markets in developed nations. The meat of gorillas, chimpanzees, and elephants are considered delicacies and the demand for these endangered species is increasingly high. Countries at the center of this crisis are Botswana, Mozambique, Kenya, Zimbabwe, the Congo, Cameroon, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania. Bush meat plays a crucial socio-economic role to many in Africa, and as such epitomizes the need to balance protection against such factors as poverty, health, and food security. Certain key issues are necessary to understand the bush meat trade: 1. Bush meat is not purely a tropical forest-related phenomenon, but is Africa-wide and indeed a global problem. - Bush meat utilization is a significant conservation, economic, and cultural issue in non-forested areas of eastern and southern Africa - Bush meat is regarded as one of the most beneficial wildlife resources available to local communities. Demand is high and is increasing at alarming rates 2. Bush meat crucial as a source of cheap protein for malnourished people throughout Africa - Over 90% of rural peoples in Central Africa eat less than half of the recommended protein intake 3. With growing populations, demand for bush meat will continue to grow 4. Poverty in the face of diminishing alternative resources, means that traditional taboos restricting the consumption of certain animals is increasingly ignored -Some claim that since we humans are 97% related genetically to chimps and gorillas that eating them is tantamount to cannibalism 5. Even though subsistence use of bush meat still predominates over most areas of eastern and southern Africa, an emerging trend of increased commercial trade is evident - Bush meat is making its way into Europe in large quantities and is even found in ethnic markets in the UK The core of the problem appears to be logging. Logging companies build roads to previously inaccessible areas making contact to bush meat much easier. Some companies actually hire employees to buy the meat, while others supply hunters with guns and ammunition and even transport the catch between forests and markets.

In Jesus’ Name: Taking Up Serpents

â€Å"Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones. † (Psalm 137:9)Read more at /list/top-20-bible-passages-to-use-against-fundamentalists/ivana-wynn? page=3#X63UZMIZkY7ETEaQ. 99 â€Å"Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones. † (Psalm 137:9)Read more at /list/top-20-bible-passages-to-use-against-fundamentalists/ivana-wynn? page=3#X63UZMIZkY7ETEaQ. 99 Megan Gowler Cultural Anthropology MWF 10 a. m. IN JESUS' NAME: TAKING UP SERPENTS I've took cocaine, I've smoked marijuana, drunk whiskey, and been high on all that, but this high you get on Jesus, it's nothin', nothin' compared to that†¦ † The video was filmed in two churches in Alabama and Georgia in what looks like the 60's, but in reality was the late 80's or very early 90's, I believe the copyright date is 1991. In Jesus' Name: Taking Up Serpents heavily documents the practice of snake handling in this religious sect, but mentions the co nsumption of strychnine very minimally.The people seem happy, but not particularly affluent. They are presumably in the Appalachian region of the states, where coal mining, poverty and a hard life are all too common. The whole thing is presented without commentary or criticism allowing the viewer to experience the culture and apply their own opinions. Taking Up Serpents shows us how literal interpretations of biblical texts are executed with fervor in the name of God. The filmmakers do not appear biased or like they have any hidden agenda.It seems to be a straight-forward documentation of a church service. The filmmakers did not go out of their way to make these people seem simple or poor, which I am sure would have been easy to do with selective editing. Men are featured prominently in this video. They seem to be ‘called upon by the holy ghost' to ‘take up serpents' more readily than the women are. The women are not left untouched by the ‘spirit' as was made obvio us by the shaking, sobbing and speaking in tongues that is also demonstrated in the video.The women who do handle the snakes seemed to do so for a much shorter length of time and with greater caution then the men, who shake them and rub them around their faces and necks, almost as a challenge to the snake. Children are not permitted to handle any of the snakes in these churches. I found out online that usually (and for legal reasons) you must be 18 to begin taking part in this part of the ritual. Apparently, the Holy Spirit discriminates by not just gender, but age as well.They do not go into any detail regarding the consumption of strychnine in this video, it only gets a brief mention and is hardly shown. Interestingly, when you look at the side effects of the consumption of strychnine, one of the less grievous effects is euphoria. Also, it should be noted that it acts as a stimulant and can cause muscle spasms and convulsions, which are exacerbated by bright light and loud noises (I assume that includes raucous religious music and bright overhead lights).I wonder why they have chosen that verse specifically to focus all their energy on. Why aren't they burning male flock animals (sheep, goats) on altars in their yard or beating their children for self satisfaction (Leviticus 1:9 and Psalm 137:9, respectively). Why snake handling and poison consumption, I have a theory, but I will save it for now. Everything about this practice is bizarre, but is it only bizarre because of our distance from it?Religious ceremonies of EVERY nature have incredibly odd practices, but they only seem bizarre to outsiders. The whole video made me sad, but I can't say exactly why. The filmmakers intention was to document the practice and according to the note on Youtube, help preserve their right to practice their religion, their way. I don't know how to explain how I feel without writing another 5 pages. Religion and religious freedom is and always has been a minefield of controver sy.Islam has the prophet Mohammed who took a six year old bride when he was in his late 50's, Christianity has a virgin birth and coming back to life (insert inappropriate zombie Jesus joke here), Scientology teaches us that we are all immortal aliens trapped in physical bodies, dinosaurs are a hoax put forth by Satan to fool us all, Mormons are in their ‘magic underwear' prepping for the return on God in Missouri, putting a dirty milk glass and a plate from a roast beef sandwich in the same dishwasher can contaminate your soul, or most famously and least disputed the idea that when certain rites are performed bread and wine turn into human flesh and blood once in your stomach. I mean, there are plenty of genuinely weird ideas and practices in the United States, I mean, these are just off the top of my head. So even though this very specific sect of Evangelical Christians has the odd little habit of swinging snakes around and drinking poison really, who can judge them? I would like to mention that I did a little digging regarding this film, partly because I am fascinated by religion and partly because I wanted to know more about it and I found out that two of the men in the film have died, possibly a third, but without names, I cannot say for sure.Also, the pastor in the film, whose name is Glenn Summerford was convicted of attempted murder for stuffing his wife Danielle's hand into a box of rattlesnakes when he was in a ‘drunken rage' in 1991. Glenn was sentenced to 99 years in prison. There is a book about this titled, The Serpent and the Spirit and I now intend to read it as well. After some of the additional information I have uncovered and a lot of the stereotypes we have all heard regarding people living in this area, I wonder if these people live their lives in a more rowdy fashion than you would imagine given the scenes we are shown in the film, which is why I placed the quote I did under the title at the top.The skeptic cynic in me says th at the snake handling has less to do with God or the Holy Spirit and more to do with each individual using this fate tempting to make themselves feel better, maybe about indiscretions, financial hardships, poor decisions, who knows? Do something wrong, feel guilt, handle the snake, live through it, decide God isn't that mad at you after all because he is a forgiving God and you made a mistake, feel better†¦ now repeat. I suppose that is what every religion is supposed to do for its followers, make you feel better, help you find peace, give you a sense of place, let you know that ‘it' is gonna be okay. So as a non-judgmental observer with no plans of attending service or joining the Church of Jesus with Signs I say, ladies and gentlemen, turn up your amps, raise your cups of strychnine and shake those snakes!

Chain Analysis: Literature Review and Application on Ikea

November 28, 2012 November 28, 2012 Aisling Lynch C09687271 Aisling Lynch C09687271 Stratgic management the value chain concept: literature review and application analysis on IKEA Stratgic management the value chain concept: literature review and application analysis on IKEA Contents * Introduction * Origination * Porter’s Value Chain Concept * Linking of the Value Chain * Focus on External Sources * The Future – Conclusion * Ikea Example * References DeclarationI, the undersigned, declare that this report is entirely my own written work, except where otherwise accredited, and that it has not been submitted for a degree or other award to any other university or institution. Introduction Since the 1980’s academics have been pointing to a firm’s own activity pool for analysis, as a way of determining competitive advantage. It was in 1985 that the term â€Å"Value Chain† was coined by Michael Porter (Porter 1998) and all its subsidiary headings. I will look at some of the literature surrounding the Value Chain concept to see how it has evolved and changed since its beginning two decades ago.Using this literature I will see what recommendations are cited to carry this concept into the future with an ever more globalized market. Finally an application of this literature will be carried out on Ikea: a global company that has changed with market trends when necessary to stay a top player in its industry. Origination Kippenberger identifies in his research, how the idea of analyzing internal activities as a source of competitive advantage began in the early 1980’s with McKinsey’s Business Systems Concept (Kippenberger 1991).Through this concept, firms could look at their own activity pool and performances and compare these to that done of their competitor. This comparison would then act as a source of competitive advantage. Michael Porter took influence from this research and began to fine tune it even further. His creat ion of the Value Chain concept in 1985 (Porter 1998) has been the topic of detailed research by academics in diverse fields: strategic management (Johnson et al. 2005), marketing (Webster 1988), and customer loyalty (Parasuraman 2000) to name a few.The concept was an aid to identify sources of competitive advantage by providing a basis of differentiation (Porter 1998). According to Porters earlier research, differentiation could be created by using one of both of the following strategies: lower relative cost, or some form of differentiation offering (Porter 1998). Porter’s Value Chain Concept The original concept started with a tool called the Value Chain which when implemented correctly helped to break down all activities that a business took part in, in order to identify and understand the sources of competitive advantage (Porter 1998).Johnson et al. (2005) states that the value chain can be used to understand how a company creates or loses value in its activities. This nee ds to be identified if the company achieves competitive advantage by providing value to their customers. By stripping systems back to ‘strategically relevant activities’ (Porter 1998), cost savers and creators can be identified as well as the activities that house sources of differentiation. If these are carried out more efficiently, better or cheaper than competitors, then competitive advantage is created (Parasuraman 2000).Kippenberger reminds us that in the original concept all of a firm’s activities can be broken down into two categories (Kippenberger 1991): primary and support. Primary activities are concerned with the physical creation and delivering of the product (Johnson et al. 2005); whilst support are the activities that supply primary ones with purchased inputs, human resources and technology. It also supplies the entire chain with firm infrastructure (Kippenberger 1991). All activities are embedded into a ‘stream of activities’ called th e value system (Porter 1998).These ‘generic description of activities’ should be mapped out in an activity system (Johnson et al. 2005). This disaggregation of discrete activities can isolate the value creating areas from the lacking (Porter 1998). In this way not so important areas can be combined or ‘clustered’ (Johnson et al. 2005). Thus the firm can now see which areas of activities they should be concentrating their resources on; and which they should de-emphasis or outsource (Johnson et al. 2005). Often the categorization of activities relies on judgment (Kippenberger 1991).Linking of the Value Chain This system of mapping out and categorizing activities helps the firm to link its competencies to competitive advantage (Normann 1993). Relating your core competencies back to your resources is a successful way to gain competitive advantage (Lusch 2011); and participation of this is key to good strategy in a business (Normann 1993). Optimizing co-ordinati on between some activities may take place, as well as trade-offs between activities in order to achieve an overall more successful value result (Porter 1998).Once activities have been clustered or isolated depending on their ‘higher order strategic themes’ (Porter 1998), the links between the different activities need to identified and analyzed in order to spot any potential competitive advantage sources that lie here (Kippenberger 1991). And so to, the notion of relationship and information management in the value chain arises in the different literature. Emphasis needs to be placed on the relationships between all activities within the firm and with external organizations (Walters 2000).Information plays a significant role in good relations as it helps to co-ordinate all activities in the value chain, and implement any sources of competitive advantage found. Walter and Lancaster (2000) relate back to Browns 1997 industry perspective of value whereby concerns raised in the value chain are to do with supply chain management and logistics involvement. In the upper part of the supply chain, inputs are created or provided by suppliers; the company then adds value to these inputs before handing the product or service downstream, finally reaching the end consumer (Porter 1998).Although most of the literature see’s the participation of the supply chain and logistic elements as a necessary involvement in the value chain in order to gain competitive advantage; these essentials play different roles in different literatures. Supply chain management has also been seen as the management of the differing relations along the value chain that take place to maximize value creation (Walters 2000). Every value creating activity is facilitated by logistics such as the management of costs that occur within the supply chain. Focus on External SourcesSo far, the value chain and its successful application has revolved around the industrial view. However to modern ize the value chain from its 1980’s foundations a focus on maximizing value starting from external sources has come to play. Instead of looking at one’s own activities within a business and its supply chain and logistical partners to spot sources of competitive advantage, businesses may start value chain analysis by looking at their target customer (Webster 1988),. Taking a customer-centric approach to the value chain means that when analyzing activities one is looking to see if it maximizes value for the customer.Value opportunities are now distinguished by their ability to satisfy customer’s needs (Walters 2000). High perceived value is a determinant of customer loyalty (Parasuraman 2000). Research has shown that customer loyalty and retention is more profitable than gaining of a new customer pool. Thus it is in a business’s best interest to optimize value creation in the minds of their customer. Value should not be solely focused on product quality, as service quality has been found to be a driver of value perception (Parasuraman 2000). This is especially the case where the product offering and service quality overlap e. . a hotel stay. The idea of customers’ needs and value perceptions being paramount to the company needs to stem from every aspect and level within that company. There needs to be an organizational believe in order to create a customer orientated firm (Webster 1988). This should start at top management and the CEO and then instilled into every aspect of the company. Thus the idea of an information flow and relationship management comes to the forefront again. Value creation is aided by a good fit between relationships and knowledge within a value chain (Normann 1993).This also contributes to good strategy within an organization where by all equally informed members working pro-actively together helps to create value in whatever activity they may be partaking in (Normann 1993). The value proposition (the val ue the customer understands is being offered to them [Walters 2000]) should be communicated to all stakeholders also (Lusch 2011). It needs to have an appeal to the stakeholders so that they can see the potential value for themselves in putting customer needs first (Lusch 2011). Through this aim, the idea of ‘corporate value’ is introduced (Walters 2000).Corporate Value is the notion that if a value chain is to be successful it is crucial that the objectives of all stakeholders as well as customers are to be met. Managing the relationships between all relevant parties through the provision of information is pertinent again. This management is facilitated by the supply chain and logistical functions (as discussed earlier) within the value chain. The Future – Conclusion A number of themes keep re-emerging from the literature; all of which are noted to be prominent drivers of a successful value chain, thus being a source of competitive advantage.Corporate value and the value chain should become a guide for a company’s mission statement. Supply Chain functions facilitate the strategic direction of fulfilling this mission statement. Logistics helps to implement this whole chain by managing operations (Walters 2000). To succeed in value chain management a number of factors need to be considered. Firstly customer value criteria needs to be identified. In this way a company can ensure that when carrying out Value Chain management they co-ordinate all activities and their suppliers so that customer satisfaction and the attempt to meet stakeholders objectives is maximized.This should be carried out continuously so that at no time should there be a more preferable option to ensure value satisfaction (Walters 2000), (Parasuraman 2000). Successful implementation of supply chain management and logistical functions to aid favorable results in the value chain, can only be done so by the management of relationships and information (Normann 1993). Man y relationships take place within the value chain such as relations between employers and employees, the firm with its customers and stakeholders, and the business with its partners in the supply chain (Kippenberger 1991).Relevant information must be passed to each and every individual within the value chain (Walters 2000). Through good relations, companies can spot value creators and sources of differentiation within the vale chain (Porter 1998). Thus successful companies will learn how to re-invent value rather than just create it (Normann 1993). This will provide competitive advantage in today’s globalized market where competition is immensely high. The value chain can now also be used as a tool for evaluating new business opportunities (Walters 2000).Globalization has also caused a change in customers’ needs and value criteria with the onset of increasing competitor choice in most industries. Thus tapping into customer’s wants and needs must be done on a con tinuing basis (Parasuraman 2000). This market intelligence needs to be communicated to everyone in the value chain in order that the chain be reconfigured to ensure maximum customer satisfaction and value at all times (Webster 1988). Value propositions should be looked at again. This is the way in which a customer understands the value offered to them (Walters 2000).Firms need to mobilize their customer base so that they can create their own value from the company’s product offering (Normann 1993). They can use their value proposition as a tool for doing so. IKEA Example Six decades ago Ikea founder Ingvor Kampvad began a Swedish mail order operation selling furniture (Ikea 2012). Today, it is the global leader in home furnishing expanding into new geographic and product markets each year (Ikea 2012). By November 2011 the company had 332 stores in 38 countries worldwide (Collins 2011); 2010 saw them with an increase of 7. 7% in sales growth from the previous year ($23. Billio n) (Collins 2011). But how does their use of the value chain attribute to this success? Ikea’s business model is simple: the selling of high quality, Scandinavian designed, flat pack furniture. New product lines have been added to their product offering such as the introduction of soft furnishing items e. g. rugs, paintings etc. Profit making amenities are also located within all their stores such as coffee shops and restaurants. What Ikea saves on efficient warehousing (Ikea Distribution 2011) and low cost components, they pass onto their customers in the form of lower prices.Apart from this low cost strategy the company are able to maximize their organizational practices within the value chain in order to provide greater value to their customers in comparison to fellow competitors. By re-inventing their value proposition they have mobilized customers to take their own value from their offering. Customers are doing the jobs that furniture providers once did such as assemblin g of the product. Ikea aims to ensure that this is as seamless a process as possible for the customer by providing good quality, easy to fit components along with safety warnings and instructions.If we go along Porters definition of value (Porter 1998) -value is what consumers are willing to pay for what a firm provides- then we can see from the Ikea example that consumers perceive the ease of assembly and instructions provided as high value for the low cost that they pay. Similarly when entering the store, customers are provided with measuring tapes, pens and paper etc. This allows the consumer to take over the role of the salesperson partially. This is aided by the amount of information provided about each product through their catalogue (also available upon store entry) and on product displays.Again, these additions communicate extra value gained in the consumer’s mind by shopping at Ikea versus a competitor. Ikea have reinvented the idea of value for their customers. They do not position themselves as a supplier offering finished goods to an end-consumer. Instead they act as a mediator between two sets of producers (Ikea 2012), whereby the end consumer is also a producer as it is he who finalizes and assembles the offering. Suppliers are located in 50 countries around the world (Ikea 2012). They are selectively hosen to provide low cost, good quality wood that also complies with Ikea’s ‘Iway’ programme, whereby all wood must be obtained in a sustainable and traceable manner (Ikea 2012). By managing good relations with their suppliers in the value chain, good quality, low-priced raw materials can be guaranteed, and constantly meet the Ikea standards. Ikea also heightens the value created by their suppliers through their ‘Ikea Engineering’ programme (Ikea 2012). Technicians are provided for suppliers to aid in technical assistance.Between their online and in store till sales, ordering and payment of goods is done elect ronically (Ikea 2012). This passing of information between activities makes it easier for their warehouses to analyze shipping patterns and sales globally (Ikea 2012). Stock quantities and deliveries can also be amended with ease. The communicating of information and managing of relations between all retail and supplier units worldwide means that standards are kept the same and are controlled no matter which Ikea location a customer may be in.This means that no matter where the customer enters an Ikea outlet, that the value provided remains constant and high. Thus providing Ikea with the loyalty that earns them their competitive edge in this growing industry. References 1. Collins, L. (2011, October). How Ikea transformed home furnshings: The New Yorker. Retrieved from The New Yorker: http://www. newyorker. com/reporting/2011/10/03/111003fa_fact_collins 2. Grewal, D. P. (2000). The Impact of Technology on the Quality-Value-Loyalty Chain: A Research Agenda. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science. , 28(1), 168-174. 3. Ikea. (2011).Ikea Distribution. Retrieved from Ikea: http://www. ikea. com/ms/en_US/jobs/business_types/distribution_logistics/index. html 4. Ikea. (2012). Ikea-History. Retrieved from Ikea: http://www. ikea. com/ms/en_IE/about_ikea/the_ikea_way/history/index. html 5. Johnson, G. S. (2005). Exploring Corporate Strategy. Essex: Pearson Education Limited. 6. Kippenberger, T. (1991). The value chain: the original breakthrough. The Antidote, 2(5), 7-10. 7. Lancaster, G. W. (2000). Implementing value strategy through the value chain. Management Decision, 38(3), 160-178. 8. Lusch, R. W. (2011). A Stakeholder-Unifying,

Deontology and Computer Programer Essays

Deontology and Computer Programer Essays Deontology and Computer Programer Essay Deontology and Computer Programer Essay A strict deontological would have no qualms about doing his duty. The Seven Oaks Philosophy website states, Theories in this category (demonology) address the question of what makes one action right and another one wrong irrespective of the consequences of the action. That means no matter the result a strict deontological will do his duty. I, the computer programmer, have sworn an oath to never intervene in any government action. If I were to interrupt the launch, that action would be ring, because I would be intervening in government actions, without giving any thought to the consequences after the launch. So a true deontological would not stop the launch nor divert the flight path and I believe my true duty would be a computer programmer that will not mess in government business. Let us put the situation to the test of Cants Categorical Imperative. The only thing GOOD about the act is the WILL, the GOOD WILL. That will is to do our DUTY. What is our duty? It is our duty to CT in such a manner that we would want everyone else to act in a similar manner in similar circumstances towards all other people. ( ICC. CUNY. Du/ Categorical_eliminative. HTML) So lets put this to the test- would I want Deltas (or any other country) computer programmer to Just do his Job and not stop millions of people dying? Of coarse I would want him to stop the launch, and thus l, using CLC should stop the launch. But would these actions be fulfilling my duty? Using Cants ironically I believe it would because my duty would not be Just a computer programmer, but our duty Is to act In such a manner that we would want everyone else to act. These entirely two different actions would definitely put the strict deontological at odds with Emmanuel Cants philosophy. Not so much In doing our duty, as using the philosophy to determine WHAT Is our duty. If I truly am the computer programmer In this scenario, I would definitely not allow the launch to happen and face the consequences of not doing my assigned Job.