How Activities A Company Chooses To Carry Out Within The Value Chain Case Study

How Activities A Company Chooses To Carry Out Within The Value Chain Can Help Companies Achieve Competitive Advantage - Case Study Example This paper illustrates that Dahl posits to the effect that many decisions made by the company are meant to give it competitive advantage so that it can operate viably. This notion is supported by Arline who states that; â€Å"Value chain analysis relies on the basic economic principle of advantage — companies are best served by operating in sectors where they have a relative productive advantage compared to their competitors.† In this case, a company chooses to pursue activities that will give it a competitive advantage through taking into consideration aspects such as product design, marketing, and distribution, all which fall under the ambit of value chain analysis. Indeed, the company should set precedence in determining the strategies that can be implemented in order for it to create and sustain a value chain that in turn can also sustain its operations in the long run. For instance, Whole Foods Market has managed to achieve competitive advantage through leveraging on its value chain specifically designed to offer organic food products to the customers. As people become conscious about their health, this strategy has helped the company to gain a competitive advantage as the customers switch to organic foods. The strength of the company lies in its capability to differentiate the products it offers to the customers. There are other competitors emerging in the organic foods sector but according to Whole Foods Market’s official website, the company has managed to gain a significant market share by virtue of maintaining a unique value chain that is characterized by quality organic products. Its products also have premium prices that are specifically meant to denote quality.

The Individual Level Analysis For Systems Politics Essay

The Individual Level Analysis For Systems Politics Essay War at the individual level analysis differs from that of systematic levels of analysis. War at the individual level concedes directly to that of human nature. Decisions of various individual leaders can be traced to that of human nature. According to the first level of analysis, war is the result of an individual leader decision making and is ultimately up to that individual. The textbook states that, War occurs because of the choices people make, not due to inbred aggressive traits (168). It is my opinion that the majority of individuals in power have strong agendas both for the state and for personal self interests. While the first course of action by these individuals may be diplomatic in nature, they may very well succumb to the evils of armed conflict to obtain their objectives (whatever they may be). These individuals are only human and face human traits such as fear, greed, restlessness, a need for safety, and revenge. If individuals in power feel threatened, they may consider armed conflict as a solution to ease potential worries of current and future threats. According to the textbook, human beings are built for consensus, not conflict (167). War at the systematic level involves structural processes that occur on a wide scale because of distribution of power among competing states. War results at the systematic level because of repeating trends such as power cycles, power transitions, and distribution of power systems. Power cycles and power transitions can fuel tensions and international conflicts that may possibly lead to armed conflict (but not always). The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and the United States of America bipolar distribution of power that resulted in the cold war is a prime example of power cycles and transitions. The causes of war can be complex and often are the result of individual as well as systematic factors such as the example given in the beginning of chapter 7. Bismarcks personal ambitions for glory as well as the systematic power cycle of Prussia best explains why war results on various levels of analysis. Prussia was at a critical point of unification and the next step was to consolidate individual German states. With an individual leader bent on state domination as well as the systematic breakdown in diplomatic solutions, bloody armed conflict ensued. In my opinion, the individual level is more useful in explaining the occurrence of war in contemporary times. The ideology and beliefs that people in power tend to lean towards determines whether or not these individuals will decide to embark on armed conflict. 7. The following characteristics determine causes of war at the state level of analysis: The geographic location of a state relative to its competitor may determine the frequency in which that state engages in conflict with its competitor. Reoccurring conflict and territorial disputes is nothing new to Israel and the Palestine people. Both reside close in geographic proximity (In fact, many Palestine people actually live within Israels borders). Since the Israel-Palestine war in 1948, both believe that the territory they occupy is rightfully theirs. Cultural values and various forms of nationalism can lead to armed conflict since it reinforces commitment to ones own heritage. Xenophobia is also another factor that can contribute to conflict. If governments are persuasive enough in nationalist rhetoric and propaganda, they can convince citizens that foreigners are a threat to the state. Governments sometimes use this strategy if domestic support of the state to govern is strained or deteriorating. Civil strife can produce massive unrest within a state simply because violence and displacement usually occurs when a state experiences a civil war. When the United States experienced civil war, it was because . Poor economic conditions may breed discontent among the less fortunate Political institutions Civil strife is the most salient factor that contributes to war because of the risks associated in a governmental collapse of authority. This could lead to some form of anarchy which may result in a chaotic governance and the states ability to keep control. Civil strife, cultural values, and poor economic conditions are prime breeding grounds for new terrorists. Sometimes I wonder why the Global North spends so much money on military expenditures when they could take a fraction of those expenditures and help build sound infrastructures in the Global South. The Global North could build schools to educate the Global South instead of building bombs and investment could jumpstart businesses instead of wars. Of course this would take time. Every dollar that is spent building new weapons could be deducted from military expenditures and transferred to investment of the Global South. If the Global North took a more liberalist stance on improving civil strife, cultural values, and poor economic conditions in the Global South, everyone involved would be much better off. The Global North would spend less money on weapons while the Global South would have minimal terrorist recruits because the standard of living would improve and thus people would be less discontent. In the end, everyone would be better off since there would be a minimal chance of conflict. 8. One of the most interesting and opposing statements in the realm of competing ideology of armed conflict is that one persons terrorist is another persons freedom fighter. There has been armed conflict of some sort of another since the dawn of time. I find it ironic that each individual and each group thinks that there side is the right side. The textbook states that, like most animals, humans instinctively defend territory they believe belongs to them. I think it is possible to take this one step further and say that humans instinctively defend ideas and ideologies that they believe belongs to them and that everyone else must except their beliefs. Since each side believes that they are right and the other is wrong it makes perfect sense that that one persons terrorist is truly another persons freedom fighter. It is sad because terrorists do not abide by the Geneva conventions. For example, when terrorists flew a jet into the world trade center, none of the terrorists wore uniforms. Some may argue that these freedom fighters could not afford them. Well obviously, these same freedom fighters were funded by Osama bin laden. The majority of people in the west vehemently oppose terrorists because of its violent nature. Who would want to get blown up or watch a family member or country man die because of some terrorists group agenda? Nobody in the established world wants to live in fear and terror. In fact, if I had to take a wild guess, no one wants to live in fear and terror, no matter if those people live in the established world or not. Some people around the world support terrorist causes because they feel sympathy for the terrorists causes and struggles. These people think that the human struggle against the establishment is as old as time itself. Sympathizers usually share same religion, ethnicity, or culture. People that live in regions that harbor terrorist organizations support these terrorists because these terrorist provide order, services, and protection to local communities. Al-Shabaab (a terrorist group in Somalia) is an key example and illustration of why terrorism is such a problem in the contemporary world, why people reverently support terrorists, and reasons why other people vehemently oppose terrorists. Al-Shabaab is responsible for suicide bombings against the Somali government, attacking nongovernmental organizations, and various media correspondents. In the last couple of years Al-Shabaab engaged in a two week gorilla like battle with the Ethiopian military (it has since withdrawn its forces from Ethiopia) and is currently attempting to overthrow the Somalia government. Al-Shabaab is even suspected of training pirates that are responsible for attacking ships and oil tankers in and out of the Gulf of Aden. Training and consulting pirates has become a major concern to western nations since it disrupts trade and puts individuals from western nations of increased risk. Somali pirates make money by holding a ships cargo and personal for ransom. Gove rnments in the west have labeled Al-Shabaab as a destabilizing force in the Somali region. Foreign investment by nongovernmental organizations has been extremely minimal because of this destabilization (which fuels a viscous cycle of even more destabilization). Somali pirates and the Al-Shabaab terrorist network may be a result of inequality in economic resources and cultural values as referred to in chapters 5 and 6. Some people may in fact support Al-Shabaab activities because they share the same cultural, ethnic, and extreme right wing religious views of the individuals that compose the terrorist group. Other terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda support Al-Shabaabs activities since both terrorists groups share similar extreme right wing religious views of Islamism. 9. A main goal of terrorism of the past was to frighten as many people as possible but not necessarily killing as many people as possible. Todays terrorists dont care as much for a public audience, rather they want to kill as many people as they possibly can with a vengeance. The new global terrorism is more frightening then previous iterations because in todays world, terrorists can use relatively primitive weapons to carry out huge and dramatic terrorists plots. Take a look at the 9/11 terrorist attacks that occurred in the United States of America. 19 Al-Qaida terrorists were able to hijack four American airplanes using nothing more than box cutters, pepper spray, and fake explosives. What the 19 Al-Qaida terrorists had working for them in their favor was the accumulation of months of planning, precise execution (with the exception of the airliner that crashed in Pennsylvania), and a little luck that there was a breakdown in communication within the United States of Americas foreign and domestic intelligence agencies. Terrorist organizations are using the intranet to communicate to a younger generation of angry and disenchanted youth. Using common video posting services such as services similar to YouTube and rogue websites, these organizations can communicate with their selected audience. Todays terrorist organizations operate in decentralized, small fractions run by local leaders. Organizations like al-Qaida may have a central cause but operates globally without the direction of any one leader. On the one hand, in order to stem terrorism, the textbook suggests that, those advocating repression see terrorism springing from the cold calculations of extremists who should be neutralized by preemptive surgical strikes (183). This strategy clearly follows that of the Bush doctrine. The ideology of the Bush doctrine led to the invasion of Afghanistan and more or less war with Iraq. On the other hand, the textbook suggests that, those who see terrorism rooted in frustrations with political oppression and relative deprivation urge negotiation and compromise (183). If I was a key U.S. presidential aid on foreign policy I would recommend the following three strategies: Aim for and destroy all terrorist infrastructure and breading grounds for training using military preemptive strikes. Shut down and freeze terrorists financial assets and revenue streams. Impose strict economic sanctions on countries who support, fund, or harbor terrorists. The potential drawbacks of implementing the preceding strategies would be the cost of human lives of innocent citizens. Women and children who have nothing to do with state sponsored terrorism would be victims of these economic sanctions and military strikes. This would be grounds for considering each strategy on a case by case basis since collateral damage should no. The war against global terrorism may never be won since there are always going to be weeds springing up wherever dissatisfaction takes root. However, global terrorism in the future may be minimized if regions within the Global South take a turn for the positive and follow into the footsteps of the Global North. Ultimately, terrorism is a nasty apple that brings devastation to all involved. Hopefully, strategies like the three listed previously will rot terrorism to the core and eradicate unconventional activities among dissidents in the Global South.

Essay --

In the novel Lord of the Flies, one of the main characters Jack Merridew is said to represent the instinct of savagery, violence, the desire for authority and evil. In the beginning of the novel, Jack desires power and authority over all things. Jack also retained a sense of moral politeness and behavior that society instilled in him. But soon, Jack becomes obsessed with hunting and devotes himself to the task, becoming very atavistic or animal like. As the novel continues, Jack becomes more savage, strengthening his ability to lead the group. Jack’s thirst for authority and violence are closely connected as both characteristics allow him to feel powerful. By the end of the novel, Jack has discovered that the boys’ fear of the beast is useful in controlling their behavior. Over the course of the boys’ time on the island, Jack’s behavior has experienced a significant transformation due to lack of civilization, primitive acts and cruelty towards others. One of the major developments in Jack’s behavior during his time on the island was loosing touch of the civilized world. In the beginning of the novel, Jack gives off the impression that he is willing to consent with the group before making any decisions. He does this in such ways as allowing the group of boys to elect either Ralph or himself as chief, and rationalizes with Ralph to settle any disputes. As Lord of the Flies continues, Jack creates difficulties for the boys, many of which would not be accepted in civilization. For example, in chapter 10 Jack attacks the hut Ralph and Piggy were sleeping in and steals Piggy’s glasses in order to kindle a fire on his side of the island. Golding writes â€Å"He was a chief now in truth; and he made†¦ From his left hand dangled Piggy’s broken... ...s to keep watch of it, so it wouldn’t go out. Jack also presents acts of cruelty in chapters 10 and 11 when Jack orders his savages to tie up and capture Wilfred, Sam and Eric so Jack can beat them assimilating irresponsible authority. Jack’s constant beatings and cruelty towards the other boys in the group has advanced throughout the novel, going from name calling and mocking to physically beating and killing. In summation, Jack Merridew’s desire for authority, power and violence overcame his knowledge of civilization throughout William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies. Jack’s transformations were built off of his lack of civilization, primitive acts and ruthlessness towards others. Jack represented a dictatorship and evil on the island. Jack’s behavior changes were not for the better, but for the worst, bringing out the worst in him, as well as the other boys.

Proposing a solution for global warming

INTRODUCTION.The occurrence of increased average temperature in the earth’s surface air and water bodies in the recent decades and its projected continuation constitutes global warming.  These increments in temperatures are due to higher amounts of green gas concentrations, which warm the surface and lower atmosphere thereby increasing the green house effects  On the other hand, natural phenomena such as volcanoes and solar variation have also impacted on global warming(1).Increased global temperatures results into other changes such as sea level rise, changes in precipitation patterns that result in floods, droughts and glacier retreat. These adverse effects of global warming have sparked off serious debate especially after Intergovernmental Panel on Climatic change (IPCC) projected climatic models that global surface temperatures are likely to increase to 6.40C (2.0 TO 110F) between 1990 and 2100.(2)The debate focuses on world scale regarding, what, if any, action should be taken to adapt to expected consequences or reduce future warming.  There is however a general agreement that affirmative action should be taken to avert further crisis.(3) To this effect, most governments have signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol aimed at reducing the green gas emissions, which cause global warming.The major challenge to this process is that industrialized nations who are the major contributors of green house gases such as America are reluctant to make this worthy commitment(4).  The main aim of Kyoto protocol is to reduce â€Å"Anthropogenic Climatic Change†(Human induced changes).It is believed that implementation of the Kyoto protocol will plummet these climatic changes. However, thermal inertia of the earth’s ocean and slow responses of other indirect effects would still cause further warming but at drastically reduced levels that are not very harmful (at 0.90f) as indicated by climatic changes studies.(5) The scientific consensus indicat es levels of green house gases due to human activity.In 1824, Joseph Fourier discovered the green gas effect, and Svante Arrhenius investigated it quantitatively in 1896.Green house effect is the process by which absorption and emission by infrared radiation by atmospheric gases warms a planet’s atmosphere and its surface(6). The green house gases include natural ones such as water vapor, carbondioxide, methane, ozone and nitrous oxide. Atmospheric concentrations of carbon and methane have increased by 31% and 149% above pre-industrial revolution times since 1970.This occurrence has been attributed to fossil fuel burning and other anthropogenic causes such as deforestation.(7)Further, carbon dioxide levels are expected to increase due to ongoing fossil fuel burning processes around the globe. And land use change. This will depend on uncertain economic, technological and natural developments.(8)IPCC projected increase of methane from melting permafrost peat bogs in Siberia may lead to significant additional sources of green gas emissions.(9)  Thus, the effect of global warming including sea level rise, extreme weather events, stream flows, and change in rainfall patterns, increased deaths, displacements and increased economic losses projected due to extreme weather may even be exacerbated by increased population densities.(10) There is also expected reduction of ozone layer, intensity and frequency of hurricanes and worse, spread of diseases such as malaria and other epidemiological related ailments.A typical example is the current heavy rains experienced in Britain, which scientists have attributed to be, and effect of global warming.(11) The scientists, lead by Peter Stott at Hadley center, have used computer models in finding evidence to predict the course of global warming which all show heavy rainfall as it is documented in the local daily, The Independent. The effects of these rains have been disastrous with many Britons fleeing their homes.(12)B ritain is currently making headlines in the world media; only because of the destructive results its citizens are experiencing from the heavy rains. The new Prime Minister called a crisis meeting with the top leadership of his government in response to this crisis.(13)  The rains have left many Britons desperate and in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Droughts attributed to global warming currents witnessed in several parts of the world such as Sub-Saharan Africa has left their citizens in famine and utter penury,(14) malnourished only to depend on aid. Surely the world cannot continue like this, it is only prudent, affirmative action is taken to avert this situationTHE   Ã‚  SOLUTIONS.Just as it is called Global warming, it needs global solution, which calls for nothing other than global input. Participation of the whole globe is necessary without exclusion of any particular state or individual.  Efficiency in the use of energy (Use of renewable energy) is a major step t o reduce global warming to reduce dependenc4 on oil and other fossil fuels that cause global warming. Currently, over 70% of USA electricity comes from fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil in contrast to only 2% from renewable energy sources(15). We should therefore focus on sources such as wind, solar, georthermal and bioenergy to generate our electricity instead of fossil fuel sources that increase global warming emissions.It is indeed true that these measures need radical step. Fortunately, we have the solutions, and the energy to implement them(16). What we lack is the will. The steps we make will in most cases save consumer’s money. Radical measures include total overhaul of our practices, where instead of Deforestration, we should plant trees in bare lands. Deforestation accounts for 20% of global warming. We should therefore protect threatened forests(17).  Most scientists believe postponing these measures would require much more input once severe consequen ces occur than if we had implemented them today.Pollution of the atmosphere needs to stop forthwill, it will become an irreversible damage and we had better stopped the practice. Carboon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for about 100 years.(18) Pollution practice would require more duration to reverse its effects on global warming, we better prevent this. Waste damping particularly in water bodies such as rivers needs to be addressed to avoid decomposition and subsequent release of carbon dioxide that would increase the green house effect in the atmosphere.(19)We must also strive to reduce the production of Chlorofluorocarbons that are powerful green house gases and ozone depleters .(20) For such a radical course, legislation control from the central government in different democracies and even globally is apparent. However, individual citizens must institute in themselves the required environmental standards to make it their own initiative to act on this end. For instance it would be wiser to use a push mower to cut your lawn instead of a power mower(21). Or have a low water-use machine. It is also wise to reduce the water heater thermostat heating degree. Buying energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs for most used lights in the house is also important.A solar water heater system instead of electric or other fuel use is wiser move. In addition, an individual should drive a fuel-efficient car or a new hybrid gasoline electric vehicle. Insulating homes, installing energy efficient showerheads and even tuning up of the furnace are some of the basic steps individuals should implement to reduce global warming(22). Wise and committed person (not necessarily an environmentalist) should also contact his or her utility company for a home energy audit check for poor insulations or energy-inefficient places in the home.Other credible moves to reduce global warming by individuals include wrapping up the heater in an insulating jacket. Workers should also consider le aving their cars at home for some days and then walking to work or alternatively using public means of transport. Recycling of wastes newsprint, cardboard, glass and metals are also better alternatives to using non-renewable that emit green gases after use.(23) People should also consider buying food and other products with less packaging or reusable packaging instead of those in non-recyclable packaging.I believe most measures outlined above are but mere common sence, very achievable if we introduce discipline amongst ourselves.(24) Drastic reduction of global warming will have much more benefits that would outweigh possible risks involved in its implementation. We as humans must entitle ourselves to tackle the anthropogenic causes of global warming to treat the world we live in(25).The world’s leading scientific authority on global warming documents that the warming of the last 50 years has been due to anthropogenic (human caused) green house gases. The panel, after monitor ing current trend of human approach to the envoiroment, further says the rise could be by 50C this century.(26) This would represent twice the entire warming after the last ice age 12000 years ago and it would take place in 100 years. Shocking!More confirmation to human destructive trends on the atmosphere were detailed in the recent statement by the American Geophysical Union that there is no known geological precedent for the transfer of Carbon from the Earth crust to the atmospheric carbon dioxide. Inequalities comparable to the burning of fossil fuels, without simultaneous changes in other parts of the carbon cycle and climate system( 27).We must therefore strive to achieve our aim through all means including institutionalization of global warming reduction programs such as developing systems to clean our electric power plants, currently using coal to produce electricity. This should be converted into plants that burn cleaner natural gas.(27) In addition, harnessing clean, abund ant energy of the sun and wind is a viable measure to solving the global warming problem.  We have what it takes to make the globe a better place to live in.EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe havoc global warming has caused the earth is perhaps the greatest. From its effects such as floods, droughts we have seen, read and understood the implications of destroying our atmosphere.(28) Millions of lives have been lost through its related effects.  Implementation of the possible solutions outlined in this essay, provides the framework for improving our livelihood in the globe.  For this worthy course, every single individual or nation on the globe must play an active role through involvement in the pragmatic measures aimed at alleviating global warming from the world.This should be done today.REFERENCES 1,2,3 .Revkin, Andrew C, Rise in Gases Unmatched by a history in ancient ice, The New York times, 2005-11-054-9Tans, Peter, Trends in Atmospheric carbon dioxide, Mauna Loa.National oceanicand At mospheric Administration.10-14Hansen, James; et al (2006-09-26) Global temperature ChangePNAS 103 14288-1429315-23Purse, Betham V, Philips (Feb 2005) Climate change and the recent emergence of bluetongue in Europe (2) 171-18124-28Harte, John, et al, Shifts in Plant Dominance Control Carbon Cycle Response To Experimental Warming and widespread drought environmental research letters

Literary Criticism- Brave New World by Aldous Huxley Essay

A Utopia is a world that is completely controlled by the government. The government controls every aspect of life in a utopia, and therefore everyone is always happy. In the novel â€Å"Brave New World† by Aldous Huxley the setting is a utopia. In this world people are constantly happy, babies are cloned, and, ‘everyone belongs to everyone else.’ The criticism which I chose was written by Margaret Cheney Dawson, on February 7th, 1932. The argument that Margaret makes is that Brave New World is a, â€Å"lugubrious and heavy-handed piece of propaganda.† The critic is saying that through the book Brave New World, Aldous Huxley is promoting, and trying to sell a utopian government. I agree with this statement because throughout the book there are examples that prove that Aldous Huxley thinks that a utopian world is a good idea, also through his writing Huxley is implying that a utopian world is the only way humanity can survive. The most obvious way that Huxley promotes a utopia in his novel, is through the words of a character. When the Savage, John, is talking to the World Controller, Mustapha Mond about the â€Å"brave new world† which they live in Mond says, â€Å"They like it.It’s light, it’s childishly simple. No strain on the mindor the muscles. Seven and a half hours of mild unexhaust-ing labor, and then the soma ration and games andunrestricted copulation and the feelies. What more can  they ask for?† (Huxley 204). I think that the words of this statement by Mond is a very big statement because Huxley is coming out and flatly saying that there is not one bad  thing about a utopian world. He says that it satisfies everyone’s needs, and that no one is ever unhappy because they do not have a reason to be unhappy. I also think that Huxley is trying to make the statement even stronger because the character who said it, Mustapha Mond, is the most important person in the utopian world. He is a ruler with much knowledge. The other proof that this book is propaganda is isolationism, not fitting in, and not being the same as everyone else. These are some of the problems that we experience and struggle with in our lives. Huxley sees this and tries to sell us the idea of a utopian world by showing that sameness is good, and difference is not good. In the book two characters feel isolated, and different then the rest, Bernard Marx, and John the Savage. Bernard’s isolationism is shown when Bernard does not experience â€Å"the coming† and the solidarity service while everyone else does. â€Å"He was miserably isolated now as he had been when the service began- more isolated by reason of his unreplenished emptiness, his dead satiety. Separate and unatoned, while the others were being fused into the Greater Being.† (Huxley 76-77). Through this I believe that Huxley is saying that being different, and feeling different is not a good thing. Although this is a very strong message that Huxley conveys, there is one that is much stronger. John’s struggles are much greater because he is much different from the rest of society. At the end of the novel john commits suicide by hanging himself, â€Å"Slowly, very slowly, like two unhurried compass needles, the feet turned towards the right; north, north-east, east, south-east, south, south-south-west, then paused, and after a few seconds, turned as unhurriedly back towards the left. South-south-west, south, south-east, east†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Huxley 237). This quote is explaining how john is hanging, after he committed suicide. This form of propaganda is very strong because the reader starts to contemplate whether diversity and difference in the world really is such a good thing. Through these two quotes Huxley is also trying to prove to us that sameness is good because everyone is happy, this is why this book is propaganda. I do agree with the critics argument that Brave New World is a heavy handed piece of propaganda because we see examples throughout the book that Aldous Huxley thinks that a utopian government is the ideal way of living. Also  Huxley implies that sameness is desired rather then being unique and different. I think that Margaret Cheney Dawson hits the jackpot with her thesis which states that Brave New world is a heavy handed piece of propaganda. I totally agree with her, and through the examples my beliefs were only reinforced.