Business Ethics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Business Ethics - Research Paper Example Ethics can be written or unwritten depending with the extent of the interaction between parties. Some of the written ethics that a person must follow are contracts and warning signs such as this is a non smoking zone. Failure to follow such regulations may have negative effects to the other parties (Howie, 1987, p.17). Business ethics are moral principles that guide business people to earn their profits without having to infringe losses or doing harm to the other party. Some of the major principles include principle of common good, principle of beneficence, principle of respect of autonomy etc. These principles guide the interaction between two parties by putting boundaries and outlining the expected behavior by those individuals when transacting their activities. If not followed, the other parties might suffer. One of example where ethics are not followed in doing business is tarnishing the name and products of the competitor in order to increase the size of the target customers. Bu siness is therefore expected to compete in a neutral ground without doing any harm to each other (Howie, 1987). Importance of business ethics One of the major importances of business ethics is ensuring that there is a good coexistence between business personnel or corporations. The main aim of any business is to make profits. As a result, some business goes to an extra mile of using unethical means to ensure that they eliminate the competitors in order to increase their profit margin. One of the examples of unethical behavior is a business person purchasing all the products of the competitor in the market in order to reduce customer loyalty towards the products of the competitor. When ethical principles are keenly followed, businesses are able to exist peacefully without any of them doing harm to the other (Brooks, Dunn, 2009, pp. 66). Business ethics improves customer loyalty towards the products or services. Currently, customers are very keen on what they are consuming and the sou rce of the product. As a result, they keep on monitoring the ethical standards of their preferred company or businesses. If the business acts unethically be it through its transaction or even employees being unethical this may have an adverse repercussion. This tarnishes the image of the company/business, an aspect that reduces trust of the customers towards the product. This behavior may result to reduced revenue of which can lead to collapsing of the business. This case can also give the competitors a competitive advantage as they can use unethical behavior by the business to lure customers to purchase their products (Ferrell, Fraedrich, Ferrell, 2009, p. 79). Business ethics improves customer relation. Moral conduct of a business plays a greater role in attracting customers to the business (Kline, 2010, p. 39). Customers like to be associated with a business that has a clean reputation. Poor moral values by the business distance the customers from the business. Therefore, employe es hold a very important part in enhancing customer relations. Business ethics increases brand equity. Brand equity is the public valuation of business’ brand name. The brand name attracts investors towards the business. This increase capital that the business holds therefore enabling the business to compete effectively in the market. This capital is also used in diversification of the company operations therefore enabli

Medicine is the biggest epidemic in our time’ was Ivan Illich a prophet or a rumor monger Essay Example for Free

Medicine is the biggest epidemic in our time’ was Ivan Illich a prophet or a rumor monger Essay Ivan Illich was an Austrian philosopher, very popular for his of contribution of theories on the concept of medicalization. He has published many books on medicalization and has presented to a wider public the notion of iatrogenic disease. Medicine is a major therapy tool in social life and without proper medication human life could be highly constrained by many diseases surrounding it. Ivan Illich has had a contribution in the field of medicalization as a philosopher by constructing theories that various medics have followed in their practice. Iatrogenesis is a term that is used to refer an illness that come from medical activity and outweighs any positive benefit of medicine. Iatrogenesis was introduced into social science by Illich. According to Illich, iatrogenesis had adverse effects on the industrial society as it enhanced the corruption, incapacitated individuals and limited freedom in an industrial set up. Illich outlined three major types of iatrogenesis, these are; clinical, social and cultural iatrogenesis. Illich has theorized various ideas in medicalization and society. This essay will point out some theories that highlight whether Illich was a prophet or a rumormonger in society and show some evidence based on his approaches in medicalization. The essay will as well focus on the notion of iatrogenesis and statistics that has been conducted in the UK based on statistics. Finally, the essay will show some assumptions of Illich on medicalization and also how iatrogenesis can be prevented in society. According to statistics in the UK, it indicates that the estimation of 215,000 deaths every year have been caused by iatrogenic, whereby cancer and the heart disease are seen to be causing more deaths in every year(Shaffer, Philips, Enzer, 2009, p.241). Iatrogenic effects in several cases are fully defined and can be recognized easily, for instance those complications that need a surgical procedure. However, the less obvious complications need significant investigation to recognize, such as difficult drug interactions. Ivan Illich who was a researcher and a multilingual prolific writer on issues related to society and medicine attributed his concepts of medicalization and proposed his views towards the modern medicine in the society. Illich argued that the notion of medicine had deprived individuals and society of their capacity to cope with sickness and death (Basford, Lynn Oliver Slevin, 2003, p.122). Therefore, based on Illich, iatrogenesis cannot be understood unless it is seen specifically medical manifestation of particular counter productivity. Illich therefore points out main three levels of iatrogenesis. The first level is the clinical iatrogenesis, this whereby the injury is depicted to the patients by unproductive, toxic and insecure treatment to the patients. The second level is the social iatrogenesis, which comes as a result of medicalization of life, and thirdly cultural iatrogenesis, which comes as a result of the destruction of traditional ways of dealing with and making sense of death, pain and illness. Based on the evidence in his works of medicine described for over twenty years, it is noted that Illich was not a rumormonger, but a philosophical prophet, based on his predictions and research on the concept of iatrogenesis. Ivan Illich has traced contemporary idea of the issue of epidemic in the societal context and this notion has greatly focused on the main assumptions that lead to that epidemic. Based on his ideas, he argued on the progressing views on medicine, there is an empowerment model that has evolved out of the realization of epidemic and, therefore, patients cannot be forced to follow a lifestyle dictated by others towards the problem of medicalization. Based on Ivan Illichs theories on his perspectives towards natural health, medicine undermines health of individuals not only based directly on aggression, but also over the impact of its social organization on the milieu. On that context, when the medical damage to the health of an individual is produced based on the sociopolitical mode of transmission. Thus, according to Illich, social iatrogenesis is designated in all impairments on regard to health that specifically to those socio-economic revolutions which have been made pretty, probable, or essential by the formal shape health care has taken (Kazer, 2008, p.209). Thus, based on his views towards the medicalization, the assumptions that erupt prevail that Illich was one person in the society who was seen as a prophet. Most people considered his ideas more especially his aspects on the iatrogenesis and through his open minded on the society, they regard his views to be those of a prophet. The iatrogenic death has become the third leading cause of death in the UK, surpassing the death by stroke. Based on different sources indicate that, between 200,000 and 250, 000 people are reported to die each year from Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) in the hospital setting (Kazer, 2008, p.289). On the same note, it is seen that deaths by ADRs kills over five times as the illegal combined in every year and that is the most conservative estimate that is outlined. Thus, the prescription drug Vioxx kills an estimate of 60,00 people by cardiac arrest alone and this figure does not reflect and account for any other fatal side effects such as the internal bleeding. In most cases, medicine undermines health and this is not only based on direct aggression against individuals but it has also an impact on the social organization on the total milieu. Therefore, medical damage to the individual health is enacted by the social iatrogenesis. This defines all the deficiencies that subdue to health a nd are due precisely to those socio-economic revolutions that have been made impressive, possible by the established shape health care. Iatrogenesis has many dimensions as per Ivan Illich’s concept. The undesirable side-effects of approved, mistaken, callous or contra-indicated technical contacts with the medical system represent only first level of pathogenic medicine. The belief of people that they cannot cope with illness without modern medicines reinforces and lays the ground for iatrogenesis by surrendering themselves to the doctors. According to Illich, he illustrates that the social iatrogenesis is not yet acknowledged as a collective etiology of sickness. He outlines that the diagnosis often serves as a means of turning political grievances besides the stress of growth into needs for more remedies that are just more of its expensive and demanding outputs, the industrial system would lose one of its major defenses. On the same note, responsiveness of the extent to which iatrogenic ill health is politically-communicated would shake the basics of medical power much more deeply than any catalogue of medicines technical faults. Based on this fact, his works and ideas portray the assumption of his research and these shows that he was not a rumourmonger but can be seen as a prophet in several aspects since his predictions indicated the notion of reality. Iatrogenesis designates a condition of illness, disease, injury or hostile health brought upon a patient as an indirect or direct result of medical diagnosis or cure. Therefore, when iatrogenesis gets into pain, there are numerous common varieties of iatrogenesis, that subsidize to the on-set of symptoms, as well as the dissemination and worsening of existing conditions. Acute postoperative pain is followed by insistent pain in 10-50% of individuals after mutual operations, such as breast and thoracic surgery, groin hernia repair, and coronary artery bypass surgery leg amputation (Gould, Brooker Gould, 2008, p.167). Iatrogenic complications are very common most people who are affected are the elderly than the young patients. These complications include the adverse effects as the interactions, falls, nosocomial infections, Pressure ulcers and other relevant complications to surgery, however, prevention is often possible, (Odea Erikson, 2010, p.341). For example, the large percentage t hat is affected is the men. The statistics indicate that women live longer than women, however, the spend most of their lives with different disparities. The smoking rates between women in UK were slightly low compared to men, thus women smoke 25.1% while men 31.2%. The initial step in stoppage is to categorize patients at high risk in order to know the way forward in which to help that particular individual. Risk factors may include the following. Prevention is the most crucial factor and determining the effective way to prevent such assumption is to overlook on that factors that contribute to such infections. After full recognition of that factors, focusing on the proper measures that should be taken into consideration to avoid those elements that affect the situation (Miller, 2013, p.178). Thus, interventions that can prevent iatrogenic complications may include the following: addressing proper medication to the patient by relying on primary evidence. In conclusion, Illich can be considered a prophet and not a rumourmonger. A prophet according to religion is a person who can tell about the future. This declaration has evolved from a number of his assumptions on medicine and his approaches towards the medicalization that are entirely based on his research of over twenty years. For instance, in UK there are several individuals who die of diseases linked to the effect of iatrogenesis in every year. This aspect is seen to affect the elderly people more than the young. Illichs views on medicalization are shown to be very significant to the society as they enlightened individuals to be aware of some aspects that lead to iatrogenesis. With the evidence on health system, his philosophies are examined to be very significant in society since they mainly focused on the main areas that analyze medicalization. His predictions in several aspects support his research on the health systems in society and this fully defines him as a prophet. It ha s been documented that no substantial addition to life expectancy or the quality of life critically ill patients has been achieved by high tech cost medical technology. As a contrast, there are many medical interventions, which are simple, cheap and often without any need of medicine yet are quite effective. However, such simple remedies are often neglect or ignored altogether. medicalization encourages our dependence on professional care, and on medical drugs. References Basford, L. Oliver S. 2003. Theory and Practice of Nursing: An Integrated Approach to Patient Care. Cheltenham, U.K: Nelson Thornes. Gould, D., Brooker, C., Gould, D. 2008. Infection prevention and control: applied microbiology for healthcare. Basingstoke [England], Palgrave Macmillan. Kazer, M. W. 2008. Essentials of gerontological nursing. New York, Springer. Miller, A. B. 2013. Epidemiologic studies in cancer prevention and screening. New York, NY, Springer. ODea, J. A., Eriksen, M. P. 2010.Childhood obesity prevention: international research, controversies, and interventions. Oxford [U.K], Oxford University Press. Shaffer, D., Philips, I., Enzer, N. B. 2009.Prevention of mental disorders, alcohol, and other drug use in children and adolescents. Rockville, Md. (5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville 20857), The Office. Source document

Warehouse Performance Management in Tesco

Warehouse Performance Management in Tesco BACKGROUND: Tesco being the 4th largest online retailer as per revenue and 2nd largest online grocery retailer as per profit is constantly increasing its online grocery business which is being done from its Superstore chain. Tesco introduced a DOTCOM dedicated store more commonly known as DCOS (Dotcom only store) in Aylesford in 2009, which was a huge success and a boost to its online grocery business. As it was highly disturbing for the local superstores carrying out Dotcom business within them in line with the other regular store operations, it was becoming a quite a need to open a dedicated store Dotcom store in London, which TESCO did made possible by opening another DCOS in Greenford London. Tesco needed to reduce the impact of the Dotcom operation in certain stores at the same time addressing space constraints for the Van numbers in particular geographic areas, with a store-based order fulfillment model. This led Tesco to re-evaluate the potential for a dedicated facility. Being a Tesco DCOS employee myself, I am very well known that the Product Availability is the highest priority in any DCOS or a superstore running Dotcom in it. Tweaking the performance of Warehouse is one of the key possibilities to make that high priority element easy to live with. According to Goh and Pinaikul (1998) for a company to run and have a sound and effective supply chain operations, companies have put a lot of their time and effort in this field. If the logistics of a company is well handled, it can take a company to a different level of success and it becomes easy for a company to defeat its rivals (Mentzer et al., 2004). With the new advancements in technologies there is always room for improvement and upgrades in a companys Warehouse Management. In DCOS Warehouse Management case there is a large number of logistic operations taking place. There have been many researches which discussed how to improve the performance of a companys warehouse by adapting different models and how to implement them. Moreover, this research will provide the company with the better understating of how to enhance its performance by measuring its performance with the variable benchmarking. Competitive advantage can be gained over rivals if the companys WMS is flexible and any process that is not performing well can be used as a benchmark to measure Warehouse Managements performance. Any flaws or drawbacks that maybe present in the current Warehouse Management Techniques will be reduced / diminished by the help of this research. LITERATURE REVIEW: WAREHOUSE MANAGAMENT: To have a very successful and efficient supply chain, an organisation has to focus on some major operations like warehouses. In todays day and age a firm is considered to be a flop which does not take care of its warehouse management functions. It has become vital for companies who manufactures on a large scale and in bulk to be efficient if their warehouse management system is not able to help company in all economic climates (Henneberry, 1987; Power et al., 2007). As per Brown (1990) and Lindley et al., (2008) there are numerous factors that are responsible for the vitality of warehouse management systems (WMS) some of which are that customers can place orders recently a new trend in the market has started in which people are leasing their land or building warehouses and then leasing them to different companies. This trend only came in to existence because of this mounting need of warehouses by mass producers and retailers (Jones and Hillier, 2000) Warehouses can be defined in different ways but as per Gunasekaran et al., (1999) a warehouse can be defined as a place where commodities and goods are saved and stored for many reasons like social, commercial and assets safety. The designs of warehouses should be able to provide company with different technical and operations (Hassan, 2002; Faber et al., 2002). Warehouses are facilities that provide the right environmental conditions for the storage of finished goods and/or materials that require protection from the elements, as well as ensure commercial security and social safety (Gunasekaran et al., 1999). As such, warehouses have to be designed to satisfy a combination of several technical and operational requirements (Hassan, 2002; Faber et al., 2002). According to Lodree et al., (2004); Gaur and Ravindran, (2006) the basic functions that should be present in a warehouse are engineering structural capacity to bear the loads of the materials to be stored as well as the associated handling equipment, receiving and shipping operations and associated trucking, and the requirements of the operating personnel. Store-keeping places hold very important for proper warehouse management Gaur and Ravindran, (2006). As per Lambert et al. (1998) there are more than 750,000 warehouses around the globe. These include private leasing warehouses, state of art warehouses, highly sophisticated warehouses, storage warehouses for companies and self-storage places. Lambert et al. (1998) further says that if the warehouses need so much money to have and operate then why they exist? He answers his own question and says that they play a vital role in companys supply chain management and they are usually build and kept to help companies in achieving transport and production economies, quality purchase discount and forward buys. Warehouses are a key factor in any organizations operations. Their main purpose is to supply, circulate, store, consolidate and changeover cargo. Henneberry (1987) and Power et al. (2007) claim that in todays day and age to consider profitable allocation or to consider large scale manufacture it is vital to give thought to the role of warehousing. According to Brown (1990); Lindley et al., (2008) partly because of the increasing dependence on the electronic alternatives for order placing by commercial and private customers and also to the manufactured goods industry the demand for warehousing is on an all-time high. Due to this demand of electronic order placing a greater weight is placed on distribution centres to hold the right amount of all the different stocks in order to meet clientele demands. Warehousing is required due to the developing capability in stockholding by vendors and producers. contributions.jpg Boasting a direct impact in flexibility, operational costs and service levels warehouse operations prove that they are indeed indispensable (Baker and Halim, 2007). Warehouse operations being those of warehouse location, goods handling, warehouse design, inventory and storage guidelines hold a great importance in addressing the specific issues which are faced in achieving strategic goals. These issues can only be addressed once an organization has distinct strategies that will help define their long term performance (Bowersox et al 2002, p. 389; Bowersox and Closs 1996, p. 396). As stated by Korpela and Lehmusvaara (1999, p. 135) a major point to consider when allocating warehouses or distribution centres (DCs) is their location. This is a very important decision and requires a lot of thought as it will determine the continuing profitability of the organization, affect customer services and relations, costs and delivery schedules. As pointed out by Huertas et al. (2007) a great emphasis is placed on the layout of the facility as it is a major deciding factor in the success of an organization. The warehouses layout depends on its specific operational demands and distinctiveness i.e. modularity, flexibility, compliance, allocation of arrangements, convenience, and neatness. The design of the layout varies according to the nature of the organizations operations and has to be adapted as per those operational requirements meaning there is no set layout or methodology to follow. Because of the diversity of factors influencing a warehouses operations such as rack types and entrances, gangway entrance and harbour locations, selecting an adequate layout for any given case is not unimportant especially the usage of pallitization (Huertas et al. 2007). Those responsible for the development of these warehouse services need to focus around the understanding of the necessities of the businesses that will vacate these premises (Reichhart and Holweg, 2008). According to Varila et al., (2007) most warehousing development is an approximation of how the market in storehouse rental could evolve. Formerly to meet these types of demands made by most retailers and manufacturers was easier, as most of their needs had been met within their organization. Ultimately resulting in relative ease in the prediction of vacancy levels, also the ease in establishing the capability of warehousing; the support available to promote proficient use of the services (Rubrico et al., 2008). The main activities that play a vital role in the performance of a warehouse as defined by Koster and Warffemius (2005) are as follows: Internal product relocation, Return handling, Cycle counting, Quality inspection, and Cross-docking As a result of the above research one can come to the conclusion that in todays day and age warehouses plays a crucial yet multifaceted role in many supply chains. Baker and Halim (2007) emphasize that a warehouse makes up to 20% of the total logistics cost of an organization. And their critical role as great customer service providers in particular distribution centres as they are the final point of contact. INDUSTRY BACKGROUND: Tesco was founded by Jack Cohen in 1919 from a small grocery stall. And now it is the fourth largest retailer in the world measured by revenues and second largest retailer in the world measured by profits. Started from the 25p Stock Market share, it is now making a profit of more than  £200m. Tesco is now widely spread into more than 13 countries, including China and India. Tesco.com, commonly known as DOTCOM is the UKs most successful online retailer. Launched in 1996, and officially registered in 2000, it is one of the fastest growing business selling everything from vegetables to computers, electronic appliances to normal grocery via internet. Back to its beginning, it started making its 1st annual turnover of  £25m and was started from a single store. These days their average weekly turnover is around  £30m and they currently employee thousands of people in stores across the UK making the DOTCOM procedure possible. AIM, OBJECTIVE AND HYPOTHESIS: The existing warehouse management of Dotcom Only store TESCO Greenford is appraised. The primary aim is to recommend set of measures and strategies which can be used to measure the performance and eliminate wastes, respectively. By studying TESCO Greenfords warehouse management and conducting interviews with the senior managers, the weaknesses within their warehouse management will be identified and the solutions would be provided by relating it with the strategies available in the literature of this field and moulding it to the specific needs of TESCO DOTCOM Greenford. However, the core purpose of this research is to set the performance measures and eliminate wastes by identifying them in the complete Warehouse Management system implemented in all the TESCO Dotcom only stores. The research aims to benefit managers in understanding the weakness and the processes which are wastes. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: In order to answer a question, a proper research has to be conducted (Zikmund, 2003). When a standard set of procedures and rules are followed to answer a research issue and to validate the findings attained by a systematic approach is called as research methodology (Ghauri and Granhaug, 2005). It has been widely observed that there is no fix method of conducting a research but a research should answer the question and should be relevant to the available data (Hussey and Hussey 1997). According to Schindler and Cooper (2001); Collins and Hussey (2003); Denscombre (2003) the result outcomes should be the main centre focus point for any research methodology. Substantiation of adopted research technique is briefly discussed in this section. Research design has been carefully selected to discuss the issues of the research for this particular research. The following plan is adopted: Research Philosophy: This will explain that which philosophy is used to develop the understanding of research. Research Design: This will provide with the design that is used to conduct the research. Research Approaches: this will discuss the major kinds of approaches and which one is adopted for this research. Research Data collection: this section will define the steps involved in the collection of the data For the purpose of this research we have used the research ONION which was introduced by Saunders et al. in 2000 and then it kept on modifying. According to Saunders et al., (2009) the last shape of Onion is given below: Research Philosophy: As we have discussed in order to go around this dissertation, the Onion process is used. So first of all the requirement of explaining the research philosophy is a must (Saunders et al., 2009). Research philosophy is basically an embarkation for the understanding of the knowledge upon which the research is based (Saunders et al., 2009). In summary we agree with Johnson and Clark (2006:108) that its not important how philosophical the research is and how well it is delivered but the way on how we reflect ourselves through those philosophies. There are many types of philosophies which are explained by Saunders et al. (2009) and are shown in the table below Table 5: Types of Philosophies Type Meaning Pragmatism Do you have to adopt one position? Ontology What assumptions do we make about the way in which world works? Objectivism How social entities exist independent of social actors? Subjectivism Understanding the meanings that individuals attach to social phenomena Epistemology What is acceptable knowledge in a particular field of study? Positivism Working in the tradition of the natural scientist Realism Do objects exist independently of our knowledge of their existence? Interpretivism Understanding differences between humans as social actors Axiology What roles do our values play in our research? However for the purpose of this research we will only briefly discuss four main kinds of research philosophies. Positivism This kind of approaches provides researcher with a feeling of a scientist and it is conducted in the same way as any normal scientist will conduct a research (Saunders et al., 2009). Remenyi et al. (1998) has supported this idea that a research creates a hypothesis just like a scientist does when conducting a natural research. Realism Realism approach means that the philosophical things are different then the reality (Saunders et al., 2009). He explains it in detail by saying that realism is a branch of epistemology and it has two sub divisions in business and management research which are direct realism and critical realism. According to Saunders et al (2009) by focusing on the knowhow of generating a common understanding of humans and basing it on the experience of external factors that have at one point impacted a business research can be conducted. However these factors that have impacted an organization may not provide suitable evidence to the exact situation. Interpretivism This kind of research is explained by Saunders et al. (2009) as a research in which the researcher has to bear in mind that all the humans are social actors and they all have a viewpoint towards things. He further explains that in this kind of research, a research has to get involved into details of the social world of the research question and has to observe the point through their i.e. social actors point of view. Pragmatism Saunders et al. (2009) argues that pragmatism is that the most important factor is that what type of question you adopt for research and one may be more important than the other in order to achieve the answer. He further uses the support of Tashakkori and Teddlie (1998) who suggests that it is more appropriate for the researcher in a particular study to think of the philosophy adopted as a continuum rather than opposite positions (Saunders et al., 2009, pp 109). Saunders et al. (2009) says that the research philosophies can be explained in more detail by the use of a concept known as research paradigms. Furthermore, this terminology, paradigm, is usually used in social science researchers and can become a cause of confusion as it gives birth to many meanings of one things. Research Design There are many ways to conduct a business research and there is as such no limitation which says that one research is superior over another (Hair et al, 2003). One may think that the data is qualitative or quantitative or may be both but again its all on how you want it to be (Jankowicz, 2003; Stevenson and Cooper, 1997). EXPLORATORY RESEARCH This can be used by people who are not highly knowledgeable and is completely based on the exploration. On the other hand, this research can be used for companies and industries which are highly innovative and are always evolving into new things. The importance of this type of research can be determined by the words of Swaddling and Zobel (1996) in the following pattern: When conducted well, exploratory research provides a window into consumer perceptions, behaviours, and needs. It enables companies to produce new products and make them successful easily. Highly level decision and a better understanding of market can be gained by such research. This type of research leads company into the innovation of new products and these products being a result of exploration is always very beneficial and profitable for companies. Research Approaches There are many kinds of researches approaches and any of them can be used to attain the answer of ones research (Saunders et al., 2003; 2009). The selected approach basically reflects the way theory was built when the project was initiated and is most critical selection (Creswell, 2003; Saunders et al., 2009). In general there are 5 major approaches and any of them can be adopted. According to Zikmund (2003) there are two major approaches i.e. Theoretical and Methodological and both of these are divided into sub category of Inductive/Deductive and qualitative/quantitative, respectively. While on the other hand Collis and Hussey (2003); Gray (2004); Hussey and Hussey (1997); Mangan et al. (2004) all agree that there are two major kinds of approaches which are Deductive and Inductive. Now in recent years another researchers introduced a new kind of research which is known as Abductive (Kovacs and Spens 2005; Saunders et al., 2009). We will discuss each approach briefly and will select the one that is most suitable for the purpose of this research. DATA COLLECTION: One of the most important parts of any research is the data collection method. There are several methods of collecting data but the method is completely dependent upon how the research is conducted (Creswell, 2003). Due to the nature of this research deductive technique is used and to collect data for such technique is defined by different researchers in a different way. Amongst all the methods researchers agree upon few like Sampling, Secondary data, Observation, interviews and Questionnaire (Saunders et al., 2003; Yin, 2003; Collis and Hussey, 2003; Saunders et al, 2009). Each step is discussed briefly as following: Secondary Data collection: The data which is collected by someone else and not by user is generally referred to as a secondary data (Saunders et al., 2009). The secondary data can be qualitative or quantitative (Collis and Hussey, 2003). Secondary data is beneficial if the cost issues exist or the time is not trying to be wasted and this kid of data can also be descriptive or exploratory (Saunders et al., 2009). Data collection technique: Initial information would be collected by the communication with the strategic level manager of TECO Dotcom Greenford and the website of the Dotcom Stores Tesco and the main website of the Tesco Plc. These websites would be used to collect the general background of the company. Later on Warehouse Manager of Tesco Dotcom Greenford will be provided with the some information which includes the current situations of the Warehouse Management of the store and the interaction between its clients. The literature review will be providing the support on the research on overall basis as well. Primary Data Collection: secondary data is usually not always enough to understand and answer the research (Saunders et al., 2009). This kind of data can only be collected by having a deeper understanding of the issues and is usually targeted to answer the specific issues (Ghauri, 2005 and Saunders et al., 2009). Furthermore, it is explained that there are three major ways to collect primary data i.e. in depth interviews, questionnaires and observations which usually reflects the situation in detail and gives a researcher with a clearer picture of the situation (Creswell, 2003; Saunders et al., 2009). Data collection technique: Primary data would be collected by paying visits to the Tesco Dotcom Greenford, conducting in depth face-to-face interviews with the managers at Tesco Dotcom Greenford and then a detailed telephonic interview with the Warehouse Manager at Aylesford Dotcom Only Store, as they are directly involved in the issues faced by Tesco Dotcom Greenford at the moment (a good reason why Aylesford is involved with the problems faced by Greenford store is because it is the only relevant store of the type in UK and is up and running successfully). The interviews would be provided with the great deal of understanding of the situation. Later on, observation would be made about the processes happening at Tesco Dotcom Greenford and the email conversations between Tesco Dotcom Greenford and its suppliers. The issue with the palletisation and inventory is the major issue between Tesco Dotcom Greenford and Suppliers. Once the data would be collected then the communication through email will continue in order to fulfil any other requirement to conduct this research.

The Pearl :: essays research papers

Kino’s lack of material items did not keep him from happiness. That is until he thought it was possible to acquire a greater amount of wealth and increase his happiness through the pearl. In turn, this resulted in the downfall of Kino and his family.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Kino’s life before the pearl brought him satisfaction and contentment. He was a loving husband and father. â€Å"Juana is driven, although instinctively as a woman to heal the family, nevertheless in reality to act for the man to protect the family.† (Karsten 6) He raised and took care of them. Kino loved Coyotito; His son was his pride and joy. He brought together Kino and Juana and made them a family. There is also Juan Tomà  s, Kino’s brother, who supported Kino throughout his life. â€Å"We do know that we are cheated from birth to the overcharge on our coffins. But we survive. You have defied not the pearl buyers, but the whole structure, the whole way of life, and I am afraid for you.† (Steinbeck 70) Kino had few possessions. He had his home, a brush hut, which provided protection and shelter. In addition, a canoe, this is a family heirloom. It was passed down from grandfather to father to son. â€Å"Kino and Juana came slowly down to the beach and to Kino’s canoe, which was the one thing of value he owned in the world.† (Steinbeck 19) â€Å"It was once property and source of food, for a man with a boat can guarantee a woman that she will eat something.† (Steinbeck 19) Kino also had the song of the family. The song brings a feeling of unity â€Å"... the Song of the Family is identified along with other unnamed songs, the heritage of Kino’s people, in the calm beginning of the story... (Karsten 2) Many changes and alterations were brought about by the pearl. Kino immediately began to make a list of things that he wanted to buy with the pearl’s wealth. He has an opportunity for social mobility and acts upon it. Among the many things on his list were an official marriage, new clothes, a rifle, and education for his son. Instantaneously, Kino’s desires became cloudy. â€Å"There was no certainty in seeing, no proof that what you saw was there or was not there.† (Astro 29) Kino then started doubting his dreams and the pearl became misty and cloudy. Kino’s community thought of him differently because of his sudden acquired wealth.

Peloponnesian War (Research Pap.)

DESTINED FOR WAR Jarod Bleibdrey, M. S. C. J January 20, 2013 As humans have evolved into vast, complex civilizations, a growing trend became notable to mankind, which was corruption. Speculating that Herodotus was the first true historian, and Thucydides was the second, then the Peloponnesian War would be the first form of government corruption in which war became inevitable. At this point, the war varies in perception of the two great alliances, and why the war was even fought.This essay will demonstrate how the Peloponnesian War stood as a great example of how superpowers become thrust into battle with one another, based upon corruption, vast difference in lifestyles, and the urging from smaller entities. Focus will be on how both Athens and Sparta’s political, social and diplomatic systems forced them into battle, but the battles themselves are of little concern in this essay. It was the â€Å"behind the scenes† events that can best explain and summarize the war.Wit h the focus laying upon the causes of the war, it becomes important to remember that, what began as a great alliance, turned into the devastation of Greece and allowed the conquest of Philip of Macedonia to commence. Let us begin with the culture of Athens and Sparta, in an attempt to explain the vast contrast within the two city-states. The Spartans were obsessed with their military superiority, while the Athenians were interested in comfort and culture. Granted, the Athenian Navy was the strongest maritime force of the age, but more on this when we get to corruption.The culture of Athens and Sparta was different to their core; everything from political to daily living conflicted, causing them to become competitive and distrustful of each other. The Spartan government was a very complex structure, which consisted of a dual monarchy, a warrior assembly (apella), a council of elders (gerousia) and the ephors. Herodotus claims that the two royal families of Sparta, which consisted of the Agiadai and Eurypontidai families, shared a common ancestry and could trace their lineage back to Herakles himself.Thus making the royal families by blood lines, which would be unable to be displaced, as opposed to that of military power, which could be overthrown. The kings were limited in their power as they only held command of the military. They had no influence in the laws which were left to the apella, gerousia and ephors. The apella was composed of every Spartan warrior who had reached the age of thirty. The apella’s primary functions included electing members for the gerousia, and the ephors. The apella held the ultimate power on matters of legislation and policy.The manner in which they voted was through a process of acclamation. Above the apella was the gerousia, which consisted of the two kings and twenty-eight members of Spartan warriors who had reached the age of sixty. The members elected into the gerousia served a life term, and could only be removed by the ephors. The true nature of the gerousia is unknown, but Herodotus wrote the gerousia could serve as a court to hear capital cases. The last political body of the Spartans and possibly the most important is that of the ephors. The five ephors were freely elected each year and attended much of the daily business of Sparta.Each month the kings and the ephors would exchange oaths, to which each pledged to uphold the position of the other. The ephors were the true controlling body of the Spartans, and thus resembled an oligarchy rule. It was this oligarchic rule of the ephors which insisted on the agoge, and placed Sparta into a militaristic focused city-state. The government in Athens followed a very different course than Sparta. Athenian citizens had the duty to vote or hold office. During the 6th century B. C. , Athens instituted a unique form of government in which the citizens had a direct say in the election of leaders.This early form of democracy was lead by Cleisthenes who creat ed the Assembly, which comprised every citizen of Athens, and the Council of Five Hundred. This Council was comprised of fifty representatives from each of the Ten Tribes of Athens. This ensured each tribe had an equal say in the creation of laws and election of leaders. To ensure equality, the law was set that each member of the fifty from one of the ten tribes must not be related, nor hold the same occupation as any other member†¦to ensure there was no nepotism or common vestment.The Council of five hundred represented the legislative body of Athens. The executive power was placed within the Strategus, in which 10 generals were elected into office for one year terms, of these 10 strategi, one was elected as leader of the group and served as commander in chief. The judicial power of Athens was placed with the Areopagus, or the Supreme Court. This body was made up, primarily, of wealthy land owners who had been elected as archons (judges) in the past. This legislative, executiv e and judicial branched government is reminiscing to all modern day democracies.The major deviation from modern times being that Athens was a direct democracy, in which the citizens had to be present to vote. Each branch of the government was capable of vetoing one another, thus establishing a check and balance system. It was also customary to expel from the country, any speaker who became too powerful, in a process called ostracism. Every year the Council voted and one member would be ostracized (banished) for a period of ten years. Athens would vote by tossing colored rocks into a giant pot.This would be a very time consuming process as each topic would have orators speak on its behalf, and upon conclusion of the debate the voting would begin. The rocks were either white or black, where white stood for approve and black represented a denial. When choosing a person to ostracize, broken shards of pottery called ostrakon would be used with the intended person of exile name, etched on to the shard. After all votes were made, the numbers of each were tallied and the victor/ostracized proclaimed. This would take a long time and thus the Athenians prided themselves upon their dedication and attention to detail.This could have lead modern historians to view the Spartans as impulsive, and the Athenians as cautious. This has been a major misconception, as evident by the speech given by King Archidamus of Sparta, in which the Spartan King asked the council to exercise reason and caution before declaring war upon Athens. In turn, Pericles himself urged the Athenians to war against a dominant land army. Another difference between the two great city-states was their daily living and how it affected the trade in the two cities.The Athenian economy was heavily dependent upon foreign trade and because of their location on the Aegean Sea, maritime became life, and the sea meant life and livelihood. While trade was a necessity in Athens, Sparta relied upon their slave labor. Th e Helots (slaves) of Sparta were the driving force of Spartan agriculture, and allowed for Spartan’s excessive free time to translate into their dedication to the agoge. Since Sparta was cut off from the rest of Greece by two mountain ranges there was little trade being conducted, and thus alliances ere not a suitable strong point of Sparta. The Spartans rarely traveled from their city-state or allowed foreigners into it, thus making the only true vantage of joining Sparta, being that of their reputation in battle. With Sparta being an isolationist state, their perception would have been considered truth and fact, no matter what was written of them. One of the greatest differences between the Athenian and the Spartans regarded their attitude towards women. The role of women in the Greek city states of Athens and Sparta sheds light upon the acceptable values of their time.Spartan women had similar equality to their male counterpart (except for voting rights). Spartan women did little housework or sewing, as they relied upon their slave labor to conduct the daily chores. Due to the men being in the military and often away from home, the women had full authority over their households and were not forced into a life of only childbearing and housekeeping. Since Spartan women demonstrated a greater authoritative influence, the nation thrived and became a beacon of advancement, which would truly be a closer resemblance to modern civilizations than Athens.When Athenian girls came of age, their fathers offered them for marriage. Even as wives, they were required to stay indoors at all times, and their primary life tasks were child rearing, housework, and sewing, thus giving them no possibility to contribute to the Athenian's development and culture. Sparta was uneasy, perpetually concentrating on war and the state of Sparta as a whole, while the Athenians focused their attention on comfort and found time to foster great thinkers in science, philosophy, literatur e†¦etc.With their differences in government, physical surroundings and views on women, Sparta and Athens represented the two very different ways a polis could have been back in the fifth century of Ancient Greece, and thus set them-selves on a crash course for supreme dominance, but war and battle would hold a true value to the Greeks, and so it was battles which lead to great alliances and enemies. In 478 BC, following the defeat of Xerxes' invasion of Greece, Pausanias the Spartan led Hellenic forces against the Persians.He was an unpopular commander (who may have conspired with the Persians), and Sparta was eager to stop prosecuting the war. Sparta surrendered the leadership of the ongoing campaign to Athens, whom was eager to accept it. The Athenians now had their opportunity to take the reins and gain glory for themselves and Greece. The Delian League was inaugurated in 477 BC as an offensive and defensive alliance against Persia. The principal cities in the League were At hens, Chios, Samos, and Lesbos, but many of the principal islands and Ionian cities joined the league.Athens led the Delian League from the beginning, though at its founding the treasury was located on the island of Delos, and each state in the league had an equal vote. The assessment due from each state was assigned by Aristides the Just, leader of the Athenians; some members were assessed ships, others troops, others weapons, and others money. A council of all the cities met at Delos regularly, probably when bringing their assessment to the island. The turning point of the Delian league occurred in 461 BC, when Cimon was ostracized, and was succeeded in his influence by democrats like Ephialtes and Pericles.This signaled a complete change in Athenian foreign policy, neglecting the alliance with the Spartans and instead allying with her enemies, Argos and Thessaly. Megara deserted the Peloponnesian league and allied herself with Athens, allowing construction of a double line of wal ls across the Isthmus of Corinth, protecting Athens from attack from that quarter. Around the same time they also constructed the Long Walls connecting their city to the Piraeus, its port, making it effectively invulnerable to attack by land.The Athenian dominance within the Delian league was unmatched and unquestioned; this led to major changes within the Delian league and Athens. This progression and events will be discussed later within this essay. Reverting back, the Delian league was not the only alliance within Greece, as the Spartan lead Peloponnesian league also took root. In the second half of the 8th century B. C. , Sparta conquered Messenia, a state in the southwest of the Peloponnese. The land was turned over to Spartans and the Messenians turned into helots.The Messenians revolted in the middle of the next century, but after 17 years, the Spartans prevailed. By the time the Spartans were attacking the Arcadian city of Tegea, in the 6th century; her plans for the conquer ed citizens had changed. Tegea was made a dependent state obligated to furnish troops. Sparta soon created a confederacy of most of the other Peloponnesian states according them a similar arrangement: Sparta was in charge (known as the hegemon) and they would supply troops. Each had its own treaty and sent deputies to help in decision-making.This became known as the Peloponnesian League. Unlike that of the Delian League, the Peloponnesian league has no official start date, as each treaty was collected and approved over time and in that time the tag name of Peloponnesian league was given. This league was formed in recognition of Sparta’s dominance and no misconceptions of that were ever given. Each city-state that joined recognized Sparta’s military power as better than their own, and utilized the Peloponnesian League as a body guard against other city-states looking to invade them.Under the protection of the Spartans, their allies enjoyed a voice when they would have b een forced to remain silent. Unlike Athens, the Spartans did not make their allies pay any tribute, but they did ensure they were governed by oligarchies (who would work in the interest of the Spartans). It is important to note: Argolis and Achaea were excluded from this league. Argos and Sparta had been at odds over the territory of Thyreatis. Their first battle had proved to be inconclusive, as the story goes, all but one on the Spartan side and two on the Argive side were killed.The Argives claimed the victory because more survived, and went back home. The Spartan stayed on the spot and therefore claimed he was the victor. The next time the two sides fought, the Argives clearly lost and forfeited the territory to Sparta. With two powerful alliances within Greece, one would conclude that war would have been inevitable; however, Sparta did not want to advance into war with Athens. Athens did not wish to advance into war with Sparta, but the corruption of Athens created a chain of e vents which spawned the forthcoming war.Thucydides expresses the cause of the Peloponnesian war to be that of Sparta’s jealousy and concern in Athens growing power. This is stated in Book 1 verse 23, when Thucydides states, â€Å"But the real reason for the war is, in my opinion, most likely to be disguised by such an argument. What made war inevitable was the growth of Athenian power and the fear which this caused in Sparta. † This view point is, in my opinion, very closed minded to the whole. The history of the Delian league leads to a better perspective in that the Delian League, particularly the Athenians, were willing to force cities to join or stay in the League.As an example to this, let us examine Carystus, a city on the southern tip of Euboea, who was forced to join the League by military force of the Athenians. The justification for this was that Carystus was enjoying the advantages of the League (protection from pirates and the Persians) without taking on an y of the responsibilities. Furthermore, Carystus was a traditional base for Persian occupations. The Athenian politicians had to justify these acts to Athenian voters in order to get votes, and so they utilized oration to sway the public vantage of the situation.Next is Naxos, a member of the Delian League, which attempted to secede, and was enslaved; Naxos is believed to have been forced to tear down her walls, lost her fleet, and her vote in the Delian League. Thucydides tells us that this is how Athens' control over the League grew. â€Å"Of all the causes of defection that connected with arrears of tribute and vessels, and with failure of service, was the chief; for the Athenians were very severe and exacting, and made themselves offensive by applying the screw of necessity to men who were not used to and in fact not disposed for any continuous labor.In some other respects the Athenians were not the old popular rulers they had been at first; and if they had more than their fair share of service, it was correspondingly easy for them to reduce any that tried to leave the confederacy. The Athenians also arranged for the other members of the league to pay its share of the expense in money instead of in ships and men, and for this the subject city-states had themselves to blame, their wish to get out of giving service making most leave their homes.Thus while Athens was increasing her navy with the funds they contributed, a revolt always found itself without enough resources or experienced leaders for war. † -Thucydides At this point it is important to note that Thucydides is an Athenian General, and even though he offers a large writing to state he will approach his historical account with eyewitness testimony and scientific based method†¦he is bound to bias. Even the name most commonly known as the Peloponnesian War is biased upon the Athenian view point. In Spartan record, the war is referred to as the Athenian War.In ancient Greek writings the na me of a battle is given to the opposing side, as to infer the enemy started the confrontation and modern translation is inclined to demonstrate this. If at this point one is resistant to this view point, I offer Thucydides own words when commenting on why Athens became the dictator of the Delian League, â€Å"†We have done nothing surprising, nothing contrary to human nature, if we accepted leadership when it was offered and are now unwilling to give it up. † -Thucydides With Thucydides now shown as biased record, the observation of what truly caused the Peloponnesian/Athenian war is to come to light.Athens and Sparta were the superpowers of ancient Greece, with only Corinth possessing the ability to be of notable mention in matching these powers. In 454 BC, Athens moved the treasury of the Delian League from Delos to Athens, allegedly to keep it safe from Persia. However, Plutarch indicates that many of Pericles' rivals viewed the transfer as Athens way to utilize the leagues monetary resources to fund elaborate building projects. They also switched from accepting ships, men and weapons, to only accepting money. The new treasury established in Athens was used for many purposes, not all relating to the defense of members of the league.It was from tribute paid to the league that Athenians built the Acropolis and the Parthenon, as well as many other non-defense related expenditures. It was during this time, Donald Kagan expresses, and the Athenian Empire arose, as the technical definition of empire is a group of cities paying taxes to a central, dominant city, while keeping local governments intact. This is what began to occur within the Delian League. It was turning from an alliance to an empire†¦against the wishes of the league. With Athens now being the most powerful of the Delian league, the smaller city-states were obliged to remain†¦or join Sparta.The smaller city-states are, in my opinion, the true cause of the Peloponnesian War, as they began to bounce from an alliance with Athens to Sparta and vice versa. If Athens and Sparta are to be viewed as two boulders, connected by a single chain (which represents the smaller city states), as the chain pulls from one to the other†¦the boulders become destined to collide. This situation is reminiscing to England v. France, U. S. A. v. Russia (Cold War) and multiple other wars since the Peloponnesian War. Both sides had many opportunities for diplomacy to take effect, and the outcomes pushed force into the only method of resolution.Diplomacy in Sparta consisted of the allies of the Peloponnese to take up the forum and express their grievances. Corinth laid the foundation and even though the Spartan king attempted to refrain from entering into a war with Athens, the council voted to declare war upon Athens for their many violations of the peace treaty. With that, an ultimatum was sent to Athens; The Spartan assembly decreed that Athens should abandon the siege of Po tidaea and should give Aegina her independence, but the chief point was that war could be avoided if Athens would revoke the Megarian decree which excluded the Megarians from all ports n the Athenian Empire and from the market in Attica itself. The Athenians focused upon the latter of the demands, (seeing as they would not yield to the first), and in this Pericles gives a riveting speech to the assembly stating that giving in to any of Sparta’s demands would be an act of submissiveness and that would, in turn, lead to Sparta dictating further Athenian actions. The council voted for war and thus the Athenian war began. This was the final attempt at diplomacy before the two juggernauts squared off against each other.Diplomacy, to this point, has kept the giants in their respective corners, but the inferior city-states pushed them into battle. The Spartans knew of their inferiorities on the ocean, and of their perpetual tether to their homeland†¦and in so, they were limited . The Athenians relied upon their superior numbers, finances, navy and arrogance to see them through as victors. On paper the battle was desperately in the Athenians favor, but Sparta was breed for war, and Athens had turned friends into enemies. Finally, it is important to remember Athens set out with great intention, as the Delian League was a symbol of unity and cohesive teamwork.With that great power, Athens became dependent upon the tributes and became a superpower of monumental stature. Athens then began punishing any of those that wished or attempted to defect from the Delian league. It is now apparent why the Delian league is synonymous with the Athenian Empire, and proof that power leads to corruption. About now, one remembers that Sparta won this conflict, (with the aid of the Persians), and became the supreme ruler of all Greece. True to the Peloponnesian league, Sparta instituted an oligarchy within the borders of Athens, and that lasted for thirty years.It was not corru ption that led to the fall of the Athenian oligarchy; it was the people and their customization to democracy. The oligarchy was overthrown and democracy was instilled back into the polis. This demonstrates that not all subjective groups with power will abuse it, but when power is free to be grasped†¦beware. The story continues to demonstrate how Athens and Sparta were so devastated by fighting each other, that Philip of Macedonia was able to sweep in and conquer all of Greece. This set up the perfect opportunity for Alexander the Great, (Philips son) to conquer the known world and spread the greatness of Greece to all corners.Without the Peloponnesian War, Philip would probably not been able to conquer and the Hellenistic theology would have been confined. When viewing epic battles between the boulders of humanity, it is essential to remember; the outcome is necessary for the future line of events to occur. BIBLIOGRAPHY * Donald Kagan, 2003, The Peloponesian War, Publisher: Pen guin Group (U. S. A) * Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, trans. Rex Warner (London: Penguin Group Publishing, 1972) * Aristotle, Xenophon, Aristotle and Xenophon on Democracy and Oligarchy, trans.J. M. Moore (Berkeley California: University of California Press, 1975) * Paul Cartledge, 2002, The Spartans, Publisher: Vintage Publishing (New York) * Nic Fields, 2007, Thermopylae 480 BC: Last Stand of the 300, Publisher: Osprey Publishing (Oxford UK) * Karolos Papoulias, 2006, Athens-Sparta, Publisher: Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (U. S. A. ) * D. M. Macdowell, 1986, Spartan Law, Publisher: Penguin Group (Edinburgh Scot. ) * C. A. Hignett, 1952, History of the Athenian Constitution to the end of the fifth century B. C. Publisher: University of Oxford press (Oxford) * Yannis Lolos, 2006, The history of Athens from the eighth to the late fifth century B. C. , Publisher: Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (U. S. A) * Herodotus, The Histories,ed. Jo hn Marincola, trans. Aubrey De Selincourt (London: Penguin Group publishing, 2003) ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Herodotus, The Histories,ed. John Marincola, trans. Aubrey De Selincourt (London: Penguin Group publishing, 2003) Verse 6. 52 [ 2 ]. Herodotus, The Histories,ed. John Marincola, trans. Aubrey De Selincourt (London: Penguin Group publishing, 2003) Verse 5. 6-60 [ 3 ]. Herodotus, The Histories,ed. John Marincola, trans. Aubrey De Selincourt (London: Penguin Group publishing, 2003) Verse 5. 40 [ 4 ]. Aristotle, Xenophon, Aristotle and Xenophon on Democracy and Oligarchy, trans. J. M. Moore (Berkeley California: University of California Press, 1975) Verse 15. 7 of Xenophon â€Å"The Politeia of the Spartans† [ 5 ]. Aristotle, Xenophon, Aristotle and Xenophon on Democracy and Oligarchy, trans. J. M. Moore (Berkeley California: University of California Press, 1975) taken fro m Aristotle’s The Constitution of Athens [ 6 ]. Aristotle, Xenophon, Aristotle and Xenophon on Democracy and Oligarchy, trans.J. M. Moore (Berkeley California: University of California Press, 1975) taken from Aristotle’s The Constitution of Athens [ 7 ]. Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, trans. Rex Warner (London: Penguin Group Publishing, 1972) Verse 1. 79-85 [ 8 ]. Herodotus hints to this, but quickly states the facts are not there for condemning [ 9 ]. Kagan, 2003, The Peloponnesian War, Published by Penguin Group (U. S. A. ) [ 10 ]. Lolos, The history of Athens from the eighth to the late fifth century B. C. , 2006, Publisher: Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (U. S. A) [ 11 ].Hegemon utilized by Thucydides to describe this relationship [ 12 ]. Cartledge, The Spartans, 2003, Publisher: Vintage Books (U. S. A) [ 13 ]. Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, trans. Rex Warner (London: Penguin Group Publishing, 1972) Verse 1. 19 [ 14 ]. Fields, Thermopylae 480 B. C. , 2007, Publisher: Osprey Publishing (U. S. A) [ 15 ]. Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, trans. Rex Warner (London: Penguin Group Publishing, 1972) Verse 1. 23 [ 16 ]. Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, trans. Rex Warner (London: Penguin Group Publishing, 1972) Verse 1. 99 [ 17 ].Cartledge, The Spartans, 2003, Publisher: Vintage Books (U. S. A) pg. 181 [ 18 ]. Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, trans. Rex Warner (London: Penguin Group Publishing, 1972) Verse 1. 76 [ 19 ]. Kagan, 2003, The Peloponnesian War, Published by Penguin Group (U. S. A. ) [ 20 ]. Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, trans. Rex Warner (London: Penguin Group Publishing, 1972) Verse 1. 39 [ 21 ]. I utilize the term Athenian war, because it was the Athenians who ultimately decided to engage in battle, as the Spartans were trying to appease their allies and avoid war as well.

Marble Slab Case Analysis

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Company: Marble Slab is a company that is famous for making fresh ice cream. It sells its premium prestige ice cream that is made daily with unique toppings. The unique thing about Marble Slab is the customers’ ability to completely customize their ice cream the way that they want to eat it. Instead of having a predetermined flavour, customers are able to mix their flavours of ice cream that they please and put a numerous amount of toppings on them that include Bananas, Strawberries, Bread crumbs etc. They call this Mixins. All of this is done on a giant ice cold marble slab.Marble Slab wishes to give customers a unique experience with a prestigious brand of ice cream. Marble Slab Creamery Inc. was founded in Houston, Texas in 1983. It was independently owned by franchisees across the United States until 2003 when Canadians were granted permission to have franchisees in Canada. In 2007, Marble Slab creamery Inc. was purchased by NexCen Brands Inc. Although Ne xCen owned Marble Slab they played a small role in the daily operations of their locations. Marble Slab has become one of the fastest growing quick serve restaurants with almost 400 locations worldwide.Product: Besides premium ice cream that is made daily, Marble Slab also sells sundaes, milkshakes, ice cream cakes, frozen yogurt and more. Since the ice cream is made fresh at the location it can last up to 30 days. Every location had an offering of 21 different flavours and an endless amount of mixins. And the prices of the products were the same across any of the locations. Price: The prices of Marble Slabs products vary from as low as $4. 95 for an ice cream cone with 1 mixin to a Slab cake for $54. 95 and everything in between.They do have things that are cheaper than the cone with 1 mixin such as brownies, apple pie slices, and even a charge for extra mixins, all of which are under $3. 00. Event catering for an event of at least 200 people will need 2 employees at a cost of $12 per hour, as well as the cost of supplies and the ice cream itself. Place: There are approximately 400 Marble Slab locations worldwide. With many locations in major Urban and Suburban areas throughout Canada and the United States With a potential location in Vaughn, Toronto Annex Area, the Beaches, or Oakville.Promotion: Potential promotional ads in the Toronto Star, Now Magazine Toronto, Pattison Outdoor and on 104. 5 Chum FM. CURRENT MARKET ENVIRONMENT MICRO ENVIRONMENT Industry: Trends: The biggest trend in the ice cream industry as of right now is that most consumers are switching over to a more premium and more expensive ice cream products. An example of this would be the Magnum bar that comes from chocolate imported from Belgium, which has become very popular because of their marketing campaign.Things such as TV Commercials and celebrity endorsements are the reasons for the success of that product. The popularity of impulse ice cream has been decreasing steadily since 2007. Th e reason for this is that people are becoming more health conscience and are not interested in that type of ice cream anymore. Organic ice creams are becoming very popular. People are interested in natural flavors with no artificial colours added. People like the act that these products are not genetically enhanced in any way because, as stated before, people are more health conscious.Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry flavours are still the most popular flavours of ice cream. But this does not mean that consumers are not willing to try new flavours. New flavours are still being created because they are still successful. Competition: Direct: Cold Stone- Cold Stone is pretty much an exact replica of Marble Slab. They offer a premium ice cream with complete customization. They even prepare it on a frozen granite stone. Created over 20 years ago and with over 1,400 stores it is easily one of Marble Slabs direct competitor.Baskin Robins- Baskin Robins is the largest ice cream company in the world. In Canada it has the largest share-of-mind. They serve ice cream, milkshakes, cakes and other products. They are well known for their 31 original flavours and their ice cream is known to be of good quality. A Baskin Robins can be found anywhere from malls to stand alone buildings. It has a large amount of financial resources and is priced similarly to Marble Slab. Dairy Queen- Dairy Queen is mostly known for its famous â€Å"Blizzard† It also serves ice cream and milkshakes and cakes.But it also sells Hamburgers, Hotdogs, and Sandwiches. Dairy queen also has a similar mixins concept that Marble Slap has but at a cheaper price. They also target children with children friendly food options. Indirect: McDonalds- McDonalds is the biggest restaurant chain in the world. McDonalds has a food chain in over 120 countries. They are primarily known for selling Hamburgers and fries but also have ice cream. The most famous of their ice cream meals being the â€Å"McFlurryâ₠¬  Milkshake. McDonalds is a power house and is unstoppable when it comes to promotion of their products.They excel in quick serve food and are definitely the leaders in the food market. A positive for Marble Slab is the fact that McDonalds isn’t really popular for its ice cream products and does not have the share-of-mind for that product. Starbucks- Starbucks is known for selling their premium coffee and tea products. Another thing that they do well is sell a comfortable environment. It’s a good place for people to hang out and socialize with friends and family. However they do not have a very large menu and mainly specialize in customized drinks.They also have a niche market and do not cater to children. Convenience Stores- There is convenience and grocery stores everywhere that have access to ice cream. It’s quick and easy to get ice cream at these places and they also have almost every other food choice. They can also choose to discount prices on items. Th ey are good for bargains. Baskin Robins has the Market share of ice cream restaurants. What they and Marble Slab have in common is that they have the same target market. Marble Slab is more prestigious and expensive. It also has more of a sit down restaurant feel to it.What Marble Slab has done better in terms of its competition is: * Greater share-of-mind than McDonalds * Caters to a bigger demographic than Starbucks, and Dairy Queen * Selling an original product * Having an original mixins concept * Offering a unique experience with the food being prepared on a frozen marble slab What Marble Slab has done that is weaker than their competition is: * Not as popular as Baskin Robins or McDonalds * More Prestigious product means it will be more expensive * Don’t have the marketing power or financial resources as their competitionConsumer: | Families| Young Adults| Women| Demographic| -A Family with children who are under the age of 15| -Young Adults aged 15- 24| -Women aged 15- 50| Geographic| -Primarily in Urban and Suburban areas| -Primarily in Urban and Suburban areas| -Primarily in Urban and Suburban areas| Psychological| -Parents who are often engaged in family activities- Looking for good quality ice cream. | – People who have their own disposable income -PT, FT, or summer employment| -Health conscious-The primary food purchasers in the household. Do a lot of food decisions in and out of the house| Behavioural| -Those who enjoy ice cream as a treat and would go to Marble Slab to fulfill their need for ice cream| -Looking for social interaction-Impulsive-Limited family obligation| -Looking for some place fast and easy to get a snack -Impulsive| Suppliers & Marketing Intermediaries: They get their supply from dairy farmers. Dairy can be quite expensive in the off season. They get most of their fruits and vegetables from farms as well. Also products such as cheese get purchased from factories.All marble Slabs are individually owned so they all h ave their own means as to where they get their supply. It may vary slightly from location to location. Products from the factories and the farms get purchased then they will be supplied to each of the Marble Slabs. MACRO ENVIRONMENT Macro-environment factors are the major external and uncontrollable factors that influence an organization’s decision making, and affect its performance and strategies. These factors include the economic factors; demographics; legal, political and social conditions; technological changes; and natural forces.Technological: Technology is another aspect of the environment a firm should consider in developing strategic plans. Changing technology may affect the demand for a firm's products and services, its production processes, and raw materials. Technological changes may create new opportunities for the firm, or threaten the survival of a product, firm, or industry. Technological innovation continues to move at an increasingly rapid rate. The technol ogical aspects of Marble Slab include the technology utilized to create and produce frozen dessert products such as ice cream, frozen yogurt, and milkshakes.Additionally, a new technological trend can be found in companies Investing in ways to create the same sweet taste of frozen desserts, but with less saturated fats and processed sugars. Demographic: Socioeconomic characteristics of a population expressed statistically, such as age, sex, education level, income level, marital status, occupation, religion, birth rate, death rate, average size of a family, average age at marriage. A census is a collection of the demographic factors associated with every member of a population.Income level of the cities where Thomas is looking to start the business are highly populated and people have pretty high level of income. The age groups of young adults 15-24 are in the range of 2000-35,000. Economic: Economic factors refer to the character and direction of the economic system within which th e firm operates. Economic factors include the balance of payments, the state of the business cycle, the distribution of income within the population, and governmental monetary and fiscal policies. The impact of economic factors may also differ between industries.The economic downturn of 2008 is still a heavy factor in the minds of Canadian consumers. Although conditions have improved in the last few years, Canadians still show some amount of concern financially. This concern materializes into apprehension for luxury and treat items such as ice cream. This raises a slight risk for Marble Slab especially because of their super premium ingredient, and luxury status. Another economical macro environmental factor is the ice cream industry’s exponential influence from the wide fluctuation of dairy market prices.The price of commodities such as cocoa and sugar also vary depending on supply and demand. This plays a direct role in the amount spent on goods. Social/Cultural: The socioc ultural dimensions of the environment consist of customs, lifestyles, and values that characterize the society in which the firm operates. Socio-cultural components of the environment influence the ability of the firm to obtain resources, make its goods and services, and function within the society. Sociocultural factors include anything within the context of society that has the potential to affect an organization.Population demographics, rising educational levels, norms and values, and attitudes toward social responsibility are examples of sociocultural variables. One of the social aspects discussed in the Marble Slab case study is the rise of the â€Å"healthy-eating† trend. The increased rate of obesity in North America is one of the leading factors in the occurrence of this social trend. This poses a threat to Marble Slab because ice cream is a frozen dessert treat high in calories. This however is combated by Marble Slab’s addition of fat-free frozen yogurt.Ice c ream is considered to be a social event in our culture, and the fact that ice cream establishments offer a social environment is a leading factor in why the market holds so much potential for young adults and families with children. Political/legal: The political-legal dimension of the general environment also affects business activity. The philosophy of the political parties in power influences business practices. The legal environment serves to define what organizations can and cannot do at a particular point in time.One of those most important political factors in the assessment of the macro environmental factors of Marble Slab lies within the Harmonized Sales tax policy (HST) that has replaced the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) since July of 2010. The combination of the PST as well as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) indicates a slight raise in the overall cost of goods and services. This is an important political factor for a retail store like Marble Slab Creamery, because consumer s will find a noticeable increase of tax.This raises a slight risk they will be discouraged from visiting luxury or treat stores like an ice cream establishment. Natural environment: An identifiable element in the physical, cultural, demographic, economic, political, regulatory, or technological environment that affects the survival, operations, and growth of an organization. Winter Weather in Canada can affect the business. People try to ignore eating cold products in winter. SWOT ANALYSIS Strengths: * Make Fresh Ice Cream Daily * High Quality Ingredients * Customizable Product 21 Flavour of Ice Cream * Fat Free * Greater share-of-mind than McDonalds * Caters to a bigger demographic than Starbucks, and Dairy Queen * Selling an original product * Having an original mixins concept * Offering a unique experience with the food being prepared on a frozen marble slab Weaknesses: * Not as popular as Baskin Robins or McDonalds * More Prestigious product means it will be more expensive * Do n’t have the marketing power or financial resources as their competition * Not as many locations as competition Not as many flavours as other places like Baskin Robins (32 Flavours) * Not too convenient or those who want fast ice cream * Lots of Substitutes in Market Opportunities: * Can start to sell their ice cream at Convenience and Grocery stores * Have a take home section, sort of like a drive through * Use Social Media to Advertise * Create more flavours * Increase number of locations * Expanding to other countries * Appealing to price sensitive customers Expand menu so that there are more products than just ice cream (Coffee or Hamburgers. Ex. Dairy Cream, McDonalds) * Focus on Catering because it can be a great asset if done well * Trent towards healthy eating gives fat-free yogurt sales a boost * Children see ice cream as a treat, and encourage parents to choose an ice cream establishment as a family activity * The lucrative young adults (15-24) market are inclined t o visit and ice cream establishment due to its social environment and low costThreats: * Recession * Other companies who want to become more involved with ice cream products * Brand Loyalty to other ice cream companies * Dominant Retailers can sell ice cream for a lot less * Intense competition from other frozen dessert chains and grocers * Indirect competition from convenience and grocery stores * The dairy industry has a wide fluctuation rate, which directly affects goods prices * Canadians are concerned about the dip in the American economy. Other competitors such as Baskin Robins and Cold Stones have the financial resources to generate strong promotion, and can keep their prices on par with Marble Slab * Other competitors have products similar to Marble Slab’s â€Å"mixins†, such as Dairy Queen’s â€Å"Blizzard† or McDonalds â€Å"McFlurry† * Other food establishments have the advantage of supplying their products through grocers Problem and Is sue Analysis The major issue is deciding the location, because all the expenses related to promotion and pricing decision depend on the location.Some locations have different financing and leasing whereas others have target market issue. Every single decision to be made depends on the location where Thomas would like to start the business. Marketing Objectives Marble Slabs Marketing objectives are: -To have a successful promotional plan for the grand opening of the store and meeting the revenue goal of $400,000 in the first year. -To have promotional costs of $10,000 for the grand opening. -To have a 20% ROI on our catering events every year. Marketing StrategiesLocation is defined as the major problem as every single thing related for operations depends on location. Looking over the census information for the locations, Oakville is the most suitable option, the reasons are as follows: – 1- Median household income is the highest for Oakville 2- There are considerable amount o f target market in Oakville 3- Located near the lake, could be considered as picnic spot 4- There is little direct competition Purchasing power is the most important, because if the consumer has low disposable income then they won’t have that curiosity to spend.Oakville has the highest median income. 13,245 young adults live in Oakville. Ample of target market are present in Oakville, Thomas should work on 80 20 rule, where 20% of consumer make 80% of the revenue. There is little direct competition; this gives Thomas to act as the market leader in Oakville. There is some indirect competition from the grocery stores but that won’t affect the sale to a major extent. Thomas has to introduce fat free ice cream, because most of the consumers are health conscious.To achieve the objectives Thomas has to try as hard as possible to stay on the budget. There are a lot of expenses that come with the opening of a business. She must concentrate her time and money on the proper adve rtisement. I think one of her best bets in that situation would be to have a commercial on 104. 5 Chum FM during driving time because I believe that that will reach the most people. Also if she is to go into catering I believe that the best option for her to use is the portable slab option. It caters to the most people and the whole Marble Slap experience to the customers