Value Creation in the Global Apparel Industry free essay sample

The apparel industry is considered a buyer driven, highly profitable and fast moving industry, and it is therefore imperative for Zara to understand the external environment in order to maintain its dominance. Although Zara’s value chain is difficult to copy, Zara must continually look out for new threats and opportunities, and be prepared to instantly move on them with new strategies and state of the-art- technologies. Competitive Environment: Zara’s principal key issue is rivalry in the apparel retailing market, mainly from GAP and HM. Swedish HM differs from Zara because they outsource all of their production, spend more money on advertising and are price oriented. Likewise, they are both European based companies, fashion forward at lower price retailers and have a strong international expansion strategy. U. S. -based Gap has a number of advantages, including brand recognition, more stores and bigger revenues. In does not have however Zara’s cheap chic fashion appeal. We will write a custom essay sample on Value Creation in the Global Apparel Industry or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Economic Environment: As the market is labor intensive despite continually advancing technology, labor costs are a major issue. While more and more retailers source from low labor cost countries to benefit from the cost advantages associated with it, Zara insists on sourcing mainly from Europe and relying on its in-house design and production, which provides advantages such as short lead times, effective logistics control and high response rates to clothing trends. The major impact of currency rates on operational and labor costs make Zara financially vulnerable due to the European currency’s strong value. Political Environment: More than 40 percent of Zara’s garments are manufactured in Spain. Although this ensures timely delivery and service, any disruption caused by uncontrollable political factors, such as terrorist attacks from the Basque separatist group Eta, which is very active in the country, could shut down nearly half of the production and affect Zara dramatically. Socio-cultural Environment: Zara’s expansion plans include markets such as the U. S. and Asia.

The Effects of Nuclear Weapons on Plants, Animals and Humans

The Effects of Nuclear Weapons on Plants, Animals and Humans Purpose of the research: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effects of nuclear weapons on plants, animals and humans. The hypothesis for this research is that nuclear weapons-related radiation has far reaching consequences on the health and the general welfare of the affected human population, and also affects animals as well as plants in the affected area.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Effects of Nuclear Weapons on Plants, Animals and Humans specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Research Methods: This research paper is based on a review of literature. My point of research will be internet data gathered from different websites, which have documented research findings on the subject of nuclear weapons and their effect on the plants, humans and animals. The research paper is based on the facts found during the research. Introduction To date, Hiroshima and Nagasaki goes down in history as the two surviving cities where nuclear weapons were used during the World War 2 and to devastating effects. Apart from the instant deaths that occurred right after Americans bombed Hiroshima and three days later, Nagasaki, thousands of deaths have been registered due to radiation related illnesses occurring from the two bombs. Although there are no accurate numbers of the deaths in Hiroshima, the United Nations estimates that by December 1945, the death count was at about 140,000 people (Sublette, 1997; Walker, 2005). The Nagasaki death count on the other hand is estimated at 70,000 people. Apart from the deaths, the survivors and their descendants continue registering bodily injuries and other damaging effects to date (US dept. of Energy, 2007). Literature review According to D’Arrigo (2004), radiation is â€Å"energy that travels in waves†. Unfortunately for humans, radiation can not be smelled, felt, seen or heard. In a nuclear weapon blast, nuclear radiation is usually 15 percent of the activity, with 50 percent of the explosion being presented as blast energy and the remaining 35 percent as thermal energy (atomic archives, 2008). Of the 15 percent nuclear radiation, 5 percent affects animals, plants and humans as the initial radiation. Such occurs within a very short period of the explosion usually less than three minutes (atomarchive.com, 2008, p.1). The remaining 10 percent nuclear radiation is gradual, which involves radioactivity of fission products usually present in the weapon debris, residue and explosion fallout. Fallout radiation usually occurs minutes after the nuclear explosion and happens from radioactive distributed in the air above the explosion site during the explosion. Advertising Looking for research paper on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The radioactive particles eventually fall to the ground. In the rainy season, the rain water carries t he contaminated water to wider areas therefore causing more radiation effects to plants and animals. Naturally, the earth releases natural radiation that affects human being, animals and plants and can lead to cancers in both animals and humans. In the case of the World War II bombings, the radiation that occurred during the two bombs led to fatalities within a 500 meters radius of where the bomb was dropped. However, people as far as five kilometers from the bombing place would later start developing symptoms of radiation poisoning, which included radiation related cancers. According to Linsley (1997), the environment has cosmic radiation that exposes all organisms to natural radionuclide. However, nuclear weapons contain artificial radionuclide, which have higher adverse effects than those that occur naturally. D’Arrigo (2004), states that uranium that is usually found in the ground lacks in the concentration and the interactivity that would negatively affect the environmen t to great levels. However, human beings have over the years learnt the art of mining the same, enriching it and converting it to gaseous forms such as Uranium-234, Uranium-235 and Uranium-238 among others (Auxier, 2004). The enriched Uranium is then used as nuclear reactors, nuclear power or fuel. While the fuel form may seem like the least harmful to human beings, D’Arrigo (2004) states that every link in the fuel chain creates radioactive emissions, which are released into the environment consequently adding to the background radiation that affects human, plants and other organisms. That aside, there is growing concern that the nuclear weapons even though never used on the human population again since World War II, continue releasing radiation to the environment during creation and testing. The negative effects in radiation comes from ionized radiation, which according to D’Arrigo (2004) breaks molecular bonds hence causing erratic chemical reactions. According to D’Arrigo (2004), ionizing radiation is the energy or matter produced by an unstable atom’s nucleus as it decays or tries to reach a stable state. The energy released is either in form of waves (X rays or gamma rays) or subatomic particles (beta and alpha). Uranium, which is used in the production of nuclear weapons, is among the radioactive elements that result in man-made radiation and radionuclide.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Effects of Nuclear Weapons on Plants, Animals and Humans specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More When radiation hits the cells or tissues of living organisms, it either damages or kills it. According to D’Arrigo (2004), a damaged cell is well able to rejuvenate and heal correctly. However, this does not happen all the time. In some cases, the cells or tissues repair incorrectly thus impairing their ability to grow or reproduce or it can repair incorrectly, but still reproduce. When the latter happens, the defects of the cell or tissue are passed over to subsequent generations. Nuclear radiation has also been found to reduce the immunity of animals and human beings drastically thus compromising their ability to fight off diseases (Sublette, 1997). More to this, radiation causes mutations in the body cells, and especially in the defective body cells thus meaning that the spread of cancer is more probable in people and animals exposed to nuclear radiation than people in normal environments (D’Arrigo, 2004; Pike, 1998). Testing of nuclear weapons continue releasing ionizing radiation pollutants into the environment. According to Catcott (2003, p. 228), the effect of ionizing radiation released by such tests takes two forms; 1) acute radiation effects, 2) long-term or delayed effects. In Acute radiation effects, signs of injury develop within hours and could last up-to weeks after exposure. Such effects occur to areas close enough to the testing sites. Long term or delayed effects on the other hand are not immediately noticeable, but eventually, the effects lead to the development of different types of cancers among the affected population, shortened life spans, which involves non-specific aging and/or mutation effects in the genes of the affected population. The latter could last for generations following the initial exposure to ionizing radiation. According to Glasstone Dolan (1977, p. 542), radiation in nuclear weapons either occurs as nuclear radiation or thermal radiation. Of these, nuclear radiation is the most intense, often palling in comparison to the effects of the blast and the thermal radiation. This however greatly varies according to the position of the nuclear attack. An air bust, a surface burst and an underground burst would all have different levels of radiation. Using the World War II airburst nuclear attacks on the two cities in Japan as an example, Glasstone Dolan (1977, p. 543) concludes that the kind of shelter that people (and animals) are during nuclear attacks affect the level of their exposure to radiation. Statistics on deaths and injuries during the Japanese attacks indicate that people who were outdoors died most, while those inside wooden structured suffered more casualties than those housed in brick or concrete buildings. Research findings Burns According to Glasstone Dolan(1977, p. 560), nuclear weapons-related thermal radiation causes burns on people and animals directly through the absorption of radiant energy through the skin or indirectly through heating and consequent of ignition of clothes. Advertising Looking for research paper on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Direct burns are referred to as â€Å"flash burns† since they are caused by the flash that occurs when the nuclear fireball releases the thermal radiation. Indirect burns on the other hand are known as â€Å"flame burns† or â€Å"contact burns†, and are similar to skin burns sustained during ordinary fires or through contact with hot objects. In the Japanese case, Glasstone Dolan (1977, p. 565), notes that the flash burns were more than flame burns. This was especially because the two bombs targeted highly populated areas, and the fact that the weather in Japan at that time was warm. In Nagasaki alone, it is reported that 42,000 people suffered flash burns in areas as far as 1.1 miles away from the nuclear bomb. Less serious cases of flash burns were reported as far as 2.6 miles from the nuclear bomb site (Glasstone Dolan, 1977, p. 566). Radiation contamination According to Catcott (2003, p. 227), radiation from nuclear weapon testing contaminate human and ani mals’ food chain. The radioactive elements deposited in the soil, are eventually taken up by plants or washed into the water bodies. The plants may be eaten directly as human food, or are eaten by animals, which may end up on the dinner table. While current statistics indicate that contamination through such means is negligible at the moment, not research has ever found how much the human body can tolerate the contaminated food supply chain. Researchers however indicate that there is bound to be some long-term biological effects on animals and humans if the radiation-contaminated food continues to be eaten (Catcott, 2003, p. 230) Eye Injury According to Glasstone Dolan (1977, p. 567), nuclear radiation can also cause Keratitis- an eye condition where the cornea becomes inflamed. In cases where thermal radiation exposure to the eyes is high, permanent cornea opacity can occur. This happens because the cornea is the transparent part of the eye, which registers thermal energy received as part of the spectrum by the eye in normal circumstances. This is however a reversible condition and most people regain normal eyesight in approximately three years (Glasstone Dolan, 1977, p. 570). Researchers however suggest that if a nuclear explosion is to be conducted in the night, when it is usually dark and hence the eye pupil is bigger, the thermal radiation would be more intense. More to this, they also suggest that if the nuclear fireball occurs near the visual proximity of most people, the effects of the thermal radiation would also be dire. According to the researchers however, the fact that the pupil is often shielded from intense light from the eyelids comes as a mitigating factor since it the lids would prevent the inner eye from too much exposure to the thermal radiation (Glasstone Dolan, 1997, p. 571). The bright flash that accompanies a nuclear weapon detonation usually produces two effects to the eyes: retinal burns and flash-blindness. Retinal burns are permanent injuries to the eyes, which happens when the retinal tissue if exposed to excess temperatures. This is especially the case when a person looks directly at a fireball thus exposing their eyes to the intense heat generated by the fireball. According to Glasstone Dolan (1977, p. 571), the primary pigmented cells in the eye absorbs most of the radiation energy generated during a fireball explosion and consequently increases the temperature in the eye. Temperature increases of between 12 to 20 degrees centigrade in the eye, causes thermal injury, which injures not only the pigmented layers, but the adjoining rods and cones. This in turn causes permanent visual loss in the affected part of the retina. According to Glasstone Dolan (1977, p. 571), humans are naturally inclined to look at an exploding fireball thus increasing their chances of suffering retinal damages. However, unless the damage to the retina is expansive, some people rarely notice they have suffered any d amages. This is especially the case when the damage is minor and centrally located along the central axis of one’s vision. The latter is the temporary impairment of sight, which occurs from the bleaching â€Å"rods and cones†, which act as the light sensitive elements in the retina. This condition can occur in people and animals that look directly at the fireball, or from scattered light affecting the eyes of people and animals that were looking elsewhere when the fireball exploded. Sufferers of flash blindness (even in cases where nuclear weapons are not involved), state that their entire visual fields are blurred out and in their place the bright afterimage of the fireball or any other bright light remains as the constant image. This however only last for a few minutes before the affected people regains their normal vision. Ionization and its effect on living organisms According to Glasstone Dolan (1977, p. 575), the harmful effects registered in nuclear weapons-re lated radiations are mainly from the ionization and excitation processes, which occur in cells of a living organism once it is exposed to the radiation. When ionization occurs, some cell constituents responsible for its normal functioning are either destroyed or altered. More to this, the products that are formed as cells react to the radiation may be poisonous to the cell, and may result in chromosome breakages, swollen nucleus, swollen cells, increased cell fluid viscosity, weaker cell membranes and hence higher permeability, or even overall destruction of the affected cells. Iodizing radiation not only breaks or damages the chromosomes but also damages the DNA when the unstable compounds and free radicals are formed when molecules in the body react with the radiation compounds. More to this Sublette (1997), states that the reactions in the cells interfere with the normal cell chemistry hence resulting in immediate effects on both the replication and metabolic processes. The lon g term effects mainly relate to the genetic structure of the affected population, and this is usually passed over to their offspring’s. Further research suggests that when a cell is exposed to radiation, mitosis (cell division) is less frequent. In such a case, the normal replacement cycle for the cells in inhibited this affecting the general well being of the organism. In the event of a nuclear explosion, the immediate radiation would cause burn and eye infections as discussed above, but the long-term effects would take anything between several weeks to almost a millennia in plants, animals as well as human beings (Glasstone Dolan, 1977. P. 576; Pike, 1998). In addition to the burns and the effects to the eyes, animals and humans suffer other symptoms immediately or weeks after suffering the radiation exposure. Such include nausea, vomiting, malaise and loss of appetite. Glasstone Dolan (1977, p. 583) states that the higher the doses of radiation exposure one experiences, the higher the intensity of the symptoms. Usually, these symptoms disappear within a day or two of development only to re-appear after two or more weeks. This time however, they may include fever and diarrhea. Glasstone Dolan (1977, p. 583) further indicates that more often than not sufferers of nuclear radiation poisoning will start to hemorrhage in various body organs including the skin. Blood in the urine usually suggests that the kidneys too are bleeding. When hemorrhage occurs, it is an indication that the radiation affected the blood platelets and the clotting mechanism. Other symptoms seen as a result of nuclear weapons related radiation include loss of hair, and the body becoming more susceptible to disease, which it would normally be able to deal with. This is mainly because the radiation affects the white blood cells as well thus jeopardizing the body’s immunity. Bioaccumulation The radioactive materials released in the event of a nuclear explosion leads to the re lease if radionuclide into the environment. Accordingly, this leads to an increased circulation of the same in the biosphere. In such a case, the radionuclides end up in water bodies, plant tissues and animal tissue. According to D’arrigo (2004; Bushberg, 2009), this bioaccumulation of radionuclide ends in the biosphere affects animals on the high part of the food chain. Further, the effects to human beings who eat vegetables and meat from the same biosphere are undeniable. An example of the radionuclide harmful to both human and animal health is Strontium 90, which according to D’Arrigo (2004), mimics calcium and is thus deposited in the bones consequently causing leukemia or bone cancer. Cobalt on the other hand mimics vitamin B6. Conclusion The effects of nuclear weapons on human, animal and plant lives were laid bare by the Hiroshima and Nagasaki incidences in 1945. Research into the same subject suggest that nuclear radiation is able to cause short-term and long term misery to human and animal lives. As such, it is comprehensible even to the layman the fear that nuclear weapons elicit even to the world powers. Regulatory agencies have been put in place to ensure that necessary measures are put into place in order to protect human beings as well as animals from radiation. However, different experts allude that enough protective measures are not in place yet. Whether this is true or not remains to be seen. References Atomic archives (2008). The effects of nuclear weapons. Retrieved from: atomicarchive.com/Effects/index.shtml Auxier, J. A. (2004). The effects of Nuclear Weapons. Retrieved from: hps.org/hsc/documents/effects_of_nuclear_weapons.pdf Bushberg, J. T. (2009). Radiation exposure and contamination. The Merck Manuals. Retrieved from: merck.com/mmpe/sec21/ch317/ch317a.html Catcott, E. J. (2003). Effects of Air Pollution on animals. 221-232. Retrieved from http://whqlibdoc.who.int/monograph/WHO_MONO_46_(p221).pdf D’Arrigo, D. ( 2004). Ionizing radiation from nuclear power and weapons and its impacts on animals. Retrieved from: nirs.org/radiation/radstds/radiationandanimals.pdf Glasstone, S. Dolan, P. L. (1977). The effects of Nuclear Weapons. United States Department of Defense and The Energy Research and Development Administration. 276-316. Retrieved from: princeton.edu/sgs/publications/articles/effects/effects-5.pdf Linsley, G. (1997). Radiation and the environment: Assessing effects on plants and animals. IAEA Bulletin. 16-20. Retrieved from: iaea.org/Publications/Magazines/Bulletin/Bull391/39102681720.pdf Pike, J. (1998). Nuclear Weapon Effects. Federation of American Scientists. Retrieved from: fas.org/nuke/intro/nuke/effects.htm Sublette, C. (1997). Effects of nuclear explosions: nuclear weapons frequently asked questions. Retrieved from: http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/Nwfaq/Nfaq5.html US dept. of Energy. (2007).The Atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The Manhattan project: an interactive History. Retriev ed from: cfo.doe.gov/me70/manhattan/hiroshima.htm Walker, G. (2005). Nuclear weapons: history, technology and consequences in historic documents, photos and videos. Trinity Atomic Website. Retrieved from: cddc.vt.edu/host/atomic/accident/index.html

MGMT Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

MGMT - Assignment Example The rule further helps to clarify that small retail business are not part of this rule which means that they are not affected by it. This regulation will affect my business in terms of accessing government procurement programs as well as obtaining financial support (Regulations.gov, para-1). The regulation try to define what is a small business as a sized standard and include all its branches. This proposal was put forth to provide clarity on the category of each operating business that has employees. It further provides the basis of whether a business qualifies for acquiring government procurement contract. I am against the proposed regulation because it has limited applicability in the actual situation. It fails to recognise other business such as retail trade enterprises as part of small business. Further, it represents just the opposite by stating that a small business is a standard sized business including its subsidiaries. One my comment has been submitted and acceptable my business will be able to fall under the definition of small business as explained by the small business administration. This will further make my business to qualify for government contracts and financial assistance. Regulations.gov.Small Business Size Standards: Industries with Employee Based Size Standards Not Part of Manufacturing, Wholesale Trade, or Retail Trade.Web.14.09.014 :< http://ww

Business Integration topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Business Integration topic - Essay Example During this period, the company opened 13 stores. (JB Hi Fi, Annual Report – 2007) The strategies followed by JB Hi Fi will be discussed in light of recommendations for further improvement and growth in this paper. These strategies will be discussed in terms of the phases put forward in the book by Kotter titled Leading Change, as well as theories by various other scholars like Taylor, Porter and others. In the book Leading Change, Kotter has used the word urgency to describe the first phase so as to get a head start into the process of transformation. This can be seen in JB Hi Fi’s foray into the market of technology with the popularity of its â€Å"Big Box†. This has to do with taking stock of competitive and market realities with a focus on crises and opportunities. (Kotter, 1996) This has been paralleled in Organizational Behavior and Management through a focus on competitive advantage which can be described as follows: (Ivancevich et al, 2004) This brings us to a discussion on the technicalities of the model proposed by Porter. Porters Five Forces model provides suggested points under each main heading. When taken into consideration individually, each of these gives rise to the development of a broad and sophisticated analysis of competitive position. This may further be used during the creation of a strategy, plans, or even where making investment decisions about a business or organization is concerned. These five competitive forces determine industry profitability and attractiveness apart from being responsible for shaping the prices that firms can charge, the costs they have to bear, and the required investments to engage in industry level competition. We are concerned with the fact that Porter’s essentially ahistorical approach cannot provide a full account of either a nation’s competitive advantage and corporate strategies or the growth and development of industrial

Animal Testing Essay Example for Free

Animal Testing Essay Interest in animal welfare goes back to the 1800’s (Assem Int). â€Å"Every year tens of thousands of animals suffer and die of laboratory test of cosmetics and household products despite the fact that the test results do not help prevent or treat purposeful misuse of the products (â€Å"Quotes† Int). Every year millions of animals are poisoned, blinded and killed during experiments to evaluate the toxicity of consumer products and their ingredients (â€Å"Testing† Int.). Animal Testing is cruel and inhumane (Teasdale Int). Scientists perform experiments on animals for two reasons: Toxicity and biological research (â€Å"Fact† Int). Sufficient existing data, as well as in vitro, test tube, alternatives make animal testing unnecessary (â€Å"Animal† Int). Non-animal research methods include clinical research; epidemiology and cellular methods are more affective, accurate and less time consuming (â€Å"Facts† Int). I believe that animal testing is wrong and if there are alternatives for research then there’s no explanation for why people should hurt of kill animals. To prove my thesis I will explain the History, Laws, Beliefs, Quotes, Statistics, Types and number of animals, Types of test, Results, Alternatives, and lastly my own opinion on the whole subject! The Law states that animal testing for cosmetics has been banned in a number of European Union Countries (Int). Europe is phasing out animal testing but the U.S has thus far failed to follow suit (â€Å"Cosmetics† Int). No Law requires animal testing of cosmetics or personal care and household products, so manufactures of these products have no excuse for inflicting suffering on animals (â€Å"Testing† Int). Laws regulating federal animal welfare act does not cover animals during tests no matter how long the test may go (Int). I believe that if the U.S has not yet banned animal testing that they probably never will. I also believe that if there is no laws stating that animals have to be used why use them in tests!!!! Buss 2 People have their own opinions on many different things. Some people believe that animal testing is unnecessary, poor scientific practice, poorly regulated, and costs over weigh alleged benefits (â€Å"Animal† Int). The tests they do on animals are not reliable in determining chemical effects on humans (â€Å"Testing† Int). In addition to being cruel and unreliable animal tests tend to be more expensive than alternative methods, making them both unkind and inefficient (Int). The suffering and death of these animals is entirely unnecessary in the making of products like shampoo, eye shadow, and toilet cleaner (Int). Some Quotes spoken by important people about animal testing include: Edwards Freemans quote stating â€Å"The awful wrongs and sufferings forced upon innocent, helpless, faithful animal race form the blackest chapter in the world† (â€Å"Quotes† Int). Another quote from George Eliot states â€Å"Animals are such agreeable friends they ask no questions they pass no criticism† (Int). Mahatma Gandki says, â€Å"The greatness of the nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated (Int). As Leonardo Da Vinci once said, â€Å"The time will come when men will look upon the murder of animals as they now look at the murder of men† (Int). â€Å"He who is cruel to animal becomes hard also in his dealings with men.† We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment to animals†, says Immanuel Kant (Int). Buss 3 Some statistics include that animal testing is wrong because 65% of the animal tests that have been passed on animals have killed hundreds of people and the animals die for no reason (Teasdale Int). For example, Nicotine is lethal to humans at 0.9 mg/kg but in dogs it is a staggering 9.2 mg/kg, in pigeons 75mg/kg and in rats 53mg/kg (â€Å"Cruelty† Int). Also of the 198 drugs that went to the market in the decade ending in 1985, 102 or 51% turned out to be more dangerous than pre market items (â€Å"Fact† Int). That has caused  ¼ of the 126 U.S medical schools including Yale, Georgetown, and others have dropped all animal laboratories from their curriculum. Allot of animal testing statistics come from the types of animals used and number used per year. There had been a sharp rise in the number of farm animals used more than doubling 32,200 in 1994 to 75,100 in 2004 (â€Å"Fact† Int). The number of rats used has fallen remarkably since the use of farm animals. Although the number of animals dropped steadily from the mid 1970’s there has been a small rise from 2001-2005 (Int). Each year in the U.S an estimated 20-70 million animals from cats, dogs, rats, mice and primates suffer and die (Int). It has been an estimated that as many as 100 million mice are used in laboratories each year (â€Å"Animal† Int). In the U.S testing on vertebrates is primarily regulated by the 1966 animal welfare act (Int). I feel getting the animal for the wild is a little better than getting them from a breeding facility because they aren’t usually nice and friendly. I also believe it is morally wrong to kill animals to figure out the toxicity of products when sometimes the products could kill humans. There are many questions about why they test on animals and what the names of the tests are. They test on animals to understand how humans and other animals function in the process called fundamental biological research (â€Å"Fact† Int). The toxicology tests whether substances used by humans such as drugs have the desired effect without at the same time poisoning them (Int). Many shampoos and other personal care products under go safety testing before they are made available to consumers (â€Å"Cosmetics† Int). Few useful cancer fighting therapies on animals resulted in cancer death rates to continue to climb (â€Å"Fact† Int). For example animal tests in the war on cancer have been a large failure. Some test that they do are LD50 or Lethal Dose Fifty, which refers to the lethal dose that is required to kill 50% of all animals in a test group of 40-200 (Int). Another test is the skin irritancy test. The last test they do is called the Draize Test. Those are the tests they inflict on poor animals. Buss 4 There are very shocking results that come with animal testing. Many animal tests produce results that are relevant to human health (â€Å"Fact† Int). Animals and humans differ in medically important ways, and often tests produce misleading results (Int). A product that made a test animal go blind could very well be sold to you (â€Å"Testing† Int). Animal experiments in stroke research led to false conclusion, waste of time, and research funds (Int). Animal tests are poor predictors of the efforts of other drugs as well (Int). In addition different species react differently to various substances, substances that fail to damage a rabbits and may be toxic to a human (â€Å"Cruelty† Int). Ironically these tests are rarely used in situations of actual human poisoning (Int). Even though manufactures use animals to test on there are other methods that can be used they are called alternatives. The non-animal test results have in fact proven themselves more accurate, and less expensive than those involving animal cruelty (Int). Many alternatives are classified under the three R’s: Reduction, Refinement, and replacement of animals with non animal methods (Int). In most cases non-animal methods take less time, cost only a fraction, and are not plagued with specie differences that make extrapolation difficult or impossible (â€Å"Cruelty† Int). The Avon cosmetic company has personally endorsed the Eytex system as an alternative to the powerful Draize test (â€Å"Cruelty† Int). Episkin and Epiderm have also been scientifically accepted around the world as a total replacement of animals (â€Å"Testing† Int). Instead of animal testing they could also use computer vital organs that serve as accurate models of the human body (Int). I bel ieve that if there is an alternative why not use it. I believe that if alternatives are less costly and more affective then manufactures shouldn’t choose animals as there test subjects. It is cruel and inhumane!!! Buss 5 In conclusion, I believe that animal testing is cruel, mean, and non-human like. Now I would like to point out some key facts and quotes from my paper. Scientists perform experiments for toxicology and biological research (â€Å"Facts† Int). Also that Europe is phasing out on animal testing and that the U.S has thus far failed to follow (â€Å"Cosmetics† Int). Another main point in my paper is laws regulating conditions for laboratory animals are minimal and poorly enforced (â€Å"Fact† Int). â€Å"The greatness of the nation and its moral progress can be judged b the way its animals are treated, Mahatma Gandki (Int). Every year 100 million mice are used in laboratory tests (â€Å"Animal† Int). Over 3 million animals have been tormented all in the name of research. If you really care about animals talk to your local stores and ask them if the supply necessity’s that have not undergone animal testing. Or just look for labels that say â€Å"No Animal Testing† or â€Å"Vegan† (â€Å"Cosmetics† Int). That is why I believe that animal testing is wrong and inhumane!!! What is your viewpoint on this subject! Works Cited â€Å"Animal Testing.† 2008. Animaltestingfacts. 28 March. 2008. http://www.animaltestingfacts.zoomshare.com â€Å"Animal Testing.† 2008. Answers.com.24 March.2008. http://www.answersanimaltesting.com â€Å"Animal Testing.† 2008. Api4animals.20 March. 2008. Http://www.Api4adnimals.com â€Å"Animal Testing.† CosmeticsPersonalcare.12 Oct. 2004. Grinningplanet.com.18 April.2008. www.grinningplanet,com/2004/10-12/cosmetics-animal-testing-article.htm â€Å"Assem, Louise. â€Å" Alternatives to animal testing. 14 Jan.2008. Infotrac.com. 28 March 2008.

Economic Reform in Russia Essay -- Economics History USSR Essays

Economic Reform in Russia Formerly the preeminent republic of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Russia has been an independent nation since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Because of its great size, its natural resources, and its political domination, the Russian Federation played a leading role in the economy of the Soviet Union. In the years preceding the disintegration of the union in 1991, the economy of Russia and the union as a whole was in decline. In 1992, immediately after the separation, the Russian government implemented a series of radical reforms. Price controls were abolished as the beginning of a transition from a centrally controlled economy to a market economy. An immediate series of sharp price increases caused extreme hardships for the Russian people. Inventor of the fictional five-year plan, the fake harvest, Russia introduced another novel economic concept in 1996. It was a society modeled after the capitalist society. High expectations of economic growth even with â€Å"shock therapy†--unemployment, social discontent and opportunities for corruption; influence of western politicians and the U.S. policy; and failing to completely reform the communistic system were some factors to why some became rich but led many to misery and an early death. Despite the huge infusions of Western money, millions of ordinary Russians struggled to survive in an economy neither capitalist nor communist, but something brand new and strange, which ultimately led to the failure of economic reform in Russia. In the fall of 1996, Boris Yeltsin won the presidential election in Russia. He was viewed as the personification of reform in Russia.... who had vanquished the Communist dragon during the hard-line coup attempt of August 1991 -- and the leader best placed to introduce democratic, market-oriented reforms. In the same year Yeltsin became the President of Russia, the U.S. ambassador to Russia, Thomas R. Pickering, predicted by the fall of 1999, Russia would be one of America’s top trading partners. But in fact, three years after Pickering addressed his farewell speech to the American Chamber of commerce in Moscow, Russia ranked thirtieth in the list of American trading partners. In 1998, Russia’s gross national product plummeted by nearly fifty percent over the last decade. More than sixty million Russians, which is nearly half... ...d the International Monetary Fund assistance but the attempt at capitalist society was not successful. To the beleaguered people of Russia, certainties of old-style communism seemed attractive. A joke on the streets of Moscow, according to World Bank staffer John Nellis, was: "Everything the Communists told us about communism was a complete and utter lie. Unfortunately, everything the Communists told us about capitalism turned out to be true." The establishment of a free-market may require decades to accomplish since this quick attempt was not successful. The economy of Russia did not improve as speculated. Due to years of practicing communism, the Russian people experienced â€Å"shock therapy† when a free-market was in action. Another explanation was: because of constant U.S. influence, Russia was never at a state where they decided on the major decisions until the end. And finally, capitalism never worked in Russia because they did not fully let go of communism. After experiencing many hardships, the Russian people are confused as to what will work in their country full of resources yet lack of economic stability. Maybe the answer is a return to state controlled industries.

Four Seasons Hotels Essay

The Four Seasons Company, as per current financial, seems very profitable and the earnings per share are increasing each year. From 1997 to 1998 EPS increased by 66% and from 1998 to 1999 it increased by 22%, actually from 1997 to 1999, the value has more than doubled. The main reason for the increase seems to be a total net earnings increase of 112% in two years. (See Exhibit # 1 for figures). This is a result of increase in revenues and also because costs increased less than revenues. This indicates that in addition to higher sales, efficiency improvements have been effective as yearly costs for operating items dropped 68% and the interest costs also have decreased by 105%, making it interest income. Based on this information, the company is recommended to continue their emphasis on high personal service and quality for their hotels as the customer base are not price sensitive but concerned about service and luxury. It is important to have non-complaining, satisfied customers as this  group is more satisfied than those where service recovery is needed, even when service recovery is performed at a high level. Also, satisfied customers are more loyal and a key to continue having a financially strong company. A key to this development is to continue to focus on employee satisfaction and employment procedures as this is resulting in low turnover (compared to the industry average), highly experienced and motivated staff and consequently excellent service. Also, the strong financials support FSH’s (costly) growth strategy, and would further indicate that the company has the ‘back-bone’ to support such a strategy. 3.0 Leverage the website for marketing purposes The Four Season Hotel (â€Å"FSH†) should further leverage their impressive website. First, they should maximize the site for mass – marketing purposes. For example, the site would allow customers to appreciate all FSH properties, and a customer who has never seen a FSH can view rooms, conference halls, restaurants etc. The website can further provide up-to-date information on vacancies, promotions, city tours etc. This same information could be updated at any time to reflect specials across respective FSH. For instance, the Milan hotel might anticipate low vacancy one week, and could attempt to fill some vacancies by listing a Milan resident special on the site e.g. with a two night stay and get a free dinner in the restaurant. Internal marketing is another great possibility for the FSH, as long as the â€Å"high – tech† is followed by â€Å"high – touch†, and the system is not used to replace the human element. The intranet site should focus on cost-saving promotions, healthy competition between across respective FSH’s, employee feedback pages etc. Management should use the intranet as an additional medium to disseminate information to employees and as a means to obtain information from employees. An easy to use e-commerce site for the hotel would be interesting for select  Four Season’s customers. Again, this should not replace the â€Å"high – touch† that the FSH brand is identified with, but rather add another convenience for its customers. For example, some customers like making their reservation via the Internet and having an additional option with regards to making a hotel booking could turn out positively. 4.0 Establish and manage a common customer awareness database The hotel should change the existing database containing guest preferences into a centralized database available to all FHS properties. This should be deemed a high priority. It would be a typical one-time fix to enhance customer satisfaction and for implementation it could leverage FSH’s existing intranet platform. The main driver for a change of this sort would be its potential to further improve the FSH’s customer service. For example, as existing FSH customers are highly concerned about time there should be no need for them to fill in forms with preferences for each new hotel they arrive at. Also, it would be perceived as impressive for the customer arriving at a new hotel where the personnel would already know their preferences. This would increase the feeling of intimacy and personal touch during the hotel stay and consequently enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction. Additionally, the fact that only 9% of Four Season’s hotel guests are using multiple properties should not lower the importance of making such a change. In fact, 9% of their customer base means that approximately 400.000 customers each year use multiple Four Seasons Hotels. (See Exhibit #1) Also, the positive word-of-mouth this change would bring will most likely increase the number of guests staying at multiple properties. Furthermore, as the hotel has a growth strategy, the number of hotels and rooms will continue to increase and as such enhance the need for the common database. Also, in addition to customer satisfaction, having one database for all hotels would decrease costs for the chain in the long run as it will not have to maintain 50+ different databases. 5.0 Four Season’s management should solicit select feedback from customers. The idea here is quite simple and essentially comes down to ensuring that the hotel maintains its brand. The FSH has done very well by establishing a strong brand and enjoys a high % of repeat customers. Management and employees alike know what the Four Seasons stands for and the experience they aim to offer the customer. That said, and as technology races forward it is important for businesses to leverage it where possible and ‘profitable’. The key for the Four Seasons is to leverage it in a way that does not negatively impact their brand i.e. detract from the overall customer experience offered by Four Season’s employees, which is highly personal, intimate and customer oriented. For example, management could solicit feedback from customers as to whether they would use an automated (electronic) checkout service and whether customers view this as something consistent with the Four Season’s brand. This selective feedback could be centralized at first in that it is sponsored by the corporate office (so as to solicit feedback that could be leveraged across all properties) and then ‘tweaked’ per location to take into consideration cultural specifics etc. Findings could be leveraged across properties and stored in the central database to eventually maintain, reinforce and ultimately improve the Four Season’s brand, customer experience and ultimate profitability. 6.0 Implement a â€Å"Seasons Pass Loyalty Program† Enhancing Customer Loyalty. Implementing a Loyalty program contributes to making guests feeling special, which undoubtedly makes a difference in his or her experience. A loyalty program could even extend to other value chain partners, thereby, allowing for further tracking of guest preferences. Without a loyalty program, FSH loses out on building strong relationships with its guests. As switching costs are minimal, loyalty is low unless a competitor differentiates and thereby increases its odds of attracting return guests. In order to compete successfully within this tier, a reputable brand name is imperative, which also represents a significant barrier to entry for potential new entrants. The common database will undoubtedly enhance the relationships because clients enjoy the sense of community that is established when being part of a loyalty club. Therefore it is important to have mechanisms in place to ensure guests to remain loyal to FSH and choose the company as his or her accommodation provider. To facilitate this, the hotel should introduce a frequent guest card, the ‘Seasons Pass’, which will serve two functions: 1. Track guest activities within FSH so that their preferences can be recorded. 2. Allow guests to collect points every time they stay at a Four Seasons property and use them towards service companies affiliated with Four Seasons, creating loyalty as a result. It will also aid individual FSH locations to better understand which facilities within the hotel or resort are the most sought after and will be able to segment the information based on the region of the world or type of consumer (leisure or business). Through partnering with external companies such as high-end car rental companies, airlines, and travel agencies, FSH will be able to offer guests a solution to every decision they may encounter during their stay. Thus the Seasons Pass and the networked database will ultimately be the bridge to building and maintaining positive guest relationships. Exhibit 1: Financial data for the Four Seasons Hotels – EOY 1997 to EOY 1999: Exhibit # 2: Number of customers using multiple Four Season Hotels each year * Assumed average coverage rate through the year is based on information in case, â€Å"The Roccoco New York Hotel† by Anna S. Mattila. Using the rate accomplished by the Roccoco New York boutique hotel. ** As no information of number of customers per room is provided, one per room is assumed.