International Business Master Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

International Business Master - Case Study Example Customers are not just people outside a corporation. It can be the people at the upper crust of an organization, or the employees. In fact, Mountain Equipment Co-op's customers are also the members (part-owners) of the co-op. Since the market for the co-op's products is unique, it needs to ensure quality, which increase value of the product for the customer. Therefore, the co-op uses extreme care to select its range of products to be manufactured. It wants the suppliers to provide products that are both functional and durable. Furthermore, the co-op offers a lifetime guarantee of its products to make the customers feel that the maintenance of the equipment is the duty of Mountain Equipment Co-op. This increases value for the customer because the customer no longer has to worry about the cost of repair of the equipment. Furthermore, the co-op also offers its members to trade their equipment online or through attending a seasonal trade session (n.d.). Moreover, the co-op values human r ights and business practices in the light of ethics. It continuously strives to protect human rights by inspecting factories where its products are manufactured. Inspection involves working conditions, worker benefits, and worker pay. Since the customers really value fair business, the co-op utilizes this opportunity to satisfy its members by giving a portion of their sales revenue to human rights groups. The co-op also uses an environmentally safe heating and air-conditioning system at its Ottawa outlet, indicating the co-op growing concerns about the environment. Moreover, the co-op continues to provide exceptional service to its customers through training. As mentioned before, this is a unique market and new outdoor freaks might not know how to use the equipment. This is an added value for the product because the customer knows that training would be provided to utilize the product to its fullest. The co-op is also using support activities to increase its member tally and revenue . For example, the co-op is constantly monitoring latest technology in the industry to develop the most advanced products, high quality products, and environmentally safe products. The most important value activity which the co-op uses is the power of its members to have a say in the co-op's operations and running. The co-op has 2.5 million members who are part-owners of the company, and have a say at the company's meeting. This activity attracts potential members and customers, and they can run the co-op according to what satisfies their needs. Q2: What is the co-op's generic strategy Describe it. Mountain Equipment Co-op generic strategy is the cost strategy. Mountain Equipment Co-op aims to achieve growth through a series of cost cutting measures and cost reductions. Firstly, Mountain Equipment Co-op has a loyal customer base, and they use this strong factor to bargain for reasonable prices from suppliers. Due to the high bargaining power of the co-op, suppliers have to give in. Furthermore, the mountain co-op has a small workforce. It strives to keep a small workforce through the concept of self-service at its outlets. This way, even the limited number of employees is happy because the co-op

A CRITIQUE OF A RESEARCH ARTICLE FROM A PROFESSIONAL JOURNAL Essay

A CRITIQUE OF A RESEARCH ARTICLE FROM A PROFESSIONAL JOURNAL - Essay Example In this assignment, this reviewer will critically review a research article from a professional journal (Baldwin, K. M., & Nail, L. M., 2000). The purpose of any critical review is better understanding and learning so new knowledge is build. Moreover, critical thinking is an important acumen for the present day healthcare professionals where professional standards need to be updated in order to provide clients with the best possible care based on evidence (Fink, A., 1998). Healthcare research has advanced keeping pace with the advancement of modern technology guided healthcare practice, and the best evidence can be obtained from the professional medical journals. The most interesting fact is that evidence from professional journals from research articles needs to be gleaned with critical examination of the facts, findings, and reasoning presented there (Bailey, D. , 1997). In other words, the facts presented in a scientific research must be questioned in order to establish the logic of the findings presented there. This can be only done by a systematic review of the article in light of the theoretical paradigms of research methodology that establishes the strength and power of the findings that can serve as evidence (White S & Stracombe J., 2003). Therefore, this author has chosen an article from a journal that is related to her practice and expects that critically reviewing this article would serve to provide evidence that can be utilized in practice in order to upgrade it. The process of evidence-based practice is dependent on the theoretical framework that clinical decisions are as far as possible informed by current research evidence (Sterling,Y. M., 2001). Critical review converts the process of seeking information from research into a series of clear questions that need to be answered clearly, so the truthfulness and usefulness of the research in practice can

Behaviourists explain maladaptive behaviour in terms of learning Essay

Behaviourists explain maladaptive behaviour in terms of learning principles that sustain and maintain it.DISCUSS this statement - Essay Example In the wider perspective, maladaptive behaviour has been discussed from different viewpoints such as biological, psychological, and socio-cultural perspectives, and these viewpoints stress the significance of causal factors of this behaviour. Significantly, the Freudian psychoanalytic theory is the oldest psychological point of view about maladaptive behaviour and it was, for a long time, preoccupied with principles regarding libidinal energies and their suppression. Later on, the behaviourist theorists also came with their viewpoints about maladaptive behaviour and they formulated several principles to explain this characteristic in human beings. â€Å"The behavioural perspective focuses on the role of learning in human behaviour and attributes maladaptive behaviour either to failure to learn appropriate behaviour or to the learning of maladaptive behaviours. Adherents of the behavioural viewpoint attempt to alter maladaptive behaviour by extinguishing it and/or providing training in new, more adaptive behaviours.† (Carson, Butcher, Mineka, and Hooley, 2000, P. 105). Therefore, it is fundamental to comprehend that maladaptive behaviour is explained by different psychological schools in different ways. For example, Behaviourists explain maladaptive behaviour in terms of learning principles that sustain and maintain it. This paper makes a reflective exploration of the behaviourist principles concerning maladaptive behaviour in order to maintain that the behaviourist’s approach therapy is in stark contrast to a psychoanalytic (Freudian) approach. PART ONE: Behaviourist Principles and Maladaptive Behaviour The behaviourist approach to abnormality deals with maladaptive behaviour and its basic causes. According to this approach, the maladaptive forms of behaviour that have been learnt by an individual are the basic causes of mental disorders. In other words, the behaviourist viewpoint of abnormality maintains that the learning process in human behavio ur plays a significant role in the acquisition of maladaptive behaviour. The Behaviourists argue that mental disorders are due to â€Å"a complex of learned, inappropriate behaviours, or the absence of appropriate behaviour sequences. In the first instance, behaviour is termed ‘maladaptive’†¦ Further, the rules of acquisition of maladaptive behaviour are no different than the rules of acquisition of adaptive sequences.† (Medcof, Emslie, Roth, 1979, P. 264). In their provocative explanation of abnormal behaviour, the behaviourists emphasizes on how a particular maladaptive sequence is learned, because they believe that the maladaptive behaviour can be removed only by comprehending the specific conditions underlying the behaviour. Thus, the behaviourist approach makes use of the learning theory which incorporates the theories of classical conditioning and operant conditioning. In a reflective exploration of the behavioural model of abnormality, it becomes luci d that this psychological theory emphasizes the role of learning in the acquisition of maladaptive behaviour. In other words, the behaviourists maintain that the human actions are determined mainly by the life experiences of the individuals, and the role of the unconscious forces or the underlying forces is largely limited. According to the behavioural

International Business Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

International Business - Assignment Example Wal-Mart is the leading entity in retail business globally. It commenced operations in mid-1950s in Arkansas. Later, the entity expanded on a national level then on a global level. The entity seeks to offer the lowest prices in the market. Consequently, the entity attracts enormous clientele. The attractive pricing offered by this entity has priced out the other competitors since the clientele seek to maximise their purchasing power. Wal-Mart’s enormous revenues and stringent cost management have allowed the entity to avail their merchandise at reduced prices. The entity has presence in most regions globally. Nonetheless, the entity has not taped into the Middle East market. The entry of Wal-Mart into this market will alter the dynamics of the retail sector. Wal-Mart’s entry into the UAE market will require proper strategizing. Such strategizing is imperative for a venture of this magnitude. Ill-advised ventures primarily culminate in failure and losses. It is crucial t o make decisions pertaining to ventures on credible information to avoid such a scenario. My knowledge on the dynamics of the UAE economy will assist me in advising Wal-Mart management appropriately. Additionally, the location of retail store will have a considerable implication on the revenues of the entity.rt. Consequently, I will provide the management of Wal-Mart with strategic locations that will enable the entity attract enormous clientele. The above details elaborate some of my roles in the matching and networking of Wal-Mart. Objective of joint venture or strategic alliance Joint ventures denote a business founded on an accord between various individuals. The accord elaborates the input of each party in the venture (Gutterman, 2002). The accord elaborates how long the agreement binds the parties. In this scenario, Wal-Mart will require information on the market and store. As a party in the joint venture, I will provide stores located strategically across UAE. A strategic all iance is cooperation that aims at accomplishing specific objectives. An example of a strategic alliance is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) where the parties involved aimed at securing their nations against military adversaries. In the above case, Wal-Mart aims to boost its revenues via expansion into new market. Similarly, I aim at boosting my income by renting my store to a client that will offer better returns (Frank, 2006). Scope of business This joint venture relates to the retail industry. The prospects of the industry are enormous. The UAE population has generally high income. Consequently, the citizenry have substantial income that they can expend. Conclusively, the market in this nation has immense potential that is unexploited. Additionally, UAE’s retail market lacks a dominant entity. As such, the market is distributed equally among the key players in the sector. This signifies that Wal-Mart can enter the market and attain dominance. Wal-Mart can domin ate retailing since it offers lower prices. Reduced pricing is an aspect of the firm that

Analysis of Jean Watson's Transpersonal Caring Theory Essay

Analysis of Jean Watson's Transpersonal Caring Theory - Essay Example An in-depth analysis of the Jean Watson’s theory suggests that it promotes the worldview of pragmatism rather than realism. This can be estimated from the fact that realists consider reality independent of human mind. To realists, reality is what happens in the world of physics. Realism is more about technicality and science than spirituality or sociology. On the other hand, pragmatism is more concerned with the sociological side of the picture. Pragmatism promotes the belief that humans can make a difference by manipulating things in the right manner. To pragmatists, reality is what is experienced. Reality changes as experiences change. Thus, we can improve our experiences by applying theory into practice. Pragmatism essentially links theory to practice and this is indeed, the crux of Jean Watson’s theory. According to Watson, nursing is â€Å"a human science of persons and human health—illness experiences that are mediated by professional, personal, scientific , esthetic, and ethical human care transactions† Nurses can use Jean Watson’s theory as a guide to learn what kind of interpersonal skills are fundamental to the building up of their rapport with the patients. In order to inculcate the theoretical principles into their practice, nurses need to identify the elements Watson has stressed upon. There are three primary elements of the Jean Watson’s theory, which include the carative factors, the occasion of caring, and the transpersonal caring relationship (Cara, n.d.). ... To pragmatists, reality is what is experienced. Reality changes as experiences change. Thus, we can improve our experiences by applying theory into practice. Pragmatism essentially links theory to practice and this is indeed, the crux of Jean Watson’s theory. According to Watson, nursing is â€Å"a human science of persons and human health—illness experiences that are mediated by professional, personal, scientific, esthetic, and ethical human care transactions† (Watson, 1988, p. 54). Thus, Jean Watson’s theory is based upon the worldview of pragmatism. How can nurses use Jean Watson’s Theory to further nursing knowledge in practice? Nurses can use Jean Watson’s theory as a guide to learn what kind of interpersonal skills are fundamental to the building up of their rapport with the patients. In order to inculcate the theoretical principles into their practice, nurses need to identify the elements Watson has stressed upon. There are three prima ry elements of the Jean Watson’s theory, which include the carative factors, the occasion of caring, and the transpersonal caring relationship (Cara, n.d.). Watson has discussed carative factors in order to distinguish them from the conventional curative factors. Watson believes that the curative factors are meant to â€Å"honor the human dimensions of nursing’s work and the inner life world and subjective experiences of the people we serve† (Watson, 1997, p. 50). Nursing occasion is any occasion in which a nurse encounters a patient with a need of human caring. The transpersonal caring relationship is a human care relationship which is influenced by a nurse’s commitment towards her job and her moral understanding of the nursing practice. In order to integrate the nursing knowledge into the nursing practice,

The Empowerment of People from a Vulnerable Segment of Society Essay

The Empowerment of People from a Vulnerable Segment of Society - Essay Example I would like to reach the highest level of professional excellence, both in terms of gaining knowledge and experience and at the same time, gaining appropriate status. My short term objectives are to gain experience in the field and strive to establish a good reputation as a person with an innovative and progressive approach towards the welfare of society. My focus would be on the empowerment of people from a vulnerable segment of society. Hence, efforts would include the creation of facilitating a platform for the acquisition of skills and necessary knowledge for their professional growth. University education has made me well equipped to meet the challenges of the current time. I am a highly creative person and my degree has further facilitated and widened my area of knowledge that would greatly help me to apply the informed choices in the manner that befits the needs of the people. Hence, five years hence, I see myself as a CSR consultant who would be devising ways and means for t he global businesses to fulfil their corporate social responsibilities. Last but not the least important would be the adoption of reflective practices in my personal and professional arenas. Looking back at our actions and critically assessing them provides an opportunity to improve and improvise the working techniques. In the professional arena, the feedback from the peer population and colleagues give important insight into the flaws of the methodologies adopted and give us a valuable chance to develop professionally. Thus, reflective practice in my personal and professional life would continuously help me to grow in the fast evolving environment of competitive business dynamics.

Comparing Poems Essay Example for Free

Comparing Poems Essay Identity is different for every person, it is what separates us all and makes us unique. Identity can be split into many categories. In the poem Nothings Changed, segregation is used to show us the poets feelings whereas Half-Caste is mainly focused on racial equality.  Each of the poets structure their poems in ways that express their feelings and ideas about identity; the differences in each vary. Half-Caste consists of 4 stanzas, written with a lack of punctuation and in patois dialect that allows the reader the freedom to express the poem in a way that they wish. Also, the haphazard, informal way that the poem is written suggests it should be read aloud. This reflects John Agards strive for freedom. The phrase, Explain yuself/wha yu mean/when yu say half-caste, is a refrain. This refrain is repeated throughout the poem to question the reader. It is an aggressive confrontation between the reader and the poet that elicits an answer from the reader. Nothings Changed is written formally so that the poet can express a controlled anger. Segregation is used to show the separate identities of blacks and whites. It is set out in 7 stanzas. The formal punctuation and structure is very organised which makes the poem seem like a story. Language is used to a dramatic effect in both poems, it reveals the poets ideas about identity. Firstly, in Half-Caste there is a pun of the half-caste weather, yu mean when light an shadow/mix in de sky/is a half-caste weather/, this play on words mocks the phrase half-caste which emphasises the poets feelings about a half-caste identity. In Nothings Changed, throughout the first stanza there is a series of onomatopoeias that give the reader the image of a man walking in a baron place. The mood of the poet is very much reflected in the language of Half-Caste and portrays the image of anger, confusion and annoyance. An example of this language is: Ah listening to yu wid de keen/half of mih earwhy I offer yu half-a-hand. This gives the reader the representation of a ridiculous happening, which is disrespectful to the opposing person. Nothings Changed also shares a similar mood of anger and frustration. The poet writes:  and the skin about my bones/and  the soft labouring of my lungs,  /and the hot, white, inwards  turning/anger of my eyes.  This includes within it repetition, powerful, angry words and references to body parts that identify the persons feeling of a painful anger. The poets use language to reveal their feelings about identity in both similar and different ways. They both project anger and confusion about the attitude of todays society knowing that equality is not present. In Nothings Changed the poet writes:  Hands burn/for a stone, a bomb,  /to shiver down the glass. /  Nothings Changed.  This begins with a metaphor; Hands burn which shows the person is feeling angry. The words a bomb,/to shiver down the glass. Are extremely effective as the glass acts as a symbolic barrier between colours and to shiver down this glass would be to break the differences/barriers between people of different colours. The poem ends with Nothings Changed, which basically sums the whole theory up: there always has been and always will be inequality within the world. This is similar to Half-Caste because throughout this poem John Agard is saying that people have no respect for each other and never will. He hopes though by saying but yu must come back tomorrowde other half/of my story that one day the prejudice might be put aside and people will come back with a better attitude towards each other. The identities that both poets show to reveal their feelings are similar because they both feel as though they have been victimized. The similarity is that in Half-Caste the man emphasises his thoughts by expanding things out of proportion to prove a point: Ah listening to yu wid de keen/half of mih earwhy I offer yu half-a-hand, and in Nothings Changed the person also takes things and changes them into something worse. An example of this is when it says whites only inn/No sign says it is:/but we know where we belong. This is saying that the restaurant is only for rich, white people even though he knows there isnt a sign saying so (He knows that if he goes in he will be laughed at). Both poems are similar also because they are based on black people being discriminated against by white. Both of these poems were very interesting and presented me with a question, which was how could I break down the barriers people have to make them better people? The poem I favoured was Nothings Changed because it was easier to picture as a story and I feel that the majority of people have felt like an outsider at least once in their life. Half-Caste did bring a strong point across but I believe that it was brought across in a bizarre and confusing way whereas Nothings Changed was easier to relate to from a past event.