Green Mountain Coffee Roasters free essay sample

Roasters reveals the following : 1. 1 Strengths i. Product Consistency By utilizing state-of-the-art roasting software, GMCR is therefore able to maintain their level of product consistency, ii. Unique Products Its key success is in differentiating its coffees. The coffee beans have been carefully selected and then roasting them in small batches to ensure consistency and to maximize their taste and flavor differences. This one of the reason why are the Green Mountain coffees is different from those of other specialty coffee companies. On the other hand, Keurig also gives Green Mountain access to the office and one-cup segment. iii. High Distribution GMCR flushes nitrogen into its packaged coffee and employ one-way value bag packaging technology that provides a minimum shelf life of six months for the company coffee as customer is able to retain the freshness of the coffee in the package. This in turn, allows GMCR to expand it’s distribution, without any worries about compromised quality. We will write a custom essay sample on Green Mountain Coffee Roasters or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page v. Socially Responsible Business Practices GMCR is a supporter of social and environmental causes, and being listed in the â€Å"100 Best Corporate Citizens† and â€Å"The World’s Most Socially Responsible Companies† lists. This acts as a bonus to the company’s outlook and reputation. v. Widely Available GMCR’s products are widely available in the market. By targeting various distribution channels and customer categories, GMCR is confident that consumer trial at one point of the distribution level will lead to a subsequent purchase at another. vi. Flagships Flagship customers such as Amtrack, Exxon-Mobile, JetBlue Airways and American Skiing Company are key to the company’s geographic expansion strategy as they provide visibility and sampling opportunities 1. 2 Weaknesses i. Single Product Line GMCR deals with specialty coffee solely, putting it at a serious disadvantage in bargaining with supermarket chains for favorable shelf space. ii. Own Distribution and Sales Force GMCR relied on its own distribution and sales forces to expand the Green Mountain brand in the grocery channel. 1. 3 Opportunities i. Increased consumption Increased coffee consumption in Europe, Asia and Brazil has just expanded GMCR’s distribution opportunities. By targeting and influencing more of the above mentioned countries’ coffee drinkers, GMCR can hope to influence most of the consumers before its rivals do so. ii. Specialty Coffee Market Gourmet, specialty coffee is the bread-and-butter of GMCR’s establishment. A growing increase in consumers seeking specialty coffee will mean brighter prospects for GMCR. iii. Keurig Acquisition Green Mountain acquired 42 percent ownership in Keurig Inc. The appeal of the Keurig K-cup perfectly brewing just one cup of coffee from a variety of coffee selections has contributed to GMCR success in the office coffee services. 1. 4 Threats i. Decrease in coffee consumption The U. S coffee market now only accounts for 20% of world coffee consumption, compared to the 80% during World War II. The coffee market is now moving on to Europe, Asia (particularly Japan). ii. Commercial coffee roasters There is higher competition as major companies seek to enter the specialty coffee industry. Such names include but are not limited to : Phillip Morris’ Gevalia, Procter Gamble’s Millstone and Nescafe. The major coffee marketers make a big push to make their premium coffee brands dominant in the wholesale channel. iii. Starbucks Partnerships Starbucks, seen as a long time competitor to GMCR, upon entering into a long-term licensing with Kraft, will expect to generate extra sales 20-40 pounds of coffee per store per week. This is seen as a threat to GMCR, which has an average sales of 100 pounds of coffee per store per week. Starbucks, which has distribution agreement with Kraft foods Inc. plans to place their coffee in supermarkets along with Kraft Maxwell House brands. Kraft manages all distribution, marketing, advertising and promotion for Starbuck coffee in grocery, warehouse club and mass merchandise store. It featured distinctive, elegant packaging, prominent positions in grocery aisles and the same premium quality as that sold in its stores. Starbucks is also partnering with Dreyer’s for branded ice cream, and Pepsi to distribute bottled Frappuccino. Starbucks become the coffee supplier to 20 million passengers who fly United Airlines each year and mail-order sales division accounted for roughly 2 percent of total revenue. iv. Seattle Coffee Company Acquisition Starbucks acquisition of Seattle Coffee Company in the forth quarter of fiscal 2003 and increased warehouse club revenue due to growth in existing account. The increase was primarily attributable to the growth of the food service business as a results of the acquisition of Seattle Coffee Company and the growth in new and existing Starbucks food service accounts. To conclude Green Mountain’s SWOT analysis, its resource strengths are limited, and the company is a so much smaller compared to the rest of the major coffee marketers, like Starbucks. However, it is carving out a market niche for itself and has done a commendable job of securing wholesale accounts. 2. QUESTION TWO In your analysis of the organization’s strengths, be sure to identify the firm’s Core Competencies using the Value Chain. M. Porter’s value chain is as follows : Source : UK Education, Accounting For Strategic Management According to M. Porter’s value chain, we have analyzed and indentified the firm’s core competencies as follows : 2. 1 Technology Development Nitrogen-based one-way valve packaging allows GMCR to increase the shelf life of it’s coffee, thus leading to a higher Convection air roasters combined with specific roasting programmes for each bean type allows GMCR to create â€Å"signature† coffees, distinguishing itself from other coffee companies. 2. 2 Inbound Logistics GMCR obtain their coffee beans from Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Indonesia and other coffee-growing countries. This allows for a wide variety of coffees to be made. By obtaining its resources for multiple locations, GMCR is at lower risk of being affected by shortages. 2. 3 Marketing and Sales GMCR has over 100 varieties of finished coffee products, which caters to consumer taste and preference, in the specialty coffee sector, the market niche which it has identified. Partnership with Wild Oats and Costco allows for greater penetration into the wholesale and supermarket channels. The Keurig K-cup ownership by GMCR has tremendously increased business prospects for GMCR. With the precedence of online shopping, similarly, coffee is set to follow, as more and more consumers are starting to brew their own coffee from the comfort of their own home or office. 2. 4 Services According to Wikipedia (16 JUL 2007), GMCR has also launched delivery services to cater to consumers. Cafe EXPRESS is Green Mountain’s automatic delivery coffee club that rewards their end consumers with discounts, free gifts, and special perks and privileges that only Cafe EXPRESS membership brings. Besides coffee beans, Green Mountain also sells brewer and accessories to the end consumers out there. Therefore consumers are able to get all the necessary equipment within one stop. 3. QUESTION THREE Identify and evaluate the strategies that the organization has pursued to maintain its growth and leadership position. GMCR has adopted a differentiation strategy, therefore creating prestige and brand image. Ever since GMCR entered the specialty coffee market back in 1981, it has created over 100 varities of finished coffee products, and with the use of technology to enhance consistency and quality, edged over its competitors. Green Mountain’s strategy has several key elements: A key component of management’s growth strategy was to make Green Mountain coffees readily convenient and available for consumer trial by the cup at convenience stores, office coffee services, and food service establishments, thereby spurring sales of green Mountain coffees in supermarkets and specialty food stores. Green Mountain has a wide selection of high-quality coffees. There are about 90 varieties. Green Mountain’s coffee products included single origin, estate, certified organic, Fair Trade, flavored, and proprietary blends of coffee sold under the Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Newman’s Own Organics brands. Green Mountain also emphasis on 2 distribution channels which are; i. Catalog sales To promote catalog sales, Green Mountain focused solicitations on catalog customers who bought regularly, especially members of the company’s â€Å"Coffee Club† who had customized standing orders for automatic re-shipment. Recently, the company had begun pursuing ways to increase traffic on its website both to build brand awareness nationwide and boost direct sales to consumers where the company had a limited presence in supermarkets and specialty food stores. ii. Wholesale accounts Supermarkets, specialty food stores, convenience stores, hotels, restaurants, universities, travel and office coffee service customers, and food service companies. Major wholesale customers included the American Skiing Company alpine resorts, Amtrak, ARAMARK, ExxonMobil Convenience stores (almost 2,000 locations), Fred Meyer Stores, Hannaford Bros. Supermarkets, Kash N’ Karry Food Stores, Kings Super Markets, Nestle Waters of North America, Price Chopper, Shaws Supermarkets, Sodexho and Wild Oats—see Exhibit 6. Acquiring additional â€Å"flagship† customers was viewed as key to the company’s geographic expansion strategy because they provided great visibility and sampling opportunities On the other hand, Green Mountain is also providing high levels of sales and equipment service support to its supermarket accounts which helps them to win over supermarket chains to stocking and supporting the Green Mountain brand in their stores. Every Green Mountain’s coffee bean has been carefully selected and then roasting them in small batches to ensure consistency and to maximize their taste and flavor differences. This is why the Green Mountain coffees is different from those of other specialty coffee companies. The company’s strict quality control and distinctive aroma has resulted in the strong customer loyalty to the brand. The Green Mountain coffee was sold in a variety of packages including whole bean, fractional packages, and one-cup Keurig  ® portions. The packaging equipment for Keurig K-Cup portion packs was also owned by Green Mountain Coffee and Green Mountain paid a royalty to Keurig for each K-Cup sold. Green Mountain’s strategy will be classified as focused differentiation (where the focus has been on the New England and mid-Atlantic regions as well as on specialty coffees). However, the company is transitioning to a broad differentiation strategy in the sense that it is expanding geographically. 4. QUESTION FOUR What factors should the organization consider in the development of its future strategy? 4. 1 Publicity Since GMCR has established it’s distribution lines, which it claims that â€Å"at one point of a distribution line, a customer will make a subsequent purchase†, it is the right time for GMCR to go on a publicity campaign. This will raise awareness amongst the coffee drinkers who have been loyal to GMCR’s competitors. With GMCR having such a wide distribution channel, consumers are bound to encounter the distribution lines at some point or another. Therefore we suggest that GMCR consider increasing its advertising budget, exploring all methods to increase public awareness of its coffee. Green Mountain should continue with its present strategy. The company must continue its strong efforts to obtain new wholesale accounts; preferably large regional or even national accounts. Sales growth at Green Mountain is largely dependent on gaining additional retail exposure for the company’s coffees; both in states where it is already fairly strong (New England and the mid-Atlantic) and in states where its market penetration is low. . 2 Franchising and location By reducing the number of outlets which are company-operated, GMCR will save a lot of costs and instead look forward to thriving on franchising revenues. As cities are continuously developing, buildings after buildings are being replaced, a good location may not last forever. Therefore it is wise for GMCR to leave the strategic positioning decisions to the franchise owners, wh o may have lived there for a longer period of time or are locals who have more experience and knowledge. Currently Green Mountain target audience has always been in the United States and it is only available to the niche market. As a result, other coffee drinkers in the United States might not know about Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Other coffee drinker will not be purchasing any coffee from GMCR. The company should look into expanding the target audience in the United States and the other part of the world. In order to reach out to the other coffee drinkers, GMCR should consider in re-opened the company-owned and operated retail stores. GMCR made a strategic decision previously to close down the company-owned and operated retail stores. By closing the company-owned and operated retails stores, it will reduced the presence of the company in the market and other coffee drinkers might not know of the GMCR. 4. 3 Marketing Green Mountain should focus its marketing efforts on securing new accounts where it will not encounter the competitive wrath of Kraft (Maxwell House), PG (Folger’s), or Nestle; all of which have more financial and marketing muscle than Green Mountain. The Management of Green Mountain must get performance of the newly-acquired Keurig subsidiary on track; there is not enough information in the case to offer specific recommendations about Keurig. Green Mountain management seems confident that the problems are temporary and that the acquisition will work out. GMCR offer samplers to new consumer however they would need to complete an online form and to qualify for the free trial and you would need to have at least 12 employees in the office. It is time consuming from the customer point of view and prevent them from completely filling up the information. GMCR are concentrating most of their sales online. Although there are supermarkets or convenience stores that are selling their products, customer like to know where to purchase them however the website does not provide them the information. 4. 4. Product Line Expansion Issues Based on the website http://www. greenmountaincoffee. com, GCMR sells other products beside coffee powders. They have brewers and other coffee-related accessories that are being sold online however customer would like to have the physical touch and feel of the product that is being sold. There are products which cost hundreds of dollars which customer would not purchase the coffee machines online unless they are a regular coffee drinkers of GMCR. By taking their expanded product lines offline and to supermarkets, they will therefore be able to ensure the survival of their accessories. 5. QUESTION FIVE Discuss the importance of changes in the external environment to the organization. We have analyzed the following six environmental factors and its effect on GMCR: Political, Economical, Sociocultural , Technology, Demographics and Global factors. . 1 Political A political campaign to push for greater presence of socially-responsible companies would have an impact on the coffee industry. Socially-responsible business practices come into the limelight now, as consumers are not only concerned about product quality, but the processes which the business goes through to obtain their end-products. Therefore, businesses would have to increase their contributions to charitable/ non-profit organizations to enhance their reputation as a â€Å"company which gives back to the society†. 5. 2 Economical During an economic downturn, GMCR’s sales would decline. People would cut back on unnecessary spending, and specialty coffee is on the list of those items, which people can easily replace by buying coffee powder from home-grown brands, which tend to be cheaper. On the other hand, when the economy booms, people have less qualms about spending more on luxury items like GMCR’s coffee. 5. 3 Sociocultural As society becomes more and more fast-paced everyday, people would eventually have lesser time on their hands during office hours. With more deadlines approaching, people spend more time in the office, sometimes even having their lunch in the office. Activities such as having an hour-long lunch break would eventually become a luxury for working adults. As such, they would hesitate to even spend their time queuing up for coffee. GMCR’s stores would suffer a decrease in revenue because of a dip in customers during working hours, however, their Keurig K-Cup and coffee bean sales would increase, as more people would prefer brewing their own cup of coffee within the comfort of their own office. The workforce continues to get larger and larger everyday. More and more people are entering the workforce, and coffee consumption would increase since coffee consumption in the office is considered a norm, and more people would therefore be consuming coffee. Health concerns over caffeine would constantly harass the coffee industry. As more health reports are released everyday regarding the side effects of caffeine, companies should strive to provide more varieties of de-caffeinated coffee, so as to cater to the group of consumers which are more health conscious. . 4 Technology Better technologies are developed everyday. The construction of highways and roads allows for less transportation time for goods, so that they can be delivered earlier. This in turn reduces transport costs, as more transport alternatives become available. Focusing on the coffee industry, technology is crucial to the production of coffee beans. The preservation of coffee beans, as demonstrated by GMCR’s nitrogen valve bag packing technology, allows for coffee beans to have an increased shelf life. This is extremely crucial as it allows a business to expand its distribution. Moreover, a longer shelf life would appeal to the consumer as they are able to buy in bulk for future use, and not have to return to the supermarket on a frequent basis. Improvement in technology allows for faster processing times and better quality control. Therefore this would have a serious impact on the coffee industry, not only to gain the edge over their competitors, but also to increase customer confidence that the product they are buying is indeed value-for-money. . 5 Demographics An aging population would mean more adults (18 and above), therefore naturally contributing to an increase in coffee consumption. The National Coffee Drinking Trends survey of adults 18 years and above concluded that 79% of adults consume coffee in 2000, 78% in 1999, and 75% in 1997, which is a total increase of 4%. 5. 6 Global i. Bargaining Power of Suppliers Coffee bean prices seem to be driven by supply and demand for i nstance, a bad crop can drive prices up and a good growing season with high yields can drive prices down. Or even adverse weather and growing conditions could produce sharp upward spikes in prices of coffee beans, especially premium and relatively scarce varieties. In recent years, green coffee prices had been under considerable downward pressures due to oversupply. The low coffee price ranges generally experienced in recent years were not considered high enough to support proper farming and processing practices for top grade coffees, potentially endangering supplies of premium grade beans. But getting high quality beans was definitely a factor for the sellers of premium coffees. To protect their access to supplies of top grade beans, many specialty coffee companies, including Green Mountain, had entered into long-term contracts to purchase needed supplies from the growers of high quality beans. In addition, companies from time to time purchased coffee futures contracts and coffee options to provide additional protection when they were unable to enter into coffee purchase commitments or when the price of a significant portion of their committed contracts were not fixed. ii. Bargaining Power of Customers Most whole bean specialty coffees for home consumption were purchased in supermarkets or neighborhood grocery stores. Supermarket retailers are in a very strong position to drive a hard bargain in granting shelf space to the many premium coffee brands wanting retail exposure—many of these brands are relatively unknown and the companies marketing them are small (like Green Mountain). Supermarket chains have considerable leeway to switch out low-selling brands and replace them with more popular brands. Individual consumers have no bargaining power beyond that of switching brands henever they are dissatisfied with the brand they are currently using. 5. 7 Conclusion The biggest source of competitive pressure is rivalry among competing brands like Starbucks Coffee while the other two big sources of competitive pressure are the bargaining power of retail chains and the continuing entry of additional brands. The industry is probably ripe for consolidation—500 specialty and pre mium brands probably cannot survive (unless most remain niche brands for a limited clientele). Strong regional brands with an attractive product and a good brand image—like Green Mountain—may well be able to grow at the expense of weaker brands. . REFERENCES 1. UK Education : Accounting for Strategic Management, [Online] Available at : http://www. ukeducation. org. uk/Documentation. asp? key=1340 2. University of Cyprus : Green Mountain Handout, [Online] Available at: http://www. pba. ucy. ac. cy/staff/Green%20Mountain-Handout. pdf 3. Wikipedia : Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, [Online] Available at: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Green_Mountain_Coffee_Roasters 4. Green Mountain Coffee : Green Mountain Coffee, [Online] Available at: http://www. greenmountaincoffee. com INDIVIDUAL REPORTS – WONG JUN WEI Question 1 : Undertake a SWOT analysis of the organization in the case. The SWOT analysis on Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (GMCR) are as follows : Strengths i. Product Consistency By utilizing state-of-the-art roasting software, GMCR is therefore able to maintain their level of product consistency, ii. Unique Products GMCR uses specific roasting programmes for various types of coffee, thus creating their â€Å"signature† roasts. By offering products which are unique in the market, this allows GMCR to stand out from their competitors. iii. High Distribution Packaging technology allows GMCR’s coffee to have a long shelf life. This in turn, allows GMCR to expand it’s distribution. iv. Socially Responsible Business Practices GMCR is a supporter of social and environmental causes, and being listed in the â€Å"100 Best Corporate Citizens† and â€Å"The World’s Most Socially Responsible Companies† lists. This acts as a bonus to the company’s outlook and reputation. v. Widely Available GMCR’s products are widely available in the market. By targeting various distribution channels and customer categories, GMCR is confident that consumer trial at one point of the distribution level will lead to a subsequent purchase at another. Weaknesses i. Brand Awareness Consumers are less aware of GMCR, as compared to Starbucks, which has a higher advertising budget to create consumer awareness. Opportunities i. Increased consumption Increased coffee consumption in Europe, Asia and Brazil has just expanded GMCR’s distribution opportunities. By targeting and influencing more of the above mentioned countries’ coffee drinkers, GMCR can hope to influence most of the consumers before its rivals do so. ii. Specialty Coffee Market Gourmet, specialty coffee is the bread-and-butter of GMCR’s establishment. An increase in consumers seeking specialty coffee will mean brighter prospects for GMCR. Threats i. Decrease in coffee consumption The U. S coffee market now only accounts for 20% of world coffee consumption, compared to the 80% during World War II. The coffee market is now moving on to Europe, Asia (particularly Japan). ii. Commercial coffee roasters There is higher competition as major companies seek to enter the specialty coffee industry. Such names include but are not limited to : Phillip Morris’ Gevalia, Procter Gamble’s Millstone and Nescafe. iii. Starbucks Partnerships Starbucks, seen as a long time competitor to GMCR, upon entering into a long-term licensing with Kraft, will expect to generate extra sales 20-40 pounds of coffee per store per week. This is seen as a threat to GMCR, which has an average sales of 100 pounds of coffee per store per week. Starbucks is also partnering with Dreyer’s for branded ice cream, and Pepsi to distribute bottled Frappuccino. Question 2 : In your analysis of the organization’s strengths, be sure to identify the firm’s Core Competencies using the Value Chain. They have brewers and other coffee-related accessories that are being sold online however customer would like to have the physical touch and feel of the product that is being sold. There are products which cost hundreds of dollars which customer would not purchase the coffee machines online unless they are a regular coffee drinkers of GMCR. †¢GMCR are concentrating most of their sales online. Although there are supermarkets or convenience stores that are selling their products, customer like to know where to purchase them however the website does not provide them the information. GMCR offer samplers to new consumer however they would need to complete an online form and to qualify for the free trial and you would need to have at least 12 employees in the office. It is time consuming from the customer point of view and prevent them from completely filling up the information. Question 5 Discuss the importance of changes in the external environment to the organization †¢Custome r taste and preference will change and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters would need come up with new flavours of coffee to retain existing customer.

The Difference Between Good and Bad Writing

The Difference Between Good and Bad Writing Here are 10 writers and editors, ranging from Cicero to Stephen King, offering their thoughts on the differences between good writers and bad writers. 1. Dont Expect It to Be Easy You know what, it is so funny. A good writer will always find it very hard to fill a single page. A bad writer will always find it easy. (Aubrey Kalitera, Why Father Why, 1983) 2. Master the Fundamentals I am approaching the heart of this book with two theses, both simple. The first is that good writing consists of mastering the fundamentals (vocabulary, grammar, the elements of style) and then filling the third level of your toolbox with the right instruments. The second is that while it is impossible to make a competent writer out of a bad writer, and while it is equally impossible to make a great writer out of a good one, it is possible, with lots of hard work, dedication, and timely help, to make a good writer out of a merely competent one. (Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, 2000) 3. Say What You Think A bad writer is a writer who always says more than he thinks. A good writerand here we must be careful if we wish to arrive at any real insightis a writer who does not say more than he thinks. (Walter Benjamin, journal entry, Selected Writings: Volume 3, 1935-1938) 4. Reach for the Best Word It is the misuse and overuse of vogue words that the good writer must guard against. . . . It is extraordinary how often you will find vogue words accompanied in the same sentence by pretentiousness or sloppiness or other signs of sickness. No motorist is to be blamed for sounding his horn. But if he sounds it repeatedly we are not only offended by the noise; we suspect him of being a bad driver in other respects too. (Ernest Gowers, The Complete Plain Words, revised by Sidney Greenbaum and Janet Whitcut, 2002) 5. Order Your Words The difference between a good and a bad writer is shown by the order of his words as much as by the selection of them. (Marcus Tullius Cicero, The Oration for Plancius, 54 B.C.) 6. Attend to the Details There are bad writers who are exact in grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, sinning only through their insensitivity to tone. Often they are among the worst writers of all. But on the whole, it can be said that bad writing goes to the roots: It has already gone wrong beneath its own earth. Since much of the language is metaphorical in origin, a bad writer will scramble metaphors in a single phrase, often in a single word... Competent writers always examine what they have put down. Better-than-competent writers- good writers- examine their effects before they put them down: They think that way all the time. Bad writers never examine anything. Their inattentiveness to the detail of their prose is part and parcel of their inattentiveness to the detail of the outside world. (Clive James, Georg Christoph Lichtenberg: Lessons on How to Write. Cultural Amnesia, 2007) 7. Dont Fake It In the course of a fairly long work, there are bound to be impasses. The writer must backtrack and choose other alternatives, observe more, and sometimes have bad headaches till he  invents something. Here lies the distinction between a good writer and a bad writer. A good writer does not fake it and try to make it appear, to himself or the reader, that there is a coherent and probable whole when there isnt. If the writer is on the right track, however, things fall serendipitously into place; his sentences prove to have more meaning and formative power that he expected; he has new insights; and the book writes itself. (Paul Goodman, Apology for Literature. Commentary, July 1971) 8. Know When to Quit Everyone who writes strives for the same thing. To say it swiftly, clearly, to say the hard thing that way, using few words. Not to gum up the paragraph. To know when to quit when youve done. And not to have hangovers of other ideas sifting in unnoticed. Good writing is precisely like good dressing. Bad writing is like a badly dressed woman- improper emphasis, badly chosen colors. (William Carlos Williams, review of Sol Funaroffs The Spider and the Clock, in New Masses, August 16, 1938) 9. Lean on Editors The less competent the writer, the louder his protests over the editing. . . . Good writers lean on editors; they would not think of publishing something that no editor had read. Bad writers talk about the inviolable rhythm of their prose. (Gardner Bots ford, A Life of Privilege, Mostly, 2003) 10. Dare to Be Bad And so, in order to be a good writer, I have to be willing to be a bad writer. I have to be willing to let my thoughts and images be as contradictory as the evening firing its fireworks outside my window. In other words, let it all in- every little detail that catches your fancy. You can sort it out later- if it needs any sorting. (Julia Cameron, The Right to Write: An Invitation and Initiation Into the Writing Life, 2000) And finally, heres a cheerless note to good writers from English novelist and essayist Zadie Smith: Resign yourself to the lifelong sadness that comes from never  ­being satisfied.

Research Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 2

Research Report - Essay Example The reasons for the rise of spirituality were diverse ranging from religion to superstition. People felt empowered and believed that they had a sense of direction when they get involved in spirituality. These findings open new doors for the governments in these countries which can create policies that can make people engage in more productive activities and make them rely less of spirituality for peace of mind and self-esteem. But the results also showed rise in happiness level and self-esteem. The success of spirituality can be harnessed to make people feel fulfilled. This study investigates into the phenomenal rise of spirituality in the western countries. Many things such as astrology and meditation have existed in the Oriental civilizations such as India, China and Japan. But these are being adopted by the western countries at a very fast pace. The purpose of this report is to investigate this issue by asking four major questions – There have been many studies on the rise of spirituality. Author of the book The God Delusion, Richard Dawkins, made a documentary called The Enemies of Reason. In that he argued that people believe in superstitions in order to escape hard realities of life. He wondered on the rise of spirituality at a time when science was giving answers to most of the problems. With these studies in the background, this study identifies the need to investigate the real reasons behind rise of spirituality in current age. This research is very important as it can provide an insight into the psychology of people and may also identify a social drift taking place in the western society. This research will address questions that aren’t usually asked in developed countries. Questions such as are people happy with the material prosperity, and are they seeking for some form of escape through spirituality, will be addressed by the present study. People, throughout the world, look for new experiences that would satisfy them.

Young people do too much cell phone texting these days Essay

Young people do too much cell phone texting these days - Essay Example the age bracket of between 18-29 years send or receive and average of 88 text messages every day compared to an average of 17 phone calls (Kluger Par 2). The rates of texting and volume, reduce with the advancement in age. However, even among the older sections of the population, though the volume of texting is reduced, there is a higher tendency of people texting as opposed to making calls. The high volume of texting among the youth is a function of a relatively big circle of friends in this age. In many cases, there are problems associated with the biggest volume of texting. Texting affects the ability of the youth, particularly high school and college students, to participate in class (Kluger Par 4). For example, a common feature in the present day classrooms is constant texting. Students are able to avoid the detection of the instructor because mobile phones have silent and vibration profiles that make it impossible for any other person but the owner to know when a message is received. The effects of texting is reduced in the attention span and the use of phones by the youth to escape the ‘boredom’ of the classroom. Therefore, the excessive texting among the youth is a problem because it inhibits the ability of young people to concentrate in class. Texting also affects social interaction skills among the youth. The excessive nature of texting and the ability to connect to strangers, ease of use and anonymity make texting easier and more convenient than personal communication (Villines Par 6). In addition, there are platforms where social media statuses are updated via texting. The effects of all these virtual communication platforms are a reducing value on conventional communication platforms. Therefore, there is a tendency for young people to develop poor communication skills as a function of their reliance on texting and other modes of virtual communication. Texting has its benefits. For example, it reduces the cost of communication, especially with

Should the U.S. intervene in some way in Syria or should it stay out Research Paper - 1

Should the U.S. intervene in some way in Syria or should it stay out - Research Paper Example Assad of backing up Kurdish rebels with the intention of inflaming pressures between the Turkey and Kurds. American intervention could therefore contain the situation and avoid more conflicts (Yossi 56). United States’ involvement in Syria could form a fortification against terrorist groups such as the Al Qaeda. American can only achieve this by equipping and training trustworthy partners in Syria’s interior opposition. Most of these extremists have found safe havens in the non-administered spots in Syria. American move will not only assist Syria but the American too by apprehending some of these extremists and bringing them to justice (Zisser 24). Additionally, American involvement on Syria might mend associations with crucial allies like Qatar and Turkey. The prime minister of Turkey and his Qatari equivalent have condemned America for presenting only non-fatal backing to the revolt. Both approved the establishment of a no-fly area and â€Å"secure areas† for civilians in the territory of Syria yet these precautions will end the conflict (Perthes 65). Lastly, American intervention in Syria might culminate a dreadful human-rights catastrophe in Syria and halt the migration of emigrants, which is establishing a liability on bordering states. President Obama guaranteed prior this year to reinforce the government’s capacity â€Å"to predict, avoid and act to mass and genocide atrocities.† As a result, United States can avoid and stop the atrocities by positioning allies in the front-run and thereby avoid slithering down the greasy slope to ground warfare (Tucker and Roberts89). One of the cons for US intervention in Syria is the huge American’s debt. American debt is a threat its national security and economic stability. American debt has already raged over the $16 trillion dollar obligation mark. Keep in mind that United States’

How Does Child Labour Effect Society Young People Essay

How Does Child Labour Effect Society Young People Essay In order to overcome our daily living needs we need to work and earn according to individual capacities. In a healthy society individual perform their role according to their age, capabilities and health condition. In contradiction to this, many of the children are deprived of their basic right of freedom and education and they are compelled to start work in a very early age. They are paid very less so they start to work long hours in order to full fill their needs. This causes compromise in normal physiology. So it starts to affect every aspect of life from health, education and off course the socioeconomic status, thus automatically affecting the family and the whole society. According to Freedman (1998), Child labor is Work done by kids full-time under the age of 15. Work that prevents kids from attending school, such as unlimited or unrestricted domestic work. Work that is dangerous for kids and that is hazardous to their physical, mental or emotional health. There are number of children who are engaged in different kind of labours. According to International Labour Organization (2009), in Pakistan there are 40 million children age between 5- 14 years and among them 3.3 million children are engaged in labour. There are many serious social issues which are not yet addressed properly and not getting attention from the public, media and the government. Child labor is one of them. I would be highlighting few of the impact of child labour on the society with the help of a story of a boy who suffered from child labour at the age of 8 years. This story was told by one of my friend. I was born in a very low socioeconomic class. I am the only son to my parents and elder to my three sisters. My father was a laborer and worked for a company on a daily wages. Still we were spending prosperous life in our limited resources and I had the opportunity to get admission in a school. It seemed that education and comfort was there for my first eight year only as my father expired on road traffic accident. After this tragic movement my mother who at that time was expecting fourth child started working for the same company to overcome our financial needs, but she couldnt continue it for longer and has to quit it as she had end up with serious gynecological issue which I hardly remember. One my relative suggested my mother to send me to work as she thought that was healthier than my mother and can earn enough if worked with dedication so I was referred to a gentleman who had an automobile workshop near by my house. I had cross by this workshop multiple times but didnt ever think of the life there. So many MACHINES (which I call it at that time), three men wearing unique costumes busy in fixing things together, very strong smell of different nature which couldnt stop me to cover my nose for a while till one of them asked me to come to him in his autocratic voice. The sooner I get there he asked me wash an instrument and instruct me not to make it fall. That was so slippery but I did manage to wash it and get a smile from him. This helped me to believe that they are also human being. By the end of the day I get my first pay for the day which at that time my mother thought is enough for us and it was wise decision to quit mu school and get into job. Oh yes I did show my dedication towards my work and by the time I was ten years old I had started to do overtime twice a week to overcome my familys increasing need. I get very much used to the routines and was able to do stuff like cleaning, oil application and fixing very easily, so it was easy for me to work for longer hours without any complaints. I was able to handle scolds and verbal abuses from my seniors and was luckily safe from an accident in which I could have lost my right arm. Things never remain the same and I have entered in my late twenties no more dedication to work and family, I have chosen my own way which gives me pleasure and Im not alone as well, have my own group of deprived friends. We work for a person to transport opium to different places, he is happy with my work provide me all the drugs without witch I cant think of life. I have no regrets and I think I was born to get here. This issue has a great negative impact on individual and family life. It starts to effect health right from the beginning where the working environment comes. The environment plays a very crucial part in maintaining optimum health especially in early developmental age. In this age a child is very much susceptible to catch infections, acquire unhealthy behaviors and at a very much risk for physical and mental disability. Lawrence (2007), Healthy children grow into healthy adults. The health of our children is one of the most important investments that we can make and should be among our top priorities. In the above story the person is not playing its role as a healthy individual e.g. getting into drugs not only spoil his own health but also harmful to others. Not supporting the family can be cause of another social issue that his sisters may involve in other unhealthy practices for their survival. This becomes an unbreakable chain, unless it is addressed at family society and country level. There are many causes of child labour e.g. poverty, illiteracy and least concerned parents. But to me the most important cause of child labour is the economic instability of the country. In an economically stable country there would be no unemployment issues, people will get proper salary secured job, health and education benefits. There are certain situations in which accommodation and negotiation is difficult but not impossible, like the example of the child in the above mentioned story he was left with no other option except to get a work and to support the family. Serious action taken by the family and the country starting from base could help reduce in child labour. In need child can work but its his right that he should be provided particular hours and adequate salary by the employer so that there will be no need of overtime and he has the time to rest and prevent exhaustion. If these issues are not taken care it start to affect the economy of a country as a whole, and there wi ll be no contribution by the people to countrys economy. People will be living in hand to mouth condition and will be not able to identify countrys strength and hidden recourses causing economic recession and affecting whole society as well as globally. Least concerned parents, illiteracy and unawareness these are all directly linked to educational level of the society. Uneducated parents do not understand the value of education and have no priority for it. Without knowing the consequences they encourage their children to engage in labour and quit education which hinders the society growth by providing less educated people. Thus people become resistant to change and there is no advancement in the field which they are working. In this way the country is deprived of their human power. Parents education also counts when it comes to speak for their right and they can identify that if their child is being misused by the employer or the child is getting in to unhealthy habits. In Pakistan the Employment of Children Act 1991, describes almost all the condition in which a child can work and prohibition of work in certain hazardous environment and long working hour. According to Pakistan National Statics, more than two-third of child is working in the agricultural sector, 1.2 million Children are bonded in the carpet factories.   35 million soccer balls stitched in Pakistan, children produce one quarter of the balls, most of them as bonded servants. Child labour does affect the whole society in every aspect. Making the law is the not the solution is not the solution to overcome it. The law should be practical enough so that it can be practiced. It has to have a check and balance also, to make sure its applicability. Strict action should be taken against them who misuse child by providing very less incentives and unhealthy work place. They underlying cause should be identified first so that alternative arrangement could be done. E.g. what if the child is the only earning member of the family, if he is stop by doing work the remaining whole family suffer from it. Since it is not an overnight process it can be reduced by using the accommodation and negotiation according to situation. REFFERENCES: Freedman, Lewis. (1998). Kids At Work: Lewis Hine And The Crusade Against Child Labor. Retrieved from, http://www.nynetresources.org/Future%20Grant%20Projects/Projects/Child%20Labor/childlabor1.htm International Labour Organization. (1998). Retrieved from, http://www.oit.org/legacy/english/regions/asro/newdelhi/ipec/index.htm Lawrence, D., Deirdre, I. (2007). Environmental Injustice: Childrens Health. Pediatrics, 3, 5. Employment of Children Act, (1991). Retrieved from http://www.albarrtrust.com/Al%20Baar%20Web/SCAN%20RULES/Employment%20of%20Children%20Act,%201991.pdf Pakistan National Statistics. (1999). Retrieved from, http://www.globalmarch.org/worstformsreport/world/pakistan.html

TRAINING Essay -- essays research papers

This is an outline of the recommended training program I designed for my self, based on my current needs assessment. I discovered that I would like to improve my managerial skills, improve my communication skills, and improve time management in order to become a successful business analyst. In my opinion in order to make these needed improvements in my career I will need to further develop myself professionally. I am currently taking classes towards my Bachelor of Arts degree in management information systems, and I have targeted April 2005 as a start date for additional training. The following are subjects that were identified during my needs assessments:  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Stress management  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dealing with difficult employees  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Understanding budgets  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Time management  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Leadership skills  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Project management Listed below are the courses I recommend for my career advancement. Each course is designed to give maximum results in minimum time. I have listed the courses with some of the major specifications of each course, and a brief explanation of why the course will benefit my career growth. I have set a twelve to eighteen-month timetable, with courses being taking approximately every other month. Stress Management for women:  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Attack stress at its source by learning the 7 major causes of st...