Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Evaluation Of Macroeconomic Performance Of Australia
Evaluation of Macroeconomic performance of Australia and US from 1990 to 2013 Submitted by Professor Name Date Course Title Table of content Executive summary 1. Macroeconomic performance of Australia 2. Key macroeconomic indicators: 2.1 Real Gross Domestic Production 2.2 Interest rates 2.3 Unemployment rate 2.4 Consumer Price Index (CPI): 2.5 Exchange rate 2.6 Exports and imports 3. Macroeconomic performance of United States of America: 3.1 Real Gross Domestic Production: 3.2 Annual inflation rate in the United States 3.3 Unemployment rate in USA 3.4 Consumer Price Index (CPI): 3.5 Exports and imports of trade goods 3.6 Interest rate 4. Real GDP growth related to the other indicators 5. Correlation between interest rate and inflation and interest rate and unemployment 6. Macroeconomic indicators in both countries correlated 7. Monetary policy been tighter in the past decade 8. Prediction of the macroeconomic outlook of Australia United State of America 9. Conclusion Executive summary The paper is the Evaluation of Macroeconomic performance of Australia and US from 1990 to 2013. The Australian economy has encountered persistent development and components low unemployment, contained swelling, low open obligation, and an in number and stable budgetary framework. By 2012, Australia had encountered over 20 years of preceded with financial development, averaging 3.5% a year. The US has the biggest and most innovatively capable economy on the planet, with a for everyShow MoreRelatedMicroeconomics ( From The Greek Prefix Meaning, Large, And Economics1797 Words à |à 8 Pages Summary Macroeconomics (from the Greek prefix macro- meaning large and economics) is a branch of economics dealing with the performance, structure, behaviour, and decision-making of an economy as a whole, rather than individual markets. This includes national, regional, and global economies.[1][2] With microeconomics, macroeconomics is one of the two most general fields in economics. Macroeconomists study aggregated indicators such as GDP, unemployment ratesRead MoreDescription Of An Seasonally Adjusted Data1668 Words à |à 7 PagesSubject Code: ECON10003 Subject Name: Introductory Macroeconomics Student ID Number: 762224 Student Name: Laura Walker Assignment Name or Number: 1 TUTOR: Saqib Manzoor TUTORIAL: Tuesday 8:00am ââ¬â 9:00am QUESTION ONE a. Seasonally adjusted data March quarter 2014 - March quarter 2015 December quarter 2014 - March quarter 2015 Australia 2.3% 0.9% United States 2.9% 0.14966% (ââ°Ë0.150%) (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2015) (Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of CommerceRead MoreHow To Evaluate The Research Process1491 Words à |à 6 Pages Evaluation of research processes Media My research began with news articles and broadcasts which were relevant in discussing the penalty rates, though many were biased and in support of employees who make up a large percentage of their audience. I found that the print media used biased headlines such as, ââ¬Å"Slashing penalty rates: a misguided response to the problems of theà past,â⬠and texts with one-sided statements such as ââ¬Å"Fair Work Commission(FWC) admits to leave workers worse off - itââ¬â¢s timeRead MoreSwot Analysis Of Bellamys Australia2053 Words à |à 9 PagesThis report provides a detailed analysis to evaluation of Bellamyââ¬â¢s Australia which is listed in the ASX with the stock code BAL. To evaluate this company, we divided the analysis into following steps. Firstly, we analyses the macroeconomic prospects which included the global economic overview and concentrate in the Australiaââ¬â¢s inflation rate and cast rate. Then, we give a brief overview of the baby food industry and have detail about the company operates by using Porterââ¬â¢s Five Forces analysisRead MorePerformance Management : Npm Of The Undisputed And Contested Characteristics Of Npm1480 Words à |à 6 Pages2.2.3. 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Firstly, the report will analyse and evaluate the stockââ¬â¢s beta (à ²), which according to Investopedia, ââ¬Å"A measure of the volatilityRead MoreThe Association Of Southeast Asian Nation1481 Words à |à 6 PagesArrangements (MRAs) were also established to eliminate technical barriers to trade (The ASEAN Secretariat, 2015). With the aim to see a central role in economic cooperation among bigger Asian nations, ASEAN has agreed with five trade negotiations with Australia-New Zealand (known as Closer Economic Relation), China, India, Japan and Korea. (Ponciano Intal, et al., 2014) Pillar 2: Competitive Economic Region. Considering the key development areas ââ¬â competition policy, consumer protection, transportationRead MoreVirgin Blue: Industry and Company Analysis5668 Words à |à 23 Pagesand to meet those goals the interests of the main stakeholders must be met. The analysis uses Michael Porterââ¬â¢s 5 forces model for industry analysis and a SWOT for Virgin Blue. The analysis also includes a breakdown of Virgin Blueââ¬â¢s financial performance over the past 5 years. The report goes on to identify and discuss the companies main stakeholders as well as Virgin Blueââ¬â¢s corporate responsibilities. The report finds that the domestic airline industry is not an attractive industry. It is aRead MoreGdp And The Economic Performance Of A Country2153 Words à |à 9 PagesLecturer: Harpreet Kaur Subject: ECO 130 Assessment -3 Date: 30 January 2015 Answer ââ¬â 1) GDP plays an important role in macroeconomic. GDP means Gross Domestic Product. GDP is market value of all goods and services produced within a country during a time of period. GDP is used to measure the economic performance of a country ((Layton et al 2012). GDP is the evaluation of business sector throughout, including the estimation of all last merchandise and administration that are delivered and exchangedRead MoreStrategic Management and Virgin Australia Essay5965 Words à |à 24 PagesVirgin Australia Written Group Strategic Case Study 24th May 2012 MNGT2001 Alixandara Sutherland Laura Tumbers Katie Horne Laura Field Executive Summary The purpose of this report was to provide a strategic evaluation of the company Virgin Australia. The report begins by conducting a strategic analysis of Virgin, including an analysis of the external environment and an internal analysis of competitive strengths and weaknesses. The report then identifies the strategic direction
Things Fall Apart And Heart Of Darkness - 952 Words
In both Things Fall Apart and Heart of Darkness Achebe and Conrad depict an Africa that is invaded by foreign elements, centering on conflict between foreign victors and the indigenous population. For instance, the intruders in Things Fall Apart implement an alien government system, and imposing their cultural norms on a tribal society, and then punishing them for their cultural background and spiritual rituals. In Heart of Darkness the novel is told from the perspective of Marlow, a steam ship captain. In Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, tells two stories that are interlaced with each other both centering on the main charter Okonkwo. The first story is that of conflict between the individual and society. This story outlines Okonkwoââ¬â¢s fall from grace with the tribal world. The second is a story is a clash of cultures, and the disappearance of Okonkwoââ¬â¢s world when aggressive missionaries arrive. This can be seen shortly after Okonkwoââ¬â¢s return from his seven year banishment for accidentally killing a clansmen. After burning down the church Okonkwo and five other members of the clan are called before the District Commissioner. At fist the commissioner says he wants to settle this situation like friends, however he brings he some more of his men and has Okonkwo and his clansmen put in handcuffs, and imprisoned. This was deceitful of the District Commissioner after he said. ââ¬Å"If any man ill-treats you we shall come to your rescue. But we cannot allow you to ill-treat others.Show MoreRelatedThings Fall Apart, And The Heart Of Darkness1518 Words à |à 7 Pagesfollowing essay will contain a critical analysis of two passages from Things Fall Apart, and the Heart of Darkness. I will compare and contrast the narrative structure, the language used and the themes explored. Through this critical analysis, we can gain a better understanding of the two extracts, each one help ing to illuminate the other. The passages I will be analysing are: Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe, Page 124 Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad, Page 116-117 Narrative Structure Narrative VoiceRead MoreThe Heart Of Darkness And Things Fall Apart1585 Words à |à 7 PagesKirkus review speak about Things Fall Apart, ââ¬Å"This book sings with the terrible silence of dead civilizations in which once there was valor.â⬠This novel is the incredibly powerful story of an Ibo Brave Man, Okonkwo, and his tribeââ¬â¢s fall fromgrace. It is impossible to read this novel without feeling the powerful passion, tragedy, and courage involved in the story. The Guardian says of Heart of Darkness, ââ¬Å"Despite his protestations, this is undeniably an invaluable historical document offering a glimpseRead MoreHeart Of Darkness And Things Fall Apart1580 Words à |à 7 PagesHeart of Darkness and Things Fall Apart illustrate the different ways of presenting Africa in literature. In Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad shows Africa through the perspective of the colonizing Europeans, who tend to depict all the natives as savages. In response to Conrad s stereotypical depict ion of Africans, Chinua Achebe wrote Things Fall Apart through the point of view of the natives to show Africans, not as primitives, but as members of a thriving society. Things Fall Apart follows OkonkwoRead MoreThings Fall Apart And Heart Of Darkness Analysis910 Words à |à 4 PagesCompare Chinua Achebeââ¬â¢s Things Fall Apart with Joseph Conradââ¬â¢s Heart of Darkness In everyday life, we are always comparing, even subconsciously with even knowing it. When we compare things, we look at what the similarities are in said items such as a popular brand or a generic one. Comparing things such as two literary works, Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe, and, Heart of Darkness, by Joseph Conrad, both have a lot of similarities that we will look at. In Things Fall Apart, it is about a man namedRead MoreComparing Things Fall Apart and Heart of Darkness710 Words à |à 3 PagesThe Importance of Things Fall Apart and Heart of Darkness Todays society contains stories that model the ideal life that each individual lives each day. Stories may shape our mind in creative and positive ways that may enlighten the road towards the future. They have been examples for us to survive by and thrive on for decades: in the past, and now, continuing in the future. People around the world have been told stories that may have influenced their lives in a unique way. Children long toRead MoreComparing and Contrasting Heart of Darkness and Things Fall Apart1346 Words à |à 6 Pagespre-colonial period. Things Fall Apart is a novel worth reading because itââ¬â¢s eye opener for those with not-very-positive stereotypes of the continent. In fact, it has been said that Things Fall Apart was written as a response to another novel, The Heart of Darkness. This is because in the latter novel, Africa was viewed in a darker light compared to the former novel. Thus, itââ¬â¢s natural that there will be differences and similarities between t he two novels. However, assuming that Things Fall Apart being writtenRead MoreCultural Collisions in Heart of Darkness and Things Fall Apart902 Words à |à 4 PagesHeart of Darkness and Things Fall Apart both take place in the imperialist era. Authors Joseph Conrad and Chinua Achebe, respectively, created main characters that came from different continents, but experienced similar cultural clashes. Although Marlow and Okonkwo have different lifestyles, they are both led to question their identities and make life-defining decisions. The most prominent difference between Marlow and Okonkwo is their cultural backgrounds. Marlow has no family, only his shipmatesRead MoreThings Fall Apart vs. Heart of Darkness Essay1617 Words à |à 7 PagesAfrican Colonization through Literature: Things Fall Apart Vs. Heart of Darkness History is an extraordinary mix of truth and fiction. The dichotomy that is bred from different historic al perspectives opens the eyes of those who study history to the semi-fabricated nature of much of humanities past. For most of recorded history, events have been recorded and retold through the eyes of the victors. Only recently have people had the opportunity to view both sides of issues. The Western practiceRead MoreCritical Review - Heart of Darkness and Things Fall Apart1686 Words à |à 7 PagesOne World, Two Stories Conradââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"Heart of Darknessâ⬠and Achebeââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"Things Fall Apartâ⬠are two significant and well-known works treating colonialism in Africa. When reading these two stories, one cannot help but realize that though the two authors are making two separate points about two groups, Africans and Europeans, they both have somewhat of the same theme. In Achebeââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"Things Fall Apartâ⬠and Conradââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"Heart of Darknessâ⬠, the theme seems to be acceptance. Both main characters, Okonkwo and MarlowRead MoreConflict in Conrads Heart of Darkness and Achebes Things Fall Apart960 Words à |à 4 PagesThe novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and the novel Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad are very different from one another. While they each tell a very different story, we know that both take place in Africa and that they do have similarities. One of the similarities that each novel has is the main character struggling in both. Marl ow is morally fighting a conflict. On the other hand, Okonkwo is physically trying to fight conflict. Both result in the main character losing his battle with the
Apa/Aca Web Site Critique Free Essays
Glenda Gale APA/ACA Web Site Critique PSY-460-O101 Course Fundamentals of Counseling and Guidance April 7, 2013 APA/ACA Web Site Critique I first chose to look at the ACA web site. I thought a lot of things were good there. They seemed To be open to everyoneââ¬â¢s opinions and keeping things updated yearly according to feedback they had received. We will write a custom essay sample on Apa/Aca Web Site Critique or any similar topic only for you Order Now They had a very long and boring list of rules but they were clear at the same time. I feel someone who didnââ¬â¢t have a lot of patience or time would not be able to get through all of the rules. The rules covered everything you can think of, from privacy to sexual relationships not being legal Between a client and counselor. I didnââ¬â¢t think it was mapped out as good as the ACA web site though. The APA web site had options right from the beginning to choose your psychological issues. For example, I chose to click on autism and everything came up that I needed to know. It went down a list of what you need to know about autism, treatment options for autism, news articles that was about autism, and even a book section where you could choose a book to read for self- help options. Now, as for me, who has an autistic son, I found a lot of clear and understanding information on the topic. I was also pleased to find that there were different books out there that could help me understand different issues I am having with my son. Everything was plain and clear for me to understand and I didnââ¬â¢t have to scroll through a bunch of options that didnââ¬â¢t have anything to do with me or what I was looking for. This site even had an option to tell me what kind of counselor would be best for our needs. The web site helped me to see that I was not alone and that others are facing the same issues. If I had to choose between the two web sites, by which one I preferred, I would choose The APA web site for sure. It was easier to navigate and easier to understand. I know rules and Such are important and the ACA web site had an area for rule as well, but it wasnââ¬â¢t just all thrown In there together. Someone upset and searching for help is going to feel better with options to click on. I felt better knowing that I was reading everything there was about autism and that I didnââ¬â¢t have to Scroll through a bunch of other things to find what I was looking for. When I was going through the APA web site, I felt overwhelmed and lost. I couldnââ¬â¢t find what I was looking for and I just wasnââ¬â¢t Interested in staying there very long. Why is someone going to use a site that doesnââ¬â¢t give you options to choose from and then tell you everything you want to know about that subject only? The APA web site even has options to click on about each ethics code and read about each one individually. In being a counselor, I would find this APA web site easier too. If a client had a question about a ethics code, I could quickly click on that specific link and have their question answered as fast as they asked it. If someone is confused, they arenââ¬â¢t going to want to be more confused by reading a bunch of topics all jumbled up together. If a client came to me about a certain topic, like autism, I could quickly give them all the information they needed. I would even have a list of self -help books and what they are about to offer them to read up on the issues they might be having. If you have that information right there and ready, itââ¬â¢s going to show them that you know what you are doing and that would give them confidence in you if they decided they needed a counselor too. Having confidence in you counselor is important. Finding the right information is important too. Getting it quickly is even better. References: http://www. counseling. org/ http://www. apa. org/ How to cite Apa/Aca Web Site Critique, Papers
Apa/Aca Web Site Critique Free Essays
Glenda Gale APA/ACA Web Site Critique PSY-460-O101 Course Fundamentals of Counseling and Guidance April 7, 2013 APA/ACA Web Site Critique I first chose to look at the ACA web site. I thought a lot of things were good there. They seemed To be open to everyoneââ¬â¢s opinions and keeping things updated yearly according to feedback they had received. We will write a custom essay sample on Apa/Aca Web Site Critique or any similar topic only for you Order Now They had a very long and boring list of rules but they were clear at the same time. I feel someone who didnââ¬â¢t have a lot of patience or time would not be able to get through all of the rules. The rules covered everything you can think of, from privacy to sexual relationships not being legal Between a client and counselor. I didnââ¬â¢t think it was mapped out as good as the ACA web site though. The APA web site had options right from the beginning to choose your psychological issues. For example, I chose to click on autism and everything came up that I needed to know. It went down a list of what you need to know about autism, treatment options for autism, news articles that was about autism, and even a book section where you could choose a book to read for self- help options. Now, as for me, who has an autistic son, I found a lot of clear and understanding information on the topic. I was also pleased to find that there were different books out there that could help me understand different issues I am having with my son. Everything was plain and clear for me to understand and I didnââ¬â¢t have to scroll through a bunch of options that didnââ¬â¢t have anything to do with me or what I was looking for. This site even had an option to tell me what kind of counselor would be best for our needs. The web site helped me to see that I was not alone and that others are facing the same issues. If I had to choose between the two web sites, by which one I preferred, I would choose The APA web site for sure. It was easier to navigate and easier to understand. I know rules and Such are important and the ACA web site had an area for rule as well, but it wasnââ¬â¢t just all thrown In there together. Someone upset and searching for help is going to feel better with options to click on. I felt better knowing that I was reading everything there was about autism and that I didnââ¬â¢t have to Scroll through a bunch of other things to find what I was looking for. When I was going through the APA web site, I felt overwhelmed and lost. I couldnââ¬â¢t find what I was looking for and I just wasnââ¬â¢t Interested in staying there very long. Why is someone going to use a site that doesnââ¬â¢t give you options to choose from and then tell you everything you want to know about that subject only? The APA web site even has options to click on about each ethics code and read about each one individually. In being a counselor, I would find this APA web site easier too. If a client had a question about a ethics code, I could quickly click on that specific link and have their question answered as fast as they asked it. If someone is confused, they arenââ¬â¢t going to want to be more confused by reading a bunch of topics all jumbled up together. If a client came to me about a certain topic, like autism, I could quickly give them all the information they needed. I would even have a list of self -help books and what they are about to offer them to read up on the issues they might be having. If you have that information right there and ready, itââ¬â¢s going to show them that you know what you are doing and that would give them confidence in you if they decided they needed a counselor too. Having confidence in you counselor is important. Finding the right information is important too. Getting it quickly is even better. References: http://www. counseling. org/ http://www. apa. org/ How to cite Apa/Aca Web Site Critique, Papers
Tesco in UKâââ‰â¢s Grocery Market
Question: Describe the Oligopoly concept of market structure and use it to discuss material in the case study of Tesco and Supermarkets. Answer: Market structure, in economics, shows the number of firms which are producing identical or close substitute products which are more or less homogeneous. UKs grocery market can be a good example of competitive oligopoly market. The few firms who are dominating the market know that their decisions influence the nature of the competition in the industry. Tesco, who used to play the dominant role in the market as the leading retailer, has been challenged, making the market an oligopoly one. In the case of oligopoly, the few existing firms dominate the market selling a little-differentiated type of product. The existing firms are thus price makers while having interdependence in strategic pricing. This fits the grocery market sector of UK, where Tesco is playing a significant role. Other few firms like Aldi and Lidl are strictly challenging Tesco. They have acquired 8.4 percent of the market share in November 2014, up from 6.95 percent in the autumn of 2013. According to Kantar World Panel, this year Tesco is enjoying a market share of 28.47 percent, closely followed by Sainsbury with 16.78 percent and Asda 16.18 percent. The other main names worth mentioning are Morrisons, Aldi, Co-op, etc. this proves that Tesco is playing in the field of an oligopoly market. The profits of the above mentioned major companies are stable. The major firms including Tesco dominate the market with a market share of 72.22 percent (Statista 2016), which has gone down since 2011 with 75 perce nt. Here, the actions of one firm will have a significant effect on the outlining of other firms, making all the firms tacitly collusive (Uk.kantar.com 2016). The enterprises in an oligopoly are price setters. Their primary objective is to maximise profit. This makes the consumers vulnerable to the decisions of the firms. In an oligopoly, two scenarios are applicable regarding the actions of the firms. Either the firms will go for a price war to capture most of the market share, or they will take collusive decisions to maximise their profit. The first scenario is more benefiting for the consumers than the second one. According to the expectations of IGD, the UKs grocery market, in 2016 will be worth 179.1bn in 2016, with an rise of 0.6% on 2015 (Igd.com 2016). Tesco introduced several fictional farm brands to keep the market share in the pocket. The brands are Redmere Farms for vegetables, Suntrail Farms for imported fruit, Rosedene Farms for berries, apples and pears, Nightingale Farms for salad, Woodside Farms for pork, Willow Farms for chicken and Boswell Farms for beef. The consumers, National Farmers Union and Soil Association hardly criticised this move of Tesco (Fudenberg and Tirole 2013). Although the definition of oligopoly talks for a market with high barriers stopping the entry of other firms, firms are still joining the oligopoly market structure driven grocery sector of UK. This situation is going to make the market more competitive. Tesco, to save its market share, will start reducing its prices or, take non-price policies like giving exclusive offers, special promotions, compete over the quality of the products sold, providing customer care services, etc. The influence of an oligopoly market on a consumer depends on whether the firms in the market are competing or whether they opt for a collusion and form a cartel (Fonseca and Normann 2012). Since the number of companies is very low, the firms can agree on prices, which will be more profitable for them. If they go for a cartel, it will be harmful to the consumers. It will be in a monopoly situation. The consumers will be worse off here. On the other hand, if they compete, the consumers will get the benefit of l ower prices and good quality commodities. This is possible for the size of the firms. Large firms tend to engage in research and development to enjoy the economies of scale. As the number of firms offering the commodities is low, it is easy for a consumer to choose a product with full knowledge about the market (Okuguchi and Szidarovszky 2012). Consumers having knowledge of the market makes the prices of the products competitive. The market structure creates a natural barrier for the firms who want to join the market. One of the biggest problems faced by the consumers is less number of choices and lack of variability in the market. Again, the firms in the oligopoly market often get very established with their marketing. It makes the profits and the way they run the business guaranteed to work. References: Fonseca, M.A. and Normann, H.T., 2012. Explicit vs. tacit collusionThe impact of communication in oligopoly experiments.European Economic Review,56(8), pp.1759-1772. Fudenberg, D. and Tirole, J., 2013.Dynamic models of oligopoly. Taylor Francis. Igd.com. (2016). UK Grocery Retailing. [online] Available at: https://www.igd.com/Research/Retail/UK-grocery-retailing/ [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016]. Okuguchi, K. and Szidarovszky, F., 2012.The theory of oligopoly with multi-product firms. Springer Science Business Media. Statista. (2016). Consumer Goods FMCG | Statista. [online] Available at: https://www.statista.com/markets/415/consumer-goods-fmcg/ [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016]. Uk.kantar.com. (2016). Consumer Insights and Grocery Market Share - Kantar UK - Kantar. [online] Available at: https://uk.kantar.com/consumer/shoppers/ [Accessed 16 Aug. 2016].
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Understanding the Apple Inc. Organization
Introduction Well established modern organizations are certainly complex social entities made up of people working together to achieve set goals. They are intentionally managed social entities with relatively recognized and identifiable boundaries, which run on a regular basis in order to reach a common end or set of goals.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Understanding the Apple Inc. Organization specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In fact, organizations are essentially an embodiment of purpose and a sense of direction in the society because, through them, people satisfy their basic and secondary needs. The complexity and sophistication of modern organizations have compelled scholars to put forward theories that help learners and practicing managers to understand them. This report analyzes the Apple Incorporation using three main perspectives of organizational analysis including the modernist view, symbolic-interpr etive, and postmodernism. Modernist view As aforementioned, modern organizations are complicated in virtually all of their aspects. Coincidentally, they also operate in complex environments that require concrete knowledge and understanding on the part of management and employees (Hatch 2006, p.11). The complex, uncertain, and contradictory circumstances within which organizations function require managers and employees to be more competent, civilized, and ethical. Sufficient organizational knowledge is necessary in dealing with unavoidable foreseen and unforeseen problems and challenges, which can be an impediment to an organizationââ¬â¢s current and future success. Apple Inc. is an international corporation, of American origin, that makes and markets personal computers, consumer electronics, and computer software (Sander Slatter 2009, p. 81). By October 2010, Apple was operating ââ¬Å"three hundred and seventeen retail stores in ten countries and an online shop where software and hardware are soldâ⬠(Sander Slatter 2009, p. 81). Today, Apple stands out as one of the biggest companies globally based on market capitalization and the most valuable ICT Company in the world, in front of Microsoft. Apple is well known for its hardware products including the ââ¬Å"Macintosh computers, the iPhone, the iPod, and the iPadâ⬠(Sander Slatter 2009, p. 81).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Examples of Apple software products include ââ¬Å"the Mac OS X operating system, Aperture, a mobile operating system, iTunes media browser, and professional photography package among many othersâ⬠(Sander Slatter 2009, p. 81). Despite the fact that, Apple is one of the most admired companies in the US and across the world, it has received extensive criticism for its business practices, contactorsââ¬â¢ labor, and environmental practices. Environmental I ssues Modernist view of organizations is founded on the idea that, the progress of human knowledge and the occurrence of social advancement are based on sense and rationality of an applicable set of worldwide scientific laws, social postulations, and organizational arrangements that connect people and organizations together. Accordingly, modernist managers believe that there is, and can only be, one appropriate method of managing human beings in organizations (Knights Willmott 2006, p.389). Proponents of this view hold that, an integrated set of expert values and doctrines for directing human judgment and social conduct can be established and exploited for the common good of a society. Systems and contingency theories are prime examples of modernist approach to organizations. Business organizations operate within a matrix of internal and external environments that influence directly, as well as indirectly, their design and functioning. Apple is a key player in the ICT industry that has been under immense imperativeness from the populace, administrations, environmentalists, and civil society groups due to the serious adverse environmental impacts associated with electronic products. Majority of Appleââ¬â¢s environmental problems are related to impacts of its used hardware products on the natural environments (Oneindia News 2011, Para 1; Jun 2011, Para 3). For instance, in China, Apple has been accused by around three dozen Chinese environmental groups of failure to take action for concerns about environmental pollution at factories that provide it with electronic parts and other components. In fact, a report released in China, in January 20th this year, ranked Apple at the bottom of more than twenty technology companies with regard to its environmental responsiveness (Oneindia News 2011, Para 3; Jun 2011, Para 3). Unfortunately, this criticism came as the company began to open up retail stores in the Chinese market.Advertising We will write a custom re port sample on Understanding the Apple Inc. Organization specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Apart from environmental issues poised by adverse impacts of its products and components used to make them, Apple is criticized for its failure to uphold safety of employees working with Foxconn Technology Group in China. Foxconn designs iPhones and other electronic devices for Apple (Oneindia News 2011, Para 4). Many Foxconn employees committed suicide in southern China in the year 2010. Another considerable number of employees of a company known as Wintek Corporation, were taken in sick as a result of the lethal chemicals used in making touch screens for Apple and other technology companies (Oneindia News 2011, Para 4; Enderle 2010, Para 1). Apple and other ICT companies are faced by the reality of the fact that, all the way through their lifecycles, electronic goods have the ability to affect human health and the environment adversely through the discharge of deadly chemicals and energy consumption. Jun (2011, Para 2) points out that, the evidence available of employeesââ¬â¢ poisoning and breach of environmental laws at some Appleââ¬â¢s leading suppliers, is a clear indication that there is an apparent gap in socially and environmentally responsible management across the companyââ¬â¢s supply chains. Social Structure As pointed out earlier, organizations are essentially people tied together by a shared desire to achieve a goal or set of goals. In fact, from a systemsââ¬â¢ approach to organizations, each organization is a sub-system of the bigger organization known as a society or state. Therefore, organizations are meant to complement one another such that, when a given organization is dysfunctional, it may lead to serious problems in other organizations. Organizations thus must operate under healthy interaction with other organizations, as well as individual members of a society. It is apposite to note that, internally, an organization should also establish an organizational culture that nurtures beneficial relations between and among its employees. In fact, it is safe to argue that, the form of internal relationships that an organization has, determines how well it is positioned to relate and interact well with other organizations and people.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Modern organizations have more responsibilities that are social and social involvement in the societyââ¬â¢s activities (Besser 2002, p. 2). Social responsibility of an organization entails its treatment and social relations with people, inside, outside, and the wider societies affected by its activities. It involves serious consideration by the management of the impacts of a companyââ¬â¢s actions on the society (Besser 2002, p. 4; Grayson Hodges 2004, p. 174). It is the mandate of an organization to relate its operations and policies to its social environment in ways that are mutually beneficial to the organization and all stakeholders including shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers, authorities, and the society. An organizationââ¬â¢s lack of commitment to do business in a way that is socially and environmentally responsible, can strain its relations with authorities concerned with environmental protection. Such strained relationships may influence the imposition o f extra taxes on an organization, a factor that might increase an organizationââ¬â¢s operational costs. Moreover, such relationships can dissuade customers, employees, and shareholders from associating themselves with the company. Some people would like to identify with companies that recognize and appreciate that their neighbors are not strangers, but people who matter because they comprise their target audience. s Apple has been ranked severally as the most admired company in the US and across the world by the Fortune Magazine; however, it has had its share of challenges and failings in honoring social or public responsibilities (Jun 2011, Para 2). For instance, Apple has been severally accused by the Chinese environmental organizations because of failing to keep its word to handle the safety of workers at its principal supply companies like Wintek. Apple has been extensively accused of seizing the largest share of profit in its industry, yet it evades responsibility for enviro nmental degradation and employee poisonings in its supply chains, especially in Asian markets like China. This form of conflict of interests has subjected Apple to serious social issues, which are unfriendly to smooth running of its business. Moreover, employees, customers, and shareholders are indispensable Apple stakeholders who continually put a lot of pressure up on Apple. Internally, its employees would like to see their efforts being appreciated through commensurate remuneration and provision of decent working conditions through, which they can experience a meaningful life. Their customers would like to have value for their money and associate with a company that is conscious of environmental preservation and willing to keep their safety. Apple shareholders would like to have a guarantee that their investments are safe and able to pay back profitably after a definite period. Technology Technology, particularly Information and communication technology, is certainly the substanc e of Appleââ¬â¢s line of business. Apple has managed to revolutionize ICT; however, it has faced serious technical issues from time to time. These challenges are an impediment to smooth running of its business. For instance, last year, customers faced technical problems in accessing Appleââ¬â¢s website; moreover, at one point, they could not complete their online transactions (Beaumont 2010, Para 1). Appleââ¬â¢s iPhone 4 smart phone, which is one of its latest releases, has had technical issues. For example, some consumers have complained about a yellow staining of the screen, which is associated with the glass lamination glue that its makers used. It is believed that this glue was not allowed to dry completely before the phones reached users as a result of quick manufacturing (Beaumont 2010, Para 4). Other users reported that, when making a call, the propinquity antenna can be unresponsive, so that facial touch with the touch screen can mute calls, terminate calls, or call other numbers (Beaumont 2010, Para 4). Apple also encounters challenges in maintaining the secrecy with regard to its technological inventions. In the ICT industry, players would want to leverage their competitive advantages by standing out distinctively in terms of innovation. Culture Organizations have their unique ways of doing things and core values that drive them on a daily basis and this aspect is referred to as organizational culture. A healthy organizational culture should have the potential to nurture progressive tendencies like teamwork, innovativeness, creativity, responsiveness to the natural, and social environments, as well as resilience among its management and employees (Johnson, Turner 2003, p.68). Unfortunately, Appleââ¬â¢s organizational culture appears to be lacking in its ability to nurture responsiveness to the natural and social environments, if failures and problems in the Asian markets and even US is anything to consider. Jun (2011, Para 2) argues that , evidence available of employeesââ¬â¢ poisoning and breach of environmental laws at some Appleââ¬â¢s main supplier factories are a clear indication that there is an apparent gap in its social and environmental management across the companyââ¬â¢s supply chains. Apple has also been accused of a culture of poor employee remuneration and failure to provide safe and secure working conditions for its workers. Problem Statement Provision of security and safety to its employees particularly in the supplier factories in the Chinese market Challenges of electronic productsââ¬â¢ considerable adverse impacts on the environment such as metal pollution and health hazards on human beings particularly their workers Challenges in honoring social or public commitments and dealing with unavoidable pressures from authorities, environment organizations, employees, customers and shareholders Systems breakdown and technical issues relating to usability of their products Organizational cultur e crisis related to its inability to guide suppliers and other people to uphold social and environmental responsiveness Solution Apple should adopt an excellent hands-on corporate management that can work well with the necessary government authorities and other concerned organizations, in upgrading its social and environmental responsiveness. Here, it is necessary to note that, smooth running of its business may be elusive when there is a lack of cooperative relations between its management and government authorities, especially outside the US. Apple should work in close partnership with all relevant stakeholders, especially suppliers, in putting forward its environmental preservation agenda in order to mitigate the adverse effects of its electronic products on the environment and surrounding communities (Gunther 2007, Para 3). Furthermore, Apple should upgrade its corporate social responsibility to avert cases of public, client, and employee dissatisfaction. Since technological sy stems form the core of Appleââ¬â¢s proper and efficient functioning, it should thoroughly do pilot experiments of all new technological inventions before announcing them. This will give its engineers and concerned parties sufficient time to test the functionality and usability of a given device, and thus prevent poor customer service and the ensuing frustrations. Finally, Apple should embrace a transformational organizational culture that is sensitive to social and natural environments. Its culture should nurture social and environmental responsiveness among its management and business partners like suppliers of its components. Recommendations To implement changes where necessary, Apple should take the following actions: Conduct an internal survey on the employeesââ¬â¢ understanding of its environmental, technological, social, and organizational culture issues Institute or intensify its market research in order to acquire reliable information from relevant stakeholders includ ing clients, suppliers, and shareholders Call for recommendations from willing stockholders and members of public on how best they can tackle issues facing their organizational design and function Seek services of a reliable auditing company Symbolic-interpretive Critique Symbolic-interpretive view is based on the belief that people cannot be familiar with an outer or objective existence except their subjective experience of it. In other words, what exists is what a human being agrees that it exists (Hatch 2006, p.14). Therefore, all facts are relative to an individual and can only be understood from the perspectives of the persons who are directly involved. According to a symbolic-interpretive perspective, truth about a given phenomenon is socially created through many explanations of the objects of knowledge thereby built, moves, and changes over time (Hatch 2006, p.14). From a symbolic-interpretive point of view, organizations are continuously created and recreated by their peop le through symbolically mediated relations. They are thus socially built realities where meanings advance and are promoted by understanding of oneself and others that take place within a given organizationââ¬â¢s contexts (Hatch 2006, p.14). Therefore, the symbolic-interpretive view rejects modernistsââ¬â¢ view that there is, and can only be, one best way of managing people in an organization, as well as approaching problems and challenges facing an organization. Instead, members of an organization should be managed based on how they attach meaning and order to their experiences in given organizational circumstances, via symbolic and interpretive processes, deeds, and forms (Hatch 2006, p.14). In other words, different organizations should contextualize management of their members in order to facilitate an understanding of their problems and challenges from their membersââ¬â¢ point of view rather than mythical universally accepted scientific managerial laws. Appleââ¬â¢s e nvironmental, social, technological, and organizational culture problems should, therefore, be approached from the points of view of its various members, rather than from a perspective of a static approach to management like the one suggested by modernist theories. Apple should seek an understanding of its individual members of the problems facing it so that it can come up with viable solutions. It is necessary to note that, ultimately, its members especially the management and employees will be the implementers of any proposed remedy or policy. Apple should begin its journey to solving its various problems by conducting a comprehensive internal survey of its membersââ¬â¢ understanding of its various problems, and seeking their suggestions on how best they can be solved. Concisely, it should embrace a participatory managerial approach that values every memberââ¬â¢s input. From the symbolic-interpretive view, some of its problems such as social structural issues require a conti nuous input of its external stakeholders including suppliers, clients, and shareholders. Therefore, it should conduct frequent market research, which is a significant revelation for a companyââ¬â¢s management. Research is usually a key source of information and facts needed for strategic planning and management, in relation to an organizationââ¬â¢s short-term and long-term goals and objectives. It provides the necessary information regarding customer and employees satisfaction, which is fundamental for an organizationââ¬â¢s overall success. It also furnishes the management with information about technological and other changes to adjust accordingly in order to safeguard its competitiveness. Postmodern Critique Postmodernist view is based on the belief that the world is there through language and is located in societal communication. Therefore, what is talked of exists; therefore, everything that exists is a book to be read or acted. Postmodernists hold that knowledge cannot be a precise explanation of truth since meanings and experiences are not static (Hatch 2006, p.14). As a result, postmodernists rebut the notion that human knowledge and social organizations are logical, constant, and unified (Knights Willmott, p.389). There is no ecumenical truth about organizations since there is nothing like self-determining reality, apart from interpretations. For postmodernists, knowledge is a power game (Hatch 2006, p.14). Therefore, for postmodernists, organizations are merely places for ââ¬Å"â⬠¦enacting power relations, oppression, irrationality, communicative distortion or arenas of fun and playful irony.â⬠(Hatch 2006, p.14). Postmodernists view organizations as books created in a language that people can rewrite to liberate themselves from human foolishness and ruin. Postmodernism discourages the idea of approaching organizations and by extension their challenges and problems, as a consistent rationally ordered and constant structures that re main unchanged throughout. Therefore, progressive managers should look at possibilities of undoing organizational books of their companies, challenging present managerial principles, and modernist methods of theorizing and organizing (Hatch 2006, p.14). They should endeavor to bring to light the marginalized and oppressed perspectives and promote spontaneous and all-encompassing structures of organizing and theorizing (Hatch 2006, p.14). In the case of Apple, rather than approaching its management and problems from a perspective that insists on retention of a status quo, it should embrace an approach that challenges its managerial ideologies. For postmodernists, knowledge about organizations is primarily disjointed and produced in numerous different portions and pieces by individuals in varied manners and contexts unified (Knights Willmott 2006, p.389). Therefore, the Apple management should seek new ways of managing its people and approaching its environmental, social, technologic al, and organizational culture issues. In other words, it should encourage reflexive and all-encompassing structures of organizing and theorizing. Doing so will ensure that, problems and challenges arising are dealt with in accordance with the most appropriate mode, rather than struggling to stick to fixed modernist ways of managing, organizing, and theorizing. Postmodernist approach to its issues will enhance flexibility, which is critical to its ability to embrace necessary technological and other changes occurring in its line of business. Postmodernist also calls for creation of a room for innovativeness and creativity for an organizationââ¬â¢s members. Conclusion Organizational problems and challenges are certainly unavoidable due to the uncertain and controversial circumstances in which organizations operate. In addition, causes of varied organizational problems and challenges are diverse; therefore, no single approach can be effective in solving them. In this light, Appleâ â¬â¢s varied problems and managerial issues require multiple perspectives in the attempt to solve them. Apple management should not restrict itself to a single view of its issues; instead, it should embrace an inclusive and all-encompassing approach that values ideas and opinions of all stakeholders including employees, clients, suppliers, shareholders, and authorities. References Beaumont, C., 2010. Apple iPhone 4: Pre-orders break records despite technical issues. Web. Besser, T. L., (2002). The conscience of capitalism: business social responsibility to communities. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group Enderle, R., 2010. Apple and the Ethical/Business Problems of Child Labor and Other Unsavory Practices. ITBusinessEdge Web. Grayson, D., Hodges, A., 2004. Corporate social opportunity: 7 steps to make corporate social responsibility work for your business. New York, NY: Greenleaf Publishing. Gunther, M., 2007. Gore needs a greener Apple. CNN Money. Web. Hatch, M. J., 2006. W hat is organization theory?à Web. Johnson, D., Turner, C., 2003. International business: themes and issues in the modern global economy. New York, NY: Routledge. Jun, M., 2011. A Greener Apple: SCMP Op-Ed. Web. Knights, D., Willmott, H., 2006. Introducing Organizational Behavior and Management. London: Cengage Learning. Oneindia News. 2011. Apple faces flak from green campaigners in China. Web. Sander, P., Slatter, J., 2009. The 100 Best Stocks You Can Buy 2010. New York, NY: Adams Media. This report on Understanding the Apple Inc. Organization was written and submitted by user Lina L. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.
Friday, April 10, 2020
Essay Topics That Can Help You
Essay Topics That Can Help YouIn most cases, it's good to consider what problems in society essay topics will help you. There are many ways you can find out what the problems are and where they are. One way is to read some sources about problems in society or you could ask your friends, family, acquaintances, classmates, or co-workers about the problems they have faced and the solutions they have found.If you don't know anyone who has a problem, then I would suggest reading the newspaper everyday, and speaking with people you know, from both the old school and the new school. For example, if you are close to someone who has a problem, you can take their advice them. There is an endless list of people who would help you with your problem essay topics.Also, you could talk to the people you know who were in the middle of a problem or you could ask the people you are acquainted with who had a problem. It is good to find out from people that they are happy with the solutions they found, a nd that they don't have any problem or worry about it anymore. You may also ask the people who you were taught by when you were younger to help you with your topic. They may be willing to share their stories with you if you let them.There are also websites, blogs, or journals that you can visit which feature articles on problems in society, problems in other countries, and issues about humans. As the more you talk to people, the more you'll learn what the problems are.Once you know what the problems are, it's time to write your essay and choose your topic. You must remember that it is very important to write the essay correctly so that you come up with something interesting.You must not be too focused on solving the problem. The essay should solve your problem or offer solutions that have solutions to the problem. It's important to give reasons why you are writing the essay.It is a good idea to have several versions of the essay prepared in case you change your mind or the essay get s rejected. Having several drafts will make it easier for you to revise your essay. It also makes it easier for you to rearrange the essays as you see fit, and also makes it easier for you to fill in the blanks of your paper when you have to do so.
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