UK Retail Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

UK Retail - Case Study Example Appendix A illustrates the state of the international retail industry: Tesco's international expansion programs is not limited by its consumer businesses, they are aiming to launch extensive services and related markets into new markets because of two major motivations: establishing their leadership in these developing markets and maximizing existing capacities (Corporate Watch UK, 2004). Tesco, is a global leader in retailing that is based in Britain. Recent vertical and horizontal expansion of the company have now included in its portfolio agriculture, packing, merchandising and information technology (Tesco, 2006a). Next to only to Carrefour, it Europe's supermarket industry and is ranked eight in the global industry. Aside from its supermarket operations to has recently its retail interest expanded its retail interest to the convenience store industry. Among its outlets are Tesco Extra, Tesco superstores, Tesco Metro, Tesco Express and T&S (Corporate Watch UK, 2004). ... Table 1 details existing stores and projected openings for 2006-2007. It also is aiming to strengthen its market presence in the countries it is already in by increasing the number of stores in operation as well as increasing the volume of its products in the market (Johansson, 2001). . Tesco's overseas expansion is one of the major factors that have led to present growth trends. It has maintained its strategy of buying existing grocery chains instead of starting from scratch in new markets. This has allowed them to secure key locations and ease to the new market more easily (Corporate Watch UK, 2004). From current targets of Tesco, it expects to have to increase its stores by 26%, increasing its total number of stores to around 3,700 stores. Size and Formats Size of Stores is defined by the store format. The different categories of the store is part of the effort to capture various market segments and they may be located near each other and be considered as indirect competition of other category stores. Table 2 details the different store format and their respective sizing and selling areas. Tesco Extra stores first opened to the public in 1997 and carry the full range of products found in all Tesco stores. They are classified as hypermarkets. The first floor carries food products while the second floor caries non-food items. They are comparative in size and format with Wal-Mart Supercenters. An average of twenty Tesco Extra stores are opened annually (Tesco, 2006d). Tesco stores follow the traditional size and format of supermarkets and are the oldest format used by the company. It also the usual type of store opened overseas (Tesco, 2006a). Tesco Metro stores are less than

A genetically modified organism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

A genetically modified organism - Research Paper Example Thus, in this paper I am going to examine the process of GMO production and storage in order to assess the risks connected with their consumption. Genetically modified organisms are organisms (bacteria, viruses, plants, animals) which genetics was changed in order for acquiring new functions. As genes are responsible for carrying the information in the sequences and structures of DNA, they define special characteristics of the organisms. Advances of biotechnology now permit to extract, change, and add various genes to the organisms. It is even possible to transfer genes between non-related organisms. Most often scientists add some genes to plants in order to make them stable to certain viruses (GMOs, 2010). Genetically modified organisms are used in medicine, agriculture, biology, textile production. Usually when people start speaking about genetically modified organisms they mean genetically modified crops which have become a part of everyday life of the consumers in the world. Tobacco was the first plant which received additional genes to resist herbicides. Later it was modified to be capable to resist insects and the ripening qualities of the crops were also changed. In 1995 Food and Drug Administration approved commercial usage of GM potato, corn, soya, and tomato, and the variety of plants with additional genes increase significantly (Swanson, 2013). People usually underestimate the quantity of GM crops that they consume. However, by the end of 2012 more than 144 kinds of plants received access to the market in the United States of America. So an impressive part of the crops consumed by Americans in the following years were genetically modified: according to the statistics of USDA 93% of all soy, 88 % of all corn, and 94% of cotton (Swanson, 2013). Today such products as tomatoes and cantaloupes with advanced ripening characteristics, beets and soybeans with improved herbicides

The essence of art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The essence of art - Essay Example This is the major point in the insights of Arthur Danto, an art philosophy scholar, as revealed in his conversation with Suzi Gablik. Danto’s written work on the disenfranchisement of art brought about by the customary practice of what is deemed as an ‘enfranchising maneuver’ by placing art pieces in museums and galleries to make them readily acceptable as art. Basically being able to make divine something that is utterly banal. â€Å"What disenfranchisement does is to get art to internalize the idea that it’s not supposed to do anything. It doesn’t make anything happen† (Gablik, p.247). This is a noticeably true characteristic that is perceptible in the art world. The basic premise of what art must do is an abstract idea that many have written extensively about. To name a few widely acceptable notions, art must transform, it must translate beauty, it must evoke what is real in the world, and it should even move people to action would just be naming a few. But all of these, singularly or all taken together are really more ideas within the realm of possibilities and quite a few have actually turned them to reality. This brings us forth to the issue of advocacy in art. As one raised question in the talked about Whitney Biennial in the book, â€Å"When art has a social or political agenda or takes an activist stance, is its aesthetic quality or integrity compromised?† (ibid, p.267). This taking on an activist stance is blaringly obvious in the photographs of Terri Warpinski. The photography professor at the University of Oregon primarily takes scenes depicting nature and juxtaposed evidence of conflict in a number of controversial places. The photographs of Boyhood (two narratives) shows two pictures placed side by side both depicting the irony in the title and of the scene. The most striking on the left hand photo is the poster above the door of what could very well be a mosque or any other public place. In the post er, a boy at a relatively young age is confidently holding a high-powered gun raising it so that the ammunition points up. Another poster is on the lower left side of the picture with faces of men in a collage. Though the writings are unintelligible because they are in Arabic, they suggest an atmosphere of sinister assertiveness. It is also quite intriguing trying to decipher what the pictures mean and why are they posted especially since considering the scale, it can be concluded that they are substantially large. The second picture on the right is the one where the irony is very recognizable. In here we see the body of two older men who seem to be in an exchange, again a high-powered firearm, where the man holding it looks like he is the buyer and is testing its capability. The juxtaposition is in front of the two men where toys for children are displayed for sale in what looks like an ordinary market. The vividness of the pink, red and blue balloons hanging from the top along wit h the plastic balls and other items easily suggests there is something deeply wrong in this picture. What it denotes and consequently gives a chilling effect is that the man holding the gun could very well be buying it for his son and that instead of a balloon, a ball or some other knick knack for a toy, he opted to give him a real gun instead. The suggestive tone of Warpinski’

Progress report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Progress report - Essay Example The discussion on the stock price performance of Samsung and Apple, for instance, shows that while Samsung’s prospects seem stable, the prospects for Apple seem less secure and sure. One notes that stock price is an indicator of how investors see a firm and that firm’s future prospects for profit and growth in revenues. The downward spiral of Apple stocks of late seems to reflect waning confidence in Apple’s ability to continue to lead in smart phones as well as tablets. On the other hand, the stable prospects for Samsung are reflected in its share price also being relatively stable, after enjoying a substantial appreciation over the past two years. At any rate, it seems that Samsung will fare well even with the results of the case finding it has infringed on vital Apple patents relating to its smart phone products (Yahoo! Finance, 2012; Google Finance, 2012). Newer data and analysis on the prospects of Apple show cause for concern. The company, after winning the patent lawsuit, has been seen as having committed some serious errors and mistakes in strategy and product implementation over the past few weeks. First was its debacle in its mapping technology, after having ditched Google as a provider of mapping services for its own homegrown but seriously flawed mapping application. Next is what analysts see as flawed pricing with regard to its new iPad Mini product. Third has to do with how Apple is seen by analysts as having a crisis of leadership. Some analysts have come to view all these as signs that Apple is in decline (Lappin, 2012; Chang, 2012). There is progress too, with regard to the details of the verdict having become public knowledge since the writing of the first parts of this paper, owing to the jury coming out and releasing their explanations for the verdict, and the warring parties coming out in the open with the documents that were used as evidence for the case. The outpouring

Coca-Cola's Marketing Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Coca-Cola's Marketing Strategy - Essay Example The company has been accused of using up water from the aquifers that are around their production plants creating acute water shortages around. Anders approximates that the firm uses almost three litres of water to make just one litre of Coca-Cola (12). They have been accused of discharging toxic water containing Malathion, DDT and chlorpyrifos. These are pesticides, which are carcinogenic and are known to lead to individuals’ immune systems being compromised. Besides the obvious health, concerns a rising from the toxic waste from the firm poses a major environmental threat to water reserves and the soil (White et. al. 15). DDT is a non-biodegradable pesticide thus its effects in the soil have a long-term effect to the soil and water and the communities around the enterprise. The company has been accused of dehydrating the communities around it destroying their agricultural calendars. Farmers are unable to sustain their farms, which they usually do by irrigation to sustain the ir crops putting their entire families at the risk of losing their lively hood (White et. al. 17). The impact of the water shortages has been felt most in the semi-arid areas such as Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan where the company has over exploited the valuable resources. Coca cola has made efforts in an attempt to conserve water such as cooling water recirculation, water reuse and water recycling, and proper use of de-ionized water (Anders 73). Besides the aforementioned techniques, the firm may consider employing landscaping as a major way.

Alcohol Peer Pressure in College Essay Example for Free

Alcohol Peer Pressure in College Essay In the article â€Å"Above the Influence,† the main idea focuses on how alcohol in college has clinched onto society and is now considered a norm. The goal of this study was to explore how non drinking college students negotiated communication about a potentially stigmatized behavior abstinence from alcohol (675). The concept of the paper goes into depth on how students who dont drink alcohol are usually an outcast or fall into peer pressure to fit in. In order to support the claims, researchers conducted an experiment to prove their hypothesis. They used both strict non drinkers and drinkers and placed the participants on a party school campus where alcohol is greatly abused. The actions of the kids varied on whether they would keep their non drinking low key or allow others to know about their situation. The research allowed the experimenters to see the variation of how the abstinent drinkers used communication to still fit in. The claims I most agreed with was allowing different non drinkers with various backgrounds to be put in similar situations. The diversity gave a better out look on how they would try to still be social even without the alcohol consumption. When the students used their different tactics to party without upsetting the other drinkers, I believe the empty cup was the best plan (679). When youre communicating and trying to avoid any issues or quarrels, it is best to please the opposite party. Although some of the students did not drink, holding a cup would allow them to socialize without being hounded. Drinking has become a normality in both college and adult culture. It can even be seen as disrespectful to some to refuse the offer or abstain from it. The empty cup allows positive face to take place without questioning or disturbance from drunken or concerned peers. Participant Kristen stated that the cup gave her â€Å"control† of the situation and did give any negative vibes toward others. She was able to fit in the crowd with no problem. The non alcoholic cup could also allow the student to assimilate with new friends without feeling awkward or left out. It can give power to those who feel uncomfortable and out of place when faced with alcohol. Being a minority can always be harsh but the cup trick allowed a path into the majority without losing morals and beliefs. The claims that I did not agree with the most was blatantly telling fellow party goers that they were not drinkers. Choosing to abstain from alcohol should be kept as a private matter and does not need to be show boated or announced. A non drinker who states their lifestyle can be seen as a prude or over responsible. Their actions can belittle a social drinker and even stir up an argument (678). As shown in the article, participant Andy was caught in an argument with a girl after declaring his abstinence. He could have hurt his relationship if the issue had gotten out of hand. His honesty without privacy has caused an uneasy feeling among others. Some of the students could have tried to please themselves and their peers by using a prop to get out of pressure. College students already know how hard it is to assimilate without adding alcohol to the mix and should try to avoid any persecution. In many cases it is great to own up to a positive lifestyle, but dealing with young adults is in another spectrum. The brutality and insults given by peers can damage a person both emotionally and mentally. The bashing can also cause one to change their outlook or mentality about drinking. By being unaccepted into the norm, a person can try to change their selves to fit in. Not only can denying drinking be an issue to the victim, but also a fellow peer. Alcohol is not always the center of a party or get together, but it is shown that when someone refuses a drink, the offered can feel offended, as if he or she were being dismissed as a person (677). Looking to keep the best interest of both parties is not to inform others about personal decisions. The experiment overall did allow many questions to be debunked, but I dont agree with using a college as a normal situation. In college, students are given a great amount of freedom which causes curiosity and experimenting. Whether it is with drugs or alcohol, college students use foreign or illegal items excessive when they are accessible. Most students are able to kick the negative habits when they are thrown into the real world and given real problems. The experiment should have been used in both college and adult life to give a feel on how being a non drinker is abnormal. I believe that a non drinker would be more accepted in a real world situation because being responsible is admirable when older. When put into a college realm, people tend to be very judgmental due to the level of maturity. Peer pressure never disappears but it does subside when the level of maturity develops fully. Adults do not force or ridicule others when they are giving off a positive action. Although non drinkers can fall into stereotypical types such as a recovering alcoholic (676), it is easy to kick the labels when older. Therefore I do believe this article and research met the goal of different communication skills when dealing with abnormal choices in society. The experiment allowed to explore the responses of people when deciding on how they deal with abstaining from alcohol. Some of the feedback gave positive and accepting results while other communication methods created tension and unwanted stress. Although some forms of communication worked better in social situations rather than others, having an array of different attitudes helped determined which faces worked best in college. The positive face allowed participants to have both a good time and maintain their safety. The other participants who chose their own route did have a hard time being accepted by others. Both methods created different paths, but allowed their abstinence of alcohol to be accepted in either a positive or negative light.

Movie Review Of Fargo Film Studies Essay

Movie Review Of Fargo Film Studies Essay Fargo, the first time that I heard that name, I could not see how the name had anything to do with the movie. At first I thought maybe it was the name of a character in the movie but after watching the movie I came to learn that it was the mane of where most of the movie was based around; Fargo North Dakota. Fargo is a 1996 movie done by the Coen Brothers. This movie is also based on a true story which, after you watch it, you feel terrible for the victims. I would say that this movie is a dark comedy. I say this because the plot and the form of the movie have this dark but comedic aspect. The Brainerd accents have a very unthreatening way to the way it is used and due to the innocence of the accents; it throws off the seriousness of the situation. A main character in the film who gives off more of a comedic aspect is the seven month pregnant chief of police from Brainerd Minnesota Marge Olmsted. I doubt the director(s) were going for a comedic aspect to the film, but with the accent s, and constant use of the word Yaa, you couldnt help but laugh occasionally. The movie Fargo is about a nerdy, mild mannered, shady Executive car salesman named Jerry Lundergard who falls heavily into unexplained debt and comes up with a seemingly genius idea to hire some criminals to kidnap his wife. The reason for the pre conceived kidnap is to retrieve a ransom for her safe return, and get the money from her father who is a wealthy businessman. In the process of Lundergard and his accomplices going forth with their plan, things start to get out of control and eventually Marge Olmsted, the Brainerd Minnesota chief of police gets involved and starts investigating three coincidental murders that occur in her city. Marges character is a likeable polite character who seems after a while to be one of the only competent people in the whole town. The main characters in this film to pay attention to were Jerry Lundergard; a seemingly unstable character, he is shown to be desperate and insecure and there was even a scene after his wife was kidnapped where he practic es his distress call to make it seem believable. Predictably, as the murder investigation broadens and starts to lead back to him, he starts to break down emotionally. Throughout the movie they never explained what exactly his debt was for. Marge Olmsted; Brainerd Chief of police; Carl plays the small time crook who is described literally as the smaller, funny looking kind of guy by all those who came in contact with him and lived. Carl is a very talkative and vulgar kind of guy but seems to have some emotion for murder. His partner on the other hand, Gaer is of European decent. Seemingly quiet but composed character although he commits most of the murders showed in the film. He is a heavy smoker and is shown until towards the end to be more like Carls back up with muscle. This movie housed a couple of big named actors of their time. Some of which I know to still be in the acting business. Carls character and Jerrys character were played by Steve Buscemi, and William H. Macy, which to me, were the only two recognizable stars in the movie. Carl is known for such movies as Reservoir Dogs, and William is known for movies like Cellular, Wild Hogs, and Thank You for Smoking. This movie does a good job in showing the gender role differences in Marges growing family. In her introduction scene where she and her husband first come into the picture, they show how the gender roles are reversed. Usually, it would be the man who is the chief of police and his wife is the stay at home parent who takes care of the backup stuff. In the Olmsted household, Marges husband Norm is the reversed gender role character. He is never shown to be at work or ever even doing any kind of work for that matter, and she is the one with the seven month pregnancy. He makes her breakfast in the morning, brings her lunch to work, and always talks about his painting but somehow their relationship seems to work. Marge is also shown to have a pretty big appetite which is totally understandable due t o the fact that she is eating for two and always makes the joke can I have a seat?, I;m carrying quite a load here. The movie as based on true events starts to get a lot darker and grittier than the expectations of a dark comedy. The ransom exchange scene where the father gets killed semi brutally is a turning point of how serious and out of control things got; He was shot numerous times unnecessarily, and even the ending scene where the European criminal is shown grinding up his partner in a wood chipper and blood is being sprayed everywhere. This movie did not rely on scenery or music to help tell the story. In fact, the scenery was mostly white and snowy because it seemed to be shot in the winter time. There was music, but the music was not done in such a way that it would give away parts of the story. The directors claim that out of respect for the dead, the film was depicted as is. Names were changed though to protect the identities of those who survived. Overall, this movie wa s beyond my expectations but still was able to hold my interests enough for me to really enjoy the movie while giving my regards to those who unfortunately lost their lives.