Abolition Movement Essay Example for Free

Abolition Movement Essay Nineteenth century America bore a perplexing set of movements. Most of which aimed largely to reform American society. At this era, America is redefining her identity. Such was a significant time for reformation movement to peak. The Temperance Movement, religious â€Å"Second Great Awakening† and Womens Rights Movement are along some of the major efforts attempted to improve the nation and its people. Most important of all, the Abolition Movement, which the very foundation of freedom in America was redefined. The American abolition movement emerged in the early 1830s as the by-product of â€Å"Second Great Awakening. †[1] Revivalistic tenets led the abolitionist to view slavery as a product of personal sin. They demand emancipation as the price of repentance.[2] This religious revival resulted to thousands of conversions to evangelical religions.[3] Slavery was one of the issues in America which most people sought to end. As early as 1688, the Society of Friends, also known as Quakers, took a public stand against slavery.[4] Even though most quakers own slaves when they first came to America. William Buriling, Ralph Sandiford, Benhamin Lay, John Woolman and Anthony Benezet were among the societys members who largely determined their policy. These people were the salient figures who primarily opposed slavery within the society. By late 1700s and 1800s, the Society of Friends declared their protest against slavery. Quakers opposed it on religious grounds. Others contended that slave owners violated the very principles that the Founding Fathers and the Declaration of Independence had established in 1776. Many religious figures had largely contributed to Americas history of slavery. One was Lyman Beecher, one of the countrys prominent nineteenth- century clergymen and a revivalist of Second Great Awakening.[5] Students of the school where Beecher became pastor, debated the issue on slavery and preferred to adopt abolitionism, which the board of the school opposed. In protest many students including Theodore Weld left the school.[6] Religion had intruded on slavery issues even during the establishment of Quakers. It is often said that this group have influence beyond their numbers. Through their social class and background, Quakers have shared an important role in forming Americas history as well as the society. In 1833, the American Anti-Slavery Society was established by William Lloyd Garisson[7] with fellow abolitionists Arthur Tappan, Lewis Tappan, and Theodore Dwight Weld. It attracted a crowd with lecturing agents, petition drives and a wide variety of printed materials, condemning slavery on moral grounds. The organization sent lecturers about the brutality of slavery across the North, including Ohio. Unfortunately, abolitionists appeal of emancipation were rejected by higher institutions as well as individual slave-owners. Some important figures in the emancipation in America were blacks, themselves. Most prominent black during the period started their journey from the oppression of slavery of the Southern states toward more desirable freedom enjoyed at Northern states. In this freedom, they did not grow complacent while their people and family still suffer from inflictions of the institution of slavery. The most famous of this divine ordeal was that of Harriet Tubman. Harriet Tubman[8] was a slave from Maryland. She suffered all her life from seizures, headaches and hypersomia having had knocked in the head with a heavy iron weight by a slave owner. In 1894 she escaped to Philadelphia where she met with William Still, the Philadelphia stationmaster on the underground railroad. Still, along with the Philadelphia Anti-slavery Society, enlightened Tubman of the workings of the underground railway. Eventually, she became a conductor for the underground railway. Dubbed as the â€Å"Moses of her people†, she helped provide safety and salvation to an approximately 300 slaves. She worked various jobs in order to finance her actives as a conductor. During the Civil War, she served as a soldier, spy and a nurse for the Union. Another women of considerable existence was Soujorner Truth. Truth had been born a slave from Ulster County, New York at a time wherein the state still permits slaves. The anti-slavery law of 1827 freed her from bondage. Her freedom prompt her to be an active abolitionist and a womans rights advocate. Truth became one of the most famous orator of her day. Her passion came from her desire to abolish slavery and help her fellow black. Her speeches against the evils of slavery â€Å"shamed many people who were apathetic and passive†. She also fights for women suffrage. Her speech, â€Å"Aint I, a Woman?†[9] was her legacy. The speech were made at 1851 Convention on Womans Rights after a clergyman remark women as â€Å"too weak and helpless†. Another individual of which probably had the greatest impact for the cause, was Frederick Douglass. Douglass was probably the most important black figure in the abolition of slavery. His accomplishment had impact America on a political scale. His reputation was in an international level. Douglass was born a slave in Maryland. He escaped from bondage and went to New Bedford with the help of a black navy named Ruggles. Although blacks are free in the city of New Bedford, it isnt a paradise. Douglas observed the discrimination throughout the city.   He subscribed to an abolitionist paper the Liberator by William Lloyd Garrison. Through the Liberator, Douglass were introduced to abolitionist movements. Garrison eventually became his personal hero.   Later he became a member of American Anti-Slavery Society. On August of 1841, an abolitionist meeting took place at New Bedford. Garrison saw Douglass, and he eventually recognized the potential. Douglass became an agent for Garrison. He became a traveling lecturer â€Å"touring the Northern states to talk about his life and sell subscriptions to the Liberator†. The young Douglass â€Å"told stories of brutal beatings of slave owners to women, children and the elderly†. He told the story on how he broke the slave breaker Edward Covey[10]. He scorned clergyman â€Å"who warned slaves that they would be offending God if they disobeyed their masters†. He speaks of evil of masters breeding their female slaves. He grew in skill within his trade that people began doubting his credibility. â€Å"How can such a slave have such a commanding master of words?† they told themselves. This provoked Douglass into revealing his true identity through the disclosure of personal details. He published an autobiography entitled â€Å"Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave† against the protest of his mentor Garisson and some co-abolitionists. The theme of the narrative is about moral force. â€Å"It is a story of triumph and dignity, courage and self-reliance over the evils of brutal, degrading slave system†. The narrative connotes the existing corruption in the human spirit that â€Å"robs both the master and slave of their freedom†. The book became popular in the North as well as in Europe. However, the Federal Law on fugitive slave threatened his freedom. The Law gave Thomas Auld the right to seize his property. The threat prompted his tour in London where he was later joined by Garisson and other abolitionist. August of 1846 at World Temperance Convention in London, Douglass attacked the American Temperance Movement. He felt that temperance activist were hostile to free blacks. Emancipation in Britain is still fresh among its people. In that regard Douglass felt little racial prejudice among the British. He carved connection among British and Europeans who were compassionate for the cause.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The tour â€Å"aroused goodwill for the abolitionist cause in the British Isle†. The success in Britain had propelled his reputation to an international level. Douglass established friends and supporters in Britain. In fact, it was his British friends who paid[11] the price of Douglass freedom in America. With his renewed freedom he went to Rochester, New York to settle. The town had reputation of being pro-abolition. The women were also active in fighting for their rights. In here, he established a new anti-slavery publication, named North Star, which was not supported by Garisson. With the North Star he no longer have to cling with white abolitionist group of   Garisson. The widening connection of Douglass open his mind to the political aspects of his cause. He began to question the Garissonian views. For Garisson, â€Å"abolishing slavery through violence is wrong†. Garisson believed he could convince the slave owners into giving up their slaves thus setting them free. A white militant named John Brown[12] helped convince Douglass that â€Å"pacifist means could not by themselves bring an end to slavery.† Douglass believed that the North would never abolish slavery if it could cause the break up of the Union and collapse of the Constitution. â€Å" He therefore decided that slavery would have to be ended through political reforms†. Tension began to rise when Douglass urged North Star reader to be politically active and be involved. The change in principle created factions within the abolitionist circle. He, however, did not allow such disputes to affect what he aspired to do. Douglass became one of the most prominent and respected black of his time. His actions and success boosted the confidence of the black abolitionist. He tried to establish a black vocational school. Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Toms Cabin helped to raise the fund. Furthermore, his Rochester home became the most important station on the underground railroad. He became the superintendent of the entire system in his area. The information regarding the evils of slavery are readily available due to hard work and perseverance of Frederick Douglas and William Lloyd Garrison[13]. However, the popularity of these informations are confined within the anti-slavery circle. In line with this, a fictional novel of abolitionist nature was published entitled Uncle Toms Cabin. The author was Harriet Beecher Stowe, an alleged daughter of Lyman Beecher. Uncle Toms Cabin had been published by weekly installment in the National Era from summer of 1851 to spring of 1852. Nevertheless, its popularity was still within the abolitionist circle. Its popularity gained when the novel was published in full in 1852. Uncle Toms Cabin became the best selling fiction of its time. It is considered by many, as one of the most influential American works of fiction ever published. The fiction had made an impact on Americas inner inquiry and realization of identity and of morality.[14] The success of the novel were founded on Stowes humanization of the slaves. The fiction places the reader in frontal view of the barbarity and â€Å"inhuman disintegration of families† which existed in the slavery system. Mothers were portrayed in their most desolate state when their masters sell their babies to a slave trader. The fiction appeal to the Christian soul as Stowe embodied Christ to Uncle Tom which is a black dutiful, loyal and a forgiving slave. The works of fiction â€Å"arouse the antislavery sentiment in the North and provoke angry rebuttals in the South†. Oppositions of views paved the way to devisions. Slavery was no longer a problem of the south and it concerns the whole nation as a whole. The culmination of all these events leads to a bloody battle between the Union and the Confederate slave states. The Union was fighting for a unified nation. The Confederates, on the other hand, wants to separate from the Union in order to secure their rights to own slaves. This disparity brought America to Civil War from 1861 to 1865. It was this reason why Abraham has been quoted saying to Stowe â€Å"So this is the little lady who started this war.† The status of the South as an agricultural states contributed much to their dependencies on slaves. Slaves were utilized for their manual work on the fields and plantations. In contrast, the North are already being industrialized. Their production was dependent on factories and machineries. It was the bloodiest battle that took place in American soil. The Confederate eventually succumb to the much equip forces of the Union. It was very devastating era that Americans have gone through in order to bring about change which redefined freedom in their constitution. Emancipation of all slaves was decreed to slaves states after the Civil War The abolitionists had their victory through information dissemination. Victory was achieved through rallying speeches that awakened compassion and goodwill of humanity. The rallying cries of the oppressed accused passivity a crime. They have pressured those who claimed to be free to guard and fight for freedom. On the night of the proclamation, Douglass was quoted as saying â€Å"We were waiting and listening as for a bolt from the skywe were watchingby the dim light of the stars for the dawn of a new daywe were longing for the answer to the agonizing prayers of centuries.†[15] WORKS CITED Scott, Donald. â€Å" Evangelicalism, Revivalism and the Second Great Awakening.† TeacherServe from the National Humanities Center. October 2000. Queens College. 18 April 2009. http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/tserve/nineteen/nkeyinfo/nevanrev.htm McKivigan, John. â€Å"A Brief History of the American Abolitionist Movement.† American Abolitionism. n.d. Indianapolis. 18 April 2009. http://americanabolitionist.liberalarts.iupui.edu/brief.htm â€Å"The Second Great Awakening and the Age of Reform.† Teach US History. 19 April 2009. http://www.religioustolerance.org/quaker1.htm William L. Garrison. Ohio History Central. 1 July 2005. A product of the Ohio Historical Society. 18 April 2009 http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=167 Robinson, B.A. â€Å"Religious Society of Friends (Quakers): Quaker History†. Religious Tolerance. 7 February 2006. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. 19 April 2009. http://www.religioustolerance.org/quaker1.htm Woodson, C.G. â€Å"Anthony Benezet.† Classics on American Slavery. 25 March 2003. Dinsmore Documentation. 19 April 2009. http://www.dinsdoc.com/woodson-3.htm Abolitionist. Ohio History Central. 1 July 2005. A product of the Ohio Historical Society. 19 April 2009 http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=569 Sassi, Jonathan. â€Å"Great Questions of National Morality.† Common Place. 9. 1. ( October 2008): 19 pars. 19 April 2009. http://www.common-place.org/vol-09/no-01/sassi/ â€Å"Lyman Beecher.† Ohio History Central. 1 July 2005. A product of the Ohio Historical Society. 19 April 2009 http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=53 â€Å"Theodore Dwight Weld (1803-1895).† Forever Free.The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. 19 April 2009. http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/foreverfree/theodoreweld.html The Effect of Uncle Toms Cabin. 123HelpMe.com. 18 Apr 2009 http://www.123HelpMe.com/view.asp?id=16788 Thomas, Sandra. Frederick Douglass:Abolitionist/Editor 19 April 2009. http://www.history.rochester.edu/class/douglass/home.html#contents The Life of Harriet Tubman. New York History Net. 20 February 2008. 19 April 2009 http://www.nyhistory.com/harriettubman/life.htm.

Impact of Brexit on Cross-Cultural Management Practices

Impact of Brexit on Cross-Cultural Management Practices Critically analyse the long-term impact of Brexit for cross-cultural management practices in Europe. Consider the impact and issues for businesses from both the UK and other EU-partner perspectives. On 23rd of June 2016, United Kingdom (UK) had held Brexit referendum in desire of leaving European Union (EU) (Ford and Goodwin, 2017). The outcome of the referendum was 51.9% of British citizens voted leave EU, whilst 48.1% had voted to remain within EU (Hunt and Wheeler, 2017). The verdict of referendum to withdraw from the membership of EU, will have a huge impact to the country’s cross cultural relationship with the prime trade partner EU. This assignment has been prepared to critically analyse the long-term impacts of Brexit for cross-cultural management practices; the focus will be on the UK healthcare sector and how they will be enforced to cultural change, (Mundasad, 2017). Following onto UK banking sector and finishing off with summary on the impact of UK airline industry within EU. This essay will start off by an introduction regarding about the UK’s healthcare sector which will be the main focus of the essay; following on with brief implications on the UK banking sector and Low cost Airline industry. Describing how the healthcare sector will be hugely impacted by losing highly trained staff after Brexit, as majority of the nurses and doctors come from the EU to join UK’s healthcare sector. Furthermore this essay will analyse and identify the major impacts of cross culture management after Brexit. The main three effects of Brexit in the long run will be in regards to international staffing which includes: ‘immigration’,‘re-expatriation’ and ‘labour market’. These three difficulties will be linked to the long term impacts of Brexit and on the global staffing issue, this will be backed up with models to interpret and recognise the disputes. The word Brexit has been used throughout media and is a media terminology which has been used to show the exit of UK from EU. ‘Brexit’ has been created by combining two of the initial words of Britain with the word exit (James, 2016). The main question that was brought up to British citizens for the referendum was: â€Å"Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?† (Green, 2017).   The parliament gave the option for the public to decide whether it is best to leave EU, knowing the fact that the general public had no knowledge on the long-term impacts of Brexit and how it will bring challenges for the upcoming generations.  Ã‚   One of the challenges for Brexit that will impact the health care sector is global staffing that will be ‘immigration’. Before Brexit, UK was part of the EU and participated within the EU’s policies in relation to free movement of people. This allowed the healthcare sector to recruit their employees from any country within EU and permitted the citizens to move freely between EU and UK so they could work and live in their desired place. The latest statistics shows that the healthcare sector, has roughly around 55,000 recruits which come from EU countries (Fenton, 2016).   Conversely, because of the impact of Brexit there is a vulnerability that the privilege to freedom of movement would still relate to the EU citizens (Rankin, 2016). Many of the employees who work within the healthcare sector are categorised as ‘third-country nationals’ on their applications, these employees are mainly on a work visa in the UK.   However, after Brexit things will change and many of these ‘third-country nationals’ would be hugely impacted than the EU citizens that work in UK (Barnard, 2017). Because of this, the effects on global staffing of talent and ability planning within the healthcare sector occurs. Knowing that the implication of Brexit will lead to immigration issues, causing staff shortage within different industries, the healthcare sector should look into this matter and decide on different recruitment procedures whether they should make or buy the skilled force. Altogether, for a short period of time it will be best for the healthcare sector to make their talent rather than buying. It is smarter for the healthcare sector to concentrate on the internal labour markets after Brexit, on the grounds that this will build the dedication of employees in the job they do and giving them greater security so that they do not fear the consequences of Brexit. Since the matter of Brexit arose, the healthcare sector would in any case still want to keep their staff, as majority of these are EU national staff and are usually doctors or nurses that are highly skilled and qualified to serve the people of UK. For the healthcare sector to avoid any negative consequences which will begin to impact after the negotiations and agreement of Brexit, they should prepare themselves beforehand in regards to handling the workforce and retaining employees. Another challenge of Brexit that impacts the healthcare sector is ‘flexible to labour market’. The meaning of this is that the organisations have more freedom to hire and provide contracts to employees when the demands of work increases, and they have the power to fire the workers when demand of work decreases. On the other hand, healthcare sector has been in stress many times because of shortage in staff to fulfil the needs and providing service to the citizens of UK (Mundasad, 2017). Besides, the verdict of referendum could prompt to having a bigger number of issues than before on recruiting workers in the healthcare sector as majority of these workers are doctors and nurses who are recruited from EU nations (Triggle, 2016). When non-EU nationals apply to work within UK, they have to follow the ‘points-based system’ which causes difficulties in recruiting employees other than EU nationals (Landou, 2016). Once the Brexit is settled, there will be a risk off EU’s freedom of movement to be removed and this could cause huge implications on the healthcare sector as this will put on boundaries on recruiting employees, therefore this will lead to a huge deficiency of workers. These implications will affect the capacity of the employees who bring the right skills and abilities that is required by the healthcare sector. Therefore, to beat this issue it will be best for the healthcare sector to send their employees on an international project so they could develop on their skills and knowledge. The final implication after Brexit for the healthcare sector is ‘re-expatriation’, where the organisation will need to take to think through. The issues about freedom of movement as specified above, British residents who have decided to work and live in another country within Europe will fear their healthcare and right to remain will vanish post-Brexit (Carroll, 2016). Furthermore, British expats who work abroad within the EU could face difficulties if the country they’re at ask the expats to comply and act upon their prohibitive guidelines with regards to licenses, permits and setting up firms. Therefore, this could cause them in losing their right to work in EU countries and will need to gain a permitted stay to continue staying within the EU area because of the new policy that may be applied after Brexit. Thus, the effects of global staffing within the healthcare sector will be influenced. Conversely, if all the UK expats that live and work within EU nations are to return back to the UK following the post-Brexit, then it is conceivable that it will make it more difficult for new expats to look for some kind of employment within UK (Burton, 2016). Furthermore, the UK expats who work and live within the EU nations are entitled to free healthcare service but once Brexit is completed and agreed this will be affected and the right for free healthcare could be taken away (Parfitt, 2016). Expatriates give a lot of benefits to the firms which incorporates more prominent parent control and the right sets of aptitudes. It is believed that this is seen to provide greater prospects for personal and career development. With the post-Brexit, the expats are disturbed on playing out their parts and tasks bringing about the disappointment of expatriates. Precisely, re-expatriations will have complications on adjusting themselves when they return to UK. For instance, after the referendum and agreements majority of the expats will be required to return back to their birth country which will have an impact on culture, causing an experience of reverse culture shock by getting a habit of working and adjusting their life in the foreign country they have been sent to work at (Skyes, 2011). Therefore, this will cause the healthcare sector to experience a huge loss on collaboration and investments on expats who are sent to work from different EU countries. Overall, ‘re-expatriation’ will be a big test within the healthcare sector after Brexit primarily looking at the employment and managing role. Additionally, the healthcare sector should look into these long term impacts that have been mentioned above and plan into the future so they could avoid the consequences of managing global staff after Brexit. Now there will be analysis regarding about the banking sector and how Brexit will impact the cross cultural management style. The banking sector is a big sector within the EU and UK, majority of the UK banks work across EU and other international countries such as China and Japan as it is cheaper for non-EU countries to collaborate and work with EU countries rather than individual countries. The main impact on the UK banking sector will be in regards to the loss of â€Å"passporting rights†, a recent report has shown that almost 5,500 organisations in UK mainly rely on the passporting so that they could do business with the EU nations, and over 8,000 organisations of EU rely on passporting for trade with UK (Toptal Finance Blog, 2017). Majority of the banks within the UK are known for working cross-border to provide banking services to people across the globe. With regards to these services, the UK banks cover the needs of borrowing of the firms in various nations; thus, by losing the ‘passporting right’, it will hugely impact the banking sector and will be a challenge to overcome as they will have to terminate their cooperation’s with overseas consumers, a reality that could undermine the banks’ dependability in the market (Ford and Goodwin, 2017; Walsh, 2017). Hence, the banks will suffer a big loss towards cross-border collaboration and investments; so it will be a challenge to bring this up in the negotiations towards Brexit, however UK is leaving the EU so there will be less goodwill towards the negotiations and it will be tough. UK might have two options either to use the Swiss-style or the Norwegian way for Britain to benefit the passporting trade. Therefore the banking sector will need to look into this matter and come up with a solution so that they do not lose their overseas consumers. Ashurst (2016) clarified that the UK banks signifies high percentage of activities with regards to cross-cultural services. The activities are depended on the EU legislations. When the legislations are modernised and amended after Brexit, it could terminate the activities of the banks, this impact would be very hard to be overseen and managed, in both areas of lawful and as of its financial aspects (Ashurst, 2016). Simultaneously, the volume of bad loan under the impact of Brexit is predicted to be profoundly enlarged. The statistics shows that these loans in 2017, was expected to reach up to  £6.9 billion and in 2018 to reach up at  £9.7 billion; this impact will increase the loans by  £2.8 billion within one year (Gros, 2016). The Bank of England had made an announcement on March 2017, warning the banks within UK that they should be well prepared in the case of severe turbulence with the UK’s economy due to the Brexit outcomes; the Bank of England described the turbulences as â€Å"knee-jerk reactions† (Burton, 2017).   This statement that the Bank of England has stated has a negative connotation, they are giving a warning to banks that there will be sudden change within the economy and there will be no time to think about a solution because we do not know what the outcome will turn out to be. The UK is still undergoing their bill with negotiations, this bill will cover all the issues of Brexit and how UK could overcome it by EU been lenient to the bill, however it is predicted that this will cost the UK between  £66 and  £111 billion to complete the process (Lowe, 2017). Furthermore, the foreign investments within the UK business industry has been predicted to reduce by 25% by 2019, because of Brexit effect (Cox et al., 2017). This figure includes one of the Brexit cost. A survey conducted amongst the UK’s most influential businesses have exposed that the impact of Brexit on businesses within UK have been negative by far (Ross & Meakin, 2017). At the moment only in the result of the verdict UK have had negative effects on businesses but when the negotiations have been completed and Brexit is finalised this will severely impact the UK’s economy. Conversely, it is believed that the exit of EU will benefit the UK but in the long term. As the withdrawal from EU nations could potentially increase the UK’s economy as UK will not be included to contribute towards the EU’s assets and expenses. For instance, in 2016 UK had given an amount of  £13.2 billion to EU for the expenses and assets (Begg, 2017). But this benefit to Brexit on UK will take a while to appear. Certainly, UK’s growth has been predicted to be 1.6% in 2018 from 2% in 2017 having a decrease (Kottasova, 2017). PWC a leading accounting firm has produced a report, which the Bank of England has anticipated that they would avoid making any changes to Britain’s financial regulatory policy for a certain amount of time, mainly up until they get closer to the progression of Brexit negotiations (PWC, 2017). In conclusion Brexit will cause several implications on UK, both in a positive and negative scopes. Mainly in the context of economy, as there will be a potential increase of UK to do trade with other countries around the globe as the restrictions to legislations provided by EU will not be applied in UK. However, the Bill may create traffics and barriers between UK and EU trade and would potentially decrease the advantages of UK’s trade liberalisation. Simultaneously, the power of UK to make critical decisions on issues such as immigration, introduction of economy restrictions and involvement with conflicts around the globe would be unconditional. Additionally, it cannot be determined whether the full independency of UK from the rules of EU will be a condition of ‘hard’ Brexit or ‘soft’, if ‘hard’ Brexit is opted then this could potentially be dangerous for UK in several ways, mainly with the issues that have been analysed above. As a matter of fact, the aspects of UK’s economic, political and social environment has created awareness that the benefits of Brexit to the UK is virtually the same to it disadvantages. Therefore, with this nature the accomplishment of ‘soft’ Brexit through the negotiations should be the main aim for the UK’s government so that they could avoid complications in the future. Reference list: Ashurst (2016) Brexit: the potential impact on the UK’s banking industry. (Online). Available at: https://www.ashurst.com/en/news-and-insights/insights/brexit-potential-impact-on-the-uk-banking-industry/ (Accessed 12 Dec 2017). Barnard, C., 2017. Law and Brexit. Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 33(suppl_1), pp.S4-S11. Begg, I. (2017) How Much Will Brexit Cost? Chatham House. (Online). Available at: https://www.chathamhouse.org/expert/comment/how-much-will-brexit-cost [Accessed 19 Dec 2017]. Burton, L. (2017) Bank of England warns lenders against knee-jerk Brexit reactions. The Telegraph. (Online). Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/03/27/bank-england-check-banks-ready-range-brexit-outcomes/ Burton, L. (2016). Brexit: What does it mean for expats, here and in the EU? BBC News. (Online) BBC News. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36606847 (Accessed 17 Dec. 2017). Carroll, L. (2016). It terrifies me: Britons in Europe on how Brexit is going to affect them. (Online) the guardian. 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Available at: https://www.ft.com/content/b56b2b36-1835-37c6-8152-b175cf077ae8 (Accessed 10 Dec 2017). Gros, D. (2016) How would Brexit affect finance for SMEs? (Online). Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/small-business-network/2016/apr/05/how-would-brexit-affect-finance-for-smes [Accessed 18 Dec 2017]. Hunt, A. and Wheeler, B. (2017) Brexit: All you need to know about the UK leaving the EU. BBC News. (Online). Available at: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-32810887 (Accessed 11 December 2017). James, C. (2016) Brexit: What now for Study Mobility between the UK and the EU? Pà ©cs Journal of International and European Law, 2, pp.7-20. Kottasova, I. (2017) What Brexit will cost Britain: More debt, weaker growth and a final bill. CNN Money. (Online). Available at: http://money.cnn.com/2017/03/29/news/economy/brexit-article-50-cost-economy-debt/index.html [Accessed 19 Dec 2017]. Landou, P. (2016). Would Brexit make it harder to hire EU workers?. (online) the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/small-business-network/2016/mar/29/would-brexit-make-harder-hire-eu-workers-referendum (Accessed 16 Dec. 2017). Lowe, J. (2017) How Much Will Brexit Cost? U.K. Conservatives Put Brexit Settlement in Manifesto. Newsweek. (Online). Available at: http://www.newsweek.com/brexit-eu-uk-conservative-party-manifesto-2017-how-much-will-brexit-cost-611677 [Accessed 19 Dec 2017]. Mundasad, S. (2017). NHS staff shortages: Why so persistent? BBC News. (Online) BBC News. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-38640068 (Accessed 14 Dec. 2017). Parfitt, T. (2016). Expats in Spain could LOSE right to free healthcare after Brexit vote, PM says. (Online) Express.co.uk. Available at: http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/683708/expats-Brexit-EU-referendum-Spain-Mariano-Rajoy-Jean-Claude-Juncker (Accessed 17 Dec. 2017). PWC (2017) Brexit – Global Insights. (Online). Available at: https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/brexit.html [Accessed 19 Dec 2017]. Rankin, J. (2016). Freedom of movement: the wedge that will split Britain from Europe. (Online) the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/oct/06/freedom-of-movement-eu-uk-brexit-negotiations-theresa-may (Accessed 15 Dec. 2017). Ross, T. and Meakin, L. (2017) U.K. Business Says Brexit Already Having a Negative Effect. Bloomberg. (Online). Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-06/u-k-business-says-brexit-is-already-having-a-negative-effect [Accessed 19 Dec 2017]. Skyes, A. (2011). Reverse culture shock: What, when, and how to cope. (Online) Expatica.com. Available at: http://www.expatica.com/nl/moving-to/Moving-home-Reverse-culture-shock_104957.html (Accessed 19 Dec. 2017). Toptal Finance Blog. (2017). The Impact of Brexit on the Financial Services Sector. [Online] Available at: https://www.toptal.com/finance/market-research-analysts/brexit-and-its-effect-on-the-uk-european-and-global-financial-sector [Accessed 19 Dec. 2017]. Triggle, N. (2016). Brexit will make NHS staff shortages worse BBC News. (Online) BBC News. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-36664094 (Accessed 16 Dec. 2017).

Implications For Integrated Marketing Communications Marketing Essay

Implications For Integrated Marketing Communications Marketing Essay The rise of social networking over the last two decades has revolutionized communications and information management for thousands of companies all over the world. One of its most powerful effects is the near-instantaneous and influential spread of personal opinion across vast distances, time and space through virtual means. Social network communities, especially, have emerged in recent years as one of the most influential forums for consumers opinions, allowing almost anyone who is connected to the Internet to influence brand perceptions and consumption (Vogt and Knapman, 2008; see Blackshaw, 2008). The rise of this phenomenon in the age of social media and Web 2.0 has been described as one in which key types of personalities engage with digital media in order to influence public and political opinion (Ecclestone and Griseri, 2008). Whether they are called influencers, connectors, salespeople or mavens (ibid., 2008), we are undoubtedly living in a time when marketers have to take the power of peer-generated opinion seriously, particularly in a Web 2.0 environment. The implications of social media communities continue to concern marketers and marketing strategy in a fluid, porous and dynamic online environment. This is an environment in which the traditional rules of controlled media, carefully-executed strategies and market/customer feedback research and analysis no longer hold, at least not the same extent as they have done in the 1970s and 80s. Today, social media networks permeate virtually all realms of marketing and can have a powerful influence upon how consumers perceive and consume brands. The effects can be highly positive or corrosive, depending on how companies manage online word-of-mouth (Jones, Temperley and Anderson, 2009). The rise of massive brand communities (Ouwersloot and Odekerken-Schroder (2008) is also a matter of concern for marketers because of their cult status among consumers. Fans of Harley-Davidson motorbikes, for instance, of Apple devices, drive sales and revenues for the respective companies. They When it comes to planning, designing and executing an Integrated Marketing Communications campaign (hereafter referred to as IMC), therefore, social media can prove to be both simple and complex. It is worth stating that textbook accounts of it often do not delve sufficiently into how newer technological developments like social networking affect its operations and eventual success or failure. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to provide a critical examination of how social networking has thrown up new challenges for marketing communications and to examine some solutions in the literature. The rest of this paper is structured as follows. I first put forward some of the mainstream and traditional conceptualisations of marketing communications and current discussions of its significance for branding as well as its pitfalls for unwary companies and consumers. Next, I discuss some of the implications of social media networks for IMC. Some examples follow. Finally, I examine the implications of my discussion, identify a couple of limitations of this paper and propose fruitful avenues for future research. Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC): Definitions and Conceptualisations Although there are a number of elements to marketing communications including visual logos, corporate communications, promotions, advertising and sponsorship, just to name a few there is widespread agreement among marketers and marketing academics alike that these elements have to be brought together in order to achieve cost efficiencies, synergies in resource utilisation and for a consistent and compelling overall message to be offered to a range of stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the end-customer (Schultz, 2008). In other words, integrated communications can be defined as the notion and the practice of aligning symbols, messages, procedures and behaviours in order for an organisation to communicate with clarity, consistency and continuity within and across formal organisational boundaries (Christensen, Firat and Torp, 2008: 423). The process of IMC planning can be broken down into discrete stages, although some of these overlap in practice . There can be broken down as follows in terms of the SOSTAC Model (Roberts, 2006): Situation Analysis (where are we now ?) Objectives (where do we want to go?) Strategy (how do we get there?) Tactics (what steps do we take to get there?) Action (implementing the steps of action) Control (reviewing and monitoring the strategy against stated objectives) Although there are a number of different models in the literature, this conventional paradigm for IMC is still regarded as a kind of textbook model for how to do IMC. It is a fairly linear process, as the outline above shows. According to this framework, the marketing manager would perform an analysis (typically a SWOT analysis) which breaks down a companys performance into its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (from the environment, other competitors, and so on). Following this step, the marketer would identify key goals and objectives to drive the marketing campaign forward in terms of sales, revenues, return on investment, and/or other drivers of success. In traditional terms, these metrics typically include projected and actual sales. In the online environment, however, corporate reputation is far less able to be planned and controlled in this way and sales now takes on complex meanings. Tactics is next. These traditionally include sales tactics, sales promotions (using brochures, flyers, exhibitions at trade events, advertising and other forms of offline marketing communications). Companies then take actions which lead to desired outcomes. Finally, companies (under the traditional model) monitor and review progress of these tactics against stated objectives. This entire model of IMC is being revolutionised by the emergence of social media and social networking. In terms of tactics, the game has changed. Instead of relying on expensive (and sometimes ineffective advertising) or on sponsorship of events (which can prove politically contentious and generate negative press), a number of global companies choose instead to invest heavily to boost corporate reputation through their their web presence. Global companies such as Toyota and IBM have dedicated corporate Facebook accounts for customers and members to interact and share their user-experiences online. These brand communities perform several valuable functions for companies: they are, firstly, an effective way to test the waters before new product launches, secondly, a way to get instantaneous feedback from potential users, thirdly, a good platform to communicate directly with diverse users and last, but not least, a kind of public relations exercise to generate positive word-of-mouth f or the company (Lee, Cheung and Sia, 2006). However, it is only logical to expect that social media networks can also pose dangers for unwary companies and do damage to their brands. We now turn to these social networks to see how they function. Online Social Networks Online social network communities, such as online customer forums and chatrooms, have a powerful effect on its participants and even on casual visitors. Research has shown that people have a high propensity to trust online testimonials and user-generated feedback generated through word-of-mouth (WOM) communication (Sweeney, Soutar and Mazzarol, 2008). Positive WOM can be a useful and even profitable avenue of additional revenues for a companys products and services; even more significant is the fact that it can force companies to change unethical practices or their processes, including supply chain procurement and management, labour management practices, right down to accounting and financial reporting measures. Social media also make it easier for companies to do market research (Precourt, 2008), especially after certain crucial events, such as product launches, product updates and so on. Microsoft is an example of a company that relies on such media to improve its products but many technology companies now use these methods to collect valuable market data. On the other hand, there is certainly a dark side to social media for brand communications. It has been noted that consumers today enjoy unprecedented levels of consumer sovereignty (Hollenbeck and Zinkhan, 2006). Given the vast amount of information available over the Internet and increasingly vocal and powerful citizen-led lobbies and activist groups such as Greenpeace and so on, even governments sit up and take notice. The trend towards the democratization of opinion has been conclusively proven in the West but also increasingly in many other parts of the world. Social Networks, Brand Impact and Marketing Communications Based on the above discussion, social networks have a range of interesting impacts upon how brands are perceived and consumed. This section examines some pertinent examples of how social media can positively and negatively impact IMC. Positive and Negative Impacts As discussed earlier in this paper, the traditional notion of IMC was that it would be controlled and organized at a profound level (Christensen et al., 2008). Two key elements come into operation in IMC planning: consistency and control. Let me discuss each of these elements in turn. First: consistency in IMC is emphasized repeatedly in the literature as being of paramount importance for any firm seeking to run a successful campaign. That is to say, every element of the marketing chain (from the consumers first becoming aware of the brand to the actual purchase and post-purchase evaluation) needs to be coordinated to ensure a successful outcome for the consumers experience of the brand. This alone is hard enough for many companies to achieve: what adds to the complexity today is that the consumer then goes online, types in her or his comments on the purchase, the brand, and so on and either reports a good or a bad experience with it. This aspect of the brand experience still needs more research, in my view, but there are already myriad examples of what it can to brand reputation. Second: in more traditional contexts, marketing communications would be organised or influenced heavily either by an individual, a set of individuals or a divisional/team function. In social media/networking, there is no obvious or identifiable owner of such communications. There is no way to trace back opinions to an original source. It has become apparent, however, from recent developments, that companies and governments are prepared to take a stand against the anonymity afforded by the Internet. The recent furore over WikiLeaks, for instance, is a case in point. Although its founder, Julian Assange, intended WikiLeaks to be a wholly anonymous organization, he has, in fact, come to the forefront of public consciousness as a celebrity of sorts, hunted and wanted by different national jurisdictions on a number of charges, including sexual assault and treason. Other examples can be cited of the double nature of social media and its uses for marketing communications. Further Examples The implications of my discussion so far for brands are numerous. I have already provided some examples of the implications of social media for marketing research and data collection purposes, but further examples would make the point even clearer. A recent example of how Kenneth Cole, the well-known American brand of shoes and clothing, tried to use Twitter to generate publicity using the recent political unrest in Egypt shows how easy it is for companies to receive a backlash from appearing to be insensitive to groups and people. According to the site, Nancy Myrland, the brand manager of Kenneth Cole made a joke about the Egyptian crisis, saying that protesters must be on the streets because they had heard about Coles most recent collection (Lacy, 2010). Such an attempt at humour completely backfired upon the company and the brands reputation suffered one of its worst crises in years as a result. Although it would be difficult to measure the impact of such an incident upon Kenneth Coles long-term reputation, its short-term brand image certainly suffered. Another example is that of personal or celebrity brands. Facebook, Youtube and Twitter have greatly increased the influence of celebrities like Stephen Fry, Elizabeth Hurley and any number of Hollywood stars, sports celebrities and so on and so forth. Even the Queen has reportedly taken to using tweets to communicate her thoughts. In a world saturated by images, celebrities have become powerful brands in their own right through social media. This is an example of the power of instant communications and Word-of-Mouth advertising of products endorsed by celebrities (see Smith et al., 2007). Conclusion and Future Research In summary, I have identified and analysed some of the implications of social media/networking for brands and marketing communications. This paper has not been able to analyse some of the impacts in-depth due to the constraints of time and word limits nor has it been able to convey the scope and range of key social media developments today. The field is still developing and this paper has tried to convey some of the key issues surrounding the impact of social media on brands. Future research could include more detailed case studies or empirical research to track and monitor the effect of social media upon companies over a period of time (longitudinal studies). Even more interesting would be focus groups or action research taking place in young, start-up companies which want to use social media platforms to initiate their brand campaigns, rather than using it as an add-on after trying traditional media or as a supplement to traditional media. While there is certainly a place and time for more traditional communications channels, I hope this paper has made inroads into showing the potential benefits and dangers of this powerful medium.

Women and the Holocaust Essay -- essays research papers

Women and the Holocaust   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Jewish female is like the ovule of a flower, it spreads its seeds to create future generations. It is known that the true root of a Jewish person lies in the hands of his/her mother. As it was once said by Golda Meir, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“To be successful, a woman has to be much better at her job than a man.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (Golda Meir Quotes par. 1). And in fact it is true, that women had to be better than man to survive the holocaust, but not only to survive the holocaust but to live on to tell the stories, and to spread Judaism. Although every Jewish person was equally a victim in the genocide of the holocaust, the Jewish women were one of the main targets. This is because the Jewish women were connected to the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“race struggleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? of Nazism, for the women carried the next generation of Jews. The Jewish women of Europe were taken from their homes by the Nazis and killed, and the ones who escaped ended up carrying on Judaism. If it was not for th ese surviving women, there would be no Jewish population today.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jewish women were known to place the life of their families ahead of their own. They would sacrifice and work until death to save their childrenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s life. They were women of valor, full of courage and strength. In the lineup when the S.S. called à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“LEFT!à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ RIGHT!à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Those two words determined the end of their life. The ones who lived were tortured and the ones who died were sent off to peace. Rape was a common a... Women and the Holocaust Essay -- essays research papers Women and the Holocaust   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Jewish female is like the ovule of a flower, it spreads its seeds to create future generations. It is known that the true root of a Jewish person lies in the hands of his/her mother. As it was once said by Golda Meir, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“To be successful, a woman has to be much better at her job than a man.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (Golda Meir Quotes par. 1). And in fact it is true, that women had to be better than man to survive the holocaust, but not only to survive the holocaust but to live on to tell the stories, and to spread Judaism. Although every Jewish person was equally a victim in the genocide of the holocaust, the Jewish women were one of the main targets. This is because the Jewish women were connected to the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“race struggleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? of Nazism, for the women carried the next generation of Jews. The Jewish women of Europe were taken from their homes by the Nazis and killed, and the ones who escaped ended up carrying on Judaism. If it was not for th ese surviving women, there would be no Jewish population today.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jewish women were known to place the life of their families ahead of their own. They would sacrifice and work until death to save their childrenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s life. They were women of valor, full of courage and strength. In the lineup when the S.S. called à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“LEFT!à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ RIGHT!à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Those two words determined the end of their life. The ones who lived were tortured and the ones who died were sent off to peace. Rape was a common a...

Delegation :: Business, Empowering Delegation

Managers can empower workers by delegating to them. â€Å"Delegation involves the assignment of work to other people, and it is an activity inherently associated with all managerial positions† (Whitten & Cameron, 2007, p. 467). Effective management can be attained through delegation. Therefore, a manager must decide when to delegate. Advantages and the Potential Outcome of Delegation Learning to delegate effectively is fundamental to managers’ success in the workplace. A competent delegator can empower others maximizing the organization effectiveness and efficiency. Whitten and Cameron (2007) identifies the following advantages of delegation: time, development, trust, commitment, information, efficiency, and coordination (p.467). Time Delegation can improve managers’ ability to get things done. Delegation increases the discretionary time of the manager† by freeing up some time (Whitten & Cameron, 2007, p. 467). A manager schedule can be extremely hectic and the pressure can be overwhelming due to demands. Managers can increase their time to focusing on other task that is highly prioritized and require the manager complete attention through delegation. Not being prepared and never meeting deadline are qualities that can injure ones reputation, for the manager can be viewed as less efficient and effective in management. Through delegation, the manager can squeeze more out of the day. Development Delegation can increase workers effectiveness. It allows delegates to â€Å"develop knowledge and capabilities† (Whitten & Cameron, 2007, p. 467). Through delegation, workers can be challenged and this can encourage them to develop their capabilities. They can naturally develop knew knowledge and the necessary skills to cope when they are challenged with tasks that are outside of their basic job duties. By encouraging such development, it can prepare employees for future assignments and promotions. Not only does delegation benefits the employee receiving the new task, but it also benefits the manager and the organization too by enhancing effectiveness. Trust Delegation can help managers build a positive relationship with staff. It is a way of showing employees they are respected, for delegation â€Å"demonstrate trust and confidence in delegates† (Whitten & Cameron, 2007, p. 467). Delegation can empower employees, for when the managers seek assistance with a task it shows that the manager believes in them; the manager is confident that that the employee can complete the task successful. Through trust, the manager can empower an employee to bring drive and initiative in the work. According to Whitten and Cameron (2007), individuals who felt trusted by t heir managers were significantly more effective than those who did not feel that way (p.

Employment Relations Essay

At the most fundamental level, employment relationship involves monetary exchange where there is contract between an employer and employee to obtain the output of employee’s ability to work. (Balnave et al. 2007) This relationship can often result in either dispute or collaboration within an organization. More often than not, the different aspects of the nature of employment relationship tend to likely generate conflicts between the employers and employees. The focus would be on industrial conflict, which from time to time occurs between managers and workers, the classification of conflicts and what are some of the theories which describes the situation of industrial conflicts in Singapore. As defined by Komhauser et al., industrial conflict is ‘the total range of behaviours and attitudes that express opposition and divergent orientations between industrial owners and managers, on the one hand, and working people and their organisations on the other hand’ (1954,13). Singapore is generally noted as a peaceful country with minimal industrial conflicts. This mainly attributed to the presence of strict regulations against overt conflicts as stated in the requirements of ‘restrictions on strikes and lock-outs’ (Attorney General Chambers 2009). The presence of mediation or conciliation channel also assisted in the resolution of concerning issues. Conflicts are seen to be complicated and in Singapore, some causes or outline that are governed by theories of Industrialisation, Institutionalisation, Political, Economic and Social factors. More of these would be looked into further in this essay. Overt and Covert Conflicts Opposing behaviours and attitudes can be classified into 2 categories, namely overt conflict and covert conflict. According to Petzall et al. (2007), overt conflicts are conflicts which are planned and joint by two or more persons, thus observable by the public. Examples of such conflicts include strikes, lockouts, work to rule where employees perform only duties which are indicated in their contracts, political demonstrations and many more. Petzall et al. (2007) also mentioned that covert conflicts are conflicts which are unplanned, concerns individual and hence less observable by the public. Examples would include absenteeism, work sabotage, job-hopping where people change jobs to get better pay or pursue their personal interest as well as low work efficiency. Covert conflict is seen to prevail over overt conflict in terms of the financial losses of a business. In Singapore’s context, it would be considered illegal to have overt conflicts due to the existing strict criminal law stated in Attorney General Chambers (2009) Despite the fact that there were strict laws to adhere to, there are several channels such as Industrial Arbitration Court (IAC), Case Trust, Ministry of Manpower (MOM), National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) and more, where individuals could approach to resolve certain conflicts they experienced. For example, Sharon (2011) reported on a case of disagreement between SIA and SilkAir pilots and their company over their flight payment. The issue was referred to Industrial Arbitration Court (IAC) where the judge proposed that the company could have constant observation of the flight schedule to make sure there is fair payouts distribution. In this scenario, IAC had acted as a conciliator. The reduction of conflict in Singapore is also due to tripartism, wage reform and labour legislation. In tripartism, there is involvement of managers, employees and ‘other systems such as political, social, economic, technological, cultural and legal systems’ (Tan 2007, p.27). These parties would resolve matters in a diplomatic manner. The establishment of National Wage Council (NWC) brings about tripartism where workers’ wages are evaluated and wage reform, where there is flexibility in the wage payouts, was introduced. Tan (2004) mentioned that the benefits were studied and it was found that having flexibility enables organizations to make swift modifications to their cost computation during economic variations so as to be cost competitive. Organisations also could reduce wages during difficult time and give incentive in better times which assisted in allowing workers to stay in their job. The introduction of Employment Act also played a major role in providing regulations on the conditions of work. The use of frames of reference is a necessary and essential tool to better identify a person’s view and actions on employment relations. Fox recognized three frames of reference, namely the unitarist, pluralist and radical frames. (McCourt W.;Eldridge D.,2003) Unitarist The underlying theory of this perspective is that ‘employment relationship is based on mutual cooperation and a harmony of interest between employers and employees’ (Balnave et al. 2007, p.10) In this circumstances, the targets and objectives of the organisation are universal. Management is viewed as the only authority and managers see their power to make independent decisions of their business without being hindered by government, workers or unions. Trade unions are not embraced and are considered as interference to the harmony of the organisation. The presence of industrial conflict is regarded as having poor management or failure to lead effectively. As a result of this perception, the various interests between the management and labour were not recognised. Pluralist In this approach, conflicts are regarded as unavoidable. It recognises that organisations are made up of cluster of individuals with their own goals, interests and direction. (Balnave et al. 2007, p.11) To prevent damage of diverse interest, measures and regulations have to be in place and use, leading to the ‘institutionalisation of conflict’. This ensures that there is equal distribution of power amongst stakeholders. Trade unions are welcome as it permits employees to have a say in what concerns them in their organisation. Singapore can be seen to have more of a pluralist approach from the formation of NTUC which consists of representative of employees. These representatives are given the opportunity to voice and negotiate over the terms and condition of their employment and their opinions are also taken into consideration in the management’s decisions. NTUC branch representatives also involve themselves in collective bargaining where feedback could effectively be gathered on concerning issues. On the other hand, another trade union known as Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) was also set up to represent the employers’ interest. Radical/Marxist It consists of a wider scope as compared to unitarist and pluralist viewpoint. This perception involves society being segmented into different status where there is unfair allocation of power between those who has financial capabilities and those who can only offer their labour. The status difference caused the incompatibility between employers and employees. (Balnave et al. 2007, p.11) Singapore Industrial Relations System Anantaraman (1990) suggested that Singapore’s economy is made up of industrial relations system and production system. Both systems are in reliant of one another as the consequences of the industrial relations system would result in the contribution of the production system. Industrialisation Industrialisation has often been associated with industrial conflict. Ross and Hartman (1960) mentioned that the type of strikes of a particular country is connected to the country’s industrial relation system. This theory maps out four patterns, namely North European (type 1), North European (type 2), Mediterranean/Asian and North American. Singapore could probably be classified under North European (type 1) where the government has been actively engaging its interest in the economy of Singapore. There have been continuous efforts by the government to attract more and more foreign talent. Ramesh (2011) quoted what former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said that, ‘Singapore would not be able to punch above its own weight if it were to depend on talent from its own population’. As technology progresses, the stress placed on workers for major scale and non-stop productions increases the likelihood of industrial conflict. (Woodward 1958) This again could be due to Marxist perspective where workers with lower status could only provide their labour output as they do not have any capital and those who has the capital would maximise these labour’s output for high profits. Institutionalisation Wright Mills (1948) recognised that there are four phases where institutionalisation is related to the pattern of conflict. The first phase is where trade unions are against the negotiation prerogative of businesses and the focus is on individuals. It is unplanned and can be aggressive. The second phase involves businesses restructuring themselves into associations to oppose the rising authority of trade unions. As a result, the bargaining outline became more national and industry based, converting conflicts into a more organised manner. Third phase went on to become an effective mediating stage while the trade unions’ viewpoints are overruled diplomatically in the fourth phase. At the last phase, trade unions developed tactics to advance into institutions, involving the workers to be part of the economy. They also engage themselves in conflict resolution and labour contracts. For the case of Singapore, NTUC has been strengthening ties with other businesses and unions such as National Taxi Association, Cathay Cineplexes Food & Drinks Allied Workers’ Union and Housing and Development Board Staff Union. NTUC has also been participating enthusiastically in collective bargaining assembly. Ciegg (1976) also mentioned that the more thorough the difference of opinion reconciled with collective bargaining, the lesser strikes would occur. According to Wright Mills (1948), trade unions and business associations are formed to counteract each other. This led to the nation’s participation where trade unions becomes engage in politics and in turn affects the government policies. Political Factors Conflict is determined by the sharing of political power distribution. Singapore’s trade union has a unique relationship with the government, People’s Action Party (PAP) as most of the members within PAP used to be part of the union. Halimah Yacob being the Deputy Secretary General of NTUC and a Minister would attend cabinet conference and address worker’s issues. As such, this helped in the reduction of conflicts. It is cited by Korpi and Shalev (1979) that the greater admittance to the government contributes to lesser occurrence of conflict. Economic Factors As indicated by Paldham and Pederson (1982), the changing models of conflicts are due to adjustments of wage present in variety of workers. It is researched by Smith et al. (1978) that there are four factors namely amount of income, labour concentration, organisation size and dominance of women in workforce determine the differences in conflict. Those who earn high income in Singapore vie for better income. There is also a significant increase in women joining the workforce according to statistics produced. (Ministry of Manpower 2011) Social Factors Notwithstanding to economic factors, social factors also play a part in ensuring minimal conflict. Mayo (1933) explained that while worker’s economic needs are met and the social needs are not met, there would be high possibility of conflict and presence of low spirits in the workplace. One aspect of social needs would consist of communication. NTUC promotes its dedication to be one which has open communications in the workplace, free from prejudice regardless of any type of individuals. Conclusion Several theories have been discussed pertaining to the causes of industrial conflict. There are many more theories surrounding the area of industrial conflict and it differs in different countries depending on the industrial systems and the governance present. It would be impossible for a country or any organization not to have any conflicts. However, Singapore can be considered successful in handling overt conflicts as shown through the legislation in place and also a variety of mediation or conciliation bodies such as NTUC, IAC or MOM which are available for different employees or employers to approach. Finally, there has to be active listening and pro-activeness by the government on dealing with the burning issues occurring constantly as time progress so that conflicts can remain manageable. Reference Anantaraman, V. 1900, Singapore Industrial Relations System, Linographic Services Pte Ltd, Singapore Attorney General Chambers, 2009, Illegal Strikes And Lock-outs in Essential Services, Singapore, viewed 18 February 2012, Balnave,N., Brown,J., Maconachie,G. and Stone,R. 2007, Employment relations in Australia, John Wiley and Sons, Milton, Qld Ministry of Manpower. 2011, Singapore Workforce, 2011, MRSD, Singapore, viewed 20 February 2012, Petzall, S, Abbott, K and Timo, N, 2007, Australian industrial relations in an Asian context, 3rd ed, Eruditions Publishing, Cowes Victoria Ramesh, S. 2011, ‘S’pore cannot do without foreign talent: Ex-MM Lee’, 22 July, viewed 18 February 2012, Sharon, S. 2011, ‘IAC rejects pilots’ proposal on flight allowance’, 21 October, viewed 23 February 2012, Tan Soo San 2004, Wage Reform And Tripartism: A Test of Trust at Work, Centre for Governance And Leadership, Singapore, viewed 25 February 2012,

Relationship of Sales and Inventory

In order for your sales force to do its job, there must be enough inventory on hand to sell. A successful relationship between sales and inventory operations involves either a predictable rhythm of inventory turnover as a result of consistent sales, or dependable communication between the two divisions so the inventory department will know how much the sales department needs. In order for this system to function smoothly, the sales department must have a clear idea of how long it takes the inventory department to acquire more product, through production or ordering, and must plan its orders accordingly.Consequences of an Imbalanced Sales to Inventory Ratio If your company has more inventory on hand than it can sell in a reasonable time frame, then it must expend resources to store and handle this backlog of product. In addition, buying too much inventory ties up capital that you could be using for day to day operations. If your company has insufficient inventory on hand to meet custo mer demand, you run the risk of losing customers by being unable to provide for them. Background/ProblemsWhen materials are received or created in the factory they are packaged in some form of stock-keeping-units (SKUs, Packs, Handling Units) for ease of transport. Each pack is given a unique code (Pack number) for ease of identification. Packs can be coded in various ways e. g. as part of a batch; or unique pack numbers for each pallet, box, tote, container, stillage; or a unique serial number for each part. When inventory is created or received at goods in, pack numbers have to be generated and quantities of units packed recorded.Typically bar-code labels are printed and attached enabling product to be located and moved in the factory or warehouse. Additionally isolations are managed at a pack level, allowing inventory to be quarantined prior to further investigation and decision making. Solution The Inventory module of Shopfloor-Online MES is able to: Create a record for each pac k of inventory created (including semi-finished goods and finished goods) and automatically attach traceability details such as work centre, creation date/time, Production Order, and so on.Create  inventory records when goods are received and automatically attach traceability details such as supplier, supplier lot number, supplier traceability information. Automatically generate unique pack numbers in user defined formats Allow inventory to change state using a user defined set of states. For example inventory can be created, isolated, scrapped, released and shipped. The complete history of the state of the inventory is recorded, including who made the decision, when and where. Assist when inventory is isolated, to capture the reasons why for subsequent analysis Move inventory between locations and binsGenerate user defined FIFO keys, used in subsequent consumption operations to ensure oldest stock is consumed first Use best-before dates and use-after dates to ensure aged inventor y is within requirements. Create a seamless link to other systems like the Warehousing system or ERP (e. g. SAP). When Used with Other Modules When the Inventory module is used in conjunction with other modules of Shopfloor-Online MES more opportunities open up. For example: Traceability – Consumption: with this module full material traceability is achieved, track the consumption of inventory (raw materials and WIP) in the production of new materials.Build Traceability: this takes traceability to the additional level of individual serialised part numbers Warehousing/Logistics: receive planned in-bound deliveries and ship planned out-bound deliveries at an inventory pack level Quality module: record the results of quality checks against individual packs (or serialised parts), increasing traceability to each individual pack Customer Complaints: trace complaints from inventory pack number back through all aspects of production The Objectives of a Sales & Inventory SystemThe obje ctives of a sales and inventory system should be oriented toward developing a rhythm for selling inventory on hand at a rate comparable to the pace at which it is being produced, so your company will have neither too much nor too little inventory on hand. If you work with perishable product, the need to develop an appropriate relationship between sales and inventory is especially critical, because you are liable to lose product that you do not sell in time.