Adidas Csr

PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT Corporate Social Responsibility CASE STUDY: THE ADIDAS GROUP. SUPPLIER TRAINING PROGRAMMES 1. Provide the STO. ADIDAS Group is so well-known in the world that there is a huge pressure from stakeholders to ensure that all employees and their companies have the same ethics and working conditions, properly licensed and operating. To meet the demands of stakeholders, they want to educate the workers that are not from Germany to work as the Germans people works so that the brand does not lose the identity. The training focuses on aspects such as improving human resources managers to educate and care for the environment, health and safety. Thanks to these programs, the ADIDAS Group commitment to the working conditions, the company has already been recognized internationally, as well as improves the well-being of current workers and educates them to properly use company resources. 2. Who are the 2 main stakeholders management is trying to reach with their CRS initiatives? What are the key programs being delivered to these stakeholders? The two main stakeholders are the workers and the community. The idea is to put the workers to be as efficient as possible, and, about the community, put them in programs which are also accessible to others even if they are not workers. For example in China, they managed to create a diploma for those who do this program. The five programs are: ? Fair factories Clearinghouse (2006) is an information platform that encourages members to share information and collaborate to increase productivity, leading to even greater ease in security and working conditions. Human Resources Management Systems (2006) they create this department to have a control over who is hired for the company. Each new employee must correspond to each parameter. It also serves to better manage employees' careers and their pay, creating premiums and benefits. Better Work Program (2007) consists on training programs involving, among others, labor standards, workers rights, human resource management, supervisory skills, and occupational health and safety. Environment, Health & Safety academy (2009) is to improve an existing health and safety training program in the supply chain and get the rate of high skills officers up among the ancient officers. Occupational Health and Safety Officer Programs (2010) is a three-year program designed for the local Health and Safety officers across a range of management levels in accordance with pre-existing skills and local requirements. 3. What are the short-term benefits of the programs? What are the long-term benefits of the programs? Thanks to these programs, ADIDAS group, in a short-term, has been able to focus on its supply chain proactively and make significant changes witch benefit the well-being of current suppliers employees as well as their financial bottom line. In a long-term, the programs allow for increasing employee and customer retention as well as a significant increase in highlyskilled workers, thereby providing the ADIDAS group with increased productivity as well as high quality products. 4. What are some of the key challenges with the initiatives? What recommendations will you provide to management on how to address these challenges? These programs try to spread a professional trend concerned on the safety working conditions born in Europe. The key challenge ADIDAS Group can find on that is the different cultural basis of workers around the world. As the main part of supply chain is located in Asia, this challenge become more relevant in terms of actually poor working conditions. As a manager, we would recommend taking into account the different trends and historical background when setting up these training programs. Despite all this, the aim is to be always open, transparent and accountable when managing abroad, in order to satisfy stakeholders.

Self-image is a big problem for many women

Self-image is a big problem for many women, including myself. Many nights are spent at the gym, working out for hours, trying to sculpt the body into what society considers â€Å"attractive†. After running for thirty minutes and 500 crunches, you stand in front of the mirror in the women's locker room in disapproval. Then you say to yourself, â€Å"I'll be back tomorrow. † Sound familiar? That's because it is! Many women face problems about their bodies because of Britain's unrealistic stereotype of what is desirable. Forms of media such as childhood toys, magazine advertisements, and television have made a negative impact on girls and women (in particular) of all ages. Some of the anxieties that come with the entertainment industry's perception of â€Å"what is attractive† have the tendency to lead to serious problems such as low self-esteem and eating disorders. From a young age girls have faced the pressure of achieving physical perfection even from the toys they play with; the unrealistic body-perfect measurements of the popular childhood toy Barbie. Little girls love from Britain to Brazil love Barbie. Barbie is one of the best-selling toys in the world and could explain why Barbie has been accused of setting a negative stereotype for children in society. The big dilemma seems to be Barbie's current figure-long legs, skinny waist, narrow hips, and ample bosom. Not only does Barbie depict what society considers attractive but She has everything little girls dream of, a perfect house, figure and boyfriend, Sending a subconscious message to society; If you get the body you can get The guy, the Malibu beach house, with a pink convertible in the garage. As girls grow older they put their Barbie dolls to rest and, along comes a new and more extreme age of what they are exposed to new forms of media. Such as the teen magazines featuring articles about boys, beauty, and fashion. But They are sandwiched between glamorized advertisements for beauty Products, messages once again being sent of the body perfect and ‘lifestyle perfect' Previous childhood messages of the infamous Barbie doll once again being thrusted into the faces of adolescent girls. But this time Britney Spears is the new Barbie and she's real. Running around in her skimpy crop tops and perfect pop star boyfriend; she has it all, doesn't she? Young woman (under 25) are increasingly tuned in to a celebrity culture where the models' and actresses' bodies are considerably thinner than they've ever been in the past, and is seductive and appealing for young girls to resist. Since these actresses, pop stars are role models for girls nation-wide, they influence the way girls think, behave, and try to look, Scary thought†¦ Britney may well be the new Barbie†¦. Has the consequent pursuit of thinness become a new religion? And is the media responsible for low self-esteem and eating disorders? That may well be a contributing factor but inevitably it will always be down to the individual themselves. 2003 a year where there is no definite body shape or lifestyle, we should just aspire and embrace being ourselves, not want what the likes of Victoria and David Beckham have, or want Britney's ‘perfect body'. The only person that you will have to live with all your life is you, not Posh! It is important for women, including myself, to realize society's standards of what is desirable are unrealistic as well as unhealthy. So, the next time I go to the gym and stare into the full-length mirror in the women's locker room, I will accept myself for who I am. I may not be as thin as a magazine model or as attractive as a television actress, but be happy with your self as the inner beauty always shines through.

Concretization

Concretization As with almost every aspect of â€Å"developed† or â€Å"first world† culture, a cloud of laziness accompanies any call to a challenge. Although finding an easier means of overcoming obstacles has been rooted in human existence since we came to roam the earth, it appears we have achieved a new level of indolence. Understanding abstract philosophical or religions bares no exception. To witness this one need look no further than todays pop culture. A quick Google search of â€Å"celebrity tattoos† yields upwards of 54 million results in a little over 2 tenths of a second.Riddled among the image results are countless crosses, Taijitu’s, words in Sanskrit and other philosophical or religious symbols. Riddled among these are famous rapper â€Å"lil wayne†, actress Angelina Jolie and pop celebrity Pamela Anderson. I do not necessarily condone assumptions, however, I believe it would be safe to say that these, among countless other, harbor s ymbols as an easy or careless means of professing a devotion to a specific ideology. Furthermore, an ideology that know little or nothing about.I may well be wrong and perhaps they are well educated in the ways of their respective religions/philosophies but would not wager on it if I were a betting man. Considering that Pamela is a vegan because her â€Å"†¦body is a temple† yet has had a not to distant history with pill and cocaine abuse might tilt the odds in my favor. Nevertheless, it is not just celebrities who are concretizing abstract and demanding philosophies, they are just most readily accessible.In todays first world countries, praising a concretized symbol of a philosophy or religion is an easy way of identifying ones self with the select group without difficulty of actually having to learn about it. Just as students are reading the spark notes instead of the book or parents are hiring au pairs instead of raising their children (working/single parents excluded ), so are most individuals taking a lackadaisical approach to their spiritual beliefs. This is easily done through making a symbol concrete.Consider the concept of yin-yang, a theory of balance representing male and female in unison to depict wholeness. This is often portrayed by the Taijitu symbol that most western cultures are familiar with. What is often difficult to understand about Yin-Yang is that it is ultimately a teaching of metaphysical dualism. This is to say that one is only as much itself as it is the absence of its counterpart; light is just the absence of darkness. The concept seems simple when applying it to light and dark but when it comes to questions of existence or consciousness it becomes difficult to understand.Consequently, people, either due to laziness or ignorance, attach themselves to the concrete symbol and the simplest explanation to accompany it. Thus we see that the Taijitu, in western culture, has itself adopted the name the Yin-Yang or more absurdly the â€Å"Ying- yang†. I have a friend who to this day thinks he has a tattoo Yin-Yang tattoo. It’s a pretty abstract and unlimited concept to fit in the confines of ones skin; I’m not sure if he even is aware of the word Taijitu; I don’t think I should ask. The development of concretization, however, cannot lay burden solely on the symbol.Symbols have been used to represent religions, philosophies and factions of all sorts for thousands of years. Instead, I believe ignorance, and furthermore the lack of motivation to rid oneself of ignorance, is to blame. This has become increasingly evident in the modernized world we live in today. In a time when information, entertainment and even food is mere seconds away at the fingertips of the majority of the nation, the concept of delayed gratification slowly slips through the proliferated cracks of our artificial society. I, too, am guilty of the act.When I went to military school in the 9th grade each cadet was responsible for two pairs of shoes, the dailies and the dress. The dailies were to have no scuff or tearing around the sole but would ultimately suffice with a rather dull finish. The dress shoes, on the other hand, were required to be shined to a mirror finish; a feet that requires the perpetual spit shine of rag and polish until the pores of the leather are filled. A rule of thumb is that one should be able to see the whites in their eyes when they pick up to inspect the shoe.After three hours work on one shoe alone, a blurred outline of my face was all I could make out. An older student heard me complaining to my roommate and came by to see what was the fuss. â€Å"I’ve been working on these all day,† I muttered, â€Å"this is impossible†. He smiled and turned as if to undermine my complaint. â€Å"Delayed gratification,† he replied as he walked off, â€Å"delayed gratification. † This was the first time I had heard the phrase. I looked it up an d have kept it in the back of my mind ever since. In this increasingly fast paced world we live in, instant gratification is phasing out the concept of hard work and reward.This holds true in our approach to religious/philosophical beliefs. We all want to just get it†¦ just understand†¦ just be enlightened. There are those that meditate for an hour, a day, a week and then are frustrated and perplexed as to why they are not yet enlightened†¦ Or, they go get Yin-Yang tattoo and claim they are. Unfortunately much of today’s world focuses on the simple, the easy and the instant and thus breed much of the laziness and ignorance that results in concretization of the abstract and complex.

Triangle Fire Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Triangle Fire - Essay Example The scrap bin was accumulated with cuttings of around two months and a lighted cigarette or a match was possibly the starting point of the fire. On the other hand, some explain that the engines which supported the sewing machines may have caused the fire, whereas many historians believe that it was pre-planned by the owners of the factory. The owners, Blanck and Harris were present at the factory premises when the fire broke out along with their workers in the 10-storey building. When the fire broke out, the two owners saved themselves by running to the roof and jumping to the adjoining building, but their workers met a terrible fate and 146 of them were either burnt alive or jumped out of the building windows in horror to save themselves. When the workers used the Washington Place stairways to flee, they noticed it was locked which took from them the only hope of escaping the sight safely. The Washington Place Stairway was locked from the outside to prevent theft by the workers. The workers demanded for better working conditions because they were made to work for longer hours at very low wages and they were deprived of the basic amenities and facilities. Whereas on the other hand, the factory owners rejected these demands put forth by the workers of the factory, so that they could protect the industries from the effects of unionizations and regulations. Plus, the low profit margins coupled with the high costs prevented the owners from meeting the demands of the workers because the fulfillment was monetarily not feasible. Many female workers who worked at the factory were immigrants, from Europe and Italy, who had migrated in hope of a better life and future. The poor working conditions they faced and the grinding poverty made their lives even more difficult. The work conditions were horrific, with long working hours and low wages. Many of these workers, in protest of the poor working conditions joined unions and even went out on strikes.

Communication Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Communication Strategies - Essay Example There is no organization that can effectively function without communication. Thus, over the recent years, corporate communication has evolved to become one of the most valuable management and strategic tools in any organization especially if it is well aligned with the overall strategy of a company and meant to improve and enhance the strategic positioning of the organization (Argenti, Howel and Beck, 2005). Corporate communication is mainly concerned with passing information to the organization’s diverse stakeholders with different needs and expectations (Gupta, 2011). As such, this paper is designed to review literature and explore the major strategies and roles of corporate communication during the contemporary period in different organizations. According to Kim & Radar (2010), corporate ability (CAb) focused strategy, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) focused strategy, and hybrid focused strategy are the major corporate communication strategies used by organizations during the current period. The Cab strategy focuses on communicating the company’s products while CSR is concerned about communicating to the stakeholders to show that it is socially responsible. The hybrid strategy is a combination of both. As a result of increased global competition, consumer activism and digitization, it is increasingly becoming important for organizations to effectively manage their relations with various stakeholders. This can be achieved through the effective use of corporate communication which plays a pivotal role in the organization. Corporate communication plays the following roles: A number of studies have emphasized the significance of corporate communications in building an organization’s corporate reputation and image. For instance, Gupta (2011) observes that 80% of respondents in study acknowledged that the core purpose of corporate communication is to build corporate brand and enhance its reputation. Corporate

Hannah Hoch and the Dada Art Movement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Hannah Hoch and the Dada Art Movement - Essay Example The creation of collages was not long in following and became a mainstay of the Dadaist movement, particularly as it evolved into the concept of photomontage.   Artists during this period struggled against the concept that art created spiritual values and frequently used the products of their creative spirit to protest against the First World War. Beginning in France in about 1916, the movement’s progress and development can be seen in context with the Great War, which started in 1914 and was waged for four years. While this artistic movement didn’t start until two years after the war began, about when the populace, artists among them, was beginning to feel the pressure of constant warlike states, it also persisted for a few years after it ended as the populace, again with artists among them, became reconciled to the new world order thus established. The development of this movement is most frequently associated with artists such as Raoul Hausmann, Kurt Schwitters and Marcel Duchamp, among other male artists, but less well known is the equally contributive Hannah Hoch. This investigation into the Dada Movement will, therefore, focus upon Hoch’s contributions to the movement and her artwork as representative of it. The foundation of the Dada Movement is actually attributed to artists in Zurich, Switzerland and in New York, America. It is described in the Merriam-Webster’s Encyclopedia of Literature as a â€Å"nihilistic movement in the arts †¦ that was based on the principles of deliberate irrationality, anarchy, and cynicism and the rejection of laws of beauty and social organization† (cited in Buell, 1998). The name of the movement was arrived at with the same lack of reverence as the movement itself, reportedly arrived at by chance and retained because of its childlike associations. One of its chief goals was to undermine the â€Å"rational and civilized standards† then in place in the art world by exploring the icons of the old world, placing them in new contexts so as to expose a lack of inherent meaning in the work.  

Tuberculosis infection rates as a global and local public health issue Essay

Tuberculosis infection rates as a global and local public health issue - Essay Example To achieve this end, the partnership has undertaken a multi-faceted approach. The main mission objectives are to stop the spread of TB, to lessen the social and economical cost of TB, and to develop and implement new methods and ways to diagnose, prevent and treat TB. The partnership targets to reduce the occurrence and death rate of TB by 50% by the year 2015 relative to 1990 estimates. Another target is to have the world free from TB by the year 2050 (Actions for Life: Towards a world free of tuberculosis, 2006). To achieve this dream, the Stop TB Partnership developed a Global Plan to Stop TB in the year 2006. The proper implementation is expected to save about 14 million lives, provide treatment for 50 million people, and offer better access to diagnosis and treatment for everyone. The Plan identifies the challenges in achieving this target and has developed seven working groups to address the challenges directly. The TB facts As per World Health Organisation reports, one-third o f the world’s population is currently infected with TB bacillus bacteria. According to reports, the number of people who died from TB in the year 2009 is 1.7 million. In addition, as Sharma and Mohan (2004) state, the estimates are that between 2002 and 2020, the number of newly infected people will be about 1,000 million and the number of tuberculosis deaths will be 36 million. As Ewbank and Gribble (1993), and National Research Council (US) Working Group on the Effects of Child Survival and General Health Programs on Morality observe, tuberculosis may be responsible for more deaths than any other single pathogen. In addition, it is found that one-six of the tuberculosis infections happen in people who are infected with HIV (ibid). The WHO aims The World Health Organisation report ‘Global Tuberculosis Control (2010)’ identifies its major targets to reach its goal of 50% reduction of disease by 2015. The targets are diagnosis, notification and treatment of approx imately 7 million cases, a 90% success rate in treatment, 100% detection of HIV in TB patients, providing co-trimoxazole preventive therapy to HIV positive TB patients, testing all previously treated TB patients for MDRTB, those who are identified with MDRTB are provided new treatment according to international guidelines, and to spend US$ 7 billion per year for the purpose, and an additional US$ 1.3 billion on research and development (ibid). Challenges ahead Murray (2006), in American Medical Association, writes about the challenges of tuberculosis control in the present world. The problems identified are divided into five key areas: inefficient diagnostics and treatment, the need for expansion of the World Health Organisation Directly Observed Therapy, short course (DOTS) program, multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB), and HIV co-infection (ibid). In addition, as Boogaard, Kibiki, Kisanga, Boeree, & Aarnoutse (2009) report, the existing diagnostic test- sputum microscopy- ide ntifies only advanced pulmonary TB and the remaining cases go unidentified. In addition, the DOTS strategy developed by World Health Organisation is expensive and labor-intensive, and hence less effective in developing nations (ibid). Now, taking the economic side of the disease into consideration, a study by Grimard and Harline prove that even a 10% fall in the

Askls5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Askls5 - Essay Example It is believed that self-leadership is required before engaging in team leadership (Manz and Sims 1991). What are some of the best practices that a team facilitator can use in order act as a role model to his or her team? When one has competent team members, it is apparent that they at one time have contributions to make in the effort to facilitate problem solving. In this regard, what are some of the models deemed appropriate to create an atmosphere in which a team leader can use in order to facilitate problem solving? In every group undertaking a certain project in an organization, there are various challenges it can face. What are some of the potential areas that a team leader can focus on in order to overcome such challenges? In an attempt to go beyond self-managing work team, a leader is supposed to use some empowerment dimensions. What are recommended dimensions that a team leader can use in order to empower his or her team? In any given organization, it is expected that the team leader use the appropriate communication styles in order to ensure top performance by his or her team members. What are the recommended communication skills and techniques that a team leader must have? However, the communication skill applies to all members of a team. A part from the team leader’s skills and techniques, in what ways can communication skills and techniques help the other team members’ carryout their duties

Sensationalism and the Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sensationalism and the Media - Essay Example There are new crimes which people feel they do not understand and which are different from traditional fears. The media is very effective and building these crimes up and making people feel frightened (Ball-Rokeach, 1040). One of these is cybercrime. While some people may feel less frightened of being stabbed on the street, they may be more concerned about identity theft. It seems clear that cybercrime will be a serious problem in the future as more and more of our lives are lived on the Internet. Stories about identity theft appear in the news every day. Part of the problem in todays world is that many people put a great deal of their personal information on the Internet without thinking that it can be accessible to anyone. Others do not take proper precautions with their passwords. Still others fall for internet scams run by Nigerian princes. In the future there will be more identity theft and money stole from online bank accounts and money transfers. People will probably do more i mpersonation than ever on social networking sites. The truth is people must be very careful to protect their passwords and their personal information. It is not a good idea to put your birthday on your Facebook account, for example, as this information may be used in some circumstances to access banking and other private records. Do not talk to strangers online if you are underage, as well, as they may be predators. While these are serious crimes, the media makes it seem as if it is happening all the time and that you will be the next victim (Mappes, 102). Part of the problem with the Internet is its anonymity. It is hard to track down cybercriminals and they know it. The bank robbers of the future will not wear masks and carry guns, they will be the people who sit at their computer and hack into the bank. Some people may not even know they have been victimized. This too may lead to the crime figures and victim

India in Medieval Time Essay Example for Free

India in Medieval Time Essay Structure of society was that it was divided in caste system. There was a strong caste system in India that we don’t see in Europe. Since it was mainly an agriculture based society that demands caste system for an efficiently working society. Since areas were ruled individually there was difference in society structure in different areas too. They had different gods and thus different rituals. On other hand most people in Europe did farming too but they were servants, peasants or serfs. FAMILY People lived in joint family system i.e. husband wife their children grand children their wives all lived under same roof. The eldest male person was used to be the head of family. Even today in many parts of India and even in Pakistan still live in joint family system. They had importance of respecting their elders such as saying namaste (used to greet others on meeting) and they touch feet of elders, gurus and their gods out of respect. Arrange marriages were planned. Family elders used to decide where to marry their child after verifying the age, height, looks, family values, financial background of family and matching their horoscopes. There was tradition of taking dowry that we can still see in our society. POSITION OF WOMEN In my point of view I don’t think women had good status in India in middle ages. Their marriage, up bringing and widowhood depended upon which caste they are from. They had tradition of sati. Sati means â€Å"true wife† and the tradition was that the women whose husband died was burnt alive to prove her loyalty and love for her husband and to be with him in after life. The women who were not burnt were suppose to live very simple life, no make-up and jewelry, had to wear white sari and sleep on floor and only one meal a day without honey, meat, wine and salt. Today this is against law of India. Treating women in such way is ridiculous they should have as much right to live as men. On other hand in Europe women could remarry. RELIGION Different religions were followed in India in medieval time like Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism and later Islam spread by Sufis. They had a number of religious festivals that they still celebrate today. Navratri, diwali, ganesh chathruti, durga poja, holi, rakshabandhan and dussehra are the religious festivals of Hinduism. People believe in different gods thus they have different rituals and temples. â€Å"the belief that rituals bestow authority and power was widespread and additional incentive was the promise of heavenly rewards.† (Thapar, 2002) People of a region had usually different god than other like some people worshipped durga while other worshipped shiva and so on. But they did respect other gods too. Later when Arabs invaded ths area Sufis came along with them and mixed up with local society and gradually preached them and converted them to Islam. It wasn’t spread by force. We can easily see the diversiy of religion in India. In Europe Christianity was the centre of everything. Church was the centre of society. There was difference between eastern church and western church.one was called orthodox church and other was the catholic church. Islam also spread in Europe. In medieval times, Muslims governed Jerusalem. Jerusalem  is sacred to both Christians and Muslims. To Christians, it is the birth place of Christ, Christ spend most of his time in this city and was crucified here. To Muslims, dome of the rock is in this city which is the very place from where Muhammad (P.B.U.H) ascended to heavens. Initially, Muslims let the Christian pilgrims to visit this holy city but in 1070s Turks conquered Jerusalem who was also Muslim. They didn’t allow Christians to visit their holy sites and mistreated them. They also threatened Byzantium Empire. This became the basis of a series of holy wars called crusades. By the end of the 11th century, the emperor of Byzantine Alexius I was threatened by the Seljuk Turks. He asked the pope Gregory VII for assistance so that they can save themselves. Thousands of the Christians responded to this call and thus resulted in the first Crusade. The plans of Gregory VII were taken up by Pope Urban II who gave this plan a proper direction. Thus the idea of the first crusade is attributed to him. Even though, Europeans were unable to get their required results through the crusades, the crusades affected the world in many ways. Christians started the crusades in name of religion and their religion was affected the most. In fourth crusade western Christians on their way killed eastern Christians in Constantinople. They also killed Christians on basis that they dressed like Muslims. This was the time when Orthodox Church and Catholic Church separated completely and their conflict still remains. The Europeans were the ones having the major positive effects as a result of crusades. One of the biggest benefits was the trade of spices and luxury textiles. They also bring along with them many medicines and ways of treatments from Arab and Persia the crusades also aided the beginning of Renaissance in Italy. The history of Crusades in my opinion was more political than religious. It was a war for more power and authority. The Christians fought it in the name of God but the real name was different. They only wanted to make Muslims weaker. Even if we look in today’s world and all the War against terrorism, they are no more than occupying Muslim land geographically important for the  west and not for any religious reasons. POLITICS Gupta Empire ended in 500 C.E. after that people ruled regionally. There were many kings ruling locally. The doctrine of mandalas was very important here which was that king of one region was enemy of its immediate neighbor and was friends with the king of neighbor’s immediate neighbor. So they make ties with other king to attack and conquer. Since religion was the most important thing at that time the temples were rich with the gifts offered by pilgrims. People offered the best they had to please their gods. The muslims invaded these areas because they wanted to capture the temples wealth not because they wanted to spread Islam. Local kings also used to do the same thing. Some dynasties that ruled the southern part were the pallavas, cera, pandyas. The main kingdoms in northern areas were chaulakyas, dantidurga, Al-Balhara, Al-jurz or gurjara pratihara and dharma palas. All of them wanted to have control over Kanauj to have better strategic control since it was the central point. These kingdoms declined because they knew each others strengths and weaknesses and were attacked by Arabs. Arab forces entered India through Khyber pass, bolan pass and gomal pass. In 9th and 10th century rajputs became prominent. Muhammad bin Qasim conquered sindh in 712 C.E. Number of small kingdoms rose with rulers of Turkish origin. Among them was a kingdom with a ruler Mahmud centered at Ghazni (in Afghanistan). ‘For him, India was a wealthy land always appearing rich and attractive from the barren mountains of Hindu Kush’. (Thapar,2002) His aim was to capture the temples to take away the wealth. He destroyed the temple of Somnatha for the very reason. In 1026, Mahmud raided Somanatha, desecrated the temple and broke the idol. The event is described in Turko-Persian and Arab sources. The popular view is that Mahmud’s raid on Somanatha was such a trauma for the Hindus that it became seminal to the Hindu-Muslim antagonism of recent times. Yet there is no reference in contemporary or near contemporary local sources of the raid on Somanatha. Jaina sources describe the renovation of the temple by Kumarapala, the Chaulukya King, due to lack of maintenance by local officers  and natural decay of age. It would seem that Mahmud’s raid had not left a long-lasting impression. The earliest claim that the raid resulted in trauma for the Hindu was made not in India but in Britain, during a debate in the House of Commons in 1843.’ (Thapar, 2002) Muhmud Ghuri also attacked India. Thus we can see the diversity in India very clearly. Sufis came here with invaders, scientists and philosophers also came here. Thus there was a exchange of culture and thus the diversity of Indian culture continues. On the other hand Europe had religious conflicts between eastern Europe and western Europe. Arabs also attacked and conquered them. European kings felt so threatened and their result we can see in form of crusades. Spain became great Muslim centre where dynasties like Abbasis, Ummaids and Fatmids ruled. In Europe we can’t see as much diversity as we do in India. ECONOMY People of India used to do basically farming. Their major occupation was agriculture for which caste system developed. This was also one reason why Islam didn’t spread in India in beginning because they needed caste system for agriculture and Islam teaches equality. India was very rich in agriculture and produced spices and traded them. TRADE CENTRES Some cities were important with trade point of view. Cities like Madurai, Vanji, Vatapi, Tamraliptri, Kanauj, Ujjain, Broach and Pataliputra were considered as trade centres. Trade was done through both land and sea. TRADE ROUTES Silk route was a major trade route. Other trade routes included port of Varanasi, Goa, Mathura, Puna and Patna. TRADING COUNTRIES India did trading with Arabia, Persia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Java, Sumatra,  Indo-China and China. Europe came to know about Indian products very well after crusades infact major reason of crusades was to start trade with India. EXPORTS Silk, gems, bleached cloth, pearls, spices, ivory and diamonds were exported. Pepper, cinnamon, opium and indigo were exported to Europe in exchange of gold and silver. ART AND ARCHITECTURE Like all other factors art and architecture of India was also very diverse. There was different style of architecture in north than south side of India. Temples of south India were built in Dravadian style of architecture with carved sculptures. In north side nagara style of architecture was used. In the regions in between north and south vasera (hybrid style) was implemented. When muslims came here they made buildings in their own style of architecture. Beautiful mosques, tombs, havelis and forts were made in medieval time. [pic] [pic] Mahabodhi temple Mahakeleshwar temple Muslims built qutub minar delhi mosque etc. which have architecture entirely different than temples. [pic] There were number of different languages. Each region had a language of their own and there was a single language that was used as official language. Vedic scriptures puranas etc were compiled. Quran and sunnah was being compiled by Arabs. In Europe church was most dominant. All the art and architecture was devoted  to the church. The main architectural styles developed were gothic and Romanesque. Romanesque church followed horizontal lines whereas gothic was much heightened and detailed. Gothic style pointed arch is used that can take more load and flying buttresses were introduced. Castles were built for defence purposes. They consist of small square towers, usually of wood, planted on hilltops or artificial mounds and had small windows. Material used for construction was stone, mortar and wood. [pic] Wells cathedral (Gothic style) [pic] Romanesque style The churches were decorated with sculptures and paintings. Since it was a religion based society they worked for churches without wages. Church was in centre of city built on highest mound or hill and was highest and other buildings were built around it having low heights. Muslims also made mosques in Europe too. EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY Most people in India were educated. They had gurus, scholars and there was the oldest university in Taxila. A British scholar leigtner said in later British rule that these are educated people and they should be taught in their own native tongue. Whereas in Europe there were monasteries that only gave religious education. They weren’t aware of scientific knowledge until they came across Arabs and Indians. Mahmud of gazni when came to India brought along a philosopher named Al Beruni who wrote book on India names tahqiq al hind. Main invention in medieval time were weapons, nautical inventions, clock, numbering system, astrolabes, sundial, compass etc. CONCLUSION Keeping in view all the points mentioned above we can say that India is very rich in culture at all times. Its history is so diverse in all aspects whether its society, culture, religion, politics, economy, art and architecture. In general it is said that there were dark ages throughout the world which based upon above discussion is not true. Dark ages were only in Europe since there were wars and was only religious based society and there was no advancement technologically whereas India was progressing and by looking at its diversity and advancements tells us that it wasnt in dark ages at all. BIBLIOGRAPHY http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historians_in_mediaeval_Britain http://www.yourchildlearns.com/castle_history.htm http://www.medieval-castle.com/history.htm http://www.boisestate.edu/courses/westciv/medsoc/11.shtml http://www.boisestate.edu/courses/westciv/medsoc/09.shtml http://www.hyw.com/books/history/medieval.htm http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-art/medieval-artists.htm http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/history-of-art/medieval-artists.htm http://www.castles.me.uk/gothic-architecture.htm http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/2693488596_950b824822.jpg http://www.nashfordpublishing.co.uk/photos/wells_cathedral.jpg http://historymedren.about.com/library/atlas/maps/navieurope.gif http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e1/Late_Medieval_Trade_Routes.jpg http://web.nickshanks.com/history/medieval/manor http://web.nickshanks.com/history/medieval/trading http://science.jrank.org/pages/9077/Education-in-Europe-Medieval-Education.html http://www.allempires.net/education-in-medieval-europe_topic18280_post339921.html http://www.csupomona.edu/~plin/ls201/medieval2.html https://qed.princeton.edu/getfile.php?f=North-West_Regions_of_Medieval_India_-

Growth Factors in Periodontal Regeneration

Growth Factors in Periodontal Regeneration GROWTH FACTORS IN PERIODONTAL REGENERATION ABSTRACT : Periodontitis and all periodontal diseases are bacterial infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone. Left untreated, these diseases can lead to tooth loss. The main cause of periodontal disease is a bacterial plaque, many options are available to treat this disease including non-surgical,surgical,and recent regenerative materials. GFs are natural biological mediators that regulate key cellular events that are part of the process of tissue repair and regeneration. Recent advances in the areas of cellular and molecular biology allowed better understanding of the functions of GFs and their participation in the different phases of wound healing. In vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that GFs can enhance the capacity of tissues to regenerate by regulating cell chemo attraction, differentiation and proliferation. This review focuses on five growth factor families that have potential for inducing periodontal regeneration based on their ability to stimulate osteo blast and periodontal ligament cells in vivo and vitro. Key words: platelet-derived growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta, fibroblast growth factor, and bone morphogenetic protein. INTRODUCTION : Periodontitis is a widely prevalent inflammatory disease of the tissues supporting the teeth, characterized by a progressive loss of bone and attachment. The ultimate goal of periodontal therapy is the regeneration of periodontal tissues, which consists in stimulating new cementum formation, new alveolar bone apposition, and a functionally-oriented periodontal ligament reconstruction. Conventional treatment procedures may be ineffective in achieving bone regeneration, leaving both the clinician and the patient dissatisfied with the outcome. Growth factors (GFs) have long been believed to have the potential to accelerate the healing process and, therefore, enhance tissue regeneration in challenging clinical scenarios.1 MODE OF ACTION OF GROWTH FACTORS: To evoke a biologic effect, a growth factor must be synthesized by an originating cell, travel to its target receptor, interact with target receptor, or binding protein, and activate second messengers or terminal effectors.2,3 Local mode of action is more associated with the term growth factor and involves Paracrine, Autocrine, Juxtacrine, and Intracrine modes. Autocrine mode of action – Growth factors synthesized by one cell, secreted in a soluble form outside the cell and then bind to surface receptors on the same cell to evoke an effect is autocrine mode of action. Example includes: TGF ÃŽ ², which are produced and act on epithelial cells, and BMP’s, which are produced and act on osteoblastic cells. (fig 1) Intracrine mode of action–Growth factors produced by one cell and not secreted, but acts intracellularly to facilitate its effects is intracrine mode of action. (fig 2) Paracrine mode Growth factorsproduced by one cell, with receptors present on another cell in the local micro environment is the paracrine mode of action. Here the mediators are secreted in soluble form and binds to its receptors on the target cell to evoke its effect. (fig 3) Juxtacrine mode It is similar to paracrine effects except that the factor produced by the cell of origin is cell surface bound and requires cell contact by the target cell to evoke a response. (fig 4) RECEPTORS FOR GROWTH FACTORS:4,5 For a growth factor to exert an effect, its designated receptor must be present in sufficient quantity, orientation, and functional activity to transmit appropriate stimuli. Growth factor receptors can be divided into 2 broad categories: Cell surface receptors Intracellular receptors The most common prototype growth factor receptor is the cell surface receptor, which can be further divided into three main categories: G- protein linked Receptor tyrosine kinases Serine threonine receptor kinases POTENTIAL ROLES OF GROWTH FACTORS IN PERIODONTAL REGENERATION: To stimulate cell proliferation. E.g. Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF). To enhance function of cells and cell differentiation. E.g. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). To stimulate matrix synthesis. E.g. Transforming growth factor- ÃŽ ² (TGF- ÃŽ ²). To act as co-factors for gene expression. DISADVANTAGES OF GROWTH FACTORS: They were intended to be made by cells, stored than used locally. They have short half-lives i.e., when used as drug, doses must be greater than actual in vivo concentrations. They affect various cells in individual ways i.e., cells growing in high concentrations of growth factor had an increased susceptibility to cell death upon growth factor withdrawal. They need a delivery system for sustained or, controlled release (in low concentration) of a biologically active growth factor or, cocktail of growth factors. POLYPEPTIDE GROWTH FACTORS : Polypeptide growth factors are a diverse group of hormone-like agents that regulate growth and differentiation through cell surface receptors. They are generally represented by homologous families containing several members with distinct overlapping receptor interactions and hence, responsive tissue specificities. Similarly, their receptors are also clustered in family groups of sequence-related proteins. COMMON FEATURES OF POLYPEPTIDE GROWTH FACTORS :6 Natural cell products: Growth factors are natural cell products that are released or activated when cell division is needed.This action typically occurs during such events as wound healing or, tissue regeneration. Local actions: With few exceptions,growth factors are locally acting. Receptor activity: Because growth factors cannot diffuse across the cell membrane, growth factors must exert their activity by first binding to high-affinity cell membrane receptors.The capacity of a cell to respond to a given factor is therefore dependent on the presence of these receptors. Regulation: The production of polypeptide growth factors is tightly regulated in normal cells. In contrast, unregulated production of growth factor is thought to be an important component of proliferative disorders, such as fibrotic disease and cancers. Multifunctional activities: Polypeptide growth factors are multifunctional, meaning that they may stimulate a wide variety of cellular activities, which include growth, migration, differentiation and production of extracellular matrix proteins. Mechanism of action: In some cases, growth factors can stimulate the same cell that synthesizes the molecule (autocrine stimulation) or can affect nearby cells (paracrine stimulation). Regeneration: Tissue regeneration in vivo probably reflects the combined effect of several different growth factors. GROWTH FACTOR APPLICATIONS FOR ORAL AND PERIODONTAL TISSUE ENGINEERING : Therapeutic application of growth factors to restore damaged tissues aims at regeneration through biomimetic processes, or mimicking the processes that occur during embryonic and post-natal development.7 The complexity of these events suggests that creating an optimal regenerative environment requires the combination of different growth factors as found in natural reparative processes. The use of a single recombinant growth factor may also induce several molecular, biochemical and morphological cascades that will result in tissue regeneration.8 The most studied growth factors for periodontal regeneration have been PDGF, IGF, FGF-2, TGF-ÃŽ ² and different BMPs. SI. NO GROWTH FACTOR ALTERNATIVE NAMES SOURCE 1 Platelet-derived growth factor Fibroblast-derived growth factor. Glioma-derived growth factor Degranulating platelets Endothelial cells Smooth muscles Macrophages- Fibroblasts 2 Insulin-like growth factor Erythropoetic factor Growth-promoting activity for vascular endothelial cells Macrophages- Osteoblasts- Plasma stored in bone 3 Transforming growth factor-ÃŽ ² Epithelial cell specific growth inhibitor Tumour-inducing factor-1 Platelet ÃŽ ± granules 4 Fibroblast growth factor family Heparin binding growth factor Macrophage and osteoblasts stored in bone. PLATELET DERIEVED GROWTH FACTOR: The PDGFs are a family of dimeric disulfide – bound growth factors that exert their biologic effects by activating 2 structurally related tyrosine kinase receptors, the PDGF- ÃŽ ± and PDGF – ÃŽ ² receptors. PDGF was the first growth factor to be evaluated in preclinical periodontal and peri-implant regenerative studies. Proliferation, migration and matrix synthesis were observed on cultures of periodontal cells stimulated by PDGF, including gingival and PDL fibroblasts, cementoblasts, preosteo-blasts and osteoblastic cells [9-14]. These effects were shown to be time- and dose dependent 14. The PDGF family is composed of four growth factors: PDGF- A, -B, and the most recently discovered PDGF-C and -D 15. All of these participate in the wound-healing process, but, until now, only the three isoforms PDGF-AA, BB and AB were evaluated in periodontal therapy. PDGF-BB is the most effective on PDL cell mitogenesis and matrix biosynthesis 16,17. INSULIN LIKE GROWTH FACTOR: These are a family of single chain serum proteins that share 49% homology in sequence with pro- insulin. IGF-1 and IGF- 2 are two polypeptides from this group. IGF-1 acts as progression factor, also stimulates bone formation and have an effect on periodontal ligament cells. IGF-I is also important for bone remodeling and maintenance of skeletal mass and plays significant role in age-related osteoporosis. IGF-1 is capable of preventing apoptosis in fibroblasts by activation of multiple signal transduction pathways. IGF-1 has also been shown to regulate DNA and protein synthesis in periodontal ligament fibroblasts in vitro and to enhance soft tissue wound healing in vivo. Furthermore, studies have suggested variable responses of periodontal tissues to IGF-1 depending upon anatomical sites and a differential involvement of IGF-1 in periodontal wound healing and regeneration.18 FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR: The angiogenic and fibroblast stimulatory properties of FGF-2 during wound healing and its chemotactic and proliferative effects on PDL cells suggest its use for periodontal regenerative therapeutic approaches19,20. In preclinical studies, this growth factor was evaluated for the treatment of different types of periodontal bone defects, in dogs and non-human primates. Despite different concentrations of FGF-2 and different delivery systems used in the studies, all showed an improvement in the periodontal tissue regeneration, compared with control groups. Studies that evaluated more than one concentration of FGF-2 suggested that its effects are dose dependent.21,22 TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR ÃŽ ²: It is a member of a large family of biologically active protein hormones that are structurally related but differ markedly in their function. TGF ÃŽ ² consists of 2 subunits held together by covalent bonds. Five different genes are identified that encodes TGF- ÃŽ ² polypeptide TGF-ÃŽ ² has 5 closely related isoforms in vertebrates, out of which 3 are found in mammals (TGF-ÃŽ ²1, TGF-ÃŽ ²2, TGF-ÃŽ ²3). The three major activities of TGF-ßinclude inhibition of cell proliferation, enhancement of extracellular matrix deposition and the exhibition of complex immune regulatory properties. It is a major regulator of cell replication and differentiation. It can stimulate or inhibit cell growth. It can also modulate other growth factors like PDGF, EGF and FGF. It inhibits epithelial cell proliferation and stimulates mesenchymal cells. TGF-ÃŽ ²1, the most abundant isoform of the TGF-ÃŽ ² family and found primarily in the platelets and osseous tissue, has been used for this application.It has a role in recruiting and stimulating osteoprogenitor cells to proliferate and suggests to support periodontal wound healing and regeneration.23 BONE MORPHOGENETIC PROTEINS: The name Bone Morphogenetic Protein was given in 1965 by Urist .Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a group of regulatory glycoproteins that are members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily.24They stimulate angiogenesis and migration, proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into cartilage and bone forming cells. More than 20 BMP-related proteins have been identified, several of which induce bone formation.25 In the field of periodontal regeneration, much of the research interest has focused on BMP-2, BMP-3 (osteogenin), and BMP-7. Recent studies have utilized recombinant human BMP to determine their potential for correcting intrabony, supra-alveolar, furcation, and fenestration defects. BMPs also show much promise in promoting dental implant wound healing.24 GROWTH FACTOR DELIVERY SYSTEMS: Several matrices and delivery systems have been used and evaluated for their efficacy and biocompatibility as carrier for growth factors. Two common types of polymeric materials used in growth factor delivery strategies are natural collagen-derived materials and synthetic polymers of lactic and glycolic acid (i.e., Poly [lactide-co-glycolide]). Extracellular matrix-derived macromolecules such as collagen have been used for many years in biomaterial application, and it is now possible to create artificial analogues of extracellular matrix proteins using recombinant DNA technology.1 Carriers can be of different types such as solids, gels or combinations.25A variety of new injectable materials such as hydrogels are also being developed for growth factor delivery applications and have been of special interest. These injectables are especially attractive because, in clinical application, they can allow for minimally invasive delivery of inductive molecules.1 CONCLUSION: Growth factors may regulate the repair and/or regenerative process which are impaired in presence of bacteria and their products in periodontal disease. Thus, the objective of growth factors administration in the treatment of periodontitis is to mimic the normal developmental process enhance normal wound healing response to promote complete regeneration of all attachment structures. Basic and clinical research is in progress to evaluate the role of growth factors in periodontal wound healing. BIBLIOGRAPHY: DARNELL KAIGLER, GUSTAVO AVILA, LESLIE WISNER-LYNCH, MARC L. NEVINS, MYRON NEVINS, GIULIO RASPERINI. Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Applications in Periodontal and Peri-Implant Bone Regeneration .Expert OpinBiolTher. 2011 March ; 11(3): 375–385 RIPAMONTI U, HERBST NN, RAMOSHEBI LN. Bone morphogenetic proteins in craniofacial and periodontal tissue engineering: experimental studies in the non-human primate Papioursinus. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2005;16(3):357–368. ANUSAKSATHIEN O, GIANNOBILE WV. Growth factor delivery to re-engineer periodontal tissues. Curr. Pharm. Biotechnol 2002;3(2):129–139. FRECHETTE JP, MARTINEAU I, GAGNON G.Platelet-rich plasmas: growth factor content and roles in wound healing. J Dent Res 2005; 84(5): 434-439. LAURIE K. MC CAULEY MARTHA J. Somerman. Biologic modifiers in periodontal regeneration. Dent Clin N Am , Advances in Periodontics, part I 1998; 43(2): 361-387. GARRY R. GROTENDORST. Connective tissue growth factor : A mediator of TGF- ÃŽ ² action on fibroblasts. Mini Review. Cytokine and growth factor reviews 1997, 8(3); 171 – 179. SCHILEPHAKE H. Bone growth factors in maxillofacial skeletal reconstruction. Int. J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg 2002;31(5):469–484. RIPAMONTI U, HERBST NN, RAMOSHEBI LN. Bone morphogenetic proteins in craniofacial and periodontal tissue engineering: experimental studies in the non-human primate Papioursinus. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2005;16(3):357–368. NISHIMURA F, TERRANOVA VP. Comparative study of the chemotactic responses of periodontal ligament cells and gingival fibroblasts to polypeptide growth factors. J. Dent. Res 1996;75(4):986–992. SAYGIN NE, TOKIYASU Y, GIANNOBILE WV, SOMERMAN MJ. Growth factors regulate expression of mineral associated genes in cementoblasts. J. Periodontol 2000;71(10):1591–1600. STRAYHORN CL, GARRETT JS, DUNN RL, BENEDICT JJ, SOMERMAN MJ. Growth factors regulate expression of osteoblast-associated genes. J. Periodontol 1999;70(11):1345–1354. CANALIS E. Effect of platelet-derived growth factor on DNA and protein synthesis in cultured rat calvaria. Metabolism 1981;30(10):970–975. BARTOLD PM, RABEN A. Growth factor modulation of fibroblasts in simulated wound healing. J.Periodontal Res 1996;31(3):205–216. OJIMA Y, MIZUNO M, KUBOKI Y, KOMORI T. In vitro effect of platelet-derived growth factor-BB on collagen synthesis and proliferation of human periodontal ligament cells. Oral Dis 2003;9(3): 144–151. REIGSTAD LJ, VARHAUG JE, LILLEHAUG JR. Structural and functional specificities of PDGFC and PDGF-D, the novel members of the platelet-derived growth factors family. FEBS J 2005;272 (22):5723–5741. BOYAN LA, BHARGAVA G, NISHIMURA F, et al. Mitogenic and chemotactic responses of human periodontal ligament cells to the different isoforms of platelet-derived growth factor. J. Dent. Res 1994;73(10):1593–1600. MATSUDA N, LIN WL, KUMAR NM, CHO MI, GENCO RJ. Mitogenic, chemotactic, and synthetic responses of rat periodontal ligament fibroblastic cells to polypeptide growth factors in vitro. J.Periodontol 1992;63(6):515–525. XIAOZHE HAN AND SALOMON AMAR. Role of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Signaling in Dental Fibroblast Apoptosis. J Periodontol 2003;74:1176-1182. TAKAYAMA S, MURAKAMI S, MIKI Y, et al. Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor on human periodontal ligament cells. J. Periodontal Res 1997;32(8):667–675. TERRANOVA VP, ODZIEMIEC C, TWEDEN KS, SPADONE DP. Repopulation of dentin surfaces by periodontal ligament cells and endothelial cells. Effect of basic fibroblast growth factor. J. Periodontol 1989;60(6):293–301. ROSSA C JR. MARCANTONIO E Jr, CIRELLI JA, et al. Regeneration of class III furcation defects with basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) associated with GTR. A descriptive and histometric study in dogs. J. Periodontol 2000;71(5):775–784. TAKAYAMA S, MURAKAMI S, SHIMABUKURO Y, KITAMURA M, OKADA H. Periodontal regeneration by FGF-2 (bFGF) in primate models. J. Dent. Res 2001;80(12):2075–2079. KI-TAE KOO,CRISTIANO SUSIN, ULF M.E. WIKESJOÂ ¨, SEONG-HO CHOI, AND CHONG-KWAN KIMI. Transforming Growth Factor-b1 Accelerates Resorption of a Calcium Carbonate Biomaterial in Periodontal Defects. J Periodontol 2007;78:723-729. KARUPPANAN P. SASIKUMAR, SUGUMARI ELAVARASU, AND JAYAPRAKASH S. GADAGI. The application of bone morphogenetic proteins to periodontal and peri-implant tissue regeneration: A literature review. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. Aug 2012; 4(Suppl 2): S427–S430. SUBRAMANIAM M RAO, GAURI M UGALE, AND SHIVARAJ B WARAD. Bone Morphogenetic Proteins: Periodontal Regeneration. N Am J Med Sci. Mar 2013; 5(3): 161–168.

Coca Colas Entry Strategies Into The African Market Marketing Essay

Coca Colas Entry Strategies Into The African Market Marketing Essay Coca colas entry strategies into the African market. The Coca-Cola Company is one of the largest manufacturers, distributors and marketers of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups in the world. Coca-Colas headquarters are in Atlanta, Georgia, in America. It is best known for its flagship product, Coca-Cola, and is one of the largest corporations in the United States. Today, Coca-Cola is an internationally recognized soft drinks company with ambitious plans to further grow the brand. The company owns the majority of the soft drinks available in coolers and in vending machines in the western world. Some of these brands include, Coca-Cola and sub brands1, Dr Pepper, Fanta, Sprite, Oasis and PowerAde. A full list of Coca-Colas affiliated brands can be found on their corporate website2. The 2005 Annual Report states the company sells beverage products in more than 312 countries or territories.3 The international presence of Coca-Cola is phenomenal and its logo, advertising and colours are among the most recognized in the world. When an organization has made a decision to enter an overseas market, there are a variety of options open to it. An organization wishing to go international faces three major issues: i) Marketing which countries, which segments, how to manage and implement marketing effort, how to enter with intermediaries or directly, with what information? ii) Sourcing whether to obtain products, make or buy? iii) Investment and control joint venture, global partner, acquisition? Decisions in the marketing area focus on the value chain . The strategy or entry alternatives must ensure that the necessary value chain activities are performed and integrated. . One of the critical questions to examine in establishing an international development strategy is to select the entry mode in the target foreign country and the distribution channel. Several alternative entry strategies can be considered, Multinational enterprises (MNEs) are expanding their global reach, carrying their products and brands to new and diverse markets in emerging economies. As they tailor their strategies to the local context, they have to create product and brand portfolios that match their competences with local needs. A multi-tier strategy with local and/or global brands may provide MNEs with the widest reach into the market and the potential for market leadership. However, it has to be supported with an appropriate combination of global and local resources. Foreign entrants thus have to develop operational capabilities for the specific context, which requires complementary resources that are typically controlled by local firms.One of such an organization is coca cola company. Coke has recently started to heavily invest in the African market. Africa was actually a low priority region for Coca-Cola until 1997 when citing rapid population growth and disproportionately low sales, the company developed a new market strategy aiming to double sales in 5 years. Indeed, per capita consumption in Africa has grown from 18 servings in 1986 to 37 servings in 2006. Unit case volume sales are up 4 percent from 2005 to 2006. This growth was predominantly driven by 23 percent unit case volume growth in Egypt, after Coca-Cola opened a new divisional office in Cairo. Coke has clearly decided to focus its energies on emerging markets throughout the world and Coke can honestly brag about increasing its sales volume on a global scale. However, as new countries are aggressively targeted by Cokes marketing machine, dietary patterns change, and the rate of western-style diet-related diseases increase. Entry strategies into the African market. Coca Cola Company entered into the global market using various modes of entry. The most common modes are exporting, licensing and franchising. Besides exporting beverages and its special syrups, Coca cola also exporting its merchandises to foreign distributors and companies. The company has also started licensing with bottlers around the world and supplying its special syrup necessary to produce the product. Coca cola works with more than 300 bottlers internationally to produce, deliver, market and sell products around the world. In 1984 a candy store owner Joseph A Biedenham began bottling coca cola to sell using common glass called Hutchinson. Benjamin F. Thomas and Joseph B. Whitehead have made first bottling agreement with Coca cola. During 1900-1909, three main bottlers divided the country into territories and sold bottling rights to local entrepreneurs. In 1916, a distinctive bottle called contour bottle has been designed to distinguish from imitator. The contour bottle became trademark status by U.S patent office. During 1920s more than 1000 coca cola bottlers were operating in U.S. Between 1920s and 1930s, company leader Robert W. Woodruff began expand internationally through establishing bottling operation outside U.S. In 1940, before World War II, 64 bottling plant were setup around the world. During 1970s and 1980s many small and medium-sized bottlers consolidated to better serve huge amount of global customers. Strong licensing relationship with bottlers became the base for Coca Colas entire business growth. Franchising is a special type of licensing strategy. There is various type of franchising. The type used by Coca Cola is manufactured-sponsored wholesalers franchise system. In franchising the finished products and sold to the retailers in local market. In case of Coca Cola Company licensing proved most suitable mode of market entry. T he licensing strategy must ensure ongoing competitive advantages such as export market opportunities, low-risk manufacturing relationships, and diffusion of new products. Other market entry mode such as exporting also proved useful in expanding globally. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Coca-Cola has massive world appeal. The products image is loaded with over-romanticizing, and this is an image many people have taken deeply to heart. The Coca-Cola image is displayed on T-shirts, hats, and collectible memorabilia. This extremely recognizable branding is one of Coca-Colas greatest strengths.7 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Additionally, Coca-Colas bottling system is one of their greatest strengths. It allows them to conduct business on a global scale while at the same time maintaining a local approach. The bottling companies are locally owned and operated by independent business people who are authorised to sell products of the Coca-Cola Company. Because Coke does not have outright ownership of its bottling network, its main source of revenue is the sale of concentrate to its bottlers. Other brands owned by the Coca Cola company that have a strong brand image.8 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Seasonal advertising awareness e.g. TV Christmas advert and summer advert. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Coca-Colas brand name is known well throughout 94% of the world today à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Coca-Colas bottling system also allows the company to take advantage of infinite growth opportunities around the world. This strategy gives Coke the opportunity to service a large geographic, diverse area. . Coca-Cola has successfully employed the hub-and-spoke model in multiple rural emerging markets. In Africa, for instance, 9 Coca-Cola set up Manual Distribution Centers in which an independent person was given the rights to distribute Coca-Cola products within a defined radius14. Similarly, in India local entrepreneurs sell Coca-Cola using all possible means of transport, ranging from trucks, auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and hand carts, to even camel carts in Rajasthan and mules in hilly areas, to transport its product from the nearest hub.15 (See exhibit 3) As Colgate and Coca-Cola have shown, the hub-and-spoke model for FMCG products works well because it addresses the inventory cost and transportation infrastructure issues that are associated with distributing products in rural emerging markets while also providing for good product availability at the small-village level. In the villages, farmers earn the bulk of their income during two to three peak harvest months, earning nothing during troughs. Farm labors get a daily wage when thereà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸s work to do; at other times they sit around idle, migrate to towns, or scratch a living from other sources.36 Equally important is the ability to execute on the ground and deliver consistently across this wide variety of markets, even as they change and mature over the longer term. Many of the early entrants to Africa have established successful, profitable businesses. Companies have been able to generate competitive advantage by influencing consumer preferences, building brand loyalty and shaping industry structure before competitors have a chance to become established. The majority of emerging market nations continue to have largely rural, agrarian-based economies.1 In Africa alone, of the seven hundred million residents , roughly five hundred million people lived in rural areas.2 Delivering products and services into this market presents both unique challenges and enormous opportunities for companies. The nature of rural emerging markets makes building a successful marketing channel challenging. The population is widely dispersed, transportation infrastructure is poor or non-existent, household incomes are low and sporadic, and traditional methods of creating brand trust and awareness will not work. I propose that an entering company needs to design marketing channels that both successfully deliver products to customers in a capital-efficient way, and that unlock the latent desire that customers have to purchase and receive those products. In this manner, not only are transporters and warehouses part of a successful marketing channel, but so are entities that educate customers about products and services they may not know they need, as are the financial programs that help customers finance their purchases. The key points coca cola company should focus on when designing their rural distribution networks in emerging markets are as follows: 1. The company should choose the distribution network model that is appropriate for the product or service it is selling. 2. While continuing to meet the customers needs, the company should aggregate consumer demand into central locations as much as possible in order to decrease inventory and transportation costs. 3. The company should consider taking advantage of rural entrepreneurs (REà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸s) to facilitate last-mile product delivery and sales. Such rural entrepreneurs include retailers and kiosk operators. Although consumers in rural emerging markets clearly have low and sporadic incomes, it would be a mistake to assume that these consumers necessarily desire to purchase cheap products. Instead, as Prahalad writes, the consumers are very brand-conscious and are motivated to buy quality goods. However, at the same time, they are by necessity very value-conscious.37 The challenge for companies entering this market is to offer consumers high-quality products and brands while also offering . When AIDS advocates in Africa noticed that Coca-Cola products were available in remote African villages, it sparked the idea that perhaps the companys supply chain experts could assist in delivering life-saving drugs to AIDS victims. The drugs are typically hard to come by, especially in the outlying regions of poor countries. In some regions, it is not uncommon for the drugs to take 30 days to get through a nonprofits supply chain before arriving at their final destination. In 2009, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria asked Coke for assistance improving the organizations supply chain. The company agreed to help with a project in 2010, and the corporation worked with the Global Fund, Tanzanias Medical Stores Department, the Gates Foundation and Accenture Development Partnerships to get life-saving drugs to far-flung villages in Africa. What we noticed was that Coca-Colas products always seemed to get to every remote region, and we thought that if they could get their products there, with their support, maybe we could, too, said Gabriel Jaramillo, the Global Funds general manager, according to the Daily Beast. The drug supply chain hasnt been perfected, according to a study from the Yale School of Public Health. However, it has greatly improved access to medication in rural regions. Ill patients now have an 80 percent chance of receiving the correct medication, up dramatically from only a 50 percent chance two years ago. While the old delivery systems took a month to get drugs to the correct area, supply chains have been optimized and delivery time is now estimated at merely five days. Coca-Cola isnt doing all the work for the project they give expert advice and input, but Tanzanias Medical Stores Department is chipping in and having its employees learn the basics of supply chain management, logistics and distribution. However, the project doesnt only involve learning about how supply chains operate. All the partners are working to develop infrastructure in poorer developing areas, so Coke products and medications can more easily get where theyre needed most. Due to the success of this program, it has expanded to Ghana and Mozambique, where supply chains are still too underdeveloped to get rural residents the drugs they need. By working with one of the worlds largest distributors, groups looking to expand access to AIDS medication have developed a new system to better serve ill patients in remote regions.

Effects of the WWII Atomic Bombs :: Exploratory Essays Research Papers

Effects of the WWII Atomic Bombs Two Sources When the atomic bomb went off over Hiroshima on Aug. 6th, 1945, 70,000 lives were ended in a flash. To the American people who were weary from the long and brutal war, such a drastic measure seemed a necessary, even righteous way to end the madness that was World War II. However, the madness had just begun. That August morning was the day that heralded the dawn of the nuclear age, and with it came more than just the loss of lives. According to Archibald MacLeish, a U.S. poet, "What happened at Hiroshima was not only that a scientific breakthrough . . . had occurred and that a great part of the population of a city had been burned to death, but that the problem of the relation of the triumphs of modern science to the human purposes of man had been explicitly defined." The entire globe was now to live with the fear of total annihilation, the fear that drove the cold war, the fear that has forever changed world politics. The fear is real, more real today than ever, for the ease at which a nuclear bomb is achieved in this day and age sparks fear in the hearts of most people on this planet. According to General Douglas MacArthur, "We have had our last chance. If we do not devise some greater and more equitable system, Armageddon will be at our door." The decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japanese citizens in August, 1945, as a means to bring the long Pacific war to an end was justified-militarily, politically and morally. The goal of waging war is victory with minimum losses on one's own side and, if possible, on the enemy's side. No one disputes the fact that the Japanese military was prepared to fight to the last man to defend the home islands, and indeed had already demonstrated this determination in previous Pacific island campaigns. A weapon originally developed to contain a Nazi atomic project was available

Dams :: essays research papers

Many people have already dammed a small stream using sticks and mud by the time they become adults. Humans have used dams since early civilization, because four-thousand years ago they became aware that floods and droughts affected their well-being and so they began to build dams to protect themselves from these effects.1 The basic principles of dams still apply today as they did before; a dam must prevent water from being passed. Since then, people have been continuing to build and perfect these structures, not knowing the full intensity of their side effects. The hindering effects of dams on humans and their environment heavily outweigh the beneficial ones. The paragraphs below will prove that the construction and presence of dams always has and will continue to leave devastating effects on the environment around them. Firstly, to understand the thesis people must know what dams are. A dam is a barrier built across a water course to hold back or control water flow. Dams are classified as either storage, diversion or detention. As you could probably notice from it's name, storage dams are created to collect or hold water for periods of time when there is a surplus supply. The water is then used when there is a lack of supply. For example many small dams impound water in the spring, for use in the summer dry months. Storage dams also supply a water supply, or an improved habitat for fish and wildlife; they may store water for hydroelectricity as well.2 A diversion dam is a generation of a commonly constructed dam which is built to provide sufficient water pressure for pushing water into ditches, canals or other systems. These dams, which are normally shorter than storage dams are used for irrigation developments and for diversion the of water from a stream to a reservoir. Diversion dams are mainly built to lessen the effects of floods and to trap sediment.3 Overflow dams are designed to carry water which flow over thier crests, because of this they must be made of materials which do not erode. Non- overflow dams are built not to be overtopped, and they may include earth or rock in their body. Often, two types of these dams are combined to form a composite structure consisting of for example an overflow concrete gravity dam, the water that overflows into dikes of earthfill construction.4 A dam's primary function is to trap water for irrigation. Dams help to decrease the severity of droughts, increase agricultural production, and create new lands for agricultural use. Farmland, however, has it's price; river bottomlands flooded, defacing the fertility of the soil. This agricultural land may also result in a loss of natural artifacts. Recently in Tasmania where has been pressure

The Old Man and the Storm

This program starts with the family patriarch, 82-year old Herbert Gettridge, out in his yard cleaning up from the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He has made it his mission to recreate the home he’d originally crafted more than 50 years earlier, this was literally his creation. So there was nothing in his body that was going to allow him to walk away from that. Mr. Gettridge was trying to get the house together so that he could bring his wife (Lydia Gettridge) of 60+ years home.Nobody felt comfortable bringing her back to a city where there really was no hospital, no ambulance service or anything. She suffers form congestive heart failure and diabetes, New Orleans is the only place she has ever known so it was really important for her to come back. And so, therefore, really important to Mr. Gettridge, him being a good husband and all. To make sure that she is able to get back to her home. Officials said the area was uninhabitable but Mr. Gettridge didn’t care. I t hink his attitude was, well, the house withstood the water.I’ll be damned if I’m going to just walk away from it. I worked too hard to get this. He has worked since the time he was seven years old, he dropped out of school during the Depression. And had learned to work with his hands. He fought racism and diversity at work and over came it, becoming a master plasterer. He took pride in his work and it showed. He did a lot of one of a kind work, one of the houses he did work on is a historical landmark. The Gettridge family has a lot of perseverance, love and strength he and his wife raised nine children.Only seven are living now, they have thirty-six grandchildren and many great grand children. The house is only part of his tragedy. Three generations of his family, were scattered across the country in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. His family has been in New Orleans for over five generations. It’s very possible that the Gettridge house is on land that his ancestors had once worked as slaves. His family of 200 people or so, all lived within fifteen-minute drive from each other and would still get together for holidays and to celebrate things they were a close knit family.Mr. Gettridge with the help, support, and sacrifice of volunteers, and charities finishes his house against the huge odds he faced. Lydia is brought home by one of her daughters just before July fourth of 2007. A year and a half after the flood. She is disoriented when she arrives from a stroke she had suffered. She doesn't recognize the house she left and says she wants to leave. Mr. Gettridge tries to lighten the mood with his since of humor telling he she looks as beautiful as she did when she was sweet sixteen. However, she’s not buying it.Only when their children and grand children start visiting them for the up coming forth of July festivities does Mrs. Gettridge start to feel as if this is her home again. Mr. Gettridge was asked if he had to do it al l over again, would he? He answers, â€Å"I’m kinda skeptical about that now. Once upon a time I could answer that question in a split second for you. I can’t do that now†. He’s a man of incredible determination and incredibly stubborn. But, He’s been worn down. There’s just so much you can do at 84 to start over again. It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home. ~Author Unknown

My Super Hero

My Superhero If I were a superhero, I would want to be like super woman. She can do almost anything she wants. I could fly, shoot laser beams through my eyes, have super strength, invisibility, and have super speed. My name would be The Bullet. [ (Your Super Hero Name) ] If I were a superhero, my powers would be flying, strength, laser eyes, invisibility, super strength, and super speed because then I could get places faster, be stronger, melt things with my eyes, and secretly be places without anyone else knowing. [ (Superpowers) ] If I were a superhero, I would be able to do almost anything I wanted without anybody having a say in it.I could cook my own meals with my laser beam eyes. I could save loads of money on gas by flying or running everywhere. I would also be super fit due to running or flying everywhere. Along with having super strength I would be able to also be a hero to anyone that needed help lifting things, or getting their kittens out of the tree, or any need anyone n eeded I could help them. If I was a superhero and my name was The Bullet, my outfit would be jeans and a t-shirt, because they are super comfortable and are casual. [ (Glamour Magazine) ] My t-shirt would be pink because my favorite color is pink.And my shoes would be running tennis shoes because they are my favorite to wear and most comfortable. If I was a superhero and my name was The Bullet, I would look casual to not stand out so badly in a crowd. My superpowers would include flying, strength, laser eye beams, invisibility, super speed, and super strength. Works Cited â€Å"Glamour Magazine. † August 2012. Superpowers. 22 August 2012 . Your Super Hero Name. 22 August 2012

A Doll’s House Act commentary

Henries Ibsen, is a play that was considered so controversial when it was first published, In 1879, that the playwright was forced to create a second ending to be used when necessary. This was because of Ibsen unorthodox stance on the idea of the role of women In society at the time, and this concept became one of the mall themes of his play. Although this was one of the prevalent notions, other significant themes Include the unreliability of appearance and the notion of heredity.In act 1, Ibsen immediately portrays the protagonist's, Nora, status as a woman in the should. She is a symbol of the women of her era, who were believed to be content with Just the business of the home. She has been buying presents for Christmas, and is described as being, â€Å"busy opening some of the parcels†. Nora busies herself with small matters, hiding macaroons and organizing things. Although her husband, Dorval, labels Nora as â€Å"my little squirrel† and a variety of other animals i n a patronizing manner, Nora seems to act In the same as a woodland creature, continuously â€Å"scampering about†.Nora behaves Like a small child, hiding macaroons room her husband and spending excessive amounts of money; Dorval Is not entirely incorrect In his statement of, â€Å"has my little spendthrift been wasting money again†. Although Norm's character seems to exhibit some complexity on an emotional level, she lacks a deep relationship and understanding of life outside of the house and Dorval, suggesting things such as borrowing money and, later, not realizing that forgery is a crime. One of the main causes of this is Tortilla's treatment of and relationship with Nora.Helmet's mind-set is apparent in everything he says to Nora, as well as his degrading pet names, â€Å"lark†, â€Å"squirrel†, â€Å"songbird†, and his objectification of her. However, his diminutive nature towards Nora is more similar to that of a father than that of a loving husband. She Is entirely dependent on him for everything, be It food, shelter, or money. Tortilla's power dynamic in the relationship Is portrayed through the sentence structure and NC)-fluency features with the extract. He constantly breaks Into Norm's sentences and questions her In an accusing manner.In this way, Dorval treats her as if she is a helpless doll, aggravating and intensifying Norm's separation from her romanticizes perception of life and actual reality. Appearance and reality is a prominent theme within A Doll's House'. The audience is introduced to the play through the words, â€Å"hide the Christmas Tree carefully', implying that one of the focal concepts dealt in the play will be deceit. This notion is then further illustrated when she continuously lies to Dorval about such petty things as buying and eating macaroons.The idea of the Christmas tree being hidden until is changed and â€Å"dressed† presents a metaphoric parallel to Norm's character and develo pment throughout the play. She dresses and bejewels herself with falsehoods to show off to her husband and friends, whilst In reality she Is hiding a dangerous lie. She will not allow anyone to see the truth of the situation, when her lie is undressed. Depicted as a childish, fickle and silly woman, as the play progresses the audience is shown that she is a motivated, intelligent and strong-willed adult.Another chief and recurrent topic incorporated in ‘A Doll's House' is that of heredity, and we are introduced to this idea within the opening scene of Act One of the play; mirrored an odd little one. Exactly the way your father was†¦. It's deep in your blood. Yes, those things are hereditary, Nora†. The characters believe that heredity is the cause and reason to all faults that lie within each other, and Dorval attributes Norm's wanton attitude towards money to the similar approaches and mind-set of her father.In this manner, the characters avoid the responsibility o f their ill-suited traits y blaming their bloodlines. Anything negative in their physicality or mentality is not the result of their own actions, but the result of an incorrect and immoral heritage. This notion of Nora being a â€Å"spendthrift† being in her blood creates a parallel link later in the play, when Nora becomes convinced that her lie will negatively influence her children; they will inevitably become corrupt. In this way, the opening scene of Act One portrays the mentality of the characters that will continue throughout the majority of the play.Henries Ibsen ‘A Doll's House', was completely innovative and unconventional for the society of its era. The play tackled the idea that the culture of the time was not necessarily as Just or principled as it portrayed itself to be; that behind its respectable fade was an unequal and prejudiced system. Ibsen portrayed this concept through the prominent themes of the role of women within society and the household, what is appearance and what is reality, and the idea that all of our traits and faults are the result of our heritage.

Staying Focus Essay

   Staying focus To know the real man behind the name Cleveland, starts with my dynamic support team, my family. I was fortunate to have a strong foundation in the beginning, that is still on going today. That being said, it has kept me grounded and able to give me the unique abilities that I have in me today. The ability to turn my negatives into positives. Dwelling on issues and difficult situations that occur in my life, is not something I waste my time doing. Searching for solutions, while always finding the positives is what I’m about. Being interested in tasks in my life keeps me constantly planning and preparing for the next phase. Which is teaching Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps in one of Texas’s finest High School. I have given over twenty years of my life to the United States Army, with no regrets. I never lost that passion for our United States Armed Forces. So my interest now, that it is time for another chapter in my life, which is to teach our next generation the tools in life in setting goals and knowing how to achieve them to become successful in this world. I look forward to sharing (teaching) with them what that experience has taught me. I will conquer that by informing them how it has empowered me to never give up on dreams. Also letting them know how it has taught discipline, integrity, values, respect, honor and leadership. Among other things such as great sacrifices, for example ; one of my greatness sacrifices that I have made ( with no regrets) for it has and still is my family. It was not easy being absent from my love ones for long periods at a time. Praying and hoping that it would not be the last time that I saw them again, but that was a sacrifice I was willing to make to ensure a better life for my family and the world. I am very passionate about my family. They are the back bone, as I stated before my strong foundation that represents me. My family keeps me motivated and focus. My wife is constantly reminding and assuring me that nothing is impossible for me to achieve. My gifts, as my lovely wife would explain is that I have â€Å"the gift of Gab†. I have always been fortunate in being introduce to individuals of high statue, which was caused by someone I made a good impression on. I have been able to touch others lives in a special way that was positive just by conversation. I am a true believer that a great personality goes a long way in this world. My talents goes a long way, from the basketball courts, football fields and now the golf course. The one talent that I am happiest about is I love helping people achieve things in life that they could never imagine doing. Over the years while being a recruiter for the United States Army I met lots of people with no dreams or aspiration to succeed, but after spending a couple of hours with me they changed their views. When ever I approached people my goal was to always put a

Communication to Internal Publicity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Communication to Internal Publicity - Essay Example According to a current Gallop Poll, 78 percent -a larger part - parents of children show their satisfaction with the quality of education their kids are getting, at the same time as only 18 percent are discontented. On the other hand, 61 percent of all Americans say they are frustrated with the level of school education in the United States nowadays. This illustrates a nine-percentage-point increase in disappointment from 2004th. Furthermore, only 20 percent of the public has kids in secondary schools (the ones who are content with the quality of education), whereas about 80 percent (the ones who are discontented) don't have any children in school. In 1994, the U.S. Census discovered that 360,000 children in this United States were receiving their education at home. In 1996, the U.S. Department of Education estimated that the quantity had almost doubled to 640,000. A research published this summer by the U.S. Government puts the number of American kids who are getting their education at home today at 850,000 (or 1.7 percent). ... Is secondary education really not working Most scientists don't agree with that. They do recognize education is not ideal, and there are some aspects in it which are to be corrected immediately. It is also possible to find a number of things secondary education is doing correctly. The proof is overpowering that teaching and training are taking place all over the United States and that American children are more educated than those from other countries (Pawlas, 2004). Contrary to this statement Business week expresses the need of fixing public education and gives statistic evidence as a proof.  

Committee of women in history Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Committee of women in history - Essay Example This is an edited book, edited by Chaudhury and Boris, and is a collection of personal narratives by various former officials of Coordinating Council for Women in History. They have taken different routes to become women historians and had faced hard decisions of a family life, professional and of political activists in the earlier part of twentieth century. 20 women, who had been connected with this institution, Coordinating Committee of Women in History, came together to find many similar facts and interconnections in their lives. The social and cultural background of these historians had been totally different from one another, but the problems and difficulties they faced were almost identical and were threads of the same social fabric. The intention of the organization had been to encourage women to enter into the profession of historians and fight any kind of gender, social and cultural inequalities through political or social activities. This organization takes many steps to en sure that women are encouraged to become historians.These 20 historians, who have given autobiographical sketches, are the organizers and initiators of this organization, who had fought through discrimination and various battles in their private, professional and social lives.There are explanations how they launched into a career of professional historians. Most of the contributors are from middle class white society, but there are colored and working class women contributors too. These women pursued a career in a dogged way, breaking centuries of paradigm. They have a common ground other than their professional interest. They are hard working, noted and dedicated scholars. They have the strength and determination to rise above difficulties. They were persistent and braved all stormy weathers. They are slightly aggressive and show a healthy amount of pride and self-gratification. They are the intellectuals that any society would be proud of. They have struggled "to change the profession of history, to change historical scholarship, and to change the direction of our own history," (xiii). They had been working for social causes, women's liberations, and human rights, against racism, for peace etc. throughout, along with their professional careers. Determination to have a married life had its own implications on their intellectual lives. Some of them were raising their families while being dominated by men. The society as well as the profession were male dominated. The autobiographies offer throughout their narrative, many important details and reflective arguments about how they preserved their identities and dealt intelligently with many of them; how they continued playing their female roles of daughter, wife, mother, partner and the at the same time, continued their social role of political activists. Simultaneously, they also marched forward in their own chosen professional careers of teachers and researchers. They did not allow themselves to be marginalized or edged out of the race. They did not allow their creativity to dwindle in any way. They continued their resistance and fight throughout their working lives. The organization to which they belonged also gave them support and it remained their anchor through their struggle. There are diverse accounts about male dominated working places and organizations and the supporting role played by CCWH and other supporting institutions. It is more of a sisterly bonding, trying to understand each other's problems while going through more or less identical problems in life. Some of them talk about international cooperation they have received in the process. In a way these are the tales of triumph of emerging feminism in United States. Even though Western countries are far more advanced in gender equality, it is always not very easy to make much headway in an entirely male dominated society, not to mention profession. These voices are personal, political and professional and at the same time, feminine. The coherence they have achieved is praiseworthy. At

Book Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Book Review - Essay Example Even with the good press associated with the Marshall Plan, revisionists and diplomatic historians from both the United States and the sixteen involved nations from Western Europe—even more than fifty years after its ratification and implementation—still debate on its origins, motives and effects (Agnew and Entrikin 2004, p. 1). For instance, historical revisionists have found that â€Å"the economic impact of the plan has been significantly downgraded as scholars concluded that the crisis of 1947 in Europe was less grave than American policy-makers had thought† (Hitchcock n.d.). With these considerations in mind, two of the most substantial and celebrated books on rethinking and revisiting the Marshall Plan will be reviewed in this paper in order to shed some light on what the real purposes and effects of the Marshall Plan are in relation to the United States’ supposed gigantic role in the economic recovery of Europe. The book by Michael Hogan and two chapters from Agnew and Entrikin’s volume will be compared against each other through their contributions to the rethinking of the Marshall Plan. While the former is very detailed, the message that Hogan wants to state is somewhat lost within the detailing of the various facets of the creation of the Marshall Plan. On the other hand, Agnew and Entrikin’s chapters are composed of separate papers that present an all-encompassing view of the Marshall Plan and its effects. These separate chapters that can stand on their own present a more comprehensive and understandable argument as to the sig nificance of the Marshall Plan in history. It can be said then that quality and readability of a work does not depend on the length and an extreme attention to detail, but on a concise presentation of facts and figures that would make the reader understand and accept the argument presented as true. Although there are a lot of differences between the two books, one of the main causes

Comparison of the Microscopic Structure of Compact Bone Assignment

Comparison of the Microscopic Structure of Compact Bone - Assignment Example Spongy bones are found on the heads of the long bones such as femur, humerus, radius, tibia, and fibula, and in between flat bones such as the skull, while the compact bone forms the external surface of all bones (Saladin 172). Anatomically, joints are connections between distinct joints. They exist so the bones are interconnected, and can be one skeletal system. They can exponentially increase the range of movement of our extremities, just like our knee, elbow, shoulder and metacarpal joints, or they can strengthen the structure of our body, just like our pubic symphysis and skull sutures. Hyaline cartilage and synovial fluid lubricate joints and make movement easier. Fibrocartilage makes the joints strong against compression and shock. The enlarged epiphysis of the bones it connects also provide strength (Saladin 172-173). Once the action potential reaches the motor nerve endings on muscle fibers, the nerve secretes acetylcholine, which initiates the influx of sodium ions into the muscle fiber, causing an action potential at the membrane. This potential travels along the muscle fiber membrane, and in the process depolarizing in the membrane. This then causes the sarcoplasmic reticulum to release large quantities of calcium ions, which initiate the binding of actin and myosin filaments that occurs during the contraction. After muscle contraction, calcium ions are returned back into the sarcoplasmic reticulum, causing muscle relaxation (Guyton and Hall 74). Upon receiving an impulse from the musculocutaneous nerve (Saladin 362), the biceps brachii (Saladin 328), exerts effort on the radius, with resistance contributed by the weight of the forearm or anything held in hand. Fulcrum is the elbow (Saladin 309).