Business Communications †Individual Report

Executive summary The report analyses the communication adopted by the Greenpeace international in reaching its stakeholders. Its major objective is to determine which have been the most applicable means of communication applied by the organization. It targets the stakeholders as it gives a clear picture of the communication and its transformation over the years. The report employs investigative and explorative research methodology to come up with the analysis.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Business Communications – Individual specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to the report study main findings, social media like facebook and twitter have been widely used. Other forms of communication are video conferencing, blogs, websites, emails, multimedia, and videos. The most effective forms of communication applicable when reaching the audience of Greenpeace are the social media followed by multi media. Th ey are cost effective reliable, user friendly, and reach a wide number of stakeholders. Mass media has been recommended as the most appropriate and effective form of communication that can be applied to reach the audience and the different stakeholders. The organization should relentlessly continue using this form of communication because of the nature of work it is involved in. Introduction Communication plays an integral role in an organization. It is important to have channels of communication through which different individuals portray their ideas, opinions, attitudes, and ideologies. Communication has been defined as the transfer of information from one individual or groups to another through a medium of exchange (Barker 2008, p.3). The information relayed may be in the form of news, message, data, or emotions. The medium of exchange ensures that information is relayed to the targeted recipient in the right time. The content should be understandable, time bound, accurate, and r eady to interpret (Barker 2008, p.3). Communication can be either informal or formal as both are applicable in the organizational setting (Barker 2008, p.5). Different organizations use different forms of communications depending on whom the message or information is being communicated to. For communication to be effective barriers to communication need to be minimized (Wertheim 2008, p.2) The report explores the different types of communication used by Greenpeace international to present information to its various stakeholders. Based on the analysis, the report will give the most effective form of communication that can be used to reach the target audience supported by evidence. Lastly, it gives recommendations on where the organization can improve and what in do away with of any.Advertising Looking for essay on business communication? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Background information Greenpeace international is a global ly recognized non-governmental organization. It is a campaigning organization with the major role of safeguarding the environment through awareness creation and other conservative measures and policies. It aims at changing the behaviour and attitudes of the general population. Its major campaigns are in energy revolution, oceans defending, encouraging peace through disarmament and call for abolition of nuclear weapons, sustainable agriculture, and creation of a future free from toxics (Greenpeace 2011). The organization that was founded 40 years ago is presented in forty states across the pacific, Africa, Asia, America, and Europe. It depends mostly on individual contributions and grants from foundations. Contrary, it â€Å"does not accept donations from governments or corporations† (Greenpeace 2011) for independence purposes. The report targets different stakeholders who need to understand the commonly applicable forms of communications and the most appropriate one. Its majo r purpose is to evaluate the communication process, mechanism, and form between the Greenpeace international and its numerous stakeholders. Main findings Stakeholders A stakeholder may be defined as any individual, organization, or a group that has either indirect or direct stake or interest in a particular organization (Fassin 2008, p.7). Stakeholders are divided into internal and external stakeholders (Fassin 2008, p.8). Based on this definition then the different stakeholders of Greenpeace international are, foundations grant, individual supporters, donors, volunteers, employees, environmental communities, national and regional offices as well as the general public. The different stakeholders are presented with information in different types depending on the urgency, confidentiality level, and the time required conveying the information. Communication between stakeholders and organization Social media This is the latest form of communication which is transforming how information is communicated from one individual to another. Social media is a form of online communication where the internet forms the basis from where information can be exchanged in real-time (PWC 2011, p.2).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Business Communications – Individual specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The commonly used social media channels are Facebook, twitter, and MySpace among many more uprising channels. According to Bengtson (2010) social media has transformed the relationship that exists between organizations and stakeholders. Since the modern stakeholders like a dialogue that it two way and authentic, social media has been the favorite form of communication. Greenpeace has not been left behind. Being a campaigning organization that relies mostly on activism to relay its information to stakeholders, the organization has been using facebook and twitter among other forms of social media to reach its s takeholders. Through the social media, the organization is able to reach out to its followers, donors, supporters, and foundation grants and communicate in real-time. For example, these stakeholders are engaged in debates that criticize organization or corporations that do not comply with the values and the objectives of the Greenpeace international. The use of facebook and twitter has been effective as Greenpeace has used it to communicate with stakeholders on how Apple was developing products with high toxic levels (Bengtson 2010). As a result, Apple was able to reduce its wastes production. Other companies that have been criticized by the stakeholders and Greenpeace international through the social media are Unilever and Nestle (Bengtson 2010). The use of social media to communicate with the different stakeholders has been effective so far as its values and objectives have been restored. A report by the PWC (2011, p.5) indicate that most of the employees currently are using the s ocial media to share information, research, and network. An organization like the Greenpeace international communicates with its employees through the social media. This is appropriate form of communication given that the organization uses the social media to make its campaigns. It is a cost effective mode of communication as information can be relayed from the organization management and posted on the organization wall for the employees to see. Although it is a risk venture in dimensions of security and confidentiality, guidelines can be applied to minimize these risks (PWC 2011, p.5). Other forms based on internet platform Other than using the social media to reach its stakeholders and convey the required information which is environmental conservation, the Greenpeace international has been involved in the use of blogs, websites, and You Tube (Bengtson 2010). By positing on the organizations blogs and its websites it is easy convenient to have the information readily available to the different stakeholders (Combs Holladay 2011).Advertising Looking for essay on business communication? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For instance, in the Greenpeace international website, donors, supporters, grants foundations, and other esteemed stakeholders are able to access the financial reports and statements of the organization. This form of transparency and accountability through communication portrays the level of corporate governance in the organization. Instead of dispatching booklets to all different stakeholders from the 40 countries where Greenpeace initiatives are concentrated, the organization posts on the websites. This form of communication saves time, money, altering the communicated information, and allowing communication of identical information. The information can be accessed at the convenience of the different stakeholders at convenient place and time. On the other hand, the use of YouTube allows the organization to post videos to showcase to the stakeholders what position or its undertakings and achievements. Any individual connected to internet or can access You Tube through the phone can easily access this form of information. Greenpeace international has used both the You Tube and blogs to convey information to stakeholders (Bengtson 2010). Through the partnership of the stakeholders and the organization, it has been possible to instill pressure on Unilever and Apple Inc. The organization and the stakeholders have been able to discuss some of the issues over the websites, blogs and You Tube. Multimedia communication The advancement in technology has made it possible people to communicate from different regions with different time zones but in real-time (Combs Holladay 2011; (Barker 2008, p.12; Carayamis, Hovy, Maybury Stock n.d). Organization can use the multimedia communication which is enabled via the internet (Koegel 1992, p.1). The specific applicable multimedia communication forms applied by the Greenpeace international are the use of emails, videos, photos, photo essays, slideshows, and ship webcams (Greenpeace 2011). Through these different forms of commu nication, Greenpeace international is able to relay the information to different stakeholders. For example, employees, donors, supporters, and the regional offices can be communicated through the use of emails. The advantage of using emails is that it is less costly as information can be dispatched to different stakeholders in bulk form. This saves money, time, and energy that could be used in designing paperwork or paper related documents. The communities that have partnered with Greenpeace international are reached through the use of multimedia communications. For example, through the use of videos, photos, slideshows, and webcams, the organization is in position to relay the intended information (Horak 2007, p.625). These have been combined with the application of the internet and the use of the websites. The pictures and the slideshows are available on the organization websites which makes it convenient. For individuals whom are willing to support the organizations or foundation s that need to partner with the Greenpeace organization can easily get the required information inform of pectoral format, as data, videos, photos or slideshows. This has made it convenient for the stakeholders especially the external ones. Webcam is a form of video conferencing that uses the internet and a computer or a phone (Horak 2007, p.624). People are able to communicate in real-time without the need for transport or arrangement for meetings (Horak 2007, p.624). Greenpeace international uses this form of communication to reach the different stakeholders especially in regions that have no offices. Through ship webcams, information can be relayed to different stakeholders while the management is on transit. This makes it appropriate and convenient for the organization and the stakeholders. The three ships that are always in the ocean are able to collect information and relay it back to the organization and its stakeholders. The use of either mobile phone or office phone has bec ome a major communication method. Organization like Greenpeace international uses mobile phones to conduct its stakeholders. For example, if an individual is willing to donate or partner with the organization, mobile or telephone number is given (Greenpeace 2011). The numbers is used for conduct purposely and relay the needed information to the stakeholders. Mass media During the inception of the Greenpeace international in 1971, the founders of the organization used mass media to communicate with the world (Birch Mcevoy 1996). The press is able to convey the intended message to the intended party. Although mass media has been the oldest form of communication till technological innovation, it has never become obsolete even after emergence of social media. Through journalists, Greenpeace captures the information deemed appropriate then communicated to its stakeholders. For example, Greenpeace international has collaborated with different news channels to have its information passed out to the stakeholders (Birch Mcevoy 1996). The use of mass media as a form of communication has been supported by (Moussa 1991) who insist that the use of mass media especially news conferences and press reaches a wide range of people. Through use of pictures motion and videos in television as well as newsprint like magazines and newspapers, it is possible to reach the stakeholders. Radio broadcast, press, and the use of TV channels reach a wide range of people (Moussa 1991). Electronic mass media has helped Greenpeace greatly pass its information (Birch Mcevoy 1996). The recorded information is released via the electronic mass media channels. The use of TV and radio by Greenpeace has been occasionally been successful (Birch Mcevoy 1996). The interplay between motion pictures and sound leaves messages embedded in the minds of the viewers who are also part of the stakeholders. Mass media application has been combined with web and net based media to reach the stakeholders (Birch Mcevoy 1996). Through the mass media Greenpeace objectives and core values have been achieved in several times. However, freedom of press has remained as the only hindrance for its full applicability. Nonetheless, social media has been able to have great influence as both forms of media can be intertwined to give the information required to the mass media. Video conferencing is another form of communication used by the Greenpeace international to reach its stakeholders (Birch Mcevoy 1996). Video conferencing allows the relay of information in real-time where audio and visual elements are applied (Horak 2007, p.624). It allows face to face communication where the televised information is captured. This form of communication has been realised through the communication of the Greenpeace international ship members’ crew and in crew in the mass media (Birch Mcevoy 1996). Upon the collection of information, video conferencing is used to relay the information to the headquarters. Form the headquarters the information is passed on to the stakeholders. Most effective form of communication in reaching the target audiences and why Greenpeace international campaigns to ensure that a clean environment is realised (Greenpeace 2011). Through its campaigns, the organization audiences include governments, organizations, general public and corporations that may be involved in pollution of the environment. The initiatives of the Greenpeace international need to be communicated to the target audience in the appropriate manner. To make sure that the information is relayed, the following forms of communication have been deemed as effective to reach the target audience. Social media Social media is the latest technology that has the capability of reaching an audience in the real-time. Greenpeace international uses this form of communication to reach its audience. Ray and Donohew (1990, p.167) in their research concluded that mass media is an appropriate mode of communicati on that can be applied to ensure public policies are promoted. The target audience is given a platform from where a discussion based on attitudes and opinions are shared. For instance, through facebook and twitter, Greenpeace international has been able to reach some of its target audience like Apple (Bengtson 2010). To prove its effectiveness, the organization was in a position to rally campaigns through the infiltration of the corporation facebook page. Through discussions with different stakeholders and other interested parties, Green international realized its goal. It was able to make Apple reduce the toxic materials it was using to manufacture its micro chips. Social media communication is the most effective form of communication in reaching the target audience as it involves different stakeholders and parties (PWC 2011). The intended message is absorbed and through persistence and double efforts the information is at last relayed. It is a convenient mode of communication as a wide range of population is currently subscribed or using facebook and twitter among other social networks. For example, there are more than 750, 000, 000 facebook subscribers with more than 100, 000, 000 accessing it through mobile phones (PWC 2011, p.4). Basically, Greenpeace international theme and core values target the public in general, through the use of the social media, it is easy to reach as many people as possible and relay messages. The rallying campaigns can also be necessitated through this form of communication. Social media is cheap, reliable, effective, and enables communication in real-time (PWC 2011, p.2-5). By real-time it implies that, the organization can communicate with its audience instantly at the same time. No matter the space and time differences, mass media allows the audiences receive the information without delay. It does not require a lot of cost to initiate and develop. The information relayed through mass media is accurate, understandable, unique, reliable, and easy to interpret making this form of communication appropriate for Greenpeace communication Multi media For the sake of the report study, mass media will be used collectively to comprise videos, You Tube, pictures, webcam emails, and slideshows. Multimedia communication is another most effective type of communication that Greenpeace international can apply to reach its audience (Birch Mcevoy 1996). Through the use of emails, the organization will be in a position to reach the subscribed audiences in a fast and cost effective manner. Emails need the information to be formulated then dispatched as a group. Websites are readily accessible through the internet and anybody can have access and view the communicated information (Coombs Holladay 2011). It is an effective form of communication as through the website updates, the target audience will be in a position to know what is happening and what information is being communicated (Coombs Holladay 2011). It is cheap, reli able, and convenient as the intended information is relayed at a go to mass audience. For example, operations and what Greenpeace international can be found online and is accessible by any person. Blogs like the mass media allows the target audience to interact freely with the organization at a personal level (Coombs Holladay 2011). Although machine like computers are used and that human touch and feeling is not availed, the interaction through exchange of information is crucial to an audience. Photos, slideshows and You Tube allow communication to be carried in pictorial and image form. The audience is able to associate itself with the information being conveyed by the organization. Through watch of the videos via You Tube, the message is driven home. Webcam allows real-time communication as information is conveyed to the audience in the real-time. It has no transport costs, costs for meeting arrangements, it saves time required in arranging meetings, and it is cheap. Conclusion I t is imperative to note that Greenpeace international has been successful in communicating with its stakeholders. Through the open communication, the organization has been able to fully drive its messages to the intended parties. The most successful form of communication has been the social media channels like facebook and twitter. These two have helped in getting the attention of the audience and the target audience. Because of the cost effectiveness, speed, and the real-time communication aspect allowed by mass media, this form of communication has the capacity to reach many stakeholders at a go. Mass media has also played a great role in relaying information to the stakeholders. Through the use of TV and the print media Greenpeace has been in opposition to rally itself to the stakeholders. Mass media has been the oldest form of communication while social media has been latest form of communication. Both work in an interchanging manner Other forms of communication include video co nferencing, webcams, websites, blogs and the multi media. All these for communication allow interactive communication between Greenpeace international and its stakeholders. Mostly important is they convey message in real-time and language barrier or cultural shock is not a problem. The stakeholders can have the information translated to their national language making the communication effective. The most effective form of communication used to reach the audience is the social media and the multimedia. These two are reliable, cost effective, easy to use, and can pass the intended information in the given time frame. Recommendations Based on the report main findings and conclusion, it is recommendable that the organization put more emphasis on social media. It is a vast and fast means and form of communication. Stakeholders need to be interactive with the organization and social media offers that platform. It is also recommendable that the organization continues with the open and inte ractive communication to realize its goals and objectives. Lastly, the organization needs to maximize the use of the social media and multimedia in ensuring that its information to the stakeholders is passed on. It should take advantage of the technological advancement and use it for its benefits. Reference List Bengtson, B 2010, Power to the Stakeholders – Nestle, Greenpeace and Facebook. Available from: http://sdialogue.com/uncategorized/power-to-the-stakeholders-nestle-greenpeace-and-facebook/ [4 January 2012]. Barker, KA 2008, Organizational communication. Available from: http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/doe/benchmark/ch13.pdf [ 4 January 2012]. Birch, D Mcevoy, C 1996, Greenpeace. Available from: http://yoz.com/wired/2.05/features/greenpeace.html [4 January 2012]. Carayamis, G, Hovy, E, Maybury, M, Stock, O n.d, Multimedia Communication, including Text. Available from: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~ref/mlim/chapter9.html Coombs, WT, Holladay, SJ 2011, The Handbook of Cris is Communication, Wiley-Blackwell, London. Fassin, Y 2008, The stakeholder model refined, Ghent University, Department of Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Tweekerkenstraat. Available from: http://www.feb.ugent.be/nl/Ondz/wp/Papers/wp_08_529.pdf [4 January 2012]. Greenpeace 2011. About Greenpeace. Available from: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/about/ . Horak, R 2007, Telecommunications and data communications handbook, John Wiley Sons, Hoboken, N.J., Koegel, FJ. et al 1992, ‘Supporting Real-Time Analysis of Multimedia Communication Sessions’, Enabling Technologies for High-Bandwidth Applications, vol. 1785 Moussa, F1991. Role of mass media and communication in improving the general environment for inventive and creative activity. Available from: http://www.invention-ifia.ch/byFaragMoussa_Role_of_Mass_Media.htm . PWC 2011. The power of social media: How CIOs can build business value using social media. Available from: http://download.pwc.com/ie/pu bs/2011_the_power_of_social_media.pdf Ray, EB Donohew, L 1990, Communication and health: systems and applications, Library of Congress, New Jersey. Wertheim, EG 2008. The Importance of Effective Communication. Available from: http://windward.hawaii.edu/facstaff/dagrossa-p/ssci193v/articles/EffectiveCommunication.pdf . This essay on Business Communications – Individual was written and submitted by user Audriana Pacheco to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on Howard Gardner Theory Of Intelligence

Howard Gardner and Theory of Intelligence In the article written by Howard Gardner entitled, â€Å"A Rounded Version: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences,† he explores why some people, even though they have performed poorly on society’s standardized intelligence tests, are significantly more successful than those who have scored well on the same tests. He covers the notion that people are not necessarily unintelligent because of poor performance on standardized tests like the SAT test. The realization of this unresolved flaw provoked Gardner to further research the matter. Through his findings, he discovered that multiple forms or styles of intelligences could be attributed to human development and performance in society. He came up with a list of seven intelligences and briefly gave some explanation as to the reasons why they are significant. However, he also notes that a person becomes a functional member of society only upon achieving a balance of these intelligences. Only being gifted with the master y of a single form of intelligence often produces abnormal behavior; the most common are the idiot savants and autistic children. The first of these seven intelligences is the Musical Intelligence. This is for those who have a proficiency in learning to play musical instruments. Gardner explains how a young boy named Yehudi Menuhin was first exposed to music at the age of three, and by the age of ten, he was playing the violin for international audiences. Gardner implies that Menuhin was â€Å"biologically prepared†(381) to play the violin from birth and claims that this form of intelligence, though not as fully recognized as mathematics, is one which deserves our consideration. The second is the Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence. This is attributed to those who have a proficiency in the control of their body movement, i.e., physical activity or sports. The example Gardner uses is that of Babe Ruth; when Ruth was just ... Free Essays on Howard Gardner Theory Of Intelligence Free Essays on Howard Gardner Theory Of Intelligence Howard Gardner and Theory of Intelligence In the article written by Howard Gardner entitled, â€Å"A Rounded Version: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences,† he explores why some people, even though they have performed poorly on society’s standardized intelligence tests, are significantly more successful than those who have scored well on the same tests. He covers the notion that people are not necessarily unintelligent because of poor performance on standardized tests like the SAT test. The realization of this unresolved flaw provoked Gardner to further research the matter. Through his findings, he discovered that multiple forms or styles of intelligences could be attributed to human development and performance in society. He came up with a list of seven intelligences and briefly gave some explanation as to the reasons why they are significant. However, he also notes that a person becomes a functional member of society only upon achieving a balance of these intelligences. Only being gifted with the master y of a single form of intelligence often produces abnormal behavior; the most common are the idiot savants and autistic children. The first of these seven intelligences is the Musical Intelligence. This is for those who have a proficiency in learning to play musical instruments. Gardner explains how a young boy named Yehudi Menuhin was first exposed to music at the age of three, and by the age of ten, he was playing the violin for international audiences. Gardner implies that Menuhin was â€Å"biologically prepared†(381) to play the violin from birth and claims that this form of intelligence, though not as fully recognized as mathematics, is one which deserves our consideration. The second is the Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence. This is attributed to those who have a proficiency in the control of their body movement, i.e., physical activity or sports. The example Gardner uses is that of Babe Ruth; when Ruth was just ...

The Summary & Strong Response Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Summary & Strong Response - Essay Example It is also a fact that parents force their children to win in order to realize their ambitions to win. While it is important to have competitive skills in adult life, parents decrease the quality of childhood experiences. Statsky states that sport games are very selective and they do not let all children to participate. The fear of failure is supported by this selectiveness as all children become afraid of being worse than others. Finally, the author suggests that it is better to focus on skills to cooperate with other children until children are psychologically ready to compete. The article by Statsky touches upon very important issues, which exemplify how parents make their children grow up too quickly. Pieces of evidence she provides draw a comprehensive picture where childhood seems to different from what it should be. When a 7-year old boy makes himself vomit, children hit each other or fear to lose the game, it means that something is going wrong with sport activities they join. Basically, children are forced to compete instead of enjoying the process of playing and communicating with each other. Young children learn to meet the demands established by adults to master their performance in sports. Children have to face the ugly reality where the winner takes it all and it often makes them suffer. They need to show that they are the best to make their parents feel proud of them or demand rewards for their achievements. At the same time, they have to stand the fear and the stress after the communication with their coaches, which is not always friendly. Even though Statsky mentions that Little League coaches have to attend psychology workshops to regulate their ambitions and be more sensitive to children, the reality shows that they do not rush to follow those guidelines. In most Hollywood movies about sport competitions, coaches are depicted as irritated, shouting and strict people.

Smoking cessation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Smoking cessation - Essay Example According to Pignone and Salazar (2009), smoking cessation can increase life expectancy of up to 3 years in women smokers and 2 years in men. In other researches, the life expectancy of a non-smoker is 13-14 years higher than a smoker (Chandler and Rennard, 2010). Studies have confirmed that smoking cessation has inflicts immediate health benefits to the individual. Several interventions are successful in smoking cessation which includes counseling, pharmacotherapy or a combination of both. In this respect, the most important factor is client’s self chosen health goal to quit smoking and both pharmacotherapy and counseling prove to be useful for such patients, however, in patients with unwilling behavior to quit pharmacotherapy is ineffective. Medical counseling approach should emphasize on health and economic benefits of cessation, motivational interviews, patient education on disease risk factors, community/family support and relapse prevention. Pharmacological therapies con sist of nicotine replacement therapy which includes nicotine patch, gums, lozenges, nasal sprays, inhalers etc. (Pignone and Salazar, 2009). All of these have shown to be equally effective in smoking cessation. In addition, anti-depressant therapy with drugs such as Bupropion, varenicline and Clonidine have been proven as effective smoking cessation agents. Several studies have suggested that a combination of these pharmacological therapies is quite effective i.e. nicotine gum with nicotine patch etc. (Chandler and Rennard, 2010).

Monopoly Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Monopoly - Coursework Example Jesus explains the rule of monopoly power and encourages people to put all their treasure in heaven should they want to enter the Kingdom of God. Further, in 1st Timothy, â€Å"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows† (The Holy Bible, I timothy 6:10). Indeed money can buy power though it is always the cause of many problems. The Pharisees were considered the great spiritual leaders among the Jews because they gave interpretation on the Laws of Moses and were a link between people and God. The Sadducees were people who constantly rejected the laws yet they claimed to lead priestly lives (Jewish Virtual Library). Jesus condemns them for misleading the common people, â€Å"You Pharisees and teachers of the law of Moses are in for trouble! You’re nothing but show-offs. You lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. You won’t go in yourselves, and you keep others from going in† ( Mathew 23: 13-14). Through this, it is true how Pharisees denied people from going to heaven since they enjoyed monopoly power. They knew people were so dependent on them in guidance of their spiritual lives. Monopoly power, according to the Bible is a worldly treasure that will deny many people a chance to enter heaven. According to Jesus, most people used such opportunities in accumulating material wealth instead of putting all their treasures in heaven. As a lesson, it is very important to consider what Jesus said and be on the move to change, repent and give the less fortunate people right and meaningful

Strategy Of Tesco To Nigeria Commerce Essay

Strategy Of Tesco To Nigeria Commerce Essay This report seeks to analyse the different modes of entry into a foreign market available to an organisation, showing their relevant strengths and weaknesses. For the purpose of this, Tesco Plc. has been chosen, showing the various entry modes available to the organisation as it seeks to diversify into the Nigerian grocery market. In an attempt to evaluate these entry modes, this report has been structured into three main parts: First, PESTLE and Porters five forces as tools used to assess the attractiveness of a given market were analysed showing their strengths and weaknesses. The second part of this report focuses on the value chain and SWOT analysis as analytical tools which can be used by an organisation to gauge its internal capabilities. Finally, the different entry modes available to Tesco such as; exporting, licencing, franchising, joint venture and wholly foreign owned enterprise (WFOE) were discussed and the most appropriate mode of entry recommended. 1.0 INTRODUCTION Strategy is a long term direction of an organisation (Johnson et al 2011). It is a long term plan of action designed to achieve a specific goal, directed towards the achievement of the set objectives of an organisation. According to Jones and Hill 2010, strategy is a set of related actions that managers take to increase their companys performance. It shows the plans and actions carried out by managers in an organisation to improve its performance and gain a position of advantage over its competitors. Strategy shows the position of the organisation in relation to its external environment, the strategic choices and directions available to the organisation and the action plan on how to achieve the strategies in line with the organisations goal and objective. Strategy is a design or plan for achieving a companys policy, goals and objectives; it is a design or plan that defines how policy is to be achieved (Davies 2000). Huff et al 2009, sees strategy as a purposeful attempt to achieve an objective. This shows that the strategic plan of an organisation is intended and directed towards the achievement of the objectives of the organisation. Corporate Level StrategyThree levels of strategy exist in an organisation; Business Level Strategy Operational Level Strategy Figure 1: Levels of strategy (Adapted from Johnson et al 2011) The corporate level strategy is a strategy that affects the overall scope of the organisation, the business level strategy is a strategy made at the strategic business units in an organisation and such strategy does not affect the whole organisation. While the operational level strategy deals with the processes or people used in implementing both the corporate and business level strategies. In an attempt to understand these concepts defined above, this report will address the market entry potentials and the different modes of entry available to Tesco in its bid to internationalise into the Nigerian grocery market, using relevant tools and framework. This report will be structured to address three different tasks: First the analytical tools used in gauging the attractiveness of a given market such as; PESTLE, Porters five forces, Porters Diamond, Scenarios, BCG matrix etc. Secondly, analytical tools such as Value chain, SWOT, Strategy canvas, Ansoff matrix, Value network etc. used to gauge the internal capabilities of an organisation, with emphasis laid on the value chain and SWOT analysis, will be assessed. Finally the different modes of entry available to Tesco, such as exporting, licensing, franchising, sales subsidiary, joint venture, wholly owned enterprise will be discussed in details in this report and the most appropriate mode of entry recommended for the organis ation. 2.0 ANALYTICAL TOOLS USED TO GAUGE THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF A MARKET A strategic decision maker has a range of analytical tools which could be used for this purpose, such as; PESTLE, Porters Five Forces, Scenario Analysis, Porters Diamond etc. these analytical tools helps the manager to assess the attractiveness of a given market in terms of cost, profitability, competition and other external factors which might influence the smooth operation of the organisation in the market. Scenario Analysis: Scenario analysis helps strategic decision makers to manage and minimize relevant risk and it also helps them to address key uncertainties which might arise in future. A scenario may depict an explanation of how some future state evolves including the sequence of events, conditions or changes that precede or cause the future states to occur (Linneman et al, 1983). Porters Diamond: This tool proposes that the characteristics of the national environment influence the competitive advantages of a nation (Mann and Byun 2011). Four interrelated determinants of national advantage have been identified in the work of Dogl et al 2012, that influence competitive advantage of organisations such as; factor conditions, demand conditions, related and supporting industries and firm strategy, structure and rivalry. In order to assess the attractiveness of a given market, emphasis will be laid by this report on the PESTLE and Porters five forces, bringing out their relative strength and weaknesses. 2.1 PESTLE ANALSIS Pestle analysis is in effect an audit of organisations external environmental influences with the purpose of using this information for strategic decision making (CIPD 2010). It is an important macro-environmental audit tool, which shows the various factors in an organisations external environment likely to affect the operation of the organisation. These factors includes; political, economic, social, technological, legislative and environmental. Pestle analysis consists of carefully determining all these factors and finding out exactly in what way and to what extent these factors influence a certain organisation and it also provides the organisation with vital information about its environment; hence it is a mandatory analysis (Marketing Minefield 2012). Organisation Legislative Environmental Economic Social Political Technological Figure 2: PESTLE Framework of an organisation (Adapted from Marketing Minefield) Political: This represents the way through which the government and political situation of a country influence the performance of an organisation. Political forces can influence marketing decisions by setting the rules by which the business will be conducted (Jobber 2010). Some of the political factors which are likely to influence an organisation include; Political stability Tax policy and reforms Trade restrictions Consumer protection laws Government policies and rule of law The political instability evidenced in Nigeria at present and other government policies and laws are likely challenges to Tescos internationalisation strategy to Nigeria. Economic: Prevalent economic conditions in a given country will pose a great challenge to the operations of an organisation. According to Kotler et al 2008, the economic also consists of factors that affect the consumer purchasing power and spending pattern. Some of these factors are; Income distribution Labour cost Fluctuations in interest and exchange rate Rate of economic growth Inflation Cost of living Income distribution, poor infrastructure and inflation in Nigeria are some of the factors Tesco should consider before moving into the Nigerian market. Socio-cultural: Changes in the socio-cultural trends of a country such as the population growth rate, health, social attitudes, age distribution and cultural beliefs of the country can affect the operation of an organisation and therefore have a direct impact on the demand for the companys product. Technological: The rate of technological advancement today will pose a challenge to an organisation. Rapid change in technology is a huge factor that will influence an organisation. Hence organisations have to be aware of the current technological trend of the environment in which they carry out their business. Some of the technological factors likely to influence an organisation are; Internet and various information systems Speed of technology transfer Impact of emerging technologies. Research and development Legal: Laws such as, health and safety laws, consumer protection laws, licensing laws, competition and employment laws prevalent in any country will affect the smooth operation of organisations. Environmental: These are laws or factors on the surrounding environment of an organisation which can influence the way the organisations operates. Factors such as environmental laws and regulations, waste disposal, energy consumption, geographic location are likely to affect an organisation. 2.2 STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF PESTLE ANALYSIS STRENGTHS It provides the organisation with a better understanding of the prevailing conditions in their business environment. It helps organisations to detect or anticipate future problems and take necessary actions to avoid or cushion its effect. Opens up available business opportunities for the organisation to exploit. It encourages the development of strategic thinking within an organisation. WEAKNESSES PESTLE analysis could be time consuming and expensive to carry out. It does not take into consideration key players in the organisations industry such as the competitors (analysed by the five forces) which could be a great force to reckon. The analysis needs to be reviewed on a regular basis for it to be effective. Results of the analysis are often subjective and could be based on assumptions. 2.3 PORTERS FIVE FORCES Bargaining power of Suppliers Bargaining power of Buyers Threats of new EntrantsThe five forces framework helps to identify the attractiveness of an industry or sector in terms of the competitive forces (Johnson et al 2008). It offers a way of assessing the likely strength of competition in any given market (Blythe 2006). Competitive rivalry Threats of Substitutes Figure 3: Porters Five Forces Model (Adapted). The aim of the Porters five forces analysis is to identify the nature, strength and impact of these competitive pressures so that individual forms can create strategies that defend them from their impact or influence them in their favour (Kippenberger 1998). It forms a useful starting point for undertaking a competitive analysis (Brassington and Pettitt 2006). Threats of New Entrants: This refers to the possibility of new firms entering into the industry. New entrants into an industry have the potential of increasing the level of competition in such industry, thereby reducing its attractiveness. Some of the barriers of entry into an industry are; Economies of scale Capital requirement Customer Loyalty Experience Government restrictions (Licensing) The entry barrier in the Nigeria grocery market is low; hence this will not pose a challenge to Tesco moving into the country. Although there will be a strong retaliation from companies operating in the industry such as Shoprite and Spar. Threats of Substitutes: substitutes are products or services with similar benefits or attributes to a companys product. This may exist when the demand of a companys product reduces due to a change in the price or performance of a substitute product. Determinants of threats of substitute include, Price and performance of substitutes Relative switching costs to substitute products. Bargaining Power of Buyers: If the buyers have a high bargaining power, they can demand lower prices, product or service improvements and this will in turn affect the profit of the organisation. The most important determinant of buyer power is the size and the concentration of customers (Karagiannopoulos et al 2005). Bargaining Power of Suppliers: The bargaining power of suppliers will definitely affect the attractiveness of a given market. If suppliers of a companys products possess high power, they tend to fix the prices of their products and might eat up the profits of the company. Suppliers tend to possess more powers when; There few and concentrated suppliers Switching cost is high Suppliers provide a specialist or rare input. The bargaining power of suppliers in the Nigeria market could be between medium to high and Tesco has to consider this before moving into the country. A backward integration of maybe an alliance with the suppliers will be a good strategy to adopt in order to avoid the effect of suppliers powers. Competitive Rivalry: These are organisations in the same industry with similar products and services, also targeting the same customers. Threats from competitors are the most important challenge facing an organisation. The major competitors in the Nigerian grocery market which could pose a challenge to Tesco are, Shoprite, Spar and Mega Plaza. Tesco in order to avoid the effect of these competitors could be either cost focus by offering quality products at a reduced price or focus differentiation by targeting a different segment of the market. 2.4 STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF THE FIVE FORCES STRENGTHS The five forces shows the attractiveness of a given market It provides a detailed analysis of the key players in the industry such as the suppliers, buyers and competitors. It is a useful tool used in strategic planning in organisations. It opens up the relevant threats in the companys industry such as the threats from competitors. WEAKNESSES The model fails to consider other macro-environmental factors such as political, economic, legal etc. (like the PESTLE model) which might affect the operation of an organisation. Porters model does not pay much attention to non-market sources of change in an organisation (McGowan and Mahon 2000). It does not consider the possibility of creating a new market. 2.5 COMPARISON OF THE PESTLE AND PORTERS FIVE FORCES From the discussions of both analytical tools, the PESTLE focuses more on the macro-environmental factors that can affect an organisations operation and fails to take note of the key players in the organisations industry such as suppliers, buyers and competitors whose impact could also affect an organisation. The five forces while trying to bridge the gap by analysing the organisations immediate environment, took into recognition the buyers, suppliers and competitors, which is an important player in the industry. However, it fails to have a broader view and consider other factors within the organisations external environment which can affect the operation of the organisation. 3.0 ANALYTICAL TOOLS USED TO GUAGE THE INTERNAL CAPABILITIES OF A COMPANY Analytical tools such as the value chain, SWOT, value network, strategy canvas etc. are available for use by a strategic decision maker to assess the internal capabilities of a company moving into a new market. However, for the purpose of this report, the SWOT analysis and the value chain will be used, showing their respective strengths and weaknesses. 3.1 POTERS VALUE CHAIN A value chain is an interrelated series of processes that produces a service or product to the satisfaction of the customers. It involves internal linkages between a firms core processes, its supporting processes and its external linkages with the processes of its customers and suppliers (krajewski et al 2007). A value chain therefore refers to all those activities that support the process of value creation in an organisation. There are a lot of activities grouped into the primary and supporting activities that shows the internal capabilities of a firm as it creates value for the whole organisation. IT Infrastructure Supporting Activities Inbound Logistics Human Resource Margin Finance Procurement Outbound Logistics Services Marketing and Sales Operations Margin Primary Activities Figure 4: Porters Value Chain (Adapted) According to Kippenberger 1997, the value chain is designed to show the total value of a firm and consists of the firms value activities aimed at improving its margin. The values chain evaluates each activity in the organisation and the way it creates or adds value to the whole organisation through its margin (profit). The way an organisation creates value through its activities creates a good position about the organisation in the minds of its customers. This suggests that if an organisation creates adequate value through its activities and its relationship with its customers, it will gain a competitive advantage over its competitors and increase its margin as well. For Tesco to survive in the Nigeria grocery market, it is important that it understands and improve on its internal capabilities (resources and competences), thereby creating adequate value through its activities as this will give it a competitive advantage over its competitors. A companys competitive advantage largely depends on how it manages all its value creation activities in relation to competitors in the same industry. Tesco can create value for its through its activities by: Offering unique product or service. High quality and low-priced products (being cost focus). Immediate response to the changing environment and customer needs. Developing distinctive capabilities to meet the needs and demands of customers effectively. 3.2 STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF THE VALUE CHAIN STRENGTHS The value chain shows the activities and the processes involved in creating value in an organisation. Information provided by the value chain forms a basis for an organisation to develop alternative strategies. It enables an organisation to identify its internal capabilities, strengths and weaknesses. Value chain helps the organisation to determine its value creation to customers; this will enable them to note areas of improvement. It reveals an organisations competitive position with competitors in the same industry. It enables organisations to determine their strategic position and make good strategic decisions. WEAKNESSES The value chain analysis is designed only for the organisations internal purposes. Value chain activities of an organisation cannot exist individually; hence cooperation between the activities is required for the chain to function properly (Glaser 2008). It focuses more on profit and how to increase the margin of the organisation. 3.3 SWOT ANALYSIS Undesirable DesirableA SWOT analysis is a structured approach to evaluating the strategic position of a business by identifying its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It provides a simple method of synthesizing the results of the marketing audit (Jobber, 2010). A SWOT analysis of an organisation shows a summary of the organisations traits or competences, which are its strengths and weaknesses, as well as the competitive factors it faces in its environment (opportunities and threats). A good SWOT analysis of an organisation will expose the opportunities available to the organisation as well as the threats which could pose a challenge to the smooth operation of the organisation. A proper understanding of the SWOT of an organisation will enable the organisation to convert its weaknesses into strength and the threats in its environment into opportunities. Strengths Weaknesses Uncontrollable Controllable Threats Opportunities Figure 5: SWOT Framework (Adapted from Novicevic et al 2004) The SWOT analysis shows a summary of the firms marketing situation which encompasses the findings form the internal and external strategic analysis that provides the back-end planning perspective of controllable and uncontrollable variables/events (Novicevic et al 2004). According to Duarte et al 2006, a SWOT analysis is a way to analyse the environment, allowing for the segregation of the environment into internal strengths and weakness and the external opportunities and threats as well as positive and negative environment. For Tescos internationalisation strategy, a SWOT analysis of the company should be properly carried out to assess its internal capabilities through its strengths and weaknesses, and its ability to survive in the environment by overcoming the threats and turning them into opportunities. SWOT analysis of Tesco Plc. is shown below; Strengths Weaknesses Strong brand image Unique products Strong financial position Large size Good customer service High reliance on the UK market Exposed to macro-economic issues in some markets Opportunities Threats Strategic alliances Diversification into new markets Increase international growth Develop additional services Strong and stiff competition Economic recession Political instability and government policies Fluctuations in exchange rate Figure 6: SWOT Analysis of Tesco Tesco has to adopt the conversion and matching strategies in order to use its internal capabilities to overcome its weaknesses and threats in the environment. Hence, weaknesses can be converted to strengths, threats into opportunities and its strengths matched with the opportunities. 3.4 STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF THE SWOT ANALYSIS STRENGTHS SWOT analysis is used to assess an organisations competitiveness, capabilities and core competences. It guides the organisation in setting objectives for strategic planning and decision making. It exposes the opportunities available to an organisation as well as the threats. It aids the organisation to take advantage of its strengths to address the weaknesses. WEAKNESSES High dependence on external factors relies on the PESTLE analysis and other environmental scanning models. It does not provide solutions or offer alternative decisions to issues identified. While SWOT is useful to profile and enumerate issues, it does not provide actual strategies to implement and take advantage of opportunities while leveraging strengths (Helms et al 2011). 3.5 COMPARISON OF THE VALUE CHAIN AND SWOT The value chain focuses on the internal capabilities of the organisation as it strives to improve on its activities to create more value while satisfying the needs of its customers. It fails to analyse external threats to the organisation or opportunities which could be explored by the organisation. Also, the value chain seeks to improve the margin of the organisation through it activities, rather than evaluate the strengths and opportunities which could be of great help in improving the margin of the organisation. SWOT analysis on the other hand, while trying to look at the internal capabilities of the organisation through its strengths and weaknesses, also considers the relevant threat and opportunities in the organisations environment. This guides the organisation in setting its objectives for strategic planning and decision making. Hence, an understanding of the SWOT analysis is very essential for any organisation as this will form the basis upon which it creates value for itself. 4.0 INTERNATIONAL MARKET ENTRY MODES There are several foreign market entry modes available to organisations seeking to internationalise into new markets. According to Sun, H. (1999), entry modes are seen as the forms of capital participation by an organisation in international enterprises and two basic entry modes exist; wholly owned subsidiary and joint venture. Internationalisation strategy of an organisation will involve great resource commitment; hence the mode of entry is a very important strategic decision to avoid failure. However, for Tescos strategy to enter into the Nigerian market, the following entry modes are available to them; exporting, licencing, franchising, alliances, mergers and acquisition, sales subsidiary, joint venture and wholly foreign owned enterprise(WFOE). 4.1 EXPORTING According to Joynt, P and Welch, L. (1985), most organisations begin their international operations through exporting rather than other means of entry such as licensing or foreign direct investment. Exporting as a mode of entry into a foreign market involves the exportation of countrys product into a foreign market. This could be driven by the need to extend customer base, increase profit, or due to limited growth potential in the home country. Exporting is particularly important in the exchange world system and it is largely used as a mode of entry into foreign markets for manufactured goods firm, especially those in the early stage of internationalisation (Khemakhem 2010). Exporting could be either direct, where the goods of an organisation is exported directly to a partner firm in the country or indirect through the use of intermediaries. 4.1.1 STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF EXPORTING STRENGTHS It is considered as the easiest, simplest and most used mode of entry. Risk involved is minimal due to limited investment. It creates an opportunity for the organisation to study the overseas market preferences before investing in the country. Exporting helps an organisation to achieve economies of scale by manufacturing its products in one location and exporting to a larger market. It is cost effective and improves the margin of an organisation. WEAKNESSES Trade restrictions and laws in some countries could pose a huge challenge to exporting. Transportation cost and distribution channel problems. Stiff competition from indigenous firms. Export licenses and custom laws may vary in different locations. 4.2 LICENSING This is a form of contractual agreement whereby the licensor grants access to property rights which could be patents, trademark or know-how to the licensee in exchange for some form of payment. According to Okoroafo (1992), licensing is seen as direct investment royalties, license fees and other fees for the sale of intangible property rights including patents, industrial processes, trademarks, copyrights, designs, know-how, techniques etc. 4.2.1 STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF LICIENCING STRENGTHS Licensing creates an opportunity for future investment into a given market. It enables expansion with limited direct exposure to risk and low investment. It creates rapid entry into a foreign market. Creates access to new markets not easily accessible by exports or other modes of entry. It maximizes return from an investment. WEAKNESSES There is limited control due to the contractual agreement. Difficulty in identifying what to licence. Terminating the agreement might be difficult till the expiration of the contractual duration. Licensing can create competition as the foreign partner might become a competitor. 4.3 FRANCHISING Franchising is a special form of licencing in which the franchiser makes a total marketing program such as brand name, logo, products or method of operation, available to the franchisee for a fee (Gillespie et al 2004). Franchising is often used for indirect entry into a foreign market and most local service firms get the exclusive right to a marketing concept, which may also include right to a certain operational mode (Gronroos 1999). In franchising, the franchisee obtains the right to sell the franchisors product or use his brand name or logo for business purposes, this method has been adopted by organisations in recent times and its mostly seen in the fast food industries. 4.3.1 STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF FRANCHISING STRENGTHS Franchising encourages rapid growth and expansion. It involves a low cost of investment with minimal risk. Franchisor can tap on the franchisees wealth of experience, financial and managerial capabilities. Franchising improves brand development. WEAKNESSES There might be cases of the franchisee giving the brand a bad reputation. Control restrictions on how the business would be run by the franchise agreement. There might be reduced margins or profit if the franchisee fails to manage the business efficiently. Difficulties experienced by the franchisee may directly affect the franchisor. 4.4 JOINT VENTURE Joint venture is a form of strategic alliance where two or more organisations pull resources together to create a separate legal entity. It is seen as a contractual agreement and a mode of entry into the foreign market, whereby a foreign firm brings in its wealth of experience and expertise to create a business with an indigenous organisation. Joint venture allows the firms to pull and combine their resources together for the purpose of creating a new entity. The parties involved share the risk, expenses and profits from the venture together. According to Davis et al 1996, joint venture provides a vehicle for the cooperation between organisations with different but complementary strategies. 4.4.1 STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF JOINT VENTURE STRENGTHS It creates access to organisations into foreign market and increases their distribution network. Inherent risk involved in the business, operating expenses and losses is shared between the two organisations. Joint venture pulls resources, expertise, core competencies and capabilities from different organisation to create a new entity. It creates synergy, sharing of skills, technology and experience between the organisations involved. It gives competitive strength to the new organisation and creates a stronger defence against competitors. WEAKNESSES There might be conflict of interest between the organisations. Problem of control and management of the new venture. Profit is shared between the organisations involved in the venture. Cultural differences, economic and political systems in the foreign environment might pose a challenge to the venture. 4.5 WHOLLY OWNED FOREIGN ENTERPRISE This is a mode of foreign market entry where an organisation creates its own enterprise in another country. For instance, Tesco moving into the Nigerian grocery market and open new Tesco stores. This mode of entry is different from the others because the organisation has sole ownership and management of the new enterprise. A wholly owned enterprise is seen as a permanent enterprise in the host country wholly owned by the entrant, where profits and responsibilities are assigned exclusively to th

GENERAL MOTORS LEADS THE CHARGE :: essays research papers

GENERAL MOTORS LEADS THE CHARGE: The Launch of the GM Card In 1992 at a convention, Visa USA president and CEO Robert Heller belittled the arrival of non-band credit-card issuers. He joked that it wouldn’t be long before pizza parlors joined AT&T and General Motors in offering cards. Within a year he was punted and people were talking about McDonald’s having a credit card. The US Car Industry in the Early 90’s Flat demand and foreign competition made the early 90’s tough for the big three. In 1992 GM chalked up the largest annual loss in US corporate history, around $4.5 billion. Part of the solution to GM’s problem was to make better cars and make them more efficiently. That still left the issue of how cars were sold. End-of-the year rebates, cash-back, and dealer discounts were hard to control. Car buyers began to expect these incentives, so they waited and by waiting forced manufacturers to offer them earlier in the year. The GM Card In September 1992, GM teamed up with Household Bank, a major issuer of co-branded credit cards, to launch the GM Card under the MasterCard umbrella. The card allowed holders to apply 5% of their charges to the purchase or lease of a new GM car or truck. The credit was applied after the customer had negotiated his or her best deal on the vehicle. Cardholder were allowed to accumulate up to $500 a year in rebates, with a ceiling of $3500 over 7 years. GM spent $120 million on a marketing blitz. The GM Card rollout was the most successful ever in the credit-card business. After only twenty-eight days, there were one million accounts. In less than two months, there were over two million GM Card accounts, and card balances topped $500 million. The eight million-plus new accounts propelled Household Bank from 10th to 5th place among credit-card issuers. Annual charge volume on the GM Card was $5200, or two and a half times the national average. The Ford-Citibank Card In February 1993, Ford joined forces with Citibank.

Benedict’s Rule

â€Å"Benedict’s Rule†, a document that supposedly details the way a true Christian must behave to actually be a true Christian, and not a mere Sunday churchgoer, is a curious text. It is aimed mostly at those who wish to dedicate their whole lives to God, written mostly for monks. However, it is often taken to be a guide to how all Christians should behave despite the fact that there are quite a few things that differ rather drastically from what the Bible says. It is my opinion, thus, that this text cannot be used as a correct interpretation of God’s vision for Christians.Before beginning dealing with both this text and the Bible, I must note that the Bible contains controversial information. Sometimes the tales are of humans that strove hard and failed, and their failure – when taken literally and not as a lesson – can serve as a bad example. Other times, tales are shown to demonstrate how not to do, and there aren’t very many instances th at there are direct commandments towards humanity. That is why I have decided to use one particular section of the Bible – the Sermon on the Mount, as it is a depiction of Christ speaking directly and clearly to the people to show what he wants of them.It is a condensation of the Bible in many ways. And, as we shall see in direct comparison, what the Bible says are the direct words of God do not comply even closely what St. Benedict wants of the people. First of all, the text explicitly shows a bias towards monks. Even though it was written for monasteries, the author does not seem to accept any other kind of worshipper. Only those who are monks are actually pleasing to God – or, at least, such an expression I garnered from reading the text.And, even then, traveling monks, those, who have no stable monastery are frowned upon deeply and insinuated with all sorts of sins (â€Å"Always roving and never settled, they indulge their passions and the cravings of their appeti te, and are in every way worse than the Sarabaites. † BR, chapter 1). Elitism, however, is one of the things Christian doctrine rises against the most. Christianity is not the religion of some Elite, it is the religion of the many, and it is for everyone, who will take the time and trouble to know God.Any person can do it, and there is no need to lead a special, â€Å"especially righteous† life in a monastery. No, indeed, a true Christian is a man of the higher world, a man of heaven, who descends unto the Earth to aid those in need of guidance here. Someone might protest on this one that monasteries are of great value. I do not underestimate the importance of monasteries in the great work that is Christianity – scholars and keepers of lore are as valued in the Christian tradition as in any other. However, neither are they the most important.The most important is the average, everyday person, who has his or her own relationship with Deity. The aim of Christianity was never to create an elite, it was to have everyone transmute into an elite. This requires not monasteries as places of seclusion – a monk may not even eat outside of a monastery, as chapter 51 of Benedict’s rule states – but as schools admitting all those who wish to learn truly! A division between believers is not only unnecessary, but also harmful to the cause, and teaching it to the people who would be teachers is just plain evil, if an unintended one.Second, as we can see in Benedict’s rule, he depicts things such as humility, silence, and et cetera as being rather, well, showy. For instance, humility: Benedict shows that humility is to be spoken of out loud, at least in the middle degrees of it. This is not humility, but the opposite, exaltation. Even the he mentions greater humility later on; it still does not seem to be the most important. Formal observance seems to take precedence over the simple and honest, if at times clumsy, task of living a good life, shows seem to be more important than honest service.Monasteries are supposed to be quiet and devoted to their given tasks, not showing off their â€Å"more-humble-than-thou-art†. This is devoutly un-Christian. The Bible says, however, that things such as worship should be kept in secret – and not because of a fear of nosy neighbors, either! The mysteries of God are simple, yet, when occulted, they gain great power for the transformation of the one that works with these mysteries. However, as with any occult knowledge, when revealed, it becomes absolutely useless and even false.Like decorations out of a good drama, when brought to daylight, they are nothing but fool’s gold – and the alchemical transmutation of fool’s gold into real gold only occurs in solitude and darkness, only after a person has sought his on way to God and fought his own battles on it. One might oppose me in that monasteries are there to leave the lights within this darkness, for the lone traveler and neophyte to use. Monasteries are supposed to lead the exemplary life, one for which the average believer should strive. Yet how much of an example is it, if it is impossible to follow because of the elitism?A true teaching goes out to the students of this teaching, it does not attempt to shroud knowledge in baubles. Yes, showing an exemplary life originally was one of their functions – however, such things must be done very carefully, and never massively. Yes, certain shreds of enlightenment, certain way markers can be transplanted from one person to another; and a basic education is never a bad thing. However, usually such things are not given in monasteries. They are not careful enough, not competent enough, and too massive for their own good – and, even if they were good enough, what truth about God was ever learned in a classroom?It and the teacher in it can aid in pinpointing the way, not be the Truth itself. Added to the usuall y reclusive and yet arrogant life of the monasteries, what comes of it is more an indoctrination than anything else. And this leads us to the next un-Christian thing I found in Benedict’s Rule. Benedict speaks much of obedience. (â€Å"As soon as anything hath been commanded by the Superior they permit no delay in the execution, as if the matter had been commanded by God Himself. â€Å", chapter 5) However, he speaks of obedience to humans, not to God.He says that those high up in the Church are God’s chosen for this work, and should be obeyed as God would be obeyed, for they are always vessels for His will. We shall not even get into the whole discussion of where saying that the Church hierarchs lack the basic gift of God – Free Will – leads. Omitting that, we shall focus on the fact that everything is, in its own way, a test from God. If subscribing to the theodicy of the fact that evil exists as a tool for our learning and growth, the fallacies of an other can also be regarded in this respect.Preaching blind obedience, when one of the basics of Christianity is â€Å"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. † (Matthew 7:2)? The process of seeking has always involved thinking for oneself, separating the wheat from the chaff, deciphering the Holy Book that is Life and Christ itself – not merely obeying those who are also on this search, and may be going down a wrong alleyway, for to be human is to err! Christianity is a religion that is supposed to grant freedom, not to suffocate it within the throngs of hierarchy.In Benedict’s Rule there is much emphasis on formality. When prayers are to be said, how gifts are supposed to be given, and so on. (â€Å"CHAPTER XVI How the Work of God Is to Be Performed during the Day†, et cetera). The proper procedure for communion with God is quite important, that no one can deny, however, it is not by chance that the Sermon on the Mount focuses upon the inner motivations (â€Å"But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court;† Matthew 5:22) and not on the outer manifestation.One might say that an outer manifestation, such as the keeping of formalities, is important as well. After all, is it not by ceremony that we recognize and identify? Is it not the symbol that shows us the way? Is it not the atmosphere that is created with these symbols and formalities that first teaches us the essence of religion, is within them not the spirit of Christianity itself? Yes, and I do not mean to contradict that in any kind of way. However, as a word written on a page can never replace the object itself, so the symbols of religion should not become the core of religion, and this should be remembered.Christianity, when it first arose, was a religion of personal experience. It was something that you felt and worked with, and it – and its outer expression s – was individual for every believer. Everyone was his own judge, in the end. Any outer rules that came into existence for Christianity, though important, were secondary, not primary. The code of conduct is a useful thing, however, it – if the monks to whom it is addressed are good monks – has no value whatsoever. It would be valuable for those striving to be monks, for complete novices, but not for those who have done the inner work.For, if one heeds the Bible, which frowns even upon evil thoughts, good actions should follow. The formalities are a necessary subsequence to real inner faith. What would be good is advice on wisdom, on how to make decisions, and not on the formalities. Tradition is important and beautiful, but not to this extent. It should not become dogma, accepted on faith as Gospel – and as too many would want it to be. As we can see, the text †Benedict’s Rule†, if read with care, can be seen as even contradicting the Bible.Such is the price of human folly; such is the price of people attempting to judge the inner world by outer laws. Not a gentle mingling, growing into each other, which is done within every true individual’s hearts – but a forcible mashing together of the two things that should be one, yet are now separate. This task, to be done, must include letting go of the reins of society and entrusting the process within the hands of an individual human and God, though this is very difficult.Christianity is not supposed to force this relationship, as Benedict states, with punishments (â€Å"At the day hours, however, whoever doth not arrive for the Work of God after the verse and the Gloria of the first psalm, which is said after the verse, let him stand in the last place, according to the rule which we stated above; and let him not attempt to join the choir of the chanters until he hath made satisfaction, unless, perchance, the Abbot's permission hath given him leave to do so, with the understanding that he atone the fault afterwards† chapter 43).However, it is supposed to gently show those who made a mistake that it was a mistake. As Socrates said, â€Å"There is not one person that would do evil if they knew it was evil. † This is true, and Christianity’s function is to enlighten the people, to aid them in stopping making mistakes. How many times could a teacher force someone to learn? None. But a teacher who awakens within his pupils not fear, but a desire to learn, will succeed in being a good teacher. Benedict, though he tries valiantly, fails this difficult task.

The Great Depression Hoover and Roosevelt essays

The Great Depression Hoover and Roosevelt essays When the Great Depression hit the nation was turned inside out. Presidents Hoover and Roosevelt each took a turn at working toward its demise. While their attempts were different their goal was the same. They each wanted it to end. Herbert Hoover reacted to the Great Depression with determination. He believed providing public work positions would be able to assist in the regrouping of Americans. He urged state senators to increase public construction and use the unemployed for the labor. He believed this would provide jobs as well as continue to improve the He spent a significant amount of time lobbying not only politicians to support his public works ideas, but also civic organizations including the Elks Lodges nation wide. He opposed the Wagner employment bill and worked to reduce immigration while the nation was in the throes of unemployment by those already living here(The Depression Papers of geocities.com/mb_williams/hooverpapers/employment.html). Even though he supported various efforts and attempts to deal with unemployment he focused for the most part on the public works programs that he believed were the answer to turning the nation's woes around. When Roosevelt was elected he took an entirely different approach. While Hoover focused on one program, Public Works, Roosevelt took the attitude that a wide variety of changes were the answer to the Great When he "took office in 1933, he feverishly created program after program to give relief, create jobs, and stimulate economic recovery for the U.S. These programs were called "alphabet soup" as well as the bergen.org/AAST/Projects/depression/successes.html)." ...

Pilgrim Houses essays

Pilgrim Houses essays Pilgrim workers built the houses. The men were the only people that built the houses. The houses on Plymouth Plantation were made out of logs, hay, rocks, wood and mud. The houses in Plymouth Plantation were built close together for safety reasons. A fence enclosed the plantation and the men had to take turns watching over the plantation. Pilgrim houses were always one-room houses with an attic that they needed a ladder to get in. This one room was called the keeping room because they kept everything in there. Everybody lived in the keeping room. The keeping room had the fireplace where they cooked all their food and kept themselves warm. The baking was done in community ovens that were shared by several families. All the familys beds were also in this one room. Everybody had his or her own bed. Some beds were really fancy and even had curtains around them. This curtain gave each person some privacy and helped keep the Pilgrims warm at night. Some beds were made out of bags stuffed with scratchy straw and some were made out of bags stuffed with soft feathers. The keeping room also had the eating table, benches around the table, and cupboards to keep their clothes and food. All the furniture was made out of wood and animal skins. This was pretty much all the furniture in the house because the whole family had to live in this one room house. There was no bathroom in the house. Everybody went in the outhouse that was on the outside of the house. Many families shared the outhouse. The basic frame of each house was oak although other hardwoods such as beech could be for minor members. The roofs were generally thatched with reeds or straw, although there may have been some shingled structures. The walls were of wattle and daub, woven supports made of split wood or saplings that were plastered over with a mixture of clay, sand and straw. Without lime the daub walls washed away in winter storms, so they sheathed the walls w...

Medicine in islam Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Medicine in islam - Research Paper Example Through such an analysis is the hope of this author that the reader will be able to gain a more informed and rational understanding with regard to the many different developments within different fields that Islam was able to contribute to the world at large. Moreover, as a direct result of the fact that the early Islamic Empire was able to engage different ethnic groups of different cultures and backgrounds, many of the â€Å"developments† that will be referenced will in fact be the result of syncretic adaptation and borrowing that took place within the early Islamic community. Firstly, it is oftentimes incorrectly attributed that it was early Islamic philosophers that first determined that blood circulated throughout the body. However, this myth has widely been dispelled as it is now understood that it was in fact Greeks who put forward this hypothesis several centuries prior to Islamic civilization existing. However, with that being said, it was Islamic civilization and philosophy that presented the world of medicine a greater understanding with regard to the way in which blood circulated through the body as a result of ventricles and movements of the aorta. Such a level of understanding was of course profound with respect to the manner through which it helped healthcare professionals to understand how to treat a patient (Ghaly 106). As a direct result of the way in which knowledge increases and individuals come to integrate with new technology, cauterize nation and bloodletting were substantial further developments to this particular breakthrough that w ere also engaged by the early Islamic world. Whereas it is true that bloodletting is no longer utilized, broadly speaking, within the current world of medicine, it is most certainly the case that cauterizing wounds is utilized within almost every type of surgical procedure that exists within the current era. As a means of singeing the flesh and immediately encouraging blood

How does underwater birth affect neonatal health and well being Essay

How does underwater birth affect neonatal health and well being - Essay Example Naturally, this procedure of birth requires a large accumulation of water like a pool or a tub, which can be utilized as an effective receptive medium of labor (Cluett, Burns, 2011, p.2). Water birth represents a unique way of giving birth and marks a departure from the traditional labor procedure. People have been curious to know the effectiveness and success of this new process. For this purpose, there have been numerous studies and researches undertaken to find out the effects of water birth on the pregnant women and also on the newborn infants. For expectant mothers, giving birth in water is considered to a much more gentle process than the conventional labor method lying on a bed. Studies have shown that water birth enhances maternal relaxation, decreases the analgesia requirements and encourages the women to easily adopt a model of care for their newborns. However, the benefits of the water birth process on neonatal health have not yet been so emphatically established. There is still a lot of discussion and research being undertaken on the impact of water birth on the health of the babies born by this method. This literature review has attempted to examine the information available on this topic. Women from across the world often opt for water birth as this eases the process of labor. However, they should also be made aware of the impacts on this method on the health condition of the new born infants. This would help expectant mothers to make an informed decision regarding a suitable procedure of giving birth. The findings of the different reviews are expected to provide conclusive results on the relevant subject. The existing research work will be examined and evaluated to find out whether there exist valid inferences which can help expecting women to make a prudent decision regarding their own health and that of their newborn children. (Ros, 2009, p.36) The