Philosophy ethical theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Philosophy ethical theory - Essay Example But recently, there has been a renewal of the interest in virtue ethics to the point where today it is one of the main ways that are employed in dealing with substantive philosophical ethics. This new interest has been generated from the dissatisfaction with the manner in which moral philosophy has been done in the contemporary time and particularly recently. This is because the contemporary and modern philosophy has insisted on moral responsibility and moral law while it ignored the sources of morality in the inner life and the character of the individual (Crisp & Slote, 1997). As is the case in many other areas in philosophy, precise definitions are hard to arrive at but the main contrast comes in the forms of ethics that are based on moral laws, rules and principles. In the case of virtue ethics, the focus is mainly on individual that is supposed to have these virtues and the inner traits that the individual possesses, their dispositions and motive that make the person eligible to be virtuous. Philosophers in the contemporary world perceive moral life as a matter of connecting properly to moral rules as opposed to the traditional virtue ethics where the understanding of moral or ethical life generally needs requires the understanding of what it is to be a virtuous person, or what it entails to have a particular virtue. This is considered to be an inner trait or a disposition that is associated with the individual (Crisp & Slote, 1997). There is a widespread conviction that is associated with virtue ethics that it does dictate what to do. In some instances, this conviction is seen only in the expressed theory that virtue ethics in being agent-centered rather than art-centered is more direct at â€Å"being† rather â€Å"doing†, with good and bad character rather than right and wrong action. Taking this supposition, virtue ethics doesn’t therefore come out as a normative opponent of practical and deontological morals. In

Sociology of Gender Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sociology of Gender - Essay Example The next summary is of the film, Two Spirits, directed by Lydia Nibley and produced and written by Russell Martin and Lydia Nibley. It traces the real life story of Fred Martinez, a Navajo teen, whose life came to an abrupt halt at 16 years, when he was brutally murdered by another young man named Murphy. The film interestingly follows a historical timeline as it explores Fred’s carefree and brave life as a nadleehi (a male-bodied individual with a female personality) and at the same time investigates traditions that were once extensively prevalent among the indigenous people of North America. With the looming threat of an entire tradition being wiped out from among the natives, the film slowly returns to the brutal crime that took place on 16th June, 2001 in Cortez. It explores the murder site where Murphy, viciously bludgeoned Fred to death with a rock, just for being different and later bragged about it to his friends saying he, â€Å"bug-smashed a fag†. Following na rratives by Paula Mitchell, Fred’s mother, Richard La Fortune, activist of the Yupik tribe, and Cathy Renna, a leader in the LGBT community, the viewer gets a very clear picture of the vile nature of the hate crime that was meted out to young Fred. This film is created so that people can understand, accept and be compassionate about issues of gender diversity and at the same time recognize and celebrate it, in view with the wiser, traditional American cultures. The director’s attempt through this film seems to be – ‘to transform through sharing’. The last article for review is the introduction chapter of the book titled, ‘The Lenses of Gender: Transforming the Debate on Sexual Inequality’ written by Sandra Lipsitz Bem. ... This chapter reviews the historical transformation of America’s social consciousness with regard to philosophy and treatment of women. It traces historical beliefs regarding women in religious light and how it later took biological leanings. It depicts how these beliefs were further challenged by the women’s rights movement in the mid-nineteenth century and later by feminist advocacy in the early 1960s. However, the author believes that even within these changing times there exist â€Å"lenses of gender† which seek to infuse male power into social institutions and social reality, methodically and invisibly. Identifying the three lenses of gender as being – androcentrism, gender polarization and biological essentialism, the author considers them to be ways by which culture is reproducing male power. If a path can be devised to stop these discourses and enculturation, the author trusts that the feminist agenda in America can finally be achieved. Why do men h old the most powerful economic and political positions across the globe? Functionalist theorists believe that society is made up of interdependent parts, each of which plays their part in maintaining the smooth functioning of society. Their inherent belief in stability and social control is further enhanced by the common values and belief systems that the people share. This conviction in the idea of social equilibrium is asserted by values regarding family, marriage and gender roles. The conflict theorists are often viewed as being complete opposite to functional theorists because of their view that consensus is only achieved in society through exercise of power and control. They view patriarchal systems as

Globalization and how business is redefined

Globalization and how business is redefined PART 1 Project objectives and overall research approach 1.1. The reasons for choosing project topic area and choosing the particular organisation as a focus of research work 1.1.1. Reasons for choosing the project topic A phenomenal development in the concept of globalisation has been observed over the last couple of decades. Globalisation can be explained as a multidimensional concept that is expressed through several ways by many theorists. The significance of globalisation cannot be denied hence it has increasingly gained ever- growing supremacy that in the modern businesses today. Due to the increasing significance, need and requirement of globalisation to be adapted by organisations / and businesses, the author of this report is particularly interested in further exploring the concept of globalisation in context to financial institution such as Barclays Bank plc. The author also understands that globalisation had been explained with various perceptions where as parameters of the concept are hard to define because of several factors influencing the conceptualisation of globalisation. For example, the political, environmental, social, technological, legal etc. factors influence how firms globalis e and operate their businesses. Therefore, this research study is also interested in identifying a valid explanation of globalisation that must be adapted along with the subsequent practices. In addition, it has also been observed that globalisation brings in new challenges and transformations that must be adapted by businesses in context to new risks and opportunities at the same time. Therefore an important question that emerges here is that how does globalisation influence on an organisational capacity of defining its business. In order to explore and examine these questions pertaining to and dimensions of the concept of globalisation, the author chooses the subject of globalisation to be explored in context of UK financial sector. 1.1.2. Reasons for choosing Barclays Plc. Due to the global economic recession, the most affected business sector has been the financial sector. As evident, the recent economic recession claims high influence on the banking sector of the world. The after effects are established leaving the stakeholders of the global banking industry with high concerns such as whether or not the returns on their investments made into the financial sector and specifically financial institutions will be returned. Secondly, stakeholders are also equally concerned with business challenges faced by financial institutions such as Barclays plc. These challenges have been observed as loss of customers, high employee redundancy, loss of market share, loss of global supremacy of the bank in the global financial sector and so on. It has been further observed by analysts that these challenges are a result of misconduct of US Federal reserves (Protchard, 2008). According to the bank these challenges are likely to result in increasing inflation affecting t he financial assets of the bank and financial sector. The increasing challenges thus claims immeasurable influence with an increasing deteriorating circumstances leading the stakeholders in a grey area concerning the future of the bank and investments made by the stakeholders in the bank. Summing up the challenges, this research study aims to explore and identify the effect of globalisation on the bank in context to the challenges while redefining its business. The particular reason for choosing Barclays Bank plc is that it is one of the leading banks across the globe that has been successfully adapting globalisation long before other businesses had realised the opportunities to globalise their business operations. Secondly it is also intended to assess that how does a global giant redefines its business in order to address the challenges posed by globalisation. This particular bank has also been chosen because it operates in the global financial sector that has been immensely affected by the global economic recession. 1.1.2.1. Introduction to Barclays Plc. Barclays Bank plc is one of the major global banks that have been providing financial products and services in commercial, and investment banking and retail banking for over a period of 300 years. It is listed on New York and London stock market, whilst operating in 50 countries across the globe including United States, Asia, Africa and Europe. Employing 156,000 people across the globe and serving 48 million customers, the bank has developed its to business clusters that are: a) Commercial Banking and Global Retail and b) Investment Management and Investment Banking. These business clusters are made up of world-class financial and businesses brand portfolio. During the worst period of recession i.e. 2008, the bank announced a profit of  £ 6.1 billion before tax (Barclays plc Sustainability Review report, 2008). The bank is headquartered in the UK and is called as Group Centre facilitating functional operations (Group.Barclays.Com, 2009). 1.2. Research objectives and research questions This paper aims to discuss tasks of defining an organisation mission influenced by globalisation. The objectives of this study are: 1.2.1. To identify globalisation influencing on how firm redefine its business. 1.2.2. With in the same context, what remains compelling now and what must be adapted and 1.2.3. Why redefining business mission and subsequent practices is significant and must be adapted. 1.2.4. To make recommendations. The research questions are: 1.2.5. What is globalisation and how does it affect the businesses in redefining their business? 1.2.6. What factors are influential upon managements decision on redefining businesses due to globalisation? 1.3. Overall research approach and research framework developed to address the project objectives and research questions The overall research approach (Walsh and Wigens, 2003) that has been adapted by this study is explained as: a) identify research subject, b) obtain and review contextual / background information of the subject, c) identify research questions, d) define research strategy, e) identify the process and techniques of collecting data, f) carry out pilot study, g) analyse and interpret data, and h) draft research report. The data sources used for the purpose of this study are primary and secondary, where as the research strategy is the case study and survey strategy. Deductive approach of logical reasoning has also been implied along with using qualitative data analysis techniques. The research study has been underpinned by appropriate theories. PART 2 Information gathering and business techniques The data and information that has been collected concerns the subject of globalisation and its impact on the business operations of Barclays bank plc. The primary and secondary data sources enabled the researcher to collect information regarding impact of globalisation on business operations of the bank. The researcher also concentrates on evaluating current business operations of the bank by means of using three business research tools, which are Porters value chain analysis model (Katisioludes, 2006), Porters five forces analysis model (Ahlstrom and Bruton, 2009), and Porters model for competitive advantage (Porter, 1998). Utilization of these business tools directed the research study towards making analysis and evaluation of the current business global practices adapted by Barclays bank plc. Once the process of analysis and evaluation is completed, the generated information was drawn to identify those factors that influence business operations in context of globalisation as well as impact of globalisation on the bank. This information has been further used to recognize and determine the need to redefine the business mission and subsequent strategies and practices. The last step was to make recommendations through which the bank can possibly address to the changing needs of the global market specifically customers and stakeholders. 2.1. The chosen business techniques 2.1.1. Sources of information The research data has been obtained from primary and secondary sources. Primary data source is formed of survey research study that has been carried out for the purpose of this specific study. In addition to primary research data surces, secondary data sources are formed of academic books, research journal articles, online newspapers, company published reports, independent reports published by organisations such as Datamonitor etc. 2.1.2. Description of the methods used to collect information, including online access 2.1.2.1. The data has been collected through implying two research tools i.e. a) survey research questionnaires and b) using and reviewing secondary sources to obtain background information regarding the context of subject of globalisation and Barclays Bank plc. The survey questionnaires are designed as open-ended and semi- structured in order to draw in-depth analysis concerning the participants experiences, viewpoints and opinions along with addressing the research questions. The strength of survey questionnaires lies in drawing out perceptive responses, exceptional characteristic and contradictory (if any) views of the participants. Secondly survey research method also draws out interpretive standpoint of the survey participants (Mack and Woodsong, 2005; Marshall and Rossman, 2006). This technique of primary data collection is cost-effective and efficient. The primary data was collected through a self-administered e-mail platform and the survey participants were randomly selected. An estimated number of hundred employees of Barclays Bank plc were contacted and invited through e-mails to participate in the survey research study. The purpose, objectives and outcomes of the survey research were explained. Only 35 of these contacted employees replied positively, demonstrating their interest and commitment in participating in the survey research. A pilot study was first conducted through inviting 10 respondents. The comments and feedback (explaining the validity and viability of questions, ease of understanding the questions, possible interpretations of the questions by the participants etc.) of these respondents were valuable in reforming the final survey questionnaire. Once the final questionnaire was designed, it was sent to all survey participants through e-mail. The respondents were provided with a period of four weeks to fill in the questionnaires and return it to the researchers provided e-mail address. 2.1.2.2. The secondary data was collected through reviewing research journal articles accessible through databases such as Emerald, Sage Journals, Informaworld, ScienceDirect, Willey Science, Datamonitor etc. Secondary data was also collected through reviewing reports published by Barclays Bank plc, along with reviewing online newspapers. The data was reviewed and analysed to extract valuable information concerning the subject. 2.1.3. Research limitations while gathering information While collecting the information certain limitations have been encountered by the researcher such as possibility of biased reviews regarding the organisational performance of the bank that is likely to mislead the researcher while forming opinions. Secondly while carrying out the primary research, it is expected that the survey participants may be influenced by certain factors that can affect the quality and validity of their replies. Lastly the researcher aimed to contact at least 75 employees in order to draw significant research findings, however due to limited survey population it is expected that the research findings and analysis may not be viable due to the fact that sample population may not represent the actual population. Drawing on these limitations, it is expected that the data validity can be challenged. 2.1.4. Identification of any ethical issues that arose during information gathering and how such issues are resolved While carrying out the primary research, researcher was particularly focused towards maintaining the integrity of the collected data. This means that all the data and information collected as a result of primary research must be protected against any misuse of information. For example the research explained the survey participants that the collected data will only be used for the identified purpose and objectives. In order to maintain the researchers claim, it is crucial that the data stays with the researcher where as the name, contact details such as email addresses etc. of survey participants are kept confidential. The data integrity has also been maintained which means that data has been interpreted and analyzed through avoiding any biased views of the researcher towards the studied organisation and collected data. Secondly, while referring to the secondary data collected for the purpose of this study, the researcher was particularly focused towards ensuring that all the previous research studies used for this study are appropriately and sufficiently referenced, credited and acknowledged. For this reason, the researcher ensured that all the data provided by previous researchers have been appropriately referred and acknowledged. For that reason, this report is free of plagiarism, where as all the previous research studies have been appropriately referenced and credited. 2.1.5. An explanation of business techniques that have been used, including a discussion of their limitations. The business research techniques that have been used for this research study are case study and survey strategies, qualitative data analysis techniques and deductive approach of logical reasoning. 2.1.5.1. The case study strategy is explained as strategy of carrying out research including practical examination and analysis of a specific contemporary phenomenon as explained within its real-life business scenarios through implication of multiple sources of data validation (Robson, 2002). The limitation of this strategy is to draw perceptive meaning out of the collected data that can vary from researcher to researcher. The perception of the data can also be influenced by the context of the research subject (Yin, 2004). The survey research strategy is explained as carrying out survey research by means of involving a sample of population to answer provided questions. The limitation of this strategy is that the researcher is solely dependent upon the data provided by the survey participants, hence the research findings and analysis is a result of data provided by the participants that may not be validated if required. 2.1.5.2. The data analysis technique adapted by this research study is qualitative data analysis technique. The qualitative technique enables the researcher to determine information that is extracted according to the constructivist perspective or participatory perspective or even both. Constructivist perspective has been explained as research built upon several interpretations of various understandings collected by the researcher with an ambition of establishing a theory or research pattern. On the other hand, participatory perspective has been explained as constructing upon issue- related, change oriented or combined perspectives (Creswell, 2003). This research study adapts the constructivist perspective of data analysis technique. The limitations of this technique experienced by the researcher are a) difficulty in making structured comparisons while analyzing and interpreting data, b) process of data analysis is dependent upon the skills of the researcher, c) time-consuming process and d) relatively less easy to generalise the data. 2.1.5.3. In addition to above technique, deductive approach of logical reasoning has been implied by this study. This approach is directly associated with research environment. Deductive approach of logical reasoning has been utilised by means of using following pattern: a) making observations, b) observing research patterns, c) testing hypothesis and d) testing the theory involved (Miles and Huberman, 1994; Cooper and Schindler, 2006). The limitation of this approach as experienced by the researcher is that conclusions are made based on assumptions drawn through empirical evidences that can be different within the context of different research environments. PART 3 Results, analysis, conclusions and recommendations 3.1. A description of the results that have obtained and any limitations This section of the report aims to present all the collected data and information, based upon which, analysis and research findings have been presented in the following section. This section identifies global challenges faced by the bank while operating globally. Upon identifying these challenges, the adapted practices of the bank are examined in redefining its global business mission resulting in subsequent strategies and practices. The limitations faced during the data collection and data analysis process are same as identified in the previous section of this report. 3.1.1. Challenges faced by Barclays Bank plc as a result of globalisation Globalisation has been explained as a multi- faceted phenomenon carrying different viewpoints as has been realised by the review of the literature (e.g. Rapley, 2004; Meffert and Bloch, 1991). This means that the dynamic nature of the phenomenon is likely to raise challenges such as global warming, carrying out ethical business, addressing social responsibility issues, paying back to the communities where the business operates and so on. These challenges were not known about 50 years ago before the advent of globalisation. Similarly, even though Barclays Bank plc has been increasingly expanding its global business, nevertheless the aforementioned issues increasingly and continually keep challenge the bank. In addition, other economical challenges such as poverty and taking strategic steps to combat poverty require competent economic policies to be adapted that supports the business policies at the same time (Fischer, 2003). Therefore, Barclays is increasingly challenged to not only d eliver business performance excellence but it is also challenged to serve back the communities by means of addressing issues such as fighting poverty with in the communities where it is operating. Secondly the economic challenge faced by the bank is addressing to the issues of credit crunch. The recessed economy restricts economic development of countries where it is currently operation. As a result of which, management has to take decisions such as job redundancies. For that reason it is argued that despite of the fact that globalisation fosters equality, the results of integration of global economy, and the consequences of flow of capital across national boundaries is likely to threaten the global financial structure of the economies (Fischer 2003; Lloyd and Demos 2001; Baldwin and Winters 2004). Another issue that is faced by the bank is technological advancement, which is considered to be a dominant driver for the changes experienced by the bank in the due course of process of globalisation (Mulgan, 2007). The same researcher states that those organisations which were household names with in last 20 years time of time period, are now web- based organisations with established and fundamental fears that Internet could further advance into more commercialised and develop in to inaccessible commodity then it can be realised today (Mulgan, 2007). Upon identifying these challenges, the researcher now aims to examine the business operations of the bank in context to creating its value chain and competitive advantage. This identification leads the researcher towards assessing how the effect of global age, and globalisation resulted in defining the business mission and subsequent strategies and practices by Barclays Bank plc. In context with the above challenges faced by the bank due to adaption of globalisation as a fundamental business need, the research study now aims to analyse and evaluate current value chain of the bank and industrial competitive forces in order to identify how these challenges influence the redefinition of business mission and subsequent strategic practices of the bank. 3.1.2. Implying the value chain analysis as proposed by Porter (Katsioloudes, 2006), following findings and analysis has been presented. The data of Barclays Bank has been extracted from Barclays Bank PLC Sustainability Review (2008) and primary data collected through survey research questionnaires (see appendix 1). 3.1.2.1. Inbound logistics Suppliers of the bank are required to attend to challenges such as supply chain risks, business integrity, human rights and environmental issues so that a sustainable supply chain steering group can be established that will be accountable to improve business processes, tools and techniques along with addressing training and development needs of its employees as well as supply chain partners in order to operate successfully in the global market. 3.1.2.2. Operations The UK and the European business operations of the bank equalized operational carbon emissions as well as reduced energy consumption per employee by a rate of 2.1 per cent. The same carbon operations had been executed and practiced across the global operations by the end of year 2009. Secondly the bank demonstrates its commitment to stabilize economies those extending beyond its own operations and procurement strategies so that a distinguished role of the bank can be recognised in developing long-term relationship with its customers and stakeholders. 3.1.2.3. Outbound logistics The bank capitalizes on the advantages laid by new regulations on the banking and financial sector to secure a handful of distributors. Previously, the bank was connected to one provider and regulated by the legislative requirements, however today it is tied to 6 distributors such as fund managers, life insurance and so forth. 3.1.2.4. Marketing and sales The bank has been observed and reported to be supporting small and medium enterprises in the UK even though the local economy had been under financial distress that resulted in an increment of 6 per cent in its lending to the small and medium enterprises. In context of its global operations, the bank also announced and executed a debt repair line for South African customers who were facing financial difficulties. Further on with an ambition of attending to the changing customer needs and demands, the bank has been increasingly observed and reported to be developing its customer relationship along with investing in innovation and technologically enabled and advance services and products. Customer relationship have been improved through implying customer relationship management practices, however drawing on the collected data, such practices needs to be further developed and improved. 3.1.2.5. Services Due to innovative products and services offered by the bank during the recessed economic situation, the bank reported an improvement in its financial records. For example during the year 2008, more than 57,000 employees of the bank were engaged in volunteering and fundraising activities with a purpose of serving the community such as collecting donations for charitable causes. In addition to this, the market share of the banks mortgage lending also increased from 8 per cent to 36 per cent, whereas the income rate of the bank also increased up to  £ 23.1 billion by the end of year 2008. As suggested by the value chain analysis model, the above strategic system obtains further support through business infrastructure of the bank that has been assessed below: (Data source: Group.Barclays.com, 2009; Primary research see appendix 1) 3.1.2.6. The infrastructure The bank has also been reported to form partnerships and alliances with micro-finance firms, technical providers, local charities and government so that the needs and demands of its customers and stakeholders can be addressed. The bank also cultivates a performance- base management system supported by organisational culture that regulates and facilitates target- oriented performances to be delivered by the employees and subsequently the bank. 3.1.2.7. Human Resource Management The bank also practices diversity (cultural, ethnical and gender- based) while recruiting employees across the globe, solely based upon their talents. Secondly, the hard efforts and good performances of employees are rewarded and recognised. Most importantly the bank reports that women fill 25 per cent of senior managerial positions. This proportion has increased from 2 per cent from year 2007 up to 25 per cent during the financial year 2008. An estimated number of hundred and fifty three thousand employees are employed by the bank across the globe. Most importantly the bank claims to practice work- based diversity. 3.1.2.8. Technological development The bank employs technology- based equipment in order to generate clean energy, reducing gas and carbon emissions along with reducing use of electricity and water. In order to further reduce the consumption of paper, it offers mobile banking services in India, UK etc. In South Africa, the bank offers services and products that help government welfare beneficiaries to obtain inclusion in the financial system. 3.1.2.9. Procurement Barclays Bank plc also adapts to industrial best practices in supply chain monitoring in order to evaluate supply chain verification along with deploying tools and techniques that are aligned with adapted business strategies. The supply chain stretches across 50 countries where the bank operates. The strategic intent is to employ competent supply chain management practices so that the strategic and long-term business benefits can be obtained. 3.1.3. Upon assessing the value chain of the bank, their researcher and now aims to examine five competitive forces responsible for redefining business strategies. In order to do so Porters (1998) tool of assessing five competitive forces have been implied: 3.1.3.1. The force of threats of new entrants has been evaluated at a moderate level because the bank obtains its increased share of 36 per cent mortgage market in 2008, which is an increase from just 8 per cent market share in the financial year 2007. The bank had also obtained higher customer satisfaction rate in the UK raising from 64 per cent in 2007 to 67 per cent in 2008. Nevertheless, the bank also demonstrates increasing potential to bring this force to minimum because of the strategic practices it has adapted such as business diversity, employee diversity, environmental consumption, inclusive banking and strategic supply chain management initiatives. 3.1.3.2. The industrial force of bargaining power of suppliers has been evaluated to be low due to the banks policy of development and deployment of supply chain through carrying out strict screening policies so that the business vision of the suppliers are in line with the business vision of the bank. It has also been observed that because of its dominant market presence, strategic market positioning along with banks investments made into developing its supply chain, Barclays is privileged to be the first choice of suppliers thus making this force low. 3.1.3.3. The bargaining power of buyers has been evaluated to be at a modest level because buyers have other substitutes (banks, and financial institutions etc.) to attend to their banking needs. These needs can also be addressed by the competitors such as ABN Amro, Lloyds TSB, Royal Bank of Scotland, Standard Chartered and so on. It has also been assessed that this force can be lowered through banks continued commitment towards addressing customer demands and conducting ethical business. 3.1.3.4. The threats of substitutes have been evaluated as low because of the distressed economic situation that makes it intricate for the substitutes entering into new markets that are regulated by cash starved economy. On the other hand, emerging economic nations such as Brazil, Russia, China and India could be a potential market for substitutes that are likely to promise positive results. This can induce competition for the bank with in the emerging / and developing economies. 3.1.3.5. The industrial force of market rivalry among the financial organisations has been evaluated as extremely high because of the volatile banking sector resulting from mergers and business acquisitions, business alliances etc. that had been recently experienced by banking giants such as HBOS and Lehman Bros. In addition to this, the global economic distressed situation increases rivalry among financial institutions, services and products that are offered in the market since they are closely associated with economic conditions and interest rates, governed by the individual governments. 3.2. A critical analysis / evaluation of results including an explanation of significant research findings 3.2.1. Competitive advantage of Barclays Bank plc as a result of redefined business mission, strategies and practices Utilisation of competitive advantage model as proposed by Porter (table 3.1) while evaluating the banks competitive advantage demonstrates that the bank keeps an ambition of producing innovative and unique products and services by means of using innovative and technologically enabled organisational resources. In addition the organisation resources and subsequent competitive advantage that has been achieved by the bank adds value to the business by means of the adapted practices of supply chain management (section 3.1.2). Along with, the bank also provides inclusive banking services and products. Inclusive banking has been explained as â€Å"helping those who are excluded from the financial system to join and benefit from it† through opening 1.77 million accounts for low-income customers (Barclays Bank PLC Sustainability Review 2008, p12). The bank also concentrates to exercise ‘sustainability strategy by means of demonstrating its commitment towards stabilizing and devel oping those economies where the bank operates. In addition the bank also concentrates on carrying out ethical business (such as reducing water gas and electricity usage, lowering down carbon emission, making communal investments, practicing diversity at work etc.). In particular the bank has also been observed as developing relationships with its stakeholders (employees, customers, shareholders, supply chain partners, business creditors and investors, community etc.) Conclusively the competitive advantage of the bank has been assessed as to differentiation and focused according to the Porters model of competitive advantage as illustrated in the table below. Table 3. 1. Porters model for competitive advantage Competitive advantage Low cost Differentiation Competitive scope Broad target Cost leadership Differentiation Competitive scope Narrow target Cost focus Differentiation focus 3.2.2.   Drawing on the above analysis and evaluation, following factors have been identified that influences the redefinition of business mission and subsequent strategies and practices: 3.2.2.1. The globa

American high schools not up to par :: essays research papers

American High Schools Not Up To Par There are many factors that would lead someone to believe that high school is a waste of time. High school has too many distractions for kids to try to concentrate on learning. Since the Columbine tragedy police officers have moved into most high schools and created a distraction for most students. During the day students have study halls that are a huge waste of time, while this time could be utilized to have more instruction or tutoring for kids. Every student is different and has a different learning style. Yet schools don’t separate kids by their learning style to help maximize their curriculum intake. Students are also forced to take classes that they have no interest in and will not be used in their future. All these reasons show how school has too much wasted time and is not doing what it school is intended to do.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During the school day students are faced with many distractions that may keep them from doing their best. Since all of the school shootings in recent years schools have beefed up security across the country. Students are faced with metal detectors as they walk in the school doors. Dogs are used in the schools to conduct random searches and some students find this very controversial. Students are violent and are bringing weapons to school and making bomb threats. These can cause lockdowns that can take hours to search the whole school. This is all valuable time taken from the school day. Police officers are also a new presence in the school system that intimidates students. School is supposed to be a place of learning but now students have to worry if they are safe when they go to school. All these distractions have some students scared to go to school. Every one of these distractions creates an environment that is not conducive to learning.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Almost every student has had a study hall. Study halls are a huge waste of time because students end up just sitting around getting themselves into trouble. How is one to study when these are quiet study halls? Studying is much easier with a partner where each can quiz each other aloud. With block scheduling students can waste eighty minutes a day if they have a study hall. That’s an hour and twenty minutes where a class of importance could be put in.

King of the Bingo Game: An analysis

â€Å"King of the Bingo game† by Ralph Ellison is about a man, in desperate need of money, cheating at a bingo game.   More importantly, the story revolves around a desperate man seeking sanity and solution in a world he cannot control.   This desperate and futile search for answers is what ultimately leads him to his demise.The backdrop of the story is during World War II.   This time was particularly chaotic as the war is pulling on the economic resources of everyone.   It is more chaotic for the Bingo King as his wife is sick and he needs money for her care.   He cannot work in the factories, as he has no birth certificate.   The last chance he has is a Bingo game being held in a movie theater.   This is the place where his life will end.   This is the place where the contradictions of freedom and slavery, wealth and poverty, Sanity and madness will all meet.A big factor of this story in the race of the main character.   He is a black man living from the s outh.   This is the 1940’s; hence slavery has been abolished for some time.   Yet, The Bingo King is still a slave to something else.   He has an inability to make money, yet is in desperate need of it.   He cannot work in the factories; hence he is â€Å"useless† to society.   There is a promise of money from a game; hence he places all his hopes into it.   The slavery in this story is slavery to capitalism.   There is this illusion that one can make it rich on one’s own merits.   Yet, as Bingo King himself say’s in reference to the Wheel, â€Å"This is God†.This is the contradiction to the standard idea of equal rights and freedom that America is commonly personified.   The idea that all men are created equal and are free to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.   This is all dashed apart by the wheel, which flippantly controls the ebb and flow of life and fortune.The Bingo King, upon realizing this, realizes tha t his only hope for sanity and fortune is through this wheel, which he now believes controls all things.   An idea like freedom or equality seems laughable in the face of this machine, which deals out fortune or loss on a whim.   Upon seeing this, the Bingo King realizes that only through the constant spinning of the wheel will his life have any meaning.   This is the failure of sanity, which leads him to his death.In a way, the journey that the Bingo king undertakes is parallel to that of the Faustus in Christopher Marlowe’s classic play.   Faustus is a noble and proud man of science.   One notable characteristic about Faust is that he has a deep thirst for knowledge and understanding.   This is a noble and proud endeavor, not one that would be considered wrong or sick by any standards.   The problem comes with the methods that he uses to gain that knowledge.   In his thirst, he signs his soul over to the demon Mephistopheles so that he may be granted powers not meant for mortal man.   Over the course of the story, Faustus takes a journey that leads him into arrogance and madness.   The story comes to an end with a vision of Faustus being dragged kicking and screaming into hellfire.There is a definite Faustian theme that prevails throughout â€Å"King of the Bingo Game†.   Like Faust, the Bingo King starts on this journey for a noble endeavor.   He wishes for the means to take care of his wife Laura.   His motives are pure and honorable, and he seeks no more than the money needed to take care of his sick wife.   As he reaches the bingo wheel, he sees the power that it holds over his own life.   He sees that life is simply a matter of fate, controlled by chance and whim of luck.   The Bingo King sees this â€Å"whim of luck† as God.   So by his reasoning, if he controls the wheel, he becomes God.   It is then that he becomes mad with a sense of false power.We see this from his thoughts he has concerning the crowd in the theater.   As they heckle and jeer him from his resistance to leave the stage, the Bingo King becomes more and more inwardly hostile towards them:They had been playing the bingo game day in and night out for years, trying to win rent money or hamburger change.   But not one of those wise guys had discovered this wonderful thing†¦.Now he faced the raging crowd with defiance†¦ He was running the show, by God!   They had to react to him, for he was their luck.   This is me, he thought.   Let the bastards yell.Ralph Ellison, King of the Bingo GameHe looks at the crowd and he sees them as fools.   He does this because he thinks that he has found the answer.   This is far from the truth, as he has simply gone mad.   Like Faust, he believes that he is in possession of all the answers.   This is far from the truth.   He sees the glamour of the Bingo wheel as the power over the universe.   Others see it as just an opportunity for fun and a lit tle money.These are the two separate worlds that the wheel inhabits.   There is the world of reality, where the wheel is just a game.   Then there is the world that the Bingo King sees from his point of view.   The world where he can become a god from winning this game and controlling this wheel.   This is a world he came to out of desperation and madness, struggling to get money and a job and not being able to find a place within the world of the story.This brings up the theme of Alienation.   The Bingo King is living in a world that has no place for him.   He has no birth certificate.   Hence, he does not exist.   And seeing the fact that he does not exist, the world has no use for him anywhere.   He cannot gain work in a factory for this reason or gain work anywhere else.   To the world, he is obsolete.   For that reason, other people tend to ignore him.Examples of this are the people in the theater who do not even acknowledge that he exists until the Bingo Game.   One woman is eating peanuts right in front of him.   He recalls his time in his hometown where he could simply ask someone for a few peanuts and they would gladly give it to him.   He realizes that the situation is different here.   This is the big city.   No one cares if he exists or not.   This is the big city.   If he asks the woman for peanuts in this theater, she’ll ignore him, or tell him to get his own bag.This Alienation is not due to the color of his skin.   It is not because his descendents were of an â€Å"inferior race† or because of any preconceived stereotypes about his people.   This alienation comes simply from the world he is living in now.   Everyone is separate from each other.   Everyone in the theater is separate.   No one knows each other or has any real concern for each other.   Their only concern is themselves and their own lives.   All that is needed is to sate their own hungers or wants or needs.   There i s never a concern for their fellow man or giving to others simply out of the joy of giving.   All is meant for one’s self.The joke of the Jackpot, however, is how small the jackpot really is.   The Jackpot of 36.90, even for the forties, is a small amount.   The Bingo king really has no hope of saving his wife through this game, nor does he have any hope of getting out of the poverty that he is currently suffering.   Yet the game is giving him this false hope that it is possible.   This is once again going to the theme of desperation that is cast over him through his alienation.   Bingo King has become so desperate, that he thinks he sees fortune where there is none.This is the overarching theme of the story.   That society alienates itself from others an as a result, the people of that society sees little hope.   In seeing little hope, they give their lives for a cause that may not seem entirely valiant.   Sadly, in the end, this is the fate of the Bingo Ki ng.BibliographyMarlowe, Christopher. The Tragic History of Doctor Faustus. Oxford, England:Oxford University Press, 1998.Ellison, Ralph. â€Å"King of the Bingo Game.† The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction.By Richard Bausch. New York: Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc., 2005.

Being a Taxi Driver Is One Good Opportunity

No job is easy. That’s a statement that I always believe in. In everything you do, you always have to do it right and with your best. Being a taxi driver is not an exemption. Yet despite being a challenging job, it is an awesome opportunity for meeting different kinds of people and going to different places. From Taxi Register, being a taxi driver requires one to be sociable, polite and friendly. I surely agree with it. No passenger would like to ride a cab whose driver looks so uninviting. At all times I try my best to be courteous, polite and accommodating to my passengers. As a taxi driver I know that I am responsible not just for my own safety but also that of my passengers. I need to drive efficiently to avoid any mishaps on the road. I also need to have a good sense of direction, knowing which roads to take to avoid traffic and bringing my passengers in great state to their destination. When caught in the middle of the traffic, I should stay calm and relaxed. Being a taxi driver also puts me to different instances of interacting with various people. Some are also as friendly as I am to them, while others can be hard to deal with. It is during such times that I need to be calm and think of ways to communicate with them efficiently without bringing about any conflict. As a taxi driver, I have also developed my mathematical skills in handling money. I need to give the right amount of money for change to the passengers. Some people put down taxi drivers just because it does not require any formal education to become one. As long as you know how to drive you can become a taxi driver. Though there is no formal education for this career, taxi drivers need to pass a licensing examination to test our knowledge about local geography and routes. Taxi drivers also deserve a high opinion. We are trying to earn money decently. We try our best to take you to your places quickly and safely; we work for your best road interest. We may even tell tourist some valuable information about the places they visit. In addition, many of us are conscientious and trustworthy. There are many times when honest taxi drivers return valuable belongings left inside the cab by some passengers.

Free Essays on Franklin Roosevelt Biography

Curriculum-Vitae Franklin Delano Roosevelt Born: At his family's estate at Hyde Park, in Dutchess County, New York. Parents: He was the only child of James Roosevelt and Sara Delano Roosevelt. James Roosevelt was a moderately successful businessman, with a variety of investments and a special interest in coal. He was also a conservative Democrat who was interested in politics. Sara Delano, 26 years younger than her previously widowed husband, brought to the marriage a fortune considerably larger than that of James Roosevelt. Franklin was born into a pleasant and sociable home, with loving parents and congenial, rather aristocratic companions. Education: His mother supervised his education until he was 14. French-speaking and German-speaking tutors did most of the actual instruction and helped him develop early a talent for those languages. For further education, he went to Groton School in Massachusetts, which had a reputation as one of the finest of the exclusive private schools that prepared boys for the Ivy League colleges. From Groton Roosevelt went on to Harvard College. He entered in 1899, and remained until 1904. He took his bachelor's degree in 1903 but returned to Harvard in the fall to serve as editor of the student newspaper, The Crimson. He then moved to New York City, where he entered the Columbia University Law School in 1904. Although he attended classes until 1907, he failed to stay on for his law degree after passing the state examinations allowing him to practice law. Marriage: Before he finished his work at Columbia, young Franklin Roosevelt had married his distant cousin Anna Eleanor Roosevelt. They had been in love for some time and were married in spite of the opposition of Franklin's mother in New York City on March 17, 1905 The bride's uncle, President Theodore Roosevelt, was present at the ceremony. Five of their six children grew to maturity: Anna, James, Elliott, Franklin, Jr., and ... Free Essays on Franklin Roosevelt Biography Free Essays on Franklin Roosevelt Biography Curriculum-Vitae Franklin Delano Roosevelt Born: At his family's estate at Hyde Park, in Dutchess County, New York. Parents: He was the only child of James Roosevelt and Sara Delano Roosevelt. James Roosevelt was a moderately successful businessman, with a variety of investments and a special interest in coal. He was also a conservative Democrat who was interested in politics. Sara Delano, 26 years younger than her previously widowed husband, brought to the marriage a fortune considerably larger than that of James Roosevelt. Franklin was born into a pleasant and sociable home, with loving parents and congenial, rather aristocratic companions. Education: His mother supervised his education until he was 14. French-speaking and German-speaking tutors did most of the actual instruction and helped him develop early a talent for those languages. For further education, he went to Groton School in Massachusetts, which had a reputation as one of the finest of the exclusive private schools that prepared boys for the Ivy League colleges. From Groton Roosevelt went on to Harvard College. He entered in 1899, and remained until 1904. He took his bachelor's degree in 1903 but returned to Harvard in the fall to serve as editor of the student newspaper, The Crimson. He then moved to New York City, where he entered the Columbia University Law School in 1904. Although he attended classes until 1907, he failed to stay on for his law degree after passing the state examinations allowing him to practice law. Marriage: Before he finished his work at Columbia, young Franklin Roosevelt had married his distant cousin Anna Eleanor Roosevelt. They had been in love for some time and were married in spite of the opposition of Franklin's mother in New York City on March 17, 1905 The bride's uncle, President Theodore Roosevelt, was present at the ceremony. Five of their six children grew to maturity: Anna, James, Elliott, Franklin, Jr., and ...