Understanding business operations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Understanding business operations - Essay Example Supply chain management integrates the key business processes, from end user through original suppliers. Companies and corporations involve themselves in a supply chain by exchanging information regarding market fluctuations and production capabilities. Technology can be used effectively to enhance the performance of the supply chain to ensure value propositions at all points of the supply chain. Ensuring superior value propositions based on customer service leads to competitive advantage. If all relevant information is accessible to any relevant company, every company in the supply chain has the possibility to and can seek to help optimizing the entire supply chain rather than sub optimize based on a local interest. This will lead to better planned overall production and distribution which can cut costs and give a more attractive final product leading to better sales and better overall results for the companies involved. The primary objective of a company’s supply chain management is to fulfil customer demands through the most efficient use of resources, including distribution capacity, inventory and labour. A supply chain seeks to match demand with supply and do so with the minimal inventory. Various aspects of optimizing the supply chain include liaising with suppliers to eliminate bottlenecks; sourcing strategically to strike a balance between lowest material cost and transportation, implementing JIT (Just In Time) techniques to optimize manufacturing flow; maintaining the right mix and location of factories and warehouses to serve customer markets, and using location/allocation, vehicle routing analysis, dynamic programming and traditional logistics optimization to maximize the efficiency of the distribution side. Incorporating SCM successfully leads to a new kind of competition on the global market where competition is no longer of the company versus company form but rather takes on a supply chain versus supply chain form. When a firm sustains

Explain the doctrine of precedent Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Explain the doctrine of precedent - Assignment Example Vertical application of the doctrine of precedent involves inferior courts applying decisions from superior courts in their rulings. Horizontal judicial precedent occurs when a court considers judgments of earlier judges or judges from other courts at the same level of the judicial structure. Superior courts can overturn decisions from other lower courts (Gerhardt, 2008). There are two main types of judicial precedents namely binding precedents, persuasive precedents. Binding precedents are mandatory judicial precedents that lower courts must abide by when making their rulings. Lower courts have to honor these precedents and apply them in their rulings. This mandatory authority usually comes from higher courts such as the Supreme Court (Gerhardt, 2008). Persuasive precedents are those that a judge can rely upon for guidance when making a ruling but need not necessarily apply them. These include decisions by lower courts or other courts in the same level of the judicial structure, obiter dicta statements of higher courts, and courts in other jurisdictions. This policy is very important for promoting justice, which is the main concern of the judiciary. I agree wholly with the relevance and importance of the doctrine of precedent because it plays a very important role in the judicial system of any common law jurisdiction by ensuring predictability of the legal system, maintaining stability, and promoting rational application of the law. Judicial precedent ensures stability of the legal system by maintaining the status quo of the legal system. The fact that Judges are required to uphold earlier decisions in their judgments makes it difficult for the legal system to be overturned or changes from time to time by unprofessional judges. This stability gives the law certain credibility and maintains public trust in the judicial system (Gerhardt, 2008). Without this doctrine, it will be difficult to control the legislative power of courts and authority of

The Advantages And Shortcomings Of Daisyworld Philosophy Essay

The Advantages And Shortcomings Of Daisyworld Philosophy Essay Topic Selected: The advantages and shortcomings of Daisyworld as an analogue for the real earth system. The aim of this paper is to try and establish whether Daisyworld is an appropriate model of the real earth system, to analyse the debate between academics and in turn to discern wheather any part of Daisyworld and indeed Gaia hold any merit. Background : Daisyworld is a hypothetical model without the presence of greenhouse gases or an atmosphere. Originally consisted of two types of daises white reflecting light and black absorbing light. Later models introduced additional factors into the environment such as foxes, rabbits and other species. The main purpose of the Daisyworld system was to illustrate the crediblity of the Gaia Hypothesis. This proposes all organisms and their surroundings are interconnected to each other, creating a single, regulated system maintaining conditions for life . The original Daisyworld system was criticised for being both a rigid and narrow focused system. Since then Daisyworld has been reassessed, evolving into a more complex comprehensive system. Instead of the two fixed daisy species, many additional species were introduced including herbivores and carnivores through three tropic levels with common examples being rabbits and foxes. (Rabbits and foxes mentioned twice, possibly remove 2nd reference?)(Lovelock,2009) Advantages: Daisyworld demonstrates a simple analogue system, explaining the basic principle of Gaia and how every process has (causes instead of has) an action or reaction (couplings). Although Daisyworld can be perceived as lacking evidentionary support, the daisies show symbiosis with their environment, (but) if one species diminishes (and is) unable to survive with environment changes another species can thrive taking its place or niche. These components within the Daisyworld model can be seen in the earth system, however Daisyworld is often dismissed as a too simplified representation of natural selection. In response to critcism, Lovelocks paper A numerical model of biodiversity further expands this model by allowing the organism to mutate spontaneously. Lovelock states that both his paper and work conducted by Tim Lenton and Stephan Hardling back this theory and this more comprehensive system goes towards explaining the relationship between biodiversity and planet regulation. (Lovelock,1992) Furthermore within The vanishing face of Gaia Lovelock outlines at least ten predictions that were proposed in Gaia theory in the 1990s (proposed within Gaia theory), that (remove that) of which eight of them have been confirmed or accepted. (Lovelock,1992) (wrong ref, should be 2009) Prediction Test Result Mars is lifeless (1968) Atmospheric compositional evidence shows lack of disequilibrium Strong confirmation, Viking mission 1975 That elements are transferred from ocean to land by biogenic gases (1971) Search for oceanic sources of dimethyl sulphide and methyl iodide Found 1973 Climate regulation through biologically enhanced rock weathering (1973) Analysis of iceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ core data linking temperature and CO2 abundance Confirmed 2008, by Zeebe and Caldeira That Gaia is aged and is not far from the end of its lifespan (1982) Calculation based on generally accepted solar evolution Generally accepted Climate regulation through cloud albedo control linked to algal gas emissions (1987) Many tests have been made but the excess of pollution interferes Probable for southern hemisphere Oxygen has not varied by more than 5 per cent from 21 per cent for the past 200 million years (1974) Iceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ core and sedimentary analysis Confirmed for up to 1 million years ago Boreal and tropical forest are part of global climate regulation Models and direct observation Generally accepted Biodiversity a necessary part of climate regulation (1992) By models but not yet in the natural ecosystems Jury still out The current interglacial is an example of systems failure in a physiological sense (1994) By models only Undecided The biological transfer of selenium from the ocean to the land as dimethyl selenide Direct measurements Confirmed 2000, Liss The vanishing face of Gaia. Lovelock,2009 With eight out of ten predictions made being either confirmed or accepted, (this) means that these predictions must carry enough merit for them to be accepted by other professionals. This in turn helps support the Daisyworld model and Gaia. (maybe remove paragraph, adding at end before table that confirm of predicts support daisyworld) It has further been stated within the Daisyworld model that as solar luminosity increases, daises would perish with the increasing temperature, however negative feedbacks dampen these perturbations. This can create issues identifying were (where) some characteristics of an organism had originated, (whether) it be through natural selection or something long term such as evolution. This owes support to the claim, that the world is an interlocking system, coping with a complex interlocking system of feedback loops.This in turn can cause difficulty in isolating the original cause and effect. (Lovelock,1992) P.Saunders theorised that natural selection was not always the crucial factor in a species evolution.When enviomental change occurs, organisms have the chance (to) respond or not at all. If the system reacts as expected, its a regulated system however this regulation can cease. This can cause catastrophic collapse or a shift to a new state from which recovery is possible depending on the rate of shift. Daisyworld surmises that there is another factor involved in the systems self regulation other than natural selection called collective intellegence. Even if this is the case, P.Saunders states that natural selection deals with immediate benefit rather than the long term and insuring stability. This however could be seen as were Gaia could have influence. (Saunders,1994) Shortcomings: One of the main criticisms of Gaia and the Daisyworld model is the claim of planetary regulation through collective intelligence. A further shortcoming of the Daisyworld model has been, that the standard model experiences no greenhouse gases, no atmosphere and no clouds and as such is not representative of claims that the environment intelligently guides/shapes the planet, a real earth system. (Kump et al, 2009) . Furthermore the model uses luminosity in its calculations which is theorized to increase faster than the earths sun which could lead misinterpretations in data. Furthermore although equilibrium is achievable, in the case of the earth system, periods of equilibrium tend to be briefer and more erratic. Another criticism is that a permanent change in luminosity would cause daises to increase across the planet, causing increased albedo and reflectance which could cause a runaway effect. Although this can be witnessed on earth, the Daisyworld system presumes something would be triggered to balance the system. (kump et al,2009) The most significant criticism from various academics to Lovelocks theory is that it is pure conjecture not supported by documented evidence. Lovelock refutes this, citing both evidence he published in his book the vanishing face of Gaia and by insisting random patterns arent coincidental. Instead he insists the planet possesses greater regulatory force through collective intelligence which maintains constant symbiosis between plants, animals and the environment. Furthermore, Dolittle identifies that when a chemical or physical parameter nearly reaches critical levels, the mechanism initiating parameters to allow it to return back to optimum levels are seldom identified. Furthermore there seems to be a lack of consistent results. (Dolittle,1981) A additional shortcoming presented by Richard Dawkins in his work the selfish gene seems to contradict the Daisyworld para-dime.Dawkins states every organism is out for its interests to survive. Through this, there are many individuals that will try different traits to enhance their possible survival and in turn increase the possibility to further the species survival as a whole. The resulting theory is that individuals out for their own benefit try different traits through trail and error, with successful traits incorporated by the species as a whole and so therefore furthering the species existence. (Dawkins,1982) Lovelock counters this by insisting that symbiosis occurs to benefit both individuals and the environment simultaneously with the environment influencing the individual. Dawkins refutes this stating symbiosis is simply a by product of an individual fulfilling its own requirements. Furthermore Dr. W.F.Doolittle insists behaviour isnt genetically written, that instead accidentally balanced feedback loops occur which are fragile and happen by chance. This however conflicts with Lovelocks theory of collective intelligence it instead concludes that life is reliant on several crucial parameters and not that these parameters are manipulable which is implied by Lovelock. (Doolittle,1981) Agreement or debate : Daisyworld has been challenged and debated by several academics from various fields of study. Lovelock believed in hindsight naming his theory Gaia, after the greek godess had a bearing on peoples opinions causing people to reject his theory out of hand and become more resistant. (Lovelock,2000) Furthermore Gaia was criticized for being a teleological system with lifes existence predetermined. Lovelock refutes this stating that he never stated that planetary self regulation was purposeful or contained foresight. (Lovelock,2009) Stephen Jay Gould criticised the theory stating Gaias mechanisms involved in self regulating homeostasis havnt been identified. (Gould,1988) David Abram however refutes this criticism stating that the mechanisms itself are in fact metaphorical and consequentially Stephen Jay Gould had misinterpreted what Lovelock was trying to demonstrate. (Abram,1988) Lovelock reiterates that the connections between various identified mechanisms may never become transparent and this is why the system should be studied in its entirety. He explains his frustration that in other fields this would be accepted as matter of course. (Lovelock,2000) Mathematician R.Feynman backed this rationale further stating that a lack of explanation to the cause and effect of a theory may never be answered mathematically and it is indeed is inevitable in the progression of a theory, that even if answerable this may take time. (Lovelock,2000) Lovelock insists that Gaias biological feedback mechanisms use a process of systemic Darwinian evolution, with organisms that improve their environment survive and thrive better than those who damage theirs. (Lovelock,1979) W.F.Dolittle criticised this stating that nothing in the individuals genome could produce this functionality of intentionally bettering the individuals environment through the feedback process suggested. He therefore refutes Gaia as a scientific theory as the mechanism is unexplained. (Dolittle,1981) In Dawkins book The Extended Phenotype he further refutes this stating organisms are not able to work to a common plan, as foresight and planning would be required. (Dawkins,1982) Biologist L.Margulis and co-founder supports the Gaia hypothesis stating Darwins grand vision was not wrong, only incomplete.   She reiterates Darwin, stating the primary mechanism for selection is the direct competition between individuals for resources of which she expresses that this can be restrictive and lead to a ridged approach towards the subject. She continues by stating that the earths atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithospheres composition are controlled around specific points but that these alter with time. This highlights feedback loops raised in Lovelocks theory further supporting his claims of a level of symbiosis or collective intelligence. Furthermore she states that there is no tendency to preserve habitats and these communities can exist at various degrees of integration. Lovelock also states that although he feels there is a level of symbiosis these fixed points can become tipping points and so therefore no factor is indeed ridged and there is flexibility in the system. This can be seen when a tipping point has be (been) surpassed and the system shifts to a new state. (Margulis, 1999) Conclusion / interpretation : There are many criticisms of lovelocks work involving Daisyworld, one of the most vocal being Richard Dawkins. Dawkins is one of his main critics of his theory of collective intelligence with the biosphere and evolution of the organisms contributing to form a stable planet. Dawkins instead favours the gene as a unit of selection, in contrast with Lovelock. This approach, however has been criticised as misleading and should instead be described as a unit of evolution. Further criticism is that genes, do not exist alone but instead co-operate with each other both within the individual and its environment. Dawkins, however defends his theory stating that genetic recombination and sexual reproduction from a individual genes view sees all other genes as part of its environment. This view is criticised especially by professionals studying higher levels of selection including D.S.Wilson Co who state that a gene based approach can not satisfactorily explain all life for example altruism. Dawkins approach can be perceived as a restricted approach to understanding the earth system and by not analysing the system as whole results can become fractured and misinterpreted. Furthermore, initially Dawkins did not have any evidence to clarify his theories, he tries to rectify this in his book (which book, ref?). Dawkins states an individual organism is looking out for itself and this is ultimately beneficial for the group. This is because if you have many individuals evolving individually any advantageous behaviour or physical attributes can be passed on to the group as a whole. Furthermore this means that advantageous behaviour and attributes are passed onto the group quicker. In conclusion,Lovelock believes that to obtain accurate results we must look at the earth system as a whole this was why he created the Daisyworld model in order to explain the concept of Gaia and to counter criticism towards the theory. Lovelock stated that Daisyworld was never intended to be comparable to a real earth system, especially as the model didnt have an atmosphere and was basic in its formation. He instead created Daisyworld as he perceived that other academics were misinterpreting Gaia and its function and so Daisyworld should simply be a means of explaining the processes on earth and how everything is interconnected. Lovelock confirmed this by stating that Daisyworld was a cybernetic proof of the Gaia hypothesis (Kirchner,2003) Lovelock argued that other theories for example climate change involve a level of uncertanty and as such is widely understood as a young feild of research where inaccreatces can occur with out the theory, being dismissed out of hand. Lovelock states his fustration to this, that Gaia and the Daisyworld model are not afforded the same grace. It is seen in the original model that it was reductional, lacked variability and seemed to have limited comparability to the real earth system. However, this model has extended to include increased species diversity and variability and has included the additional parameters to allow organisms to spontaneously mutate. With these additions, this increases variability into the system which increases the systems credibility by producing more accurate results than the original system. This style of progression can be seen within climate change modeling, where better understanding and increased variability into the system, create a more accurate model moving forward. This however, takes time and as understanding increases so will the model evolve with it. Support for Daisyworld model, highlights the inclusive whole system approach in contrast to some scientists which views can be perceived by some as reductionist, bottom up approach for example Richard Dawkins. It should be appreciated that Daisyworld and more importantly Gaia is trying to create an inclusive model. Furthermore some academics have misinterpreted Daisyworld as the theory and have included some of Daisyworlds shortcomings when evaluating Gaia. Instead, Daisyworld should be seen as just a way of explaining Gaia. Although there are some inaccuracies and shortcomings of Gaia, the theory has already demonstrated that it can evolve over time and as such inaccuracies should be addressed The Gaia hypothesis has seen eight out of ten predictions confirmed or accepted, some have taken time to be proven for example the biological transfer of selenium from the ocean to the land, this was confirmed in 2000, 21 years after the Gaia hypothesis was formulated. This indicates that with some factors have been proven, others will take time to be confirmed. Another advantage of the system is that natural selection is accepted by all academics with the field but it has been realised that natural selection may not answer all outcomings. Therefore it is suggested that Gaia would be evolved in the long term and insuring stability. There are, however some factors that have the possibility of creating miscalculations for example the use of luminosity, which is suspected to be increasing faster than our sun which may lead to misinterpretations. One further, debated shortcoming is that equilibrium is achievable and that when a runaway effect is caused a balance is expected to come into force. In the real earth system equilibrium can be achievable but it is possible that it would be harder to detect in a real earth system for example for a brief period. There are still issues when a chemical or physical parameter is nearly reached, with the mechanism initialising parameters to return to normal seldom identified. The Daisyworld Para-dime isnt inherently wrong. The general principle of the Daisyworld Para-dime is a reasonable proposition. The belief that the world regulates itself on a global scale less so. Instead it is more reasonable to expect the small interactions between species, the environment and so on to balance the system. To illustrate, if the amount of Daisies increase the amount of rabbits one be expected (the opposite would be expected) to as well, cause and effect. Lovelocks general theory that when investigating the environmental effect on the planet, in order to get accurate results it should when ever possible be research in a multi disciplined co-operative approach in order to obtain both correct results and to obtain a fuller picture. Lovelocks theory of planetary regulation is correct but it is seen from the the individual species level, for example if the amount of indivdual cows increase, the level of methane that these cows produce will increase the levels in the atmosphere which could increase the level of warming of the planet. Daisyworld is a simplified representation model consisting of many connections, however how these components interact together is hard to calculate with an infinite amount of variables.It is possible to make a calculated assumption on how the earth will evolve but this is a ever developing topic with greater understanding increasing over time. For now I can only present my conclusion of whether Daisyworld is a flawed system and whether the method carrys any merit when explaining how earth develops over time. Daisyworld (the planet) has the capacity to remain stable even with components that fluctuate and organism becoming extinct, thus meaning that the small componets can change even though the planet stays the same as a whole. However due to the nature Daisyworld it only has a limited capacity of modelling prediction. Daisyworld is a basic model to attempt to explain some of the fundamental interactions in a earth focused system,it however lacks detail. We can, however see a more sophisticated detailed version of the kind of processes that can be seen in the Daisyworld system in modem climate change models. These climate change models are calculated by sophisticated computers which it has been stated that even with this level of sophistication it would still require both a great deal of space and time in order to calculate all eventual probabilities (get the number) In lovelocks most recent book The revenge of Gaia Lovelock states that Gaia is finding it increasingly difficult to minimise impact experiencing bigger losses than before, to the rainforests, planetary diversity and this is testing its ability to minimize the effects off additional greenhouse gases and increases the probability of homeostatic positive feedback associated with global warming. This new stance from Lovelock seems that he is trying to express that the balance that we once had is now being lost. This means that in the real earth system the greenhouse effect in Daisyworld terms would give a positive radiative forcing effect. This isnt modelled within Daisyworld, as Daisyworld has no atmosphere the planet would be considerably warmer with an atmosphere than without. The earth system is a dynamic system that changes over time which holds widespread agreement amongst the scientific community, this in itself means that we will always discover new facts about the planet and this will always be evolving. My assessment. there is a feed back between the daisys and the enviroment that helps regulation. the main fault with daisyworld is that the enviroment concusly adjusts this is instead a reaction to whats happening at a lower level. i dont believe this is what lovelock is trying to say instead this has been misconstuded as such. we can see that fluctation has allways happened and that the planet, as a whole has been able to regulate itself. the earth however has been less able to do this in recent years, this also has been true in history when there have been tiping points where the earth has not been able to regulate itself or maintain a level state. in my opinion, trying to be objective, i believe that the factors in which lovelock used may not exactly be correct or appropreate for example the use of luminosity and the planet having no atmosphere. however, i do firmly believe that lovelocks work has been dismissed by a section of individuals because of these shortcomings within the daisyworld model. Lovelock to his credit, has clearly stated on numerous occasions that daisyworld is not the the theory and as such should not be representative of a real earth system and was instead designed to simply explain the gaia theory. i do feel that lovelocks downfall was the fact that daisyworld was lacking in the detail and that this should have been looked at further before publicising. My conclusion is that daisyworld should not be directly used to calculate the real earth system, as it was never designed to do this. However, daisyworld is a perfect illustation of the gaia hypothesis and works efficently to illustrate the principles of gaia. It should be used as a aid in order to learn the theory. Gaia, itself seems to be gaining increasing merit but along with climate change modelling, there is an understanding that modeling will evolve in time and i believe this is the same with gaia.

Sony Corporation :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Sony Corporation History: In January of 1958, the already well-known and successful Japanese electronics company, Totsuko, adopted â€Å"Sony† as it’s new corporate name. This new name, â€Å"Sony†, was an original brand name that was originally applied on Totsuko products. Even though Sony is well known for being a leader in audio-visual electronics and information technology for consumers at home, they also have reached out to larger businesses worldwide. In 1978 they formed Sony Broadcast Ltd., which focused on providing broadcast stations the best, quality products and services. This branch of the Sony Corporation is still very successful today. Sony has gone on to form a chemical corporation as well, which can provide physicians, doctors, and researchers with certain measuring and necessary tools. Product Mix: Sony Corporation’s product mix is comprised of many different products targeted towards many different market segments. Almost every Sony product though can be placed under the category of â€Å"electronics†. They sell products and services globally such as televisions, VCR’s, stereos, computers, memory devices, video game systems, digital and non-digital cameras and camcorders, Lithium batteries, fingerprint ID units, certain measuring equipment, and even shatter proof film for glass through their chemical corporation. Workforce: The workforce of the Sony Corporation is very large. For the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2001, it was estimated that 181,800 total people were employed for the Sony Corporation. Of this total, 23,000 employees are currently working in U.S. plants and offices. There are major research and development and engineering facilities in the U.S. located in California, New York, and Colorado with manufacturing facilities being located in the same locations in addition to Alabama, New Jersey, Texas, Oregon, and Indiana. Future Outlook: Today Sony is a leading music company, motion picture company, television production company, manufacturer of game consoles, and inventor of many new professional products such as VAIO personal computers.

Macy’s Inc

There is not an iota of doubt that Macy’s Inc. is still the leading retail store in the United States.   Nevertheless, this business and marketing achievement of the firm is on for a tough competition given the evolving realities in the retail industry. Basing alone from the financial report of the company as of February 2008, the big store’s net income was down by 10.2% or $893 million compared with the previous fiscal year (Mammarella, 2008). The company has to shape up to parry the business strategies thrown before its doors by rivals in the business. One of the business strategies that the firm has an option to embrace is the lucrative and attractive opportunity given by expanding internationally. Since this business maneuver has been applied by the company several years ago, it can exploit this well-proven strategic move by furthering its presence in the international retail arena. Given that Macy’s Inc. has already set up stores in different countries, adding additional stores in several well-placed territory around the globe can boost its sales and opportunity to increase its financial portfolio. The countries where Macy’s Inc. can apply this strategy are the countries of China and Russia. These two countries basically hold a huge number of population which promises bigger consumer market for the big store. In China alone, there are already several cities that are economically growing at an exponential rate. The company can grab this opportunity by setting up stores in these cities considering that in the dynamics of a healthy economic state the purchasing power and surplus cash of the population is certainly high. As a second alternative for the company, it can pursue a joint venture with rival competitor in the market to consolidate its strength in the industry, both at its home base in United States and internationally. The advantage of negotiating for a partnership with another player in the retail market is the promise of higher percentage of cornering the large portion of the sales in the market. In regards to the company’s dominance at its home base, United States, one business strategies that is being employed right now, through the leadership of the firm’s Chief Marketing Officer Peter Sachse, is to give more focus and attention on the local market (Zmuda, 2008). Since the company is already a Goliath in the industry, it has somehow alienated most of its consumer based. As a reaction to this observation, Macy’s Inc. makes the strategic business move of re-connecting with the local consumers. This deft business maneuver from the perspective of marketing strategy, will guide the company in making a program that ensures advertising campaigns closely reflect the local tastes and needs. A good example of this initiative to focus on local consumers is the marketing and selling of coats. Macy’s can create a sale more of this kind of product in Minneapolis than, say, in Miami. If the high school prom is approaching, the company in turn can run an ad tailored according to this situation. If the local cheerleading squad for example wins the championship, the firm can place ads on TV, newspapers, magazines, and Internet congratulating them (Znuda, 2008). In the end, the big store can reinforced its brand name in the local community. Another alternative for the company is to slow down on its program of building new stores (Ryan, 2008). This business move will enable the company to speed-up â€Å"same-store sales growth.† At the same time, this will reduce the operational expenses of the company since the strategy will free up 2,550 positions. Moreover, this strategy will give a savings of several million dollars from unnecessary expenses. The alternatives business strategies therefore that are open for Macy’s Inc. are to exploit the opportunity of expanding globally, merging with a rival competitor, a more focus on the local market to reinforce its brand name at its home base and the strategy to slow down on setting up stores in order to free it from unnecessary expenses and at the same time give existing stores the opportunity to boost their sales. Bibliography Mammarella, J. (2008). Macy's to Slow Store Growth, Boost Interaction. Home Textiles Today.   Vol. 29 (8), p20-20 Ryan, F. (2008). Macy's P.R. not affected by cutbacks. Caribbean Business. Vol. 36 (6), 10-10, Zmuda, N. (2008). Now a Goliath, Macy's seeks localized focus. Advertising Age. Vol. 79 (12), 3-29         

GROWING CALAMITY: AN IN-DEPTH REPORT ON GLOBAL FOOD INSECURITY In The 21st Century Essay

Food prices and the global demand for food have been on the rise in recent years. The catalyst for riots worldwide and food insecurity has caused widespread disturbances in agricultural industries. Food insecurity exists when people do not have adequate physical, social or economic access to food (FAO, United Nations 2009). It is captivating and noteworthy to mention that there is enough food to feed twice the earth’s population yet, food is not being equally distributed. This renders a high percentage of the world’s population poverty-stricken and hungry. Local governments, food rights activists, international trade institutions, and non-governmental organizations are becoming increasingly concerned with food distribution and food sovereignty (Schanbacher, 2010). Neoliberal processes that control  distribution and consumption are dominating policies regarding food production. International trade institution and multinational corporations dominate the entire food chai n, and as a result the global food system has encountered a crisis. The food crisis that persists today is by no means a sudden disaster that has struck the agricultural industry. It is the manifestation of a long-standing crisis in agriculture. Neoliberal global food systems have significantly modified the dynamics of agricultural production and farmers no longer have control over the food they produce and are subjected to volatile markets (Borras, 2009). Data collected by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization between 2004 and 2006 shows that the number of undernourished people in the world has been steadily increasing for almost two decades. The report showed that there was little or no progress being made towards World Food Summit targets to reduce hunger and that most of the countries were suffering from undernourishment (FAO, United Nations, 2009). While lesser-developed countries do benefit from some aspects of neoliberal globalization, it must be said that the same processes put marginalized societies at risk; impoverished farmers are no exception. These vulnerable farmers endure diminished technological resources and face stiff competition from capital-intensive foreign producers (Friedman, 2005). For decades the food industry’s hegemonic agents have perpetuated liberalized and unsustainable food systems that have resulted in many countries to falling victim to food insecurity. Such a grave and widespread problem warrants an in-depth exploration, to be carried out within this report. Beginning with a probe into the historical and contemporary challenges of food insecurity, this paper contends that structural changes at an international level are necessary to improve global access to sustenance. Case studies and multifaceted conceptualizations of the issue culminate in the identification of viable solutions to eradicat e food insecurity forever. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Although food insecurity is not a new phenomenon, the term was only coined in the mid-1970s, following a food crisis in 1972, which lasted for one year (Fulton, 2012). The magnitude of that crisis caused many to remark it, as the advent of food insecurity itself. Although it is often thought that  food insecurity is a result of food scarcity, Friedmann (1982) explains that food insecurity should be conceptualize as â€Å"a structural turning point† in the globe’s food production and distribution. Friedmann considers this first global food crisis to be the initial breakdown of the world’s food economy; which sustained grain surpluses and depressed prices (1982). Fulton also attempts to draw our attention to the heart of the matter by referring to the paradigm shift within the international food security discourse. Fulton (2012) contends that the analytical focus of the issue changed from food supply management, to the assessment of people’s ability to saf ely and consistently access food in a timely manner. In retrospect, the invention of new seed technologies, investments in rural agriculture, modern fertilizers and irrigation, caused many to be surprised by the catastrophe (Timmer, 2010). A variety of complex events, such as the oil crisis, rendered developing nations vulnerable and triggered the 1972 food crises (Friedmann, 1993). While some scholars regard oil’s radical price increases as the key catalyst to the food crisis, others interpret it differently (Fulton, 2012). Timmer for example, suggests that the high food prices led to soaring crude oil prices and that environmental catalysts were at the core of the 1972 food crisis (2010). Timmer goes on to explain that during the dry season in 1972 a severe drought, caused by El Nino, caused rice crops in Indonesia, Thailand and, the Philippines to be drastically reduced (Timmer, 2010). Soon after, domestic prices and demand for rice skyrocketed. To meet domestic demand Tha iland, the world’s leading rice exporter, banned rice export in April 1973. What followed was a nine months standstill in world rice markets. Countries were left to depend on rice imports to fulfill domestic demand for food. Residual effects of El Nino spread far across the globe and had devastating ramifications. In 1972 the world’s grain production decreased by 16 million metric tons (mmt), rice production dropped by14mmt and, wheat production diminished by 8mmt. Cumulatively, the total shortfall in world grain supply amounted to approximately 70 tons and represented an 8% reduction in global food supply. As a result of the shortage of food grains, prices rose. As a means of guranteeing their domestic food supply, oil-rich food-importing nation-states, reacted with an oil embargo against the United States and the former Soviet Union. Following the increase in oil prices, fertilizer  prices also went up. The international community responded to the crisis and the countries in dire straits, by formulating what Friedmann terms a â€Å"temporary, elegant and dangerous† solution (1993). The solution was to offer lavished transnational bank loans, financed by oil-rich nations (Friedmann, 1993). The global food crisis originated due to severe weather conditions that were exacerbated by financial turmoil. Together with the Cold War, these issues aggravated the socio-political and economic conditions which eventually lead to explosive grain prices. CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES: CASE STUDIES Since the food crisis in the early 1970s, humanity has witnessed a variety of countries declaring food emergencies, such as famine. In the year 2006 alone, twenty-five of the thirty-nine serious food emergencies were caused by the aftermath of violent conflicts, natural hazards or, a combination of the two (Alinovi, 2007). Of these thirty-nine serious food traumas, several of these crises were on-going for years and, in some cases for decades (Alinovi, 2007). The intensity and severity of a nation’s political conflicts dictates the impact that that conflict has on the food security. In certain instances it is impossible for some developing nations to overcome such dismal conditions. Since 1986, at least five African countries have been in a constant state of food insecurity for fifteen years, or more. A country that best embodies this is Somalia. Recent occurrences in the Horn of Africa, where hundreds of thousands of people died due to starvation, have been well publicized an d are well-known by the general public. Without looking at the broader context, the mainstream media was quick to assert that the famine in Somalia was caused by severe drought. While it is correct that the region received the lowest rainfall that it had in sixty years, the famine was compounded by neglect. Two years prior to the famine, Islamist rebels prohibited most aid agencies from working in Somalia and the rebels only rescinded the ban when the food situation there was officially labeled a ‘famine’. Famines are declared when, a third of the child population is acutely malnourished and when two adults or four children per 10,000 people die of hunger each day (Chossudovsky, 2011). Before and during the famine in Somalia, the atmosphere was one of lawlessness, gang warfare and anarchy; all of which  contributed to the famine (Chossudovsky, 2011). It is noteworthy to mention that this was not the first time that conditions were severe in Somalia. In fact, in 1992 t housands of citizens starved to death and far-reaching famines prompted international intervention. When President Siad Barre was overthrown in 1991, Somalia effectively became a failed state and politically driven civil-wars led to impoverishment. United Nations peacekeeping forces were eventually pulled out of the country after two American Black Hawk helicopters were shot down in 1993. Another nation that exemplifies contemporary food insecurity is Sudan. In the case of Sudanese, the major catalyst for the crisis was the conflict between the central government and a rebel group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) (Alinovi, 2007). When a country endures a civil war, an extraordinary amount of stress is placed on the civilian population. Not only are hospitals, clinics, schools and agriculture services diminished, or closed altogether, trade links and communication networks are disrupted indefinitely (Dodge, 1990). The policies enacted by the Sudanese government are directly related to the level of food insecurity experienced in the country’s Nuba Mountains. The Unregistered Land Act of 1970 resulted in a grab for farming land and displaced peaceful Nuba villagers. In addition to disrupting the Nuba people’s agro-ecology, humanitarian aid in SPLA controlled areas was blocked (Pantuliano, 2007). These measures successfully disrupted the vil lager’s conventional farming systems in favour of large-scale mechanized corporate agriculture (Pantuliano, 2007). These two case studies are prime examples of nations that have suffered from food insecurity due to political conflicts, lawlessness and anarchy. It is clear that given the multidimensional nature of the problem, short-term humanitarian aid will not yield successful results. Consequently, a complex issue such as food insecurity requires multifaceted solutions. EXPLORING FOOD INSECURITY The causes of food insecurity are as unique as the countries that are impacted; therefore conceptualizing the issue requires that it be examined from varying angles. An inability to access adequate and nutritious food inevitably results in malnourishment. This section will examine whether  the Malthusian theory can assist in obtaining a greater understanding of the emergence and persistence of food insecurity. The Malthusian Theory of Population refers to works by Robert Malthus. Malthus’ theory relies on the premise that two fixed factors are the driving forces of human existence: food and passion between the sexes. Further, Malthus contends that unchecked populations grow exponentially, while food supplies increase arithmetically. These differing growth rates are what Malthus believed caused populations to grow faster than their food supply; according to him, this in turn causes food insecurity. Appendix A represents this concept visually. Malthus believed that when a high population is strained due to a lack of food, naturally occurring ‘preventive checks’ keep the population from getting out of control (Drysdale, 1878). Essentially he believed that food insecurity itself was caused these checks (Drysdale, 1878). There are however many critics of the Malthusian Theory. Ester Boserup believed that a small population actually restrains technological innovations and keeps agriculture at subsistence levels. Boserup asserts that major innovations in agriculture only occurred when food insecurity was a factor because it forced large populations to find any means of sustaining its populace. Julian Simon was equally as critical of Malthus and regarded people as resource creators rather than, resource destroyers. Simon believed that population growth has a positive, and not a negative impact on development. Both Boserup and Simon contend that the Malthusian Theory of Population fails to sufficiently explain the causes of food insecurity (Malthus ian Crisis, 2009). Critics go on to highlight another of Robert Malthus’s shortcomings; he did not take into account human ability to intentionally control birth rate. The Malthusian theory states that food insecurity results in population controls such as: food shortages, epidemics, pestilence and plagues. It is therefore possible for humans, given a lack of food, to simply decide to limit their reproduction. Malthusian theory also underestimates the possibility that food can increase at an exponential rate. Scientific advancements in the last few centuries have made the exponential growth of food production a reality (International Society, 2009). Neo-Malthusian theory, despite accepting human being’s ability to control fertility and therefore the population growth rate, still fails to account for the progress being made towards increasing global food supplies  (Acselrad, 2006). Many of the areas that experience food insecurity are in third world countries, which are characterized by very high birth rates. The concern now is to find out why food insecurity continues to exist. If Malthus’ theory has been disproven and there truly is enough food for everyone in the world it is extremely important, now more than ever, to examine other possible causes of continued international food imbalances. EXPLORING FOOD INSECURITY: THE ROLE OF CORPORATIONS While Malthus was correct in his emphasis on technology and the environmental burdens associated with food production, in relation to the effects of food insecurity, he could not have conceptualized the far-reaching impact of large multinational agribusiness corporations. Contemporary industrialized society’s agricultural economies are characterized by the commodification of food products, engineered from the farm to the dinner table (Drabenstott, 1995). This industrialized approach applies principals of economic efficiency to cultivation and, has resulted in a slippery slope of revenue prioritization achieved through the technological alteration of food itself. Biotechnology has enabled the food industry to increase crop yield and revenues through the isolation and incorporation of specific traits from other plants or animals, into food products (Drabenstott, 1995). While Genetically Modified Organisms or GMO foods superficially appear to be reducing shortages, and by extrapo lation food scarcity related deaths; environmental damage caused by intense corporate farming and the high toxicity of GMO foods, actually work to undermine the world’s food security. Intensive farming by agribusinesses degrades the soil and increases the industry’s reliance on chemicals. Fiscally sound, the application of pesticides during the food cultivation process produces greater yield and assures better storage and distribution of the product (Court, 2006). Generally applied aerially using helicopters or airplanes, herbicides such as Atrazine are estrogen disruptors and increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease (Aiyelaagbe, 2011). Herbicides often transported via surface runoff, leeches into the ground where it contaminates distant water sources and, can cause cancer after increased exposure (Aiyelaagbe, 2011). Toxins applied during production are inevitably transferred to the produce and have adverse effects on human populations worldwide. Genetically eng ineered or  modified foods have similar, unpublicized, adverse effect. Global leader in agribusiness ingenuity, Monsanto Corporation’s modified â€Å"Bt† corn was engineered with a bacteria bacillus thuringiensis. This bacterium produces the pesticide Bttoxin aimed at killing insects during production. Appendix B illustrates this process. Monsanto Corporation told the public that the Bttoxin was entirely safe because it would be completely destroyed in the human digestive system; however that was not a true statement. Studies have shown the pesticide to be present in the fetal blood of 80% of pregnant Canadian women tested (Smith, 2013). The full effects of the toxin are still unknown nevertheless preliminary research indicates that ‘Bt’ may cause deformities in unborn children (Smith, 2013). Without speaking to the morality of the subject, technological changes to alter the biological processes of plants and animals for the purposes of increasing crop yield, is actually counter-productive to the goal of sustaining life. Corpo rations such as Monsanto facilitate modern industrial society’s commodification of life sustaining nourishment. In short, the western corporatization of agriculture has left the world with a food system that no longer functions to provide safe, wholesome and nutritious food for all people. SOLUTIONS & CONCLUSIONS Food insecurity can be found in every corner of the globe and is usually caused by drought, famine, natural disasters, war, political instability, economic upheaval and most recently, global warming. Although developed and developing countries alike suffer from varying degrees of the problem, the former suffers less often than the latter. As is the case in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, USA; food insecurity can be a short-term problem, that if effectively tackled, can be rectified (Huffingtonpost, 2012). Food insecurity can also spiral into a long-term problem, as is the case in Sudan North Africa where political instability has fostered food insecurity in the region (Mensah, 2013). Food insecurity in most cases is caused by natural disasters (ie. earthquake in Haiti, tsunami in Thailand) where there is little or no warning. Natural disasters destroy infrastructure and food supplies; therefore it is a necessity that nations be ready in the event of any emergency. The first step to take when the problem of food insecurity arises is to evaluate local needs. Need is  determined by the causal factors of the crisis in a particular area. Conducting a comprehensive evaluation, by examining key data on local assets, resources and, livelihood strategies is key to minimizing damage. For example, response teams could be sent out to meet directly with community members to better understand local conditions and create a collaborative plan of action to end food insecurity. The solutions to food insecurity can be classified into two categories: short-term and long-term solutions. Short-term solutions usually precede long-term solutions; and are the first responses to emergency situations. Short-term strategies include the distribution of food, cash and other items to prevent food insecurity in smaller timeframe. An example of this can be observed among the poor in the United States on food stamps and as well as in Haiti. Haiti received food aid and cash gifts from organizations and people around the world after an earthquake struck the island nation. Haiti has had a long history of food insecurity, brought about by political instability and poor governance. Long-term solutions to food insecurity are devised with a more stable future in mind. Technological innovations have proven to be the main source of hope for future food security. Through technological innovation we can and have been able increase crop production to fight food insecurity and build stability internationally. Through sophisticated methods like genetic engineering, scientists have been able to modify the DNA of crops in order to increase agricultural output. ‘’An example [of this] can be observed in the case of an apple; ‘’an apple is about the size of a little pea, it started somewhere in Russia and it was inedible at the time of discovery. The domestication of the plant has resulted in twenty thousand different varieties of the fruit, all originated from one plant species (Despommier, n.d.). This report, above all things, demonstrates that augmented crop yield does absolutely nothing to increase marginalized people’s access to food. Technologically driven agriculture is unsustainable and damages poorer populationsâ€⠄¢ only tool of self-determinism: the land. Genetically modified foods and seeds contain diminished nutritional value and are toxic to human beings. Food insecurity in actuality, directly relates to socio-political issues that exacerbate the neo-liberal dilemma of unfair food distribution. Each country must therefore resist hegemonic policies and take their population’s survival into their own hands. This report  calls for return to subsistence farming. Importing food to meet domestic need, in constantly fluctuating and volatile markets, adds to the problem of unreliable food supplies. Neither entirely correct nor incorrect, Malthus had no way of accounting for globalizations’ impact on absolutely every facet of contemporary life. Unless the international community abandons â€Å"equality† in favor of equity, rampant food insecurity will continue. WORKS CITED Abandon the Cube (2011). Seven Billion†¦ and Counting. Abandon the Cube. Retrieved from http://www.abandonthecube.com/blog/tag/malthusian-crisis/. Acselrad, H. (2006). 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