Internal Capabilities of a Company - Strategic Management Essay

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

Environmental Issues Associated with Paints and Varnishes Essay Example for Free

Environmental Issues Associated with Paints and Varnishes Essay The paint and coatings manufacturing industry is one of the major chemical processing industries. The major environmental impacts of paints and varnishes are concerning their content of solvents and other chemicals. There is a need to encourage manufacturers to use less of these substances, and to ensure proper environmental management throughout the manufacturing process. Procurement of paints and varnishes is classified as having a high environmental profile and some risk of developing world supply chains. Summary of Life Cycle Record Raw MaterialUse †¢Raw materials include solvents, pigments, dyes, and other chemicals. In addition, other raw materials are used to thin oil-based paints and stains or to clean up the residues left behind, such as turpentine and mineral spirits. †¢Some paints contain petroleum-based by products of the oil industry†¢The main uses of paints and varnishes are for architectural use (e.g. DIY), industrial use and automotive use. †¢VOCs may be released during use. †¢Some paints can emit noxious gases such as toluene and xylene, which are known carcinogens. ManufactureWaste Management/Disposal †¢The main components of the manufacture process are synthesis in a reactor, filtration, blending with other additives and packagingPaint related waste is often categorised as hazardous (special waste) due to its chemical content. Waste Management/Disposal options include: †¢Recycling †¢Incineration Key Impacts and Priority Mitigation Measures The key impacts in relation to paints and varnishes are: †¢Raw materials are often non-renewable and can be based on oil solvents †¢Solvent release, more specifically releases of VOCs to the atmosphere, which contribute to ground-level ozone, global warming and some have specific health effects. (There are more VOCs in gloss than emulsion) †¢Dyes and other chemicals used can also be harmful to health and the environment. †¢Wastewater and other solutions from washing of brushes and other application devices might contain these pollutants. †¢Energy is used during the processing stages. †¢Packaging materials are likely to contain traces of product / solvent residues, which can lead to direct release to the environment through evaporation. †¢Some paints can emit noxious gases such as toluene and xylene, which are known carcinogens. In 1989 the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer found that professional painters and decorators face a 40% increased chance of contracting cancer. †¢Paint waste at end of life is classed as a hazardous (special) waste. Control Measures – Raw Materials and Manufacture: †¢Implement a structured and independently verified Environmental Management System (EMS) such as ISO 14001 or EMAS. This will help the company use resources efficiently and prevent or minimise pollution. †¢Ensure systems are in place to control loss and wastage of toxic ingredients, in particular solvent management plans. †¢Avoidance of the use of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, hexavalent chromium, mercury and arsenic; and other substances where possible. †¢Where possible replace toxic and persistent ingredients such as oil, solvents, chemicals and other hazardous substances with less toxic and more degradable ones. Particularly focus on lower solvent alternatives where possible. Control Measures – Procurement Action: †¢Ensure suppliers selected have a high awareness of the potential environmental impacts and are taking the appropriate mitigation measures. †¢Encourage suppliers to develop environmentally â€Å"safer† products and in particular minimise the use of solvents and other chemicals and minimise waste during processing. †¢Avoid oil or solvent based paints where feasible. †¢Be aware that some water thinnable paints contain more chemicals than the oil-based paints they are intended to replace. †¢Select suppliers that can provide more information regarding the specific raw materials they use, and also provide guidance on environmentally safe use and disposal (including packaging). †¢To avoid wasteful use of paints and varnishes ensure the purchase of only the amount required for the job. †¢Where feasible, select a supplier that will allow the return of toxic material packaging for reuse. Control Measures –Use and Waste Management/Disposal: †¢Ensure employees are trained in actions to be taken in relation to waste minimisation, waste management and health and safety †¢Ensure proper labelling and storage of toxic and hazardous materials in secure, bunded areas. †¢Ensure user is trained in instructions for use including wearing of protective equipment such as facemasks, storage conditions (e.g. placing lids on containers when not in use) and cleaning of tools. †¢Ensure adequate ventilation during application. Disclaimer: This document is based on publicly available information and provides details of the environmental impacts associated with paints and varnishes. It contains a description of most commonly used raw materials and the environmental impacts and by-products released. It should be noted that there might be some other commodity types and manufacturing processes not covered within this document.

Reduction Of Global Warming And Maintaining Sustainability

Reduction Of Global Warming And Maintaining Sustainability Global warming is defined as an increase in the earths atmosphere. It is really harmful for environment. Pollution is also one of the big cause of global warming. Pollutions such as air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution and greenhouse gases contribute to the global warming. Greenhouse gases particularly human produced carbon dioxide are responsible in increase in global warming. Global warming could result various deadliest effects such as spread of diseases, warmer water and more occurrence of hurricanes, natural disasters, migrations, conflicts and wars and so on. In order to avoid such effects, global warming cannot be totally eradicated but it can be reduced drastically. Global warming needs serious attention about its effect and measures need to be taken to reduce global warming in order to maintain a proper sustainable environment. Global warming apparently is an increase in the global temperature but the change of temperature will not be uniform everywhere. The change in temperature is also called greenhouse effect. Troposphere which is known as the lowermost layer of the atmosphere traps heat by natural process due to the presence of greenhouse gases resulting into the change in temperature of the earth. The more the concentration of the greenhouse gases, the more is the amount of heat being trapped. The temperature of earth would be very low but in the presence of greenhouse gases the temperature of earth is comparatively very high which we called global warming. Researchers estimated that the earths mean temperature will rise between 1.5 to 5.5 degree Celsius by 2050, if the input of greenhouse gases continues to rise at the present rate (Indian Journal of Science Technology). Another effect of global warming is the rise in sea level. It also changes in pattern of rainfall which affects the distribution of vector borne diseases such as malaria, elephantiasis, and so on. Global warming has also big negative impact on agriculture. Soil moisture and vapor transition will increase which may drastically affect agricultural production. The increase in temperature and humidity will increase pest growth like the growth of vectors for various diseases. Several measures were taken in the past to control global warming. There are more measures constantly being taken every now and then. The main idea is to cut down the rate of use of Chlorofluorocarbon and fossil fuel. Agriculture also helps in reducing global warming. Now a days most of the farmers use chemicals in their crop to grow them faster and make them more attractive .This has bad effect on our environment which is also indirectly increasing global warming. This cause pollution as well as make most of the people sick. So, chemicals shouldnt be used in agriculture. Farmers should think about environment rather than money. Natural pesticides does not harm environment. So, natural pesticides should be used to make crops healthy. Small things which are unnoticeable also have big effect on environment. So, all of us should be more careful and think about its positive as well as negative aspects. Specially recycled, less using, and re using is a very important method to not only less using the waste products but also to help maintain the budget which keeps the economy flowing. Products such as papers, plastics, aluminum cans, and glasses can be recycled for re utilizes purposes. We should reduce using waste which cannot be recycled. Also we should not throw papers everywhere. Instead we can start from our home by collecting papers and later on give it to recycle. Reusing or recycling programs have to be maintained in every place from house to school as well as businesses and streets. In fact, by recycling half of the waste product 2400 pounds of carbon di oxide can be saved annually. For example: In my college we have two trash cans nearby in one its written waste only and in another its reuse. So, those students are throwing papers, plastics in reuse and other unnecessary trash on waste only. It will be easy for them to re-use the papers and save from pollution. Now technology is stepping forward day by day. They are making new ideas, new programs and new inventions. They are making different electrical production from which we can reduce using fuels and things which harm environments. For example: I am from Nepal and when I was small my mother used to cook food by burning woods but as I get older I saw many changes coming, then my mother started cooking food from fuel. Now we are here and my mother cooks food from microwave or oval which is electrical. Not only in the case of making food .Cars, computers and other many things has changed due to the progress on technology. Few years ago cars used to smoke emission which made air pollution and the sound from that made noise pollution but now here is car with no pollution. Slowly we are saving our environment. New techniques are making our environment as well as our life better. Also not only environment but its reducing global warming. On the other hand, usage of energy efficient products could help in reducing global warming. For example, if we buy a car that offers good mileage doesnt not only save fuel but also produce less carbon dioxide which helps to protect the environment. In fact, any vehicle that runs by battery would be better than any other vehicle that runs by fuel. Also drive less and drive smart is another technique that can be used practically in our daily life. Less driving means fewer emissions and fewer emissions means less chances of global warming. I have hybrid car and I am saving lots of fuel. I think cars like hybrid should be made more which will help in reducing global warming. Apart from that, we could also plant a tree which is another method to reduce greenhouse gases. Plants and its photosynthesis process are really very important for environment. Photosynthesis is a Natural process in which plants absorbs carbon dioxide and gives out oxygen which indicate safe environment. According to a report by environmentalists, a single tree absorbs one ton of carbon dioxide during its life time. Cutting tree will affect everyone. When plants are removed, the soils they observe also come out which cause heavy rainfall and destroy everything. With that removal of forest or tree there will be more carbon dioxide and less oxygen which totally harm environment. Deforestation is very dangerous for our environment which causes global warming. We should reduce cutting tree but if we really need to cut tree then we should plant another tree which will help in reducing global warming as well as balance the environment. Everyone is thinking about reducing global warming. Besides following all the possible methods and techniques to reduce the production of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, it is very important to be aware from personal level to help reduce the global warming. Population is increasing day by day. And growing population has biggest effect on global warming. The way they live, the food they eat and everything affect environment. So, less population will surely help to reduce global warming. Education also plays one of the biggest roles in reducing global warming. Many people dont even know what is mean by global warming. So, every individual should be made aware of the effects of the global warming which would help reduce the increasing temperature of the earth due to global warming. Its a tough task to reduce global warming and every individual should contribute as much as possible in order to reduce the global warming and maintain the sustainability. Since there is little doubt that global warming is influence by human actions, it can also be stopped by our own actions. Something should be done to stop it before it turned out to be very bad. We can act towards things that produce little greenhouse gases as much as possible. Our own approach can makes a difference in protecting our environment and making it sustainable as much as possible for the generations to come. Work Cited Walker, Mary L. Nuclear Power Is a Solution to Global Warming Global Warming. Ed. Cynthia A. Bily. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2006. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from Using Nuclear Power to Counter Global Warming. Sun Diego Union-Tribune16 Sept. 1999. Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 30 Nov. 2012. http://0-ic.galegroup.com.library.dcccd.edu/ic/ovic/ViewpointsDetailsPage/ViewpointsDetailsWindow?failOverType=query=prodId=OVICwindowstate=normalcontentModules=mode=viewdisplayGroupName=Viewpointslimiter=currPage=disableHighlighting=falsesource=sortBy=displayGroups=search_within_results=action=ecatId=activityType=scanId=documentId=GALE%7CEJ3010222225userGroupName=txshracd2500jsid=e9c678af54d68be91e7adc748b59f3e6 Programs to Reduce Carbon Emissions. New York Times 18 Aug. 2012: A18 (L).Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 30 Nov. 2012. http://0-ic.galegroup.com.library.dcccd.edu/ic/ovic/NewsDetailsPage/NewsDetailsWindow?failOverType=query=prodId=OVICwindowstate=normalcontentModules=mode=viewdisplayGroupName=Newslimiter=currPage=disableHighlighting=falsesource=sortBy=displayGroups=search_within_results=action=ecatId=activityType=scanId=documentId=GALE%7CA300014554userGroupName=txshracd2500jsid=e529f2d94a751745e09d0478a5107308 Top 10 Thing You Can Do to Reduce Global Warming, Environmental issues www.about.com http://environment.about.com/od/globalwarming/tp/globalwarmtips.htm Ganesh, P. H. Roop, Global Warming/Greenhouse Effect, Indian Journal of Science Technology; Mar2011, Vol. 4 Issue 3, p219-222, 4p, 1, Academic Search Complete, North Lake Col. Library. http://0-web.ebscohost.com.library.dcccd.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=0f2e52dd-9ba9-49b6-82cb-5e5efc4f6a82%40sessionmgr104vid=4hid=112 The Enhanced Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming. The Environment: A Revolution in Attitudes. Kim Masters Evans. 2008 ed. Detroit: Gale, 2008. Information Plus Reference Series. Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 30 Nov. 2012. http://0-ic.galegroup.com.library.dcccd.edu/ic/ovic/ReferenceDetailsPage/ReferenceDetailsWindow?failOverType=query=prodId=OVICwindowstate=normalcontentModules=mode=viewdisplayGroupName=Referencelimiter=currPage=disableHighlighting=truesource=sortBy=displayGroups=search_within_results=action=ecatId=activityType=scanId=documentId=GALE%7CEJ3011860103userGroupName=txshracd2500jsid=070f10b839877ee0e92bc89d400bac15

Social Implications: Access to Technology Essay -- Essays Papers

Social Implications: Access to Technology Has the Internet and the computerization of work, education, and life itself lead to inequalities in the access to technology and information among people with respect to differences in race, economic classes, education, and gender? With the end of the Cold War, a newly emerging global marketplace economy aided by advancing computer and information processing technologies have rapidly changed the way people live and work. I recognize the necessity to have access to technology, and the changing need for technology over the course of a person's life. "Technological changes have outpaced ethical developments, bringing about unanticipated problems that have caused a "policy vacuum" filled by Computer Ethics, which has initially surfaced from practical concerns arising in the information society: rational decisions have to be taken, technical, educational and ethical problems must be solved, legislation needs to be adopted, and a combination of empirical evidence and logical arguments seems to provide the most obvious and promising means to achieve such pressing goals." (http://www.wolfson.ox.ac.uk/~floridi/ie.htm#1) By researching this values question, I believe that I will gain new insight and knowledge about the importance of parity in access to technology. This web site will examine if there are inequalities in the access to technology and if so how they impact our society, and discuss ways to provide solutions for equal access for people of color, underprivledged classes, educational and career purposes, and both sexes. Computer technology affects society in many ways. One needs to recognize the concerns for social responsibility in which computing technology is used. Advanc... ...righttoknow/) (03 March 2000) Ursery, Danney. Normative Ethical Principles and Theories: Utilitarian Theory Online. Internet Available (http://www.stedwards.edu/ursery/norm.htm#utility) (24 March 2000) Ursery, Danney. Normative Ethical Principles and Theories: Social Contract Theory Online. Internet Available (http://www.stedwards.edu/ursery/norm.htm#social) (24 March 2000) Ursery, Danney. Exploring Values: Moral Rules, Moral Principles and Value Statements: Online. Internet Available (http://www.stedwards.edu/ursery/values.htm) (24 March 2000) Equal Access to Software and Information. Online. Internet Available (http://www.rit.edu/~easi/) Lacey, Marc. Clinton Uses High-Tech Show to Push Plan for Internet Parity. (New York Times 19 April 2000) Harmon, Amy. Racial Divide Found on Information Highway. (New York Times 17 April 1998)

Writer compare

The writer is Pharisee. I do not get any background about the writer. 2. The writer want us to know not everyone is suitable for taking college. The writer hope us can embrace her opinion. 3. The topic is the title â€Å"Is college for everyone†. I think this is a very common, popular topic.We still no consistent conclusion on this topic. . People still believe college education is the key to happiness and success for everyone. 5. A point, â€Å"the US, approximately 50% of students who begin college never graduate. There exist students who are not yet ready for the academic and financial challenges of college. There exist students who do not have the desire for college or learning. Some students may be better suited for a different type of education, If any. â€Å". Uses logic. And another point, â€Å"There are jobs that do not require a college education. Some work can be learned on the job, or from a trade school.We need fork lift rivers, factory workers, sales clerks a nd cashiers. What would we do without tractor- trailer drivers, mail carriers and construction workers? † 6. The writers thesis is college is not for everyone. We can find from these two sentences† Refuse to accept the political correctness that says all of our citizens should receive a higher education. Embrace the reality that college is not for everyone. † 7. The writer talk student's purpose and financial challenges of college and let us think if it is wroth to send students to take college. I think the writer provides a clear, sober and well- written analysis of his opinion. . For example, according to â€Å"We need to start distinguishing between the right to an education, and the benefit of an education. College does not benefit everyone. Not everyone should attend college. ‘We can see college is kind of business right now. The writer want us to think it very carefully. This opinion.The writer compare people who has higher education and lower educatio n to prove his opinion,†higher education is not the key to happiness and success for every person. † 1 1 . I think college is not for everyone. Not everyone likes studying. Someone also can have great achievement without college education.College is kind of waste for them, like Bill Gates. I agree with writer's opinion. I think this is a bold opinion. Summary The writer talk about the academic and financial challenges of college to show us some students are not comfortable in taking college. And He talk about college is business right now. People need to think about the benefit of an education. The writer want us to know College does not benefit everyone and higher education is not the key to happiness and success for every person. People can have happiness without college education. All in all, the thesis is college is not for everyone.

Japan vs. US economy essays

Japan vs. US economy essays The primary purpose of the economic activity is to benefit consumer while maximizing wealth creation; while the distribution of that wealth is of secondary importance. 1. U.S economy is approaching Neoclassical model in which individuals are assumed to maximize their own private interest, and business enterprise are expected to maximize profits which result in a powerful proconsumption bias and insensitivity to the social welfare impact of economic activities. - market are competitive and competition should be promoted through antitrust and other policies. - almost any economic activity is permitted - economy is open to the outside world 2. US economy also considered as a system of managerial capitalism. The economy was transformed from a proprietary capitalism to one dominated by large oligopolistic corporations. 1. Authority over the economy is alienated among the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the federal government and between the federal government and the fifty states for example the responsibility of financial system is shared by the Treasury, the federal reserve and several other powerful and independent federal agencies which strongly affected by actions of the legislative and judicial branches of the government. In addition, the fifty states contest the authority of the federal government over economic policy and implement important policies of their own. 2. Another influence of the American state in the economy is the tension between private and public sector. Not only does the adversarial relationship between gov. and business in the US make cooperation very difficult, but their mutual suspicions are reflected in American politics. Whereas political conservative reject any strong role for the state in the economy, political liberals are fearful that private business interest will capture government program in order to feather their own nest, which consequently will produce po ...