Human Resource Management A Case Study Of Apple

Question: Describe about the Human Resource Management for A Case Study of Apple. Answer: Introduction: Recruitment and selection process forms a core part of the central activities of the operation and management of an organization. The human resource management of the organization is responsible for the acquisition, development as well as for the rewards of the employees. Nevertheless, human resource forms an important part in shaping the overall framework of an organization. The HR manager must possess the important repository and up-to-date knowledge and skills. As pointed out by Zhang et al. (2014, p. 815), recruitment process is a planned rational activity that comprises of certain sequentially linked phases that might be included in the HR management strategy. Creating a positive employment relationship in the workplace, results in improvement of the productivity of the organization. The role of human resource managers holds the greatest importance in respect to such criteria. The discussion is based on making a critical approach of the recruitment and selection process and employment relationship at Apple. Approximately, the company has 80,500 full-time employees working worldwide (Apple, 2016). Being the Worlds second largest information technology company, Apple follows a strict selection policy. Several rounds of interviews are conducted and only when the management is satisfied with the candidate, the person is recruited. In this report, several theories related to employment relation will be evaluated. Along with that, the approaches made by the human resource management team of Apple will be analyzed. Literature review: According to Hollensen (2015), every organization must have certain recruitment strategies in order to pursue its survival and success. The management of the organization must be clear to the questions, Whom to recruit?, What recruitment sources are to be used for proper recruitment?, When to recruit? and other such information. In order to achieve this criterion, it is important to follow the best fit and best practice approach. The matching model of human resource suggests that the structure and function of an organization is the outcome of its strategies. Expanding the concept, it has been stated by Ackers (2014, p. 261), that organizational strategies are pre-eminent and both structure of the organization and the HRM policies are depended completely on the strategies of the organization. The Human Capital theory: People with their collective skills, ability and experience make a significant contribution to the organization. These people are recognized as the ones who contribute to the success of an organization. They are significant source of competitive advantage for the company. According to Zhang et al. (2014, p. 815), the recruitment strategies of an organization depend on the available resources and at the same time, the environmental dynamics as well. The recruitment of employees or labor depends on the power of the organization and the local competition. Therefore, it is important to define the profile of the candidate who has to be hired. This profile is more or less depended on the criteria of formal education or gender or age. However, opposing this, it has been commented by Cullinane Dundon (2014), that it is the exact situation when discrimination begins. A closed recruitment channel of network might help to improve this condition. According to this theory, some people are born with the ability and personal capability. Danford Zhao (2012, p. 843) mentioned that effectiveness of an organization is measured in terms of achieving the targets with the limited available resources. Employees are the one who are responsible for fulfilling the target and the production of the organization. The concept of efficiency of an employee can be holds true only when this particular aim is fulfilled. According to Armstrong Taylor (2014), tension of an organization is held to rest on the ability of an individual to achieve the target set by the organization. As pointed out by Ackers (2014, p. 261), it also falls under the responsibility of the management to actively take part in developing the skills and interest of the employees. Equity approach theory: Bratton Gold (2012) suggested that the recruitment process might be passed through various stages where the candidates will be filtered step by step. These filters might be based on certain criteria like reading or writing test, personality test and even interview with personnel. The interview is the most important and critical part of selection that might decide the final criteria of selection of an employee. Bratton Gold (2012) further argues that recruitment strategies are also set depending on the organizational intelligence. The ability to handle the complex labor market is the organizational intelligence. Another factor that influences the recruitment process is the technical complexity of the products or service of the company. However, the technological constrains sometimes could not prove to be fruitful at certain instances. The equity approach made by an organization states the expectation that there should also be an approach to make the organization a desirable place for the employees to work in future. . Providing flexibility, loyalty to the employees and creating an atmosphere where there is absence of any kind of workplace conflict results in a better employment relationship. Employment relationship takes a takes a different meaning when certain concerns are made regarding any kind of conflict that arises at the workplace. Employees must have a clear pathway of their career that should include promotion and training programs as well. It is for the same reason, it is important for an organization to create a culture of dignity and respect in the work place. Another important approach of recruitment process is the status quo strategy. According to this approach it has been stated that every firm might have certain resources but they might not be able to use them properly and wisely in respect to other competitive organizations. As commented by Craven (2015), in order to gain benefit of these unused resources, an organization makes approaches towards recruitment. The firm hires professionals who have better acknowledge of the technologies or the resources of the firm. The flexible strategy of recruitment is usually used by small and medium size enterprises that do not have much resource and they are in fact forced to adapt with the changing industrial situation. These companies keep changing on their recruitment policies trying to match with the changing situation. The innovative strategy of recruitment process recommends using various platforms such as television, newspaper and even social media as a means of attracting innovative people for the organization. Discussion: It has been stated by, Bratton Gold (2012) that recruitment is a process of generating pool of capable people in an organization for employment purpose. Selection process is carried on by the managers of the organization by using certain tools and equipment of measurement, so that they can be able to select the best from the pool of applicants. The particular person is recruited who is thought to be more likely to succeed in the job by achieving the goals and objectives set by the management. In the video, it has been seen that Luciana, Human Resources, also has the same view point. She commented that the person is recruited at Apple because the individual deserves to be at that position. However, it has also been pointed out by Herriot (2013), that training also plays a pivotal role in shaping the capability of the recruited employee. Companies like Infosys and IBM have a core believe that they can train the recruited employees in a way that would be preferable for their company. According to resourcing cycle model, proposed by Sparrow Cooper (2012), recruitment process begins with identification of a vacancy and ends when an eligible candidate is found to fit that post. Recruitment is a two way process. On one hand, the management of the organization looks for the best suited person and on the other hand, the candidate also inspects the company before accepting the proposal. In this respect, it has to be mentioned that Apple hires employees for different areas of functionality. John, iPad Product Design manager pointed out that the final products of Apple might seem very attractive but the manufacturing procedure is not easy. It involves great hardship and labor. Creating different and exclusive product design is the premium objective of Apple. In order to fulfill this objective, hiring only professional and capable candidate remains the only option. Typically, the decision of recruiting an employee depends on selecting the most potential worker in terms of their recent work or more commonly, the one with most potential competencies. However, in contrast to the same approach, it has been pointed out by Taylor (2015, p. 160) that those workers who are flexible in their job are more likely to contribute in the business. The same concept has been shared by Joel, Vice President of Human Resource. As per his opinion, the person has to be flexible and comfortable with the type of job that they might be assigned. Nevertheless, recruitment and selection process is fundamental to the functioning of an organization. This shows the importance of getting the right candidate recruited. On the other hand, an inappropriate approach towards selection will definitely reduce the effectiveness Another important aspect of recruitment is perception of the recruiter. The quality and accuracy of perception will definitely have a major impact on the response of employee selection. Therefore, one of the effectiveness in the selection and recruitment process lies in the core principles of the recruiters. Same viewpoint has been noticed from the end of the retail head of Apple, Makiko. As per her opinion, best practices and business strategies put effect in the success of the organization. There is no doubt that Apple as an organization has its own business and market strategies. In order to keep pace with these strategies, it is very important to select the most eligible person at the time of recruitment. All businesses aim to maximize their profit and improve their profitability. However, staff satisfaction is also important to maintain the willingness of the employees at the workplace. Conclusion: The success of the company can be easily credited to the employees and most importantly the human resource management of Apple. The employment recruitment and the relationship strategies that the human resource management team of Apple undertakes are based on their business strategies. They manufacture premium products that are exclusive both technologically and in terms of their design. This is the reason they look for those employees who can prove to match the expectation of the companys operation and management. All the managerial heads that are responsible for selection and recruitment of employees are highly dedicated towards their role and responsibilities. These factors definitely add to the prosperity of the company. Reference list: Ackers, P., 2014. Rethinking the employment relationship: a neo-pluralist critique of British industrial relations orthodoxy.The International Journal of Human Resource Management,Vol. 25, no. 18, pp.260-262. Apple. 2016.Recruitment and Selection. [online] Available at: https://applecorporate.weebly.com/recruitment-and-selection.html [Accessed 2 Aug. 2016]. Armstrong, M. and Taylor, S., 2014.Armstrong's outlook on human resource management practice. Kogan Page Publishers. Bratton, J. and Gold, J., 2012.Human resource management: theory and practice. Palgrave Macmillan. Craven, J.A., 2015. The Employment Relationship.NY Practice Guide: Business and Commercial. Herriot, P., 2013.The employment relationship: A psychological perspective. Routledge. Hollensen, S., 2015.Human resource management: A relationship approach. Pearson Education. Sparrow, P. and Cooper, C.L., 2012.The employment relationship: Key challenges for HR. Routledge. Taylor, K., 2015. Learning from the Co-operative Institutional Model: How to Enhance Organizational Robustness of Third Sector Organizations with More Pluralistic Forms of Governance.Administrative Sciences,Vol. 5, no. 3, pp.148-164. Van Buren, H.J. and Greenwood, M., 2013, January. Unitarist Ideology in HRM: Challenging the Dominant Framework Using Epistemological Analysis. InAcademy of Management ProceedingsVol. 2013, no. 1, p. 14. Academy of Management. YouTube. 2016.Apple's employee recruiting video. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9SK052cF3c [Accessed 2 Aug. 2016]. Zhang, A.Y., Song, L.J., Tsui, A.S. and Fu, P.P., 2014. Employee responses to employment recruitment practices: The role of psychological empowerment and traditionality.Journal of Organizational Behavior,Vol. 35 no. 6, pp.809-830.

Conflict Resolution Conflict Resolution Strategies

Question: Discuss about the Conflict Resolution for Conflict Resolution Strategies. Answer: Introduction Conflict implies a form of friction, disagreement or discord that emanate among a certain group of individuals whenever their right is infringed. Conflict may arise within a group sharing a common background or predicament. Such form of a conflict is referred to as intragroup conflict. This conflict may occur among individuals belonging to two or more groups. It may entail violence or the general disagreement among the members of the group. The other form of conflict is intergroup conflict. This form of conflict occurs between members of distinct groups (Leidner, et al. 2013, pp.181-192). For instance, members belonging to one ethnic group ganging up against members of another ethnic group. This form of conflict may be triggered by the presence of or a lack of a motivating factor. For instance, members of one ethnic group may attack those of another ethnic group due to scarcity of resources or on belief that the other group is enjoying a bigger share of the national cake over themselves. Such form of conflict leads to a stage of conflict resolution. Conflict is deemed as having been resolved when the disagreement between the wishes as well as actions of the conflicting parties is addressed amicably. One means of conflict resolution is negotiation. This form of conflict resolution entails a process that tries to incorporate the positive conflict with the main aim of preventing the conflict from degenerating into negative conflict (Kim, 2016, pp.39-47). It entails striking a balance between the conflicting parties so that all parties feel that they have not lost as a result of the conflict. Another form of conflict resolution mechanism is mediation. This entails involvement of a neutral party in the process of conflict resolution. The neutral party does not take sides. He or she listens to both the conflicting parties and tends to give his or her view. However, the mediator does not judge or decide for the conflicting parties. They only listen and give their opinion. Racial conflict in Australia Racial discrimination is a conflict that has existed for a very long time in Australia. Members from Indigenous families have since the pre-independence era suffered as a result of racial discrimination (Le Nguyen Ali, 2015, pp.159-175). The racial discrimination has been witnessed in all spheres of Indigenous persons lives. Economically, socially, politically, Indigenous groups have been. marginalized. Racial discrimination refers to a situation when individuals of a particular race are treated less favourably as compared to how the members of the other race treated because of their colour, descent, ethnic origin or their nation of origin as well as their immigrant status. The nation of Australia was at independence defined as a white territory. This definition contributed to a wide range of rapid intensification that was based on racial ideologies of superiority during the period of the spread of the ideals of Charles Darwin. Social Darwinism affirmed racial bigotry as a value to be embraced in Australia. The Australian riots of 1857 and 1861 driven by the perception among the European-Australian miners that the Chinese were present in Australia illegally and that by virtue of the quarries falling in their cultural capital, they enjoyed undue right to send away immigrants. This riot widened the boundaries of who should be called the white and how much privileges members enjoying this definition held. The end result was the growing discrimination against members of other races other than the white race. The riots ended up defining who deserved to be called Australian and who did not (Ralph, et al. 2013, pp.19). During the formation of Australia as a nation, the driving force for nationality was based on the belief that only members of European origin held enough enough of the civilization blood in them and hence this was the definitive factor in setting the conditions of a commonwealth of equality. Members of other racial inclination felt offended by this and hence the up rise of the various conflicts based on race. Members of the black race as well as those of Chinese race felt unfairly treated and ended up revolting. This for a very long time led to animosity and conflicts between members of the European race against members of other races such as the black race and the Chinese race. The conflicts were driven by the delusional politics among the Australian population. What followed was a history of a series of attacks stretching from the revolutionary pro as well as anti Soviet Russians occupying the Brisbane region of Eastern Australia, spreading through the inter-Asian as well as anti-W hite confrontations of Broome which eventually degenerated to the bloody clashes witnessed at Kalgoorlie. Australia is home to the worlds most diverse cultures. In this nation are people who identify with over 270 global ancestries (Little McMillan, 2016, pp1-19). Despite this rich diversity, a large number of individuals face unfair treatment as well as racism on the basis of how they look or on the basis of their place of origin. Racial discrimination as a conflict can degenerate to the level where barriers are created that lock people out of the economic as well as social opportunities. Racial discrimination began in Australia in 1788 when the British settlers took away land belonging to the Indigenous groups. The Indigenous groups were deprived of their right to full citizenship and regarded as immigrants subjected under strict immigration laws based on the doctrine of terra nullius (Little McMillan, 2016, pp1-19). At independence, the discriminatory treatment were transferred to the new Australian government which discriminated the Indigenous groups based on their colour and cultu re. They were viewed as an inferior race unable to equally contribute to the nation development. As a result, they were not allowed to hold positions of significance in the society. Most members of Indigenous groups ended up holding subsidiary roles in society such as acting as home guards and domestic workers for the white race. The policies implemented by the government hindered members of the Indigenous groups from accessing national resources such as education. The education system implemented after colonization emphasized on promotion of the white culture as opposed to Indigenous culture. Due the love of their culture which they wanted to preserve, members of Indigenous groups opted not to attend schools. This made them economically disadvantaged as they lacked the skills to get employed in the formal sector leaving them exposed to poor living conditions. Moreover, government policies that segreted people based on race further disadvantaged members of Indigenous groups. These group of people were only allowed access to facilities that were substandard such as schools that lacked adequate teaching and learning resources, health facilities that lacked adequate treatment facilities (Ralph, et al. 2013, pp.19). As a result, most members of Indigenous groups preferred using traditional treatment methods which was not up to standard as they could diagnose the disease to be treated. This contributed to the high mortality rate among members of Indigenous communities. These groups could not embrace the culture that was being promoted in the schools and as a result, most of them stayed away from school to engage in their own economic activities such as farming. Racial discrimination rose so high leading to the 1934 Kalgoorlie riots. This riots led to massive deaths as well as destruction of homes of the Dings at Dingbat Flat and at the same time led to the rising horror in the town. This horror was fuelled by how the alcohol-fuelled attack occasioned on foreigners degenerated into sustained mayhem. This situation led to an ambiguous anxiety that to date lurks at the heart of all Australian race riot. For the sake of conflict resolution, individuals caught up by the rising wash of vengeance fuelled by the believe of righteousness against the outsider and by the emotion of self-justification are called upon to confront an awareness of a fragile and civilized society and the essence of building bridges of peace rather than animosity. In 1967, a referendum concerning Aboriginal rights was conducted. After this referendum, lives of the Indigenous groups started improving as measures were put in place to reduce the racial conflict. The government in an attempt to address conflicts caused by racial discrimination has enacted various measures. For instance, education policies that consider members from Indigenous families have been implemented. The education curriculum has incorporated the study of Indigenous culture as away of reducing cultural conflict in among the whites and the black race. Mediation teams have been deployed to various conflicting regions to help mediate between the warring groups. Conclusion Contrary to the widely held view, not all conflict result to negative consequences. There are cases where conflict is constructive. For instance, moderate level of conflicts could be mutually beneficial, leading to conditions of understanding, tolerance, efficiency and effectiveness as well as boosting the process of learning (Le Nguyen et al. 2016, pp. 559-568) At this stage, there emerges two levels of conflict; content conflict in which persons disagree on how to handle a particular issue hence increases individual motivation and in the process stimulating discussion and relational conflict. Here, persons disagree with each other leading to decrease in individual performance, reducing loyalty and contributes to negative and suspicion among members of the group. Bibliography Cowan, A., 2013. [22PacRimLPolyJ247] UNDRIP and the Intervention: Indigenous Self-Determination, Participation, and Racial Discrimination in the Northern Territory of Australia. Darian-Smith, K. and Edmonds, P. eds., 2015. Conciliation on colonial frontiers: Conflict, performance, and commemoration in Australia and the Pacific Rim (Vol. 34). Routledge. Leidner, B., Castano, E. and Ginges, J., 2013. Dehumanization, retributive and restorative justice, and aggressive versus diplomatic intergroup conflict resolution strategies. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 39(2), pp.181-192. Little, A. and McMillan, M., 2016. Invisibility and the politics of reconciliation in Australia: Keeping conflict in view. Ethnopolitics, pp.1-19. O'Toole, J.R. and Burton, B.V., 2015. Cycles of harmony: Action research into the effects of drama on conflict management in schools. Le Nguyen, H., Larimo, J. and Ali, T., 2016. How do ownership control position and national culture influence conflict resolution strategies in international joint ventures?. International Business Review, 25(2), pp.559-568. Le Nguyen, H., Larimo, J. and Ali, T., 2015. Control Position Strategy, Cultural Distance, Conflict Resolution Strategies and Performance of International Joint Ventures. In The Rise of Multinationals from Emerging Economies (pp. 159-175). Palgrave Macmillan UK. Kim, K.H., 2016. Impact on the Collective Claims and Conflict Resolution Strategies Related to Infant Policy Integration. International Journal of Advanced Culture Technology (IJACT), 4(3), pp.39-47. Ralph, N., Welch, A.J., Norris, P. and Irwin, R., 2013. Reflections on power, conflict and resolution for the perioperative environment. ACORN: the journal of perioperative nursing in Australia, 26(1), p.19. Stone, J. and Rizova, P., 2014. Racial conflict in global society. John Wiley Sons. Petersen, N. and Ward, G., 2015. The transmission of historical racial violence: Lynching, civil rightsera terror, and contemporary interracial homicide. Race and Justice, p.2153368714567577. Williams, D., 2016. Conflict Resolution: An Examination of Perceptions of Cultural Conflict Resolution Strategies in Organizations.

Village Volvo free essay sample

? Introduction and Overview Village Volvo was recently opened by two former experienced Volvo dealer mechanics. The owners of Village Volvo focus on provided their customers with custom care service at an affordable price. By providing their customers with a custom care service that is unavailable at other local dealers, they differentiate themselves from the competition. Village Volvo has four work bays, an office, a waiting room, and a storage room. In order to provide individual attention to each customer, they set aside specific times each week to devote to customers who need routine services preformed to their vehicle. If customers require a diagnosis and repair, Village Volvo’s encourages its customers to make an appointment. Upon bringing in their vehicle for service, a mechanic speaks with the customer to assure they understand exactly what is going on with the vehicle. From the moment the vehicle is dropped off until the time the customer picks it up, Village Volvo is in constant communication with their customers. We will write a custom essay sample on Village Volvo or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page They make the preliminary diagnosis and give the customer an estimation of the cost if unexpected problems occur before additional work is performed. When the customer picks up his/her vehicle, it has been cleaned and parts are returned to the customer. In addition, Village Volvo informs its customers of any problems that may occur in the near future. Village Volvo hopes that their customers leave with an experience that they have not had at any of the competing dealerships. Question 1: Describe Volvo’s service package. A service package is defined as a bundle of goods and services with information that is provided in some environment. The bundle of goods for Village Volvo is as follows: Supporting facility: The suburban structure that houses Village Volvo is the supporting facility. It is a Butler Building located in a suburban area with four work bays, an office, a waiting area and a storage room. In addition, the facility has an office, waiting area and storage room. There are some amenities in the waiting room to provide some extent of comfort to the customer while they wait for the quick, routine services such as tune-ups and oil changes. Facilitating goods: The goods that facilitate the service product include the vehicles brought in by the customers and the mechanical components identified by the mechanics that are required to repair customer’s vehicle. Information: Information provided by the customer to the mechanic who will be working on the vehicle. In addition to that, another source of information is the CCVD, which is a continuing file with the service history performed on the vehicle. Moreover, since Village Volvo develops a closer relationship with the customers, it allocates specific hours of discussions between the owner-mechanic and the customer to go through all aspects of the vehicle existing problems before the service is done. Feedback is continuously provided thru the CCVD records. Explicit services: The explicit services include the face to face customer consultation, the relaxing waiting room, the diagnostic and repair and/or maintenance of the vehicle, and the customer leaving Village Volvo with a smooth-running vehicle after the service has been performed. Implicit services: Customized service is provided to each customer by scheduling non-work hours during heaving customer contact times so that owners-mechanics can spend time with customers and discuss their issues. This customized care not only attracts, but maintains customers. Additionally, customers have the assurance of a reliable and on-time service within a reasonable cost, without exploiting the customers with unfair practices of changing car components without the proper need. Village Volvo also has a deeper understanding of the customers vehicle thru the database developed – CCVD. The following table illustrates the service bundle of Village Volvo: Service Bundle Matrix Element Core Service Example Busines Out-of-warranty Volvo Vehicles Core Quality repair at a resonable cost Peripheral Goods CCVD vehicle dossier Peripheral Service Waiting room amenities Variant Experience, customer-mechanic interaction, transparency on the repair, scheduled appointments, specific hours for tuneup and oil change, vehicle cleaning, vehicle test drive for quality assurance of the repair Question 2: How are the distinctive characteristics of a service firm illustrated by Village Volvo? Customer Participation in the Service Process Customers at Village Volvo rate their customer service by their experience. The quality of service is enhanced if the service facility is designed form the customer’s perceptive. The location of Village Volvo must be convenient for its customer base. If the repair shop were located in an area where people might not drive/be able to afford Volvos, it might miss an opportunity to locate itself closer to its customer base so that vehicle drop-offs and pickups are convenient. Village Volvo involves its customer in the service process by having the mechanic consult with the auto owner to discuss the repairs performed and repairs that will be needed in the future. Because the customer can wait onsite, they are also part of the service process by nature of the facility. Perishability The time-perishable capacity of the service offered by Village Volvo is illustrated by the fluctuations in demand experienced throughout the day and the fact that Village Volvo could miss out on a service opportunity if a mechanic is not available to service a walk-in guest.

Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson in the Napoleonic Wars

Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson in the Napoleonic Wars Horatio Nelson - Birth: Horatio Nelson was born at Burnham Thorpe, England on September 29, 1758, to Reverend Edmund Nelson and Catherine Nelson. He was the sixth of eleven children. Horatio Nelson - Rank Titles: At his death in 1805, Nelson held the rank of Vice Admiral of the White in the Royal Navy, as well as the titles of 1st Viscount Nelson of the Nile (English peerage) and Duke of Bronte (Neapolitan peerage). Horatio Nelson - Personal Life: Nelson married Frances Nisbet in 1787, while stationed in the Caribbean. The two did not produce any children and the relationship cooled. In 1799, Nelson met Emma Hamilton, the wife of the British ambassador to Naples. The two fell in love and, despite the scandal, lived openly together for the remainder of Nelsons life. They had one child, a daughter named Horatia. Horatio Nelson - Career: Entering the Royal Navy in 1771, Nelson swiftly rose through the ranks achieving the rank of captain by the time he was twenty. In 1797, he won great acclaim for his performance at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent where his audacious disobeying of orders led to a stunning British victory over the French.   Following the battle, Nelson was knighted and promoted to rear admiral. Later that year, he participated in an attack on Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands and was wounded in the right arm, forcing its amputation. In 1798, Nelson, now a rear admiral, was given a fleet of fifteen ships and sent to destroy the French fleet supporting Napoleons invasion of Egypt. After weeks of searching, he found the French at anchor in Aboukir Bay near Alexandria. Sailing into uncharted waters at night, Nelsons squadron attacked and annihilated the French fleet, destroying all but two of their ships. This success followed by a promotion to vice admiral in January 1801.   A short time later, in April, Nelson decisively defeated the Danish fleet at the Battle of Copenhagen. This victory broke up the French-leaning League of Armed Neutrality (Denmark, Russia, Prussia, Sweden) and ensured that a continuous supply of naval stores would reach Britain. After this triumph, Nelson sailed for the Mediterranean where he over saw the blockade of the French coast. In 1805, after a brief rest ashore, Nelson returned to sea after hearing that the French and Spanish fleets were concentrating at Cdiz. On October 21, the combined French and Spanish fleet was spotted off Cape Trafalgar. Using revolutionary new tactics that he had devised, the Nelsons fleet engaged the enemy and was in the process of achieving his greatest triumph when he was shot by a French marine. The bullet entered his left shoulder and pierced the lung, before lodging against his spine. Four hours later, the admiral died, just as his fleet was completing the victory. Horatio Nelson - Legacy: Nelson’s victories ensured that the British controlled the seas for the duration of the Napoleonic Wars and prevented the French from ever attempting to invade Britain. His strategic vision and tactical flexibility set him apart from his contemporaries and have been emulated in the centuries since his death. Nelson possessed an innate ability to inspire his men to achieve beyond what they thought possible. This â€Å"Nelson Touch† was a hallmark of his command style and has been sought by subsequent leaders.

The Cold War and U.S. Diplomacy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

The Cold War and U.S. Diplomacy - Essay Example President Truman requested the Congress to assist the Greek Government to wipe out communism. It was argued that if Turkey would be provided with both economic and military assistance, the US would be able to contain the spread of communism. The Republicans supported the policy, which later controlled the Congress and promised to send $400 million in aid to the Greek government. However, no military forces were to be taken to Greece. The effect was to terminate the Communist threat in Greece. In 1952, both Turkey and Greece joined NATO, an armed alliance that assured their protection. Following this action, the Doctrine was informally expanded to become the foundation of the American Cold War policy around the world and throughout Europe. It shifted the U.S foreign plan towards the Soviet Union from a relaxation of tension to the containment policy of Soviet expansion. The effects of the Truman Doctrine for the U.S and other nations The Long-term policy Truman’s doctrine stren gthened American Cold War policy all over the world, and more specifically, in Europe. It lasted because it looked into a broader cultural uncertainty concerning contemporary life in a globalized world. Truman Doctrine and its policies dealt with the concern of Washington over communism’s domino impact. It also facilitated a media-sensitive representation of a policy that won bipartisan support and it rallied US economic power to stabilize and modernize unstable areas without direct military involvement. In addition, it brought about modernization programs and state-building activities to the forefront of international policy (Cox, 1990). The diplomatic effort became a metaphor for tragedy aid to keep a country from the influence of communism. Truman applied the... This essay describes the policy of the United States towards the Soviet Union during the Cold War focusing on Truman Doctrine. It also seeks to articulate the advantages and disadvantages of this doctrine. The Truman Doctrine originated from President Truman’s speech before a joint meeting of Congress on March 1947. The instant cause for the speech was a prior announcement by Britain that it would not provide economic and military support to the Greek Government in its civil war with the Greek Communist party. President Truman requested the Congress to assist the Greek Government to wipe out communism. It was argued that if Turkey would be provided with both economic and military assistance, the US would be able to contain the spread of communism. The study concludes that the Truman Doctrine was generally a reaction to political issues in Greece, but later had an impact in Europe and the entire world. It was a demonstration of foreign policy as an outcome of the fears and insecurities of Soviet power filling the gap in Europe. The Doctrine had several major consequences. For instance, Turkey and Greece were given financial support and they did not give way to the further spread of communism. Further, the U.S became committed to internationalism with the containment policy, rather than the former isolationism. In addition, it increased tension between the USSR and USA, which formalized the Cold War since America took direct action against communism.

Urban Planning PUP200 Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Urban Planning PUP200 - Term Paper Example This essay will seek to argue that, on the contrary, life and history do imitate art, which means that popular culture, in attempting renditions of the past, can portend a significant influence on how history is told and unfolds (Starrs & Farmer 407). This proposition will be explored in the context of LAs historical attempts and efforts to secure water resources for its urban development and planning. In addition, the proposition will also be explored in the context of political movements set up by Owens Valleys citizens to restrain LAs appropriation of its water resources, how these events are reinterpreted selectively in the film Chinatown, and the films influence on the controversy. The conflict on water resources between Owens Valley and Los Angeles has served as an inspiration for many novelists and film makers since the 1900s with drama and history coming together in a set of events and accounts that have greatly influenced the events as understood in popular culture, particularly in relation to interpretations on the citys conspiratorial deeds (Starrs & Farmer 408). Chinatown, released in 1974 and directed by Roman Polanski, is perhaps the most celebrated film in this genre and, although the screenplay takes liberty with facts and history, it still provides a forceful portrayal of power brokers in LA consistent with the manner of transformed legends. The entire films timeline is shifted to 1937, while the main protagonists are unscrupulous LA city planners and developers seeking to acquire farm land in an adjacent area of the city. DWP officials are seen colluding with real estate speculators through a secret plan to dump LA city water so as to gain support from the public during drought to issue bonds on aqueduct and dam construction. On the other hand, the urban planning leads to farmers losing their water for irrigation, while their land is taken for a pittance by syndicate buyers and they are forced into ruin (Starrs & Farmer 408). The film leaves

Economic And Environmental Factors Influencing The Beer Industry

Economic And Environmental Factors Influencing The Beer Industry According to Canadeans latest Global Beer Trends report, global beer consumption will increase 2 billion hectolitres by 2013. However Canadean predicting an average growth rate of 2.8% between 2009 and 2015. According to Huanshu W., (12-02- 2009), the global high-end beer market will reach 65.5 million kiloliters by 2013, an increase of 74.7 percent over 2006. In Asia-Pacific, beer production will reach 13.5 kiloliters, an increase of 125 percent. Furthermore Huanshu W., (12-02- 2009), notes that the China will be one of the main market for beer industry. According to Heineken International (2011), Annual Report (2009), Heineken has market leadership position in Western Europe. Heineken imported various group brands into several Western Europe markets, affects to increase of the consolidated beer volume in Western Europe. Also Heineken is the largest brewing group in Central and Eastern Europe. Acquisition of Amstel helps to expand brand name of Heineken to success in Central and Eastern Europe. Although Heineken expand distribution in Africa and Middle East by brewing varieties of local brands and export the Heineken and Amstel premier brands across the region. According to Heineken International (2011), Annual Report (2009), Heineken has also built a strong market position in Americas by acquisition of FEMSA in year 2010.This made Heineken the national importer, marketer and seller of FEMSAs brands and expand distribution of Heineken brands in Americas. Also Heineken expand distribution in Asia pacific by made joint venture with Fra ser Neave, Asia pacific Breweries. Heineken is brewed at several of Asia pacific breweries throughout the region. Also Heineken beer has a dominant market position, especially in Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan Heineken International (2011), Annual Report (2009). Number of rivals in beer industry and their world market share Based on 2007/2008 Beer volumes estimates Source: Beer Institute (2011), Research, 2008 Annual Industry Update According to Beer Institute (2011), Research, 2008 Annual Industry Update, The top 3 brewers are Anheuser-Busch InBevs (ABI), Miller and Heineken.These brewers now produce over 50% of worlds beer consumption. Although 70% 80% average beer market share hold in other developed countries. Beer Industry Growth in China According to Heineken International (2011), Currently China is the largest beer market with a sales volume of 291 million hectolitres of beer in 2004 and an annual growth rate of about 15% with a population of 85 million people. China beer market competition is growing at outstanding rate because all the major beer companies try to increase their share of the market. According to AP-Foodtechnology.com, (06-Aug-2004), In China since 1997 total consumption of beer grew by 16.79 % up to 2003 and reach 24.87 billion litres, also total expenses on beer has risen by 85.99 % in current value since 1996. China government economic reform policies affect to growth of China beer market. Heineken Asia Pacific Breweries combine operations in China According to Heineken International (2011), Heineken and Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) was combining in year 2004.This combine leads Heineken to do production and marketing of beer and other strategic activities such as investments for plants, mergers and acquisition in China. Heineken beer will be locally produced to better fulfil the growing demand for Heineken beer in China. Heineken acquired Guangdong Brewery in China Heineken International (2011) noted that the total acquisition of Guangdong Brewery by Heineken is valued at EUR 57 million. Furthermore Mr Thony Ruys, Chairman of Heineken NV said, The Guangdong province is one of the most important beer markets in China. The strong position of Guangdong Breweries in this region offers an excellent platform for further growth of the Heineken brand in china. Guangdong is the largest and prosperous provincial beer markets in China with an estimated volume of 18 million hectolitres per year. Also the partnership with Guangdong Brewery will strengthen the position of Heineken and Asia Pacific Breweries APB considerably in china. Social Issues According to Nugent A.,(25-02-2005), in USA most of beer lovers change their choice to strong beers to light beers (low-alcohol) because they believe that is healthier than regular beers. Light beers calorie percentage is lower than regular beers. However some people argue that light beers are nothing but marketing strategy. Heineken was Introduce to the market in 2005 Heineken Premium Light Larger to compete with other light beer rivals in the market, allbusiness.com (01-10-2006).Furthermore Consumers have reduced their beer consumption because diet and health issues. These consumers think beer effect to body fat because of the percentage of calorie, therefore consumers switch to wine, malt-flavoured alcoholic drinks, BBC News (08-03-2005). Political The beer industry mainly suffers from increase of excise tax by governments and regulations at both federal and state level. Federal and state level regulations affect to beer industry when production, distribution, advertising and labelling. Also percentage of alcohol include in beer, Brewers Association.org. Heineken is a worldwide brewing company therefore governments regulations where it operates heavily affect for Heineken product sales and profit. One example is that government excise tax affect to Heineken sales in Russia. According to Andrew Cleary (21-04-2010), in 2010 first quarter Heineken sales decreased in Russia because excise tax increase by Russian government. Technological Technology helps to brewing industry companies to develop more efficient distribution channels and upgrade facilities with technology that increase the brewing process and improve the quality of the cultivate ingredients and harvesting process. This helps to increase consistency and reduce costs. Heineken is very rich in using information Technology for their production process because its worldwide operations are highly dependent on the availability of information systems, Heineken International (2011). Legal Legal issues affect for beer industry when packaging, advertising and labeling. When advertising beer products target consumer age must be over 21 years. Also some of the countries such as Middle East and other Islamic countries advertising for beer products are banned. Therefore Heineken has to obey rules and regulations according to countries where it operates. Heineken Enjoying Heineken Responsibly is the new marketing strategy that follows obeying the rules, EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com. Environmental Factors that affect to beer industry Recycling Waste According to Beer Serves America (2009), Beer industry brewers and brewer suppliers improvement of the beer packaging lead to increase of the recycle rate of waste plastic, paper, glass, aluminium and cardboard that are used to package manufactured Beer bottles, beer cans and packs. Recycled glass accounts for more than 30% of the materials used to produce new bottles. Overcome from this problem every major brewer companies are successfully recycling waste packages on their own recycle production units. In addition to their own corporate recycling programs, brewers and brewer suppliers encourage the communities they serve to recycle as well. Heineken International (2011), points out that glass is use 76% as a packaging material for beer in Heineken and they distributed beers usually in returnable packaging for reduce waste material environment pollution. Water Conservation and Treatment According to Beer Serves America (2009), Water is the primary ingredient for brewing process. Regular maintenance of faucets and piping allows brewers to quickly identify and repair water leaks; also water meters helps to monitor overall water usage. Some of the brewers in the industry have built on-site water treatment plants for reprocess and purify water for the brewing process. Some brewing industries use Bio-Energy Recovery Systems (BERS) to treat wastewater, reducing its strength and volume while creating a renewable biogas that helps fuel their breweries, Beer Serves America (2009). Heineken International (2011), points out that Specific water consumption at Heineken breweries in 2003 were 5.4 hectolitres per hectolitre of beer and it decrease of 3% compared to 2002. This improvement is because of investment in new water treatment systems. Wastewater from 68% of Heineken production units is treated in on-site plants or in urban plants. Other remaining waste water in production units is discharge after the treatment of on-site wastewater treatment plants. Energy Management Most of brewing industries use alternative sources of energy, such as wind, sunlight and Biogas to power their operations. Furthermore through constant monitoring and maintenance of facilities and adopting technology innovations and techniques use by brewers helps to produce beer with energy efficiency, Beer Serves America (2009). According to Heineken International (2011), Heineken use Renewable energy sources to generate some of the heat required in brewing process. These biogases take from the anaerobic treatment of wastewater. Heineken has 19 anaerobic treatment plants and its the 7th largest user, that use biogas as an energy source. The causes that are affected to change competitive structure and business environment in Brewing industry Acquisition in Beer Industry According to Brown A.,(10-06-2002),Acquisitions accelerate global expansion giving beer companies competent market share in target markets, as well as produce and distribute their own brands through the acquired facilities. Adolph Coors acquisition of the Carling in year 2002 basically gives it position for leading UK lager brand and also offers it platform to extend its own Coors brand throughout the UK. Brown A., (10-06-2002) points out some of the major acquisitions are in beer industry, in 1999 Antarctica and Brahma merged to form AmBev in 2000, Scottish Newcastle Plc Acquired Kronenbourg in 2001, Carlsberg A/S and Orlka ASA completed merger of brewing operations to form Carlsberg Breweries A/S in 2002. Heineken Acquisitions and partnerships According to Heineken International (2011), Annual Report (2009), Heineken has wide international presence through a global network of distributors and breweries. Heineken owns and manages one of the worlds leading portfolios of beer brands and is one of the worlds leading brewers in terms of sales volume and profitability. These following Tables Exhibits some of the major acquisition and partnerships with other brewery companies made by Heineken past years (2004 2010) around the world. These acquisitions are key economic factors that help to drive Heineken to build the long-term future of Heineken brands and business. Also acquisition of other breweries and made partnerships with other brewery companies ensure to improve financial performance and distribution strategies that create values for the company. Heineken acquisitions and partnerships (2004 2010) Global economy crisis Beer industry research: Beer sales depression in recession According to Canadeans news (17/11/10), economic downturn has resulted in reduced sales of beer in Europe and North America. Furthermore Canadeans news (17/11/10), noted that worlds top 4 brewers sale rate is less than in 2008. However, expansions into emerging economies have ensured profitable for large brewers such as AB InBev prominent producer South America and SABMiller prominent producer in Africa. Asia overtakes Europe as worlds biggest beer producer McCurry J. (12 August 2010), noted that economic crisis affected beer sales in Europe, but 5.5% rise in Asias beer production followed .Furthermore he noted according to a study research by the Japanese brewing giant Kirin Holdings, Asia has overtaken Europe as the worlds biggest beer producer for the first time in 35 years. British economic crisis, the lowest level of beer consumption in the UK since 1948 -Star City News According to StarCityNews (03-09- 2010), noted that consumption level of alcoholic beverages in UK has been decrease. Furthermore StarCityNews (03-09- 2010), points out using APBI report, that beer drinkers consume only 13% lower than the year 2004. This percentage is below the average number of beer drinkers in Europe Union countries. Also StarCityNews (03-09- 2010), noted using APBI report data that decrease of the alcoholic beverage consumption affect due to the economic recession in UK and success of the message responsible drinkers which campaigned for the British society for reduce British people drinking habits.Furthermore StarCityNews (03-09- 2010), points out that according to Alcoholic Beverage Industry (APBI) report the tax on beer in the UK also affected to reduce the consumption of beer in UK. UK beer sales fall According to Canadean(27/10/08),news, noted that using British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) report results that overall sales of the beverage in UK decreased by over seven per cent between July and September in 2008, which is thought to be equal to a 1.8 million pint fall. Innovations to Beer Industry (Heineken Draughtkeg) According to TalkingRetail.com (04-05-2007), Innovation of the Heineken unique stand alone Draughtkeg beer system revolutionized the beer industry. Furthermore invention of the DraughtKeg system helps to increment the growth value of the beer category. Competitive Position of the Heineken by reviewing five competitive forces Threat of Substitute products (high) Heineken threat of substitute products is high because customers have many other substitute beverages, such as Liquor, wine, cider, flavoured alcoholic drinks, and non alcoholic beers. The mostly competition come to the industry from the Wine, Liquor and other malt flavoured alcoholic drinks, because they also target the same demographic group. Present market popular substitute product against beer is Smirnoff Ice which is an alternative beer that brewed using a malt base, www.smirnoff.com. Threat of new Entrants (low) Heineken is a large beer company therefore new entrants is low. Also there are many microbreweries throughout Heineken brand distribution countries. But it is difficult to microbreweries to compete with larger companies such as Heineken because advantage of economies of scale, Advertising expenditures and start up capital in beer industry is high. This makes the industry is not attractive for new entrants. Bargaining power of suppliers (low) Bargaining power of suppliers is low. Heineken operates some of own local sourcing projects and Agriculture projects to get raw materials such as Sierra Leone Sorghum Project which is local sourcing project in Sierra Leone is part of the companys Africa-wide strategy to procure at least 60% of its raw materials locally, Heineken International (2011). Due to the size of Heineken, suppliers would not want to lose business with Heineken. In addition Heineken manage supply chain code, both in terms of ethics and the environment therefore Heineken has control possibilities over many of its product inputs, Heineken International (2011). Bargaining power of customers (medium) The bargaining power of customers is a medium threat for the beer industry. Such as taste of the beer, calories, price, and alcohol percentage are concerned by customers when they are going to buy beer product. There is also price comparison and sensitivity in the beer market. According to (comparesupermarketprices.co.uk), Major companies are price their products to the market demand price because among competitors there is huge competitive for price, package and discounts that are given to customers. If one company give a discount other competitors also do. Therefore Customers also have low switching cost because of competitive price. Jockeying for position with rivals (high) Competive forces within beer industry are high. Heineken main competitors are Anheuser-Busch, SABMiller and Carlsberg. Anheuser-Busch has 26% global market share and SABMiller has 17% global market share, Beer Institute (2011), Research, 2008 Annual Industry Update. There is low variation in products and advertising within the beer industry, if one firm launches a new advertising campaign, others will follow. Similarly if one firm launches a new beverage, others will try to copy that beverage. One of the example is Light Beers, according to Miller Brewing Company they produce first Light beer to the USA market in 1977 after that Anheuser-Busch introduce their light beer Bud Light in 1982 and heavily advertised their brand to become first in the market. Furthermore in the beer industry there is competition from both local products and other major brands import products, therefore Heineken has to compete with many type of competitors. Also other threats that affected for competitive po sition are mergers and acquisitions in the beer industry. But Heineken is a large company and recent acquisition of Scottish and Newcastle in 2008 and FMSA in 2010 increased the Heineken global market share, Beer Institute (2011), Research, 2008 Annual Industry Update. Competitor Analysis Heineken Major Competitors are Anheuser-Busch InBev, SABMiller and Carlsberg. Within these 3 competitors Anheuser-Busch InBev, SABMiller are the main competitors to Heineken because of their global market share strength, beer brand and portfolio strength, company revenue and sale of beer volume. Anheuser-Busch InBev According to AB-InBev.com annual report (2009) Anheuser-Busch is the worlds largest beer company and it is the dominant market leader in USA. Furthermore it is the largest global brewer with 25% global market share and one of the worlds top 5 consumer products companies, based in Leuven, Belgium. Anheuser-Busch InBev generated revenues of US$36,758million for 2009 and it portfolio contains more than 200 brands. Anheuser-Busch InBev target consumers are from the lower class of society to the upper class. They have a wide range of precious beer brands and beverages to offer each social class.Anheuser-Busch InBev holds the 1st or 2nd position in 19 key markets. The company employment strength is approximately 116,000 people based in operations in 23 countries around the world, and manages a portfolio of over 200 beer brands including globally recognised brand Budweiser. (www.ab-inbev.com). Furthermore Anheuser-Busch InBev operates in six operational zones, Latin Am erica, North America, Western Europe, Asia Pacific and Central and Eastern Europe. The company strives to be the Best Beer Company in a Better world. SABMiller SABMiller is the worlds second -largest brewing and bottling company measured by revenue and it is only second to Anheuser-Busch. SABMiller based in South Africa, operates in 75 countries across Africa, Australia, Europe, North America, China and India and sells nearly 213 million hectolitres per year and account for 13% global market share. According to SABMiller.com, its owned more than 200 brands and 139 brewers with total number of 69,116 employees. SABMiller revenue for 2009 was US$18,703million SABMiller.com, Annual Report (2009), [Online]. The SABMiller premium beer brand is Pilsner Urquell and also SABMiller is the worlds largest bottlers of Coca-cola products, SABMiller.com. According to SABMiller.com, their mission is to own and nurture local and international brands that are the choice of the consumer. Their strategic priorities are Develop strong relevant brand portfolios that win in the local market, Create balanced and attractive global spread of business, an d increase the profitability of local business, leverage skills and global scale, SABMiller.com. SABMillers significant presence in Africa is the major threat that Heineken to success in Africa. Moreover SABMillers strengthened than Heineken by revenue for year, market share, brewers owned worldwide where it operates. Carlsberg According to Carlsberg.com, Carlsberg is the worlds 4th largest brewery group based in Denmark and employing around 45000 people and account for 7% global market share. The Carlsberg portfolio includes more than 500 brands and well known international premium brand is Carlsberg. In 2009 Carlsberg Group sold more than 135 million hectolitres of beer and sold more than 150 countries, revenue for 2009 was DKK 59,382 million, carlsberggroup.com. Under Export and Licensing agreements Carlsberg sells its products to countries where it has no breweries. Furthermore Carlsbergs products vary particularly in volume, price, target consumers and geographic locations. Carlsberg.com notes that The Carlsbergs ambition is to be thefastest growing global beer company. Carlsberg does not have large footprint according to Heineken, Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller. But its premium brand name Carlsberg has a significant position in Asia. Competitors Global Products Price and Market Share Comparison (Based on 2009 data) Company Name and Global Rank Global Market Share (2009) Revenue (2009) Globally available Brand Name Description about product Price in UK (02-03-2011) 01.Anheuser-Busch InBevs 25% global market share US $ 36, 758 million Stella Artois Number one Belgian beer in the world and is distributed in over 80 countries.  £1.50 (660ml) Becks The Beck brand is the number one export brand in Germany, and present in more than 100 countries worldwide.  £1.50 (660ml) Budweiser The leading brand of Anheuser-Busch InBev brewed to be universally popular brand and first national beer brand in USA introduce in 1876. Its called the Great American Larger.  £1.94 (660ml) 02.SABMiller 13% global market share US$18,703 million Grolsch Available in over 60 countries worldwide and origin in Netherland. Unique Package style makes it stand out from others.  £1.87 (450ml) Miller Genuine Draft Origin in United States, Available in over 68 countries.  £1.16 (330ml) Peroni Nastro Azzurro Origin in Italy, Also Available in austrailia, Africancountries,France,india, peru,Poland,Romania, Russia,Japan,UK and USA.  £2.13 (660ml) 03.Heineken 9% global market share à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬16.13 million Heineken The Heineken the world drinks today is still brewed using the original, unrivalled recipe invented three generations ago by the Heineken family. Available in more than 170 countries.  £1.99 (650ml) Amstel Amstel is the market leader or one of the top-ranked brands in Greece ,Netherlands, France,Hungary,Spain,Italy,USA and South Africa. Available in more than 120 countries.  £1.46 (330ml) 04.Carlsberg 7% global market share DKK 59,382 million Carlsberg Carlsberg pilsner was launced in 1904, and its the flagship brand in the Carlsberg family. Available in where Carlsberg operate countries.  £0.85 (440ml) Turborg Turborg origin was Denmark but now available in more than 70 different countries. Turbog is the youth brand in the Carlsberg international portfolio.  £0.89 (275ml) Source: Above table Price Comparison according to http://www.comparesupermarketprices.co.uk,