A Test Report on an Overview - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1368 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2019/03/14 Category Environment Essay Level High school Tags: Recycling Essay Did you like this example? The world is fueled by devices that consume society’s every whim, desire, and technological fix. For many, these devices are the quintessential reason for life and consumes a person’s daily existence. It is only proper that the corporations that design and manufacture these devices incorporate new technologies into their proceeding designs. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "A Test Report on an Overview" essay for you Create order Once the version reaches the market place, the citizenry of the world crave, stalk, hunt, and virtually acquire the device. In most cases, the new device is not that much different from its predecessor, yet while new devices are acquired the others no longer serve a purpose and are abandoned and forgotten. For some, these devices find their way into the hands of charities for distribution to the needy; others are traded in for refurbishment and resale, while others are improperly discarded as trash destined to rest in peace in landfills. The issue of recycling e-waste (electronic waste or short-life-cycle electronic product), its environmental impact, and resolution became a concern to Lee, Chang, Fan, and Chang in their 2003 article â€Å"An overview of Recycling and Treatment of Scrap Computers† in which the authors provide statistical data, facts, and develops sound alternatives to the problem at hand. The purpose of the research was to measure the effects of these devices ending in landfills and to provide a preemptive remedy to properly remediate, dismantle, and recover components and materials to avoid contaminating landfills and endangering the planet and its populations. Though the paper does not depict who is responsible, it becomes the responsibility of each person on the planet to do their part by making proper arraignments for their devices when they have reached the end of their usefulness. If the Earth’s population continues to consume and dispose of these gadgets at the current rate, then the world for future generations will become a cesspool of acidic puddles containing cancer-causing agents. Even though this article was written over fifteen years ago, its mantra still is clear, pristine, and ever so much more important, fix the problem now, or reap the caustic realty of tomorrow. In 2014, The United States â€Å"generated 11.7 million tons of e-waste; †¦globally, 41.8 million tons of e-waste was generated with only 6.5 million tons treated by electronic take back systems (recyclers). (LeBlanc, 2018) With only 6.5 million tons recycled, 30.1 million tons did not. The abundance of e-waste is directly correlated to improvements in manufacturing technologies that allows these products to be produced quicker. In turn, resulting in â€Å"large quantities of relinquished personal computers, and other electronic devices, containing hazardous materials.†(Lee CH1, 2004). The materials that can be remediated properly are lead, batteries, capacitors, mercury-containing parts, and plastics. Once placed in landfills, they can pollute the environment if not properly disposed of in a facility capable of handling this kind of e-waste. In developing the paper, the authors needed to support their position on what is and what will be winding up in a landfill if these technological devices are not disposed of properly. The paper did not pose any suggestion that the focus of the study contained any hands-on investigation. There were not alleged trips to landfills nor did they provide any significant testing of proclaimed hazardous wastelands. Instead, the authors provided charts that visually detailed what each device contained based on manufacturers’ specifications of each device and many assumptions. For example, the paper discussed the components of a circuit board. The paper stated, â€Å"The typical circuit board is made of epoxy, resin, fiberglass and copper.† (Lee CH1, 2004) It is potentially factual that all circuit boards are manufactured utilizing similar materials and chemicals. Yet, it would have been extremely more convincing to discuss the acquisition of an abandoned board, dismantle it, test it for the properties being warned, and then generate a report with the findings, not to mention the environmental impact that particular device caused in the place where it was acquired. Which, it did not. Overall, the paper was based upon supporting a hypothetical analyses based on conjecture and in not all cases, supported without solid proof. In all, the paper provides speculation instead of concrete facts. During their investigation, the crux of their work did not properly discuss the hazards caused by the materials found in the landfills. Instead, their findings of hazards was noted in their suggestions on how to remediate, properly handle, and collect the materials from abandoned devices. The paper proposed recycling methodologies and procedures on how each effort could produce and contain risks or caustic reactions done properly, adequately, and safely. In subheading 2, â€Å"Recycling and treatment of CRTs†, it utilized deceptive methods. A CRT stands for cathode-ray tube. A CRT is a â€Å"specialized vacuum tube in which images are produced when an electron beam strikes phosphorescent surface.† (Rouse, 2005) It speculates that an analysis was completed by an electron dispersive spectrum (EDS) detection device (Noran 432C), and found both the major ( 5 wt. %) and the minor elements ( 5 wt. %) which can be identified in the panel and funnel glass of a 14 in. Philips color monitor.† (Lee CH1, 2004) The support does not come from an actual analysis for their paper, but comes from another source that suggests the testing occurred at a different time, place, and maybe a similar model and lists the source as â€Å"C.-H. Lee, C.-H. Hsi, A study on the recycling of scrap cathode ray tubes, Environ. Sci. Technol. 36 (1) (2002) 69–75.† (Lee CH1, 2004) The analysis of this CRT tube cannot be sustained as fact ual science; the results were acquired through scholarly research that could have been skewed or misleading; depending on what the purpose of the journal article was trying to attempt. It is true that recycling electronic devices is a concern to maintain a safe environment. The authors site recycling methods and investigate an enterprise in Taiwan. It lauds their prowess and defines their recycling processes. Here, it becomes believable that such endeavors can be accomplished. The facts and evidence appear cogent and topical, yet such concrete information should have been forthcoming in the body of their paper. It becomes possible that this paper was produced not to make the world aware of the dangers of not recycling, but as an attempt to lure in business to China’s ability to recycle computers and prosper from the components retrieved. If this is the case, then the nation should be on the forefront of responsible recycling methods; on the contrary, they are not. A Google search performed during the authoring of this report requested information on â€Å"does China buy old computers for recycling?† Immediately, â€Å"China’s Most Notorious E-Waste dumping Ground Now Cleaner but poorer, Thousands of polluting recyclers have shut down in Guiyu, Guangdong† dated September 22, 2017 from the South China Morning Post, contradicting the words of Lee, Chang, Fan, and Chang appeared. The article quoted a recycling representative that stated, â€Å"Every household was engaged in that business, we just did it at home, and on the street†¦the whole town was blanketed by foul air that smelled of acid.† (Pinghui, 2017) It appears the 2003 article â€Å"An overview of Recycling and Treatment of Scrap Computers† was written to provoke countries to provide abandoned e-waste to China to implement recycling based on well thought out recycling technologies. In turn, the commentary is debunked. The South China Morning Post refutes Lee and his associate’s scholarly efforts. If such procedures were implemented, as discussed in the 15-year-old article, there would not be such articles written discussing the contrary. It is not to say that there needs to be more recycling efforts, but these efforts need to be conducted by competent companies that have the needs of the world and its populations in mind and not just for a quick sound bite that sounds great on paper but never materializes. Works Cited LeBlanc, R. (2018, March 125). E-Waste Recycling Facts and Figures. Retrieved November 20, 2018, from The Balance Small Business: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/e-waste-recycling-facts-and-figures-2878189 Lee CH1, C. C. (2004). An overview of recycling and treatment of scrap computers. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 3. Pinghui, Z. (2017, September 22). China’s most notorious e-waste dumping ground now cleaner but poorer. Retrieved November 22, 2018, from South China Morning Post: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2112226/chinas-most-notorious-e-waste-dumping-ground-now-cleaner-poorer Rouse, M. (2005, September). Cathode Ray Tube. Retrieved from Whatis. om: https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/cathode-ray-tube-CRT

Reconstructing Zwolinksi s Argument About Sweatshop Labor...

1. Reconstruct Zwolinksi’s argument about sweatshop labor Zwolinksi thought that regarding of the autonomy the workers of sweatshop are inclined to the seemingly unfair conditions of MNEs was not that bad if we could find that at least this was a kind of autonomous self-expression. The workers choices are also good to return stroke to the third parties such as governments or consumer boycott groups. The workers have a moral right to call for MNEs to voluntarily improve working conditions. Well, the sweatshop workers have no choice but to accept the harmful conditions although they are not with fully voluntary. 2. Reconstruct Arnold Bowie’s argument about sweatshop labor The MNEs should respect the persons and reduce the harm to the workers. One significant feature of globalization that is of particular relevance to our analysis is the increase in outsourcing by MNEs. MNEs are widely criticized by the public because of their law pay, or we should say an unreasonable pay, high labor intensity and bad conditions of works. It is reasonable to believe that all persons possess dignity and that this dignity must be respected. Workers are also exposed to dangerous toxic chemicals and airborne pollutants. One of the most controversial issues concerning sweatshops is the demand that employers raise the wages of employees in order to provide a living wage. Workers from all over the world complain about low wages. In Arnold Bowie’s opinion, the MNEs are challenging the rule of

Economies of Telangana and Seemandhra free essay sample

Economies of Telangana and Seemandhra The Telangana movement is a group of related political activities organized in order to support the creation of a new state of Telangana, from the existing state of Andhra Pradesh in South India. Telangana, the new state proposed corresponds to the Telugu-speaking portions of the princely state of Hyderabad (in pre-independent India). On 30 July 2013, the Congress Working Committee approved a motion for a separate Telangana to the central government. The process of converting Telangana to be the 29th state of India with 10 Districts is expected to be completed in 4–5 months once the Parliament passes the Act. Hyderabad will be the joint capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for 10 years. In the following blog post, I will be discussing the impact this division will have on the economy of Telangana and Seemandhra. Literacy in Andhra Pradesh in general, Telangana in particular: Andhra Pradesh, which has a literacy rate of 67. 7 percent ranks among the least literate states of India. It ranks 26th in the country out of 31 states and Union Territories. It is the most backward state in Southern India. As many as eight districts of Telangana out of 10 (including Hyderabad) figure among the most backward educationally. Mahbubnagar has the least literacy rate, both among males (40.8 per cent) and females (18 percent). The entire Telangana, except Hyderabad city and Ranga Reddy Urban areas which are Hyderabad, has lagged behind educationally. Not a single mandal of Telangana has the national literacy rate of 74.04 percent. Coastal Andhra districts account for 33 out of 45 rural mandals which exceeds the national literacy rate (the rest being Rayalaseema). The mandals with lowest literacy rate of less than 20 percent are more in Telangana, as a consequence: 35 such mandals are in Telangana, almost three times those in Coastal Andhra (14). There are only two such mandals in Rayalaseema. District-wise, Adilabad has most of these mandals (14), followed by Mahbubnagar (9), Medak (6), Khammam (3) and Nizamabad, Karimnagar and Nalgonda (one each). Although Telangana accounts for half of the states population, less than 25 percent of educational institutions from primary to college level are situated in the region. Only 15 percent of aided junior colleges are in Telangana while it has only two medical colleges. As many as six medical colleges are in the other areas. Only 26 out of the 72 government ITIs, 20 of the 91 polytechnic colleges are in Telangana. Of the total expenditure of Rs. 1150.2 crore the state has incurred on the aided degree colleges since 1956, coastal Andhra has the lion’s share of 73.71 percent while Telangana got a paltry 10.43 percent. The corresponding share of the two regions in the expenditure incurred on the aided junior colleges is 62.71 percent and 9.45 percent, respectively. Analysis Inference: These numbers taken from Telangana.org clearly indicate that Telangana region is far behind in terms of the educational infrastructure available, whereas the Seemandhra region has a welldeveloped educational infrastructure. It also indicates that once separated, Telangana will have to invest huge amounts of capital for the infrastructure. While Seemandhra will have to invest huge amounts in building a new capital, it is not urgent as Hyderabad is available for the next 10 years. This indicates that in terms of educational infrastructure, Seemandhra is the clear winner and is expected to fare better then Telangana for a few decades to come. Irrigation and river water distribution: Of the three regions of the state, Telangana has the largest area, with 11,48,000 sq. km, followed by coastal Andhra with 9,28,000 sq. km. The cultivable area is estimated at 64,02,358 hectares in Telangana and 46,33,304 hectares in the Coastal Andhra. But 13,12,795 hectares or 28.33 percent of the cultivable land in the Coastal Andhra is being irrigated under canal irrigation system, whereas 2,66,964 hectares or 4.17 percent of the cultivable land in Telangana is receiving canal waters. The entitlement of Telangana of waters of Krishna and Godavari rivers is 975 tmc. Ft. In 1974, 800 tmc.ft water was allotted to AP by the Bachawat Award to Andhra Pradesh. A re-distribution of this in 1981 saw coastal Andhra getting the major share with 377.07 tmc, Telangana 266.783 tmc and Rayalaseema 123 tmc. Telanganas share in Godavari waters is 709 tmc.ft of the states total allotment of 1,495 tmc.ft. Out of its total share 1153.50 tmc (from all sources) barely 380 tmc is used for irrigation. The amount spent for irrigation purpose in Telangana so far is Rs. 4005 crores while that spent in Coastal Andhra is Rs. 19,693.50 crores, nearly five times higher. In terms of percentage, while Telangana got a mere 15.5 percent, coastal Andhra got 76 percent. If the principle of expenditure proportionate to cultivable area were to be followed (as it should be), Telangana, with 44.28 percent cultivable area should have got an equivalent amount and coastal Andhra 32.04 percent. Instead, coastal Andhra got more than twice its share. Since 1956 to date, the additional irrigation potential created in Telangana is only 5 percent since none of the planned irrigation projects have been completed although they were planned 30-40 years ago. The 12 projects sanctioned for Telangana at an estimated cost Rs. 5,449.53 crore to provide for 10.08 lakh hectares have been progressing at snails pace for decades. Analysis inference: Again, as the numbers indicate, Seemandhra comes out as the clear winner of the two. But the question needs to be asked is development of Telangana being hampered due to the bias of the Andhra Pradesh govt. or is it due to the inefficiency of the ministers and the govt. bodies in implementing the measures suggested. One might be forced to point to the example of Sriram Sagar Project. This project which was commissioned in 1963 is yet to be completed – with the first stage of the project taking as long as 33 years for completion. Such inefficiencies do make us point the finger at the corrupt governing bodies in Telangana. Which of the two versions are true can only be judged when the inevitable division does happen and the future development of the two states is tracked. The statistics also indicate that a huge riot will happen when the division does occur in terms of the river water distribution. This could have a huge negative impact on the development of Seemandhra as all the major rivers in the state flow from the Telangana region to Seemandhra region. Telangana region could exert more control over the waters citing the land area and developmental issues, thus starving the other region of the water share it used to enjoy in the past. Telangana might as well look at this as â€Å"justice† or â€Å"revenge† for years of â€Å"discrimination† whose root causes are yet to be explored. Industrial development employment in govt. and industries: Industrialization of Telangana has been restricted to the Hyderabad city and Ranga Reddy district due to their physical proximity to the seat of the government. Industries in other parts of Telangana did not take off other than those set up prior to 1956. Several industries in Telangana have been allowed to become sick with government refusing to help out to restore them. Today, more and more PSUs such as Allwyn Auto and Republic Forge, located in Telangana are being closed down by the government for various reasons. Those threatened include Antargoan and Sirpur Sirsilk Mills. Others in the line for closure are Nizams Sugar factory, FCI at Godavarikhani and Miryalguda Sugar Mill. According to data, a major chunk of the existing medium and major industrial units in Telangana are owned by people from coastal Andhra. Of the 10,000 odd units located in Telangana, only 1250 units are owned by the native Telanganites. Coastal Andhra industrialists own 6000 units and the rest are owned by outsiders from different parts of the country. Employment: Daily Wages Workers in various Factories 1996 Wages (Average) Region Number Percentage Coastal Andhra 3,16,321 67.7 Rayalaseema 69,1675 14.9 Telangana 81,095 17.4 Source: Telangana.org Employment in State Government Sector as on 30-6-1983 Region Gazetted N G Os Class IV Contingency Total Andhra Districts 15,278 2,23,256 1,10,058 21,672 3,33,900 Telangana 1,09,427 27,146 13,801 1,68,327 44,703 1,168 74,038 7,717 Hyderabad City 5,149 22,448 Source: Telangana.org In the words of Telangana.org: â€Å"The entire government and its various departments are dominated by people of Coastal Andhra. This pattern has been a blatant violation of agreement to share government jobs between Andhra and Telangana in the ratio of 2:1. Out of 14 lakh jobs in the government today (1997 figures), Telanganas share has been barely two lakhs and these too are in lower levels. Similarly, of the 531 judicial officers, only 92 belong to the region. Of the 22 judges in the state high court, there are only two representing Telangana. Moreover, no one from Telangana could become the advocate-general since the state was formed in 1956. On the educational front, of the 96,031 primary teachers, only 15,921 belong to Telangana. All the top and middle level jobs cornered by Andhra people: theres not a single secretary in the government today belonging to Telangana. Out of 140 heads of department in the government barring a handful, all are from Coastal Andhra. Public and private undertakings, autonomous bodies, corporations and universities have been made the monopoly of Andhras. Rules have been twisted, manipulated or simply ignored to ensure government jobs went to those from coastal Andhra and to keep out Telangana people. The present trend is to keep out the Telangana people even from the posts of peons, bus conductors and drivers. The new recruits are all brought over from coastal districts. This strategy has been adopted since 1956 despite agreements entered into, working out the procedure and share. For instance, in 1966, all of the 70,000 vacancies, of which 90 percent went to the people of Andhra. The latest example is that of recruitment of more than 200 munisif magistrates, the highest post under direct recruitment. In course of time, they will become district and high court judges. Evidently, with an eye on capturing these crucial posts, the procedure has been changed, more centers of examinations opened in coastal Andhra towns, and it was ensured that an overwhelming majority of examiners chosen belong to Coastal Andhra: 50 of 55 judgesexaminers were Andhras. The written examination was held on February 23, 1997. The results were predictable: 68 candidates (80 percent of them from Andhra region) passed from Hyderabad; Warangal (the only center in Telangana) was only 15. Visakapatnam accounted for 85, Vijaywada 75 and Tirupati 47 successful candidates. Only 30 candidates out of 290 called for interview are from Telangana.† Central Government Industries After 1947, the Government of India undertook an extensive industrialization program all over the country. The establishment of BHEL, ECIL, IDPL, IDL, HMT, etc., formed a part of this agenda. However, in defiance of the Gentlemens Agreement, these industries recruited 90 per cent employees from non-Telangana regions. Of the remaining 10 per cent, the employees were predominantly in the lower order occupational categories like sweepers, watchmen, security guards and they belonged to Telangana. It may be mentioned here that the Central Government initiatives, instead of ensuring equitable growth and fair development, exacerbated the inequalities. The ancillary industries that developed in and around these major industrial units exclusively belonged to the settlers and employed migrants. Some claims include unwritten rules including co-opting the few educated Telangana administrators and rejecting deserving Telangana applicants. Some more employment statistics: Employment in Nationalised Banks in Andhra Pradesh 1996 -1997 Regions Employment Total Percentage 1.Coastal Andhra 42,000 70 2.Rayalaseema 5,000 9 3. Telangana 7,000 11* 4. Non-A.P. 6,000 10 Total 60,000 100 *includes second generation settlers. Source: Survey Data Employment in Ambedkar Open University. Hyderabad, 1996 -1997 Employment Coastal Andhra Rayalaseema Telangana Total 1. Teaching 23 4 18 45 2.Administrative 15 4 12 31 3. Technical 21 3 24 Total 59 8 33 100 Employment structure in APSRTC 1997 Regions No. of Employees % Coastal Andhra 16250 65 Rayalaseema 3750 15 Telangana 5000 20 Total 25000 100 Source: Fieldwork, APSRTC, 1997 Analysis Inference: The data clearly indicates that the no. of Telangana people in the various jobs is very less when compared to the Seemandhra region. This could also be due to the fact that literacy is very poor in Telangana when compared to Seemandhra. How this type of employment statistics will affect the future development of the two states depends on the policies they adopt once they are formed. Reservation of seats for the people of Telangana in Telangana is to be expected and the govt. may try to throw out the people from the other region either slowly or in one shot. How these events will unfold will have a huge impact on the development of the two states. Any aggressive policy adopted by the future Telangana govt. might lead to a civil riot which will hamper the development of the state. As of now, if Telangana were to adopt an aggressive strategy, both states’ economies will be affected deeply. But if a more diplomatic strategy is adopted, then it could lead to a very good development of Telangana as lots of new job opportunities will be created for the future generations. Seemandhra, which is yet to establish a capital will have to create sufficient job opportunities so that its educated youth do not suffer. Conclusion Economic pros cons from a neutral perspective: (Data source: Business Line) Will the two states which will be formed after the splitting of Andhra Pradesh have economic stability? If you go by the report of Justice BN Srikrishna Committee, which studied the situation in the state, there is no problem on this front. Telangana as a new state can sustain itself both with and without Hyderabad. The other combination of regions coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema together can also sustain themselves as a state; in fact they can sustain themselves separately, the committee remarked in its 505-page report. At present, in terms of land area, Ap is the fourth largest state and fifth largest in population. It is ranked third in absolute size of gross domestic product (GDP) and 11th in the country in terms of per capita income. Gross state domestic product in 2011-12 was estimated at Rs 6,76,234 crore. The Telangana region (excluding Hyderabad) ranks 15th in the list of 28 states in terms of absolute GDP and is listed above the states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh Goa and all northeastern states. Telangana (including Hyderabad) ranks 13th in GDP as well as in per capita terms. Similarly, coastal Andhra ranks 13th in terms of GDP and 10th in terms of per capita GDP. The relatively deprived region of AP is Rayalaseema; but it ranks just a notch below the all-India average in per capita income and its overall GDP is higher than Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Goa and northeastern states except Assam. Nevertheless, Hyderabad, with large concentration of economic activity, is going to be the bone of contention between Telangana and Seemandhra (Andhra-Rayalaseema). The city accounts for more than 50% of the states own tax revenues. In 2012-13, the states own tax revenues reportedly stood at Rs 69,146 crore. Of this, Rs 36,400 crore came from Hyderabad and its surrounding Rangareddy district. The revenue from rest of Telangana was Rs 11,207 crore, Andhra Rs 16,729 crore and Rayalaseema Rs 4,810 crore. According to the Srikrishna Committee, Hyderabad accounts for 99% of the total of around Rs 55,000 crore IT and ITeS exports from the state. Of the 72 notified special economic zones (SEZs) in the state, 37 are located in Hyderabad and Rangareddy. In fact, Hyderabad and Rangareddy districts account for 44% of the registered manufacturing and 39% of the construction activity of the Telangana region. Other than Hyderabad, Rangareddy and the adjoining Medak and Nalgonda, manufacturing activity in Telangana has not seen much progress. The hinterlands mainstay is mining, poultry, food processing, dairy and farming. The state-owned Singareni Collieries is located in the region. With an international airport, world-class educational and scientific institutions, a growing industry and the upcoming Rs 16,500-crore metro rail project, central location and suitable weather, experts say Hyderabad will now grow on its own. But if there has to be all-round progress across the region, the people in power have to ensure the development of the districts particularly Warangal, Adilabad, Karimnagar and Nizamabad, which are at a distance of 150 km and above from the city. If Hyderabad is endowed with a modern airport, coastal Andhra has state-of-the-art seaports at Krishnapatnam, Kakinada and Visakhapatnam. While the Rs 7,300-crore Krishnapatnam is the largest private sector port on the east coast, Gangavaram in Visakhapatnam is a multipurpose all- weather deepest private port. Besides, Seemandhra (Andhra-Rayalaseema) has four airports at Tirupati, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam. The Chennai-Bangalore industrial corridor passes through Chittoor district, which is in Rayalaseema. The district also boasts having Sri City, the largest SEZ in the state that is attracting investments from many multinational companies. Nellore, on the other hand, is set to emerge as the largest power producer in the state with several power projects proposed to be set up in the district. A Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemicals Investment Region are coming up in the Visakhapatnam-Kakinada region in an extent of Rs 604 acres. Apart from a steel plant, Visakhapatnam has a pharma city where several pharmaceutical units are located. On the other hand, Krishna, Guntur, East and West Godavari districts, which are endowed with good irrigation facilities, are known as the rice bowl of India. One of the negative factors with regards to bifurcation, according to the Srikrishna Committee, is that the land locked region of Telangana may lose out on access and opportunities to eastern coastline, which has major ports. Similarly, Seemandhra could lose a major market inherent in the huge population, business and market concentration of the city of Hyderabad. So in conclusion the major question in the development race between Telangana and Seemandhra is where will Hyderabad go? As of now, it seems like Telangana will win the race for Hyderabad. But a lot can happen in ten years. Or Seemandhra, which has its own revenue generation points like Tirupati and Vishakhapatnam, might end up winning the development race without Hyderabad. What will actually happen is yet to be seen.

Marketing Strategy Recommendations for Bindle Online/Offline

Question: Describe about the Marketing Strategy Recommendations for Bindle Online/Offline. Answer: Background Summary Summary of Findings Industry Overview The gift industry both online and offline in the Australian region reflects a growing trend in terms of revenue generation and also through the generation of innovative gift solutions that attract the youth consumers in the market. Macro and Micro Analysis Macro Analysis The macro analysis for Bindle reflect that the macro environmental variables like political, economic, social, technological, cultural paradigms all have positive impacts on the conducting of operations for the gift store in the Australian market. Micro Analysis The micro analysis for Bindle in the Australian market reflects that the gift store company tends to gain competitive advantage over its competitors in the regional and national market. Description of Target Market and Customer Profiles Target Market The target market for Bindles in Australia consists of young consumers pertaining to the high income category thereby reflecting lavish lifestyles. Customer Profiles Consumer groups for Bindle belong to the age groups ranging from 20 to 39 years. Further, the consumers belonging to the middle and high income groups reflect lavish lifestyles and are connoisseurs of boutique gift products. Differentiation and Positioning Strategies Bindle focuses on differentiating and positioning itself in the gift market in Australia through the rendering of boutique gift products and wrapping solutions. Outline of Structure The report focuses on reflecting the product portfolio of Bindle while also focuses on understanding its pricing, distribution and promotional decisions for developing an effective presence in the Australian market. Products and Services Three Levels of Product Core Product Bindle provides innovative and creative gift wrappers and boxes that contribute in meeting the emotional needs of its customer groups. Further, the gifts generated by Bindle for different consumer categories like men, women, kids, infants, mothers and also corporate gifts rightly serve the needs for different themes and events(Bindle , 2016). Actual Product Bindle generates different types of products for different consumer categories like men, women, kids and also product solutions for corporate firms. Further, the gifts are packed in artistic and boutique gift boxes that help in meeting the gifting needs and expectations of its customers in an enhanced fashion(Bindle , 2016). Augmented Product Value additions are generated by Bindle in the form of using quality wrapping papers that contribute in enhancing the gifting experiences of its domestic and corporate clients. Enhancements in Bindles wrapping activities are generated based on the incorporation of Japanese origami and also through tying and folding the gifts in the wrappers. The above feature contributes in generating an enhanced unwrapping experience for the consumers(Bindle , 2016). Product Life Cycle (PLC) The product life cycle analysis for Bindle reflects that the gift company lies in the growth stage of the PLC curve. Being in the growth stage the gift company continually focuses on generating new gift offerings for continually serving the anticipated needs of its customers. Further, Bindle also focuses on generating effective promotional programs for attracting the mindset of potential consumer groups(Kaser, 2012). Branding and Brand Development Branding Strategies Bindle needs to effectively focus on the incorporation of umbrella branding strategies such that the company can use the family or company name for offering different types of gifting and packaging solutions to its clients. The use of umbrella or family branding strategy contributes in generating considerable awareness about the company brand to the customers. Use of umbrella branding strategies ideally requires the gift company, Bindle to continually focus on enhancing the standard and quality of the gifting and packaging standards for enhancing customer loyalty and satisfaction(Perrey Spillecke, 2013). Brand Development Bindle needs to focus on the incorporation of different types of brand development initiatives underlined as follows. Bindles management needs to focus on the continual development of wrapping and packaging quality and styles such that same helps in enhancing the level of customer experiences. Similarly, Bindle also needs to focus on the using of different communication mediums and interfaces like online, mobile and also broadcasting mediums for generation of potential information about the company brand, new and aesthetic gifting and wrapping solutions to its target customers(Lopez, 2013). Packaging and Labelling Packaging Differentiated packaging strategies can be incorporated by Bindle for helping in the generation of right kind of packaging solutions for different kinds of gift merchandises marketed by the company. Bindle can also focus on the generation of customised packaging solutions such that the same reflects regional or ethnic designs, styles and arts suiting customer needs of various regions(Kolb, 2016). Labelling In terms of labelling, Bindle needs to potentially focus on the generation of effective information for helping in providing needed knowhow about the products packed and delivered. Further, Bindle also requires the generation of labels in different languages that contributes in enhancing the customer responsive image of the company in the target market(Langton, 2012). Product Mix/Product Line Decisions An effective assortment of product line associated with the generation of different types of boutique parcels, gift baskets, fruit boutiques, chocolate and cake boxes and other baby item packs are rendered by Bindle for meeting the gifting needs of customers. Further, different types of gifting solutions are developed for corporate customers, bathroom luxuries and also for his and her categories(Bindle , 2016). Pricing Major Pricing Strategies Cost Based Cost based pricing strategies essentially focuses on adding a percentage of the total cost required for the development of gifting and packaging solutions in the prices of the gifts and product packs. The use of cost based pricing strategy helps in easy calculation of the optimal pricing level for generating needed revenues for Bindle(AECOM, 2014). Customer Value Based Value-based pricing techniques are considered as an effective pricing technique such that the same would encourage the customers to pay an effective price for the products and services rendered by the company. Moreover the use of value based pricing technique also would help Bindle gain increased exposure to customers both along a regional and national level. Value based pricing technique in helping the customers gain value from the purchases made ideally contribute in attracting larger numbers of customers to procure and avail the gifting products and packaging services of Bindle(Tsiakis, 2015). Competition Based Regarding the use of competition based pricing, Bindle is required to set prices for its gifting and packaging solutions based on comparing with the prices generated by its closest competitors in the Australian market. The generation of lower prices for the gifts and packaging solutions compared to its competitor firms would help Bindle in attracting potential customers from the larger target market(Pride, 2013). Internal and External Consideration The internal and external factor considerations affecting and influencing the pricing decisions of a firm are effectively illustrated in the following illustration. New Product Pricing Strategies Different types of pricing techniques can be used by Bindle regarding the introduction of new gifting ideas, solutions and other packaging techniques for its domestic and corporate client groups. The company can focus on using Penetrating Pricing technique through the generation of lower prices for the gifting and packaging solutions. The same would help in gaining increased market penetration for Bindle. The use of Segmented Pricing technique can also be used based on generating differentiated prices for different gifting products and wrapping solutions catering to the need for customers pertaining to different income categories(Pride, 2013). Product Mix Pricing Strategies Different types of product mix pricing techniques like the product line pricing, captive product pricing and also the product-bundle pricing can be incorporated by Bindle. Product-line pricing requires different prices to be set for gifting products and wrapping solutions depending on the costs incurred for producing such. Captive product pricing requires Bindle for setting of prices of complimentary products like boutique wrapping and packaging solutions along with the setting of prices for the different gift products. Finally, product-bundle pricing technique can also be used by Bindle based on generation of different prices for gift bundles or packs generated by the company(Whittington, 2013). Place/Distribution Supply Chain Structure Bindle focuses on supplying and distributing its gifting solutions and packages through the incorporation of both wholesale and retail firms. The supply of gift products to multi-brand retailers dealing with different gift and showcase items contribute in gaining needed exposure in the target market. Further, Bindle can also focus on the generation of exclusive stores or outlets for generating an effective presence in the gift market. Further, Bindle can also focus on the incorporation of multi-channel platforms like mobile and electronic commerce, website marketing and also the social media platforms for reaching a larger section of consumers(Agrawal Smith, 2015). Members in the Supply Channel The different members in the supply chain channel for Bindle can be effectively reflected in the following illustration. Organisation of the Supply Channel The supply channel of Bindle operates based on effective collaboration with its different channel partners. The formation of collaborative relationships ideally contributes in the sharing of needed information between the different stakeholders involved in the supply chain network. The same reduces the risk associated with the supply chain functions. Further, partnership and tiers can be generated by the organisation with the members involved in the supply chain network that contributes in conducting and continuing the supply chain operations in an effective fashion. Finally, the different firms involved in manufacturing, retailing, distributing and also the logistic firms can operate in an integrated fashion as a total unit. The integration function between the different firms though would help to reduce costs but would reduce the flexibility of the company in gaining new suppliers in future(Sabri, 2015). Rationale for Suggested Modifications in Supply Chain Diagram Bindle can focus on the development of potential partnerships and tie ups with different supply chain partners like the producing companies of the different gift products, suppliers of high quality wrapping papers, logistic companies and also financing firms such that it contributes in the ease of flow of information and decision making activities in an effective fashion. Promotional Mix The promotional mix or Integrated Communication Marketing mix for Bindle can be effectively developed based on the integration of different types of promotional and communication mediums like broadcasting, print, online and also the use of outdoor marketing and promotional activities. The broadcasting medium like the use of television and radio can be potentially incorporated by Bindle for the development of multimedia advertisements that would help in effectively promoting the gift store to target masses in the Australian markets. Similarly, print mediums like use of newspapers and magazines can also be incorporated by Bindle for advertising its gift products and wrapping solutions to its clients in the regional and national market. Online mediums in the form of website and other social media marketing platforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube can be potentially incorporated by Bindle for generating increased awareness about its gifting and wrapping solutions. Finally, the use of personal and direct selling approach can also be effectively undertaken by Bindle for directly selling the gifting and wrapping solutions to corporate clientele(Pride, 2013). Conclusions Summary of Assessment 1 and 2 Assessment 1 reflects the positive impacts of the macro and micro environmental variables on Bindle while Assessment 2 reflects on the product, pricing, distribution and promotional decisions of Bindle helping in developing an effective presence in the Australian gift market. Implications and Practical Steps for Bindle Bindle is required to use the value based pricing such that the same influences the customers for generating needed prices out of the value gained from the procurement of different gifts and packaging solutions. Bindle also needs to focus on the development of an effective promotional mix for potentially and optimally promoting the gifts and wrapping solutions to the target market. It also needs to develop an integrated network with potential members in the supply chain network for helping in the reduction of supply chain costs and also in the transmission of needed information for decision making activities. References AECOM, 2014. Spon's Mechanical and Electrical Services Price, Book 2015. United Kingdom : CRC Press. Agrawal, N. Smith, S.A., 2015. Retail Supply Chain Management: Quantitative Models and Empirical Studies. United Kingdom : Springer. Bindle , 2016. About Bindle Gifts. [Online] Available at: https://bindle.com.au/ [Accessed 18 September 2016]. Kaser, K., 2012. Advertising and Sales Promotion. United States : Cengage Learning. Kolb, B.M., 2016. Marketing Strategy for Creative and Cultural Industries. New York : Routledge. Langton, P.D., 2012. Essential Guide to Reading Biomedical Papers: Recognising and Interpreting Best Practice. United Kingdom : John Wiley and Sons. Lopez, D., 2013. Brand Development of Coca-Cola Company (UK). Germany: GRIN Verlag. Mahajan, J.P. Mahajan, A., 2015. Marketing Management (For B.Com, Sem.6, Delhi University). New Delhi: Vikas Publishing House. Nomi, V., n.d. MEMBERS OF A SUPPLY CHAIN AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS. In Scientific Papers. Budapest, n.d. Agroinform Publishing House. Perrey, J. Spillecke, D., 2013. Retail Marketing and Branding: A Definitive Guide to Maximizing ROI. United Kingdom : John Wiley and Sons. Pride, W.M., 2013. Marketing 2014. United States : Cengage Learning. Sabri, E., 2015. Optimization of Supply Chain Management in Contemporary Organizations. United Kingdom : IGI Global. Tsiakis, T., 2015. Trends and Innovations in Marketing Information Systems. United Kingdom : IGI Global. Whittington, O.R., 2013. Wiley CPAexcel Exam Review 2014 Study Guide, Financial Accounting and Reporting. United Kingdom : John Wiley and Sons.

The Irony Of Liberation Essays - Lucille Eichengreen, Irony

The Irony Of Liberation Though this paper had a few punctuation problems, I made a B+ on it and this is a sophmore level class. The Irony of Liberation When the liberators came, they came with hope of eliminating the torture and inhumanity the Nazi Germans were imposing on the Jews. Men and women came with the hope of releasing victims from the evil claw that had grasped Jews for so long. Some liberators came with the idea that the Jews would be given a new life, a life of freedom. However, freedom was far from what Jews were given after liberation. To the many Jews, who stood on the other side of the barbed wire fence, liberation was not a time to celebrate. Yet, it was a time to try to pick up what particles of life that remained. As Lucille Eichengreen explains in her testimonial story of liberation day, liberation was not about freedom. It was expected that there would be casualties of war. U.S and Russian army men had seen victims of war before[,] [RO] and nothing could be shocking. Or could it? As army men approached the barbed wire fences, many gasped in horror, turned their heads, and some men became sick. With their fingers ringed tightly around metal threads, Jewish souls stood, gazing at young healthy men. Empty eyes gazed back at these young and healthy bodies, bodies that were an inadvertent insult to the half-living. Time was motionless at one moment, and fast-forwarded the next. After all that had happened, were these victims really free? Was it a time to celebrate? Where would they go now? Who would take them? Much less, who would believe that such inhumanity happened? The looks received by nurses were not looks that showed sympathy, nor compassion, but instead offered back the images of Nazi ideology; the idea that Jews were filthy, weak and feeble people. And they were, but not by their own free will. Though color seemed to be restored as liberators approached, it also brought back the color of emotions. For so long, Jews had numbed themselves to the atrocities they faced each day. Being ?free? now meant looking for remnants of life. For many, liberation was simply a reminder of all that was lost. Eichengreen explains, ?Despite our liberation, I was totally without hope? (340). There were those who thought of their loved ones who fell victim to the wrath of Hitler's final solution. While others, especially children wondered who would care for them. Many felt guilty that they survived and their friends and family did not. For many, liberation was not an immediate invitation to a new life. Recalling liberation day, Eichgreen says, ?I had dreamed of a great party, with fanfare, music, dancing and fireworks. There was, however, only renewed sorrow for the dead and little hope for the living?(342). Those who found the strength to journey back home were hit even harder by former neighbors. As former Jewish residents came home, many were told to leave, despite the ?liberation?. There were also those less fortunate, who had no home to return to, known as ?Displaced Persons?. Along with the displaced persons, lived Nazi sympathizers, who routinely practiced anti-Semitic behaviors. So again, the question arises: Were the Jews really ?liberated Though all may have seemed lost, one must keep in mind that the Jews are survivors. And survive is what they did. Just shortly after liberation, Jewish strangers were marrying, children were born and life prevailed. Though Jewish people will never be liberated from the nightmares of Hitler's reign, perhaps the ability to replenish life through new birth, will. Bibliography Images from The Holocaust: A Literature Anthology Jean E. Brown, Elainw C. Stephens, Janet E. Rubin

Free Essays on Cultural Context

Concept: Cultural Context â€Å"What is so technical about communication? It is such a simple thing that even persons having different ways of life can do it effectively.† Stop right there! In order for a message to be conveyed and received the cultural barrier has to be broken down or be bridged. For example, although both Jamaica and Barbados are Caribbean countries, the fruit we know as ackee in Jamaica, they know as guinep and vice versa. Now, my friend, how could a Barbadian accept the invitation of a Jamaican to a lunch of ackee and saltfish with roasted breadfruit? Through knowledge this and many more gaps have been bridged to ensure smooth conversations over cultural barriers. Chapter II Concept: Self-concept, Self-esteem, and Communication Mrs. Patricia Haakmat in her â€Å"Destiny of Hope† Seminar gave this analogy: â€Å"There was this young man. One day he was having a conversation with his teacher. Throughout the conversation, he buried his head in the ground. Then the teacher asked, â€Å"why don’t you look at me when you are speaking?† The young man confessed, â€Å"I am ugly and so I don’t want you to see my face.† Evidently, this young man has a serious problem with his self-concept. It has certainly caused him to be communicating blindly, thus not seeing the non-verbal cues of the teacher and not conveying his messages effectively by providing eye contact. Having a high self-concept is essential in communicating because our self-perception is thus accepted and a bad perception of oneself will bring pessimism to your conversations and a lack of competency and effectiveness because you may think that you are not worthy or capable. Chapter III Concept: Profanity and Vulgarity â€Å"There is no such word as a ‘bad word’.† This is a very common statement made by the ‘learned’ of our street corners in Jamaica. However, whether indecent language, expletives or to delve more in lingu... Free Essays on Cultural Context Free Essays on Cultural Context Concept: Cultural Context â€Å"What is so technical about communication? It is such a simple thing that even persons having different ways of life can do it effectively.† Stop right there! In order for a message to be conveyed and received the cultural barrier has to be broken down or be bridged. For example, although both Jamaica and Barbados are Caribbean countries, the fruit we know as ackee in Jamaica, they know as guinep and vice versa. Now, my friend, how could a Barbadian accept the invitation of a Jamaican to a lunch of ackee and saltfish with roasted breadfruit? Through knowledge this and many more gaps have been bridged to ensure smooth conversations over cultural barriers. Chapter II Concept: Self-concept, Self-esteem, and Communication Mrs. Patricia Haakmat in her â€Å"Destiny of Hope† Seminar gave this analogy: â€Å"There was this young man. One day he was having a conversation with his teacher. Throughout the conversation, he buried his head in the ground. Then the teacher asked, â€Å"why don’t you look at me when you are speaking?† The young man confessed, â€Å"I am ugly and so I don’t want you to see my face.† Evidently, this young man has a serious problem with his self-concept. It has certainly caused him to be communicating blindly, thus not seeing the non-verbal cues of the teacher and not conveying his messages effectively by providing eye contact. Having a high self-concept is essential in communicating because our self-perception is thus accepted and a bad perception of oneself will bring pessimism to your conversations and a lack of competency and effectiveness because you may think that you are not worthy or capable. Chapter III Concept: Profanity and Vulgarity â€Å"There is no such word as a ‘bad word’.† This is a very common statement made by the ‘learned’ of our street corners in Jamaica. However, whether indecent language, expletives or to delve more in lingu...

Is Obesity Destroying the Lives of Americans Essay

Is Obesity Destroying the Lives of Americans - Essay Example Obesity often comes with a lot of risk. Obesity is destroying the lives of many Americans through contributing to increase in number of health issues, medical costs, deterioration of the economy, social issues, and contributing to increases in number of depression cases. Obesity often results to a number of health issues. Obese people often have a high level of cholesterol in their bodies that have an adverse effect to their general health. Commonly, too much cholesterol in the human body often predisposes individuals in getting hypertensive diseases (Alex 38). Cholesterol in blood often results in formation of atherosclerosis that in turn contributes to hypertension states. Furthermore, a lot of cholesterol in the body often leads to production of more estrogen in the human body that in turn inhibits production of insulin. Therefore, such people become more predisposed in getting type 2 diabetes in their life time. In addition, obese people often have sleeping problems due to their massive weight. Furthermore, some obese people may have breathing problems due to excess fatty tissues compressing the respiratory tissues (Alex 40). Some studies have also concluded obesity depressing sexual drive in such individuals thereby interfering with the reproduction process. Obesity often results in increased medical cost. Obese people often become sick and acquire lifelong illnesses that become hard to treat. An excellent example could be an obese patient that develops type 2 diabetes and at the same time hypertension. Since this diseases require chronic management, these individuals and their families may require spending more in the management of such individuals. Furthermore, drugs used in treatment of some of the ailments they get may be expensive (Alex 63). Medical management of such individuals may require rigorous checkups as they spend more time in hospital being treated for their ailments. Furthermore, the medical insurances taken by such individuals often are he fty since they take in an attempt of covering for their health and other stuffs. Obesity also contributes to deterioration of the economy. Obese people often work less since they grow to extent of becoming unable to carry out some activities. Therefore, such people contribute negatively to the economy when they reach some level as there economic output reduces. Furthermore, a number of people take care of them thereby doing less on their own in contributing to the enhancement of the economy. Since the economy is often dependent on the general effort of every individual, such individuals generally contribute in destroying the American economy in general (Elise 66). Often people often become limited in doing physical stuffs and start relying on other people for their survival. Therefore, they encourage dependency instead of interdependency. For an economy to thrive, individuals in a given country often require to be more independent than dependent. Obese people sometimes wait for othe r people to work for them hence overusing others in the attempt of caring for them. Obesity leads to depression among obese individuals. The obesity rate among Americans is rapidly on the rise, and with it, so are the increasing cases of psychological dysfunctions such as depression. Depression is simply defined as a continuous feeling of hollowness, aloneness; characterized by extensive low mood swings.