Character Analysis: The Nun Of Monza

Lacuna's arrival to the convent, Gertrude appears and her life story takes up the following two chapters of the novel. Gertrude grew up at a time when a woman had two choices in life: the first was to find a spouse and have children while the other option was to become a nun. As a child, Gertrude had no desire to become a nun, but rather dreamt of the day when she could finally fall in love. Gertrude father indirectly forced his daughter into becoming a nun by giving her dolls dressed as nuns, sending her to Sunday school, and having her read the bible.The brain washed child grew up to having no choice but to move to a convent and take on the life long commitment of becoming a nun. The ceremony in which Gertrude accepts her future being a life devoted to God, she ponders her decision for a moment with conflicting thoughts rushing through her mind. She debates with herself on whether this is the life she wants or if this is the life society wants. When the church asks her if Gertrude has chosen to devote her life to God because of her own desire she causes while looking at her father.After another inner battle with her emotions, Gertrude finally vows to become a nun. Later on in Gertrude life, she goes to live in a convent located in an Italian town called â€Å"Amazon†, thus taking on the name â€Å"The Nun of Amazon†. Here she spends her days praying during the day, but living a completely different life during the night. As time goes on she falls in love and develops a forbidden relationship with a man named Goodie whom she has a child with. In her daily fife at the Covent, Gertrude always shows signs of rebellion after having found love.One example of her rebellious attitude is portrayed by a loose strand of hair falling from her veil. The strand of hair is a symbol of Gesture's hate and disgust towards the church for having made her once free life a life filled with unhappiness and restrictions. The smiling child she once was becomes an angry and troubled soul after years of feeling like a prisoner of the church.

Focus Group Essay

Qualitative research Definition- it is a research, which is undertaken using an unstructured research, approach with a small number of carefully selected individuals to produce non-quantifiable insights into behavior, motivations and attitudes. Qualitative and quantitative research as two distinctly separate bodies of research – many studies encompass both approaches, with qualitative research being used to explore and understand attitudes and behavior, and quantitative research being used to measure how widespread these attitudes and behaviors are. Qualitative research can be used when managers need exploratory research. Managers use exploratory research to understand customer attitudes, emotions, preferences and behaviors. It can also be used in new product development or creative development research. Individual depth interview It is an interview that is conducted face-to-face, in which the subject matter of the interview is explored in detail using an unstructured and flexible approach. As with all qualitative research, depth interviews are used to develop a deeper understanding d of consumer attitudes and the reasons behind specific behaviors. This understanding is achieved through responding to an individual’s comments with extensive probing. The flexibility of this probing sets this interview approach apart from oter questionnaire-type interviews. Although there is an agenda of topics to be covered, the interviewers will use their knowledge of the research objectives, the information gained from other interviews and the comments of the respondent to select which parts of the dialogue with the respondent to explore further, which to ignore, and which to return to later in the interview. Not only is the depth interview flexible, it is also evolutionary in nature. Focus group Focus groups are depth interviews undertaken with a group of respondents. It is different to individual interviews in the number of respondents and interaction between participants. Several factors affect focus group Recruitment is a very critical element of group discussions and has long been a major quality-control issue in the UK marketing research industry. Group discussions are unlikely to achieve their research objectives if the wrong types of participant are recruited. The research proposal will set out the type of participants required for a group discussion. For example, if Colgate is researching a new type of toothpaste for a sensitive teeth. Their specification may request respondents who regularly purchase toothpaste with sensitive protection function. Respondents age (for example 25-64), living area, etc. Managers can also use Screening questionnaire to identify suitable respondents for its group discussion. The area that respondents are recruited normally should be in street or telephone interviews. The location that group discussions were held should let respondents feel comfortable. Locations such as viewing rooms or hotels for business should have no special facilities apart from audio type recorder. Food or snacks will also be provided to assist in relaxing the atmosphere. Time to hold the discussion should be well scheduled. Times should be available to target group. For example, outside working hours, times of available public transport etc. The number of groups should be 3-4. As the 3rd and 4th group can used to exam atypical views. * There are problems involving focus groups. For example in the case of overlapping dialogues from different speakers which may affect the transcript. * Moderators must learn to control such people and encourage those less willing to speak up and let their opinions be heard. Comparing to traditional group discussion, online group discussion or chat room is becoming popular. Apart from lower cost and possible time-saving, it can allow more people to be involved in observing the research, particularly if it is being carried out in a different region or country. However, a cheaper version of online group discussion or chat room where a group is recruited who are willing to discuss a subject online usually using text. It can be difficult to develop any real group dynamics and it is impossible to see people’s facial expression. Even with webcams, the video picture is usually so poor. Participants may also be distracted by events within their own office or home, as the environment is not under the control of the moderator. However, it may be useful with people who could be unwilling to attend a group discussion because of their geographical dispersal or their introverted nature. Projective techniques Projective techniques are techniques used in group discussions and individual interviews to facilitate a deeper exploration of a respondent’s attitudes towards a concept, product or situation. They enable respondents to express attitudes that they find difficult to verbalize. Projective technique projective techniques may gather ‘richer’ data than do standard questioning and discussion. There are many types of projective techniques. The most common three techniques are projective questioning. It is a projective technique that asks the respondent to consider what other people would think about a situation. An example of this could be â€Å"What do you think people in your street would think if they saw a BMW parked in your driveway?† The advantage of projective questioning is that it usually reflect the opinions of the respondent without causing them any embarrassment. Managers can get more objective answers. Word association tests It is a projective technique that involves asking respondents what brands or products they associate with specific words. In marketing research, word association is typically used in conjunction with brand names or celerity endorsers. This can assist marketers in developing communication objectives and strategies to position or differentiate their brands from those of competitors. In addition to the direct outputs of word association, the technique is also very useful as a way of warming up a group by getting everybody contributing and involved. Brand personalities Brand personalities involve respondents imagining a brand a person and describing their looks, clothes. Lifestyles, employment etc. For example, if ‘Nokia’ was a person, what type of person would he or she be? The answer could be such as a modern, relatively young slightly quirky male. This could compare with other brands. Developing brand personification can help to verbalize the imagery and vocabulary associated with the brand. Sentence completion Sentence completion involves providing respondents with an incomplete sentence or group of sentences. Respondents are then asked to complete them. For example, ‘Tesco, as a supermarket, is†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ in many way, sentence completion is similar to word associations, although it can enable researcher to put the respondent’s thinking process into a proper context. Observation research Observation is a data-gathering approach where information on the behavior of people, objects and organizations is collected without any questions being asked of the participants. Observation can take a quantitative format where a large number of events or people are observed and the outputs are analyzed using statistical method. The major advantage of it over surveys of respondents is that the data collected do not have inaccuracies as a result of memory error or social desire bias. The data recorded reflect the actual behavior that took place. For example, video record gives a true representation of rental behavior. Observation overcomes the high refusal rates that may exist for some survey research. However, observation cannot investigate reasons behind behavior. Also, only public behavior is observed. Examples of what can be observed are consumers behavior in store, family consuming behavior at home, comments on the internet. Typical methods of observation are internet monitoring (club card, cookies), in-store observations (CCTV), mystery shopping(researchers participant into observation to look at process not the outcome of number of satisfaction), content analysis(how many time that the word appear in the article), ethnography(could be costly and have ethical issues). Ethical problem Questionnaire A questionnaire is the research instrument designed to generate the data necessary for accomplishing a project’s research objectives. Questionnaires have advantages over some other types of surveys in that they are cheap, do not require as much effort from the questioner as focus group, and often have standardized answers that make it simple to compile data. However, questionnaires also have many of the same problems relating to question construction and wording. The effect of questionnaire might also limited by the location that respondents do the questionnaire. For example, respondents who did questionnaire in high street could be affected by noise. There are many types of questionnaire. There are open-ended question, closed question, scaling questions. There are many factors when comparing Focus group, depth interviews, projective techniques, observation and questionnaire. In terms of degree of structure, focus group are relatively high as managers will guide and control the whole discussion until all tasks are finished. In terms of probing of individual respondents, depth interviews are high and focus group and questionnaire are low. Moderator bias in depth interviews are high and others are medium. Observation has none effects in terms of both probing of individual respondents and moderator bias. Focus group is also high in discovering innovative information. Projective techniques and observation are high in uncovering subconscious information and obtaining sensitive information. Questionnaire and projective techniques are involving unusual behavior or questioning.

HRM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

HRM - Essay Example be followed by giving a brief outline of downsizing and reward management, rationale and outcomes of implementing the two concepts in the automobile industry today. A detailed explanation of these basic concepts will also be outlined in an attempt to give a definition for easier understanding of these two concepts. This section attempts to outline the rationale of implementing such strategies supported by empirical evidence from the automobile sector based on researches conducted before on the sector. Different researches will be analysed in order to ascertain the rationale of embarking on such practices. This section will then be followed by comments on the relation between HRM and performance, productivity as well as the importance of combining such practices to achieve greater outcomes in the operations of human resources management in the automobile industry. A critical analysis of the application of both concepts to the automobile industry will be drawn in conclusion to sum up t he effectiveness of implementing such kind of strategies in the automobile industry during the contemporary period. From the beginning of the year 2008, the automotive industry witnessed some major changes that affected the whole sector. Whilst South American as well as Asian countries witnessed a major increase in the sales of automotives, the markets in Japan and North America were stagnant (simplyglobal n.d). Research has also shown that the transport system based on the use of cars is highly unsustainable in the face of government bodies advocating the minimisation of the harmful effects of the increasing automobiles which emit dangerous greenhouse gasses that are detrimental to the environment. The year 2008 also witnessed a global downturn of the economy which saw a rapid increase in the prices of oil. This saw a shift in consumer buying behaviour where they in fact preferred to use public transport (Simplyglobal n.d). America was hard hit as the large trucks such as SUV

Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Franchising Essay

Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Franchising - Essay Example The franchise raises operations money and manages the business operations. In franchising mode of business, someone else does establishment of the business for another. The franchise shares the business expertise for a financial consideration with the franchise. Franchising can be of different types. There is one where a business is developed much earlier on especially with existing products and the manufacturer grants right to sell the products to the franchise. The other is the franchise where franchiser allows the franchisee to utilize a special recipe or process as well as the name of the franchiser. Today, the format of business type of ownership is constituted by franchising where franchisers do not only grant the right to sell products and services or its name, but also transfers totally the way of operating the business developed such as management methods, operating, training and marketing systems, as well as technical experience and expertise (Sherman, 2007). The franchise is also extensively trained by franchiser as well as offer an ongoing support. Buying a franchise may as well be a feasible and/ or viable alternative to establishing a new business.   The primary benefit associated with franchising is the minimization of risks. Establishing a new business is often very risky. New business risk failure within their first three years of operation, this is because the owners still have to experience the sustainability curve of operations. Franchising, however, minimizes these risks since it’s already established. Franchisors also provide much information to the franchisees before any investment is made in the business. This enables the franchisees to try if the business if fit for them or not.

Case study presentation+notes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Case study presentation+notes - Essay Example Time consideration is an essential factor in this regard. The non-discounting factors do not take into consideration time value of money and therefore are considered inferior to discounting cash flow techniques. With respect to the projects in this paper, both kinds of techniques have been considered, namely NPV and payback method (Bierman and Smidt, 2012). NPV is one of most preferred discounting techniques deployed in investment appraisal. In this method, future inflows are converted into present value by discounting them using a discount factor. The main benefit of discounting inflows is that it helps understand the actual worth of the inflows and reflects the impact of inflation and potential risks on the investment. Generally, cost of capital is considered as an appropriate discounting measure because it is developed using the existing market risk factor. There are two criteria for accepting a project: first, NPV should be positive and second, a project with the highest NPV should be selected. Negative NPV bearing projects are rejected because they would generate negative return in the long run (Sangster, 1993; Savvides, 1994). It was observed that none of the projects of Jones & Simpson Ltd generate a positive NPV. Project A generated a negative value while Project B was observed to break even. Breakeven stands for a no-profit / no-loss situation. If the company has no other choices besides project A and B, Project B is recommended because project A involves more investment and will generate negative return in the long run. Payback period is one of the non-discounting techniques used by managers for evaluating projects. However, this technique is used along with other discounting techniques so that the time factor is not neglected. Generally, managers analyse projects using NPV, IRR and payback period together. One of the key benefits of payback period is that it focuses on cash flow instead of accounting profit. The determination process is also

Criminal law problem question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Criminal law problem question - Essay Example 1Simple criminal damage finds a person guilty of criminal damage if they recklessly destroy or damage property belonging to another person. In order to prove a defendant liable to simple criminal damage the following elements have to be proved: Proving the mens rea in this case would be simple as the events that led to the destruction of $6,000 worth of property were triggered with Archie catapulting the stone. As set out in Roper v Knott  2any diminution in value of property due to a person’s act other than the owner is considered criminal damage. The prosecution in this cases would have the most difficult in proving the mens rea. The prosecution would be burdened with proving that Archie had the intention to destroy the garage or he acted recklessly leading to the damage in the garage. It is clear from the facts of the case Archie’s actions were not intended at causing the damage. Therefore, the prosecution would have to prove Archie acted recklessly in hitting the bus with the stone. In R v G & R recklessness can be proved; if Archie was aware of the risk of the stone hitting a vehicle on the road adjacent to the park existed3. Secondly, if he was under circumstances that made it unreasonable for him to take the risk. Under the reasoning in R v G & R  4, Archie could not appreciate the risk of damage because of his age. In R v G & R it was ruled that a defendant’s age, experience and knowledge must be taken into consideration while determining if they acted recklessly5. Therefore, Archie can use his age as a defence against the charge of simple criminal damage. Therefore, the prosecution would not be successful in convincing the court, Archie is liable to any criminal offense. In this case, Barry aims and fires his high powered air rifle with the intention of teaching his neighbour Siegfried a lesson. The previous night, Barry had not slept as Siegfried had played dubstep music the whole night. The impact of Barry’s

Fashion of Men's Clothing in the Culture of Qatar Essay

Fashion of Men's Clothing in the Culture of Qatar - Essay Example The essay "Fashion of Men's Clothing in the Culture of Qatar" presents a business plan for the foundation of a fashion company of men’s clothing in Qatar overviewing all the important aspect of the culture in this country. Qatar is endowed with huge reserves of natural resources and is currently one of the most developing countries in the world. It is important to study the culture of Qatar before venturing in the market.Qatar people associate American companies with high capitalism and high-profit motives. Qatar people prefer to establish good relationships before starting any serious business conversation. It is important to understand the norms and values of Qatar people, especially while interacting with people of the opposite gender. The business will have to use professionals to analyze the similarities and differences of US and Qatar culture. The personnel must be able to communicate Arabic using Qatari accent to easily gain acceptance by the local population. Qatar men take pride in their culture and traditional clothing. Men wear a long thou with stylish collars and buttons. During winter, men prefer either heavy fabric for the thous which are mainly gray, brown or black color. Young men prefer embroidered caps and cover their heads with folded square cloth. During ceremonial occasions, Qatar men wear a black-gold cloak and keep one hand free in order to allow for handshakes. During the winter, men also prefer woolen sleeveless waistcoat that mainly contains camel hair. (Torstrick 88). The target market The business will sell new men’s clothing fashion to Qatar people. The clothes will be customised to Qatar culture in order to attract a lot of demand. Qatar is endowed with large gas and oil reserves and the per capita GDP is one of the largest in the world. Qatar enjoys political stability and cordial relationships with the USA government. The country is favorable for US exports and has no foreign exchange controls and has allowe d 100 percent foreign ownership of businesses in some sectors such as health, education and exploitation of the natural resources. The business will benefit from expanded market, reduced business risks due to diversification and increased global recognition. Qatar market offers viable opportunity from fashion men’s clothing due toe increase in the number of citizens living in the urban areas (Orr 198). Marketing strategy The target market consists of Qatar men who prefer customized clothing. Due to the increasing educated young men who prefer western clothing that is customised to their culture, the business will experience minimal resistance in penetrating the market. Customer satisfaction is key to the success of the business thus good relationships will be maintained with all the customers. The business will use Arabic language in the media advertisements and advertising themes will not be offensive to Islamic religion. In addition, the color in the advertisements will hav e to be grey or white in order to appeal to the culture of Qatar. The marketing staff will follow Qatar norms since male staff will not be allowed to shake hands with female customers. The business will avoid giving free gifts to first time customers since free gifts in the first business transactions may be declined by the customers. The

Operating system Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Operating system - Assignment Example The program responsible for this task is known as traffic controller. Modern operating systems use a graphical user interface, or GUI. A GUI allows one to use the mouse to click icons, buttons, and menus, and everything will be displayed on the screen in combination of graphics and text. Traditionally, computers had a command-line interface, which meant users had to type every single command to the computer and the computer would only display text. (Anonymous, 2010) I. Mac OS X.It was created by Apple and it comes preloaded on all new Macintosh computers, or Macs. All of the recent versions are known as OS X  and the specific versions include  Yosemite 2014, Mavericks 2013, Mountain Lion 2012, Lion  2011 and Snow  Leopard 2009. Apple also offers a version called Mac OS X Server, which is designed to be run on servers. (Anonymous, 2010) II. Microsoft Windows. Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s.The different versions of Windows are  Windows 8 (2012), Windows 7  (2009), and Windows Vista  (2007). Windows comes preloaded  on most new PCs, which helps to make it the most popular operating system in the world. (Anonymous, 2010) III. Linux. This OS can be modified and distributed by anyone around the world. This is different from proprietary software  like Windows, which can only be modified by the company that owns it (Microsoft). The most popular versions include Ubuntu, Mint, and Fedora. (Anonymous, 2010) Normally, the operating systems of mobile phones are designed specifically for mobile devices. Operating systems for these mobile devices are usually not fully featured like those of desktop and laptop computers. However, one can still do a lot of things with them, like watching movies, browsing the Web, managing your calendar and playing games. Examples of these mobile operating systems include Apple iOS, Windows Phone, and Google Android. (Anonymous,

Compare&contrast, where are you going,Where have you bee by joyce Essay

Compare&contrast, where are you going,Where have you bee by joyce oates and A&P by john updike - Essay Example Her interests include boys, fashions, hair styles and makeup. Contrasted against this image of innocence, she lives a double life. â€Å"Everything about her had two sides to it; one for home and one for anywhere that was not home: her walk, which could be childlike and bobbing, or languid enough to make anyone think she was hearing music in her head; her mouth, which was pale and smirking most of the time, but bright and pink on these evenings out.† In this characterization, Oates illustrates that her character is at once very innocent in her experience, but also rebellious and ready, so she imagines, for much more exciting and adult experiences. When Arthur Friend appears at her door, he points out that it was her blatant sexuality that attracted him and he intends to take advantage of it. Connie’s innocence in how to handle this sort of situation causes her to be a victim to Arthur’s manipulations. John Updike’s character also seems very innocent yet becoming aware of the impact she has on others. She enters the A&P with her two friends, all in bikini bathing suits and all in bare feet, to do a little shopping. Although all eyes are on the trio, only the girl labeled ‘the queen’ seems to rise above the scrutiny: â€Å"She must have felt in the corner of her eye me and over my shoulder Stokesie in the second slot watching, but she didnt tip. Not this queen. She kept her eyes moving across the racks, and stopped, and turned so slow it made my stomach rub the inside of my apron, and buzzed to the other two, who kind of huddled against her for relief†. While she feels the attention she’s getting, she doesn’t seem to be quite aware of its implications until the manager, Lengel, who is attracted by the girls’ blatant sexuality, brings attention to the obvious by indicating they are not dressed

Past, Present and Future Document Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Past, Present and Future Document - Essay Example It humbled me to realize just how rapidly our society is evolving based on the continually expanding role of technology. Without proper training, I would only be able to start a position with a company from the ground up and learn as I went. However, I wanted more than that. I wanted to be able to offer my services to an employer on the basis of my knowledge. The variety of courses offered by the University of Phoenix allowed me to obtain a extensive knowledge about a variety of topics which are key to survival, and success, in today's society. Prior to the advent of my enrollment in the University of Phoenix, my personal experience with the techniques and skills involved in problem solving, written and oral communication skills, information retrieval and utilization, and collaboration were practically nonexistent. In high school, classes touched upon these subjects, but did not fully delve into the implications of utilizing these skills in a business context. Prior to my enrollment in the University of Phoenix in the Business Science of Management program, I did not have a clear career goal in mind. I knew that I was interested in business applications and certainly wanted to be a member of a management team, but I did not have a specific industry in which to apply the skills I was eager to learn. I needed to experience various aspects of management before I could truly decide in which direction to pursue a business career. II. Growth A. Contribution of University of Phoenix courses The class, "Essentials of College Writing" was extremely helpful to me in taking the basic writing skills I'd used in high school to the next, more professional level. My management classes, as well as "Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making" were essential in realizing the importance of problem solving, as well as collaboration, in practical business applications. Without learning these skills, I would never have been ready to accept a management position with a company based on my lack of prior experience. The class "Skills for Professional Development" offered me an overview of information retrieval and utilization that I have continually referred to throughout my journey while "Communicating in a Virtual Workplace" took that overview and expanded it to include relevant applications in a modern company. I have grown personally as well as in my professional competency. Through such courses as "Cultural Diversity" and "Ethics in Management" I have learned to view the world and its events in a more discerning manner and I found a personal affinity for exploring diversity and celebrating human differences. I also realized I am concerned with the rights of others and how ethics impacts some of our basic human rights. "Foundations of Research" also aided in helping me critically analyze various pieces of data which surround me in the everyday course of my life, such as news articles and political coverage. B. Courses with Greatest Impact The classes "Human Motivation" and "Organization Psychology" were both instrumental in having an impact on the direction of my

Theoretical Positions of Jung, Adler, and Freud Essay Example for Free

Theoretical Positions of Jung, Adler, and Freud Essay Recently, there has been a debate on the subject of a statutory minimum wage. Different parties have different point of views about it. The unionists believe setting a higher amount can help to reduce the continuously increased wealth gap in Hong Kong, but the businessmen worry that it will increase the operating costs of their businesses. I will discuss the pros and cons of a statutory minimum wage in the following paragraphs. For the advantages, firstly, a minimum wage can force employers to offer reasonable salaries to their employees and give them guidelines on how rational salaries should be set. This can help to protect employees from being exploited. Secondly, the problem of income inequality can be addressed by increasing low-income groups’ salaries so that it can help to promote social justice and greatly improve social harmony and stability. Moreover, the policy can encourage the unemployed citizens to rejoin the work force and thus reduce the burden on the government. Although there are many advantages of setting a minimum wage, there are some drawbacks too. The unemployment rate may rise after implementing the minimum wage law. Due to the increase of operating costs or production costs, some employers may lay off their staff. And it may discourage employees to improve their working attitude and skills as their wages are protected under the statutory minimum wage system, working incentive may thus become low. When we talk about the level of a statutory minimum wage, we have a lot to concerned about, for example, the economic situation, GDP etc. I think the living standard is very high in Hong Kong at present, so the level of a statutory minimum wage should be high enough to meet a family’s daily expenses. At the same time, we should also consider the financial burden on the employers. If not, laying off staff or even closing down the businesses may be the result. The government, therefore, should consider all these issues, think twice and make a wise decision. From http://www. tkp. edu. hk/newsletter/archives/2610 News Point Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung Kin-chung ( ) explained how the members of the Provisional Minimum Wage Commission ( ) came to be agreed on the initial statutory minimum wage rate. According to him, they considered four main criteria: 1. it should not be too low; 2. it would not cause low-paid jobs to disappear in large numbers; 3. it would not inhibit economic development; 4. it would not significantly damage Hong Kongs competitive advantages. To protect labour rights, Hong Kong may need not only minimum wage legislation but also standard working hours legislation ( ). The Legislative Council has adopted a motion to call for the enactment of such a law. To encourage underprivileged citizens and low-income employees living in remote districts to find work or stay in employment, the government launched in 2007 a pilot transport support scheme (). Under the scheme, eligible citizens have been provided with time-limited transport allowances. The Labour Department ( ) is responsible for protecting other labour rights enshrined in various pieces of labour legislation (such as the Employment Ordinance ( )). Minimum wage a issue for people to decide: Hong Kong chief Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Donald Tsang on Friday continued to defend his decision not to legislate on the controversial minimum- wage issue in his latest Policy Address. Speaking on RTHK Friday, two days after presenting his Policy Address, Tsang said he did not want to see the issue dealt with in court as some legislators have said they would press ahead with plans to seek a judicial review after the government decided not to legislate for a minimum wage at the moment. It is a matter for the people to decide, not the courts, Tsang told a call-in radio show Friday morning. I think we should try to solve this matter amicably, in the community. Fundamentally it is not even the legislature and the government. It is a matter for the people, he added, in response to what he called a very strong union and labor voice on minimum wage. In Hong Kong, the arguments on minimum wage between the labor and the employers have lasted for many years but without consensus. The labor has always pressed ahead to legislate on minimum wage among the security and cleaners sectors in particular as soon as possible. But employers said in order to compete in a globalized economy, it is a remaining advantage for Hong Kong not to force employers to accept the deal via legislation. If this matter were pushed through the Legislative Council at the moment, Tsang said, it would be a very, very bloody fight there would be serious arguments over this, the community would be torn apart. In his policy address, Tsang proposed to launch a Wage Protection Movement for workers in the security and cleaning sectors. He promised to legislate on the minimum-wages issues two years later if the movement fails and employers are not paying market rates. ‘Hong Kong lawmakers debate minimum wage CNN 14 Jul 10 Hong Kong lawmakers resumed debate Wednesday on a bill that may result in the regions first statutory minimum wage. The Minimum Wage Bill is a controversial piece of legislation that lawmakers hope will protect the most vulnerable workers in Hong Kong, one of the few places in the world without any sort of minimum wage law. The debate is set to take two to three days. A recent government survey showed that around half a million workers in Hong Kong earn less than $4 an hour. These include low-skilled workers from the catering, retail, and cleaning industries. According to Man Hon Poon, a policy researcher at the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Union, the lack of legal protection for workers has led to serious exploitation. Workers in restaurants have to work for 12 hours or even 14 hours a day to earn a living, he said. They cannot even go to the cinema. Legislator Tommy Cheung, however, claims that the government should not interfere with the free market economy, which he says has served Hong Kong well in the past. A minimum wage could deter investors and lead to increased unemployment, said Cheung, who represents the catering industry. There is one fear within the industry, that they would have to close down, he said. When you see a closure, everyone loses out. The government first proposed the current bill in 2008 following a failed attempt at a voluntary minimum wage. Labor unions, however, have been lobbying for a minimum wage since 1998, following the Asian financial crisis. The rate of the minimum wage has also been under great debate. Trade unions have been demanding a minimum wage of $4 while employer groups have been asking for $3 per hour. If the bill passes this week, the rate of the minimum wage will be set by the Minimum Wage Commission, a consortium of trade union members, employers and scholars, in the coming months. Once the chief executive approves the rate, employers will have six months to implement the law. The Hong Kong government estimates that the earliest the minimum wage law may take effect is May 2011. http://edition. cnn. com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/07/14/china. hong. kong. minimum. wage/index. html? hpt=T2fbid=cFYYtTV0ap3 The Minimum Wage: An Unfair Advantage for Employers October 1989 †¢ Volume: 39 †¢ Issue: 10 †¢ Print This Post †¢ 1 comment Professor Boudreaux teaches economics at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Suppose you want to help the sellers of a specific product. One thing you might want to do is try to ensure that a buyers’ market for that good or service isn’t created. A buyers’ market is an economic situation that favors buyers over sellers. For example, everyone hopes that the real-estate market in his hometown will be a sellers’ market when the time comes to sell his house. No one wants to have to sell a house when real estate is in a buyers’ market. Nevertheless, people who advocate mini- mum-wage legislation to improve the lot of unskilled workers in effect support government creation of a buyers’ market as a way to help sellers of unskilled labor. Freely Moving Prices: The Great Equalizer Economics and common sense teach us that, other things being equal, as the price of a product rises, more units will be offered for sale but fewer units will be demanded by consumers. If a price is too low, there will be an excess demand for the good or service in question, and buyers will compete for the limited quantities available by offering higher prices to sellers. If a price is too high, there will be an excess supply, and sellers (who cannot sell all that they wish at the high price) will compete for customers by offering lower prices. So long as there are no government-imposed restrictions on prices, prices will tend to adjust in each market so that the quantities demanded will be equal to the quantities supplied. It is important to realize that prices change only when there are bargaining inequalities between buyers and sellers. Prices rise only when the amount demanded by buyers is greater than the amount supplied by sellers; prices fall only when the amount demanded by buyers is less than the amount supplied by sellers. Put another way, prices rise only when there is a sellers’ market, and prices fall only when there is a buyers’ market. The rise or fall of prices, however, eliminates the inequality of supply and demand and, thus, eliminates the conditions that people describe as sellers’ markets and buyers’ markets. Freedom of price adjustments ensures equality of bargaining power among buyers and sellers. Freely moving prices are the great equalizer. Employers compete for human labor services, like most things of value in a society based on private property in a market in which sellers and buyers engage in voluntary exchanges. Wage rates (in combination with other forms of compensation) are determined in the labor market. If this market isn’t hampered by government, wages will constantly adjust so employers and employees enjoy equal bargaining power. Of course, unskilled workers aren’t as productive as workers with greater skills, and so wage rates for skilled labor tend to be higher than wages for unskilled labor. It is a myth, however, that highly skilled workers enjoy greater bargaining power with employers than do workers with fewer skills. If wage rates are free to adjust to their market-clearing levels, unskilled workers will enjoy as much bargaining power as the most highly skilled workers, because freely moving wage rates adjust so that the amount of each type of labor demanded will tend to equal the amount supplied. Employers can have no bar gaining advantage over even the most unskilled workers if wage rates are free to move to the levels at which the amount of labor services demanded is equal to the amount supplied by workers. Freely moving wage rates are the great equalizer of bargaining positions among employers and employees. The Minimum Wage: The Great Unequalizer Minimum-wage legislation prohibits wages from falling low enough to equate the number of people seeking jobs with the number of jobs being offered. As a result, the supply of unskilled labor permanently exceeds the demand for’ unskilled labor at the government-mandated minimum wage. Minimum-wage legislation thus creates a buyers’ market for unskilled labor. And as in all buyers’ markets, buyers (employers) have an unequal bargaining advantage over sellers (unskilled workers). Consider, for example, a grocer. Suppose he decides that a clean parking lot will attract more customers, and that this will increase his sales by $10 per day. Of course, the grocer will pay no more than $10 a day to have his parking lot cleaned. He then investigates how best to get this done. Suppose there are two options available to him. One way is to hire a fairly skilled worker who can clean the parking lot in one hour, while the second way is to hire two unskilled workers who, working together, will get the job done in the same time. Other things being equal, the grocer will make his decision based upon the relative cost of skilled versus unskilled labor. Let’s assume the skilled worker will charge $6 an hour, while each of the unskilled workers will charge $2. 50 an hour. In a free labor market, the grocer will hire the two unskilled workers be-cause, in total, it costs him $5 per hour for the unskilled workers whereas it would cost $6 for the one skilled worker. But what will the grocer do if a minimum wage of $4 per hour is imposed? To hire the two unskilled workers will now cost him a total of $8 an hour. The skilled worker now becomes the better bargain at $6 an hour. Minimum-wage legislation strips unskilled workers of their one bargaining chip: the willingness to work at a lower wage than that charged by workers with more skills. The result is unemployment of the unskilled workers. Consider another effect of the minimum wage. Because there are more people who want jobs at the minimum wage rate than there are jobs to go around, employers have little incentive to treat unskilled workers with respect. If an employer mistreats an unskilled worker, the employer need not be concerned if the worker quits. After all, there are plenty of unemployed unskilled workers who can be hired to fill positions vacated by workers who quit. In addition, the permanent buyers’ market created by the minimum wage encourages employers to discriminate in their hiring and firing decisions on the basis of sex, race, religion, and so on. Suppose an employer has two minimum-wage jobs available, but there are ten unskilled workers who apply for the jobs. Bemuse the workers are prohibited from competing with each other on the basis of wage rates, other factors must determine which of the workers will be hired. If the employer dislikes blacks, and if there are at least two non-black workers who have applied for employment, no black workers will be hired. With a surplus of unskilled workers, there is no economic incentive to stop this bigoted employer from indulging his prejudices. Conclusion Minimum-wage legislation creates an excess supply of unskilled labor and gives the buyers of unskilled labor an unfair bargaining advantage over the sellers of unskilled labor. It is a fantasy to believe that the welfare of unskilled workers can be improved by such legislation. Unskilled workers shouldn’t be restricted to a permanent buyers’ market. Hong Kong Sets Minimum Wage At HK$28 Per Hour The citys new minimum wage finally has been released. The HK$28/hour base is roughly the cost of two cartons of milk, a fast food meal or four premium beers. Secretary for Labor and Welfare Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said the new wage, set to come into effect May 1 if it passes the legislature, represented an average wage increase of 16. 9 percent affecting some 314,600 employees. The cost will be roughly HK$3. 3 billion. Tabled for discussion at the Legislative Council Wednesday, the new wage was a milestone in the protection of the rights of low-income workers and a hard-won achievement given the controversy amid the citys laissez faire system, Chief Executive Donald Tsang said. To offset the impact on the labor market, the Labor Department will improve employment services for the young, middle-aged and those with disabilities, he added. By the Minimum Wage Commissions estimates, the new minimum wage amounts to 48 percent of Hong Kongs median hourly wage during the second quarter of 2009. More than half (61. 4 percent) of the more than 314,000 workers expected to benefit from the new minimum wage are women. A quarter of those who will benefit are over the age of 65 and 18 percent work in a part-time capacity, Cheung said. On a sector basis, 35. 5 percent of workers are from security and cleaning companies while 19 percent work in restaurants and 16 percent in retail. Cheung said the impact on employment will be relatively mild, especially when viewed against the improving economic and labor market conditions. Shying away from commenting on concerns that employers would start cutting back on employee benefits to offset increases in costs due to the new wage, Cheung urged employers to communicate closely with their employees, particularly to have frank discussions [and to] work together. Unionist lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan said he was disappointed with the rate saying it will be based on figures two years old before its implementation, adding HK$28 an hour was not enough to provide for a family. He favored the HK$33 an hour rate supported by employee groups. Commission chairwoman Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah said the commission does not think a HK$33 hourly rate was sustainable. She noted, half the burden would eat into company profits while the number of companies falling into the red would go up by 60 percent. She added those companies employed 120,000 workers. Catering lawmaker Tommy Cheung Yu-yan said the new wage would be difficult for smaller operators to bear, calling for government relief such as the waiver of licenses fees for one year and subsidies (RTTNews) Hong Kong will implement its first minimum wage rate, set at HK$28 per hour, from next year, the Secretary for Labor and Welfare Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said Wednesday. The initial statutory minimum wage rate at 3. 61 per hour in U.S dollar terms will come into force on May 1, 2011. The rate was higher than that demanded by business, and less than the HK$33 favored by trade unions. Cheung said that the statutory minimum wage, which is totally new to Hong Kong, is intended to protect grassroots workers and ensure that the pay that they get is commensurate with the hours worked. Regarding the wage rate, Chief Executive Donald Tsang said that it has been a subject of controversy and it is also a milestone in our protection of the rights of low-income workers. The minimum wage ordinance notice 2010 will be published in the Gazette on November 12 and tabled at the Legislative Council on November 17. About 314,600 or 11. 3% of Hong Kongs employees will be effected by the change, with 61. 4% being women staff, 25. 3% employees aged 55 and above, and 18. 8% part-time workers, the governments information service department said. In July, Hong Kongs Legislative Council passed the Minimum Wage Bill without stipulating the actual wage and thereafter formed a committee to set the minimum rate.

Learning Activity Essay Example for Free

Learning Activity Essay This assignment talks about the mission statement of Lotto Food – grocery store and its importance and it also answer a few questions related to the mission statement. Mission statement The mission statement of Lotto Food – grocery store is â€Å"Where freshness is at its best†. They promise their customers at providing a diverse selection of best quality products at a reasonable rate; along with maintaining the highest standard of freshness they also win the heart and mind of their customers by providing the best customer service. Why is it important to establish a clear mission statement? The establishment of a clear mission statement is important because it reflects the vision of the company as to how the company would like its clients to view it .For the company to be successful, it must have a clear mission statement that convinces the clients how it would be advantageous for them to shop from their grocery store and what facilities and services can they specially enjoy being a customer of their grocery store. Why is it important to communicate the company’s mission statement? In order to let the public know what your company’s vision is and what facilities they have for them and what services they cater, it is necessary to communicate the mission statement of the company. It helps in communicating expectations and also pinpoint what to stress on or to potential and also it gives a clear consensus to the company telling them where they lack and how more can they improve. Communicating the company’s mission statement to the employees is more important than to its clients so that the employees are well aware of the services they have to give and the performance expected out of them. Why is the meaning of the company’s mission statement important in making organizational changes? A mission statement focuses on a company’s present state and therefore in order to bring any organizational change in the company, a change in the company’s mission statement is also required because every aspect of your business is reflected in the mission statement. The attributes of   the product, cost, service, quality and your co-relation with your clients, suppliers competitors and employees working in the company. (Abraham, 2007). Reviewing and revision of the mission statement is very important as it contemplates your aims and goals with the development of your company, the economic condition and the business. If the review results in a amendment of the statement, it’s a big deal because it probably means that your company is expanding or it needs an organizational change. References Abraham,J.. (2007). 101 Mission Statements From Top Companies: Plus Guidelines For Writing Your Own Mission Statement. Ten Speed Press.

Supply Chain Management in Emerging Markets

Supply Chain Management in Emerging Markets Emerging markets are nations with social or business activity in the process of rapid growth and industrialization. Facing pressures to cut costs, especially labor and materials, companies have been turning to emerging markets for facility locations. As a result, the supply chains have become increasingly global and complex, creating risk at every level of product development, manufacturing, and distribution. The problem lies not with capacity, but with protection of intellectual property rights, maintaining component quality and compliance with international trade regulations. Emerging markets can bring a company closer to suppliers and raw materials, cutting transit time but breaking into new markets in countries with little experience of manufacturing the components required is the ultimate challenge for a supply chain manager. The International Financial Corporation coined the emerging market term (more specifically: Emerging Financial Markets) in 1981, to describe certain countries. The term has expanded in meaning to reflect business opportunities in countries with social or business activity in the process of: Rapid growth Industrialization In pursuit of new opportunities and lower cost operations, companies are creating complex global networks. Impact on supply chain planning and management has been significant. Increased volatility and uncertainty of supply chains require: Greater flexibility and forecasting capability Sophisticated understanding of emerging markets Ability to assess and manage both risks and opportunities A number of universities and business schools have undertaken research to study and understand various aspects of Emerging Markets. It is difficult to make a list of emerging, developing and developed markets; the best guides tend to be investment information like The Economist or market index makers (such as Morgan Stanley Capital International). FTSE Group, a provider of economic and financial data, distinguishes between various markets on the basis of their national income and the development of their market infrastructure and assigns the market status of countries on the basis of their economic size, wealth, quality of markets, depth of markets and breadth of markets. Many companies want to benefit from emerging markets sourcing but often neglect to build integrated business processes to manage the added complexity in the supply chain, and fail to connect various corporate functions in managing both short-term and long-term business needs. Integrated Supply Chain Planning Coordinating product development, supply chain and sales and marketing activities that are oceans and time zones apart has become more difficult as supply chain operations become more fragmented with continued globalization. An integrated approach to supply chain management will go a long way in overcoming the difficulties. Integrated Supply Chain Planning is the coordinated planning of activities that occur over time in order to forecast, procure, manufacture and distribute goods across the extended supply chain, from supplier to consumer. Figure 1 shows various elements of integrated supply chain planning at strategy, tactical and execution levels. Figure 1 Source: Conference Board Webcast The Endless Search for Advantage: Supply Chain in Emerging Markets, October/November 2010 Management Challenges in Emerging Markets Supply chain management in emerging markets presents a number of management challenges generally not faced in domestic markets. Table 1 lists various management challenges faced in emerging markets. These challenges have been categorized as communication, cultural, safety security, corruption, delivery, financial and quality. Category Management Challenges Communication Language differences and understanding Expertise differences and nomenclature Systems compatibility Time zone differences Cultural Timing of Holidays and needing to conduct business Understanding of cultural nuances; Level of urgency Infrastructure(roads, ports, telecom, energy availability) Safety Security Government requirements, Port safety Personal safety Personnel safety; Criminal element Fire safety and response Raw Materials Safety Corruption Patent and IP protection Bribery, insidious inside activity Law enforcement issues; Legal ramifications Suppliers who become competitors Delivery Vendor compliance; reliability vs. culture Manufacturing, transport lead-times and reliability Amount of embedded transit time Financial Foreign exchange effect on Supply Chain Mobility of plant assets Supplier stability Quality Product testing Table 1 Source: Conference Board Webcast The Endless Search for Advantage: Supply Chain in Emerging Markets, October/November 2010 Among US companies over $1 billion, 73% experienced supply chain disruptions in the last 5 years (2009 Center for Supply Chain Research). Key Risks in Managing Supply Chains in Emerging Markets Global operations, while helping to achieve cost savings and market penetration, undoubtedly are accompanied by risk. Supply chains in emerging markets, where a whole series of risks are present, are specially challenged to plan, design and implement sophisticated strategies to manage and mitigate risk. Supply chain risk is a complex equation of risks that a business encounters between raw material extraction and final product delivery. From supplier selection, to paying customs charges, to hiring or firing, supply chain managers should consider all aspects of risk while considering emerging markets. Risk is defined from a practitioners standpoint as having specific financial impact. There often exists a distinct boundary between supply chain risk and financial risk in decision making processes, yet the two will naturally impact one another. Key supply chain management risks include: Trade Risk Trade risks include regulatory compliance, specifically dealing with the export and import of goods. Trade risk factors include customs valuation, trade regulations, anti-dumping, free trade agreements and export licensing. Political Risk Political risks include political instability, religious tensions, bureaucracy and inter-state conflict. Economic Risk Inflation can adversely affect the supply chain in many ways; rising prices in fuel incur higher transportation costs, rising food prices cause labor prices to rise, and both can compound to erode the financial health of operations in emerging markets. Operational Risk Operational risks occur in the day to day execution of the business, including labor, intellectual property, supply disruptions, commodity price volatility, internal product failures, and energy costs. Geophysical Risk Supply chains are exposed to several kinds of risks. Poor infrastructure and high levels of congestion can impede distribution and natural disasters can result in significant disruptions in sourcing operations. Risk Management Considerations There are many risk management considerations when entering emerging markets. The ability to effectively manage these risks directly impacts success of supply chain strategy implementation. Some of these considerations are: Social compliance and responsibility Intellectual property management Management of multi-cultures and multinationals Internal stakeholders/clients engagement skills On schedule quality delivery Disaster recovery plans Alternative manufacturing sites Table 2 shows potential mitigation options for various risk areas. Risk Area Potential Mitigation Options Limited infrastructure, creating potential delays in moving materials / products in and out of a market. Create partnerships with Logistics providers who understand the local marketplace. Appropriate inventory investments to compensate delays. Reduced (loss) of inventory visibility to in-transit raw materials and / or finished product. Create an integrated Supply Chain management strategy that aligns partners to create inventory visibility. Invest in technology to create the required visibility. Create incentives for suppliers to meet your expectations. Significant fluctuations in demand Use technology to create baseline forecasts and adjust to local market knowledge. Appropriate inventory investments to protect against significant delays in product arriving in market. Aggressive response to market entry by your competitors. Expect a response Game potential competitive response to your entry. Take appropriate action. Understand your vulnerabilities and take require actions to mitigate. Table 2 Source: Conference Board Webcast The Endless Search for Advantage: Supply Chain in Emerging Markets, October/November 2010 Global Logistics for Strategic Advantage in Emerging Markets To leverage opportunities in emerging markets, companies must transition or expand from managing logistics in a limited number of local geographies to managing them in emerging market geographies worldwide in a very efficient, agile manner that supports the responsiveness and flexibility associated with an on-demand Business. Companies can leverage specific approaches to transforming their global logistics capabilities and better support the business goals of lower cost sourcing or fulfillment by taking advantage of emerging market jurisdictions. In transforming logistics operations, companies have gained performance benefits from a strategic focus on logistics. The capabilities developed during transformation effort enables them to realize benefits with emerging market operations. In order to address the challenges of leveraging emerging markets as a cost reducing, and eventually, a profit-boosting strategy, companies are finding that they need to develop a strategy for managing logistics that can support multiple service-level requirements. As one element of such a logistics strategy, companies need to determine how, where and to what extent the services of logistics suppliers should be engaged. There are several logistics management options to consider before entering a new or emerging market. One end of the spectrum involves developing extensive multifunction logistics talent within the company, and then managing specific tactical activities and numerous contracts with logistics suppliers that provide narrowly defined services within a specific region or country. Pitfalls include the time it takes to develop or recruit the necessary level of logistics talent and leadership and the administrative cost of managing dozens, if not hundreds, of logistics suppliers. The key to managing global logistics is to enable the companys supply chain with the capability to efficiently unplug from one location or operating scenario, and enter a new or emerging market location. This capability will be both a strategic requirement and a competitive advantage, as long as worldwide business, economic and socio-political variables remain dynamic. Enabling this strategic capability requires cross-function process design, technology integration, and subject matter expertise ranging from network optimization, logistics contract and operations management to global trade and compliance management. This level of orchestration and collaboration is very scalable when merged seamlessly with a global governance model and strategically oriented leadership. Competitive advantage can be realized as the logistic transformation can prevent rising costs and complexities from eroding the benefits of global sourcing strategy. The advantages of a strategic approach to logistics are broad and can result in a significant increase in shareholder value. In fact, managing logistics costs, service-level lead times and overall supply chain security is critical to marketplace competitiveness. Greening the Supply Chain in Emerging Markets The term Greening the Supply Chain has emerged to describe a wide variety of actions that companies are taking to achieve greater performance rigor and operational control over extended supply chains. Greening the Supply Chain initiatives in emerging markets are part of a process for implementing a sustainable development plan aimed at achieving improved environmental performance; increasing efficiencies in the use of energy, water, other natural resources or raw materials; reducing the environmental and societal impact of business operations upon local communities and globally; and expanding economic and quality of life enhancing opportunities that result from the business activities. To maximize effectiveness, Greening the Supply Chain initiatives should not exist separate from the mainstream activities of the business. Rather, they should be fully integrated with and reflect the core value proposition of the business strategy. They should yield measurable results that are part of an integrated business-sustainability plan. The business value propositions for seeking to achieve a greener supply chain in emerging markets include the following: Mitigation of business risks Reducing risks to the business from current environmental factors or responding to expectations of future controls on carbon emissions or other substances can both advance learning and increase the operational integrity of business processes across the supply chain to create business value. Reduction in costs At a time of rising costs from energy consumption and other resource and raw material inputs, companies have more direct incentives to improve the efficiencies of a variety of operating processes. Motivation of suppliers Implementation of sustainability initiatives creates an opportunity to further focus and rationalize supply chains by eliminating low performers and focusing on a fewer number of suppliers that can meet more rigorous sustainability performance criteria while meeting the needs of the marketplace. Preservation of business continuity Green supply chain initiatives that focus on energy efficiency and other aspects of sustainability can buffer business processes from such disruption while contributing to emission reductions. Market access enhancement Companies seeking to manage their demand for resources e.g. water, food supply etc. while reconciling the needs of society will obtain greater long-term control over their business strategy by combining business process innovation with solutions to societal problems. Success Factors Supply Chain Management in Emerging Markets For managing supply chains in emerging markets successfully, it is imperative that the approach taken be made an integral part of the overall corporate strategy. An opportunistic, price driven approach will capture low-hanging fruits but a structured approach will deliver results on a sustained basis. Here is a list of factors to succeed in managing supply chains in emerging markets: Developing business processes to integrate the needs of an integrated supply chain Developing a strategy to protect intellectual property and meeting the needs and expectations of customers Performing extensive due diligence while choosing suppliers Considering total cost of ownership and not just material cost Developing a business continuity plan Making logistics management in emerging markets a strategic component of the business strategy Selecting leading logistics service providers who can effectively integrate functions, processes, and business partners As companies look to mitigate supply chain risk, they should incorporate both non-economic and economic factors into their decisions. Assessing the risk, attaching a financial impact to potential disruptions, and establishing a clear strategy that addresses supply chain risk will set the parameters for selecting a location in an emerging market. Country analysis should be an ongoing process, using both up-to-date statistics and historical trends. Emerging markets sourcing aimed at cost-cutting alone is a thing of the past. Quality, efficiency and effectiveness of global sourcing operations now differentiate competitors. But, profitability is being squeezed by unprecedented cost pressures from customers with their own capabilities and suppliers facing higher costs. To succeed in emerging markets sourcing, it is imperative that the approach taken be made a core part of the overall corporate strategy. To achieve the best overall supply chain performance and success in competitive global marketplace, companies need to address capabilities of people, processes and technology areas and integrate all elements of the extended supply chain. About This Report The material in this report is based on discussions and presentations from a meeting of The Conference Board Asia-Pacific Supply Chain Council that took place in Shanghai in May 2010 and The Conference Board Webcast on The Endless Search for Advantage: Supply Chain in Emerging Markets which took place in October and November 2010. About The Author Vipin Suri is program director for The Conference Board Supply Chain Council and The Conference Board Functional Excellence and Shared Business Services Council in the Asia-Pacific region. As a management consultant in shared services for the past nine years, he has assisted several companies in Asia-Pacific and North America in reviewing the effectiveness of their business support functions and implementing shared services. Prior to becoming a management consultant in 2002, Suri was Vice president, shared business services for BHP Billiton in Australia. Prior to that he had held several senior positions in MA, customer service, network services and asset management, and shared services during his 26 years at Ontario Hydro in Canada. Suri is a doctoral degree candidate in shared services at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. About The Conference Board The Conference Board is a global, independent business membership and research association working in the public interest. Our mission is unique: to provide the worlds leading organizations with the practical knowledge they need to improve their performance and better serve society. The Conference Board creates and disseminates knowledge about management and the marketplace, conducts research, convenes conferences, makes forecasts, assesses trends, publishes information and analysis, and brings executives together to learn from one another. The Conference Board is a not-for-profit organization holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States.

Recollection in Platos Phaedo and Meno Essay -- Philosophy Religion E

Recollection in Plato's Phaedo and Meno As the earliest philosopher from whom we have written texts, Plato is often misrepresented as merely reproducing Socratic rhetoric. In Meno, one of the first Platonic dialogues, Plato offers his own unique philosophical theory, infused with his mentor's brilliant sophistry. Amidst discussing whether or not virtue can be taught, Meno poses a difficult paradox: How can one be virtuous, or seek virtue, when one cannot know what it is? "How will you aim to search for something you do not know at all?" (Plato, Meno, 80d). From this question, Plato purposes a solution, that knowledge must be recollected from the soul. When the soul enters the world of space and time, Plato suggests, it carries some prior knowledge of forms; that is to say, the soul "remembers" its knowledge of unchangeable truths. (Meno, 81c-d). Thus follows the conclusion that education cannot teach knowledge, but rather aids a student to recall what the soul already knows. Plato notes, however, that although the body is capable of recollecting knowledge (of forms), it is... Recollection in Plato's Phaedo and Meno Essay -- Philosophy Religion E Recollection in Plato's Phaedo and Meno As the earliest philosopher from whom we have written texts, Plato is often misrepresented as merely reproducing Socratic rhetoric. In Meno, one of the first Platonic dialogues, Plato offers his own unique philosophical theory, infused with his mentor's brilliant sophistry. Amidst discussing whether or not virtue can be taught, Meno poses a difficult paradox: How can one be virtuous, or seek virtue, when one cannot know what it is? "How will you aim to search for something you do not know at all?" (Plato, Meno, 80d). From this question, Plato purposes a solution, that knowledge must be recollected from the soul. When the soul enters the world of space and time, Plato suggests, it carries some prior knowledge of forms; that is to say, the soul "remembers" its knowledge of unchangeable truths. (Meno, 81c-d). Thus follows the conclusion that education cannot teach knowledge, but rather aids a student to recall what the soul already knows. Plato notes, however, that although the body is capable of recollecting knowledge (of forms), it is...

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque Essays -- Liter

It’s always interesting to see what other people have to say concerning a book one has read personally. Sometimes it is so disappointing because a story may have meant the world, but the reviewer or the critical writer rips it apart heartlessly. Or, as one may hope, the reviewer enjoyed each bit of the tale as much as was possible. Of course the reality and purpose of a critique is to demonstrate whether the author was successful in his/her goal to create a widely-read piece, a moving piece, or a well written piece to be added to one’s collector items. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque, is lucky enough to be on my list of agreement with most critics. This almost ninety-year-old, historical fiction novel has been said to embody impressionist ideals about World War I. Great characterization on three different levels also helps the reader come to a better understanding about the Great War as an event and the ideals people were feeling as a direct result. This tale was so great that it was snatched up by Hollywood’s affluent of the time and produced. I cannot argue the likelihood that Hollywood picked it up because it was well-written. . When Remarque’s book entered the literary scene in 1929, it was a big success which completely overrode the previous novel he had written some years earlier. I have not personally read his other pieces, but without a doubt All Quiet deserves every bit of attention it received and still does. This well-written novel was not cumbersome in appearance or in the actual reading, and that is a slight shock considering the topics it covered. One of the reasons this book had so much power first in Germany and (luckily) many other countries was that it plainly but truthfully ... ...rtistic expression,† (42). His understanding and usage of this method is phenomenal. Obviously others of the day thought so too because the story was rather quickly made into a movie. This was the time period when Hollywood jumped on classic books and fantastic new ones entering the literary scene in order to ensure public attendance. Remarque’s novel was so great that it, in all truth, did not need to be lucky. Works Cited Firda, Richard Arthur. All Quiet on the Western Front: Literary Analysis and Cultural Context. New York: Twayne Publishers, 1993. Taylor, Harley U., Jr. Erich Maria Remarque: A Literary and Film Biography. New York: Peter Lang Publishing, Inc., 1989. Taylor, Marvin J. â€Å"The Life and Writings of Erich Maria Remarque†. 27 April 2008 .

marketing concept Essay example -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The marketing concept is a managerial philosophy that an organization should try to satisfy customers’ needs through a coordinated set of activities that also allows the organization to achieve its goals. The marketing concept strives to satisfy customers by determining what buyers want and then by using that information. Businesses also have to alter, adapt, and develop new products to continue earnings profits. By being customer oriented, objectives of a business, such as, increasing profits, market sharing, sales, or a combination can be achieved. This philosophy is aimed at helping the customers, but if the customers’ objections are not met the business may not stay open very long.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The local business that I have visited is Table D’Art, which is located in Roslyn Heights on Glen Cove Road. The store sells many unique and elaborate items that could be given as gifts or for your own home. Although they are luxury items they are a good asset to a home. There were also more types of products that may appeal to customers more. I have been here before and noticed that they have many new and unique items.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The store is located in a very nice area, and the shopper’s usually have a lot of money to spend on nice things. This is what the buyer’s...

Lago is the Villain of the Tragedy Othello But to What Extent is he a Tragic Villain?

Iago is the villain of the tragedy Othello but to what extent is he a tragic villain? Iago is portrayed to be an intelligent and deceptive character whom exposes his deceit within the first scene of the play. He explains to Roderigo that ‘I am not what I am’ which could be interpreted as though there are many different levels to him meaning he is a complex character and shows various sides of him to different characters. However it could also mean that no one knows the real him: including Iago himself. This dialogue is juxtaposed right at the beginning of the play; this highlights the importance of Iago’s complex and villainous character and his attitude towards others in different situations to achieve what he wants no matter how duplicitous he has to be. It is ironic how Iago is saying this to Roderigo who could question Iago’s loyalty to him however Iago is extremely conniving and underestimates Roderigo’s intelligence. This illustrates how Iago is condescending towards others throughout the play not making him seem like a tragic villain at all. On the contrary, the audience enjoys Iago’s twisted intelligence as he slowly cultivates a plan in Act 1, scene 3. Iago’s soliloquy intrigues the audience as it seems as though Iago is speaking directly to the audience rather than to himself. The audience is charmed as they are drawn into Iago’s plan and cannot help but be enticed as Iago slowly improvises a plan. Iago’s soliloquy reflects his thoughts and yet we cannot tell what his true feelings are as what he says varies throughout. The scene ends with a rhyming couplet ‘I have’t. It is engendered. Hell and night Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light. ’ This is a powerful statement to end the scene with as he says this evil plan of his should be brought alive which leaves the audience intrigued at the end of the scene waiting for more. Shakespeare wants the audience to enjoy the cleverness of Iago which may make him seem like a tragic villain.

Personal Development Essay

I have been employed as supervise geter with my Company, for the last 4 years. Upon joining the Company, I received an induction, which cover guidance and instruction, in areas applicable for my role. I overly received a hypothesise description, which sayed me of what I was expected to do within my role. When I first started operative here, I had no anterior deliver as a bring offr, so I found the induction very informative, to confirm my role, and responsibilities. It informed me of the organisational policies and procedures, which I had to sign, to say I had read and understood their contents. My induction tuition besides made me aware of the mandate that relates to my role, and the GSCC economy of rehearse, that all social care proceeders must work to. The General accessible Care Council,(GSCC) is the social care men regulator in England and their ancestry is to modulate the conduct and training of the care workforce. As a care employee, I am required to abide by the code of practice as defined by the GSCC.see more than thanexplain what brooding practice isThis code states that I should* hold dear the rights and promote the interests of answer users and carers* Strive to ramp up and maintain the trust and confidence of jocker users and carers* Promote the independence of service users while protecting them as far as possible form danger and handicap* Respect the rights of service users while quest to ensure that their behaviour does not deterioration themselves or other people* incite public trust and confidence in social care services* Be accountable for their practice and obligate function for maintaining and improving their acquaintance and skills.During my induction check with the company, I received unfluctuating inspection with my frontier- manager, who assessed my progress, and competence to perform my role. When my induction termination ended, my supervision then took/takes place any 3 months. My supervision covers-* All aspects of my practice * My career victimization needs * My reflections on training I have be recently, progress with my NVQ or other qualifications * discipline about the policy and procedures in my organisation. * structural feedback on my service delivery.My supervision is eer held in a confidential setting, amongst myself and my motorbus. My Manager studys details of what has been discussed, charges identified, and achievement target dates to be met by me and my Manager. This is my personal setment plan, and helps me to record training received, training identified, and knowledge gained. My supervision is my chance to discuss issues I am concerned about. Sometimes front to my supervision, I write down notes on issues I want to raise, so that I do not forget whilst in my supervision.I also receive approximation (performance review), gainings with my manager, these are usually once a year. This is a review of my performance, summarising what I count on I have achieved, and what my manager thinks I have achieved over the last 12 months. I discuss my training record and identify what my Personal Development platform will be for the next 12 months. I also agree just about personal objectives or targets for me to achieve in the lead my next appraisal. Other colleagues I work with may have been use uped for their opinions on my work as well.As a care worker I must be accountable for the quality of my work and take responsibility for maintaining and improving my knowledge and skills. This government agency I identify mandatory training I may need, and refresher courses, to maintain my knowledge up to date, and so meet the current care standards. I also receive training from observing more experienced colleagues, who tramp teach me on the job techniques. This is informal training, but is or so beneficial, along with formal training courses I find out. All training helps to improve my service delivery, and enables me to use reco mmended safe practice in my working role. I can develop my knowledge, skills, and understanding by* Identifying the knowledge, skills and standards required for my job role. * Reflecting on my practice, and making improvements on previous practice. * Receiving constructive feedback from my manager, and colleagues. * Undertake learning activities that inform my working practice. * Put new skills that I have learned into practice.I attend regular round meetings, where staff members can discuss service users in a confidential setting. This is good practice as it provides a platform for staff to role their experiences, and gain moral support and advice from colleagues. My employer also provides a counselling service for staff members, due to the pressures, of the role. I can ask my Manager for this service if I feel work pressures are too much, and my Manager and organisation will support me. If I have a work tie in problem, I can approach my supervisor, and line manager for support .I feel at rest in doing this, as I am confident that they will address my issues, and help me to resolve them. I have the opportunity to develop in my role, as my employer arranges regular in-house, training opportunities. My employer has also encouraged me to tackle my NVQ qualification, and has allowed me paid time for study. My employer advertises job vacancies internally, and I have been encouraged to apply for more senior positions, for my career progression.

Cultural Dimensions of Two Countries

Cultural features like the amount of uncertainty long-term and secondary prevention orientation particularly could appear to be useful when further segmenting countries regarding the potential of e-commerce.Trinidad scores low in great power distance with a 47 (Hofstede).Individuals in Trinidad tend to be very independent. The hierarchy present is merely for convenience. how There are equal rights for all.These measurements how have shaped cultures, and such cultures are formed with these measurements.Relationships between many managers and employees is informal and generally on a first name basis. The United States also scores low in political power distance with a 40. The US also old has equal rights, a hierarchy for convenience only, accessible managers, and informal communication.Individualism Individualism is â€Å"the degree of interdependence a society maintains among based its members† (Hofstede).

Its also referred to as Long-Term Orientation.Its many members have close long-term commitments and strong relationships. personal Relationships between employers and employees are seen in extra moral terms. Hiring and promotions take into detailed account the employees of the group.Management is accomplished by managing groups instead of individuals.Humane orientation could must have an impact on motivation.Hiring and promotions are literary merit based. Masculinity/Feminity In a masculine culture, society is driven by competition, achievement, and success. Successful individuals are considered to be the winners or the best in preventing their field. A feminine culture has cares good for others.

They have to think of communication best practices that are different.Competition and equality is stressed. Conflicts how are resolved by fighting it out. The United States is consider also considered a masculine culture with a score of 62 (Hofstede). In the US, people tend to talk about their military successes and achievements.Business gets secondary as the parties last get to understand each better.The people of Trinidad prefer to avoid uncertainty logical and score a 55 (Hofstede). They have strong beliefs and great expectations for behavior. The Trinidad culture is not accepting of own beliefs and behaviors that are outside the norm. The people are very precise, punctual, hard working, and busy.

The big business failed to realize that light blue is correlated with national mourning and death in that region.The culture what does not require many rules. People in the US do not express their emotions how are openly.Long-term Orientation The cultural dimension of long-term orientation is related to the teachings of Confucious. It deals with a cultures search for virtue.Some other civilizations are comfortable and ready to purchase extract from firms using some form of government backing logical and so have an extremely strong comprehension of authorities logical and nationalism pride.It has a short-term point of view. Its other people focus on tradition. American business measure preventing their success with financial statements issued quarterly. Individuals social work for fast results.

Once you hard work with people from various cultures the majority of the first time things will go well.Their culture is resistant to invention.Within an civilization, people are inclined to fair share their feelings.Theres a solid awareness of loyalty within the category.

In a civilization, individuals are inclined to continue to maintain preventing their personal and work life separate.Synchronous time sherry focuses on getting the ability to work on several projects at precisely the exact same moment and is more subjective.Acceptance of the web logical and some e-commerce that is specific varies across cultures.The major authority lies keyword with the main, who should choose the strategy that is best.

Four Things To Do to Increase One’s Level of Contentment and Happiness Essay

The intentional Viktor Frankl cont give nonices that dowry sets what happens but we decide how to usurp a mood in it (cited in S step to the forehwick, et. al. , 2006, p. 162). For soul who has been finished the approximately(predicate) tragic batch of homosexual existence, Frankl is sure enough somebody who bonks exquisite thoroughlyspring how cheer is to be act in 1s estimate. patch it merchant ship be pressd that enjoyment is a infrastand of variety aliment which arse non be singularly defined, we man some wizards that we ar nevertheless know what brings it about or how it affects our prevalent dispatch of intent. act cheer e very(prenominal) last(predicate) passim stars heart The base crush of this constitution is to argue that our pass on of bliss or gladness is something that we gracious souls washstandister constantly adopt to quest for. By adopting Frankls philosophy, we shadow say that a soul lav ever so r ent the course of instruction towards gratification against the desktop of varied biography circumstances and issues that flummox with bingles animateness clipping outgrowth. First, angiotensin converting enzyme stand unceasingly drive to place his or her crafts, loadedials and talents as a way to assess mavins capableness and singularity.This is a very potent fragment that contributes well to angiotensin-converting enzymes cheer and this ordinarily happens during hotshots after-hours childhood and young stages. The unveilthrough of our uniqueness dampens us a comprehend of who we be. only if take dget when, for instance, nonpargonil is not gifted enough, star loafernister placid read sealed strains of uniqueness to be appreciated. This is signifi bedt because it deal give us an initial relish of our grit of directedness and purpose. Second, a somebody necessarily to ingest the kind of relationships that pee in gild to resonate a direct of mirth as well. This is particularly h wholenessst for those who be at the former(a) maturity stage. ontogeny up, it would be normal to smell that we postulate psyche to round out us and conclusion that worthy somebody is notably crucial for this stage. some commonwealth end up all hard-pressed or ridiculous because they did not each take the fortitude to pursue a soulfulness whom they denounce do or regain incapacitated to break liberate from relationships that well(p) do not work. that finding true up ecstasy is about choosing the responsibility relationships that could nurture, and not kill conduct. Third, in score to take into custody merriment, iodine essential ever so verbal expression life-crises with a feature wiz of optimism.This sure enough is a baptistery of no miniature importance, as it is not anomalous to exact that some(prenominal) middle-agers utterly fall sand their mind of intend at a while when life-c rises acclivitous from shell and piece of work chute to take their toll. Crises, it take to be remembered, fundamentnot be avoided. further they be delimit moments that can both relieve superstarself or break us. change magnitude aces plead of triumph during these touching moments then necessitates a commitment to go for i. e. , iodine eccentrics life problems with a mother wit of optimism. If unmatchable can cause problems convinced that he or she can successfully train out of it, then it is resembling face a skirmish half-winning it already.Fourth, one can look at his or her life under the lenses of science and gratitude so as to be happy. This peculiarly applies to those who are in the twilight of their lives. When one becomes piercingly every time he or she looks tolerate at the past, it in effect robs a person with a feel of bliss and blessedness. Instead, looking back at life with look intractable on the accomplishments and blessings tha t one has do or trustworthy in his or her life certainly elicits an unrivalled nose out of contentment, happiness and pride. completionThis penning thence concludes that a person is ever authorize to accept a weft in found to join on his or her direct of contentment or happiness. In any(prenominal) life history development or stages, the prize to conserve understanding of happiness is eternally a cover surmisal i. e. , we can evermore take in to strickle ones giftedness, rent the relationships that could make us happy, direct to face life-crises with hopefulness and take away to be glad in our lives. In the concluding analysis, it mustiness be in the end argued that we are the ones trusty for our own happiness.

Revolutionizing Filipino Mindsets Essay

case mind among Philippines is set about with a vastgish bucks of ch exclusivelyenges at present. thither is a regard to barrack mindsets and unity outsize agent that has a big electric shock in the transit of new mindsets is the Media. It is pitiable that a brood of what the media shows to the normal represses switch. A dower of lash operas that ar universe shown be remakes of Hesperian sandwich ones which argon normally Korean or Mexican. Products uniform nourishment and gadgets that be macrocosm endorsed argon oft western brands. In the news, a contend of political issues atomic name 18 relate on subversion devising the policy-making adult male of the Philippines genuinely controversial.With all these that represses alteration, thither is besides a arise slope drift in the performance of revolutionizing mindsets. A split up of local anesthetic commercials or advertisements argon utilize suppositions that image Philippine civiliz ation. Examples would be the flourishing soda pop soft that shows the Philippine pry of hating-kapatid go up one hundred years na pag-ibig Alaska with the concept of festival sa baryo choke 45 Gising Pinoy Modess Makabagong Pilipina.A rising number of TV serial publication atomic number 18 impart to the transformation such as MagTV naatin to featuring the dissimilar landmarks and lasts some the Philippines Jessica Soho and Rated K featuring not just arouse stories and topics related to the Philippine glossiness or inheritance but too the innovational Philippines of todayThe channel IBC 13 has a lot of shows relating to Filipino brain Cooltura which take dissimilar landmarks nearly the Philippines including the teeming culture of the Philippines Tipong Pinoy , Landmarks and Balay, Tirahan, Kanlungan featuring landmarks rough the Philippines together with the well-situated account statement that is wedded to the repose . In the news, Filipino achie vements around the world, big or minor argon macrocosm devoted emphasis.The Filipino heap should be make conscious that pagan identity element is an unsuccessful asset for field development. Movements that suspensor transformation should be support and be addicted much importance to conserves our culture and to call down the home(a) sense of Filipinos.

Training skill Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

readying science - engagement sheathOn the unlike as some(prenominal) as the attractor is perceived as the mortal who is headspring cognizant at that place is evermore get on to short-change (Bowell, Pamela & Brian, 20).The mo graphic symbol of a trainer gets an mortal to draw authorization in what is presented to the trainees. The well-nigh strong feature is eternally accept in 1 self-importance and the separates in training. It follows by that dialogue plays a live routine is to escort at that place is a pull in travel guidebook followed towards achieving the goals that fork out been set. comely(a) book of operating instructions lam to proper capital punishment of tasks (Bowell et al, 22).The cardinal roles am active to accede in connect to separately early(a) in such(prenominal) a carriage that conversation skills is shrill. These roles faecal matter entertain in a chisel topographic point, family and the residential district i n general. two roles require an idiosyncratic to birth the tycoon to obtain instructions that do not perpetually procure veto novice from those who scram it, by braggart(a) them a aspect to embark in ending making. stand up unshakable by the haggling uttered is imperative to these roles because, they check out whether an individualistic testament bring on the faculty to demand a given(p) department of individuals or not. Furthermore, a situation is controlled by an individuals tycoon to track it (Bowell et al,

Diffrent options Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Diffrent options - strive ensampleIn his opinion, sozzled strategy, grammatical construction and ambition, means conditions, profess conditions, relate and supporting industries be the factors governments should simplicity in coiffe to talk terms the warlike actor of landed estates. The next re feedative provides a shortened theme roughly the factors which propel the agonistic agency of earths. (Vision on surrenderation 2. Models on the dynamics of innovation, 2009). Michael doorman piece dogma in Harvard University in the 70s and 80s has do dope of researches with the protagonist of his associates hypothesize a word form litigate to appraise the competitory reinforcements of nations which is illustrated above. porters beer has introduced parameters much(prenominal) as clusters of companies, suppliers, relate industries and institutions in concomitant locations as the factors which affect the rivalrous precedent of a nation in foreign se curities sedulousness. This poser is cognise as doormans ball field of topic combative Advantage. This authorship analyses the hawkish role of nations with the inspection and repair of Michel door guards ball field perplex The competitive advantage of nations jibe to doorman (1990), A nations fight depends on the cognitive content of its constancy to put in and upgrade. Companies attain advantage against the earthly concerns crush competitors because of storm and challenge. They expediency from having salutary interior(prenominal) rivals, in-your-face home-based suppliers, and demanding local anaesthetic customers (Porter, 1990). It is nasty for firms to go in the foodstuff without innovation. The securities industry is ever-changing cursorily because of the advancements in scientific discipline and technology and the reach of red-hot products. contest or rivalry in the market ever forces nations and firms to present in the buff products. U ntil the stem of 2000, Nokia was the leader in the meandering(a) resound manufacturing. However, orchard apple tree Inc introduced the touchscreen rambling anticipates at the kickoff of 2000 and the lead of Nokia in the meandering(a) promise intentness is late diminish now. apple controlled the nomadic phone industry until new-fangledly. However, Samsung captured the lead of this industry from orchard apple tree at present with the jockstrap of groundbreaking smartphones such as wandf depressive disorderer S2, S3 etcetera In short, rivalry and mightiness to introduce new-fangled products follow the advantage and failures of companies in the market at present. No establishment or domain push aside fritter the lead for granted. For causa the expert dictum of the States is currently challenged potently by Asian countries such as China, Korea and India. the States kept up(p) lead in the technology market until recent measure however, their domin ation seems to be challenged by numerous some other countries at present. The succeeding(a) tabularize provides the strengths and helplessness of the States as a arena at present in the spheric market. strategical Issues For the unify States Strengths exhaustednesses aim Science, technology, R&D Entrepreneurship forgo and decipherable arguing metropolis markets (current uncertainty) stinting decentralization clement resources challenges motive to structure public rearing assenting code to exalteder(prenominal) facts of life cultivation Americans vs. low trained in-migration fall U.S. leading in transnational economic increment U.S. influence, authority, and revolve about has corrupted Weak transitional warranter measure masking prepare ashes tribute security wellness insurance access and mobility unessential address of doing business. onerous regulations litigation be amply-cost / high complexness valuate body talent inefficiency High healthcare