Internal Capabilities of a Company - Strategic Management Essay

Internal Capabilities of a Company - Strategic Management - Essay Example Introduction Marks & Spencer is a globally reputed retailer based in UK. It is one of the many well established retailers in the UK area with over 21 million people visiting the regional stores of Marks and Spencer on a weekly basis. The unique selling proposition or the USP of Marks & Spencer stores are that they offer products which are high on style and also have a high quality. The chain, in an effort to maintain quality, sources the products, mainly foods from a global pool of huge number of suppliers, approximately 2000 in number. As of today’s status, Marks and Spencer has presence all over the globe with an impressive store count of 700. In the UK market, Marks & Spencer is the leading player for women clothing and accessories. The clothing segment sales generally accounts for around 49% of the business handled by Marks and Spencer, while the remaining 51% is generated from the food segment, which comprises of a wide range of products ranging from farm fresh organic pr oduce to partly and fully prepared and packed meals (Marks & Spencer 2012). In an effort to play a leading role in the worldwide green initiative, the chain is focusing on reducing wastage that is generated from handling and packaging of food items (Marks & Spencer-a 2012). Analysis and Findings The analysis and findings would hint on analyzing the internal environment of the business based on two specific models-the SWOT Matrix and the Value Chain Analysis study. Internal Environment Analysis SWOT Analysis Strengths Brand Identity: The most important strength of the retail chain Marks & Spencer is its brand identity. It is the single most supreme asset that the retail chain possesses in the current times. As an effort, to develop the brand further in the UK market, and as an effort to build customer recall for the brand, the brand invested heavily in a branding program in the late 2010. Named as ‘Only At Your M&S’, the branding program highlighted the highly innovative and quality products offered by Marks & Spencer to its customers all the time, by keeping pace with the changing patterns of the retail industry and its related products. As an upshot to this marketing response, the consumers gave a massive positive response, leading to boosting of sales in the year 2011 (Marks & Spencer 2011). Clothing Segment: Marks & Spencer is leading the UK market in the clothing sector and has also successfully increased their market share as compared to the previous year. The increase in market share was attributed to the offering of quality products with respect to the current trend and customer choice. Clothing Segment: In an effort to serve the consumers better, the clothing segment is reorganizing itself by segmenting the stores, with regards to the local demographics. In future, this strategy will generate a positive response among the consumers, as the retail chain is focusing on providing the optimal and exact product mix as desired by consumers of va rious locations, and thereby increasing customer convenience and customer satisfaction. Food Segment: Better waste management in the food division, has helped the retail chain to reduce the cost of its products, while at the same time providing better margins on its food products (Marks & Spencer

Early and silent cinema,cinema attractions Essay

Early and silent cinema,cinema attractions - Essay Example The reason for this choice is to show the gradual development of the filmy trends towards modernism. Both the films being silent motion pictures do not have any dialogue. So the actors’ dexterity is the main thing, which made them successful. The Kiss was one of the most popular movies in its genre in the end of the 19th century. This film concentrated more on romance than anything else. It was a challenging job for the director William Heise to make a romantic motion picture where dialogues were not possible to appear. Released in the year 1896, just as the name shows, this was the first film, which showed an onscreen kissing sequence. There were, however, alternative titles given to this film. They were like â€Å"The Mary Irwin Kiss†, â€Å"The Rice Irwin Kiss† and â€Å"The Widow Jones†. All these titles were mainly used in the United States of America where the connoisseurs appreciated the film. John McNally was a playwright who had an earlier work called â€Å"The Widow Jones†. Now this was where the idea of The Kiss was made. The kissing scene is actually said to be the last of McNally’s drama. This work of art is one of the first vaudeville performances transformed into a film. There was no well-knitted plot in this film as such. All it involved was just a kiss. A couple kisses – and this is where the film starts as well as it ends. Rice and Irwin were two popular stage personalities of the late 19th century and they were the only two people who performed in this movie. Kissing on the screen was something, which raised a great hue and cry wherever it was released. Moreover, some viewers were also excited to see a couple kissing on each other’s lip as this was perhaps the first erotic approach made in the world of motion pictures. There were even some controversies regarding the sequence as it was taken to be pornographic as ‘kissing†™ was made public. (Heise, 2008) Voyage à   travers limpossible, Le on the other hand, was a film which involved

Asbestos Removal †Essential for Healthy Living Essay Example for Free

Asbestos Removal – Essential for Healthy Living Essay For all those who spend most of their time indoors, whether it is their home or office, the environment of these living spaces has a straight affect on their health. Therefore, it is essential for individuals to ensure that atmosphere in which they and their family members live, is secured and healthy. In most commercial and residential buildings, asbestos is used quite extensively. With high tensile strength, it is a highly heat resistant material that comes with good insulating properties. Asbestos is mostly used in manufacturing building materials such roofing, ceiling tiles, insulators and many other building supplies. It is considered a harmless material provided that the building supply in which it is used is undamaged. However, with the depletion of these building products, it becomes necessary to remove them as it starts releasing minute asbestos fibers into the air. Generally, most of these building supplies are labeled to indicate whether they comprise asbestos or not. If there is no such label, it becomes very essential to opt for asbestos testing Toronto to verify any presence of asbestos. Such tests help to ensure that the home is safe and free from exposure to asbestos. Asbestos may have harmful effects on the health as minute particles might get breathed into the lungs that can be cause of lung diseases. For this reason, asbestos removal Barrie is so important. As asbestos is commonly used in the manufacture of building materials due to its high insulating qualities thus it is crucial to test asbestos when individuals renovate or shift into a new house. It is always a good choice to hire experienced professionals expert in the technique of asbestos removal as they are aware of the set rules and regulations. One the most common organic contaminations that might occur indoors are the molds, which are mostly seen in places that lack proper ventilation and have presence of any damp areas inside the home or office. Molds can be found mostly in ceilings, wallpapers, underneath carpets, basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and places near a wet area. Even though it is very minute and can be hardly seen with naked eyes, it can be cause of various health issues. Mold inspection Toronto becomes apparent, if individuals happen to detect any signs of molds at their home or office. Molds can be easily removed with help of mold removal Barrie services. The presence of molds would not only affect the health but also damage the house, making it unsafe and unhealthy for the occupants. In such circumstances, mold testing Toronto helps to identify the type of mold, the degree of damage and the techniques required to remove them. When individuals hire services of professional experts, they can be assured that mold would be completely removed and that no place in the home or office is left out. Molds can affect health of those persons trying to remove molds on their own. Thus, it is necessary that this task is carried out by someone who has knowledge and experience to perform the work efficiently and effectively. The most vital thing is to take act immediately whenever there is any indication that the home or office has been attacked by molds.

Study on Development of Education in the UAE

Study on Development of Education in the UAE UAE social development is heading in the right direction. Education and its development is one agenda that top the lists of UAE government, be it development of primary, secondary, and higher education. The attempt of this paper thus, is to trace the theme of development of education in UAE. The methodology undertaken focuses on the primary and secondary resources as defined. Structurally this paper is organized to brief the purpose of the research, followed by subject matter issue, the research questions and literature review, as a step to reach an analysis to the core subject matter in relating to the discussion and finally its conclusion. . Introduction Knowledge as one basis of human life is an important aspect. But how does one acquire knowledge? We can readily agree that education is one factor of it Education in the contemporary context is very vital. A lot of talks in recent time among global leaders and educationist also have gone at length to emphasize the need of education as one basis of human life and growth. Debate surrounding the development of education in many nations around the globe also is one heated theme. As we take a leap towards knowledge economy, the need and requirement of education cannot be sided apart. As human, we have the capability to learn. However, in that regard education also plays a bigger role in the society to impart the learning process. This is where we can begin our arguments encompassing the subject matter and the theme in general encompassing education and its developments. Summing it all up, education and the role that it plays in the society today is very crucial. However, factor surrounding the same is that proper facilities and infrastructure also have to be met with as far as fostering quality education is concerned. The state machinery also requires a through look into the matter of such great importance to facilitate a process that is meaningful and feasible to expand the realms of education and its reach among people. Purpose and objective of the research The purpose and objective of this research in particular is to take an analytical look into the theme encompassing education and it developmental phase in the society today. Together with it, reason behind the study also is to have a better understanding on the theme of education primarily as one factor to take an in-depth analysis that limits itself to the development of education in UAE. Thus, to simply the objective and purpose of this research, it would be prudent that the following is also highlighted: To have a better and deeper understanding on the topic of Development of Education in UAE in recent time. To emphasize on the study and research encompassing how education machinery works in UAE. To understand the educational system and infrastructure in UAE, when it matter to primary, secondary and higher education process and its development. To know about the different aims and objectives of Education policy and the machinery of educational development phase in UAE in the contemporary context. Most important objective was the experience and learning objective that can be garnered by doing a thorough research on the subject matter, which we are of the opinion provides a basis for a better and deeper understanding on how the development of education in UAE is taking shape in recent times, which would otherwise have not been possible without undertaking this project. Subject matter issue The subject matter issue of this work limits itself on Development of Education in UAE. In that reasoning, we feel that there is no lack of issue to be identified. For example, UNESCO also have highlighted in the recent report that dates back to 2000 on the prospects and necessary change required to strengthen the UAE economy and to build a future of bright minds and solid leadership in the country. Not surprisingly, the report states that the UAE have taken a great and formidable stride as far as development of education in the society are concerned. In that respect the development of education in UAE also have made substantial progress to facilitate a foundation for basic education in the society and is machinery towards the ambitious goals of providing education for all. (WorldEducationFurum, 2000) From this analysis in parts, we can identify as where to reflect the basis of our subject matter issue. There is no doubt that education processes in UAE is heading in the rights direction. However, how far such progression is, or when it matter to the reality surrounding the development of education in UAE is still subjected to debate, which this paper and the attempt made herein is to identify the pros and cons of the development of education in UAE today, and in particular how the educational machinery in the state works. Research Questions Following the subject matter issue as briefed above, the research question that arises in that regard are detailed as follows:- What are the educational machinery and its developmental processes in UAE? What role did the UAE government played in the development of education in UAE? What are the measures undertaken by UAE government in making the education practices in UAE at par with global standards? What are the goals and objectives of the new organizational framework for the development of education in UAE? In that regard, how has the ministry of education and youth affair in UAE contributed to the ambitious goals of education and its development in the society? What are the roles played by private and public educational undertaking in contributing to the development of education in UAE? Finally, do the UAE and the society at large have proper educational facilities and infrastructure to be at par with global education standards that strives for quality, assessments, feasible learning environment of the student community from the primary level of education until the higher education level? Methodology To gather information about this project on the theme of Development of Education in UAE much of it has been gathered through electronic sources relevant to the subject matter that relates to the UAE and in particular to educational forums that discusses the topic. Literature reviews and study in that regard also is one crucial methodology undertaken to reach an understanding as far as education, the value attached to it and most importantly the development stage in the contemporary society today. Simply, the methodology undertaken for the study of this research is differentiated between primary and secondary methodology. Primary Research Methodology: Electronic sources that assisted in gathering information relevant to the subject matter analysis can be accorded as one primary methodology, which has been vital for in enabling the research to focus on the core of the subject matter. In those aspects, resource acquired includes news articles and reports. Together wit it, the questionnaire developed for the purpose of the subject matter is also one aspect of the primary research and methodology. Apart from it, forum for educational discussion such as the UNESCO reports that limits itself to UAE and its educational phase is also one aspects of the primary methodology. Overall, it can be sum up that the primary resource and information gathering in that capacity is to justify the facts that are salient to the subject matter, which to a great extent news reports have been feasible for the analysis overall. Secondary Research Methodology: For other secondary information, literature review related to the theme of the subject matter has been beneficial enough to provide a clear understanding as far as the subject matter concerns. Literature review also provided a basis to lay emphasis to the crucial issue surrounding educations and its processes in general, which further assisted to limit the analysis in crucial arena that reflects to UAE and educational development in that regard. Literature Review To begin with in this note, we are of the opinion that education is one significant factor and there are several noble goals attached to it. Above all, Plato, one of the most renowned Greek thinkers also asserts that the direction in which education starts a man will determine his future life. (Plato, 1996) This quote in particular gives a precise and clear impression as to why education is of valuable importance. When we begin to ponder on these thoughts and to limit our analysis on educational and its developments, we see that many nations around the globe today also stresses that education and its foundation in the society today is significant as a measure undertaken to strengthen the foundation of the nation and its future. As the contemporary society takes a leap and bound as far as growth and development is concerned, education and its developmental phase also find a place of representation in that regard. Many renowned personalities and leaders also have emphasized the fact that education is one tool of empowerment and a powerful tool indeed. To begin with in that regard, scholars also are of the opinion that schooling is unavoidably a moral enterprise, and its impact in that regard also is both intrinsic and extrinsic. (Pandey, 2005, p. 1). Driving home from this point in contention, we fully agree that educational facilities and learning environment that are fostered through schooling have a powerful impact on the morality of human and their behavior. This salient factor of education is the basis of analysis when we reflect from a social and cultural context. Together with it, many educationist who advocates the values of education also relates to the fact that education as one basis of it all in the cultural and societal realms provides a formidable foundation to learning, especially when it matter to embodied the aspects of self-esteem, community services, multicultural educations, civic education, etc to name but a few. (Pandey, 2005, p. 2) Hence, from this part of the analysis, we can derive as to where education finds its place of representation in the society today. It is not surprising that policy makers also take a great measure to address the value of education. That is why we see reason enough that measure and initiation undertaken for the development of education readily register with the society and policy makers who are aware that the value of education in the society also marked the foundation of empowerment of individuals and as well as the future of the society. The Development of Education in UAE As far as UAE goes, one important point to relate to the theme of the subject matter can be related to the latest reports available with Arabianbusiness.com in which it is highlighted that the president of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also stresses the need of the hour is to formulate policies for the effective development of educational processes, which tops the Agenda of the government. (Attwood, 2010) In that essence we can emphasize as to where the basis of education and its development in UAE is progressing. As we are aware, the foundation of education system in UAE is already there. Take for example the fact that investment taken by UAE government and policy makers as far as education is concerned is impressive, either when it matter to the structure that gives importance to primary education, secondary education and higher, plus technical education, where the foundation of infrastructural needs and system machinery are all being met out. (UAEInteract) Together with it, what we can further augment the fact of educational development in UAE also can be related to the social development aspects of education in UAE. What the news reports highlighted is that since the foundation of the state of UAE way back in 1971, the UAE government have emphasized to showered greater importance and interest in the development of education in the society, especially the development of education system in the country. (UAEInteract, Investment in UAE education sector on the rise, 2010) Hence, on the basis of this report, we can relate as to where the development course of education in UAE is heading. The foundation and roots of educational system in UAE have been there since the emergence of the state way back in 1971. However, recent measure undertaken by the government to initiate programs such as free and compulsory education for all is also a positive step of the development phase, which showed in the way of the literacy rate that have shot up from 53.5% in 1989 to 79% in 2000. (ArabianCampus.com) Furthermore, the education system in UAE in particular also is structuralized to meet the standards of global education. Add to it, the basis of the educational system in UAE also is to meet the requirement of the society for comprehensive education starting from the primary level till the secondary level, as well as university education. What is crucial to note is that educational sector in UAE have blossomed tremendously as a measure to reach individuals in the society and their needs for formal education. (ArabianCampus.com) Discussion When we lay emphasis to the analysis above, we can drive home the idea that the development phase of education and its process also have taken a new leaf of life in the contemporary context. In that respects, discussion that follows also reflects the opinion of public in UAE as per the survey carried out by GulfNews.com surrounding the theme Money vs. education, which is interpreted below. As per the reports available with Gulf News relates, many readers in the survey undertaken viewed their opinion that education provide a foundation to be financially sound as well as to be educated. (Khan, 2009) Some other readers who participated in the survey also are of the opinion that money and education are both important. Yet the greatest response that has been reached among participants in the survey is that education is very important and most respondents are in favor of education as a factor to means to earn money. The adage knowledge is power also represents the responses of respondent. (Khan, 2009) Conclusion This study has been crucial to understand the salient aspects surrounding education, especially the matter of the theme that relates to Development of Education in UAE. Thus, what we can conclude is that education is very vital in today contemporary context. The measure undertaken by UAE government to facilitate formal education in the society and necessary actions undertaken to invest in the development of education is impressive. As we have highlighted above, measure undertaken by UAE government in context of educations, be it providing free and formal education, setting up infrastructure for educational purposes, investing and attracting investment in the private educational sector overall reflects what we can conclude as the development stage that have reached its pinnacle. Yet there is every reason to belief that a lot of development in other fronts is also required to be undertaken. Hence, setting the standards of education that emphasize on meeting the objective to be at par with global educational system is also crucial, given that today education emphasize on a global arena and plays a pivotal role for employment and empowerment.

The Reform Of Schools :: essays research papers

The Reform of Schools   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The government of Ontario proposes there is a need to make universally accepted rules in the school system. For students to be more disciplined, the government needs to achieve new province wide standards. If the new school standards will not discipline the students, and if each school entails its guidelines, then the government's province wide code of conduct will fail. Moreover, the intervention of the government will not enforce the students to become more disciplined. While the arguments for producing new rules are unrealistic, more powerful arguments can be made supporting the current code of conduct.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With the government's proposition to create a new code of conduct, the students will receive more disciplinary action. Just as the law governs society, the province wide guideline governs the student body. Since the rules will be explained, and since the students will understand the consequences of their actions, then the students will follow these rules. Due to the thoroughness and strictness of the outcomes, there will be fewer problems in the school system. Moreover, to separate schools means to separate students. Since the new code of conduct produces equality, and since it sets forth equal status among individuals, then the students will have a standard that the entire province takes part in. Now, the schools are going from each one entailing their code of conduct. To treating all schools as equals. For example, if a student in Ontario skips out of class, and if the student receives a punishment (making up that class on their time  ® weekends), then the students in other provinces will not skip out of class. Overall, the new bill will make the students who do not want to be at school the school's choice, not the students.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In opposing this proposition, the intervention of the government will not solve schools individual problems. Since discipline is taking place in schools, and since certain schools acquire more disciplinary action from others, then the current code of conduct exemplifies self-discipline and respect towards authority. Purpose for multiple codes of conduct allows the school system to punish the students accordingly. If there was a new province wide standard, there would be one punishment to distribute; however, with the current system, teachers are allowed to fluctuate the punishment according to the severity of the crime. In addition, punishments and discipline play an active role in a student's development. It is essential in determining respect for themselves and authority.

Solutions to Global Warming Essay -- Climate Change, Synthesis Essays

You hear about it from television news broadcasts. You read about it in newspapers and magazines. You talk about it with friends and co-workers. There have even been movies made about it. The â€Å"it† is global warming. â€Å"Global warming refers to the global-average temperature increase that has been observed over the last one hundred years or more† (Spencer). Some experts argue that global warming is a result of human activities, while others believe the warming and cooling of the Earth’s atmosphere is a natural cycle. Supporters of human induced global warming stress that since the Industrial Revolution we have released excessive amounts of carbon dioxide, a known â€Å"greenhouse gas,† into the atmosphere and increased the Earth’s temperature. On the other hand, some scientists declare that based on ice core samples the Earth has experienced several warming cycles for thousands of years (Barry, 2000). Despite the ongoing debate on wh ether â€Å"global warming† is a natural cycle or caused by human activities, there are things individuals and nations could do to protect and conserve our environment. Before discussing possible solutions to address global warming, I would like to present some background information about global warming. Plants, animals, and humans are able to survive on this planet because of the atmosphere’s natural â€Å"greenhouse† effect. The Earth’s atmosphere is primarily composed of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane, which re-radiates the sun’s infrared radiation back down to the Earth’s surface (Barry, 2000). Consequently, an increase in these â€Å"greenhouse† effect components could result in more heat being trapped and an increase in the atmospheric temperature. Bjorn Lomborg (2007, p. 10) states that with... .... (2007, November 8). How to stop climate change: The easy way. In Z. Sharp (Ed.), Annual editions: Environment 09/10 (pp. 209-211). New York: McGraw Hill. Spencer, R. (n.d.). Global warming: natural or manmade. Retrieved from http://www.drroyspencer.com/global-warming-natural-or-manmade/ Top 50 things to do to stop global warming. (2009, February 5). Retrieved from http://globalwarming-facts.info/50-tips.html United States Census Bureau. (2008, December). World Population: 1950-2050. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/idb/worldpopgraph.html United States Department of Agriculture. (2009, August 12). Sustainable development. Retrieved from http://www.usda.gov/oce/sustainable/index.htm Wallace, J. W. (2005, April 26). Nuclear Power 2010 Program. In T. A. Easton (Ed.), Taking sides: Clashing views on environmental issues (p. 220). New York: McGraw Hill.

Capitalism Is Not the Best Route of Happiness Essay

For example, US. In the US, the shares of earnings and wealth of the households in the top 1 percent of the corresponding distributions are 15 percent and 30 percent, respectively. As a result of implementing Capitalism, there is a big range of wealth between the rich and poor people. The rich will become richer, the poor will become poorer. As such a negative situation occurs, the crime rate in such country will be higher. When a country is implementing capitalism, the government have no right to intervene in the free market. When such a situation happened, who are going to help those who are poor? The free market will be monopolized by those rich people. For the poor, they have no modal, no resources, no power, and no ability to compete in such an unfair market. How are they going to compete? Even if they owned the ability, the qualification, but they have no the fundamental term to fight with rich people that is money. In a free market, when you are rich, you will only become richer as u have a lots of money and resources to invest into. For the poor, they are not the one who demands how much salary from employer, but they are the one who are looking for how much the employer willing to pay them. As a result, they are forced to accept low wages in order to survive. The paid they get, not worth the effort they pay out. Normally, the wages they get, only enough to support their basic cost of living. As a result, They have no extra modal to help them to grow and to expand their ability. The low wages also influence buying power. As a result, poverty rate will be higher. Some critique argues that the allocation of resources in capitalism is inefficient. For example, in 1995, around 200 million of Indians faced the problem of hunger. In the same year, India economy had exported around $ 625 million of wheat and $ 1. 3 million of rice. In this case, Indian economy is able to export food worth around $ 650 million, but its citizen faced the problem of hunger. Why not the economy allocates those foods to its citizen? It’s because of in capitalism, the property and resources is totally owned by private parties. They have the right to use the resources to maximize their profit. It’s their right and freedom to overlook the problem around them that may stop them to achieve higher profit. There is also an unfair working condition in workplace. Those labors have to work for 14 hours per day. Why are these labors forced to accept such unfair working condition? Without this job opportunity, they are unable to live their life. The owner of resources in capitalism does not work, and exploit its worker. In such situation, it’s exploiting human right. We are all human, have the equal right to live in this world and share the resources together.