Alkali flies in the Mono Basin (Mono Lake) Article

Alkali flies in the Mono Basin (Mono Lake) - Article Example Alkali flies also known as brine flies or Ephydra hians are a very rare species to find (Eagen 29). This is attributable to the fact that the species breeds well only in certain habitats, especially in alkaline waters. This probably explains why the insect is called the alkali fly. Found in Mono Lake, California, the fly breeds well on the surface, shorelines, as well as beneath the lake. Most of these species of fly are dark brown in color with an adult measuring between 4 to 7 mm long (Carle, and Banta 25). The fly has segmented thorax, which is bluish in color, while the wings are brownish in color. Unlike the ordinary flies, alkali flies normally spend most of their life circles entirely beneath the water surface. This makes the fly unique in addition to the fact that it breeds well in alkaline environment. Mono Lake is one of the most dominant lakes in California. Circular in shape, Mono Lake draws most of its waters from the surrounding streams. However, since the lake has no outlet, the lake is highly alkaline (Eagen 29; Jiang, Steward, Jellison, Chu, Choi 19). This is attributable to the continuous accumulation of salt in the lake. A research conducted more than three decades ago indicated a correlation between the alkalinity of Mono Lake and the availability of alkali flies. According to the research, the alkalinity of Mono Lake provides a suitable breeding ground for alkali flies (Tierney 15). Other researchers have also demonstrated that salinity and alkalinity of Mono Lake has a huge impact on the algae found on the lake. The presence of these algae on the lake also influences the growth and development of alkali-fly. According to Wiens, Patten and Botkin (595), the salinity of the lake makes it difficult for algae to thrive. This leads to a reduction in the number of algae in Mono Lake, thereby compelling larvae to utilize high amount of energy to rummage. This normally leaves very little osmoregualation to take

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

Argument - Essay Example The discourse would present a separate examination of each article’s arguments including supporting contentions. A concluding portion would then assess which editorial was deemed most effective. Editorial One: Australian gun control holds lessons for U.S. The editorial article entitled â€Å"Australian gun control holds lessons for U.S.† published online in the USA Today on December 18, 2012 proffered issues that apparently compared the measures taken by Australia in terms of gun control. As an editorial article, the author comes from the Editorial Board, but was not specifically identified. The article’s main thesis was despite sharing similarities between the United States and Australia in terms of having previously experienced violent deaths due to indiscriminate firing of guns, Australia’s gun control policy which was enforced after a 1996 shooting eventually solved the dilemma. According to the discourse, Australian law on gun control necessitated cat egorizing firearms into five distinct classifications, where â€Å"some of the deadliest assault-style weapons and large ammunition clips are now all but impossible for individuals to lawfully own. (Further), firearms are subject to a strict permitting process, and dealers are required to record sales, which are tracked by the national and territorial governments†¦ (In addition,) the law encouraged people to sell their firearms back to the government, which purchased and destroyed about 700,000 of them† (Australian gun control holds lessons for U.S. pars. 4 & 5). Due to the passing of this law, the report disclosed that evident result was no violent gun-related incidents ever occurred. The author used logical arguments through the support of evidential historical records and citing credible findings that apparently revealed the effectiveness of gun control through the law enforced by Australia. However, to verify the details, one made a quick research on the veracity of the facts through a report entitled â€Å"Firearm related deaths in Australia, 1991 – 2001† (Mouzos and Rushforth). The report revealed that although there was a decline in the number of firearm related deaths of 521 in 1996, there were still 437 deaths in 1997, 327 in 1998, 353 in 199, 331 in 2000 and 333 in 2001 (Mouzos and Rushforth). The information therefore clearly negates the assertion that no gun-related incidents ever occurred after enforcement of the gun control law. Editorial Two: Gun rights and gun control aren't necessarily exclusive From the Denver Post, the editorial article entitled â€Å"Gun rights and gun control aren't necessarily exclusive† published online on September 23, 2012 was likewise written by an unnamed member of the editorial board. The main argument that the article was disclosing apparent preference of the American public through public opinion polls which disclose that â€Å"polls in recent years have consistently affirmed that Americans believe it's more important to protect the right to own guns than to enact gun control† (Gun rights and gun control aren't necessarily exclusive par. 6). The discourse likewise made mention of advocates for the right to bear and keep firearms pursuant to the Second Amendment, to wit: â€Å"

The Effects of Burning Essay Example for Free

The Effects of Burning Essay This study analyzes the effect of burning on the decay process, abundance of invertebrate fauna, and the diversity of invertebrate fauna in the pig liver samples; effect of the length of decay to the diversity of soil invertebrate fauna; and, the effect of the length of decay to the numbers of the soil invertebrate fauna. Two hundred grams (440 lbs) samples of pig (Sus scrofa L. ) liver were utilized in this experiment by exposing it to the grassland soil environment around Byrom Street Complex between 2 days and 4 weeks. At day 3, 7, 10, 14, and 17 burnt and unburnt liver samples and five soil cores from underneath the liver samples were collected and placed at -20 °C to prevent further degradation and multiplication of the invertebrate fauna present in the sample. Then the invertebrates present in the pig liver samples and soil cores were extracted, identified, and counted. The study results which were tested with a two sided t-test shows evidence that there is significant effect of burning in the abundance of invertebrate fauna in the corpse of vertebrate animal species. Burning decreases the number of invertebrate fauna colonizing the dead body remains. The t-test analysis of the data gathered also proves the significance of the relationship between the rate of decay of dead body remains and the burning. The study concludes that the invertebrate fauna abundance does not increase in relation to the length of decay. The Effects of Burning on Diversity and Numbers of Invertebrate Fauna in Decaying Dead Bodies of Vertebrate Animals and Soil with Decaying Dead Matter INTRODUCTION Decaying vertebrate remains are good food source for insects whilst these insects are also of significance in the decomposition of these remains. The scavenging invertebrate fauna of vertebrate body remains today is utilized as important tools in the identification of the time elapsed since the death of the body. Continuous research has been done on the matter thus the emergence of forensic entomology which is the employment of invertebrate fauna such as arthropods, earthworms, and slugs in determining the time elapse from the death of the vertebrate animals especially human beings(Gomes, 2006). This field in forensic science known specifically as medicocriminal or medicolegal entomology which focus on the utilization of arthropod evidence for the criminal investigation of wrongful or unexplained deaths has gained significant importance in legal medicine(Tabor, 2004). Body temperature and conditions like rigor mortis or livor mortis are insignificant factors to consider during cases wherein the human carcass has been found days after his or her death. During these cases the insects that colonize the decaying dead human’s remains can provide information about the postmortem interval (PMI). Evidence that can serve as tool for the measurement of the PMI can be provided by the age of the immature stages of insects existing in the human carcass(Gomes, 2006). Established data regarding the development of arthropods which are significant in forensic investigations on the dead body remains that are derived through various controlled studies are employed in the conduct of forensic entomology(Tabor, 2004). Various conditions though like the species of invertebrate animals to be considered and the climatic condition of the location of death affect the accuracy of the information provided by this forensic entomology(Gomes, 2006). Thus, there is a necessity to conduct studies and establish arthropod colonization patterns in corpse of different locations of the globe. The progression of the global acceptance of forensic entomology in the investigation of criminal cases like murders catalyzed the various studies and researches conducted on this matter. The insects belonging to the family Calliphoridae which is commonly known as â€Å"blowflies† in particular are currently employed as biological clock for the determination of the time of death for more than two weeks. Some of the other insects found to be of significant importance in forensic entomology are: Chrysomya spp. , Cochliomyia spp. , Lucilia spp. , Fannia spp. , Drosophila spp. , Musca spp. , Nasonia spp. , Tineola spp. , Geotrupes spp. , and Necrobia spp(Gomes, 2006). The earliest invertebrates which will colonize dead body remains of vertebrate animals including humans are the necrophilus fly species which are of the family Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae. When the maggots of these invertebrates arise, beetles which belong to the families Staphylidae, Silphidae, and Histeridae are the next ones to colonize the corpse because they fed on the maggots of the necrophilus flies. Beetles that are under the family Dermestidae are usually the late ones to colonize the dead body remains of vertebrates because they thrive on dry stages of decomposing corpse. In different locations around the globe there is variation in the patterns of invertebrate fauna colonization due to the variations in arthropod families thriving factors(Tabor, 2004). The general objective of this study is to verify the utilization of invertebrate fauna as indicators of the time elapsed from the death of the vertebrate animal. The specific objectives of this study are to determine the following: the existence of the effect of burning on the decay process, abundance of invertebrate fauna, and the diversity of invertebrate fauna in the pig liver samples; effect of the length of decay to the diversity of soil invertebrate fauna; and, the effect of the length of decay to the numbers of the soil invertebrate fauna MATERIALS AND METHODS Studies associated to forensic entomology use various types of carcasses like that of the dogs, pigs, and calves. In this study, samples of the pig (Sus scrofa) liver were utilized because whilst it is the widely utilized and acceptable animal model, humans have similar characteristics with this animal specie such as the type of digestive system and the omnivorous characteristic. Two hundred grams (440 lbs) samples of pig liver were utilized for the experiments. All the pig livers were placed on the same day on the surface of the grassland soil around Byrom Street Complex between 2 days and 4 weeks. Wire coverings were utilized to prevent seagulls and other scavengers from consuming the pig liver samples placed in the grassland soil. All the samples have the same exposure to the weather and invertebrate infestation. The pig liver samples were of two types the burnt and unburned (control) samples. At day 3, 7, 10, 14, and 17 burnt and unburnt liver samples were collected and placed at -20 °C to prevent further degradation and multiplication of the invertebrate fauna present in the samples. The unburnt and burnt liver samples utilized in the experiment were identical in number. The liver samples which were used as the burnt variable were first covered with petrol before being burnt until crisp, dry, and black in the outer surface. In each same time intervals, five soil cores were collected from underneath the liver samples. The invertebrates which were present in these soil cores were extracted, identified, and counted. During the examination time, the pig liver samples from the temperature of -20 °C were weighed and then the colour and the state of decay were noted. The invertebrates which were present in the in the pig liver samples were extracted, identified, and counted. The larvae of flies were classified into first, second, or third instar. The taxonomic groupings like the phylum, orders, and genus of the invertebrates collected from the pig liver samples were included in the identification, classification, and recording of the invertebrate species present in the samples. The species considered in the identification and classification of the invertebrate fauna extracted from the pig liver samples were: species under suborder Nematocera, Stratiomyia species, Fannia spp. , Calliphora spp. (blowflies), species of family Lumbricidae (Earthworms), species of class Gastropoda (Slugs), species of Subclass Acari (Mites), species of order Collembola, species of order Diplura, Superclass Myriapoda (Millipedes and Centipedes), and species of family Carabidae. All the observations were recorded and tabulated after the experimentation proper. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS There are a variety of data gathered in this study thus the t-test was employed not only once in the analysis of the diverse gathered data. To determine the effect of burning on the abundance of invertebrate fauna in the decaying body remains a two sided t-test is done. The hypothesis (ho) is that the number of Calliphora spp. colonizing the decomposing vertebrate animal part is equal in the burnt and unburnt pig liver samples. The effect of burning on the rate of decomposition of body tissues was also analyzed through a two way t-test and the hypothesis (ho) is that the rate of decay process is equal in both the burnt and unburnt pig liver samples. Abundance of invertebrate fauna in soil in relation to the length of pig liver sample decay is determined by a two sided t-test with the hypothesis (ho) that the invertebrate fauna abundance RESULTS The primary invertebrate fauna which was observed in this study is the blowflies or Calliphora species. There are other species that were extracted from the liver sample though but the numbers are lesser than ten for each species and compared to the number of the Calliphora species the collected other invertebrate species are insignificant in number. The results of the two sided t-test done for the determination if burning has effects on the abundance of invertebrate species implies that indeed burning vertebrate animal carcass is associated with decreased number of Calliphora spp. compared to the invertebrate animal species collected in the raw pig liver samples. At ? =10%, the computed value for /ttab/ is 1. 622 which is greater than ttab =1. 303. Then hypothesis (ho) which is the number of Calliphora spp. colonizing the decomposing vertebrate animal part is equal in the burnt and unburnt pig liver samples was rejected. Thus, the ha that is the number of Calliphora spp. collected from the raw pig liver samples are greater than the number of Calliphora spp. collected from the burnt pig liver sample is accepted. Therefore, there is significant evidence which supports that burning affects the abundance of invertebrate fauna colonizing vertebrate animal corpse by creating a condition that facilitates the decrease of the number of the invertebrate fauna being able to colonize the burnt vertebrate animal corpse. The existence larvae in the control liver pig samples were observed only until day 7 and the stage of larvae development is in the 1st and 2nd instar in both the raw (unburnt) and burnt pig liver samples. On the 10th day, a reduction in the number of Calliphora spp. larvae is observed whilst there is the development of some of the larvae into the third instar stage hence the stages of larvae observed in this collection period were 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instars for the unburnt pig liver samples. In the burnt liver samples the larval stages were not identified. On day 14, the numbers of Calliphora species extracted continued to decrease whilst the larval stages are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instar for the unburnt pig liver samples. The Callipora spp. larvae collected from the burnt pig liver samples on day 14 are on the 3rd instar. On the 17th day a greater reduction in the number of Calliphora species present is observed but mainly the larval stage is the 3rd instar (Table 1). SAMPLES DAY 1 DAY 7 DAY 10 DAY 14 DAY 17 Raw liver sample 1 no larvae 1st 2nd instar larvae 1st, 2nd and 3rd instar larvae 1st, 2nd and 3rd instar larvae no larvae Raw liver sample 2 no larvae 1st 2nd instar larvae 1st, 2nd and 3rd instar larvae 2nd and 3rd instar larvae 3rd instar larvae Burnt liver sample 1 no larvae 1st 2nd instar larvae Larval stage not identified 3rd instar larvae 3rd instar larvae Burnt liver sample 2 no larvae 1st 2nd instar larvae Larval stage not identified 3rd instar larvae 3rd instar larvae Table 1. The stages of larval development observed in the burnt and unburnt pig liver samples. The effect of burning on the rate of decomposition of body tissues (pig liver samples) were analyzed also using a two sided t-test. Since the data on the burnt and unburnt pig liver samples have two replicates the average of this data was used in the analysis. A graph of this average shows the difference of the decomposition rate of body tissues in the raw state and the burnt state (Figure 1). There is an observable greater decrease in tissue mass of the raw pig liver samples onwhen compared to the tissue mass decay of the burnt pig liver samples. The two sided t-test analysis result reject the hypothesis (ho) is that the rate of decay process is equal in both the burnt and unburnt pig liver samples. The computed value for /ttab/ at ? =10% is 1. 899. This is greater than ttab =1. 303 , thus the null hypothesis (ho) is rejected and the alternative hypothesis which is raw pig liver sample tissue decomposed (in kilograms) is greater than the tissue decomposed in the burnt pig liver samples. The rate of decomposition thus is faster in unburnt vertebrate body remains when compared to the burnt body remains. The number of invertebrate colonization in the soil in relation to the length of corpse decay in the different sample types is shown in figure 2. In each sample type (control, raw, and burnt pig liver samples) there were 6 replicates thus the values of the replicates were averaged and then tabulated and converted into a graph. The graph shows that in both the raw (unburnt) and burnt pig liver samples the peak number of invertebrates collected is in day 7. There was greater number of invertebrates collected in the soil with burnt pig liver sample (average of 234 invertebrates) on the 7th day collection compared to the collected invertebrates in the soil with raw pig liver sample. Abundance of invertebrate fauna in soil in relation to the length of pig liver sample decay is determined by a two sided t-test with the hypothesis (ho) that the invertebrate fauna abundance (number of invertebrates) increases in relation to the progression of the length of decay. The t- test result rejects the hypothesis (ho) that the invertebrate fauna abundance (number of invertebrates) increases in relation to the progression of the length of decay. The computed value for /ttab/ at ? =10% is 2. 278 which is greater than ttab =1. 303. The invertebrate fauna does not decrease with the progression of the decay due to the life cycling of the invertebrates. DISCUSSION The predominant invertebrate species that first arrive in the dead body remains of vertebrates especially humans are the blowflies which belong to the family Calliphoridae and the members of these family are commonly known as Green bottle flies, House flies, and Blue Bottle flies. The stages of the life cycle of these flies are the egg, first instar larvae, second instar larvae, third instar larvae, prepupa, pupa, and adult(Steck-Flynn, 2003). These species of invertebrate fauna are first colonizers of vertebrate dead animal remains hence there population are the predominant ones observed in this study. The pattern of colonization abundance in the soil is different in both the raw and burnt liver pig samples (Fig. 2). The colonization abundance in the soil with raw pig liver samples has a major and minor peak in the five collection days which is in day 7 and day 14 respectively. The invertebrate fauna collected on the soil with burnt pig sample on the other hand has the major peak also at day 7 but the other peak is not in the scope of the 5 collection days (day3, 7, 10, 14, 17). The soil invertebrate colonization thus has a later cycle in the burnt pig liver sample when compared to the raw pig liver sample. The invertebrate fauna species that have majority of the population of the collected specimens were the blowflies (Calliphora spp. ). The other invertebrate species that has significant numbers in the collected population are: Mites, Collembola, Diplura, Carabid/ Staphylinid larvae, and Earthworms. The faster rate of decomposition of raw vertebrate dead body tissues when compared to the burnt vertebrate dead body tissues is attributed to the presence of more materials that the invertebrates can fed on. The burnt tissues of invertebrate dead bodies have have lesser water content and the tissues are covered with carbon dioxide instead of oxygen. Palatability may be the reason behind the invertebrate animal’s preference for raw than burnt corpse. The lesser invertebrates that feed on the dead body remains the longer the decay of it hence the burnt dead body remains will take longer time to decompose(de Carvalho, 2001). ACKNOWLEDGEMENT REFERENCES de Carvalho, L. (2001).Seasonality of insect succession and pig carcass decomposition in a natural forest area in southeastern Brazil Journal of Forensic Sciences, 46(3). Gomes, L. V. Z. , CL. (2006). Forensic Entomology and Main Challenges in Brazil. Neotropical Entomology, 35(1), 001-011. Steck-Flynn, K. (2003). The Role Of Entomology In Forensic Investigations. Crime and Clues Retrieved January 19, 2008, from http://www. crimeandclues. com/entomology_intro. htm Tabor, K. B. , C; Fell, R. (2004). Analysis of the Successional Patterns of Insects on Carrion in Southwest Virginia. Journal of Medical Entomology, 41(4), 785? 795.

Ethical Brand Management Strategies for Fashion Industry

Ethical Brand Management Strategies for Fashion Industry Though brand management is not limited to the apparels and accessories it is very evident that fashion industry has given the word a turnaround over the years. From brand fanaticism to Brand loyalty Fashion Brands have the tendency to create a strong Brand identity amongst the minds of the consumers. Many of their brand management strategies have been successful. The global fashion industry is a giant in terms of the impact it has on economy, trade and commerce of many countries, the reach and importance of its products and the strength of its employment. Over the century, growth of the industry has been astonishing in terms of technology and revenue. The innovations had been rapid and growth exponential. Though origin of branding dates back to historical times, fashion industry is one of the industries which capitalized the most of a Brands strength. Fashion industry has a strong affinity to brand management, and most successful brand strategies like retailers Zara, Mark Spencer and Luxury designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Armani, Dior and YSL. The Brand strategy of most fashion brands revolve around the concept of differentiation of products, target customer group and building brand-consumer relationship from which is derived a Brand Personality and Identity of each brand. This identity carves a niche for the brand in the market. But there arise a few questions about this glamorous industries brand management strategy. Does a successful brand management strategy mean ethical Brand strategy? Does having a good turnover a year make a brand strategy successful? Can Ethics be inculcated in a brand strategy in an effective way? In the recent years a new concern has developed for the industries worldwide, the Ethics of business. The London fashion week, 2008 states that the fashion Industry has been caught on the issue of ethical and environmental clothing. Though researches have been made widely on Ethics and Business in most of the fields and industries very few initiatives had been made for the same in terms of brand management ethics and in particular context of Fashion and Apparel Industry. This Proposal aims in studying this less frequented topic of research yet growing concern of ethical consumerism in fashion industry, the requirements and processes involved for a brand to identify itself as a Holistic and authentic ethical brand. Scope of the Study Research Objectives, Questions and Hypotheses Research Objectives To study the brand management strategy of successful and powerful brands To understand the importance of Ethics as a critical factor for any brand strategy To analyze the effects of integrating ethics into the brand strategy and the implications of the relationship Research Questions What is a Brand strategy management? What are the successful brand strategies? What is business ethics? What is the need of Ethical Brand strategy? What are the implications of integrating ethical business and brand strategic management? Research Hypotheses Hypotheses 1 Strategic management is significant for a successful Brand Hypotheses 2 Business ethics has become an essential factor for competitive advantage of a brand Hypotheses 3 The relationship between brand management and business ethics can form an authentic ethical brand Literature Review of the Project This chapter aims to analyze the theory of the research project which is basically categorized into three broader topics of the research, namely Fashion Industry Brand Management strategy Business Ethics FASHION INDUSTRY Definition and History While fashion can be defined as the style or custom prevalent at a particular period of time adopted by the vast population in terms of clothing or behavior, it has been around from the time when people begun clothing. From 10,000 BC when men discovered a needle and loom to cloth themselves, through the Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilization where clothing got a religious meaning through the roman and Greek civilization where clothing was given an symbolization of beauty through the evolution of modern Elizabethan and Victorian era and finally to the era of influence of designers like Dior, Chanel to arrive at the Great Fashion era of today, Fashion has been ever evolving. Evolution But technically an industry for the same flourished only with the mark of Ready-to-wear invention around the beginning of 20th century. Till then tailors made cloths specific to a person, until when they found similarities of body forms of people they developed patterns which would fit more than one individual. Thus came in the Ready-to-wear garments. With the mark of 20th century the tailor shops were being turned into workshops to factories, where pattern drafting, bulk fabric cutting and sewing began. Industrial engineering and quality assurance were introduced as in other industries to yield greater quality and quantity of goods. During the era of industrial revolution the industry flourished. Thus evolved a billion dollar industry. With market being flooded with apparel products, the industry learnt the means of survival is differentiation. That is when the fashion industry started to adopt branding strategy for differentiation and creating particular identity of products that could be held in the minds of the consumers which would make them to buy the products repeatedly. Thus evolved fashion brand management strategy. Successful Fashion brands and brand philosophies Nike Just Do It The brand philosophy portrays grit, determination and passion. The products of Nike send the statement of a detached, determined, unsentimental attitude. Nike is synonymous with Cool LV Symbol of sophistication and style LV brand philosophy is tradition in combination with modernity LV products are Elegant, Practical, Prestige, Luxurious, Desirable, Stylish, Value-for-money, High-quality and Ever-lasting LV signifies Pride, Luxury and elegance Giorgio Armani Epitome of Luxury Fashion The brand founded and owned by the designer Giorgio Armani is a luxury line created by the designer catering top-notch clients with exemplary designs, style and materials that differentiates it from the regular luxury brands. The Brand Philosophy of Armani brands are based solely upon the founders personality and idea since the unique selling point of the brand is that it is Armanis! BRAND MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Brand Definition According to the American Marketing Association (AMA), A brand is a name, term, sign, symbol or design, or a combination of them intended to identify the goods and services of one seller or group of sellers and to differentiate them from those of other sellers. But in a more generic definition it could be a means of differentiation a company has over their competitors who produce similar goods. For Example: Procter and Gamble produces dental tooth paste and so do Unilever. They both have to differentiate and offer some product for their customer base that would make them loyal to the company. Thus PG created Crest and Colgate brands of toothpaste and Unilever created the Pepsodent. The name is not the brand. But the logo, symbol, the product offering, the values on the whole is the brand a company creates. brands enable a buyer to easily identify the offerings of a particular company. Psychological perspective of brand From the psychological perspective a Brand is a perception held in the minds of the consumers. Perceptions are the psychological experience of humans. Hence a brand is actually the psychological experience or view a human has about what it has to offer to them. As Scott Bedbury, a leading branding consultant in his book titled, A Brand New World rightly states Brand has become psychological concepts held in the minds of the public, where they may stay forever Brand Strategic Management Strategic management in a Brand arena is the structured analysis, decisions and actions the brand takes in order to conjure the brand identity and value which gives the sustainable competitive advantage over its competitors. Decision Analysis Action Brand strategy is the foundation laid for the creation of the brand Identity which signifies the brand promise the customer expects. A brand strategy encompasses systematic planning at each stage of branding process. Right from Realizing the mission and vision of the company, Researching and defining the target customer segment, Zeroing on the Unique Selling Proposition of the company, Differentiating from competitors Giving a personality to the brand, developing brand values, Communicating the Brand values and brand promise to the customer Until Sustaining the Brand the strategic planning, decision making is termed as the brand strategy Management. The Zara Strategic Management Definition A firm to sustain in the current competitive market scenario should formulate and implement a value creating strategy, in order to achieve strategic competitiveness. Strategy is an integrated and coordinated set of commitments and actions designed to exploit core competencies and gain a competitive advantage. Strategic management process is the full set of commitments, decisions, and actions required for a firm to achieve strategic competitiveness and earn above-average returns. Zara has adopted what is termed as the integrated cost leadership and differentiation strategy. This strategy involves engaging in primary and support activities that allow a firm to simultaneous pursue low cost and differentiation. The Strategic Process Today a consumer has high expectations while purchasing a good or service. They demand low-priced yet differentiated products to suit their needs. To address these demands organizations engage in primary and support activities which will equip them to capitalize on both lower cost and differentiation. The objective of this strategy is to produce products of differentiated value efficiently. Efficient production provides cost leadership and the differentiation of products add unique value to it. The firms thus become strong in networking amongst the primary and secondary activities becoming competent. Zaras Strategic Process Zara has successfully adopted this strategy of cost leadership and differentiation to provide consumers with desirable fashion goods at relatively low prices. The sophisticated design team, effective managing of costs, flexible production system and total quality of management are the capabilities of Zara which gives it an strategic advantage over competitors ETHICS Definition While the world is facing the strength of business and commerce flourishing despite the economic slowdown, there is a silent movement amongst both the consumers and the organizations arousing concern for Ethical Business. Business ethics has now become the much debated topic not only because of its growing importance but also the complexity and difficulty in understanding and implementing them in a business. Human Beings have the power and ability to think and make a decision which other creations dont possess. This ability also comes with choices. And these choices require rational thinking. The humans thus should make the choice of which is right over wrong, using their knowledge, views and analytical skills. But the right and wrong are not explicit and requires tough decisions as the ethical decisions are not easy to make and demands more than what the individual or organization is ready to give. But such decisions are vital for the greater good of the organization, people and environment Evolution of Ethics Ethics is one of the few terms with no one fixed definition. It is an evolutionary concept. Its meaning and purpose is evolving as does the business. The following are the few views on ethics, The Initial definition for ethics was simple. Ethics was about doing right thing in context to morals, values and culture. This works for an individual who has personal instinct and acts according to that instinct. When it comes to an organizations perspective, defining what is the Right thing and whom or what should be the primary concern for ethical decisions the company, the shareholders, the stake holders or the whole society, ample questions arise. But inevitably men are greedy and as time progressed since 1960s various ethical issues arouse in business. From the Employee-employer relationship tensions, bribery, financial frauds and mis-management, human rights, transparency issues, environmental issues to the Intellectual property stealth and cyber crimes every issue has led onto a newer perspective and need for ethics in business. These needs were supported by various laws and codes passed on by the authoritative organizations. The developments include the earlier code of conduct and values established by companies, to the formation of ethics resource centre and corporate social responsibility movements and until the Sarbanes -Oxley Act of 2002 business ethics have fallen under strict scrutinization of these regulations. Need for Ethics Business ethics in text definition is The Principles, standards or rules that guide the organization and the organizers together in the business arena. The standards are the judging criterions for what is right or wrong and what is acceptable and unacceptable by the society at large. But various studies suggest that ethics is ever evolving phenomenon. From being Just doing the right thing to the standards and laws of judging the right thing now ethics has evolved to Business beyond profits and laws. Now Business ethics is about the Triple Bottom Line. Financial Social Environmental Ethics is now beyond just doing business without harming the society and environment. It is about doing business and also contributing to the society and environment from where they take resources for doing the business and also sell the end product or service. Thus the expectation is that while the business has growth there should also be the societal and environmental growth. This evolution of ethics gave rise to a new field in business namely the Corporate Social Responsibility. CSR is about an organization going beyond what is legal and makes most profit for the company to contributing and achieving societal benefits with interest of all stakeholders. ETHICAL BRAND MANAGEMENT STRATEGY The New Concept While the business ethics is much debated and though complex organizations are trying to interpret and implement them in business. Research and studies are conducted in this field of business ethics. But unfortunately Brand management and integration of ethics into the foundation of branding still remains unobserved. The reason for the same could be many including the major misconception that branding is all about the powerful logo and name that enables organizations to sell products and rake profits. But that is only one part of the branding. The product branding is much regarded with importance that organization branding is overlooked. This study is to understand the importance of integrating ethics into organization branding and the strategic implementation of the same. Brands today have a powerful position in the minds of the consumer. The consumers associate themselves with the brand and studies claim that bran is a Personality in the minds of the consumer. This phenomenon leads to brand loyalty or in severe case to brand fanaticism. When brand has such importance amongst its consumers and has direct impact with its activities in society and environment, there is growing demand for Ethical brands. Case study: Apple Considering the Case of one of worlds powerful brand, Apple: Apple has a perceived personality of sophistication and uniqueness in the minds of its customers and the society. But a recently one of Apples supplier manufacturer have been found guilty for chemical poisoning of 49 employees and another supplier reported to have used child labor. Though Steve jobs of Apple claim that Apple is not responsible for the same, these reports highlight lack in ethical concerns in area of production of worlds popular devices. This might pose as a threat for the brand Image Apple has created over the years and its sustainability becomes questionable. Consumers have the access to information to realize Apples sophisticated product is an end result of unacceptable work environment and child labor. Then the Brand Personality in their minds might take a change. Thus to avoid such a situation it is not an option but a necessity for Ethical brand Management Strategies. The Ethical Approach Ethical brand is perceived as an oxymoronic term by business community at large. They are regarded as two contradictory terms put together. But the real sense in perceiving them is as two complementary words working in synchronization with each other. Both is of no use when the other is insignificant. While a typical Brand Strategy aims to Establish the brand values amongst customers Create Brand Identity and market position differentiating from competitors Create and sustain brand loyal customers To maximize profit by increased sales and expansion of brand These aims are basic and essential for any organization trying to establish and sustain a brand and make the organization profitable. But as the brand grows in size, power and financially, these aims are testified for their ethical commitments and that is when they flatter undoubtedly. The Ethical approach to the same brand strategy aims would possibly be, Establish the brand values amongst customers By not just stating the values but integrating those values at each and every stage of the organization. Brand values are promise made by the organization. Create Brand Identity and market position differentiating from competitors By competing fairly, without trying to override competition unethically at any means Create and sustain brand loyal customers Without fake promises, with transparency and sustainable brand practices. To maximize profit by increased sales and expansion of brand Without bringing about any harm to the environment, society and stake holders, and also contributing to the society and environment responsibly. The table does not follow any standard code of ethics but just a perspective in which the same aims can be redesigned for an ethical brand. ETHICAL FASHION BRANDS Fashion industry is undoubtedly ever flourishing industry not only because of its size and buzz but also since it produces one of the basic commodity for which there is a ever increasing demand: Clothing. Fashion Industry is characterized by Labor intensive, customer centric, fast changing trends, extensive raw material usage, and tedious manufacturing and marketing processes. Consumers of fashion brands are loyal followers of their brands. Be it high end fashion designer brands like Dior and Armani to the mass marketing fashion brand like Zara and MS, brand followers have very high expectation of their brands. From product quality to service these brands have to live upto their brand promise. With Globalization, a brands customers have access to informations of all forms. And the rising concern of the fashion consumer is not only about how cost efficient their clothes are but also how ethical are the clothes they wear? It has to be mentioned here that the same consumers who question about ethical status of the brands also demand lower costs of quality products. As discussed earlier in ethics there are always choices, whether to provide higher ethical products and the higher cost that accompanies it to make sustainable profits whether to give lower cost, lower ethical products and still make larger profit Unfortunately most fashion brands seem to have chosen the latter option which could be viewed as the immediate best solution for the brand and customers. But is the solution sustainable is the issue of the hour. Case of Ethical Brand Failure HM Originated in Sweden in the year 1947, HM now holds 2000 stores across the world. The brand has its own base of customers and promise them fashion and quality at the best price. The corporate social responsibility of HM as stated in their sustainability report which states style and substance encompasses most of the ethical issues of fashion industry. Their sustainability vision as stated is that they follow a strategy for the business operations which ensures financial, social and environmental sustainability. But recent reports claim otherwise, Financial Times has reported that HM clothings organic cotton claims are deceptive as a test conducted on these so called organic cotton fabrics reveal a outrageous amount of genetically modified cotton, (DNA modified cotton for better productivity and anti-pest properties). It is well known that there is worldwide outrage against genetically modified crops as their ill-effects surpass the benefits they possess. Many countries have banned the cultivation and use of genetically modified cotton as they possess unforeseen threats to the consumers health, environment and the society. Here is the case of HMs failed promise. Their sustainability vision has lost its application as they committed financial, social and environmental sustainability but the reports claim the opposite. GAP Gap, claiming to be the worlds largest specialty retailer, was founded by Doris and Don Fisher in the year 1969 with San Francisco as the base. They include array of brands namely Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta. Gap now operates 3100 stores worldwide. Interestingly GAP has dedicated a separate website for the cause of the Brands social responsibility and ethical practices. The Statements and claims are powerful and brings a positive aura about the brand. Gap states that they believe not only in the basics of ethical business practices but also to embrace a broader, deeper responsibility to people and the planet. The statement states that the brand stands up to care for the stakeholders, society and the environment at large and they make choices which bring no harm to them. They also ensure the GAP customer that every time a Gap product is purchased the consumer acknowledges a Brand which cares about people and planet. But the true depth of these statements becomes questionable when GAP is now caught in the middle of quality of the work environment GAP suppliers are subjecting their workers to. The Telegraph reports about child-labor in factories in India sewing GAP garments. The Saipan Islands of the pacific, Officially under US has a legal system for setting their own immigration system which facilitated garment manufacturers to bring in cheap labor from china and use labels stating Made in USA. The large Chinese owned garment factories bring in young female workers from china and mostly south-east Asia with assurance of good salary and work environment but contrastingly with sweat shop work environment. A critical analysis of what GAP has stated as their ethical policy is strikingly in contrast with these reports. If the ethics is as integrated into Gaps vision as they claim what could be possibly be the cause of these situations in factories supplying GAP clothing? The Need for Authentic Ethical Brand The cases of GAP and HM are just examples of ethical failures in Fashion Brand management. There are many other big brands associated with ethics failure the list including Nike, Abercrombie Fitch, Calvin Klein, Wal-Mart and more. These cases plainly illustrates these companies didnt lack a vision for sustainability. They had well-structured vision and mission for sustainable ethical strategy, but what they lacked was the implementation and monitoring of the same. It is also essential to begin this process right from the basics. That is ethics and brand strategy should integrate from the fundamental and progress upwards through all processes of the brand development. Research Methods This research proposal aims in laying the foundation for the detailed dissertation to follow on developing an ethical brand strategy framework for the fashion industry. The proposal aims in locating the problems of existing ethical strategies and their implementation and monitoring systems. RESEARCH FRAMEWORK Trend Analysis Design process Sampling DESIGN MERCHANDISE Ethical check point Ethical issue Ethical Solution Approved Rejected Scheduling resource allocation Supplier Analysis Raw material procurement Sampling PLAN SOURCE Ethical check point Ethical issue Ethical Solution Approved Rejected Garment Sewing Management Fiber to fabric monitoring Marketing Ads Management Sampling PRODUCE AND MARKET Ethical check point Ethical issue Ethical Solution Approved Rejected DISTRIBUTE Warehouse management Inventory Management Transportation to showrooms Ethical check point Ethical issue Ethical Solution Approved Rejected Floor planning VM Sales feedback Sales Trend analysis SALES, ANALYSE AFTER SALES Ethical check point Ethical issue Ethical Solution Approved Rejected Research Development Human Resource Management Administration SUPPORT ACTIVITIES Ethical check point Ethical issue Ethical Solution Approved Rejected PRODUCT OF AN AUTHENTIC ETHICAL BRAND The idea of the research framework Fig is to ensure the brand can be known to be practicing an ethical strategy if and only if code of ethics is integrated at each level of process flow of product development. Description of the framework The framework is structured to highlight six vital process categories for a brand to produce the end product. The categories include Design merchandise The design and merchandising is the first stage in a fashion brand process flow, as this where the product is conceptualized and given form. The trend analysis, feasibility of design, material selection, sampling and all merchandising coordination processes takes place at this stage. This is the mind work part of the fashion product development. Plan source Planning includes the pre-production scheduling, resource allocation, backward planning and ensuring commitments. Sourcing includes procurement of raw materials for the production process. This stage requires large supplier and buyer co-ordination and resource planning. Produce and market The apparel manufacturing is the most labor intensive of all levels of product development. However automated, the actual cut, sew and pack requires ample workforce management. Marketing is where the brand transports its values to the customers and involves PR Distribute The distribution is the most important of the supply chain activities, inventory and warehouse management of finished goods, allocation planning and transportation to the showroom. Sales, analyze after sales This is where the product is made into revenue through sales. The showroom management, floor planning, visual merchandising all enable shoppers trafficking the showroom while the sales analysts analyze the sales patterns and suggest on replenishment. The after-sales services and waste management of the Brands products are areas of concern. Support Activities The support activities form the backbone of the brand process flow, which includes the essential human resource management generating, training and maintaining workforce, research development bringing about new innovations for the brands portfolio and the general administrative department taking care of the overall functioning of the brand from conceptualization to customer care. The Ethical Checkpoint The research aims in finding the feasibility of having an ethical checkpoint at every stage of product development of an apparel brand. The purpose and functionality of the ethical checkpoint could be Aim To ensure only ethically sustainable products pass through different levels of brands production process. Process Each brand should define their own ethical standards and code of ethics to be followed at each level of the Brands product development. This code of ethics should be in compliance with both global and local ethics standards in accordance to the brands demography. The function of the ethical checkpoint is to ensure that at each level of process flow the ethical standards are met and if any ethical issues arise the suitable ethical solutions are arrived at before the product pass on to the next level of the process flow. In this way the product at each level is ensured to be sustainable. Thus the brand self-monitors itself for ensuring the sustainability promise it has made to its consumers End Result The end product is not just name sake ethical but holistically ethical made by ethical standards from the scratch to the finished goods stage. Positive Impact By adopting this strategy the brand not only ensures it stays committed to the people, planet and product but also they promote positive consumerism amongst their consumers. This is one of the possible frameworks of authentic ethical brand management strategy for the fashion industry. A descriptive framework for the ethical check point could be Ethical check point Ethical issue Ethical Solution Approved Rejected

Math And Owning A Restaraunt Essay -- essays research papers

Math is an essential asset in the business world. Without mathematics businesses wouldn’t be able to operate effectively. In order to run a restaurant math plays an important role in a lot of different areas. For instance the items on the menu may change due to the way it sells. Bookkeeping and math allow you to both figures out what items are profitable and what items are selling. The business world revolves around math, from profit and loss statements, to graphs, to taxes. Everything in business requires mathematics. Owning a restaurant is no different then any other field of business when it comes to math. The simplest things in a restaurant could not happen without math such as paying for your meal. Math is used to add up the total cost of a person’s bill as well as adding in the sales tax. More advanced math is used in the restaurant business as well. Using equations to determine what your business can afford to buy as well as the difference in the cost of the product and the profit it turns over is all determined by math. Jobs you might not even think require math do, such as portioning products or prepping food. When you are preparing food you need to measure amounts of ingredients and measurements are a form of mathematics. Wheatley-2 Keeping your books up to date requires math as well. When keeping records of your restaurant’s sales you can keep track of your busy periods to know when you are required to order more food or alcohol. Equations are ...

American History X Essay -- Film Movies Sociology

American History X American History X is clearly a film dealing with the social topic of racism. The interesting thing about this film is the way in which the subject is presented. First of all, it is obvious that, though racism is always a difficult subject to deal with, American History X presents it without any reservations or dummying down. Second, the film's figurehead for racism, Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton), is not an unintelligent redneck racist as films often portray them, but is in fact well-spoken, charismatic and bright, although he clearly holds ideals that are terribly wrong. Finally, the film shows that it is not only the white, neo-nazi racists who are fools for being involved in this, but all those who hold hatred in their hearts. Through these methods, the film instills this idea upon the viewer, in an extremely convincingly way, that hatred and racism will destroy a person and those closest to them. It is immediately revealed to the audience at the onset of this movie that there will be no holds barred and no playing down the realism of this intense racial hatred. When the film flashes back to the reason for Derek's incarceration, we see Danny, awoken by the sound of breaking glass, rush to wake up his brother and alert him that some black guys are trying to steal or wreck his truck. At hearing this, Derek immediately jumps out of bed, grabs a gun, and shoots one of them, wounds another, and fires at the third as he drives away. Then, in one of the most brutal scenes in film history, Derek forces the remaining, wounded man to put his face on the curb and Derek kicks the back of his head, smashing in the man's skull. This scene is a perfect example of cumulative causation, for it depicts the endless circl... ...ferred to comes at the end of the film, when a black student Danny had previously encountered and angered shoots him repeatedly. Derek, making a visit to the school, runs in to find that his worst nightmare had come true. His brother was dead, due to racist actions, and his life and the lives of his family will be changed forever for it. For an explanation unknown to anyone, some people are inclined to hating others. Motives may perhaps be because they are insecure of who they are, feel threatened by someone, or an explanation which no one has. This movie explains that a major reason why people hate is because they want to blame someone else for their misfortunes. It is always nice to put the responsibility on somebody else's shoulders. Hopefully in a near future people can begin to comprehend how foolish it is to hate all the time, and then start to love.

Age and Youth by William Shakespeare Essay

The poem â€Å"age and youth†, by William Shakespeare (born April 26th 1564 ? died April 23rd 1616) is one of his profound poems which was published in 1588. It is apart of a collection of numerous poems in â€Å"The Passionate Pilgrim†, ? Age and Youth being numeral XII. These various poems centre on the ideas of the early and late stages in life. More notably however his one sided perception on the two topics. â€Å"Youth† is cast as being the more favourable and several lines throughout the poem display this bias. â€Å"Youth is hot and bold, age is weak and cold†. â€Å"Youth like summer brave, age like winter bare† In fact the whole poem centers around the aforementioned topic (youth) being the more beautiful and aesthetically pleasing than barren and cold â€Å"old age†. Shakespeare’s themes in this particular poem are not unlike many of the others in â€Å"The passionate pilgrim†, the set of poems from which â€Å"age and youth† originates, with conventional themes such as love and beauty and the related motifs of time and mutability. Being a â€Å"continuation† of the previous poems in â€Å"The Passionate Pilgrim† it connects with his theme of addressing love and praise not to a woman but instead to a young man full of youth and vitality. â€Å"Venus, with young Adonis sitting by her Under a myrtle shade, began to woo him† The passionate pilgrim XI â€Å"My better angel is a man right fair† The passionate pilgrim II However â€Å"youth and age† is focused primarily on the topics previously stated (youth and age) but with respect to the young man in the previous poems of â€Å"The Passionate Pilgrim†. In effect the young man is immortalised by the poem thereby defying the destructiveness of time. This is one of the reasons behind this poem, to show how time destroys youth and beauty. â€Å"Youth is full of sport, age’s breath is short†. A number of poetic devices such as the juxtaposition of two complete opposites, the repetition of themes, the explicit imagery, metaphoric language and similes, just to name a few, have been used to convey these themes. â€Å"Youth like summer morne, age like winter weather†. A good example of the juxtaposition of age and youth as summer and winter, used intentionally to create an imagery of youth as being fertile, full of life and pleasant (as we would picture summer) and age being cold, dark and associated with death. Shakespeare has used this as though he is describing the lifecycle from birth (summer, youth) to death (winter, old age). In addition similes have been used as another technique showing the similarities between summer and youth and old age and winter. â€Å"Youth is nimble, age is lame†. Once again shows the simplicity of the poem and the theme Shakespeare is conveying to the reader. Metaphoric language is used here to define youth and age, it gives it an almost human quality as though youth and age can be imagined as two different people (i. e. personification). It is a very effective way of providing imagery for the reader. Other lines follow a similar pattern, â€Å"Youth is full of sport, age’s breath is short† again showing the vitality of youth and the frailty and finality of old age. The use of hyperbole as a technique is evident throughout the poem. Most of the lines have some form of hyperbole by using to greatly exaggerated extremes. â€Å"hot and cold†, â€Å"wild and tame,† â€Å"summer and winter,† â€Å"age and youth cannot live together†. All of these quotes exaggerate the characteristics of both age and youth and are important so there are no ambiguities between the two. They are as opposite as â€Å"hot and cold†. The use of masculine rhyme is present in the poem however it is not consistent throughout the whole poem. â€Å"Youth is full of sport, Ages breath is short, Youth is nimble, Age is lame Youth is hot and bold, Age is weake and cold. Youth is wild, and Age I s tame. † The repetition of youth and age gives it flowing rhythm and therefore rhyme is not necessary. Alliteration is used sparingly and not a strong technique in the poem. It is only used as a play on words, to humorously emphasise the initial consonants of the lines being read. â€Å"Age, I do abhor thee; youth, I do adore thee†. It is uplifting and gives the mood a somewhat flavour due to the alliteration being used. In brief the most focal and constant theme in the poem is the unwillingness to become old and the negative aspects of old age. â€Å"Age, I do abhor thee; youth, I do adore thee†. Youth is so vibrant and lively, a stark comparison to old age, an idea which Shakespeare stubbornly holds on to. â€Å"Age, I do defy thee: O, sweet shepherd, hie thee†. The melancholic mood of the poem expresses Shakespeare’s thoughtful sadness on growing old and the inevitability life and death. The poetic techniques effectively contrast how wonderful youth is and how lackluster and bleak we become as we get older. â€Å"Youth† is consistently depicted as being that of a young person with â€Å"age† being that of an old â€Å"lame† nearly dying man,† ages breath is short†.