Reflective Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Reflective Report - Essay Example The research that I have done deconstructed my view and my perception of what is Nike. The horrendous experience of the workers of Nike is no small thing. People do work and take jobs so that they can have a better life. It is not something that one will do and yet at the end of the day one turns out to be more miserable; more miserable because one has experienced becoming less of a human and be treated as machine whose sole purpose is to produce. One can argue, as Bhagwati (2007) claims that Nike workers are better off, but that is not true. Hand to mouth survival is not human survival. It is the way animals in the jungle live. Unfortunately, this reality is experienced by the workers of Nike because the salary that Nike gives is not enough to feed and provide semblance of a good life to its workers, while Tiger Woods has been given millions of dollars. The injustice that Nike perpetuates in its factories bears witness to the deplorable condition of third world workers, who bounded by poverty and structural corruption in their own countries, have no better alternative in improving their lives. It is like the choice is between two evils – you suffer in the quagmire of poverty or work in Nike and hopefully one can have something to eat (even just a little). Workers’ stories show the other side of Nike, its dark side. I cannot help but be emphatic with the unethical working condition in Nike. As a student of management, the stories of the workers of Nike has shown me that management can really do something in making the lives of the workers better. The management is in the position to carry out company policies that will make the working conditions and the workers’ status improved, healthier and humane. This is our function and our vision as managers – as we try to gain profit for the company that we are servicing, we should never forget that there are also stakeholders of the company whose interest should also be upheld. The companyâ €™s stakeholders are as important as its shareholders. Their interest should be protected and addressed as the way to the present and future of management and of the organisation is finding the balance between shareholders’ interest and stakeholders’ interests. I believe that this is difficult but I also think that is the way management ought to be – responsive to both the shareholders and stakeholders concerns. I believe gone are the days when firms exist for profit and profit alone. It is not the way how the market responds now. The market is the people who see the importance and value of human rights, labour rights and corporate social responsibility. In fact, they are willing to pay more for products that hold up causes that they support and, at the same time, they are willing to withdraw support to products and corporations who have been unethical and abusive of their workers, of the environment and of their stakeholders. This is what happened to Nike. Some of their regular buyers refuse to buy their products anymore. I am one of them. Moreover, the research has opened to me the reality of the challenge that management faces in the current period. I think the unethical behaviour of Nike toward its workers is the standard of what should not be done. What has happened to the workers of Nike is not the norm in management and workers relation but it is that which should be avoided. Others may find me idealistic but the reality of the

Coke as a mainstay in fast food chains like McDonalds and KFC Personal Statement

Coke as a mainstay in fast food chains like McDonalds and KFC - Personal Statement Example Ever since I was a child, I remember drinking Coke every time I want to get instant refreshment. Coke is there during special occasions like parties and lunches. Furthermorer, it accompanies me even in my everyday undertakings. In fact, Coke is synonymous with refreshment to me. I just love the invigoration that consuming a can of Coke brings me. I drink it whenever I can-when I am stressed out, when I get too exhausted, and when I need an extra dose of caffeine to get me going. I associate Coke with words such as thirst quenching and more recently, with my quest to live a healthier lifestyle. No kidding. I have seen how Coke evolved. Starting from its claim of being a healthy and medicinal drink, it became a mainstay in fast food chains like McDonalds and KFC. The intense competition with Pepsi pushed it to reinvent itself to the protest of its loyal patrons. Thus, the new Coke was rebranded while the original formulation was fortunately retained in the market. The growing health consciousness among consumers urged Coca-cola to reinvent itself by offering better-for-you variants which utilized artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. Coke Diet, Coke Light and Coke Zero were launched in the market to the amusement and support of customers like me. Aside from getting rid of unhealthy sugar, this variant is fortified with vitamins, minerals and infused with green tea which suits my lifestyle. The evolution of Coca-cola did not change its promise of providing refreshment to its customers-in fact, it now gives more than that. After my decision of shifting to and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, I thought I would have to give up drinking Coke my whole life. However, it seems as if the brand knows my needs that it is willing to adapt and reinvent itself so that I could still drink it whenever and wherever I want. The added vitamins and minerals is really a huge plus for it. I have read somewhere that green tea aids in weight loss by speeding up an individual's metabolism. Yes, instead of making me fat, Coke might actually enable me to lose weight by burning calories at a faster rate. These reasons make Coca-cola the top brand of soft drink for me. Actually, I don't see it as a soft drink now-I perceive it as a health drink. My passion for Coke influences my other purchase decisions especially in choosing which fastfood to dine in. I definitely don't dine out at KFC and Pizza Hut noting that they don't serve Coke but only Pepsi. Yes, sometimes I just get so choosy with the drinks while others see them as minor part of the meal. For me, it makes a lot of difference-I can actually tell the difference between Coke and Pepsi. The taste is never the same Yes, I am a self-confessed Coke addict who can't live a day without having a can of this refreshment. Coke does not only add life, for me, it is life itself. Blame it on marketing gurus who worked to formulate a good product which commands global acceptance. Blame it on the intensive and very efficient marketing campaign. Blame it on the proper pricing which made it affordable even with the current recession. Blame it on its wide distribution network which makes it available anywhere I go. I will always consider Coca-cola to be one of the best brands in the world. With the current quest of its company

LNG as Fuel for Aircraft Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

LNG as Fuel for Aircraft - Essay Example Conceptual Configuration 1.1 Liquefaction Cycle Liquefaction allows gas to be stored economically. Propane Precooled Multi-Component Refrigerant Cycle (Carson’s Report, pg 221) will be used to create the LNG from the natural gas feed. This process also known as the C3-MR system is used widely in today’s LNG industries. This system uses a multi-component refrigerant, usually nitrogen, methane, propane, butane, ethane and pentane to condense and evaporate natural gas in one cycle over a wide range of temperatures.( http://books.google.com.au/books?id=b14hnWUAOPYC&pg=PA115&lpg=PA115&dq=propane-precooled+multi-component+refrigerant+cycle&source=bl&ots=NyBe3x3X2H&sig=lGG5YDOJ9TkF_ntOmXjcG2Es2Fc&hl=en#v=onepage&q=propane-precooled%20multi-component%20refrigerant%20cycle&f=false) 1.2 Storage Facility In this section we will show our storage facility by calculating the storage capacity needed (table 1.2.1), studying the current LNG storage tanks and their capacity and choosing the appropriate facility for our project. Storage Capacity                Number of Flights per day    14                      Usage per Flight          LNG Density (kg/m^3)    455 Weight (kg)    26043.97 Volume(m^3)    57.23949                      Usage per Day          LNG Density (kg/m^3)    455 Weight (kg)    364615.6 Volume(m^3)    801.3529                   Needed storage capacity per day (m^3)                LNG 801.3529             Annual Storage Capacity (m^3)                LNG 292493.8    Table 1.2.1 Storage Capacity Calculation LNG is a cryogenic liquid. The term â€Å"cryogenic† means low temperature, generally below -73 °C. LNG is a clear liquid, with a density of about 45% that of water. The LNG is typically stored in double-walled tanks at atmospheric pressure. The storage tank is actually a tank within a tank. The annular space between the two tank wal ls is filled with insulation. The inner tank, in contact with the LNG, is made of 9% nickel steel, suitable for cryogenic service and structural loading of LNG. The outer tank is generally made of carbon steel or prestressed concrete. 1.3 Processing Facility This stage includes the requirements to sub-cool LNG prior to the loading into the aircraft fuel pods. Lng needs to be sub cooled to -161 degrees Celsius for it to remain in the liquid form. 1.4 Distribution Facility Our distribution facility will include pipings, pumps and hydrants required to deliver LNG from the storage tanks to the aircraft. Pipeline System As the liquefaction and storage facilities are within the airport boundary, the pipeline costs will be lesser than that of distribution and transportation through trucks. Sizing requirements to meet the distance from the storage tanks to the aircraft. To be able to simultaneously fill 2 aircrafts at one time. Under the ground (trench covered by open grating) to prevent he at penetration. Pipeline insulation by thick polyurethane to prevent heat infiltration. 2. Ground Systems Operating Procedure The primary operations that will be considered in this section: Receipt of gas for liquefaction Liquefaction Storage Delivery of LNG In our project, we will be receiving liquefied natural gas, which will eliminate the process of liquefaction. The reason for such an arrangement would be that the amount of LNG usage for our operation does not require a facility to produce LNG with a natural gas feed. Also, costs are not feasible to create a natural gas feed at the airports. With this, we move on to the

The Coming Anarchy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Coming Anarchy - Essay Example Kaplan argues that all these developments which are a result of natural resource scarcity and overpopulation will lead to a global anarchy where war and crime are indistinguishable. Kaplan cites loss of power of central governments, political borders becoming obsolete and transfer of power to security firms and private armies as the reason for the rise of global anarchy (Kaplan, 1994). Kaplan’s thesis of the coming anarchy has great support not only from other scholars and experts in the field but also from general public and political community. The support for the thesis mainly rises by the fact that it has been very accurate in predicting the current events in Africa. Also it has been praised for its broad range of reasoning and thought provoking style. The thesis is not free of criticism. It has attracted a lot of criticism for its unscholarly presentation and unprofessional approach. It is argued that there are many flaws in the argument along with poor interpretation of the findings and methodological errors. This paper is an argumentative essay that refutes the claim that resource scarcity will lead to anarchy. The supporters of the thesis believe in it for the logical explanation that is used to prove it. The environmental scarcity of resources which is due to increased demand as a result of overpopulation, degradation of resources, unequal distribution, etc will result in civil violence. Ecological marginalisation and resource capture will be the causes behind civil violence and this in turn will lead to social effects such as migration, legitimate institutes become disrupted and agricultural production is constrained (Barbier & Homer-Dixon, 1996). The supporters agree with the end result of these will be the one predicted in â€Å"The Coming Anarchy†. Further explanation is that convinces many of its supporters is that as scarcity of natural resources

Analysis of statistical status of bank based in uae Statistics Project

Analysis of statistical status of bank based in uae - Statistics Project Example e yearly market price on specific stock indicated in the company’s archive for the year 2009/2010 ranges from 2.67 to 3.45 price (AED) while specific monthly fluctuations on a fundamental average consist of 2.71 in January, 2.83 in February, 2.67 in March, 2.97 in April, 3.01 in May, 3.02 in June, 2.88 in July, 3.07 in August, 3.21 in September, 3.33 in October, 3.45 in November and 3.37 in December. The price (AED) situated here is the mean monthly figure calculated and hence are prone to price fluctuations in between days to a relative degree of negative or positive pips. The price AED on these stocks show us two premiered fundamentals and trends which enables us to potentially establish a forthcoming prediction as to how the relative stock prices would behave in the coming annual year and how much return would an investor achieve through such calculations. The first piece of evidence regarding this is the increasing trend of stock prices valued in AED. This inclination identifies that the stock prices on any amount of investment would surly benefit the investor and hence the ADX (Average directional Index) is an up move positive directed i.e. value inclined is greater that down move while value inclined > 0 which clearly indicates that the ADX is a +DM and consequently as per J Welles Wilder a + DI on the fourteen day exponential moving average, J. Welles Wilder, Jr. (June 1978). The second most evident fact suggest two particular things, the first being that as the amount of fluctuations between the stock prices is relatively high hence the risk factor involved is on the higher side as well consequently making an escalated percentage uncertainty on the return investments. The second aspect of this hypothetical claim lies with the fact that the variance on this particular stock is altitudinous in nature i.e. to claim that while observ ing the February and December stock changes we may witness a decline in the Price AED hence suggesting the fact that mean

Paper 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 7

Paper 2 - Essay Example In the film the director portrays the problem of racism as the byproduct of hatred towards skin color. Mark A. Reid stated that, â€Å"To gain a popular black audience, Micheaux’s action films presented the twenties from a black perspective† (12). To be specific, the director makes use of his film as a tool to expose his attitude on racism in the mainstream society. Sylvia Landry, the female protagonist knows that racism still prevails in the society, but she tries to overcome the same by immersing herself in worldly affairs. Jane Gaines opined that, â€Å"Within Our Gates was thus linked to fear of cataclysmic social change, a linkage obfuscated by the smoke screen of â€Å"race riot†Ã¢â‚¬  (163). The turning point in the film is related to the female protagonist’s unexpected meeting with Rev. Jacobs. Within this scenario, Landry realizes that she cannot alienate herself from the problems faced by the black children. So, she decides to raise fund for th e local school. This change in attitude is important because the same is related to her attitude towards racism. So, one can see that the director makes use of the female protagonist and the sad plight of black children to express his attitude on racism. From a different angle of view, one can see that the director makes use of the main characters as his mouthpiece to share his social message with the viewers. To be specific, the director leads the viewers towards the female protagonist’s past to prove that she is the victim of racism and she is trying her level best to save herself from haunting memories. Stefanie Laufs stated that, â€Å"In his movies, Micheaux addressed racial discrimination and counteracted black stereotypes with images of the New Negro and a new feeling of race pride† (43). The character named as Rev. Jacobs is symbolic of social responsibility towards the downtrodden population. On the other side, an unnamed character (say,

B2 Managing Organisational Change and Development Essay - 1

B2 Managing Organisational Change and Development - Essay Example This chain of hotels is one of the largest on a global level, specifically because of the infrastructure that it has created. However, projects for expansion are required to take new initiatives for the continuous expansion within the industry. Hilton Hotels is one of the largest corporations in accommodations and has built their company as being one of the most innovative hotel chains. They currently have hotels in six continents with over 530 hotels and resorts in over 76 countries. The standards that have been set by the hotel are based on providing innovative products, amenities and services to guests while considering the trends that are currently a part of the industry. For instance, many of the hotels are focused on providing green seals for the environment as one of the latest trends in the industry. The different hotels are built as franchise opportunities with the Hilton as the overall brand name that is within the industry. The reservation system is built from a multi – level option which allows different consumers to connect to hotels first by locality then by the types of amenities that they desire to have. The overall focus of the different concepts of the hotels is based on a spirit of hospitality and service while providing rooms for both leisure and business options. The hotel has also built a reputation from philanthropic activities taking place around the world (Hilton, www.hilton.com, 2010). The current status of the hotel industry, specifically with competition of the Hilton, is one that is becoming redefined through the current market. The recession in the United States from the year of 2007 created lower demands for the hotel while many consumers and businesses began to focus on budget instead of style. The expansion of the Hilton into other regions of the world carries the same concept, which includes high