Indigenous Peoples and Tourism Essay

Theobald (1994) suggested that â€Å"etymologically, the word tour is derived from the Latin, ‘tornare’ and the Greek, ‘tornos’, meaning ‘a lathe or circle; the movement around a central point or axis’. This meaning changed in modern english to represent ‘one’s turn’. The suffix –ism is defined as ‘an action or process; typical behavior or quality’, while the suffix, –ist denotes ‘one that performs a given action’. When the word tour and the suffixes–ism and –ist are combined, they suggest the action of movement around a circle. One can argue that a circle represents a starting point, which ultimately returns back to its beginning. Therefore, like a circle, a tour represents a journey in that it is a round-trip, an activities of persons traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business or other purposes. In 1941, Hunziker and Krapf defined tourism as people who travel â€Å"the sum of the phenomena and relationships arising from the travel and stay of non-residents, insofar as they do not lead to permanent residence and are not connected with any earning activity. â€Å"y these definitions, the tourism industry is inevitable since travelling is always a part of a person’s everyday life. Tourism can be seen as major consideration for both developed and developing countries in terms of adding up value to their potential tourism assets. Today, variety of tourism activities has evolved and is continually practice worldwide. There are also different themes or purposes why people travel from their country origin to their preferred destinations, these are visiting friends and relatives tourism, medical, health and retirement tourism, nature and adventure tourism, nautical or cruise tourism, sun and beach tourism, MICE, Leisure and Entertainment and Shopping Tourism, educational tourism, and lastly, cultural or indigenous tourism. The Indigenous Tourism This kind of tourism has a variety of components and relationships. And each indigenous tourism experience is unique in terms of time, space and participants. In 1966, a frameworks was been presented by Hinch and Butler, which highlights some of the key components of indigenous tourism. However, it was of limited value terms of identifying relationships between these components. The tourism system was been influenced by a variety of sources such as the basic geographic dimension of Leiper’s tourism system (1990), and the important role of the media which was highlighted by Ryan and Trauer, (2005). One of the distinguishing figures of an indigenous tourism system in general is the emphasis on the culture. In the indigenous tourism, where cultural overlay can be found, is much more encompassing compared to the tangible manifestation in a culturally based attraction. Basic values and principles, which were infused in the way an enterprise is operated, also reflect. The final component of this tourism system is the broader environmental context. This component also reflects the reality that tourism is not a closed system. But the main intent of the host (indigenous people), is to have income using the destination and also to export positive images of the destination and themselves. Economic Environment The strong performance of the economic aspects will result in higher levels of discretionary spending for travel and more trips, especially if it’s done in tourist market areas. On the other hand, the weak performance of the economic aspects often results in tourism actively supported as an alternative to struggling primary or secondary industries. Oftentimes, communal approach is a successful liaison with traditional indigenous communities but being questioned in places like Australia by Schmiechena and Boyle, Editor’s Note. Private entrepreneurial approaches are being pursued in indigenous communities (Wuttunee, 1992; Altman and Finlayson, 1993). The growing corporatization of the global economy may reflect in such trends in combination with evolving generational differences and changing socio-political structures and programs that can be seen in indigenous communities. Social Environment. One of the shared features of indigenous people is the â€Å"cultural poverty† in which they live (Frideres, 1988). Poverty means there is an insufficiency in participating effectively in society, not having enough to feed and clothe a family, neither a clinic nor a school to go to, or even own a land or a job to earn one’s living, and not having access to credit. It is not very surprising that the constraints and results of the development goals of indigenous people often vary from the goals of non-indigenous communities. Political Environment. Despite the substantial constraints that the indigenous people face, they become increasingly aware and active, as well as informed of their legal and political rights and have increasingly exercised them. There has been a major increase in land claim settlements which resulted in financial gain and increased resource management roles (Hinch, 2001). The internal politics of indigenous groups has political differences as one of the significant aspects which is not surprising that it is very rare to hear a unified voice speaking on their behalf. In Indigenous communities, there are two levels of governance, one imposed by the dominant culture and one embedded in the traditional practices of the community. Also, the reality of dual governing structures; one of them is an elected body while the other looks to the traditional guidance of elders, whose gonna be taking account valued communal and kinship bonds, build and process consensus in the community. And there are two levels of governance in indigenous communities: first is imposed by the dominant culture and secondly, embedded in the community’s traditional practice. Natural Environment The widespread destruction of natural areas throughout the world, actually increases the value of most traditional indigenous lands (Stevens, 1997). Most of the traditional indigenous lands has been lost due to expropriation and been the cause for the displacement of the indigenous people to peripheral places. The traditional relationship of the indigenous people to their homeland compared to non-indigenous people to their own land is also distinct (Notzke, 2006). Because most of the indigenous people believes that they are unconditionally conjugated or inseparable with the nature, unlike with the non-indigenous people who tend to see the land as a resource for human pleasure (Gary, 1991; Hollinshead, 1992). Given the importance of the environment to the indigenous people, any changes in the environment, have significance on the practice of the indigenous tourism (Gardner and Nelson, 1988). Host- Guest Relationshop and the Socio-Cultural Impacts of tourism It’s been the subject of much debate and research in a variety of disciplines such as anthropology and ethnography, as well as tourism studies. Disassociating the impacts of tourism from the boarder context of social and cultural development, is difficult in many ways. Most of the models cited with impact analysis are considered as less useful as tourists proliferate and destinations diversify. Two best-known models perhaps were (Butler’s Lifecycle Model, 1980 and Doxey’s Irridex, 1975). These models allow us to visualize the progression (more often, regression) of many global destinations, though they are by no means universal. In the past few years, the regeneration or rejuvenation of destination has become a more widespread phenomenon. Many products have been upgraded; some were diversified into new forms of tourism, and are targeting higher spending visitors. Though it is uncommon for tourist to be confined to â€Å"enclaves’ where contact with local residents is minimal. This kind of relationship allows for little spontaneity, but worth questioning how far host-guest relations have ever been truly authentic given the contrived nature and typically short duration of the average holiday. Acculturation, Cultural Drift and the Commodificaiton of Culture The fact of tourism is inevitable that the cultural changes primarily seen to the traditions of indigenous society, customs and values rather than to those of the tourist. Although tourism in some destinations, may be intermittent and seasonal. The level of visitation is constant and can have considerable impact on the social and cultural fabric of the host society. Instead of acculturation, cultural drift take place and is a kind of cultural change that appear within the society. (Mathieson and Wall 1992), states that cultural drift is a phenotypic change to the behavior of the host which take place only when they are in contact with tourists, but when tourists leave, it can go back to normal. The Genotypic behavior is a more permanent phenomenon where cultural changes are handed down from one generation to another. The fears of the culture and identity of the host can be assimilated into more dominant or persuasive culture of the tourist. Homogenization of culture is often exacerbated by tourist whose behaviors are sometimes adapted by local residents. This may simply mean to local people, that they are obliged to learn the language of the tourist in order to communicate well, but can also mean the consumption of non-local food or drink, the wearing of non-traditional fashions, and the desire to indulge in the same forms of entertainment as tourists. The majority of tourists tend to crave Western-style amenities. Not only this create economic leakages, but it also threatens the production of local goods, especially if local people develops and prefer Western-style products as well. Authenticity also becomes a key issue esp. when performing rituals in isolation from their traditional context. Staged authenticity in the form of displaced ceremonies, activities and events has become widespread. Although it is somehow important, the authenticity of tourist experience, it is more crucial to ensure that local communities with their role as performers and entertainers must feel comfortable in any ways. And of course, it should be understood as well that some religious or spiritual cultural practices, for tourists gaze, might not be appropriate spectacles. Measuring the socio-cultural impacts of tourism Culture is dynamic and it changes from time to time irrespective of human development: First, distinguishing the impacts of tourism from those of other social or economic developments is difficult. Second, in measuring socio-cultural impacts, only few reliable tools exist, and assessment is oftentimes used to gather quantifiable data. Cooper and et al (1998) suggests to use a number of techniques in measuring sociocultural impacts of tourism, but usually filtering other influences is impossible. The following list suggests some of the indicators that can used to identify socio-cultural impacts: †¢ Ratio of tourist to locals †¢ Nature of interaction between hosts and guests †¢ Local perceptions of tourism †¢ Concentration of tourism in certain locations †¢ Degree of usage of local products and facilities †¢ Extent and nature of local employment †¢ Degree of commercialization of local culture †¢ Changes in family relationships and the role of women †¢ Demonstration effects †¢ Increased social problems (e. g. drug usage, alcohol abuse, gambling, prostitution). †¢ Rises in crimes Cultural Tourism as a positive development option Cultural tourism can often provide an attractive socio-economic development option for many societies. It can also raise the profile of a destination, attracting the interest of both investors and visitors. There are a number of benefits derived from tourism and have been well documented in tourism literature and may include the creation of employment, the receipt of foreign exchange, the expansion of other economic sectors, and infrastructural developments. Some are intangible benefits including the renewal of cultural pride, revitalization of customs and traditions, and opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and integration. One of the major problems with tourism development is the government of those countries, who perceives tourism as a â€Å"quick fix† solution to the economic problems. As suggested by Lanfant and et al. (1995), it is often perceived as the last chance for countries to propel themselves on to the world of stage and to compete in the global arena. International and non-local investment becomes an attractive prospect, esp. in poverty-stricken countries where there are many local entrepreneurs who are able to afford the inflated land and property prices. However, restriction of the government in the extent of outside investment is needed, as this might lead inevitably to ownership and management of facilities and services o f the non-locals and high economic leakages. Another economic difficulty is for the destinations or countries who were not able to meet demands of their tourism industry with their own local products. Other economic sectors such as fishing or agriculture can be strengthened; supply is unlikely to meet demand if tourism increases rapidly. In cases of small island economies, it might be possible to strengthen inter-island linkages, but there is still the need to import goods and still experience the inevitable economic leakages. Although most tourists do shop and buy local handcrafted goods, it is still difficult to insist the consumption of local cuisine. The need for local and tourist education is being recognized. Tour operators, airlines and Western tourism agencies were encouraged to provide info and codes of conduct for visitors. Codes of conduct may be necessary in areas where the environment of local culture is fragile or sensitive. The final point is the marketing of the destination. Most destination practice selective marketing to ensure that tourism development remains small-scale and appropriate. However, this is a delicate balance since many of the tourists may not be the most cultural sensitive. There are certain forms of tourism that are being developed in accordance with these changing trends, which are more environmentally friendly and culturally sensitive. Indigenous Cultural Tourism. According to Smith (2003), The Indigenous Cultural Tourism is used as an overarching terms for together ethnic and tribal tourism, and any form of tourism that involves contact with the indigenous people and their culture. They usually involve visiting native and indigenous people, such as tribal groups or ethnic minorities. An area that is designated cultural landscape, national park, a jungle, a dessert or a mountainous region. Foreign Studies Tourism Industry Tourism is seen as a labor intensive, seven-day-a-week industry, growing at a rate faster than any sector. It is widely accepted that tourism is gaining more and more importance with the end of 20 th century and especially with the beginning of 21 st century regarding to the changing trends. In the study â€Å"Developing Alternative Modes of Tourism† (Berne Tuzcan, 2007), World Tourism Organization has taken the concept of tourism beyond holiday-making and officially defined it as follows: â€Å"Tourism comprises the activities carried out by people during their holidays and their visit to places different from their usual environment or residence, for a consecutive period of time less than a year, with leisure, business or other purposes. † (McIntosh, Goeldner and Ritchie 1995:11). Accordingly â€Å"Tourism refers to all activities of visitors including both overnight visitors and same day visitors† (Lickorish and Jenkins, 1997: 36). Moreover, it may also be defined as â€Å"the sum of relationships arising from the interaction of tourists, business suppliers, host government, and host communities in the process of attracting and hosting these tourist and other visitors (McIntosh, Goeldner and Ritchie 1995: 9-10). † On the other hand tourists can be defined as people who are visiting a particular place for sightseeing, visiting their friends and relatives, taking a vacation, and having a good time. Indigenous Tourism Indigenous tourism is a „special interest? tourism; its essential components are: first hand, authentic and usually intimate contact with Indigenous peoples whose ethnic and cultural backgrounds are different from those of tourists (Weiler and Harron 84). Indigenous tourism affairs are location-specific, or rather, culture-specific; the history has shown that various Indigenous groups have reacted to tourism in various ways. The approaches of Indigenous communities towards tourism are influenced by a number of factors such as: former experiences with Western world, size of Indigenous population, sedentary or mobile lifestyle, diversity of Indigenous languages in an area, etc. ( Martina Horakova, 2003) Naturally, the overall analysis of Indigenous tourism would require a holistic approach; all the aspects of life in Indigenous communities are influenced by tourism and are interwoven: economic and educational issues, marketing and preservation, land ownership and traditional lifestyles. Indigenous People Indigenous communities are very diverse and specific. No matter where they live, groups from various parts of the world or clans occupying two neighboring regions, all of them are unique and their distinctiveness should be recognized and respected. Thus, to generalize insensitively and refer to all Indigenous peoples as a homogeneous group would be an immense mistake. In Australia, there are more than 700 different nations (Nielsen 213) and as quoted in the said study, â€Å"different groups are responding to tourism in different ways†. In the thesis entitled â€Å"Tourism and its Impact on Traditional Culture: A case study of Sirubari village, Nepal† by Tilak Prasad Kandel (2011) discussed the boom of tourism on indigenous people in the village tourism being practiced by the Gurung people in the Sirubari village of Syangja. For several decades now, this study recognizes the tourism industry as major source of revenue for countries, especially in the Third World. For ethnic tribes such as the Gurung people, Tourism is like a gift. They were given opportunities for employment other than hunting and fishing. Their children was given the benefits for education and they were informed of what it is like outside of their community as they interact with tourists who visited their place. They were proud of their culture but did not deny the fact, that they have the rights for changes and development if choose to. Another study, â€Å"The Impacts of Ethnic Tourism on Hill Tribes in Thailand† (Kayoko Ishii, 2011) stated the economic bene? ts of ethnic tourism for tribal households that affect the division of labor and gender dynamics in the local minority community engaged in the tourism industry. Furthermore, â€Å"Indigenous Tourism in Australia† (Martina Horakova, 2003) deals in analyzing both the positive and negative impacts of tourism in Aboriginal communities in Australia. The thesis shows that no one could really conclude that the overall effect of indigenous tourism on Aboriginal communities is either bad or good. This thesis intends to present that even though there are negative impacts, the positive ones could actually eliminate those and that indigenous tourism could give Aboriginal peoples the opportunity to re-create and state their identities through the interaction and exposure to tourists. The communication between tourists and Aboriginal peoples is productive in many aspects. It provides tourists with information that cannot be obtained elsewhere, and it helps to restore Aboriginal peoples? self-esteem and pride in their cultural heritage. Consequently, they are more willing to share their knowledge with the outer world. And, by telling their stories, they contribute greatly to the reconciliation. Thus, it could be concluded that Indigenous tourism becomes â€Å"reconciliation tourism† (Higgins-Desbiolles 223), when operated sensitively and carefully. Local Literature The Philippine Tourism According to Etravel Philippines (2000), The Philippines, Pearl of the Orient Seas, is very rich in natural resources. Filipinos are by nature creative and intelligent. The richness of the environment is an advantage for their livelihood. Around 15 million hectares, or almost half of the Philippines’ total land area, are classified as timberland. Most of the land here was densely forested before the 1900s. However, the following century saw the loss of half of Philippine forests. Statistics show that deforestation claimed 204,000 hectares per year from 1950 to 1978. From 1989 to 1995, only 116,332 hectares were vanishing annually. Environmentalist groups are trying to protect Philippine forests, but a lot needs to be done in the campaign for reforestation as well as the fight against illegal logging. Philippine forests produce timber for local consumption and for export. Hardwood products coming from these timbers are globally known for their distinct appearance and high quality, which makes them appropriate as home furnishings. Wooden furniture, such as tables and chairs, are usually made of hardwood, popularly known as narra. Most Philippine forests are of the tropical rainforest type. Besides extensive reserves of tropical evergreen hardwoods, the country also has considerable areas of pine in the mountainous regions of Northern Luzon. With a coastal ecosystem stretching almost 20,000 km, the Philippines is likely to become one of the earliest victims of rising ocean temperatures and levels. Centuries-old coral reefs are dying almost overnight, and the destruction is being witnessed not only by divers in remote spots. Regional marine science studies estimated in the middle of 1999 that the Philippines’ magnificent underwater world would be gone by around 2100. Reports say that increased sea temperatures were causing â€Å"mass coral bleaching events† in the world’s best coral reefs. Something has to be done to reduce global warming caused by the burning of oil, coal, and gas. The Philippines has extensive but small river systems and streams, which are mostly depicted by the mountain ranges. The fluvial system of Luzon is made up of (1) Rio Grande de Cagayan and its tributaries (a stream that flows into a larger body of water), which drain the Cagayan Valley; (2) the Agno Grande which drains Benguet and the valleys of Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan and Tarlac; (3) the Abra River system, which receives its tributaries from the Cordillera and drains Lepanto, Bontoc, and the Abra; and (4) the Rio Grande de Pampanga and its tributaries, which drain the fertile valfeys of Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Bulacan. Schoolmeester (2004), expound that most of the islands in the Philippines are very small. Many of these small islands as well as the bigger islands, have a lot to offer to tourists. There are many possibilities for typical â€Å"sun, sea and beach holidays† and for specific adventure holidays. You can even meet the whale sharks and swim close to them. For tourists who want to discover geographically interesting landscapes or who want to meet mountain tribes, the Philippines has it all! As an archipelagic island, the Philippines offers countless attractions to see, such as the famous white sand beaches of Boracay, big shopping centers of Metro Manila, rice terraces of Ifugao, diving sites of Palawan, lush forests of Bohol, heritage houses in Vigan, and the cultural attractions of Manila. Metro Manila, the national capital region of the country, is known for being one of the best shopping destinations in Asia; its wide collection of shopping centers offer a range of local and international shops. Numerous shopping malls can be found around the metropolis, especially in the business and financial districts of Ortigas Center and Bonifacio Global City, while high-end shopping centers are mostly located at the Ayala Center in Makati. Despite the rise of modern shopping centers, traditional Filipino shopping areas still remain around the metropolis. Located just approximately 315 km (196 mi) south of Manila is Boracay; it is known for its white sand beaches and has been a favorite island destination for local and foreign visitors. In 2012, Boracay received the best island award from the international travel magazine Travel + Leisure. Boracay was also named as the second best beach in the world. Aside from its white sand beaches, Boracay is also known for being a popular destination for relaxation, tranquility and for an exciting nightlife (Malig, 2012). Mindanao, the southernmost island of the Philippines is home to the country’s tallest mountain, Mount Apo. The mountain features a wide range of flora and fauna and is home to over 272 bird species, 111 of which are endemic to the area. Mount Apo is also home to the country’s national bird, the Philippine Eagle. Mount Apo is a popular destination for hiking and mountain activities. The Indigenous People in the Philippines Jocano (1998) said that the earliest known attempt of classifying Filipinos into specific racial groupings were based mainly on anthropometric measurements and ocular inspections of skeletal remains as well as the physical appearances of living populations. The inhabitants of the country could be divided into: (1) Negritos – the small, dark-skinned group, which included the Negrito of Bataan, Ata of Luzon, and Mamanwa of Mindanao; (2) Malays – the brown-skinned group, which included the inhabitants of Bicol, Bisayas, and southern Luzon (Montano suspected the Malays to have Chinese, Indonesian, and Arabic blood); (3) Indonesian group – the group similar to the Malays in complexion, which included the Samal, Bagobo, Guianga, Ata, Tagakaolo, Tagbanua, Manubo, Mandaya, and Bilaan. Group 2 and 3 were said to have reached the Philippines in two waves of migration. The Indonesians were the first to come, followed by the Malays. The Aetas in the Philippines Of the scores of indigenous communities that comprise roughly 14 per cent of the Filipino people, the Agta are unquestionably the most widely distributed geographically. Popularly regarded as aboriginal, they are variously known as Mamanua in Surigao, Ata Manobo in Davao, Ati in Panay, Ata and Ati in Negros, Batak in North Central Palawan, Ayta and Ita in Central Luzon, Ata in Western Cagayan, and Agta or Aggay along the Sierra Madre Mountain Range facing the Pacific Ocean or more accurately the Philippine Sea from Palaui Island off San Vicente in Santa Ana, Cagayan south or northern Isabela Province. Farther south of the range, in Aurora and Quezon provinces, they are called Dumagat (Galang, 2006). The Aeta live in the northern part of the Philippines on the island of Luzon. Historians and Anthropologists debate precisely when and how they migrated here, the consensus being that they crossed from the island of Borneo between 20 and 30 thousand years ago, using a land bridge that was partially covered by water around 5,000 years ago – the remaining part of which is now part of Palawan. Whatever the migration path was, they are without doubt among the first – if not the first – inhabitants of the Philippines. One area of that country where the Aetas had lived for thousands of years was Mount Pinatubo (Waddington, 2002). Aetas are known to be one of the descendants of the original inhabitants of the Philippines. They previously occupied the outlying areas near the coastline and riverbeds, but were forced to resettle in the mountains by the coming of the migrants. Belonging to the ethnic group, Negrito, these mountain dwellers are classified and identified as Aytas or Aetas — small stature, kinky hair, dark brown skin, and big brown eyes (Hiromu Shimizu, 1989). The small body of Aetas is nicely proportioned of strong, hardy stock, muscular and able to endure hardship of their life, such as going with little food for several days; they also have high forehead, prominent cheek bones, flat nose, round black eyes and scanty beard. They have highly trained and keen sense of hearing and sight since one of their sources of living is hunting. They also have bright, inquisitive minds and an extensive knowledge of woodcraft but they lack of abstract ideas and can hardly count beyond 4 or 5. Though their happiness is like a child’s happiness, they smile and laugh even if they are worried; they are kind and peaceful little folks and very devoted to their relatives, friends and with high moral standard like honesty (Wilson, 1953) The Pinatubo Aytas (Aytas in Zambales). Studies of cultural change following the occurrence of the natural hazards like volcanic eruptions usually focuses on the propensity of the stricken society to suffer from damage caused by an event, they stress the vulnerability or the condition of a society which makes it possible for a hazard to become a disaster (Canoon, 1994). According to Shimizu (1992), In the early years following the awakening of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, there was a generalized fear that the eruption might turn into a cultural disaster for the Aeta ethnic minority of Central Luzon which was expected to be in a crisis of survival. A decade after the disaster, a certain level of cultural change has indeed been observed in the indigenous society. prior to the eruption, the Aeta in Zambales occupied only the slopes of the Mt. Pinatubo and, in particular, the tablelands stretching from the volcano to the coast range between Botolan and San Marcelino. In April 2001, Banzon-Bautista with the initial signs of the restlessness of the volcano, almost all of the Aetas communities were immediately evacuated. However, an unknown number of Aetas refused to leave their homes and perished during the eruption. According to oral accounts, a score of Aeta found shelter in caves that were eventually buried by pyroclastic flowers. According to Gaillard (2006), All the Aeta communities located on the upper flanks of Mt. Pinatubo prior to the eruption had to abandon their small villages which had been buried under these thick, hot pyroclastic and ash fall deposits, which prevent the immediate reoccupation of the settlements. Most of these Aeta have been relocated in the government resettlement sites, either on the lower slopes of the volcano or on the foothills. Today, these resettlement sites are the largest Aeta settlements. All these settlements are nowadays concentrated on the lower flanks of Mt. Pinatubo in the immediate proximity of lowland villages and towns occupied by Kapampangan people, the dominant ethnic group of the Southwestern part of the Central Plain of Luzon. Henceforth, there are no Aeta communities left isolated on the upper flanks of Mt. Pinatubo. All have established regular contact with the lowlanders. According to 1973 census, the Pinatubo Aytas covers almost majority of the 20,000 population of the Negrito groups. Pinatubo Aytas declined to accept and entertain the influence of the outside forces or the lowlanders and continually preserve their distinct culture and tradition until the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1996 when they were forced to go down the plains and mountains and lived in the resettlement areas together with the lowlanders. These endanger their culture and tradition because they learned to adapt the ways of the lowlanders (Tubera, 2006). In line with this, they no longer possess their original language instead they adopted the lowlanders’ language called Sambal Language, thus, the acceptance of the jurisdiction of the municipal government which opened them further to the culture of the lowlanders whom they called as bawbanowa (town people). They have not just acquired the Sambal Language but also their techniques and rituals in agriculture; and their concepts of spirits, curing rituals, and burial customs. However, the Aytas assimilated only those cultural elements suitable to their social reality. This selective assimilation contributed to the stability and continuity of the Aytas’ culture. The feeling of antagonism towards the lowlanders made them preserve their own cultural heritage. Despite of being aware of the changing environment and society downhill they insisted to not to adopt and or develop a well integrated sociopolitical system beyond the family groupings and the village order. Hence, without the presence of the integrated system their history is not detailed, only those eve.

Microeconomics about Fresh Water Supply Essay

Scarcity of fresh water is emerging as the most critical resource issue which world is facing in recent years. The signs of a shrinking water supply can be seen worldwide. Many restaurants no longer provide a free glass of water to diners and cities restrict its use for private pools and gardens. The supply of fresh water is limited, but with the increase in population, the demand of water increases rapidly. We use water faster from our resources than it can be replaced. This paper will discuss the issues regarding fresh water supply in the future with the already shrinking resources and fast growing world population, pollution of major water resources, impact of climate changes and longer drought seasons etc. The major factor of increasing water usage is the faster growth of world’s population. Demand for water is also rising due to increase in economic activities, urbanization and people’s lifestyles. Moreover, increasing population is shrinking the supply of water. Despite the fact that 75 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, only 2. 5 percent of it is fresh water, and three-quarters of that is locked up in the form of glaciers and ice caps in polar areas, where human reach is nearly impossible. Only 0. 3 percent of the water is surface water, found in rivers and lakes. The rest is buried deep in the ground. (Hinrichsen & Tacio, 2001) The root cause of current global water crisis, especially in the third world countries, is population and there is a serious need to meet this crisis with modern techniques of water management. In the age of population explosion, more water is required for irrigation and we need to develop a sound planning to utilize water resources. Water scarcity has become a greater concern at present as people were facing shortage of water. Because of overpopulation, mass consumption, misuse, and water pollution, the availability of drinking water per capita is inadequate and shrinking. Because of population growth – coupled with industrialization and urbanization – will result in an increasing demand for water and will have serious consequences on the environment. The connection of Fresh Water and population is much closed, increase in population, urbanization affect the quality and availability of water resources. Also, population growth enhances the demand of fresh water for agriculture use, and house hold consumption. Scares and contaminated water supply also cause health problems. The shortage of water may arises political conflicts among countries, the example is India and Pakistan, both of them shares two or more rivers the India have advantage because he uses upstream water and the left is for Pakistan’s use. But they are not satisfied with all this, and try to get more and more by agreements and table talks. Some times it seems that they both are ready to fight for water, this type of situation is dangerous for the economy of both countries. (Hinrichsen & Tacio, 2001) Water is a strategic resource in the globe and an important element in many political conflicts. Some have predicted that clean water will become the â€Å"next oil†, making Canada, with this resource in abundance, possibly the richest country in the world. The Middle East region has only 1 percent of the world’s available fresh water, which is shared among 5 percent of the world’s population. Thus, in this region, water is an important strategic resource. By 2025, it is predicted that the countries of the Arabian Peninsula will be using more than double the amount of water naturally available to them. Jordan, for example, has little water, and dams in other countries have reduced its available water sources over the years. Other dispute on water is on river Gangus between India and Bangladesh. India controls the flow to Bangladesh. The two countries have now signed an agreement to use the water of Gangus River equally to prevent further conflicts in future. (Water Politics, 2008) As shortage of water increases by time to time, many countries of the world try to prevent this shortage by making laws and strategies for efficient use of water in house holds and industrial sectors. They attempt to make water reservoirs like dams and barrages to control the flow of water down stream and to fully utilize the river water and make it sure that not a single drop of water wastes. Dams are emerged as the major step which different governments take to overcome the crisis of water. There are at least 40,000 dams that are built to date in the world. (Hinrichsen & Tacio, 2001) Among these countries, India is the one, who increasingly rely on Dams to meet its water needs. The shortage of water may arises political conflicts among countries, the example is India and Pakistan, both of them uses 2 or more than 2 rivers the India have advantage of having the upstream water of all the major rivers which flow towards Pakistan. Thus there is a high probability of emergence of any new conflict over fresh water between these two countries. There are some other countries which have very little amount of fresh water within their boundaries, so they must use alternate way to get fresh water. They must resort to the conversion of sea water into fresh water to fulfill their needs, not to mention land locked countries. The process is known as Desalination. Without this process they are not able to support there population. The technology is very high energy consuming and is very expensive; it is beyond the reach of most poor countries which facing water shortage, like some countries of Africa. (Hinrichsen & Tacio, 2001) The major use of water is in Agriculture sector, industrial sector and by house holds. With the increase in population, the usage requirements are rise proportionally. Increase in population’s living standards, increases per capita water consumption. Increasing Agricultural and Industrial usage reflects improving in living standards. Agriculture Dominates global water use, accounting for 69 percent of all water withdrawals. Industry accounts for about 23 percent, followed by municipal consumption at 8 percent. (Hinrichsen & Tacio, 2001) In the coming years, population of world grows rapidly and the per capita consumption of water in coming years shrinks the world’s water resources, as a result the demand for water exceeds more than reserves to provide it. It is expected in future that a large number of countries facing water shortage due to exceeding demand of water. Water demand is also rises due to the growth of industrial usage, rising demand for household consumption and increasing use of water for irrigation to produce more food to feed rising population of world. Take United States of America as an example, while the average American in 1900 just consume 10 cubic meter of water per year for personal and household use, that figure had jumped by an average of 200 cubic meters a year. (Hinrichsen & Tacio, 2001) Most people in developing countries get their water from a public tap, community wells, rivers, lakes and rain water collected from ponds. As most of the developing countries become urban, people get their water from city water system. As we know that cities are ever growing larger and larger, their demand for water increases with the increase in population. Such growth of population puts pressure on city’s water reservoirs and most of them are unable to provide or fulfill that demand due to lack of resources. In Middle East, the amount of renewable water is declining due to increase in population. â€Å"The practice of heavily subsidizing water is costing Middle East governments dearly, both in terms of revenues and efficiency. Governments in the region, advised by water industry experts, are realizing that a fresh approach is required, one based on managing the region’s scarce water resources, rather than just reacting to uncontrollable consumer demand,† says Edmund O’Sullivan, Chairman of MEED Events. (Mideast faces fresh water crisis, By Staff Writer on Sunday, March 16, 2008) Due to shrinking water supply in Dubai, last month, the Dubai and Water Authority increased the tariff of water and electricity. This was the first time; Dubai has increased the tariff since 1998. â€Å"Tariff increases are bound to be met with resistance, so a gradual approach may be the best way forward. Although the change will not apply to UAE nationals, the biggest consumers of water, it is a step in the right direction. Managing existing water assets better could go some way to reducing the need for new capacity,† O’Sullivan said. (Mideast faces fresh water crisis, By Staff Writer on Sunday, March 16, 2008) Another major cause of shrinking water supply is water pollution; it becomes a major problem for all the countries of world, developed countries in Europe and North America face problems due to water pollution. In many countries of world, especially in developing countries, lakes, rivers and streams are used as receptacles for an assortment of industrial wastes, including untreated and partially treated municipal sewage, industrial poisons, and dangerous chemicals that mix into surface and ground water during agricultural activities. Caught between scare and polluted supply of water, and rising demand from population and industrial sector, most of developing countries are facing difficulties to provide demanded amount of fresh and clean water (Hinrichsen & Tacio, 2001). As the World Bank has warned, lack of water is likely to be the major factor limiting economic development in the decades to come (Serageldin, 1995). More than half of the world’s rivers are now so polluted that they pose serious health risks. One-third of Africa’s people already endure conditions of water scarcity, and water supplies are in jeopardy in China, India, Japan, Spain, southern France, Australia, the southwestern U. S. and many other parts of Asia and Europe. Rapidly growing populations, ever-increasing pollution, desertification and falling water tables endanger a fragile, finite resource. Toxic chemicals are contaminating water, endangering the world’s most precious supplies of water. Toxic brew of pesticides, nitrogen fertilizers, industrial chemicals, and heavy metals is fouling water everywhere, and that the damage is often worst in the very places where people most need water. In the next 50 years, an additional 3 billion people are expected to inhabit the Earth, creating even more demand for water for drinking, irrigation, and industry. But we’re polluting our cheapest and most easily accessible supply of water. (Sampat, 2000) Distribution of Freshwater: One major issue that is likely to have a major impact on freshwater’s supply and demand in the years to come is that of distribution. Like many other natural resources, freshwater’s distribution around the globe is extremely uneven. Areas inhabiting less than one third of the world’s population currently receive more than 75% of the annual rainfall. With global warming rapidly changing the environmental outlook of the globe, this natural distribution of freshwater is likely to become even more uneven. In some regions, where freshwater is available in abundance or annual rainfall is moderate enough to meet the demands of the local population, lack of proper resources and infrastructure restricts access to the freshwater supply. For instance, in South Asia, rainfall is the major source of freshwater. However, above 80 percent of the rainwater runs off too quickly to be effectively utilized. A number of methods and processes have been developed over the years to preserve freshwater resources and to ensure that runoff from the rainfall doesn’t go wasted. Dams and desalination are the two most commonly used processes world over. It should however be noted that not all countries suffering from shortage of water supply have enough resources to properly develop or employ such methods for the preservation of freshwater supply. Freshwater Resources: The Microeconomic Perspective: From a microeconomic perspective, the cost of freshwater is likely to increase sharply as soon as the planet starts running out of resources. Decline in quality of available freshwater resources such as river or lakes, change in rainfall trends and drying up of glaciers are some of the many factors that will eventually lead to a decline in the supply of freshwater in different parts of the world. Demand, on the other hand, will continue to increase as a result of an increase in population, lifestyle changes and improvement in quality of life in developing economies. The result will be a shift in the supply curve. In simple terms the price for freshwater will shoot up in the long run. There will be severe economic as well as sociopolitical consequences of such a shift in the supply curve. Economies suffering from freshwater shortages are already facing challenges that directly impact their economic performance and social progress. The only way out of this disaster is broad and extensive collaborative initiatives by the world nations to ensure the fresh water supply in the future. There should be immediate measures to be taken to sort out and cope with the problem of pollution of fresh water resources, because it is the most fatal blow on our already shrinking resources. Comprehensive awareness programs should be launched in every part of the world on local community bases so that the individuals become aware of the danger they are about to face in the near future and be prepared for it. Deliberate misuse of water should be considered a crime and extensive punitive measures should be taken in order to curb deliberate misuse and pollution of water supplies and resources. The overall condition of fresh water supply gives a clear indication that in the near future the fresh water supply will not only will be reduced but it will also become costly and the consequences will be very harsh and brutal for poor people who are already deprived off clean water supply may be completely left without water supply in the future. If immediate measures are not taken there is a very high probability that fresh water will become a luxury of the elite only and the commoners will have to survive without it if they can survive. References Hirichsen, Don & Tacio, Henrylito, (2001) The Coming Fresh Water Crisis is Already Here, Wilson Center, Retrieved on 17th March 2008 http://www. wilsoncenter. org/topics/pubs/popwawa2. pdf Middle East Faces Fresh Water Crisis, (2008) Emirates Business 24/7, Retrieved on 18th March 2008 http://www. business247. ae/cs/article_show_mainh1_story. aspx? HeadlineID=3929 Sampat Payal, (2000) The Hidden Freshwater Crisis, World Watch Institute Retrieved on 18th March 2008. http://www. worldwatch. org/node/1684 Water Politics, (2008) Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved on 17th March 2008 http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Water_politics#Water_as_a_critical_resource Saijel Kishan and Madelene Pearson, Bloomberg News Published: Monday, July 03 2006 http://www. canada. com/edmontonjournal/news/business/story. html? id=60e8a4c1-b733-4f96-a85c-d723c1f4e221&k=50181 http://www. business24-7. ae/cs/article_show_mainh1_story. aspx? HeadlineID=3929

Characteristics of Capabilities and Resources of Carrefour

All groups (5 students in a group) should read Case Study Carrefour, and elaborate the following issues related to the Case with justifiable theories. 1. Since 2004, Carrefour has been in a re-launching process, because of a growing competition both on a worldwide level and in many specific country markets. Conduct a SWOT analysis for the group and discuss critically the multi format approach in this context. 2. Conduct General environment analysis with justifiable theories. 3. Conduct Industry environment analysis with justifiable theories. . Discuss the characteristics of capabilities and resources of Carrefour. 5. Briefly explain the three types of international corporate-level strategies with some relevant theories and then discuss critically about Carrefour’s adopted international corporate-level strategy. 6. Discuss the level of diversification in Carrefour with referring to financial statement analysis. 7. Discuss the Relationship between customers and each of Carrefour ’s business level strategies (business formats) in terms of who, what and how? 8. Based on problem statement and your analysis, give suggestion how Carrefour can achieve competitive advantages and above average return or sustain competitive advantages and above average return. Justify your answer based on relevant theories. Page 1 of 1 Resource: 1. Sources used for this case study include the web sites http://www. carrefour. fr and http://www. carrefour. com , and various annual and interim reports, investor relations presentations as well as explicitly cited sources. SUBMISSION INFORMATION The assignment must be completed by week 10. Late submission will be penalized. Please type the assignment in Times Roman 11/ Ariel 10 font, with one and half (1. 5) spacing (save paper) with numbered pages – The assignment should not be more than 15 pages. The cover page template for the report is given below. ALL facts in the assignment must be substantiated except those that are obviously common knowledge. This necessarily requires that the source of information be cited. For example, if a statement is made that the local economy is likely to get better or worse over the next five years, then the report MUST indicate the source of this expectation. RULES AND REGULATIONS †¢ †¢ You are assigned to complete this assignment as a group. You must write the assignment based on real information. SPECIFIC INFORMATION This assignment will be group work. If you cannot find a group, I will assign you to one of my choice. All the members of a group are required to contribute equally. If the contribution of the members is considerably unequal, you can agree on a different weighting scheme that reflects the contributions of each member. Lacking agreement, you will be asked to provide me with the details of each member’s contribution in writing, and I will decide the weights. Page 2 of 2

The Impact of Globalization in Singapore, With Reference To American Essay

The Impact of Globalization in Singapore, With Reference To American Brands and Goods - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that the globalization phenomenon is one of the most widespread phenomena in the world.   In recent years however, with the expansion of globalized activities, Asia has acquired various qualities which are distinctly western. In the West, Asian influence has also become slowly apparent. Singapore is a richly diverse country. It is an industrialised and highly developed country which lies in the middle of a diverse Asian and Western mix of cultures and economic activities. In so many ways, Singapore has acquired various qualities which seem to be distinctly western; moreover, American brands have also become more popular in the country. This paper is being carried out in order to establish a clear and comprehensive evaluation of the impact of globalization on the Asian culture, especially the culture of Singapore. Body First and foremost, American culture and goods have become popular in the world because the United States of America is on e of the most powerful nations in the world, economically, politically, and culturally. Its economy is one of the most extensive and progressive economies in the world. It is involved in almost every enterprise in the world, and most of its multinational corporations have set up conglomerates and subsidiaries in different parts of the world. Politically, its membership in the UN Security Council as well as in other international organizations has ensured that its opinion and position on various political concerns would have to be heard. Its culture has also gained a strong following among the youth population in different parts of the world. The internet has also spread the American culture, economy, and politics in different regions, including Asia. American culture and goods have become popular in the world because it is a culture which appeals to the young and vibrant population. The current generation has been bred in the internet age, where the definitions and foundations of be ing up-to-date or of being part of the majority crowd are based on one’s patronage of Lady Gaga or of one’s habit of eating at MacDonald’s. American culture and goods have become popular because these also carry the identity of a powerful country, and many countries and citizens from other parts of the world seek to identify themselves with such a country. The fact that many American shows, movies, and songs have become widely available to most countries has also assisted in the spread of American culture. Emulation has become one of the primary motivators for the growth of American culture, and since the popularity and reach of the culture of other countries is not as pervasive as the reach of the American culture, by overwhelming default, the American culture has become dominant. The culture in Singapore consists of a rich mixture of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western culture.

Education as a Path to Political Awareness in Malawi Research Paper

Education as a Path to Political Awareness in Malawi - Research Paper Example Breakdown in governance translated to extreme levels of poverty with the country’s general population being ravaged by famine year after year. The government’s unwillingness to address the needs and wants of the people in Malawi led to the decline in education standards that were established by the colonial leadership before independence. The lack of education in Malawi left people to rely on age-old traditional practices and customs because there was no other alternative available to them. Poverty was so ingrained that even those who wished to advance their lives through education ultimately failed in their endeavors because education ranked low in their priorities of life. Education is seen as a vital component of every sovereign country’s development agenda because it ensures that there will be an educated ad informed workforce to drive economic activities. Political awareness is advanced by education because the needs and wants for society are easily understa ndable to the literate than to the illiterate. Democracy is only feasible in a country where the population is educated thus, putting it in a position to understand the benefits of democracy over other institutions of governance. Education makes people aware of their rights both at an individual and national level, which makes them aware of their unique position of holding their governments accountable and answerable for their actions. Political awareness in Malawi was long suppressed through an indirect suppression of education in the country because the political elite knew the power of education. Banda knew that largely literate population would not condone his style of... From the report findings it is clear that education is touted as the key to success because it opens up people’s minds to new ideas, and brings understanding of concepts and perspectives that work to improve their lives and those around them. The dictatorship in Malawi undermined education efforts because of the widespread corruption and disregard of public service. As the paper stresses political awareness is advanced by education because the needs and wants for society are easily understandable to the literate than to the illiterate. Democracy is only feasible in a country where the population is educated thus, putting it in a position to understand the benefits of democracy over other institutions of governance. Education makes people aware of their rights both at an individual and national level, which makes them aware of their unique position of holding their governments accountable and answerable for their actions. Political awareness in Malawi was long suppressed through an indirect suppression of education in the country because the political elite knew the power of education. Banda knew that largely literate population would not condone his style of leadership and his popularity as the leader for life would diminish. This can be exhibited by the fact that the few who got a chance to get an education rose up or were intolerant of Bandaâ €™s tyranny, and they fled the country for fear of persecution. Education is the path to enlightenment including political and social awareness in Malawi and in any other country in the world.

Banking on a Beard Award Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Banking on a Beard Award - Assignment Example She will not gain from the business because the business will start making profits at the second year. Therefore, she will lose $135,000 plus the 25 percent bonus if she quits. If she considers the chances of getting promoted after the second year, then she will be losing 202,500 after getting the 50 percent pay raise. Then during the second year, she will have started getting profits from his business. Assuming that the net profit if her business is a modest success is 20 percent in the second year, then she will make a total of $40,000 during the second year. Therefore, the opportunity cost of leaving her current job will have lessened by the second year. In the third year, her profits will increase to 25 percent which means that she will get a profit of $50,000 in the third yea assuming that her business is a modest success. If she is not promoted in the three years, Jennifer will still be making earning $135,000 every year. there is also a probability that she will be terminated in the first year if she does not get the promotion which is not certain because she is competing with three other colleagues. Recommendations I would advise Jennifer to quit her current job and pursue her dream of becoming a restaurateur. This is because she has a 40 percent probability of succeeding in business compared to retaining her position. Jennifer has a 30 percent likelihood of losing her job because after the first year she will be promoted, retained in her current position or fired. Considering these options, it is better to pursue the business option. Suppose her business is a huge success and makes 20 percent profit in the first year 40 percent in the second year and 70 percent in the third year, then Jennifer will make $40,000, $80000 and $140,000 respectively for the three years. This indicates that she will have started to make an equivalent of what she is earning every year in her job. This justifies the decision to quit her job because it is not even certain wheth er she will still be holding the position by the third year. rather than wait until she is terminated in order to pursue her passion, Jennifer should do it right away because then she is not under any pressure and she has already saved for the initiative. She has an advantage in that she is a chef and has adequate experience in the trade, which raises the probability of succeeding in the business. Her move is well calculated considering that she has a target market in mind, which will include small- and medium-sized business customers in addition to their families. Her employer is also supportive and will be willing to finance her if her business plan is viable. Conclusion Jennifer should quit her position and pursue her passion to become a restaurateur because according to the decision tree and the assumptions in profits, she will be making an equivalent of her annual wages in profits in her venture. She should also be motivated to quit her position because she is not guaranteed of the job as she has a 33 percent probability of getting a termination. Decision trees are significant tools of drawing a conclusion because they assist in clarifying the issues concerned and solve the predicament. In this case, the decision tree has assisted in calculation of the profits that Jennifer is likely to make while analyzing her future in her job in order to make a decision. Jennifer should thus forfeit her position and venture into business because she has a 40 percent probabili

Construction Technology, Services and Materials Assignment

Construction Technology, Services and Materials - Assignment Example Extrusion rates of twenty thousand bricks per hour are what modern brick manufacturers work with. Solid bricks used are of the size 215mm x 102.5mm x 65 mm and weighs 3 kg. But this varies from one region to the other. Harvesting of clay is by bulldozers, scrapers or mechanical shovels. Stockpiles are put to enable the blending of the various types of clay. The clay piles are fed to the primary crushers to reduce the size particle to 3mm or less (Kaushik, Rai & Jain, 2007). Conveyors carry the clay for secondary crushing in the pan mill whose base is perforated the crushed material to pass through (Lingling et al 2005). Clay particles fall between high-speed rollers for grinding. Wet clay is moulded into bricks. For this study the standard size of the manufactured brick is 215mm x 102.5mm x 65mm with a mass 3kg. This is according to the BS EN772 and the BS PAS 70 standard methods of testing. These methods ensure to control the weight, height and quality of the bricks which gives the overall strength. Bricks’ compressive strength varies according to the different qualities of clay material used and the firing method. Bricks made from white clay tend to be lighter and economical when firing. White bricks are fired at a temperature of about 12000C. Black or brown bricks are heavier and require a temperature of between 1500 to 20000C. Fired bricks are tested for strength before allowed on construction site. Compressive strengths of bricks range between 3.5MPa to over 50MPa (Demir 2008). The durability of the bricks cannot be fully determined by compressive strength. If this is done a false picture of may be painted leading to disaster. Clay products used in construction of structures to support heavy loads need thorough testing. One of the best method in the laboratory test of the bricks is to look at close tolerances and strength (Lingling et al

Critically review so called push and pull system of control for supply Essay

Critically review so called push and pull system of control for supply chains in the automotive sectore - Essay Example It is pretty obvious that the production process will most certainly be geared towards producing those items that are in greater demand as any business entity tries to shorten the working capital cycle as much as possible so as to generate maximum amount of profit in the shortest possible time frame. But there is one other element that affects the overall profitability of any organisation, and that is the volume of capital employed. As any student of management accounting is aware of, the quantum of capital employed in plant and machinery is more or less uniform across an industry as all players generally opt for the latest technology so as to enjoy maximum levels of operating efficiency. So, there is not much to differentiate between the competitors in that regard. But the area where the leaders leave the stragglers behind is supply chain management and inventory control. If a proper and taut control over inventory is not maintained, the level of capital employed can never be brough t down while keeping the operational efficiency intact. These days the management gurus are looking beyond the narrow and immediate confines of inventory management and are looking at managing the supply chain as a whole. Supply chain attempts to view the whole production process as a seamless entity that begins with market research for correctly evaluating consumer demand and follows the flow of inputs and services through the production process right till the time when the finished product reaches the final consumer. Thus this is a wider concept that includes all the stakeholders; right from the supplier that supplies raw materials to the final consumer that buys the product to satisfy a particular need. In between of course lie the producer, the labour and the service inputs from the tertiary sector of the economy. A supply chain in

Environmental focus - The Rights of Nature Latin America Essay

Environmental focus - The Rights of Nature Latin America - Essay Example Sumak Kawsay is a Quechua language, which is being spoken by the South American people. Sumak Kawsay is a Latin term, wherein Sumak means good and Kawsay means living, hence together the word means good living. Environmental right concept has been introduced in the Bolivian Constitution along with the Sumak Kawsay conception with minor variation. However, the same constitution confers the right to the people to exploit the nature. Therefore, there lays tension amid the welfare affairs of state and the right of nature1. According to Eckersley, an Australian researcher, deciphered that environmental catastrophe is occurring in every count. In his research, he pointed out the conglomeration of political, environmental and ecological thoughts that bridge the gap persists amongst these and also outlines the green political viewpoint. He also pointed out that environmental calamity is a threat to human life, which is not regarded as a scientific trouble, but involves literary and trait structure. He further emphasised the need for trans-evaluation and undergoing through new eco-centrically based thoughts and assessment2. The Western world witnessed the need to protect the environment from varied catastrophes. Pesticides, nuclear control plants, noxious squander dumps and large size industrial contamination among others contribute into catastrophic destruction of the nature. In the present scenario, political and environmental theory are blended together to develop environment based consciousness amid the people. The environment concept is the basis of the current legislation made by distinct nations while legislating in any particular affair3. With this concern, the essay intends to make an environmental focus on the rights of the nature with special attention to Bolivia. Various significant aspects including depicting about the representativeness of the nature, factors promoted the constitutional change to include the rights of nature in

Social Problems Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Social Problems - Research Paper Example It is estimated that more than 70000 women die each year due to post abortion complications, deaths which can be controlled through effective monitoring (Heary, 2009). Abortion occurs under two major scenarios i.e. Therapeutic abortion, which is when it is necessitated by the need to save the mother from harm, usually prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner as well as elective abortion, which is when a pregnant woman decides on her own to request for the procedure (Baumgardner, 2008). This paper is a critical evaluation of abortion as a societal dilemma. Abortion Abortion is a process, which can be dated back to more than 1000 years ago, as it is believed that the first case was documented approximately 1550 BC (Baumgardner, 2008). During this time, the practice was viewed as a normal way of birth control and even the church had not at that time deemed it as totally ungodly as it is in the present. In fact, the only restriction the church and the authorities at that time had w as only if quickening could be felt then abortion was considered as unacceptable. Quickening is a term that refers to the movements of the fetus in the uterus and which can be felt by the pregnant woman. In this context, a woman was not permitted to abort a child if quickening had already taken place. In the early US history, it was considered a normal practice to advertise abortion, before quickening, services. It may be important to note that during this time, industrial revolution had not taken place and therefore, the field of medicine had not developed enough to facilitate surgical operations. As a result, abortion was achieved through primitive means such as administration of strong herbs, performing strenuous activities such as weight lifting as well as other vigorous activities, applying pressure on the abdomen for example by lying on a hot coconut shell among others (Baumgardner, 2008). It was not until late 19th century that the legality of abortion in various states began to receive opposition from medical practitioners, civil societies, and the church among other influential groups in the society. According to Baumgardner (2008), some of these groups were motivated by the assumption that the indigenous populations would be dominated by immigrants, whose rate of child bearing was becoming higher than that of the locals. To avoid this, laws were put in place to control and reduce birth control through abortion, in order to maintain and increase their numbers. Similarly, legal health professionals wanted to drive native doctors out of business so as to protect their own business interests. Consequently, they championed for a legislation to outlaw abortion with the exception of therapeutic abortion, which requires the intervention of a qualified health practitioner. Apparently, traditional doctors and midwives were not considered to be qualified and therefore had to close down or work from the underground. It is after these developments that the issue of abortion became contentious, with women rights activists demanding the withdrawal of these legislations while others demanded the opposite (Heary, 2009). Unlike abortion in the ancient times where there was a societal consensus on its legality, the modern society is divided along numerous issues for example its morality. Ancient societies may be forgiven for they may be considered to have been living in a primitive society, which had no basic structures strong

A Christmas Carol Essay Example for Free

A Christmas Carol Essay I think that the Ghost of Christmas yet to come had the most powerful impact on Scrooge because it showed him his future that he didn’t want to see and how when he died, nobody cared about his death. Scrooge admitted how he feared this spirit the most, â€Å"I feared you more†, because he was scared to see what his future had to hold after he was finally beginning to realise that his actions have consequences after being visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past and the Ghost of Christmas Present. Scrooge assumes that the last spirit is going to show him himself in the future which is why he is willing to learn all that he can and he is firstly eager to find out what the spirit has to show him. When the spirit takes Scrooge into the part of the town that he has never seen before and they listen to the two people who are selling Scrooge’s belongings talk so negatively of him, he is horrified but he doesn’t yet realise that they are speaking about him. The spirit takes Scrooge to the Cratchit house where he learns of the death of Tiny Tim and this has a huge impact on Scrooge because even though he is presented as a cold hearted, selfish character, he grew fond on Tiny Tim which is why it upset Scrooge so much. Scrooge sees how heartbroken the Cratchit family are about Tiny Tim’s death which shows to him the importance of family and he realises that he should have spent more time with his family during his life. This could be a turning point for Scrooge and could be one of the main reasons why he decided to change his ways. Scrooge also knows that it is partly his own fault for the death of Tiny Tim because if he would have paid Bob Cratchit more, they would have had more money to treat Tim. This had a powerful impact on Scrooge because he realised that if he wouldn’t have been so selfish with his money and only cared about himself, the future could have been different. Scrooge begs to know the identity of the dead man that everyone has been talking about but is horrified when the spirit takes him to the graveyard where he sees his name on the gravestone. After this we see a totally different side to Scrooge that we haven’t yet seen as he is presented as a vulnerable, scared man when he is begging the spirit to change the future. Scrooge doesn’t like the idea that he is going to die a lonely man and vows that he is going to change how he is and he â€Å"will honour Christmas in his heart†. This has the most powerful impact of all on Scrooge because this is the main reason why he completely changes and learns to love Christmas. After seeing the Ghost of Christmas yet to come, Scrooge wakes up  as a new man after seeing what his future has to hold and believing that he has the chance to change it.

Distribution of Power within the Political Community

Distribution of Power within the Political Community In Max Webers Distribution of Power within the Political Community, he discusses three concepts: class, status and parties. Weber begins by arguing power is the fate of men that try to grasp their will, even against that of others within the same society. He discusses two types of power: economic and social. Economic being the ability to determine what is to be done with materials and commodities, regarding production, consumption, etc. Social power overlaps with economic power, but also includes legal and political power. This concept, however according to Max Weber means, the way in which social honor is distributed in a community between typical groups participating in this distribution.(247). Therefore, the distribution of power within a community is based on three important aspects: class, status, and parties. This paper will summarize Webers main points; include a comparison of ideas with an author previously discussed in lecture, and my interpretation of what Max Weber is argu ing in his 1914 excerpt. Sociologist Max Weber first begins his article by discussing class. When identifying class there are three points Weber outlines. These points consist of 1) a specific casual ingredient of peoples fate (in terms of living conditions, materialistic possessions to see the level of power and wealth one has) among various actors, 2)is based on economic interests and wealth, and 3) is represented under the conditions of the labour market. Therefore, class situation ultimately signifies a situation where people are found with the same characteristics in regards to class. According to Weber, in society, there are two types of people, property owners and property-less. Quite apparent would be the fact that property owners are of course privileged, while the property-less live day-to-day trying to sell their services in the market. Wages and skill level are dependent on the service being provided. This depends on communal action (oriented on basis of shared belief or affiliation). In oppositi on, societal action deals with adjusting ones interests-not to sense a shared purpose, but to recognize shared interests. In order for either action to occur, everyone has to be familiar with the differences between wealth and opportunity, but must be seen as a result of property distribution and economic power. In the excerpt it says something along the lines of class antagonism is a simple state of affairs that has frequently been decisive for the role of class situation has played in formation of political parties. The second aspect Weber argues is status. Status, according to him means communities, unlike class. Status is defined as the likelihood that your fate is determined by social honor, also known as prestige. The common link of status group is a similar life style which is established based on wealth and income. According to Weber, there are social restrictions that are reflected in prestige-marriage patterns and residence. Rituals are a big deal within a caste. Members are prohibited from having any contact with any other group that is considered lower than that of their own-especially when the differences are ethnic. In caste structure, ethnic distinctions have become functional distinctions within the political association.(253) Weber also touches upon social stratification, which according to him, goes hand in hand with a monopolization of ideal and material goods or opportunities (253) Of course those stratified above others are more privileged and oppose the distribution of power that is regulated through the labour market and based on wealth. When economic stratification barely changes, changes regarding status tend to increase. Thirdly, Max Weber discusses parties. Parties as said by him are organized power. They are a mixture of both class (economic order) and status (social order). Parties aim to influence social action and aim to enforce their goals within both a legal and political realm. A party is never just associated with a class situation or status. A party puts in a great effort in order to achieve political control, and it all depends on how a community is classified-by status or class. Though this paper is about Max Weber, it is important to compare sociologists to one another based on their concepts and ideas. One author discussed in lecture was Karl Marx. Marx and Webers theories are not quite different from one another. Marx also believed that classes refer to economy but in a different sense. Marx saw class as being connected with means of production, in contrast Weber linked class to the factors previously discussed: prestige, wealth, and most importantly power. Both men had agreed that the more skills one has, the higher there wage is. Weber however, supposed that the differences in peoples wages suggested ones material conditions, hence why there are different types of social action. Also, Marx saw the divisions of class as an important source in society in regards to social conflict unlike Weber. In his article, Distribution of Power within a Political Community, one may accept as true what Max Weber had to say. In order for a political party to be formed, one must be wealthy, therefore prestigious, and ultimately have the power to dominate. Though one may face obstacles due to the fact that there are others competing for the same position who share the same status, or class, also known as communal action. Weber does an excellent job in distinguishing the differences among class and status, though when mixed may influence the formation of a political party. Unlike other authors discussed in lecture, Max Weber, I have found to be the easiest to comprehend and definitely agree with.

Tesco Strategy Analysis

Tesco Strategy Analysis Introduction First I will start with brief introduction of the firm I am writing about. Tesco is the largest food retailer in UK, operating around 2,318 stores worldwide. Tesco operates around 1,878 stores throughout the UK, and also operates stores in the rest of Europe and Asia. Tesco.com is a wholly-owned subsidiary offering a complete online service, including tescodirect.com and tesco.net. The company also offers a range of both online and offline personal finance services. Tesco is headquartered in Hertfordshire, UK. For the year ended February 2004 Tesco PLC achieved revenues that totaled  £33,557 million, an increase of 18.7% against the previous year’s revenues that were  £28,280 million. (5) History This part I have divided into three main fraction: Grows; Marketing/management strategy and competition during each particular period of time. Competition is included here for the reason that I am strongly persuaded that it is the main driving force for any business. Pre 1980 Grows The Tesco brand first appeared in 1924. Name was formed by using the first three letters of the suppliers name (TES), and the first two letters of a brand creator surname ((CO) Jack Cohen), forming the word TESCO. Tesco floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1947 as Tesco Stores (Holdings) Limited. The first self service store opened in St Albans in 1951 (still operational in 2008 as a Metro), and the first supermarket in Maldon in 1956. During the 1950s and the 1960s Tesco grew organically, but also through acquisitions until it owned more than 800 stores. The company purchased 70 Williamsons stores (1957), 200 Harrow Stores outlets (1959), 212 Irwins stores (1960), 97 Charles Phillips stores (1964) and the Victor Value chain (1968) (sold to Bejam in 1986). (3) Marketing strategy Tesco introduced the new superstore concept for Britain. After a few years from appearance (1968) superstore became very popular for it’s vide range of products at competitive price. In 1974 company introduced its first gas station which had lower price for petrol but was adjacent to Tesco superstore. (1) 1980s In May 1987 Tesco completed its hostile takeover of the Hillards chain of 40 supermarkets in the North of England for  £220 million 1990s Grows 1995 Tesco overtook Sainsbury and became UK largest supermarket. In the 90s international expansion began: France (1992) Hungary (1994) Poland (1995) Czech Republic (1996) Slovakia (1996) Republic of Ireland (1997) Thailand (1998) South Korea (1999). Entering foreign markets in the first half of 90s was made mainly by purchasing already existing stores or joining the local retail leader. For example first stores in the Czech Republic were opened by buying US corporation Kmarts operations in the country and converting them into Tesco stores. In 1997 expansion to Asia market began from acquiring 13 shops from CP Group in Thailand and formed Tesco Lotus. In 1999 by joining with Samsung entrance to South Korea market was achieved. (3)(1) Marketing strategy Tesco introduced a loyalty card, branded Club card, in 1995. This card was giving discount but what is more important it gave an opportunity to keep a hand on a pulse of customers need and to collect all necessary data for future planning’s. New goals were set: Expansion to foreign market, developing of a nonfood products selling. Tescos main advertising slogan appeared Every little helps. Its advertisements in print and on television mainly consist of product shots (or an appropriate image, such as a car when advertising petrol) against a white background, with a price or appropriate text, e.g. Tesco Value, superimposed on a red circle. (1) On television, voiceovers are provided by recognizable actors and presenters, such as James Nesbitt, Jane Horrocks, Terry Wogan, Ray Winstone, Neil Morrissey, Martin Clunes, David Jason and Kathy Burke among others. In international expansion Tesco took to attention difference in tastes between different regions. While entering Central Eu rope market Tesco was instilling western standards of shopping by introducing large number of hypermarkets. (2) Also very big attention was devoted to customers’ needs usually it was represent in product line. In Czech Republic for example Tesco concentrated on providing Czech products in retail shops. In China, the locals preferred to buy live fish, turtles, meat and other popular products such as instant noodles, unlike in European countries. Tesco had to provide these in its hypermarkets to draw the Chinese customers. Similarly in Thailand, the customers spent a huge proportion of their income on fresh foods. To adapt to the shopping habits of the Thai customers, Tesco developed a fresh market hall an area adjacent to the main store, wherein 14 local vendors sold a range of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, ready-to-eat products and other local food products. This area was designed to provide the Thai customers with traditional and local atmosphere. Competition On 21 March 1997 Tesco announced the purchase of the retail arm of Associated British Foods which consisted of the Quinnsworth, Stewarts and Crazy Prices chains in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as associated businesses for  £640 million. The deal was approved by the European Commission on 6 May 1997. This acquisition gave it both a major presence in the Republic of Ireland, and a larger presence in Northern Ireland than Sainsburys which had begun its move into the province in 1995. Tesco’s nonfood marked faced a huge competition level in GB from such giants like ASDA and MarksSpenser. At the beginning of entrance to the Hungarian market main competition was represented by small family-run stores, which served immediate customer needs. The strategy against it was introducing more than 1000 its own label products at 20% cheaper price than branded ones. Later Auchan (Fr), Metro (gr) and Cora (Fr) entered Hungarian market and became the main competition. 2000s Grows After purchasing 35% share of Grocery Works in July 2001 Tesco became involved in the USA internet grocery retailing. In 2002 Tesco purchased 13 HIT hypermarkets in Poland. By purchasing TS Stores, owner of 870 convenience stores in the One Stop, Dillons and Day Nite chains in the UK it made a huge step in the homelands convenience store market. In October 2003 Tesco started UK telecoms division which added to existing already internet service provider business also mobile and home phone services. In June 2003 Tesco purchased the C Two-Network in Japan and acquired a majority stake in Turkish supermarket chain Kipa. In 2004 Tesco continued its acquiring parade by buying Adminstore, owner of 45 Cullens, Europe, and Harts convenience stores, in and around London. August same year broadband service was launched. In Thailand Tesco Lotus was a joint venture of the Charoen Pokphand Group and Tesco but facing criticism over the growth of hypermarkets CP Group sold its Tesco Lotus shares. In late 2005 Tesco acquired the 21 remaining Safeway/BP stores after Morrisons dissolved the Safeway/BP partnership. In mid 2006 Tesco purchased an 80% stake in Casinos Leader Price supermarkets in Poland. They will be rebranded into small Tesco stores. (3; 1) Marketing/management strategy Tesco`s international expansion strategy in Asia was mainly represented as joint ventures with the local partner firms like Samsung Group in South Korea (Samsung-Tesco Home plus), and Charoen Pokphand in Thailand (Tesco Lotus) due to sensitivity of local market for foreigners and a bit more complicated â€Å"know how† than the rest of the world. In these mergers local personnel has an assured quantitative domination in low and middle management positions. . It also formulate not big acquisitions an important part of its expansion strategy. For instance, in its 2005/2006 financial year it made acquisitions in South Korea, one in Japan and one in Poland. In September 2005 Tesco announced that it was selling its operations in Taiwan to Carrefour and purchasing Carrefours stores in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Both companies stated that they were concentrating their efforts in countries where they had strong market positions. (1) In May 2007 Tesco decided to move its online operations head office to Switzerland for the tax reasons. This allows it to sell CDs, DVDs and electronic games through its web site without charging VAT. This opportunity was closed by government in June 2008. Tesco has made a devotion to corporate social responsibility, by contributing of 1.87% in 2006 of its pre-tax profits to local communities’ charity organizations. (3) In 1992 Tesco started a computers for schools scheme, offering computers in return for schools and hospitals getting vouchers from people who shopped at Tesco. Until 2004,  £92m of equipment went to these organizations. The scheme has been also implemented in Poland.BITC Tesco Computers for Schools. Starting during the 2005/2006 association football season the company now sponsors the Tesco Cup, a football competition for young players throughout the UK. The cup now runs a boys competition at Under 13 level and two girls cups at Under 14 level and Under 16 level. Over 40,000 boys alone took part in the 2007/08 competitions. Competition Tesco was accused by the UK Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for being a part of a price cartel; among participants were top five UK supermarkets (Safeway, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsburys) and a number of milk, butter and cheese. The investigation started in 2007 and in the same year Asda, Sainsburys and Safeway adjudged them guilty in acting against consumer interest by covering of 5000 farmers support in recovering after the foot-and-mouth crisis. Total fine for them amounted  £116M. Tesco, on the other hand, maintain to deny any activity in this cartel, therefore it is investigated by the OFT. (3) Strategic analysis Industry analysis: PESTE. UK. Political Factors Because of employment legalization reasons, the state encourages big firms to be a representation of different kind of labor demand, starting from part time, lower-paid local jobs till higher-paid and centrally-located jobs. (7) This includes hiring students, disabled and elderly workers, who are paid lower rates but for the reason of a usually frequent staff turnover, these workers propose a higher level of devotion and therefore represent desirable labor supply. However at Tesco, an overwhelming majority perceived no difference in the treatment of part-time and full-time employees.(7) Moreover In a period of six years, Tesco procured employment to over 2,000 unemployed and disadvantaged people, according its job guarantee scheme. In this scheme the aim is to provide training and employment to people who are first-time workers, single parents and older people. (8) Competition Commissions ruling and have been lobbying to boycott supermarkets and large food manufacturers and instead support small independent suppliers, processors and retailers at the expense of large supermarkets like Tesco. A supporting argument can be shown in figures. In UK by 2004 small grocery stores overall had employed 500,000 people with turnover of  £21 billion, and Tesco managed to hire twice less (250,000) with even bigger turnover  £29bn. (12) Proposals from the European commission to clamp down on predatory pricing policies to prevent the selling of goods below cost price such as exist within France Germany, Ireland and Spain. Furthermore, there are standards for nutrient descriptors such as â€Å"light†, â€Å"reduced fat† and â€Å"low fat†, set by governmental and European agencies like the European Food Authority (EFA) Economical Factors The UK food retailing market is mature and highly competitive and this market has been affected by negative inflation in the food sector. The diffusion of domestic markets and the desire for expansion have treated increasing globalization in retailing via self-start, merger and acquisition and franchising. Poor land resources issue enhanced by government legislation on planning restrictions on out of town shopping facilities makes it difficult to expand into these locations Britains supermarkets are racing to open small high street stores to cash in on demand for convenience shopping in urban areas. (6) Social/Cultural Factors Demographic changes as for example higher percentage of older people, less women as housewives and overall trend for eating outside mean that UK retailers are responding towards changes by focusing on added value products and services. Moreover new trends are the supply chain and other operations cost reduction and own-label share in the business, overall silence about taking new supplier between national retailers. In the UK a tendency toward healthier food and environmental awareness, represented by friendly packaging can be noticed. Nevertheless in the last ten years there has been a quantity improve in consuming quality products with good tastes, among them exotic fruits, fish and other can be noticed. Overall, can be stated that UK population is becoming more experimental in their food traditions. (9) Technological Factors Changes in retailing methods as such clothes sales via the Internet is now a common place in retailing. Paperless operation, the management and administration of the company are undertaken on IT systems, which are accessed through secure servers; provide flexibility in the running of the business. As Sweden is at the forefront of technological advancement with national companies like Ericsson, Tesco would enjoy the comprehensive logistics and distribution channels already in place. Environmental Factors Starting from 2003, an increase in pressure on large companies and managers in UK may be observed, main motivation of a government is to make them be more aware of their responsibility to society, and act in a way which benefits society overall. For the food retailing the biggest issue is environmental, the main area for them to act in the â€Å"socially responsible† way. Therefore by recognizing this drift movement, Tesco developed Corporate Responsibility committee in 2001 in order to fulfill its obligations before society. (6) In 2003 the UK government has launched a strategy for environmentally friendly consumption and manufacturing in order of cutting waste, reducing expenditure of resources and diminishing environmental damage. One of the legislation was a creating of a tax on highly processed and fatty foods advertising. The so-called ‘fat tax directly affected the Tesco product ranges that have subsequently been adapted, affecting relationships with both suppliers and customers. (9) Porters Five Forces Threat of New Entrants The grocery market of United Kingdom is crucially dominated by a small number of competitors, among them such brand names as Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys and Safeway that hold a market share of 70% and small chains of Somerfield, Waitrose and Budgens with a another 10%. Starting from 80th the grocery retailing system has been represented mainly supermarket business. This powerful force had a major impact on the small local, private owned shops, such as grocery, bakers and etc. Therefore in nowadays it can be treated as a huge blockade for the companies who are willing to to enter this market. As an example, two reasons can be stated: necessity of a sufficient capital because of large fixed costs and highly developed supply chains. This is also evident in huge investments done by large chains, such as Tesco, in advanced technology for checkouts and stock control systems that impact new entrants and the existing ones. Other factors can be economies of scale and differentiation (in the prov ision of products or services with a higher perceived value than the competition) which is highly developed by Tesco and Asda due to their promotional/advertizing activity, aggressive operational moves in product development, and more sophisticated distribution. Bargaining Power of Suppliers These representatives of a supply side are usually influenced by key grocery chains and are under a constant pressure of losing their business to the supermarket chains. As a result, it enhances a strong enough as it is positions of dominant stores like Asda and Tesco in compromising better prices from suppliers, which smaller market chains are just unable to go with. Moreover UK based suppliers are vulnerable to the ability of big retailers to source their products abroad at a cheaper price. The UK Competition Commission found that Tesco steadily paid its suppliers 4% below the industry average on the 2000 date. In 2005 newspaper â€Å"Financial Mail on Sunday† started the campaign called â€Å"supermarket bullies† to uncover cases of pressuring farmers by large grocery chains. â€Å"We have heard numerous cases of poor treatment of suppliers by Tesco, but all of those we spoke to asked to remain anonymous for fear of losing contracts. One supplier said â€Å"I woul d like to give you this info but cannot risk being seen to be a troublemaker for fear of losing valuable supermarket customers†Ã¢â‚¬  was written in the report. (12) Tesco voluntary signed for supplier Code of Practice provided by Department of Trade and Industry (dti) to solve the problem of pressuring suppliers. However as Office of Fair Trading states that code is not working effectively, suppliers concerned about being de-listed by supermarkets or worsening trade conditions if they will officially complain. Bargaining Power of Customers Tescos famous loyalty card Club card can still be named as the most successful customer maintenance strategy that plays a big role in Tescos financial profitability upkeep. Brand Tesco can hold and increase its customer base because of its permanent tendency to meet customer needs, constant in-store promotions, customizing service to maintain lower prices. A crucial change has occurred in shopping habits of UK population in recent years. People tend to satisfy more of their needs in one place and in shorter time, it shows a necessity for large chains to expand their services into new non-food markets as banking, pharmacies, telecoms, etc. Consumers have become keep an eye on fair trade and the influence of developed countries consumers on the Third World suppliers. Fairly traded products as tea, coffee and cocoa are viable, and such products are now widely available at the majority of large chains. In 2005 Tesco had the largest range of fair-trade products in the UK, it was represe nted by 91 fair-trade products line, however comparing with overall context of the 40,000 products line it looks rather tiny (0.2%) achievement of supporting third-world countries. Moreover there are evidences that supermarkets exploiting customers good will by overcharging for fair trade products. â€Å"The supermarkets know that people do not go for the cheapest product when buying fair trade because they think the extra money is helping someone in the developing world.† John McCabe, a retail pricing expert states. (12) Threat of Substitutes In the grocery industry small chains of convenience stores are emerging in the industry. In this case Tesco, Asda and Sainsburys are trying to acquire existing small-scale operations and opening Metro and Express stores in local towns and city centers. With a giant share of the grocery retailing market represented by Tesco`s chain, small private shops can be placed nowhere but substitutes. Most local retailers wind it almost impossible to compete with Tesco because its enormous buying power. On average Tesco contracts with wholesalers are 11.5 per cent cheaper than for private independent retailers. Londis, the â€Å"corner shop† brand in UK, has claimed that it is cheaper to purchase brands from Tesco and resell them than to buy them from wholesalers. (12) Bargaining Power of Competitors The retailers market environment can be characterized as dominated by large players with significant grows, increasing store size, emergent retailer concentration, and the utilization of a range of formats, which are now important characteristics of the sector. As it was already stated, almost all purchasing power of the food retailing industry is acquired in the relatively small number of retail buyers. Besides market can be described as mature operating, where grows is difficult and it serves as a driver to diversification into non-food areas, moreover, consumers are more and more demanding and sophisticated, big players like Tesco are constantly accruing large amounts of consumer information that can be used to predict and fulfill their changing preferences. This highly competitive market currently is in the position where advanced technology and innovations are required for maintaining and increasing market share. Such innovation can be seen in the development of a range of trad ing formats, in response to changes in consumer behavior. The dominant market leaders have responded by refocusing on price and value, whilst reinforcing the added value elements of their service. (8, 4, 6) Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives Mission statement: Creating value for customers, to earn their lifetime loyalty. Tescos corporate responsibility work is reflected in its everyday activities, mainly focusing on use of organics, use of energy and recycling water and in addition charity and community initiatives. Tescos CSR strategy was to earn the trust of our customers by acting responsibly in the communities where we operate, by maximizing the benefits we bring and working to minimize any negative impacts. (10) The company is publishing â€Å"Corporate Social Responsibility Report† every year, with a detailed description of a companys CSR approach, implementation and policies. Usually it consists of such element as â€Å"Environment†, â€Å"Community†, â€Å"Suppliers and ethical trading†, â€Å"Customers, choice and health† and â€Å"People†. A Corporate Responsibility committee was established in 2001 it consists of different functions executives, who are gathering four times a year for Tesco`s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives discussion. The first report of committee came out in 2001. CSR plays a big role in strategy decision making of Tesco due to its wish to ensure that corporate responsibility creates a component of the everyday activities of the company. Because of its large size and degree chain, supermarkets like Tesco are influencing society in a broad perspective by encouraging its employees, suppliers and customers to be socially responsible. In Tesco`s case an example of this kind of responsibility can be its charity, fund raising for education, promotion of health food and making it as affordable as it can be. This social responsibility policy is implemented not only for chains operating in UK, but also to the all countries where Tesco is developing its business. (11) In 1992 Tesco started a computers for schools scheme, offering computers in return for schools and hospitals getting vouchers from people who shopped at Tesco. Until 2004,  £92 million of equipment went to these organizations. The scheme has been also implemented in Poland. Starting during the 2005/2006 football season the company now sponsors the Tesco Cup, a football competition for young players throughout the UK. The cup now runs a boys competition at Under 13 level and two girls cups at Under 14 level and Under 16 level. Over 40,000 boys alone took part in the 2007/08 competitions. (3) Tesco gave at least 1% of its pretax profit to charity, in the form of donations, employee time and gifts. In the fiscal 2004-05, Tescos total charity contributions stood at  £21,762,931. Tesco Charity Trust provided grants of  £878,556 to local and national charities in the UK (3) Though Tesco`s initiatives toward being more social and environmental responsible a quite visible, there is some issues it is criticized for. For instance, Tesco distributed 1.4 billion plastic bags in 2004, which ended up in landfill. In the UK, only 7% of plastic bags were recycled and the company continued using more and more plastic bags. Grocery packaging makes up roughly a quarter of all household waste. (11) Second what is Tesco claimed for is energy use. Tesco uses twice more energy and on average in the industry 4.3 GJ/m2/yr to 2.4 GJ/m2/yr respectfully. Among others concerns of Tesco`s environmental friendship are Pesticides and organic food (the issue is that not just Tesco tries to gives no privilege to non pesticide food, but also overprices organic goods); GM foods (dairy and meat products from animals fed on GM cattle feed (maize and soya)) and deforestation. Aims and Objective Five objective of Tesco`s business strategy are: To be a successful international retailer Since the mid 90th Tesco have been investing in market out of the country, looking for new opportunities for expansion and accumulating long term securities and returns for shareholders. Today Tesco is present in 13 markets outside UK and planning to enter India. To fulfill all international ambitions Tesco has evolved a strategy based on six elements. Be flexible(in Japan people prefer to buy small amount of fresh food every day) ; Act local (In Thailand customers have a habit to interact with vendors and choosing what they want from piles of production); Maintain focus; Use multi-formats (hole spectrum from convenience to hypermarkets) ; Develop capability; Build brands. To grow the core UK business Core UK business has over 285,000 employees and over 2,200 stores, moreover, 70% of sales and profits comes from UK business. Tesco in planning to maintain their different store format strategy, which consists of Express, Metro, Superstore, Extra and Homeplus. To be as strong in non-food as in food. The broadest range of non-food products can be seen in Extra stores and Homeplus that include such products as clothing, health and beauty, stationery, cookshop and soft furnishings, etc. In 2006 was launched Tesco Direct, an online catalogue with non-food offers, including almost 13,000 products in it. To develop retailing services such as Tesco Personal Finance, Telecoms and Tesco.com â€Å"All our customers are different, and their needs are continually changing. That’s why we continue to offer more than one way to shop.† Tesco Personal Finance is giving for customers a choice of 28 products varying from savings account and credit cards to car insurance. Tesco.com has attracted more than one million customers since 2000 in UK. Main target groups are people without access to transport and without time for shopping. Tesco.com also operates in the Ireland and South Korea. To put community at the heart of what we do. â€Å"Our core purpose is to create value for customers to earn their lifetime loyalty. Our values, which underpin everything we do, are that no-one tries harder for customers and to treat people how we like to be treated.† References 1. Tesco: The British Supermarket Chains Global Expansion Strategies » ICFAI Business School; Case development centre 2. Supermarket Wars Andrew Seth and Geoffrey Randall 3. Wikipedia.org 4. http://www.answers.com/topic/tesco-plc-adr 5. http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/ir/ 6. Ivoryresearch.com Strategic Management of TESCO supermarket: PESTEL analysis, Porters 5 Forces analysis, Critical success factors, SWOT Analysis, VALUE CHAIN analysis, TESCOS strategic options, Core Competences Cultural Web. 7. Part-time Workers in the Multiple Retail Sector Small Change from Employment Protection Legislation? Alison Balchin 8. http://ivoryresearch.com/sample5.php 9. Marivic Butod Strategic Analysis of Morrison, Asda and Tesco July 20, 2009 10.Tesco Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2009 11. ttp://www.icmrindia.org Tescos Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives 12. â€Å"The Tesco Takeover† the friends of the earth report. http://www.foe.co.uk/ Other Essays on Tesco Other essays available on the Tesco organisations are: Tesco Business analysis Tesco is one of the leading supermarkets Tesco Changing Business Environment Tesco SWOT analysis Tesco Fresh Veg Supply Chain Management