Malnourishment Research Project Overview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Malnourishment Research Project Overview - Essay Example Political and social factors are attributed in the growing concern about overnutrition It is a misconception that first world countries or economically-progressive countries are capable of having luxurious ways of living and as a result this leads to the citizens having poor diets and exercise deficiency. America is considered as the fast-food nation. The reasons are very much obvious. Statistics show that every twenty four hours, there is at least one American out of four who eats fast food. Their main reason is that fast food eating is very convenient and a cheap option. (Levinstein, 2003) The overnutrition rates in the second and third world countries are almost at the same levels as the rates of the developed countries. Economic stability has nothing to do with the prevalence of o overnutrition. The second and third world countries show the presence of malnourished citizens but they also have cases of obesity or overnutrition. Changes in the rates of overnutrition in different countries can be due to several factors. This may be due to societal changes such as greater food consumption and genetic adaptations that impact metabolism. Therefore, lifestyle and technological changes have adverse effects with the nutrition of the people. In the book entitled Competitive Advantage by Jaynie Smith, she stated that there is an increasing need for people to eat healthy food. Since fast-foods are their usual first option for getting access to ready food, the fast foods have to think of new ways and strategies to offer healthy food options that will not prevent any potential or existing customer from buying food from them due to lack of healthy foods available. (Fjellstrom, 2004) Fastfood chains and restaurants do not only have the responsibility to address marketing needs for they also have the obligation to address their moral responsibility to their customers by helping them live healthy lives with the

Energy in American History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Energy in American History - Essay Example In fact, there was less reliance on the wood for fueling locomotives after discovery of coal. Moreover, there was a high preference for coal as a source of energy was due to its higher-energy content compared to wood. Coal was needed for production of coke in the process of manufacturing iron and steel; in fact, it was identified as an economical component in the production process. Nevertheless, the paper will focus on exploring use of energy in America through a comparison of different sources, while the next section will summarize arguments in these sources, thereby evaluating them to determine whether they are honest and accurate. Finally, the paper will explore the historical context for energy issue and discuss the way knowledge can influence evaluation of these arguments. There was profound growth of energy consumption in the transport sector during the nineteenth century, and this growth led to an exhaustion of sources of energy such as wood and coal, in American history. How ever, this was not until the Second World War, when petroleum was introduced (Johnson, 30). Establishment of petroleum let to a shift from use of coal as a source of energy to use of diesel and gasoline on locomotives and trucks. This was also facilitated by engines designed to consume gasoline and diesel, thereby making petroleum products predominant sources of energy for transportation. Nevertheless, this led to a rise in labor issues, safety standards, increased costs of coal production and a reduction in the use of coal as a source of energy. Years later, there was a reemergence of coal consumption as a source of energy, which involved firing electrical generators; this clearly indicated its stake as source of energy. However, introduction of petroleum as a source of energy and natural gas continued to reduce use of coals as a prime supply of energy. There was a further increase in the use of petroleum in the 1920s after a completion of the first petroleum drilling project by Ed win Drake (WOU, 1). In fact, this led to a significant increase of use of petroleum during the depression, which increased until 1973. In this case, petroleum can be considered the only source of energy that underwent sudden increase in consumption during the American history. Issues and arguments at this section of the paper entails a comparison of two sources from both governmental and non-governmental website, and these sources seem to agree in numerous accounts regarding changes in the consumption of energy in American history. Therefore, these accounts can be considered rational, and with an attribute of high level of accuracy. Consequently, this makes the stance of the paper to be in agreement with the accounts provided by these sources in relation to the history of energy consumption in America. Evaluation of the Arguments There has been a notable change in the patterns of energy consumption over the American history throughout the development of different sources of energy a nd change of energy consumptions. Therefore, the arguments proposed in the first section of the paper can be considered rational and accurate. In fact, there are other websites indicating that wood was used as a source of energy before establishment of coal, which was later replaced by petroleum. In this case, accounts by these sources indicate that coal was a highly preferred source of energy during the nineteenth century. Moreover, different sources also indicated that in

Consumer Behaviour in Fashion Industry

Consumer Behaviour in Fashion Industry David Holloway had always been rather rebellious and he continued to be so during his time studying fashion. However, he produced annual collections which stunned his teachers with their inventiveness and attention to detail. During his time at college David developed his skill as a tailor, so in his leaving collection (2005), the output was not only inventive, it was also technically very well made. David was employed by a major fashion house and spent two years producing ground-breaking designs, elevating the house from the simply sophisticated to the cutting edge of fashion. David was in demand on the UK fashion scene. He was runner up in the Fashion Designer of the Year competition in 2007, having been the winner of Best New Fashion Designer of the Year in 2006, but as he was often said awards dont necessarily put money in the till. Freeway fashion ltd designed and manufactured David Holloways designs for sale at a range of specialist high and retail outlets and also created designs for more mid market outlets on a commission basis. The 2008/2009 revenue year had been difficult for freeway fashion ltd. No new ideas were seen in the offerings at the spring 2010 collection and sales were static. In spite of having scarce time, information, and resources, I have tried my best to fulfill all the requirements of the report and sought to apply my knowledge of Consumer behavior as a process. Jump to:   TASK 1 7 Introduction Fashion Consumer motivation Importance of fashion in peoples lives TASK 2 14 Role of celebrities in the adoption Stimuli TASK 3 19 Way to deal with changing profile customer Innovators of fashion design Reference group theory TASK 4 28 Research method for Freeway Fashion Ltd Sample frame Non- consumer research method TASK 5 39 Monitory system for Freeway fashion ltd Problem statement: Based on information it is possible to acquire, draw up a picture of fashion clothing market (both male and female) in a country of your choice. Some of the general areas you might consider include: What is fashion and how is it manifested in the clothing market? What are the consumer motivations for being and staying in fashion? Why is fashion important in peoples lives? Introduction: Fashion is always changed by social and cultural attitude, place, time etc. Fashion designers design fashion by considering customers needs, current situation and a wide range of colors, patterns, and styles.  [1]  Here is a complete picture of clothing market in Bangladesh. Fashion: Fashion a general term for a currently popular style or practice especially in clothing. Fashion clothes express a person who is he or she what he or she value. Fashion is always changing slightly elusive, extreme, and seductive. It has the power to change an image and create a social statement.  [2]  The fashion industry is the product of modern age. From the designers perspective the key was keeping in tune with all dynamic changes happening in the market and then translating those into required products when the customer acknowledge. Ancient Bengali fashion garments generally used unstitch although Bengali knew regarding sewing. Bangladeshi female wears traditional clothing such as sari. There are various styles of fashion clothing available in Bangladeshi market. The fashion market of Bangladesh is witnessing strong growth owing to a young population, an increase in disposable incomes, which is leading to increase in consumption and thus the rapid growth in organisation retail. Characteristics to manifest fashion in clothing market: Clothing is one of the codes for reading society. Selecting the right clothes is the first and foremost step in creating an overall style statement. The fashion magazines and the fashion shows are of great help determining what is chosen or not.  [3]   Fashion is manifested by constant change in form where the function remains constant. In clothing market, fashion is always change by consumers buying motivation factors and decision making process. In Bangladesh, the fashion clothing is manifested by the different ways of thinking, social groups, and motivation factors etc. the culture of fashion is inextricably linked to a place or social senses to a community and in clothing market. Fashion is concerned, time and space matter. The fashion market is apposite for exploring the problem posed by market behaviour as it relates to creativity. The fashion industry is manifested in several ways. The external sociological factors have influences on customer such as family, friends, neighbor, other informal and noncommercial sources, social class and cultural and subcultural memberships. Demographic characteristics will affect both the type of clothing that individuals will consume fashion:  [4]   Age: this remains one of the main determinants of peoples buying behaviour despite social changes which have taken place, such as the slump in teenage fashion. Gender: also an important factor affecting a persons choice of clothing, gender remains important since there are very few genuinely unisex fashion item even jeans are advertised as either feminine or masculine. Occupation: clothing can be chosen to reflect ones professional status and choice of buying. Economics circumstances Social class Consumer motivation: Consumer motivation is an internal state that derives person to choose and buy products or services which fulfill conscious and unconscious desire or needs. The fulfillment of those demands can then motivate them to make a repeat purchase or to find different goods and services to better fulfillment those desires.  [5]   In Bangladesh, the fashion clothing market depends on how necessary a purchase is to an individual his motivational levels may vary from low to high. Motivational factors include familiarity with purchase, status factors and overall expense and value. The hierarchy of needs of Maslow (1970) provides a framework within which to explore the role that fashion plays in driving and motivating. Maslows hierarchy of needs Physiological needs: Physiological needs are those required to sustain life. These is prompt the purchase of a winter coat in winter season by a person. This model may appear slightly out dated in todays fashion society continually consumers are finding it easier to satisfy this lower level need leading to greater emphasis being placed upon how they are viewed in fashion society. Safety needs: These relate to both physical and emotional safety, although this may in general be a minor issue for fashion marketers. Some purchases will involve a high level of safety consciousness, such as taking into account the flammability of children nightwear. Here consumers feels to purchase good clothes. Social groups: Consumer social needs includes love, affection, belonging and acceptance from: Groups Family Roles and status Social needs can exert a powerful influence on fashion purchase, as is exemplified by the complex issues involved in the teenage purchase of T-shirts.  [6]   Esteem needs: This implies the need for recognition from others. Prestige or the wish to enhance consumers reputation is a motivating force across the whole fashion spectrum, from street fashion to haute couture.  [7]   Need for self-actualisation: This is often interpreted as the expression of creativity or some type of spiritual fulfillment. The fashion consumers can be observed by this motivational force at work in both the creative dresser. Consumer maintains the high Image enhancement Social uniqueness Importance of fashion in peoples lives: Fashion seems to be ubiquities and a permanent dimension of human behaviour. Fashion is new delight for consumer. Fashion is something which is special we deal with everyday. Clothes create a wordless means of communication that we all understand.  [8]   Express personality: Fashion is a way by which consumers can express their personality. So it is easier to judge and realize others personality by the help of fashion. Social uniqueness: people always seek to be unique. It is easier to express or act uniquely if one strongly maintain own fashion avoided criticism. Image enhancement: fashion is important because it allows consumers to project the image that they want others to see. Consumer can enhance their beauty by wearing fashion clothes. Spread culture: Fashion play an important part in our culture. In Bangladesh, women think of saris sari is not only worn in Bangladesh these days but others countries such as Mexico and African people love to wear saris to get the feel of Indian subcontinent culture. Increasing confident: Fashion is required to make the consumer feel the best. When somebody wears fashionable clothes that fit his or her properly and it can add a boost of confidence. Position in society: fashion is required to make position the consumer in his or her society. Fashion clothes increases the social status of a consumer who wears fashionable clothes. Fashion has become a part of our life. Nobody can remain untouched without fashion. People must have some idea and kind of fashion to show their existence in present society. It is very important at all the time and no one cant think or stay without fashion whoever is conscious. Task 2 Problem statement: What is the role of celebrity and peer pressure in the adoption of fashion clothing? What are the stimuli for purchase? What is the role played by the mass media? Adoption of fashion: fashion adoption is an important concept in the fashion industry. Fashion is defines as a style of clothes or behaviour in the latest style. Fashion adoption is not related to age, education or marital status, i.e. demographic variables, but is corrected with fashion purchasing, magazine, readership, and frequency of shopping for clothes. Role of celebrities in the adoption of fashion clothing: Celebrities have greatly influenced consumers in this decade. International stars like Medona, Beyonce and Sara Jessica Parker have become more influential role models for customers. Celebrities provide role models by which people can judge themselves and can be used as images to which they can aspire.  [9]   Brand awareness: celebrities create brand awareness among consumers and peoples life style. Fashion image: fashion image relates consumers perception about fashions favorable, unique, and strong related associated that fashion products might benefit from. Celebrities help consumers for enhancing their images. In fashion, consumers follow a certain norm in order to get the majority style of trends. Celebrities take place the eye of the world updating on what fashion they have adopted. New trend: latest fashion trends are always started on what fashion clothes are worn by the celebrities and models. Enhance uniqueness: celebrities always have their own identity in creating their own style of fashion. So consumers try to make self uniqueness learning the celebrities life. Role of peer pressure in the adoption of fashion clothing: Peer is generally acknowledger siblings or friend.  [10]  They are some people that an individual keep in mind when making a purchase. Peer groups are important because they inform and make individuals aware of specific products and brand for adopting fashion. Peer influence on the attitudes, thoughts, and actions of an individual. Peer influence on products purchase decision. Encouraging the person to change their attitude and help to get the new fashion. Peer pressure is probably the strongest influence on adolescent brand choices which is symbolic good for clothes and adoption fashion.  [11]   Stimuli Stimuli: Stimuli are events in environment that influence behaviour.  [12]  Consumer buying behaviour is influenced by numerous factors. Decision making questions such as what, why, how, where and when consumers buy are influenced by three major conditions. Stimuli for purchase are a mechanism to bring into entropy the four different images of self defined by Freud. Freuds theory of personality is based on the idea that much of consumer behaviour in fashion is determined by forces outside awareness. Personality stereotypes may change overtime.  [13]  There are three levels of awareness: conscious mind, preconscious mind, subconscious mind.  [14]   The id: The id is the Freudian structure of personality that consists of unconscious nature.  [15]  This id is conceptualized as a warehouse of primitive and impulsive drives. Here consumer has no real perception reality and seeks to satisfy his or her needs. The super ego: The super ego is conceptualized as the individuals internal expression of societys moral and ethical codes of conduct. In this stage the individuals satisfies needs in a socially acceptable fashion. The ego: The ego is a consumers conscious control. The ego is based on the reality principle.  [16]  The ego functions in the conscious, preconscious, and unconscious mind. Freuds personality theory of consumer personality believe that customer drives are largely unconscious and that consumers are primarily unaware of their true reasons for buying fashion products what they buy. The role of mass media: The mass media, including all types of TV channels, radio, paper, newspaper always play a vital role in our modern fashion life. They have changed our life very much. Mass media affects consumers fashion by showing celebrities fashion life, fashion shows etc Mass media have a great contribution to shape consumers ways of thinking. Mass media increases our awareness about fashion by when we watch on TV, radio. Task 3 Problem statement: Fashionable products often have difficulty remaining fashionable. This question addresses: How do fashion based companies deal with changing customer profiles for their products? Who are the innovators and early users of fashion products? Explain the role of COO (country of origin) effect in relation to fashion design and outsourced manufacturing? What influence does reference group theory have on the possession and brand fashion goods? Ways to deal with changing profile customer: Fashion based companies need to deal with their changing profile customer for their existing and new products. These companies should consider ways to grow the fashion market via existing and new products, in existing and new markets. Market penetration: (existing market and existing product) This strategy is seeking a larger market share in a market in which organisation has already offerings.  [17]   Attracting buyers of competing offerings(fashionable product) Stimulating fashion product trial among potential customers Product Existing new Fashion Market penetration Fashion Product development Fashion Market development Fashion Diversification Existing Market New Fig: 4Ps of marketing mix Product development: ( existing market ands and new product) Fashion companies create new offering for existing fashion markets. Product augmentation- enhances the value to customer of existing fashion clothes. Product line extension- broad the existing line of offering by adding different trend, sizes, forms, colors etc. Fashion market development : (new market, existing product) Fashion companies are introducing its existing offerings to customers than other those that the fashion company is currently serving. Carefully consider competitor strengths and weakness and competitor relation potential Modification of the basic offering Change in sales effort and advertising Diversification: (new market, new offering) Fashion companies can develop of offerings new and introduce those offerings to new customers not previously served by these organisations. Growing trend in recent years. Fashion companies also include following factors to deal with customers: Branding: Positioning is how a product appears in relation to other products in market.  [18]  Brand can be positioned against competitors brand. Observational research: It is a social research technique that involves the direct observation in natural setting. It is very flexible to researchers because they can change their approach whenever they want. Fashion based company can deal with this strategy by researching the actual wants and needs of customer.  [19]   CRM (Customer relationship management): CRM strategy helps the fashion based companies improve the profitability of their interaction with customers. To succeed with CRM companies need to match products and campaigns to prospects and customers life cycle. Fashion companies can gather customer data by CRM Market analysis: Fashion companies should analyse the market by following dimension: Market size Market growth rate Market profitability Distribution channel Trend Key factor success Decision: Fashion based company always need to deal with present customer and also they want to cope the new customer or competitor customer. to increase the customer growth rate, company should make perfect strategy for staying core customer and changing fashion image of organisation. Innovators of fashion products: Innovators are early users of fashion products. The adoption process begins with a tiny numbers of visionary, imaginative innovations. They are the first individual to adopt an innovation. Innovators are:  [20]   Willing to take risk Youngest in age Have the highest social status Have great financial lucidity Social Closest contact to scientific sources More cosmopolitan More self confident Better educated More active outside of their community, etc. Early users of fashion products: Early users are the second fastest category of individuals who adopt fashion products. Early users are: Younger in age Higher social class or status Well educated Socially forward than late adopters Reliant on group norms and values than innovators. More likely to be opinion leaders because of their close affiliation groups. Country of Origin: Country of origin is the country of manufacture, production or growth where products comes from.  [21]   Role of COO effect in fashion design: Differentiating products from the competitors  [22]   Impact on consumers quality perceptions of products: brand image, brand personality, brand associations, communication messages influence the perception of customers about the quality of a brand.  [23]   Preference for and willingness to buy products Effect of affinity and animosity toward the country of origin: country associations do lead to customer bias. Such bias is based on the image of the country in customers minds. Economy, technology, wealth index, regulatory mechanisms, government, business history of any country makes up the image of a country on the customers mind. Consumers product evaluations and choice: The very reason a company indulges in branding is to assist customers in making purchase decisions by providing cues on quality, credibility and value about a product. Effect of country-of-association Consumers state of familiarity about the product: As the COO information is available, consumers will view it as relevant information and deliberately use it in their evaluation of products. Whether fashion clothing is considered as luxury good to the consumers Exert its influence on product judgment.  [24]   Role of Country of Origin (COO) in outsourced manufacturing: Decrease in production costs  [25]   Flexibility Technological advantages Use of advanced skills Global competition Reference group theory: A reference group is group of people (or even one person) which provides a point of comparison or reference for the consumer in the formation of values and attitudes, which in turn affect buying behaviour.  [26]   Reference-group theory asserts that peoples self-evaluations are determined not only by their objective position but also by their standing relative to specific persons with whom they compare. Because an individuals self-evaluations can rise or fall depending on which group he looks to when making comparative judgments, specifying the conditions under which people select one or another comparative reference-group would appear to be vital to a more complete elaboration of reference-group theory.  [27]   Influences of reference group theory on the possession and brand of fashion goods: Reference group influence has been treated as a multinational construct based on the assumption that influence can occur for different motivational reasons. The two types of social influence systems are: Normative social influence: it is the desire to confirm to the expectations of another person or group.  [28]   Informational social influence: it is an influence to accept information obtained from another as evidence about reality.  [29]   Influences of reference group theory are: Influence on marketing studies Influence on the attitudes of those individuals who apply it as a reference point for evaluating their own fashion.  [30]   Influence on consumers evaluation, aspirations, or behavior  [31]   Influence on product selection, brand evaluation and choice, brand loyalty, and perceptions of product quality. Reference groups can be critical source of brand meaning. Consumers use reference group as a source of information for adopting fashion. Consumers may form self brand connections to the brands used by reference groups to which they belong. Consumer may avoid associations derived from groups to which reference groups do not belong. Task 4 Problem statement: Based on where Freeway Fashions are positioned in the market, what forms of market research would you recommend they use in order to stay up to date with cutting edge fashion trends? How you would derive your customer sample frame(s) and what might they be asked? How would you deal with trade and retail opinion? What forms of additional non customer research would you recommend to the company? Should Delphi method type research techniques be consider? Research method for freeway fashion Ltd: Freeway fashion ltd was born in September 2007.freeway fashion designed and manufactured David Holloways designs for sale at a range of specialist high and retail outlets and also created designs for mid market outlets on a commission basis. The economic regression began to affect the fashion industry and Davids second year was no lucrative as first years. The two reasons for declined the profit are people were more careful in their purchase and Davids design was attracting only a different types of people. From the above evaluation of positioned market of Freeway Fashion ltd, I have to recommend following research method for this fashion company to stay up to date with cutting edge fashion trends. Consumer researchers today use two different types of research methodology: Quantitative research: It is descriptive in nature and is used to by researchers to understand the effects of various promotional inputs on the consumer, thus enabling researchers to predict the consumer behaviour.  [32]  Freeway fashion ltd enable to predict the consumer demand by using quantitative research method. This method consists of: experiments, survey techniques, and observation Qualitative method: Qualitative research method includes depth interview, focus group, metaphor analysis, collage research and projective techniques. Freeway fashion ltd administer this techniques by highly trained interviewer. This method helps to find out new ideas, develop promotional strategy.  [34]   The major steps in the consumer market research include  [35]   Define the objectives of research: it is first and difficult step for Freeway Fashion ltd to carefully design the objective. Objectives help to define the type and level of information needed.  [36]   To segment the market for Freeway Fashion ltd offerings To assess consumers attitude towards this organisation services and quality Collecting secondary data: secondary data includes both external and internal data. It can be obtained cheaply. Freeway fashion ltd should collect the data from buyer and also from external fashion consumer market. The sources of secondary data: Internal sources Governmental sources Periodicals, magazines, books Commercial data Designing primary research: if Freeway fashion ltd needs descriptive information then it undertakes quantitative method. If this organisation needs new ideas such as positioning or repositioning of fashion clothing then it undertakes qualitative research.  [

Analysis on the novel The Hours :: essays research papers

QUESTIONS ON THE FILM â€Å"THE HOURS† 1) â€Å"The Hours†, based on the novel written by Michael Cunningham, is more than a biographical movie about Virginia Woolf. How can you discribe the importance and co- relation between the three female main characters: Virginia, Laura Brown and Clarissa Vaughan? The novel is essentially about women. Women from different periods, of different ages, and oddly the same in various aspects. We get to know women that apparently lead perfect lives, considering the external aspect, and all of them come to a moment in their lives when they stumble upon the superficiality of their days and face their disturbed inner selves. The fates of the three characters cross because of the fact that Laura is reading exactly the book Virginia wrote, while Clarissa Vaughan appears to be a kind of living breathing Clarissa Dalloway. 2) It is known that the movie tells a lot about the feminine universe in its various aspects. How were men inserted in this universe? What feelings could they represent in the movie? Men were shown as elements that were on the verge of the story, but, at the same time, they were essential to the development of the plot, as well as remarkable influences to the states the women are in in the movie. That is, though their presence in the lives of the three characters is of great importance for us to understand what they’re going through, they always seem to be kind of unaware of what great tempests are occurring in the women’s heads. 3) Relationship between women is also largely explored in the movie, as well as in the writings of Virginia Woolf. Considering that the movie is based on a literary book and is full of metaphors, what could the three kisses highlighted in the film mean, beyond the images shown (the kisses between female characters)? As the film tells a lot about the feminine universe, the fact that they highlighted these three specific kisses between the main characters could be an attempt to show another way through which different feminine universes can interact, and they didn’t necessarily mean â€Å"sexual involvement†. The first kiss, for instance, between Laura and Kitty, could be easily taken as a statement that the former â€Å"was in love† with her female friend. That could really be the case, but the metaphorical nature of the movie can also provide us with other interpretations when we’re willing to dig deeper.

Critical analysis of marketing ethics- corporate social responsibility Essay

Introduction Ethical conduct of marketing activities is essential for any serious business in the current globalized business environment. The issue of corporate social responsibility has been a challenge to many managers and will continue to do so in case proper mechanisms and policies are not put in place and implemented. The report gives an analysis of CSR practices and subsequently provides arguments in favour of the practice and those that do not. Long term perspective in carrying out CSR has been stressed. Sustainable CSR practices ensure that the business remains relevant in the long run, performs better and the needs of the community and environment are addressed. The impacts of CSR dimensions on the marketing mix strategy adopted by the firm have also been dealt with. The best approach to CSR has been suggested and recommendation is that the approach which resonates well with the goals of the firm must be adopted. The blue-chip company tackled in this report is Nike. Report summary It has been observed that marketing ethics still is a topic attracting vigorous debate among scholars and business practitioners. Currently, there is a corporate social responsibility movement that has been incited by a number of catalytic forces. However, these forces driving CSR in the current business setup have been propelled by serious shifts exhibited in the relationship of the market, individual and the state. Core drivers in CSR have been the ever-growing expectations from stakeholders, the ever shrinking role played by the state in businesses, levels of responsibility being put on supply chains, and the adding pressure emanating from shareholders (Amaeshi, et al., 2006, pp.4,17, 25). See more: how to write an analysis Studies that have been conducted indicate that the current public is more sensitive to CSR and thus expects much from businesses and it is therefore coming up with groups such as consumers, activists, community, employees, and shareholders so as to see to it that they are heard by corporate decision-makers. CSR could be viewed as the continuous commitment of businesses to act in a manner that is ethical and subsequently contribute to the economic development of society while trying to improve the life quality of its workforce and their families and that of the local community. The company becomes obliged to become sensitive to the demands of all stakeholders. It must be stated clearly that CSR does not imply monetary hand-outs in form of grants or donations (McWilliams & Siegel, 2000, pp.603-609). This is a myopic view of CSR that has often led to the vague argument that the business of a business entity is to do business and thus not to be concerned with issues going on in the society. This has often pitted CSR against profitability thus arguing that CSR programs will deter a firm from achieving its profitability goals. Long term views on CSR and profitability however indicate that a firm practicing CSR programs performs better than those which do not. The firm chosen for the report is Nike which deals in sports footwear and apparels. Analysis Critical Analysis of Arguments for and Against Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Friedman (2008, pp.32-33) notes that CSR is deemed to be a very comprehensive package of serious practices and programs guided by policies which are all integrated into the operations of a business entity, supply chains, and its decision making processes in the whole firm and this spins across current and past actions and the impact that the operations have on future welfare of business, society and environment in general. In this regard, CSR issues are related to community investment, governance, business ethics, human rights, market and working environment (Li & Su, 2007, pp.237-256). This eliminates the myopic view of CSR as simple charity and therefore calls upon the firm to incorporate fully the impact of its operations on stakeholders as well as the environment at the point of decision-making. Managers must thus juggle with a delicate balance that exists between the stakeholder needs, company needs to make profits and perform better, and be able to adequately reward shareholder. The argument posed for new corporate leaders is that of profit optimization being the key to success as opposed to profit maximization thus bringing a serious paradigm shift in terms of accountability to the firm’s shareholders to the social responsibility towards customers and other stakeholders in society (Chapple & Moon, 2005, pp.415-441). Given the current competitive international marketing, ethics have been singled out as playing a pivotal role since businesses have realized that they are handling human values as well as beliefs. Businesses have largely spread across geographic boundaries and the current marketers are faced with cross-cultural issues that they must deal with. Multinationals that did not notice this responsibility such as McDonald and Nestle ended up facing serious ethical problems in their marketing activities going as far as getting themselves in suits that cost them millions of dollars (Li & Su, 2007, pp.237-256). Bansal & Roth, (2000, pp.717–736) think that those who support CSR activities bring in very interesting arguments. They hold that CSR practices do enhance the firm and its brand image due to the good reputation that CSR brings on board. Companies that do CSR programs effectively have also been found to easily attract ethical sensitive employees and their retention levels are high because of the satisfaction and motivational levels that such employees do record. Such firms do report high growth rates in terms of market share and are able to easily attract new investors in their business ventures (McWilliams & Siegel, 2000, pp.603-609). Furthermore, firms with working CSR programs have experienced lower costs of operations and are thus able to report high net profit margins. These arguments for CSR practices are supported by the logic that a firm that is socially responsible does care about its customers, suppliers, employees, society, local community, and the environment as a whole. It thus becomes an approach through which a firm does recognize the wide impact that its business operations have on the society and its development and in essence ends up supporting the firm in pursuit of its business success and that it has to actively handle the social, environmental, economic, and human rights issues. This calls for sustainable development as well as good levels of corporate governance (Roux, 2007, pp.23-25). Chambers, et al., (2003, pp.112-119) argue that normative arguments do recognize the needs for CSR are mainly pillared on instrumental rationales or ethical, and those that are against CSR practices are based on property rights perspectives or institutional functions. In this regard, ethicists do argue that companies are obliged to act or behave in a manner that is socially responsible since that is something that is morally correct. Extremists in instrumental rationales would still support CSR programs even when they pose unproductive outcomes for the firm. The stand is based on the rational calculation which presupposes that CSR practices will in the long run benefit the firm in question (Sun, 2010, pp.45-47). This is enshrined in the organizational legitimization philosophy which poses that by showing responsibility, a firm will be able to proactively avoid and anticipate regulations of the government, make good use of opportunities that arise from the increased cultural, sexual, and environmental awareness, differentiate its products and services from those of its competitors who are not proactive, and would continue to benefit from privilege pursuits of economics (Mahon, 2002, pp.415-445). It assumes that the firm has a legal obligation to make maximized economic advantages that do accrue to its owners. The need for firms to protect their CSR practices is also presented since firms will not make supernormal profits from the CSR initiatives due to the entry of other firms (Visser, et al., 2008, pp.67-69). Visser, et al., (2008, pp.67-69) are of the view that the case against CSR is supported by the institutional function concept and that of property rights. This argument poses that the best vehicles for CSR are the governments, civil and religious organizations, and labour unions. They further argue that business managers do not have the necessary skills and time required to carry out CSR policies. They also hold that a business sector that is empowered should not be held responsible for its actions since it is not a governmental body that is in place through electoral processes. Thus, allowing businesses to carry out CSR practices is seen as being dangerous since this does allocates huge amounts of authority to the firms without exercising accountability (Chaudhri & Wang, 2007, pp.232–247). The property rights argument is rooted in neoclassical capitalism and its simplicity resonates with many scholars, especially those in finance. The position is that management reserves no right to carry out anything apart from that which increases the value of stockholders. Actions contrary to this are a violation of legal, moral and fiduciary responsibilities endowed to management (Visser, et al., 2008, pp.67-69). This is also supported by the competitive disadvantage theory which holds that CSR actions will impose a price on the company thus posing a competitive disadvantage when compared to other firms that are not practicing it. However, this is still viewed by many as a narrow view based on short term needs for profitability (Garriga & Mele, 2004, pp.51-74). How Different Dimensions of CSR Might Affect the Marketing Mix of NIKE There are a number of CSR dimensions that are tackled by a firm which is ethically responsible in its marketing mix and these include the physical environment, social, consumer, supply chain, and employee relations. The concept of marketing mix in this context is viewed as a theorized as well as structured way of effectively delivering and communicating product and service message to consumers in the market (Waddell, 2000, pp.323–345). The impacts posed by the CSR dimensions are based on the belief that the reputation of the company is quite vital to holding and maintaining a competitive position within the marketing place and in doing business successfully. The chart for CSR dimensions has been given in the appendix at the end of this report. These ethical issues if not well-addressed could create serious problems with consumers and make the marketing mix in place irrelevant. The marketing mix would include such things are product, price, place, promotion, physical evidence and people which are areas of marketing strategy application (Bhattacharya, et al., 2011, pp.56-58). The goal of business and marketing has been said to be profit maximization in a lawful manner. The behaviour portrayed in the marketplace must be ethical and ensure that there are societal benefits. The dimensions of CSR have been known to advance the corporate image, create and increase motivation as well as loyalty of both employees and consumers. A company which does not ensure employee development and proper compensation is likely to lose competitive advantage and this in turn affects the success of the marketing mix strategy employed by the firm such as Nike. When employees, who also constitute marketers, are empowered and well-developed, they enhance the performance of a company such as Nike. The environmental impact on businesses is huge (Secchi, 2007, pp.347-373). Companies that are known not to consider the impact their activities have on the environment lose out in the long run. The way the firm formulates its marketing mix strategy to resonate with the environmental needs will affect its long term viability. Such issues as use of green energy in its operations, use of biodegradable materials in advertisements, use of technology to safeguard the environment, and reduction of carbon emissions through carbon footprint measures could heavily impact on the success of its marketing mix. Ethically sensitive consumers will shun away from Nike if they find out that the company hold poor reputation on environmental issues (Peteraf, 1993, pp.179-191). Consumers on the other hand demand for quality products at competitive prices and the safety of these products must be guaranteed. A firm which does not take hid of these demands risks being thrown out of the market as consumers would avoid its products making its marketing mix strategies irrelevant. This is where the concept of consumer related marketing finds relevance since current consumers usually recognises CSR brands and end up supporting them (Covin & Miles, 1999, pp.47-63). Given the fact that Nike operates in the society and not in virtual settings, it is important that the social welfare of the local community be put into consideration in order to win trust, respect and loyalty, factors that enhance brand image and reputation. This also gives the company insurance in the society it operates in. it is hard to market a product of a company that does not have good brand image, has a ruined reputation and the society does not trust it or exhibits near zero loyalty levels (Baum & Wally, 2003, pp.1107-1129). Supply chain dimension in CSR for Nike must be considered since supply chains have been singled out as being at the core of business operations. The business in question such as Nike must be able to streamline its supply chain to resonate with the CSR demands. Marketing mix strategies that are employed in supply chains that are effectively handling CSR programs such as green logistics and green supplies have been found to resonate well with the consumers since the consumer is placed at the centre of these supply chains (Covin & Miles, 1999, pp.47-63). The Most Appropriate CSR Approaches to Adopt Numerous approaches to CSR have been proposed by many scholars and businesses. However, they are all defined by the size and resources bases controlled by organizations and the goals to be achieved in engaging in CSR. These approaches are initiatives based on community, getting into philanthropic activities, and developing business plans which build strong shared values. The company could adopt two approaches to the practice of CSR in the market. The first one should be coming up with community based initiatives where it supports organizations, events, as well as programs within the local community it operates in as this could pose strong positive impacts in the long run. This could subsequently create a positive brand recognition which resonates well with the community (Barney & Arikan, 2001, pp.67-78). This strategy should be done in combination with the approach of shared value. This shared value approach is a CSR initiative that focuses on building a set of shared values which do recognize the fact that long term success of the business as well as achieving a balanced social system are two concepts that are interdependent to each other. This approach is enshrined in the belief that for a business to thrive, the community in which it operates in must be healthy, educated, and governed in the most appropriate way possible (Lopez, et al., 2007, pp.285–300). In this regard, factoring in formal investments in areas of education, social well-fare, healthcare, and civil society when coming up with strategic business plans is the best avenue in creating opportunities that enhance and build social value while ensuring long term growth for the firm. Whichever approach a firm such as Nike adopts the most important consideration should be that it has to offer sustainability, win goodwill from the society, and ensure that the company meets its goals. Sustainable CSR practices work to ensure that the company avoid short term focus and looks towards profit optimization in the long run (Banerjee, et al., 2008, pp.51-79). Conclusion and Recommendations Considering the current global marketing environment, serious changes have occurred when compared to what it was decades ago. In this regard, it is imperative that firms adopt CSR practices that are sustainable. Indeed there are those who argue for CSR practices by firms and those that argue against these practices as has been established in the analysis. However, differences in opinion happen to emanate due to the aspect of time difference (Agle, et al., 1999, pp.507-525). Companies that focus on short term gains from CSR will be frustrated since this cannot be easily achieved. On the other hand, firms that seek to practice long term CSR programs that are sustainable have been reported to achieve high performance levels and have managed to justify their participation in CSR to their shareholders. In a nutshell, a serious company in today’s globalized market cannot assume the need for sustainable CSR policies that it should effectively carry out (Waddell, 2000, pp.323–345). The various dimensions of CSR such as environment, social, consumer, supply chains, and employee relations have been seen to pose serious impacts on the marketing mix strategies adopted by the firm such as Nike. Finally, it is recommended that all approaches to CSR must be considered and the best approach or a combination that fits the goals of the company be chosen as has been indicated above. References Agle BR, Mitchell RK & Sonnenfeld JA (1999). Who matters to CEOs? An investigation of stakeholder attributes and salience, corporate performance, and CEO values. The Academy Manage. J. 42(5): 507-525. Amaeshi, K, Adi, B, Ogbechie, C & Amao, O. (2006) †Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria: Western Mimicry or Indigenous Influences?†. No. 39-2006, ICCSR Research Paper Series –ISSN 1479 – 5124, The University of Nottingham, pp. 4,17, 25 Banerjee BS (2008). Corporate Social Responsibility: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Crit. Soc., 34(1): 51-79. Bansal, P. & Roth, R. (2000). â€Å"Why Companies Go Green: A model of Ecological Responsiveness†. The Academy of Management Journal 43 (4): 717–736 Barney, J.B. & Arikan, A.M. (2001). ‘The resource-based view: Origins and implications’.   In M.A. Hitt, Freeman, R.E., and Harrison, J.S. (Eds.), The Blackwell Handbook of Strategic Management. Blackwell Publishers   Ltd. Malden, MA, 67-78 Baum JR & Wally S (2003). Strategic decision speed and firm performance. Strateg. Manage. J. 24: 1107-1129 Bhattacharya, CB, Sankar Sen & Korschun D., (2011) Leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility: The Stakeholder Route to Business and Social Value, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge: UK. Chambers, E., Chapple, W., Moon, J., & Sullivan, M. (2003). CSR in Asia: A seven country study of CSR website reporting. International Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility, Nottingham University, UK. Research Paper Series No. 09-2003, 112-119 Chapple, W., & Moon, J. (2005). Corporate Social Responsibility in Asia: A seven-country study of CSR web site reporting. Business & Society, 44, 415-441 Chaudhri V. & Wang J (2007). Communicating Corporate Social Responsibility on the Internet: A Case Study of the Top 100 Information Technology Companies in India. Manag. Commun. Q., 21(2): 232–247 Covin, J.G. & Miles, M.P. (1999) ‘Corporate entrepreneurship and the pursuit of competitive advantage’. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 23: 47-63 Friedman, (2008) The social responsibility of business in to increase its profits. New York Times Magazines, 13 Sept., 32-33 Garriga, E. & Mele, D. (2004) Corporate social responsibility theories: Mapping and territory. Journal of Business Ethics, 53, 51-74 Li, J. & Su C., (2007) â€Å"How face influences consumption: A comparative study of American and Chinese consumers†, International Journal of Market Research 49:2, pp.237-256. Lopez, M., Garcia, A., & Rodriguez, L. (2007). Sustainable development and corporate performance: A study based on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Journal of Business Ethics, 75, 285–300 Mahon JF (2002). Corporate reputation: a research agenda using strategy and stakeholder literature. Bus. Soc. 41: 415-445 McWilliams, A., & Siegel D. (2000) â€Å"Corporate social responsibility and financial performance: Correlation or misspecification?† Strategic Management Journal, 21 (5): 603-609 Peteraf, M.A. (1993), ‘The cornerstones of competitive advantage: A resource-based view’. Strategic Management Journal, 14, 179-191 Roux, M. (2007). â€Å"Climate conducive to corporate action: 1 All-round Country Edition†. The Australian. Canberra, A.C.T. Secchi, D. (2007). Utilitarian, managerial and relational theories of corporate social responsibility. International Journal of Management Reviews, 9, 4, 347-373. Sun, W. (2010), How to Govern Corporations So They Serve the Public Good: A Theory of Corporate Governance Emergence, New York: Edwin Mellen, ISBN 978-0-7734-3863-7 Visser, W., D. Matten, M. Pohl, & Tolhurst N. (eds.) (2008). The A to Z of Corporate Social Responsibility. Wiley. 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Motivation case study Essay

When i ï ¬ rst heard that the manger assigned me to be the lead the Customer Relations team i was very happy. but when start to work there i found some motivation issue with the section. as we all know the motivation is the most important thing in the work environment, and the real challenge is to keep your employees always motivated. So i did so research about the best strategy and approach to use and her the result. Applying the same strategies you use with all of your employees won’t be as productive or eï ¬â‚¬ective withe every one, so we have to know what is the suitable theory and approach for each group. you have to keep the enthusiastic and motivated employees and improve their performance. in this case the most eï ¬â‚¬ected theory will be Goal setting theory. the research showed that there are a strong relationship between how speciï ¬ c and diï ¬Æ'cult was the goal and the people’s performance at the mission. And thus the more diï ¬Æ'cult and challenging are the tasks, they will have a higher rate of performance. This is What the goal setting theory all about. to achieve the best result from this theory, the goal must have ï ¬ ve principle: clear, challenging goals and commit the employees to achieving them. Provide feedback on goal performance, considerate the complexity of the task. if we apply this theory in this group of employees the overall performance will improve, because there always be some task and goal to achieve and that will keep them enthusiastic and motivated. In addition, we can apply the Job enlargement Approach and add more variety to there work by tasks. To understand the unenthusiastic and obstinate employees of your ï ¬ rm and make  them more eï ¬Æ'ciency and productivity in there performance you ï ¬ rst have to understand there needs and motivation of work. this is fundamental part between the leader and the employees (emotional control), because when the follower known that the leader is looking after them they will give their best in return. For this group of employees the best theory will be (Maslow’s Need Hierarchy Theory). Maslow’s Need Hierarchy Theory Published by psychologist Abraham Maslow. † this theory contends that as humans strive to meet our most basic needs, we also seek to satisfy a higher set of needs†. Maslow presents this set of needs as a hierarchy, consisting of: Physiological, Safety, Love, Self-esteem, Self-actualization. This theory will eï ¬â‚¬ected in this group for 2 reasons: By understanding the employees needs you will recognize that the money don’t solve everything. the people have many need you cant achieved by hard cash.Theory give the Manager the ability to satisfy the employees without costly. its not expensive to create safety environment for them or to have team social where 3 EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION they get to know each other. that will help them to be more enthusiastic and less obstinate. on the other hand we can apply Job rotation Approach and moving the unenthusiastic employees to other sections where they can be more comfortable and enthusiastic. The main reason for the high absenteeism and poor attitude toward the customer is dissatisfaction with the work environment.If we want to ï ¬ x this problem, we ï ¬ rst have to know what are the things that bother the staï ¬â‚¬. Herzberg’s Motivator theory can help us to discover what are the things that make the employees Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction. the theory said that the The opposite of Satisfaction is No Satisfaction and The opposite of Dissatisfaction is No Dissatisfaction. therefor we have ï ¬ rst to Eliminate Job Dissatisfaction (hygiene factors) such as Security, Status, Salary and Company Policies. Then Create Conditions for Job Satisfaction such as Achievement, Recognition and Responsibility. After we ï ¬ nish this two step the people will start to be more Satisfaction and motivated by the work environment. the best theory for ambitious and want to advance in the organization employees is McClelland’s Human Motivation Theory. According to the theory, each person have diï ¬â‚¬erent dominant motivators, whether these are the needs for power, achievement or aï ¬Æ'liation. by knowing which dominant motivators work for each person in your team, you can structure praise and rewards eï ¬â‚¬ectively. Also by using this theory you will help your employees to be more achievable and ambitious. In the next few lines I will explain the pest program to keep the your employees motivated and enthusiastic According to my research.  Try to make the work environment more comfortable and pleasant as possible, especially for the employees with low-skill and monotonous roles. Additionally, don’t forget to Reward your team, even by saying â€Å"thank you† for them even if they do a small job. Let them having control some time, when the people feeling that they have the control of what tasks and project they can, that give the more job satisfaction. People with low ambitious usually go for low state job, So you have to make them feel proud of what they did and treat them equally with the other employees even in the rewards. The best approach that you can use here is â€Å"Job Enrichment†, which mean simply â€Å"Increasing Job Satisfaction†.When your work assignments reï ¬â€šect task identity, a good level of skill variety, task signiï ¬ cance, autonomy, and feedback, your employees are likely be much more satisfaction, also have high work eï ¬â‚¬ectiveness and high intrinsic work motivation. EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION CONCLUSION: understanding that factors that motivate your employees is the most signiï ¬ cant part of your role as the manager. Also that will help your business to improve. More ever, providing the best environment will help you to keep them motivated and satisfaction. As a manager you have to be close to your employees and know they needs Individually. 3