Terrorism As A System Of Terror Essay - 1565 Words

Name Professor Course Date Terrorism is a difficult concept to define because definitions are not intended to be true or false but a reflection of evident phenomena that have common properties that result from similar causes and effects. The oxford English Dictionary defines terrorism as a system of terror directed and carried out by those in power such as that in France during the revolution of 1789-1794, or a system aimed at striking with terror the individuals whom it is adopted. This definition is ambiguous because it does not provide a clear meaning of terrorism. Terrorism is a difficult concept to define because the meaning of this term has changed frequently over time (Tilly 11). Terrorism was coined during the French Revolution where it had a positive connotation and employed to establish order during the anarchical period after the revolution. It was used by new revolutionary states to intimidate counter revolutionaries. Terrorism was associated with revolutionary connotations during the opposition of the European rule where nationalist’s movements used terrorism against colonial powers. These actions were soon opposed and thereafter terrorism became associated with abuse of power. The increased threats of state sponsored terrorism changed the perspective of terrorism. It became associated with secret warfare where weaker states would confront larger ones without the fear of retribution by sponsoring or commissioning terrorist acts (Vimik, Demetrios and Joseph 54).Show MoreRelatedCyber Terrorism1716 Words   |  7 Pagesof America was the victim of a cyber terrorism attack; although no definitive evidence is available to substantiate that claim.   Cyber terror attacks pose a threat against the national security of the United States. In order to fully comprehend the threat that cyber terrorism poses, it is essential to understand the background, the effects, the reality of the threat and the future of cyber terrorism. This assessment examines the reality of the cyber terrorism threat, and also questions its validityRead MoreThe French Revolution First Popularized The Words Terrorist And Terrorism 1506 Words   |  7 PagesRevolution first popularized the words ‘terrorist’ and ‘terrorism’, its contemporary understanding differs from its revolutionary meaning in 1794. The serious economic difficulties, the threat of foreign invasions and the social structure of the French government are some of the causes that led to the fall of the monarchy in August 1792. Left without a constitution for almost three years and at the hands of a revolutionary government, the reign of terror suggests an example to f uture states in oppressingRead MoreIs The Pre Emptive Use Of Force Against Terrorism Lawful? Essay1071 Words   |  5 PagesIS THE PRE-EMPTIVE USE OF FORCE AGAINST TERRORISM LAWFUL? INTRODUCTION Is the pre-emptive use of force against terrorism lawful? This has become one of the major topics of discussion within the international system. Terrorism, has been around for several years and was brought into the limelight during the 9/11 attacks that occurred within the United States of America (USA). These were the first attacks that occurred on US soil since the Pearl Harbor. As a result, the Bush administration which wasRead MoreThe State Terror in Taiwan1566 Words   |  6 Pages The term terrorism is generally linked with images from September 11 and other attacks targeted on innocent civilians done by terrorist individuals and sub-sate group to influence state’s policy nowadays. Terrorists are portrayed as evil and unlawful while states represent the justice and legitimate side that against it. According to Jackson(2011: , more than 80 percent of the academic articles are dealing with non-state terrorism. However, as described by Jackson(2011: 228-9 in Jackson, R., MurphyRead MoreWhat Are The Faults Of The NTAS1547 Words   |  7 Pagesor elevated alert. The NTAS now possesses the opposite problem. After six years of use, the NTAS still has not used to their alert system to the public of an Elevated Threat or an Imminent Threat. There is no history or credible resources that show the public how credible the NTAS really is, except for the bulletins that the DHS post very minimally (Terror Alert System, 2017). However effective the NTAS might be in th e future, there are no current examples of NTAS effectiveness for the public to baseRead MoreMajor Problems That Contribute to the Dilemma of War Facing the World1410 Words   |  6 Pageswhen presented, often fall dramatically short of any practical value. It may be wise to find a new approaches to managing war and terrorism due to a seemingly non-progressive status on its current understanding. The purpose of this essay is to present a solutions based argument that is designed to address the solutions to violence and seek and ending to war and terrorism in a productive and effective manner. The essay will present a simple three stepped plan the will address the major problems thatRead MoreHandling The War On Terror1037 Words   |  5 PagesHandling the War on Terror The Global War on Terror, or War on Terror, with the United States at the helm, is the second most expensive war in American history, having surpassed $2 trillion. At the same time, little has been accomplished for domestic security or the destruction of terror groups. The United States needs a clear, focused strategy to suppress terrorist groups, while at the same time eliminating the causes for terrorism. I propose a gradual drawdown and closing of US bases and garrisonsRead MoreWar on Terror1421 Words   |  6 PagesSCI 180 PATRICK COATY WAR ON TERROR I, myself, before September 11, 2001 did not know what terrorism was. It is completely a new term for me, and I could never figure how terrible it is. But then, experiencing and witnessing the feeling of losing the one you loved who was a victim of that disaster, I recognized that the world is no longer as safe as before. Today, not only America but also Britain, Spain, Indonesia†¦became the target of terrorists. The terror tissue is the most challengedRead MoreTypes Of Diplomacy And Combat Terrorism979 Words   |  4 Pages5 types of diplomacy to combat terrorism The ever-changing nature of terrorism threats have led many states to devise collaborative methods to fight terrorist organizations by adapting regular security assessments and taking counterterrorism measures in order to overcome them. Through diplomacy, many states are searching for advanced support, methods, structures, and tools to combat internal threats and win war against terrorism (Phillips, Neal Webb, 2011). Diplomacy is an instrument of power thatRead MoreThe United States Intervention With Terrorism1081 Words   |  5 PagesTerrorism, in a modern day perspective, has been molded as a Middle Eastern threat to Western Civilization; although the whole idea of terrorism itself has existed for ages. Undoubtedly, â€Å"The War on Terror,† is a western form of saying to depict the general aspect of terrorism. Through all aspects of the world, terrorism, is defined as an act of unruly and warlike tactics that mainly creates harm to civilians. Usually, these acts of violen ce are not simply for the use of harming citizens, but to

Book Report Free Essays

The book under analysis is the work by Frey James My Friend Leonard. This choice was spurred by controversial reaction it provoked among the public and literary critics. This novel is, actually, a sequel to the book A Million Little Pieces published a year before. We will write a custom essay sample on Book Report or any similar topic only for you Order Now The genre of My Friend Leonard may be defined as a memoir though, as the author himself admits, it contains a certain degree of fictional elements. Frey James is an extraordinary figure in modern American literature. His own biography of a person who experienced problems with alcoholism, drug addiction, and even being a convicted criminal provides Frey with the manifold material which he successfully employed in the memoir. The main character of the memoir is obviously author’s namesake James who serves time in a prison. After jail release James returns to Lilly, his girlfriend, to Chicago but the life outside the prison is far from harmony. James finds his girlfriend dead after committing a suicide overnight. Being struck by this dreadful discovery the main character still does not go to seeds; he decides to stay in Chicago and takes up job of a bouncer in Chicago pubs. However feeling of rage and the weight of reality makes James be scared of relapse thus he appeals to his old friend Leonard. Since their meeting the story assumes its main plotline – the relations between two men, the relations which border upon the friendship and father-son bonds. Leonard is an Italian mobster who offered James to be his â€Å"stepfather† when they both where in rehabilitation: â€Å"I would like you to be my son.† Leonard gladly relieves his friend and â€Å"son† and helps him to get him on his feet. As the time lapses the scene of action together with the main character transfers from Chicago to Los Angeles. James changes his activity. Now he is a writer. He still maintains close relationship with Leonardo, who remains his faithful friend and tutelary father. The relations that develop between them are presented from deeply psychological side. The author aims to show the deep feeling of people who far from ideal figures still are human and exhibit the best example of the relations called friendship. The depiction of feelings expressed to animals is as masterfully executed as the feelings among humans. Thus while reading the passage where James takes his dog to the hospital to put it to sleep and the farewell scene makes the reader feel the same emotions. â€Å"The vet inserts the needle, depresses the plunger. Cassius yelps like a little puppy, my big tough pitbull feels the sting, I hold him as his blood courses through his veins I hold him as he stumbles, as he falls, I hold him as he dies. I look into his eyes and I tell him I love him and I’ll miss him and I’m so so so sorry. He dies in my arms and I hold him and I cry, I cry, I cry.† Returning to the main character and his friend Leonard we witness how their relations arise to its peak point and suddenly Leonardo vanishes. After insistent search James finally finds Leonard and learns that Leonard is gay, suffers from AIDS, and lives his last days. James remains with him and spends these few days near Leonard. Speaking about the mood left after reading the story, it is a deep impression created by its emotionality and at the same time this emotionality at some moments seems exaggerated not typically for that kind of genre. Nevertheless the style does not allow the story turning into melancholy narrative. Frey writes in short simple sentences, often neglects punctuation and thus creates easy reading that develops fluently. As a result we receive favourably distinguishable prose in the genre of memoir but with flavour of captivating fiction. Reference: Frey James (2005). My Friend Leonard. New York: Riverhead. How to cite Book Report, Essay examples

Online gaming and behavior

Introduction Over the last three decades, technology has drastically changed and so has technology-based games. The rapid increase in popularity has been due to development of the internet infrastructure, which can now support online games that can be accessed from any geographical location.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Online gaming and behavior specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As a result, the effects of computer games can be seen in almost all aspects of today’s lifestyle, from politics, music and Hollywood. Body Technology’s influence on the gaming community has continued to grow at an alarming rate and with its increase in popularity there have been social and psychological problems that have resulted. Research shows that online gaming activities are one of the most sought after form of lifestyle by kids and young adults, a behavior that is carried along into their adult life. Thoug h the games are popular across all genders, the male gender is one that is affected by the games more than the female gender. Research has shown that due to their nature, online games have an impact on the human brain as they spend most of their times indulging in the game rather than indulging in outdoor activities which are more interactive. The addictive nature of the games can be attributed to the nature of the game that results in the player being indulged in mindless amusement, reduced social interaction, sexism and several antisocial behaviors (Wan Chiou, 185). These antisocial behaviors are acquired in early childhood or during the early stages of the games and develop further as the person advances. In terms of being social, a gamer tends to isolate himself socially in the name of excessive participation in online games.Advertising Looking for research paper on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More There are sev eral types of games, some which were created for positive and educative purposes such as mental exercises and teaching. Nevertheless, these games aren’t popular as people opt for more indulging games that provide thrill unlike the academic based ones. As a result, research shows that individuals who indulge in these violent thrill online games develop an increase in their emotional arousal, decrease in brain activity in sections of the brain that are responsible for self organization, self-consciousness and concentration. In addition, it has been known that people engage in online gaming activities to escape social pressure or abuse as they find solace in the games as they don’t directly intrude into the character of the players, as a result they is increased dependency on the games as social ills continue to increase all over the world. As a result, the negative psychological effects arising from online games result in aggressive behaviors with others exhibiting aggre ssive thoughts towards the society. Also research has shown there is direct relationship between depression on males and engaging in online games as they sit alone and play the addictive games (â€Å"The Brief Penguin Handbook† 88). However, the negative effects arising out of continued use of online games will not be uniform across the players as each player has different reasons as to why they engage in the activity. Hence, if the conscience of an individual doesn’t counter the difference between reality and the game, the negative effects of the games on such an individual are bound to increase and be more severe than on persons who can easily counter reality and the online game effects. As a result, individuals who fail to differentiate the two worlds show an increase in violent behaviors directly and indirectly related to the online games, for example an increase in school shootings, suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, stress, anxiety and depression.Advertising W e will write a custom research paper sample on Online gaming and behavior specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) are known to influence the day to day activities of the players as the players have to reschedule their daily lives to fit the activity into their program. It is wise to note that the behavior is not only manifested in young people but also in older adults whereby they engage in the activity either in the morning, lunch breaks or during and after work. This indicates how intensively engaged the players are with the game since the games give points to players who play more where they advanced to certain levels. These advance levels give a certain player advantages over other players and thus it is the desire for all players to achieve a certain degree of success unlike their counter parts. This is so as the games are created with the intention of making the players get hook ed to them and the social aspect rising out of gaining success over other players. The social aspects of MMORPGs have the off-putting impact of causing excessive playing. Excessive playing for some gamers was caused by their perception that the virtual world is a place to pass time. Excessive play was also aided by the online community (Roberts et al, 12). Online gaming has been viewed as an addictive activity to gamers hence posing as a disadvantage than an advantage. Because the addiction caused by the online games and as a result some gamers skip school or work so that they can play; an action whose outcome is one losing his/her job or school focus. This addiction is normally triggered by societal interaction, in-game tasks as well as competition between gamers.Advertising Looking for research paper on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Online gaming has several negative psychosocial implications to the gamers. Some of these negative impacts include the loss of real life friends as well as break up of relationships since the online games impair ones social skills due to one spending a lot of time playing the games instead of interacting with his/her friends. Not only does excessive online gaming lead to dissociation, it also causes loss of time for adolescent gamers apparently whom, instead of focusing on more constructive activities such as their studies, they tend to waste their time playing. The main reason for time loss for online gamers is the extent of involvement in excessive playing. Sanders et al notes â€Å"Sure video games maybe therapeutic for some people, but the small amount of people who are negatively affected by gaming impact many. So just like one alcoholic can cause a car accident that can kill twenty people, increased promotion of violence coupled with real life graphics can do the same thing.à ¢â‚¬ (78). Studies carried out have resulted to the conclusion that violent online games may cause negative behavioral changes in young adults at their adolescent especially in males. The worst effects of these violent online games are neurological and also behavioral changes in young men. Violent online games ought to interfere with the brain’s ability to control emotions hence lead to aggressive behavior. Conclusively, excessive online gaming results to a long term effect on ones brain and results to changes of one’s behavior on a negative scale since it translates to aggressive behavior on the part of young males. The more time spent in playing violent games online, the more the increase in physical aggression particularly in young males since they are the most probable online players of violent games. The aggression triggered by the violent games leads to the gamers participating in criminal as well as hazardous activities such as substance abuse, alcohol dependen ce and also gambling. Having an addiction from an excessive habit such as excessive online gaming, one acquires both social as well as emotional impairments. Online gaming has the most negative psychological implications to gamers such as: a decrease in social interactions, increased physical aggression and aggressive behavior and also an increase in physiological stimulation (Grusser et al, 292). Conclusion It is evident that excessive gaming habits will lead to social and psychological problems for adolescents, especially an increase in aggressive behavior in males. On social terms, when social integration is looked into in terms of investigating the implications of online gaming, the result outcome of excessively indulging in online games is development of depression since excessive gamers lack the necessary comfort offered by real presence and association of people. Due to social problems associated with intensive online gaming, loneliness of the players comes into effect since they become socially handicapped, in event; depression comes into being. Prolonged online gaming may cause neglect of one’s duties and also interference in ones social groups as well as participation in social duties that don’t involve gaming. As for psychological problems brought about by online gaming in young males in their adolescence, depression acts as a psychological end result of excessive online gaming. At the same time, the loneliness that the gamers gradually suffer causes venomous effects on one’s psychological state. Due to loneliness and withdrawal, the player tends to be aggressive to his peers and friends. Another cause of aggression is the psychological interference of the player particularly in event where he excessively participates in playing violent games. This factor greatly increases aggressiveness in the players particularly young adolescent males since they participate in playing violent games more than their female counterparts. The vio lence portrayed in the games affects the player’s brain in that he lacks the ability to have emotional control and thus result to portraying aggressive behavior. Works Cited Grusser, Sanchez, Thalemann Ring, and Griffiths Davison. â€Å"Excessive computer game playing: evidence for addiction and aggression?† Cyber Psychology Behavior 10 (2007): 290–292. Print. Roberts, Tammy, et al. The Broadview Anthology of Expository Prose. 2nd edition. Peterborough, Ont: Broadview, 2011. Print. Sanders, Edwin, et al. â€Å"The relationship of internet use to depression and social isolation among adolescents.† Adolescence 35 (2000): 237-242. Print. The Brief Penguin Handbook. 2nd Canadian Edition, with MyCanadianCompLab. Toronto: Pearson, 2009. Print. Wan, Cheng, and Chiou Wui. â€Å"The motivations of adolescents who are addicted to online games: a cognitive perspective.† Adolescence 42 (2007): 181–197. Print. This research paper on Online gaming and behavior was written and submitted by user FrightfulFour 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.

Supermarkets in UK Essay Example

Supermarkets in UK Essay Example Supermarkets in UK Paper Supermarkets in UK Paper The normal way to buy food has changed dramatically over the last half century, with the small independent shops such as butchers, greengrocers, fishmongers and bakers which dominated the High Street in the 1950s disappearing and being replaced by the ubiquitous supermarket. Today, 60% of British shoppers purchase most of their groceries in one weekly shop. The growth of the sector over the last fifty years has been remarkable. In 1950 the multiple supermarkets represented just 20% of the food retail market. By 1961 this had risen to 27%; by 1971 to 44%. As the trend continued, a generation has grown up relying on the convenience and choice of supermarket food. Of course some independent retailers went out of business, but the consumer is king and consumers felt that the price was worth paying. But the price tag got higher. Between 1997 and 2002 more than 13,000 specialist stores around the UK including newsagents, Post Offices, grocers, bakers, butchers closed, unable to cope with the competition from the multiples. A recent study by the Institute of Grocery Distribution revealed that 2,157 independent shops went out of business or became part of a larger company in 2004, compared with a previous annual average of around 300 a year. Traffic congestion rocketed as more large stores were constructed out of town. Tales abounded of the negative impacts of low supermarket prices on farmers and food processors, whether the UK or abroad. By 2005 a mere 8% of food was purchased from the independent sector. Tesco and other supermarkets claim that their growth is occurring purely in response to the desire of consumers. Market structure The UK supermarket industry is led by the `big four (Times Online, 2009), Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys and Morrisons. Thus it can be defined as an oligopoly. In the 12 weeks to 29th November 2009 these four competitors accounted for 75.6% of UK consumer spending on groceries. The market average increase in sales over this period was 4.4%. Tesco hold an actual monopoly over the industry, with 30.7% market share. The industry is currently worth à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½146.3bn and is predicted to grow to à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½175.9bn by 2014 according to UK Grocery Retail Outlook 2009 Repositioning for Growth Market share The market in which Tesco operates is supermarkets. Although this is a highly competitive one Tesco holds a disproportionate amount of power. The figures below indicate that Tesco holds over a third of the market share, and even double the amount of Asdas market share, the second leading supermarket. Market share is the percentage or proportion of the total available market or market segment that is being serviced by a company (Wikipedia 2006). Bargaining Power of suppliers Supplier power is an important part of the Porters five forces model. Implications for Tesco are many. Supplier power is wielded by suppliers demanding that retailers pay a certain price for their goods. If retailers dont pay the price, they dont get the goods to sell. But large supermarkets, like Tesco, have an overwhelming advantage over the small shopkeeper-they can dictate the price they pay the supplier. If the supplier does not reduce the price, they will be left with a much smaller market for their produce. Bargaining power of buyers Buyer power also acts to force prices down. If beans are too expensive in Tesco, buyers will exercise their power and move to Sainsbury. Fortunately for Tesco, there are few other large supermarket companies. This means the market is disciplined the supermarkets have a disciplined approach to price setting. Discipline stops them destroying each other in a profit war. Threat of new entrants Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury and other supermarket chains put up considerable barriers to entry. For instance, Tesco may have cornered the market for certain goods; the new supermarket will not be able to find cheap, reliable suppliers. Tesco also has the advantage of economies of scale. Thus, barriers to entry as well as the possibility of sunk costs will help restrict the level of new entrants. Threat of substitutes Its more difficult for Asda to try to raise prices and make greater profits if there are close substitutes available at Tesco But, in some cases, customers may be reluctant to switch to another product even if it offers an advantage. Customers may consider it inconvenient or even risky to change if they are accustomed to using a certain product in a certain way, or they are used to the way certain services are delivered. Competitive rivalry Classical economics predicts that rivalry between companies should drive profits to zero. This is partly down to the threat of substitutes. For instance, Tesco has competition from companies like Sainsbury that can provide substitutes for their goods. This drives the prices of groceries down in both companies. Monopsony issues There has been growing concern over the monopsony power of the big four supermarket chains: Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury. Technically, none is a monopsonist because none is the sole buyer of a particular category of products. Tesco, for example, is not the sole buyer of soap powders or frozen chicken. However because of their size, the big four supermarket chains enjoy much greater buying power than smaller buyers. The OFT has investigated the grocery market on several occasions over the last decade. Researchers asked suppliers for their opinion on the level of negotiating power they felt they had with different retail customers. Their responses showed that they felt they had less bargaining power with the Big Four than with smaller chains and groceries. Supermarket chains argue that they provide value for money to their customers through the efficiency of their operations. Some evidence suggests that the supermarkets do not always pass on cuts in supplier prices. Controversially, between 201 and 2003 when many UK dairy farmers were either barely profitable or making losses, prices paid to them dropped when supermarket milk prices were still rising: Illustration of monopsonistic power in the UK retailing industry Summary of the Big Fours competitiveness The Big Four (Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys and Morrisons) have gained a combined market share of 75.9% by pursuing a hybrid low price strategy with perceived benefits. In recent years Sainsburys has moved towards a differentiation strategy by focusing on quality and has implemented a higher pricing structure. These competitors have diversified their product offering and sell a variety of non-food goods including, financial services, clothing, electrical goods, and DIY products. All four possess huge buying power and high economies of scale. Each has invested in own label brands, which have risen in demand during the recession. All four have prime store locations in out of town and inner city locations. Tesco have over 2,000 UK stores. Tesco have developed a number of store formats including Tesco Express, Extra and Metro. This allows Tesco not only to compete in the convenience market but also get around the rules imposed by the Competition Commission, restricting the number of stores Tesco is allowed to have in one area. In October 2009 the Competition Commission recommended the introduction of new tests that would make UK expansion more difficult for Tesco .This may prove problematic as Tescos like-for-like sales slowed in 2009 and profit increases are driven by new store openings. Asda Relocation to larger, out-of-town sites in the 1980s gave many supermarkets the additional space required for extending their non-food offering. Asda in particular, focuses on non-food sales, because its 400 stores are generally much bigger than its competitors. Some of Asdas non-food brands have been phenomenally successful the George clothing brand has helped the chains clothing sales to outstrip those of Marks Spencer. Asda is currently the only UK supermarket offering the facility to purchase clothing online, in addition to groceries and other non-food items. Asda does not offer a loyalty scheme and claims to invest in a strategy of everyday low pricing. Asda expanded into the South in 1989 by buying out Gateway superstores. Asda became a subsidiary of Wal-Mart (the worlds largest retailer) in 1999 and hence enjoys huge buying power. Sainsburys 830 UK stores are mainly located in affluent areas. Sainsburys have diversified from their superstore format into convenience stores (Sainsburys Local). Sainsburys is the only competitor within the top four that has the strategy of quality goods for a fair price. The other three are positioned as low price supermarkets. Sainsburys hope to double the customer base of its larger stores within five years by expanding its non-food range (TU clothing range is very successful) and branching out into the North of England and Scotland Morrisons have 420 UK stores and three distinct brand values: Fresh, Value and Service. These values provide the flexibility to react to market changes and consumer trends. Morrisons aim to offer more freshly prepared food than any other retailer and have more staff preparing food than any other supermarket. The retailer grew in strength and expanded into the South of England following the acquisition of Safeway in 2004. Unlike its closest rivals Morrisons decided not to enter the convenience store sector. Vertical integration is key to the retailers success; Morrisons own their factories, production facilities and distribution network. With these facilities Morrisons can get food to stores faster so that its fresher. Morrisons have invested heavily in training and their staff is highly skilled and know their trade. Level of contestability A contestable market occurs when there is freedom of entry and exit into the market. Thus there will be low levels of sunk costs. Thus, when considering the contestability of supermarkets it is important to consider the following points: Barriers to Entry Barriers to entry in the supermarket industry are obviously extremely high, due to the massive market share held by the four main UK supermarkets. Small food retailers can be assisted in their growth by the government, with incentives such as tax relief and grants. Economies of scale are the second important barrier to entry. In addition to the usual one, the UK grocery retail market has a special economy of scale arising from the substantial bargaining power which retailers enjoy over their suppliers, the manufactures of food and grocery product. Updating earlier analysis, it has been observed that the European new contracts, Aldi and Netto have some ability to defeat this barrier. Aldi enjoys a buying-power derived economy of scale advantage in the European countries in which it has a large market share. The third major barrier to entry, the shortage of unexploited store sites, is again one that European discounters may be able to penetrate. A preliminary analysis would suggest that the UK market should be a difficult prospect for a new entrant. Unexploited superstore sites are running out. Mintel 91 has an estimated saturation point for superstores in the UK at about 800, only around 150 more than the present total. Furthermore, a barrier of entry may present itself in the sheer amount of land that a store owns; in the case of Tesco which limits the amount of new entrants into the UK market Sunk Costs If Sunk costs are high this makes it difficult for new firms to enter and leave the market. Therefore it will be less contestable. In the supermarket industry, spending on advertising are an example of costs that cannot be recovered when the firm exits the market. High sunk costs are a constraint on the level of contestability. Level of advertising and brand loyalty If an established firm has significant brand loyalty such as Tesco, then it will be difficult for a new firm to enter the market. This is because they would have to spend a lot of money on advertising, a sunk cost, which as explained above reduces the level of contestability in a market Levels of Profit If a firm is making very high profit, this is an indication that the market is not contestable, because hit and run competition should enable new firms to enter and reduce the profitability. Each of the Big Four have seen their profit margins expand while Tesco and Asda have enjoyed abnormal profits continuously Pricing and non-pricing strategies The following section discusses how each firm operates in the competitive environment of the retail grocery industry. Tesco battles by expanding market demand, increasing market share and defending market share with strategies such as flank, pre-emptive or mobile. In return the main competitors Asda and Sainsburys are attacking the market leader by using offensive strategies such as frontal, flank or bypass, in order to gain market share. Tescos understanding of its customers as well as its strong defensive marketing strategies against competitors assure them the leading position in the market. The vast majority of both marketers and practitioners frame a stores pricing decision as a choice between every day low prices or deep but temporary discounts, labeling the first strategy EDLP and the second PROMO. The kinked demand curve theory shows us that firms would lose out if they changed their prices relative to other major players i.e. if the firm increases its price, it will lose out on market share due to an asymmetric response from other competitors. If he firm reduces its price, other competitors would lower their prices too so that very little extra demand would be generated. Successful implementation of EDLP may involve offering a deeper and narrower product line than PROMO, allowing firms to exploit scale economies (in particular categories), reduce their inventory carrying costs, and lower their advertising expenses. Article by Retail Week as at 21 February 2005: Tesco shows no signs of letting up its position of dominance in the UK grocery sector, according to the latest market share figures from Taylor Nelson Sofres. Other EDLP players, such as Asda and Morrisons, also enjoyed solid growth, but Sainsburys and Safeways share dropped. Tescos market share rose by 0.7 percentage points to 26 per cent year-on-year for the 12 weeks to February 2. Asdas share increased by 0.6 percentage points to 16.7 per cent for the same period, while Morrisons share rose by 0.1 percentage points to 6 per cent. In practice, firms can choose a mixture of EDLP and PROMO, varying either the number of categories they put on sale or changing the frequency of sales across some or all categories of products. Not surprisingly, practitioners have coined a term for these practices, hybrid pricing. What constitutes HYBRID pricing is necessarily subjective, depending on an individuals own beliefs regarding how much price variation constitutes a departure from pure EDLP. Because of the price rigidity, supermarkets have resorted to non pricing strategies as a means of capturing market share. Examples of non pricing strategy may include:   Traditional advertising / marketing   Store Loyalty cards   Banking and other Services (including travel insurance)   In-store chemists and post offices   Home delivery systems   Discounted petrol at hypermarkets   Extension of opening hours (24 hour shopping)   Innovative use of technology for shoppers including self-scanning and internet shopping services Legal issues concerning public interest As with any large corporation, the supermarket chain has been involved in lawsuits, usually from claims of personal injury from customers, claims of unfair dismissal from staff, and other commercial matters. Two notable cases were Ward v Tesco Stores Ltd, which set a precedent in so-called trip and slip injury claims against retailers, and Tesco Supermarkets Ltd v Nattrass, which reached the House of Lords and became a leading case regarding the corporate liability of businesses for failures of their store managers (in a case of misleading advertising). Criticism of Tesco includes disapproval of the effects supermarket chains can have on farmers, suppliers and smaller competitors; along with claims of generally poor labour relations with its staff concerning sick leave regulations. Accusations concerning using cheap and/or child labour in Bangladesh amongst other places have also arisen from Sainsbury. Asda and Sainsbury are among companies that have agreed to pay near record fines of 116 million after admitting they fixed the price of milk, cheese and butter between 2002 and 2003. The supermarkets claimed they joined forces to help raise the price of milk to farmers who were suffering badly from falling milk prices and the after effects of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease. In contrast, consumers had to pay an extra 3p for milk and 15p extra for a pound of butter. The total cost to consumers form the higher prices was 270 million. Tesco, Sainsburys and Asda, as well as Imperial Tobacco and Gallaher, were among those accused of increasing profits illegally by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). Cigarette brands at the centre of the investigation include Embassy, John Player Special, Lambert Butler, Benson Hedges and Silk Cut. Tesco has been heavily criticized by the media in both the UK and Ireland among other places over its comparatively more ruthless and harsh business tactics compared to its rivals, all of whom stand charged, like Tesco, of bullying farmers to lower their prices to unsustainable levels. Waitrose was the only major supermarket to come out of this accusation relatively unscathed. Tesco has been subject to several claims of apparently out-of-date food being back-labeled to appear to still be in date, poor cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ hygiene and a staff member contracting legionnaires disease in the Wrexham store. Tesco has been involved in the areas of employment law, personal injury, intellectual property disputes, and taxation amongst others.

Responding to a Racist Joke

Responding to a Racist Joke Comedians from Chris Rock to Margaret Cho to Jeff Foxworthy have carved out niches by making jokes about people who share their cultural heritage, but just because they play up cultural differences in their stand-up routines doesnt mean the average Joe should follow suit with racist jokes. Unfortunately, people try their hand at racial humor all the time and fail. Unlike the aforementioned comics, these people arent making humorous statements about race and culture. Instead, theyre dredging up racist stereotypes in the name of comedy. So how do you respond if a friend, family member, or colleague makes a racist joke? The goal is to make your point and exit the encounter with your integrity intact. Dont Laugh Say youre at a meeting and your boss makes a crack about an ethnic group being bad drivers. Your boss doesnt know it, but your husband is a member of that ethnic group. You sit in the room simmering with indignation. Youd like to let your boss have it, but you need your job and cant risk alienating him. The best response is to do and say nothing. Dont laugh. Dont tell off your boss. Your silence will let your supervisor know that you dont find his racially-tinged humor funny. If your boss doesnt take the hint and makes another racist joke later, give him the silent treatment again.   The next time he makes a non-racist joke, however, be sure to laugh heartily. Positive reinforcement might teach him the kinds of jokes appropriate to tell. Leave Before the Punch Line Sometimes you can sense a racist joke coming. Perhaps you and your in-laws are watching television. The news features a segment about an ethnic minority. I dont get those people, your father-in-law says. Hey, did you hear the one about the†¦ That is your cue to leave the room. This is arguably the most nonconfrontational move you can make. Youre refusing to be a party to racism, but why take the passive approach? Perhaps youre certain that your father-in-law is prejudiced against certain groups and has no intention of changing, so youd rather not fight with him over the issue. Or perhaps your relationship with your in-law is already tense, and youve decided that this battle is not one worth fighting. Question the Joke-Teller Youre lunching with an old friend when she launches into a joke about a priest, a rabbi, and a black guy entering a bar. You listen to the joke but dont laugh because it played on racial stereotypes, and you dont find such generalizations funny. You care for your friend dearly, though. Rather than make her feel judged, you want her to see why her joke was offensive. Consider this a teachable moment. Do you really think that all black guys are like that? you might ask. Well, a lot of them are, she answers. Really? you say. Actually, thats a stereotype. I read a study that said black guys arent any more likely to do that than others. Remain calm and clear-headed. Keep questioning your friend and offering facts until she sees that the generalization in the joke isnt valid. At the end of the conversation, she might rethink telling that joke again. Turn the Tables Your run into your neighbor at the supermarket. She spots a woman from a certain ethnic group with several children. Your neighbor jokes about how birth control is a dirty word for those people. You dont laugh. Instead, you repeat a stereotypical joke youve heard about your neighbors ethnic group. As soon as you finish, explain that you dont buy into the stereotype; you wanted her to understand what it feels like to be the butt of a racist joke. This is a risky move. The goal is to give the joke-teller a crash course in empathy, but you might end up alienating her if she doubts that your motive was to show her stereotypes hurt. Moreover, this isnt the nicest way to make your point. Try this only with thicker-skinned people you believe will respond well to having the tables turned. For others, youll likely need to be more direct. Confrontation If you have nothing to lose from a direct confrontation, go for it. The next time an acquaintance tells a racist joke, say that you dont find such jokes funny and request that he not repeat them around you. Expect the joke-teller to tell you to lighten up or accuse you of being too PC. Explain to your acquaintance that you think such jokes are beneath him. Break down why the stereotypes used in the joke arent true. Remind him that prejudice hurts. Tell him that a mutual friend who belongs to the group being stereotyped wouldnt appreciate the joke. If the joke-teller still doesnt see why this type of humor isnt appropriate, agree to disagree but make it clear that you wont listen to such jokes in the future. Create a boundary.

Marketing strategy Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Marketing strategy - Coursework Example Until the end of 2013, almost 5oo million iPhones were sold. This clearly indicates that people want to use these mobiles, despite the fact that these gadgets are relatively expensive. Moreover, the company preferred to focus on the demands of its various customers, and it offers them with packages that suited their needs. In this regard one can find the company using Kohler’s advice. Philip Kohler is a reference when it comes to marketing; and according to him marketing is about creating genuine customer value, he further elaborates that selling the product does not complete the story, marketing campaigns must be designed in a way where customers become a priority over the services offered or products available(Armstrong, Kotler, Trifts, & Buchwitz, 2014; Hollensen, 2015). Mostly, marketing campaigns are product focused, however, from the point of view of Kohler; it needs to focus on the consumers (Armstrong, Kotler, Trifts, & Buchwitz, 2014). The market of cellular phones is perhaps one of the most rapidly expanding arena, and the competition among mobile brands is severe. It is always hard for the newcomers to come in and make their position. In this regard Apple turned out to be successful; it not only made its place, but also improved its ranking among the mobiles. There was a time when Nokia, Motorola, and etc. dominated the market, but today iPhone is one of the leading brands. Initially the company focused on people who were old customers of Apple, and later on the marketing strategy of the company entered the phase of expansion. Today, there are more iPhone has become one of the most sold brand of

Globalization and Production Chain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Globalization and Production Chain - Essay Example Globalization refers to the increasing universal connectivity and economic integration of cross-border activities in the corporate sector through removals of barriers of free trade and capital mobility. It has major impacts on the world in the financial, communal, cultural, political, environmental and technological areas. Globalization is a comprehensive term and it has a number of key concepts and theories concealed within it. The idea can perchance be better portrayed as an idle process built upon a number of sub-processes such as virtual corporations across physical borders, progress in information technology, elimination of cultural and physical barriers etc. that are increasingly shrinking the humanity into a global system constituting of a universal society. The best example of globalization is the internet revolution. Despite the level of importance acquired by the subject a standard definition is yet to evolve and a number of varied opinions dominated by the perceived merits of the concept are used to describe the all important the driving engine of the 21st Century. Globalization has been defined been defined with respect to various aspects of life some view it as the homogenization of cultures, norms, values and attitudes across transnational borders. While others consider it as the standardization of procedures, experiences and knowledge which may not only be limited to the corporate sector but even to other areas that impact an individual's life in current globally influenced society. On the other hand from an economics point of view globalization is considered to be the meeting of prices, products, wages, rates of interest and profits towards the developed country's standards. Notwithstanding the varying opinions the following attributes have been universally accepted to be associated with the impacts of globalization and whatever leads to any of the following results would be an aspect of the Globalization. People around the world are integrated and connected to each other while the physical distances have shrunken. This trend has been evident in the aftermath of the evolution of information technology. A convenient flow of information and capital throughout the globe. Goods and services manufactured in one country being easily accessible by the people living in other countries. The role of Multinational Corporations (MNC's) has been evident in this case. Communication and journey across the borders becomes a routine activity. All the above states characteristics can be easily identified in the current environment we live in. To maintain a Mercedes, wear a French perfume, to talk to friend in Australia, to be able transfer money from New York to London in a split second or to be roaming on the streets of Delhi within a couple of days are realities that have traveled through the dark roads of idealism and have blessed us by the virtue of globalization. A question then arises is globalization a feature of the 20th Century or its existence can be traced back further. The answer to this is that globalization has been a phenomenon that is as old as the human existence. Man has always tried to break down the shackles of physical frontiers and explore new horizons. From the time when human being first involved into barter trade till the undertaking of organizational activities through