Why do women only make up 6.5% of consultant surgeons in the UK Essay

Why do women only make up 6.5% of consultant surgeons in the UK - Essay Example The idea of such a work is to find out the reasons for this, so some solutions may be suggested in order to change the present scenario. Feminine has always been regarded to have less status and power and has always been subordinate.. Perhaps due to this reason, although these sex differences in earnings, occupations, and work in the United Kingdom have decreased over the past few decades, sharp differences still persist. Like in any other profession, the women now constitute a large force in terms of number and quality in the medical profession. However, there is a certain pattern of their choices of discipline, especially when the numbers of female professionals in different specialities are considered. The greatest convergence between women and men has occurred in labor force participation (Buyske, 2005). Yet despite this increased participation-and this may help to explain the slower progress with respect to wages and occupational segregation-women, on average, devote far more time than men to housework. One medical profession is surgery, or more specifically general surgery, where particularly male predominance has been observed. As of now, as statistic indicate only 6.5% of the consultant surgeons in the United Kingdom are women. ... In this work, the answers to these questions will be attempted to be found out through evidence from literature. Broadly speaking, this research covers two areas of inquiry. The first attempts to understand the sources of sex differences in labor markets in the context of surgery as a profession without resorting to explanations based on labor market discrimination. The dominant focus would be on how family economic decision making regarding the allocation of time and human capital investment may generate the observed differences between women and men in occupations, participation, and nonmarket work. The second area of concern could be existing discrimination and male predominance that might have led to a situation where female doctors are comparatively less interested in pursuing a career in, otherwise, exciting surgery. History of Women in Medicine Historically, women doctors are simultaneously a part of medicine and have been placed outside it, and their presence in large numbers is actually a destabilizing one. Surgery as a medical profession had always been seen as a symbol of masculinity, and that rests on an opposition between women and medicine. The century long history of medicine suggests that for long western culture was patriarchal in that it did marginalise women in the profession, reluctant to accept them on the same platform, and women as doctors have faced major hostility from the so called social dominance of masculinity. In fact, for quite some time, women were banned from joining surgery. Male Oriented Power and Privilege It had been previously conventional that medical power and privilege were male oriented; the operations and status

Equal Human Rights for Women Essay Example for Free

Equal Human Rights for Women Essay This paper explores human rights issues as it relates to women; the right to work; the right to an adequate standard of living, the right to be treated equally, the right to autonomy, and the violations of basic human rights. I will reflect on how the issue of equality for women is addressed nationally and globally. In discussing human rights related to women’s issues of social injustice by industrial and global exploitation, I explore ways in which social workers commit to equality and what current attitudes may need to be refined. I discuss how global exploitation continues to oppress and stigmatize females. This paper also examines barriers to change and how empowering women can raise their understanding of human rights and the process of change. In July of 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York, based on the Declaration of Independence statement on equal rights for all, The Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions demanded the equality of men and women in several issues including the right to vote (Stanton Anthony, 1997). This proposed resolution stated, â€Å"The history of mankind is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations on the part of man toward woman, having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over her† (Stanton, 1889). Thus, in the United States, the plight began for equal rights for women in a male dominated world. Considering the period of time human beings have inhabited this planet, the concept of equality of the human sexes is a rather new prospect. Men are generally physically stronger than women and have exploited this for centuries influencing societies, religions and traditions. They have created for themselves arenas which are beneficial and convenient for them however abusive and oppressive for women. In many countries, including our own, religion and tradition are often used as justification for not implementing equal rights. According to UNICEF, working women globally not only earn significantly less than men, they own far less property and still maintain the majority (80%) of household work (UNICEF, 2007). Biases in property law and inheritances also make women (and children by virtue of being born to women) more vulnerable to poverty. Historically, and in some countries currently, violence against women was/is generally acceptable and at times, considered necessary (i.e. honor killings). So how do we advocate for change from centuries of oppression and discrimination towards women? Ending discrimination in all forms and advocating for social justice is the concrete foundation and commitment of the Social Worker. The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics states â€Å"Social Workers should act to expand choice and opportunity for all people, with special regard for vulnerable, disadvantaged, oppressed, and exploited people and groups (NASW, 2000, 6.04b). Social work practices, policies, and services must continue to address the disadvantages women and girls face. Advocacy for equal education, health care, employment, protection from violence, and rise from poverty for women is essential. According to NASW ethical principles, Social Workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of a person and are consistently proactive in helping people in need and advocating for social justice. In 1945 in its preamble, the United Nations and the peoples therein declared their commitment to â€Å"fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small† (United Nations, n.d.), solidifying their commitment toward equal rights for women. Social Workers and the nations representing the world have sworn their allegiance to ensuring impartiality between the sexes. But how far have we come in successfully accomplishing this goal? Jessica Valenti, a writer for the Washington Post states in her article For women in America, equality is still an illusion (2010), â€Å"despite the indisputable gains over the years, women are still being raped, trafficked, violated and discriminated against not just in the rest of the world, but here in the United States. And though feminists continue to fight gender injustices, most people seem to think that outside of a few lingering battles, the work of the womens movement is done.† This especially rings true to me. There are still so many serious injustices against women here in the United States (i.e. violence, trafficking, unequal pay, unequal governmental representation, etc.) but the general public rejects this fact, therefore, we are only beginning to tackle this problem. Many programs which support, empower, and assist women toward self-determination (NASW, 1.02) have been created however progress is slow and many more are needed. How is the rest of the world fai ring toward the goal of equal rights for women? Read more:  Why Should Women Have Rights? There is a saying in Ghana, â€Å"If you educate a man, you simply educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation† (Women’s rights worldwide, 2007). But, unfortunately, being a woman in a developing country could mean a life of poverty, abuse, exploitation, and deprivation. In some countries, girl babies are killed because boy babies are considered more valuable. Woman worldwide own 1% of the property however work two-thirds of the world’s labor and earn 10% of the world’s wages. Honor killings (those women determined to dishonor a family) still occur in at least 17 countries identified by the United Nations. In 1980, the United Nations supported the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, sometimes referred to as the international bill of rights for women, where nations committed to end discrimination against women. People around the world express support for these world conferences and gender equality however people in many countries say inequalities persist. A 22-nation survey by Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes Project in the spring of 2010 suggests the world supports gender equality however many more changes are needed and change is less than vigorous. The following study chart describes the percentage of countries views on who has a better life and who supports equal rights (Pew Research Center, 2010). In my research of global rights for women established by macro entities toward practice and policy change, the Worldwide Women’s Integrated Society for Everyone and Everything best defines a global bill of rights for women which I admire and support. They call this The Thirteen Rights – A Global Bill of Rights for Women. It includes the following: 1) The right to vote in all elections 2) Equal representation in the government 3) The right to assemble and access to communication 4) Females will be educated equally to males 5) Freedom of movement 6) Freedom of marriage or non-marriage 7) The right to carry weapons for protection 8) The right to own property 9) Equal rights, pay, and access to work 10) The right to choice of personal appearance 11) The right to birth control 12) The right to safely terminate a pregnancy 13) The sanctity of female genitals. The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) recognizing social workers’ commitment to human rights and equal treatment for all human beings, issued an international policy on women in 1999. Policy Statement 5.1 best sums up the views of international social workers by stating, â€Å"Women’s rights are human rights. To the extent that women and girls do not enjoy equal rights, their common human needs, and those of their families, will not be fully met and their human potential will not be fully realized. Therefore, the social work profession’s core commitment to human rights must involve a commitment to protecting and preserving the basic rights of all women and girls. Women of all ages and at all stages of the life cycle deserve protection from discrimination in all forms, including the elimination of all forms of gender-specific discrimination and violence† (IFSW, 1999). I am in complete agreement with the NASW and IFSW’s policies on equal rights for women. We must continue to research the effectiveness of national and international programs and reorganize, if necessary, to ensure delivery of rights to women everywhere. As social workers, it is imperative to advocate for all human rights, especially those oppressed, as women have been for centuries. We can do this through support, education, opportunities, and empowerment. I would like to see the United Nations imply sanctions to those entities that profess commitment to equal rights yet in reality do not â€Å"practice what they preach†. In this paper I have reviewed the journey toward equal rights for women on a personal, national and internationally level. Historically we’ve lived in a male-dominant world and the concept of equal rights for women has been generally foreign to global communities. Social workers are instrumental in expressing to each other and to the world the importance of dignity and worth of every person and the significance of a just and honorable society. In creating policies to define the rights of women, we must follow-through with punishing injustice practices in our own society and the global community. We still have a long way to go! References International Federation of Social Workers. (2012, February). Policies women. Retrieved from http://ifsw.org/policies/women/ National Association of Social Workers. (2000) Code of ethics of the national association of social workers. Washington, DC. National Association of Social Workers. (2012). Social work speaks: National Association of Social Workers policy statements 2012-2014. 9th edition. Washington, DC: NASW Press. Pew Research Center. (2010). Gender equality universally embraced, but inequalities acknowledged. Pew Global Attitudes Project. Retrieved from http://www.pewglobal.org/2010/07/01/gender-equality/ Sowers, K. M., Rowe, W. S. (2007). Social work practice and social justice: From local to global perspectives. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. Stanton, E. C. (1889). A history of woman suffrage. (Vol. 1, pp. 70-72). Rochester, NY: Fowler and Wells. Stanton, E. C., Anthony, S. B. (1997). The Elizabeth Cady Stanton Susan B. Anthony papers project. In A. Gordon (Ed.), Declaration of sentiments and resolutions (Vol. 1). New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press. Retrieved from http://ecssba.rutgers.edu/pubs/volume1.html UNICEF. (2007). Women and children the double dividend of gender equality. (p. 36). The state of the worlds children, (2007), Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/sowc07/docs/sowc07.pdf References Valenti, J. (2010, February). For women in america, equality is still an illusion. Washington Post. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/19/AR2010021902049.html Women’s rights worldwide. (2007). Working against the oppression of women around the world. Retrieved from http://womensrightsworldwide.org/ Worldwide Womens Integrated Society for Everyone and Everything. (n.d.). thirteen rights – a global bill of rights for women. Retrieved from http://globalwomensrights.org/index.php

Monumental Architecture in Bronze Age Egypt and Crete :: Ancient Egypt Egyptian History

Monumental Architecture in Bronze Age Egypt and Crete The significance of monumental architecture lies not only in the function it is built to serve but also in the cultural values it represents. Monumental architecture is aesthetic as well as functional, and in its aesthetic aspects it is a form of cultural expression. In Bronze Age Mediterranean civilizations, the development of monumental architecture was influenced primarily by the political structure of the state. Perhaps the most disparate forms of monumental architecture in this region were developed in Pharaonic Egypt and Minoan Crete, reflecting the differences in their political systems. The socio-political structure of these two cultures can be sharply contrasted through an examination of a predominant type of monumental architecture found in each region. Monumental architecture in Pharaonic Egypt is represented primarily by the funerary complexes of the pharaohs. The principal function of these elaborate complexes was to ensure that the pharaohs, who were exalted as living gods, would attain the afterlife they desired. This required that two basic conditions be fulfilled: the body had to be preserved from disturbance or destruction; and the material needs of the body and the ka had to be met (Edwards 20). Pharaonic burial complexes were also centers of worship for the god-king interred there and were designed to exalt his memory and deeds. Egyptian burial complexes evolved from the simple rectangular mastaba to the great pyramids of the Fourth Dynasty. The true pyramid evolved from the mastaba through an intermediary form, the step pyramid, the earliest example of which is Zoser’s Step Pyramid at Saqqara, which dates to the Third Dynasty (c. 2680 BC). The Step Pyramid was revolutionary for several reasons. It is the earliest known free-standing monument built entirely of stone in Egypt (Fakhry 20); it is also the earliest example of evolutionary architectural development beyond the mastaba. In form the step pyramid is a series of superimposed mastabas and represents the stairway that the spirit of the pharaoh was to climb to reach the sky-realm and join the crew of the solar barque traveling across the heavens (Aldred 47). The Step Pyramid was designed by Imhotep, the Chancellor of King Zoser, and was originally planned as a stone mastaba 7.0 meters high based on a square ground-plan (Aldred 45-46). However, this design underwent six alterations, and in its final form the Step Pyramid rose in six unequal steps to a height of 62.

The Action Research Plan to Address Chronic Behavior Problems in Second

Positive Behavioral Supports and Interventions (PBIS) programs were developed to help children learn the valuable social and behavioral skills needed to be successful in school. Most of these interventions address teaching school-wide expectations and a shared vocabulary for reinforcing these expectations. Some students continue to have behavior problems and to create disruptions in the classroom. These students receive specialized interventions to improve behavior. The researcher's plan is to provide an intervention for students in the secondary level of PBIS. These student continue to struggle after they receive instruction in appropriate school behavior. Behavioral instruction alone is not effective for all students. In order to be successful at school children also need to have a positive attitude about themselves, caring relationships with adults, and the understanding that they have the capacity to learn. Unfortunately, many children do not have these things when they come to school. The researcher's aim to provide an intervention that helps to provide an ongoing positive relationship with a school staff member, create a safe environment for children to explore their feeling and discuss problems with a caring adult, and to creative opportunities that allow the students to be successful thereby increasing overall perceptions of self-efficacy. One potential intervention is involving families in behavioral interventions. Reinke, Splett, Robeson, and Offutt (2009) found that parental involvement in all levels of PBIS increases the effectiveness of interventions. The Family Check-up model combines school based PBIS interventions with family supports. This model serves to address home-based factors which have been shown in inf... ...Public Health Perspective. Psychology In The Schools, 46(1), 33-43. Sitler, H. (2009). Teaching with awareness: The hidden effects of trauma on learning. Clearing House, 82(3), 119-123. Sutherland, K. S., Conroy, M., Abrams, L., & Vo, A. (2010). Improving interactions between teachers and young children with problem behavior: A strengths-based approach. Exceptionality, 18(2), 70-81. Sutherland, K. S., & Oswald, D. (2005). The relationship between teacher and student behavior in classrooms for students with emotional and behavioral disorders: Transactional processes. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 14, 1–14. Wills, H., Kamps, D., Abbott, M., Bannister, H., & Kaufman, J. (2010). Classroom Observations and Effects of Reading Interventions for Students at Risk for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. Behavioral Disorders, 35(2), 103-119.

Natural Resources Essay

Natural resources are useful materials or substances that exist in the environment like land, water, sun, trees, oil, minerals, etc. Natural resources are generally classified as renewable resources and non-renewable resources. Resource depletion means exhaustion of natural resources in a certain region. When the rate of consumption of these resources exceeds the rate at which they are restored, depletion of resources occurs. The utilization of natural resources has increased considerably due to the rapid growth in population. Improvements and advancements in science and technology have resulted in overutilization of natural resources. Some of the major causes of depletion of natural resources are as follows: Overutilization or exploitation of resources. Partial allocation of resources. Population growth. Advancements in technology. Deforestation. Soil erosion. Mining. Depletion of non-renewable resources (water, minerals, oil, and gas) has a serious impact on world economy and can c reate an imbalance between different nations. Overutilization of resources can cause disruption and destruction of the ecosystem. Overexploitation of water has caused drying of water bodies like lakes and streams. Therefore, we must utilize these resources carefully to maintain a balance between nature and mankind and also for the sustenance of life on earth. – Overutilization of natural resources has caused serious imbalance in nature. Various environmental issues like Greenhouse gases, global warming, and pollution have cropped up due to overuse of natural resources. According to the environmentalists, some of the non-renewable resources like oil, petroleum and gas will be completely extinct in the near future if we do not carefully use and conserve them. Conservation of the natural resources is not an easy task especially due to the fact that we are heavily dependent on these resources for our daily needs. However, we can adopt the following simple ways and strategies to save our environment: We should use paper products that are recycled and also practice recycling of paper. Unnecessary use of paper should also be prevented. Read more:  Essay on Conservation of Resources We should plant a tree and take part in plantation programs organized by the Government. Reforestation should be encouraged and practiced. We can save water by fixing any nozzle or tap that is broken or cracked. When bathing it  is better to use a bucket or tub than the shower. We should employ proper waste disposal techniques like composting. Dumping of wastes in lakes, rivers and the seas should be stopped. We can harvest rain water by installing rain water harvesting systems in homes and offices. The rain water is useful for gardening and cleaning purposes. We should try to restrict the use of vehicles as much as possible. If possible we can choose to walk or use a cycle. In this way we can save oil and gas. A hybrid car is always a better option because it runs on both electricity, and small quantity of gas. We can save energy by switching off all the electrical appliances that are not in use and also by using those products that consume lesser electricity. We can save electric ity and natural gas by using solar energy. Many appliances like solar cookers, solar heaters use solar energy instead of electricity. Photovoltaic can be used to generate electricity from solar energy.

A&P character analysis of sammy essays

A&P character analysis of sammy essays In A, John Updike tells the story of Sammy, an eighteen year old who we first encounter working the checkout line at the As age walk into the store wearing bathing suits. While this may have passed largely unnoticed in many other settings, it creates quite a commotion inside the old-town A flesh, but also the rift between Sammys generation and the establishment of this puritan country town. This becomes evident when, at the end of the story, Sammy walks out on the job. It would be a common misconception, however, to think that this brazen act had much at all to do with these three girls. Rather, Updike gives many clues throughout the text that show that the depth of Sammys malcontent had reached a critical mass long before these three girls walked through the door that summer afternoon, and a confrontation, both with the A The stage for a major confrontation with the Athe cash-register-watcher, a character that you get the feeling that Sammy has encountered so many times in varied embodiments that he must have recognized this lady the moment he saw her in the aisle. Shes one of these cash-register-watchers, a witch about fifty with rogue on her cheekbones and no eyebrows, and I know it made her day to trip me up. Upon rectifying this minor mishap, he further describes this wretched character and her response- By the time I got her feathers smoothed and her goodies into a bag- she gives me a little snort in passing, if shed have been born at the right time ...

Research Paper on Divorce

Research Paper on Divorce Divorce has become a major issue in our society, and many causes have been attributed to the incline in divorce rates. Divorce rates have spiked during the past few decades and no on really knows why, but several theories have been formed in an attempt to explain this recent phenomena. Feminist theory, Individualism, and dual income theories will be discussed and analyzed to determine if they apply to the recent rise in divorce rates in North America. These theories do not act alone, that is, a not one of the above theories can be labeled as a definite cause of divorce, but when all three are examined together, a formula for divorce can be seen. The rise in divorce can not be, and should not be, attributed to a single theory, but rather the rise in divorce rates can be linked to all three, and one can see that these theories act collectively, as opposed to individually to cause the dramatic spike in divorce rates. In recent years, Feminist theory has become pushed its way through traditional theory to become recognized. This theory directly applies divorce rates, as it taught women to stand up for their rights, and that they could do anything they wanted. This included activities that were previously occupied by men only. Feminist theory taught women that they did not need to depend on men for emotional support, financial support, or even to give them status in society, rather, feminist theory taught independence. Some forms of feminist theory has established that women do not need men to survive; a quote to back this up is one from Gloria Steinem, and she says â€Å" A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.† This backs up the idea that women do not need men to function, and this can be seen as a cause for a higher divorce rate. Some feminist theories are seen as extreme and Eva Figes displays the radical feminist theory when she says, â€Å"Either one goes on gradually liberat ing the divorce laws, until marriage stands exposed as a hollow sham in which no one would wish to engage, or one takes a short cut and abolishes marriage altogether.† (Figes, pg. 121, patriarchal attitudes, 1972, Feminism Opposing Viewpoints, 1986) Since feminism has shown women that they no longer need to rely on men for support, some of them have begun to remove men from their lives. This, in turn can be correlated with the spike in divorce rates since the beginning of the feminist movement. The end of the institution of marriage is a necessary condition for the liberation of women. Therefore it is important for us to encourage women to leave their husbands -Declaration of Feminism. This idea, again, shows the way that feminist theory has attributed to the divorce rates. This idea is essentially telling women that they must divorce their husbands in order to liberate women. This idea directly tells women to divorce their husbands in order to be liberated, and to aid in the liberation in all women. This is a main reason that Feminist theory has aided in the rise of divorce rates since the start of the feminist movement. A second theory on the rise of divorce rates is the theory of individualism. William J. Goode says that â€Å"In our time people have been reducing their personal investments in the collectivity of the family.† (Goode, pg. 9, World Changes in Divorce Patterns, 1993) This statement accurately portrays the idea of individualism as it is saying that people of the past few decades have stopped emphasizing the collectivity of society, and on a smaller scale family, and have begun to focus on personal gain and investment. Individualism is a mainly North American viewpoint that involves placing emphasis on the individual, rather than focusing on the group. Individualism looks at the â€Å"I† instead of the â€Å"We†, and this can be translated into a cause of the recent divorce rates seen in North America. With individualism, people stop staying together for the kids; if a person from an individualistic society feels unhappy, or just simply wants out, they get out. Alon g with individualism has come a need for personal happiness. Goode believes this may be a reason for the rise in divorce rates and says, â€Å"One might also suggest that the culprit has been the incorrigible romanticism of this population, cherishing the dream of romantic life in marriage, believing in the individual’s right to pursue happiness, so that the grubby reality of daily married life seems to many a personal defeat.† (Goode, pg. 180-181, World Changes in Divorce Patterns, 1993) This shift from cultural values to individual values has put major pressure and stress on existing ideas about what marriage is about. It is this stress that leads to many splits; therefore one can presume that individualism correlates with divorce. A third theory about the rise in divorce rates is a theory brought on by feminist and individualist theory. This is the idea that more families are converting to a dual-income household; that is; both partners in marriage are working and pursuing separate careers. Some people believe that some of these careers move away from each other and can pull two partners apart so each individual can pursue his or her career. Most dual-income families spend less time together than single income families; therefor these families have less time to grow to love each other and more time to grow apart. This theory can also be linked to divorce rates in the sense that if you are focused on making a career work, then it becomes more difficult to provide the focus it takes to make a marriage work. People are just giving up on marriage because it has become less important to them than economical status. The need for dual income families has, indeed, shifted mentalities to economics, rather than marriage or love, and this can impact on existing marriages. When it became almost necessary for both partners to have careers, a strain was put on marriages, and this strain has aided in the spike of divorce rates. The focus is no longer on traditional male/breadwinner, female/homemaker roles, and this has been hard to adapt to for many people. Some people can not adapt, or could not adapt quickly enough to this change, so the force of separate careers pulled couples apart, often times ending marriages in divorce. A branch of the dual income effect is role conflict. Role conflict exists when there is scarce time to be divided between work and family. Gary L. Cooper and Suzan Lewis say â€Å"When people feel torn between the needs of their children and the demands of work, the subsequent conflict can be very distressing.† (Cooper, Lewis, pg. 78, Managing The New Work Force, 1994) This distress can, and often does lead to separation, or, in some cases, Divorce. Cooper and Lewis go on to say â€Å" Problems may arise if partners lack the time and energy to provide the practical or emotional support associated with having a homemaker wife.† (Cooper, Lewis, pg. 120, Managing The New Work Force, 1994) this is essentially saying that with the incorporation of new family ideas comes a change from traditional roles, that, in turn, may produce a lack of actions or support that has grown to be the norm in society. This can cause many problems as dual income situations may remove comfort areas of a relationship and, by doing this, a more stressful situation is created, which may eventually lead to divorce. Each of these theories can provide valuable insight on the rise of divorce rates over the past sixty years, but not one can be considered a cause, and one can not be labeled as more important than the other can. Feminist theory brings up a good point in the sense that it discusses the liberation of women and the new ideas and rights of women today. The points listed above are solid arguments to support the fact that divorce rates do correlate with the feminist movement. The same can be said for dual income families. One can see that there is a correlation with the movement from traditional families and an increase in divorce rates. Again, the same can be said for individualism. With society moving from collectivism into individualism, the sense of family solidarity can be lost. This is why all three theories are applicable to the rise of divorce rates, and these rates will continue to rise as societal value changes.

Leadership Preferences in Japan an exploratory study

Leadership Preferences in Japan an exploratory study Introduction Japan is one of the most rapidly growing economies in the larger Asian continent. Many researchers have attempted to explore the various ways of life in this country including their institutional management, culture, and other diverse peculiar preferences. This report paper will offer a summary of the work conducted in finding out the most preferred leadership styles by Japanese followers in relation to the appropriateness of the Bass and Avolio’s full-range leadership model.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Leadership Preferences in Japan: an exploratory study specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It will discuss the purpose of the research, the research methodology used, the findings, the problems encountered and their practical implications, and finally the impact of the Bass and Avolio’s and House’s leadership theories. Objective The case study sought to explore the most preferred lea dership styles by the Japanese followers. The appropriateness of the entire Bass and Avolio’s model of leadership was also investigated. The research provides a review of the existing literature concerning the various leadership styles and theories, and culture that can be considered to influence the preference of a given way of leadership, especially by the Japanese followers. The case study provides the nine scales of leadership extracted from Bass and Avolio’s full-range leadership model which most western researchers over the last two decades have considered it to have a universal influence. On the contrary, this case study explores the suitability of this model to the led people of Japan. Methods In order to come up with reliable findings and conclusion, the study mostly used a qualitative approach in the collection of data. Templates and numerous contents were also analysed. The data was collected in two phases: Phase 1 involved the use of semi-structured intervi ews while questionnaires were used during the second Phase. Three research questions were used: What are the perceptions of Japanese followers regarding contemporary culture? What are the perceptions of Japanese followers towards Bass and Avolio’s full-range leadership model? Are there aspects of leadership not covered by Bass and Avolio’s full-range leadership model, which can be defined as culture-specific conceptualisations of Japanese leadership? This study involved 12 Japanese interviewees (five females and seven males), with an average age of 32.5. The respondents were Japanese employees and they identified themselves as followers under the supervision of Japanese leaders, and were drawn from several industries in Japan. The subjects were asked three general questions at random. The first one sought to know the respondent’s recognition of Japanese leadership; the second enquired the kind of leader that the interviewee would like to work with, and lastly, the subject’s perception of Japanese culture. The data collected constituted Phase 1 and were analysed by template.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Phase 2 of the study involved the use of questionnaires and composed of 57 Japanese respondents (38 males and 19 females with an average age of 33.1) who were drawn from a cross-section of Japanese industries. The questions were a further breakdown of the first three used in Phase 1 into 15 of them. Unlike in phase 1, Phase 2 was analysed by the content of the questionnaires. The language used in both phases was Japanese but the authors translated it into English. Results The interview results (Phase 1): According to the study, most of the interviewees, when asked about the trend of the Japanese culture, their responses implied that the Japanese culture and the management systems have been changing as a result of internationalisation, the impact of the bubble economy, and the financial crisis experienced in Asia. Furthermore, they identified a significant change from male chauvinism to gender equality, as reflected in the ever increasing number of female employees in virtually all Japanese places of work. However, two male interviewees suggested that male chauvinism, in their perception, still existed. Two of them suggested that collectivism was still part and parcel of Japanese culture while two interviewees indicated that there had been a significant change from collectivism to individualism. Moreover, two interviewees thought seniority was still part of Japanese work culture. In the contrary, five suggested that meritocracy was on the rise. On the other hand, eleven interviewees provided their responses concerning the Bass and Avolio’s full-range leadership styles. Firstly, despite the fact that idealized influence attributed is one of the five transformational leadership styles which are expected to be the most effective as far as enhancing performance is concerned, only two interviewees approved its use. Nine of them indicated negative attitude towards this style of leadership.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Leadership Preferences in Japan: an exploratory study specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Six interviewees were positive about the use of idealized influence behaviours style of leadership. The collective sense of mission and the keenness towards decision-making exhibited by such leaders was their core reason for liking the style. However, five of the interviewees expressed their dislike, emphasising that in business, what matters most is the â€Å"outcome.† Moreover, although it is one of the core transformational styles of leadership, the study had only five interviewees approving the use of inspirational motivation. Some of them suggested that any leader in Japan who talked optimistically about the future was no longer effective following the burst of Japan’s economy. Most of them explained that followers needed a leader who has a proper understanding of managing risk and contingency plans instead of a ‘hopeful’ leader. All the 11 interviewees approved a leader who exhibits the intellectual stimulation style. This was due to their belief that such a leader has the potential of solving the day to day problems and proposing strategies of handling future issues. Individualised consideration, on the other hand, was supported by seven interviewees. The interviewees who approved of such a style considered its effectiveness especially as companies increasingly focused on individual performance and competences. This follows the perceived growth of meritocracy in Japan. Those interviewees who were negative on this style of leadership suggested that group targets might not be achieved if the leader focuses on individual needs. Contingent rewa rd, which is a transactional style of leadership, and supposed to be less effective compared to the five transformational styles of leadership in motivating the workers to optimum out put, was supported by 8 interviewees. They suggested that the use of rewards depending on performance to motivate employees was very effective in enhancing motivation. For the case of management-by-exception active, one interviewee claimed that it was not dispensable while the rest did not endorse it, either. They argued that such leaders cause tension in the work place and hence less motivation of followers. Similarly, management-by exception passive was not approved by any of the interviewees and they expressed their unilateral dislike of the laissez-faire leadership approach.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The third part of the study evaluated the Japanese leadership styles. The opinions of the interviewees on the actual styles of leadership in Japan included directive leadership, participative leadership, social activities outside work, and overtime-work. Two interviewees explained that their leaders embraced directive style of leadership where they give specific orders to be strictly followed, whereas three interviewees mentioned participative leadership. Two of them saw this type of leader as very accommodative and one claimed that the participative style can be problematic if the leader cannot make own decisions. Eight interviewees approved the need for social activities outside work. Seven explained that such activities provide the platform for followers to interact with their leaders and share openly. Furthermore, six interviewees mentioned overtime-work. Most of them thought that there was still overtime-work in most Japanese companies and that the length of the overtime-work d epends, to some degree, on the type of leader in charge. During the study, Protective, network, and gender equality leadership was mentioned by the interviewees. Four interviewees approved the protective leader who can stand up for them and defend them from the onslaught of senior mangers. On the other hand, three interviewees supported the network leadership and expected their leader to help them advance in their career-path by being influential. Furthermore, gender equality was mentioned by three subjects. Two of the interviewees saw it as appropriate for the then current state of affairs in Japan. Only one interviewee considered this idea as being superficial and a western ideology without any relevant Japanese adjustment. The questionnaire results (Phase 2) From the study, 30 respondents, representing 52.6 % felt that the Japanese culture had some convergence with the Western culture as a result of globalisation. 24 (42.1%) thought that internationalisation had not caused any co nvergence between Japanese and western culture, and a low 5.3% were not sure whether there was any convergence. In relation to Bass and Avolio’s full-range leadership model, 51 respondents provided useful information concerning the type of leader(s) whom they would prefer to work with or under. The responses were initially compared with the nine â€Å"assumed categories† from Bass and Avolio’s full-range leadership model. The content analysis method was used in the comparison. From the analyses, 51 % approved the individualised consideration while intellectual stimulation received seven positive comments. Contingent reward, on the other hand, had five respondents supporting it while management-by-exception active had two. Inspirational motivation, idealised influence behaviour, and idealised influence attributed each received one positive comment. Moreover, management-by-exception passive and laissez-faire were approved by none of the respondents. When asked to comment about their individual preferences towards Bass and Avolio’s full-range leadership style, according to the study, most of the respondents did not endorse many of the transformational styles of leadership. In fact, 34 respondents, representing 59.6 % of the respondents, were positive about contingent reward, which is a transactional style of leadership. As for the Japanese leadership styles, the study investigated both the actual and the preferred styles of leadership. 49 responses were considered useful for the research analysis. The participative leadership was the most mentioned followed by directive leadership. Authoritarian and protective leadership follow respectively. Next, there were the bargaining and laissez-faire, followed by supportive style. The ones that were least mentioned are punctual and egocentric leadership. Further findings reveal that Japanese followers believe that their leaders base their judgments more upon their own abilities, competences, and performances instead of gender differences or age. 68.4 % of the respondents approved the worth of overtime-work. Practical implications From the analysis of the findings of both the interviews and questionnaires, leaders who work in Japan would find this case study very useful. It helps them know the preferred styles of leadership within the Bass and Avolio’s full-range leadership model. The leaders will then adjust accordingly for better results. Implications for future research This case study concludes that it is important for researchers to carry out investigations which are culture-specific, for instance in Japan. The case study further notes that western theories should not be generalised under all contexts. The findings provide the link between traditional and modern leadership approaches. The challenge encountered in the study was the small representation of the Japanese people in the research. Future researches should involve more subjects to enhance the credibilit y of the findings. Conclusion This report has attempted to provide a summary of the research into the suitability of Bass and Avolio’s full-range leadership model to the Japanese context. It has highlighted major findings both from the interviews and questionnaires. The highly endorsed style of leadership was the contingent reward. Notably, this was found to contradict the earlier assumption by the Bass and Avolio’s full-range leadership model which is not comprehensive when it comes to leadership preferences by Japanese followers.

Humanities Ethics Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Humanities Ethics - Coursework Example On his premises, he developed a peculiar understanding of the human nature with regard to the moral choices that the human made. 2. What human actions are considered moral? Three examples were given by Hume to illustrate the moral position on human action and these sentiments are the major drivers of moral application. These included incest, murder and ingratitude. He sought to emphasize the reason why incest is perceived to be wrong with humans, while the same action when replicated in animals is not wrong (White, 31). To illustrate his point, Hume argued that there are no ideas or fact that support why incest is wrong in humans but the same action in animals is perceived normal. Referring to incest, He noted that there is no difference between human beings and animal actions, but only that the human being can disprove this claim. He also used deliberate murder, whether it is right or wrong and whether there are ideas or facts that support the wrongness of an action. He said that mu rder is wrong and that is a fact, but people dismiss that fact and intentionally murder. Concerning ingratitude, he argued that it is a crime, which lacks observable facts or any set of relation to ideas, but a conflict and a conviction of the mind. It is the feeling of indifference or ill will after being ungrateful. 3. What actions are often considered to lead to moral or immorality? After dismissing morals as products of facts or ideas but mere sets of sentimentalism, it is therefore clear that Hume’s way suggests that human actions are majorly guided by sentiments in as far as morality is concerned. It further asserts that reasons cannot be applied to undertake a moral action because the two (morals and Reasoning) are completely unrelated (White, 31). Contributing to Hume’s concerns on morality and human, James stipulates that â€Å"if morality had naturally no influence on human passion and action.† Moreover, he claimed, â€Å"it would be in vain to take s uch pains to inculcate it and nothing would be more fruitless than that multitude of rules and precepts with which moralists abound† (White, 31). He notes that as a practical division, morality is supposed to play an integral role in directing the human passion and action. He reiterates that because of morality the human beings, they are governed by their duties, deterred from certain actions due to the feeling of injustice and compelled to undertake certain actions as matters of obligation. 4. What actions that influences morality Acknowledging that human actions are influenced by their morals, it is infallible to depict reason as the causal subject. These premises justify that human actions are seldom determined by reason but rather sentiments. Morals have a peculiar way of exciting or stimulating human action, which results from doing the action or stopping it. James then states that conclusions cannot be extracted from the rules of morality. In line with Hume’s argu ment, James also observes that most of the human action and the outcome of such actions are elements of fact or reasons. He used willful murder as an example to establish if there exists a fact in human action. For instance, if the action is examined in all aspects there is no matter of fact or any real existence that may qualify the action as a vice. In response, only motives, passion, volitions and thoughts are present in this aspect (White, 31). In most cases, things

Working conditions in the uk Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Working conditions in the uk - Essay Example However, to qualify an unemployed person one need to have the willingness and ability to work, officially designated to be in the category of ‘working age’, actively seeking a job. Unemployment for the youth is one of those contentious political issues which are also acting as a burden for the people leading their life through it. According to international Labour Organization, around 73 million young people are still unemployed which is having a significant impact on the global economy and is literally turning into a global concern (Martin, 2014). The graph above clearly shows that the level of youth unemployment is increasing at a steady pace. The reasons for the increasing unemployment rate vary across the national context. As a result of that it is difficult to track one single cause for which the rate of youth unemployment is continuously fluctuating. In this paper, the focus will be on the youth employment level of UK and the same will be analyzed from the point of view of the government and through moral frameworks. In UK, the age bracket for qualifying as an unemployed youth it is 18-25 years. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) found that presently the total numbers of unemployed youth in UK is around 950,000 people and it accounts to almost 23% of the total qualified youth people (Mount, 2013). One of the biggest distressing facts is that the number is too high when compared with the other nations of European Union such as Netherlands, Denmark, Germany and Belgium. The high levels of youth unemployment in UK have led some of the media commentators and politicians to talk about â€Å"the lost generation† (Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Work and Pensions Committee, 2012). Some of the key consequences of youth unemployment is it lowers the potential wages. Apart from that it also increases the probability of a worker experiencing unemployment during the adulthood period. Some of the industry

Question's about the Otto group Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Question's about the Otto group - Assignment Example Because international expansion involves much strategic planning, the Otto Group has had to design a multichannel strategy that can be successful in any environment. The key to success on a global scale is to be flexible and go along with local market conditions. The Otto Group has planned this level of international expansion well by refocusing its strategic capabilities toward these areas. Although the company has been successful before with direct marketing channels, the Otto Group will need to change its focus to internet services because this is the way that modern shopping trends are going. The key is to make sure that customers buy into this e-commerce strategy and respond well to it. The firm appears to prefer takeovers and acquisitions going by its recent history in Europe. The reason for this is because these entry modes are less risky and the company can safeguard some of its investment. The markets of Central and Eastern Europe, although relatively untouched, can be risky for outsiders to enter because there is not a great deal of economic stability. It makes sense that the Otto Group would want to use an already existing brand because this saves on start-up costs. Conversely, in the United States the company seems to have learned its lesson. After a failed acquisition in 2009, the Otto Group returned the following year with a Greenfield investment. This makes sense because the American economy is relatively stable and the company can maintain greater control over business operations. The Otto Group is entering the US market again because it realizes the mistakes that it made before. Acquiring a US company does not allow the Otto Group to use its own innovations to reach the American consumer. Now that the company has "got its feet wet," the Otto Group knows what it needs to do to succeed and it is now willing to use its own resources and capabilities. With its prior attempt, the Otto

Analyse and Critically evaluate Human Factors when applied to a Case Essay

Analyse and Critically evaluate Human Factors when applied to a Case Study - Essay Example It was during September 11, 2001 a major catastrophe took place at the World Trade Center. The American Airlines Flight 587 collide also took place after two months of this assault. Various aspects such as the date, airline, location, eyewitness and time along with the aircraft size made people sceptic of the fact that the crash was another terrorist attempt. As per the Northeast Intelligence Network, Al-Qaeda listed that the crash was among one of its successes. Furthermore, the Canadian activist who was collaborating with authorities recommended that the fact that shoe bomb was used for causing such attack. However, National Transportation Safety Board officially did not announce the cause to be a terrorist activity (DailyMail, 2011). It was further noted that the plane’s vertical stabilizer as well as wheels separated during the flight. It fell into Jamaica Bay. The engines of the plane also separated during the flight. It fell various blocks north as well as east of the main wreckage location. It was because of the post crash fire that destroyed the plane completely. The A300-600 took off soon after the Japan Airlines Boeing 747-400 took off from the same runway. The first officer tried to maintain the plane standing with alternating belligerent rudder inputs. The strength of air was generally against the rudder that pressurised the vertical stabiliser and hence broke it off completely because of which the plane lost its control and crashed. According to the National Transportation Safety Board the huge stress upon the rudder was because of the first officer’s needless as well as unnecessary rudder input. It was not because of the wake turbulence led by 747. NTSB also stated the fact that first of ficer’s attempt at deterring to make use of additional inputs would have assisted in making the aircraft stabilised. The way in which the vertical stabiliser detached bothered investigators. According to

TV Character Evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

TV Character Evaluation - Essay Example The ego operates as a psychic mechanism that is partially conscious partly preconscious. It controls pour thinking, reasoning, judging and evaluating functions. The super ego functions like a moral controller that is not present at birth. Because, children do whatever which is pleasurable to them. Super ego controls ego’s activities as well (Morris and Maisto, 2002, p 419-420). Morris and Maisto (2002) stated that Carl Jung’s analytical psychology concept agrees with some of the tenets of Freud’s theory, but, it is still different in many other ways. According to Carl Jung’s most original concept Collective Unconscious, the memories and behavior pattern are inherited from past generations and hence it is shared by all humans (p.424). Carl Jung’s theory emphasizes that human mind creates a common set of concepts or ‘archetypes’ like ‘mother’ and ‘hero’ and these have almost same images throughout human minds and these appear in our mind as typical mental or mythical images. He recognized people as either extroverts who concern the external worlds or introverts who concern more about their own private worlds. He also divided people as rational individuals who regulate their things by thinking and feeling and irrational individuals who do things based on their perceptions (Morris and Maisto, 2005, p 424-425). Carl Roger theorized that people develop their personalities in a positive service goal. Carl Roger identified ‘self actualizing tendency’ which is the tendency of human mind to become the best of what ever a particular person’s innate capacities born with. He argued that self actualization characterizes animals and plants as well (Morris and Maisto, 2002, p 424-425). According to him, when one’s self actualization is fully matched with innate capacities, he is fully functioning person. People tend to become fully functioning when they are more likely to be treated with

Analyse and Critically evaluate Human Factors when applied to a Case Essay

Analyse and Critically evaluate Human Factors when applied to a Case Study - Essay Example It was during September 11, 2001 a major catastrophe took place at the World Trade Center. The American Airlines Flight 587 collide also took place after two months of this assault. Various aspects such as the date, airline, location, eyewitness and time along with the aircraft size made people sceptic of the fact that the crash was another terrorist attempt. As per the Northeast Intelligence Network, Al-Qaeda listed that the crash was among one of its successes. Furthermore, the Canadian activist who was collaborating with authorities recommended that the fact that shoe bomb was used for causing such attack. However, National Transportation Safety Board officially did not announce the cause to be a terrorist activity (DailyMail, 2011). It was further noted that the plane’s vertical stabilizer as well as wheels separated during the flight. It fell into Jamaica Bay. The engines of the plane also separated during the flight. It fell various blocks north as well as east of the main wreckage location. It was because of the post crash fire that destroyed the plane completely. The A300-600 took off soon after the Japan Airlines Boeing 747-400 took off from the same runway. The first officer tried to maintain the plane standing with alternating belligerent rudder inputs. The strength of air was generally against the rudder that pressurised the vertical stabiliser and hence broke it off completely because of which the plane lost its control and crashed. According to the National Transportation Safety Board the huge stress upon the rudder was because of the first officer’s needless as well as unnecessary rudder input. It was not because of the wake turbulence led by 747. NTSB also stated the fact that first of ficer’s attempt at deterring to make use of additional inputs would have assisted in making the aircraft stabilised. The way in which the vertical stabiliser detached bothered investigators. According to

Db1 strategic management of human assests Research Paper

Db1 strategic management of human assests - Research Paper Example Mission statements are considered as one of the most widely used management tools, which help an organization to achieve those important goals and objectives for necessary conditions of long- term activity and market success (Bart, 2001). One of the leading nutrition, health and wellness companies in the world food market is the Swiss Nestle, which aims to provide its consumers with the best nutritious and tasting food and beverage for all occasions. To be the best food company, Nestle invests greatly into the development of its people, using one of its principles for each employee to have an opportunity to develop to the maximum of their potential. It conducts learning in literacy and local and international trainings for its employees, has apprenticeship programs worldwide and gives the possibility to the managers to take part in the external management training. The company actively supports work and life balance of its employees, encouraging them for flexible working conditions if possible. To retain talents within an organization, Nestle should think over the improvement of its strategy towards its employees. Thus, certain surveys will give better vision of what employees expect from the company and how the rela tionship between the management and its staff can be improved. Brodowsky, G. H. (1998). The effects of country of design and country of assembly on evaluative beliefs about automobiles and attitudes toward buying them: A comparison between high and low ethnocentric consumers. Journal of International Consumer Marketing, 10(3),

Uniformity of a Leader Essay Example for Free

Uniformity of a Leader Essay a. The Continental Army was created 14JUNE1776 and was primarily made up of civilians. They endured hardships but they had little organization. General Washington enlisted the help of the Prussian officer Baron Friedrich Von Steuben through Benjamin Franklin to teach the men drill. Discipline became a part of military life for these selected individuals as they learned to respond to command without hesitation. As the Americans mastered the art of drill, they began to work as a team and to develop a sense of pride in themselves and in their unit. b. Regulations published in 1779 establish the Army uniform as blue with colored facings based on region: white for New England; red for the Mid-Atlantic; and blue for the South. Musicians wore uniform coats in reverse colors. In 1782, blue coats faced red became standard for everyone except generals and staff officers. c. The Advanced Combat Uniform (ACU) started replacing the Battle Dress Uniform(BDU) and the Desert Camouflage Uniform (DCU) as the combat and garrison uniform in early 2005. d. In 2010, the MultiCam ACU was approved to wear for soldiers deploying to Afghanistan. 3. Importance of Uniformity as a Leader- a. The Army is a uniformed service where discipline is judged, in part, by the manner in which a soldier wears a prescribed uniform, as well as by the individual’s personal NGOK-RTI-GSO SUBJECT: History and Importance of Uniformity as a Leader appearance. Therefore, a neat and well-groomed appearance by all soldiers is fundamental to the Army and contributes to building the pride and esprit essential to an effective military force. A vital ingredient of the Army’s strength and military effectiveness is the pride and self discipline that American soldiers bring to their Service through a conservative military image. It is the responsibility of commanders to ensure that military personnel under their command present a neat and soldierly appearance. Therefore, in the absence of specific procedures or guidelines, commanders must determine a soldier’s compliance with standards in this regulation. Soldiers must take pride in their appearance at all times, in or out of uniform, on and off duty. Pride in appearance includes soldiers’ physical fitness and adherence to acceptable weight standards, in accordance with AR 600–9.(AR 670-1 Paragraph 1-7a, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia 03 February 2005) b. Every soldier has certain duties, responsibilities, and most have some level of authority. You should know what these are and how they apply to you. One of your obligations as a soldier is to carry out your duties to standard and the best of your ability. Bear your responsibilities knowing that you are part of a great team that only works well when each of its members do their best. If you are in a leadership position, exert authority to build the team and develop your soldiers. Your fellow soldiers are depending on you each and every day to make tough decisions based on your rank and duty position. (FM 7-21.13, Chapter 3-1, 15 October 2003) c. Uniformity helps keep soldiers safe. By creating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), soldiers will know where to find important items to help their comrades when injured during battle. e. Keeping a soldier on track is the key element in solving performance problems. Motivated soldiers keep the group functioning and training productive. Ultimately soldiers accomplish the training objectives, and most importantly, the mission. Some leaders believe that soldiers work as expected simply because that is their job. That may be true, but soldiers and leaders also need a simple pat-on-the-back once in a while, for a job well done. Good leaders praise their soldiers and care about the job they are doing. Soldiers not performing to standard need correction. (FM 7-21.13, Chapter 3-45, 15 October 2003) f. Pride in self starts with pride in appearance. Army leaders are expected to look and act like professionals. They must know how to wear the appropriate uniform or civilian attire and do so with pride. Soldiers seen in public with their jackets unbuttoned and ties undone do not send a message of pride and professionalism. Instead, they let down their unit and fellow Soldiers in the eyes of the American people. Meeting prescribed height and weight standards is another integral part of the professional role. How leaders carry themselves when displaying military courtesy and appearance sends a clear signal: I am NGOK-RTI-GSO SUBJECT: History and Importance of Uniformity as a Leader proud of my uniform, my unit, and my country.

Business analysis of Procter and Gamble

Business analysis of Procter and Gamble William Procter and James Gamble form Procter and Gamble, a partnership in Cincinnati, Ohio, to manufacture and sell candles and soap. He established Procter and Gamble in 1837 in united States of America. The leading maker of household products in the United States, PG operate in nearly 80 countries around the world and markets its nearly 300 brands in more than 160 countries, more than the half of the companys revenue are derived overseas. Among its products, which fall into the main categories like: Fabric care Beauty care Family care Health care Baby care Home care and beverages Are 16 that generate the more than $1 billion in annual revenues, actonel (osteoporosis treatment), Always (feminine protection), Ariel, and also Tide (laundry care), bath room tissues and also crest products, shampoos like Head Shoulder, pampers, Pringles etc. PG provide the branded products and services of superior quality and value that improve the lives of the worlds consumers. As a result consumer will reward us with leadership sales, profit and value creation allowing our people, our shareholders, and the communities which will make the beginning of the marketing of branded products. PG buying Raw materials and converted into the finished goods to sell in the market. PG is a multinational company which was formed in 1837. PG 1837 Launch: Maker of Candles and Soap. Both men had emigrated from the United Kingdom. William Procter had emerged from England in 1832 after his woollens shop in London was destroyed by fire and burglary. The suggestion for the partnership apparently came from their mutual father- in- law. Alexander Norris, who pointed out that Gambles trade, soap making, and Procters trade, candle making, both required use of lye which was made from animal fat and wood ashes. PG is one of the worlds leading suppliers of fast moving customer goods. PG is a well reputed company all around the world which is satisfying its customers by proving fast moving consumer goods. PG is public limited company and also listed on the NYSE. PG has operation nearly about 80 countries around the world and its market is nearly 300 brands in more than 160 countries all over the world. They deal in all kinds of products from animal foodstuff to foods and detergents plus other personal and consumer products, to which it spreads its vast knowledge and resource. PG Corporate Strategies: Growth Strategy: After 1857 the company go into new market and decide to expand and update its facilities. In 1869 the transcontinental railroad linked the two coasts and opened still more markets to PG. In 1875 the company hired its first full-time chemist to work with James Gamble on new products, including a soap that was equal in quality to expensive castile soaps, but which could be produce less expensively. In 1878 PG white soap hit the market and catapulted PG to the forefront of its industry and sales were twice in detergents, personal products and packaged foods. The success of Ivory and the ability of PG to spread its message further through the use of national advertising caused the company to grow rapidly in the 1880s. In 1886 PG opened its new Ivorydale and improve the quality and consistency of PG products. PG soon introduce another successful brand: Lenox soap. Marketed as a heavier-duty product, the yellow soap helped PG reach sales of more than $3 million by 1889. Restructuring Strategy: In 1990 PG restructured its brand management system into a matrix system. PG that year launched a major restructuring effort aimed at making the companys brand name products more price competitive with private label and generic brands, brining products to market faster and improving overall profitability. The program involved severe cost-cutting, including the closure of 30 plants around the world and elimination of 13,000 jobs, or 12 percent of PG total workforce. Category managers became responsible for several brands, making them sensitive to the profit of other PG products in their areas. PG continued to compete against one another, but far less activity. The restructuring also eliminated certain layers of management, quickening the decision making process. PG core businesses were foods, soap, and detergents, toilets etc. Harley Procter develops a new soaps potential. Harley Procter was inspired to rename the soap by Psalm 45, all thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassi a, out of the Ivory places where they have made thee glad. Procter, committed to the excellence of the companys products, had them analyze and improve even before they went to market. This was the origin of PGs superior product development Divestment and Retrenchment: PG invest a lot of money on the advertisement for his product but the return is not enough from the product and they dont capture the large part of the market. So the management of the PG decides that they only focus on their core brands and it ended the 20th century with a strategic plan, later called the Path to Growth that included a focus on the top brands within core sectors and an emphasis on growth within developing countries. PG redirect the money it saved from trade promotion for direct marketing efforts that helped bring coupon and sample programs to targeted groups for brands with narrow customer bases such as Pampers, Clearasil, and Oil of Olay. Branding Strategy: PG launched a shampoo (Pantene Pro V) in 1992 in the United States, this product capture the huge market in the US. In 1994 PG entered the European tissue and towel market through the purchase Vereingte Papierwerke Schickedanz AGs European tissue unit. That year also saw PG reenter the South African market following the lifting of US sanctions. Among new products introduce in 1999 was swiffer also an electrostatic dusting mop that was part of new category of household product (quick cleaning). The Swiffer line went on to become one of PGs fastest-growing brands of the early 2000s. Innovation Strategy: PG introduce first detergent (Tide) product 1946 in the United State. Within two year tide backed by a $21 million advertising budget, was the number one laundry detergent. Tide remained the number one laundry detergent into 21st century. In 1950 cheer was introduced as bluing detergent and over the years other laundry products were also marketed: Dash in 1954, Downy in 1960, Bold in 1965, Ariel in 1967 was the number one detergent. 1950 is highly profitable for the company. After five year another innovation of the PG establish itself in the toilets business with crest toothpaste. In 1960 American Dental Association endorsed crest, and the product was on its way to becoming the countrys number one toothpaste nudging past Colgate in 1962. Merger Acquisition Strategy: In 1980 PG acquire the grocery business through a number of acquisitions, including Ben Hill Griffin citrus products. The company also entered the over-the-counter drug market with the 1982 purchase of Norwich-Eaton Pharmaceuticals; the company completed its biggest purchase in 1985 with the acquisition of the Richardson-Vicks company maker of Vicks respiratory care products, cold remedies and oil of Olay skin care products, this purchase make the PG a leader in over the counter drug sales. In 1988 PG made its first move into the cosmetics and planned to further develop its international operation. 1955 there was a rapid economic growth in the Western World. During that time PG strategy was to takeover or acquires new companies in new geographical areas. PG strategy was to acquire those companies who were in the food and chemical manufacturing. In March 2001 PG reached an agreement with the Coca-Cola Company to create a $4 billion joint venture designed to join Cokes Minute Maid bran d and distribution network with PG Pringles chips and Sunny delight drink brands. PG also acquired in 2001 was Dr. Johns SpinBrush, maker of a battery-powered toothbrush featuring spinning bristles that at $5 was much cheaper than existing electric toothbrushes. Soon thereafter, the newly named crest SpinBrush was successfully launched. In 2001 PG also were crest Whitestrips, a tooth whitening product. These two new products helped increase global sales of the Crest brand by 50 percent, propelling it past the $1 billion mark during fiscal 2002. Business Strategy Growth Strategy: In 1902 PG to expand its business in the cleaning industry in the market, for this purpose PG opened a new plant in 1904 in Island, New York. After this PG also introduce a beauty soap Camay in 1920, company started to expand its product lines and also the market capacities. In 1946 it had made a synthetic detergent. The PG business strategy also include the acquiring the small firms within the geographical areas, and in the mid 1950 PG also acquired a Kentucky food company. The 1950 is highly profitable for the company because in this year company make a lot of acquiring small companies and also establish new business like detergent through which company earn a huge profit and also entered in the cosmetics business. They opened different market throughout the European market. Cost Leadership: In 1980 company mainly focus on its production setup. To open new market throughout Europe, these things for the PG can go anywhere it thought that production cost will be minimum. PG started their business in those areas where the production cost, labor cost, raw material cost is minimum, because these areas were best economically for the company point of view. Diversification: PG diversified in many businesses like in 1946 in detergent and also diversified in the cosmetic business, to open the market throughout the Europe. In 2001 PG also make a joint venture with the Coca-Cola Company to create a $4 billion joint venture designed to join Cokes Minute Maid brand and distribution network with PGs Pringles chips and Sunny Delight drink brands. Operational Strategy: Research Development: PG doing a lot of research to improve the quality of its product, domestically and also internationally, PG flexible management structure and diverse product range play an important role in the rapidly changing international market. PG broad product range directed to overall profit increases in the company. In 1886 PG opened its new Ivorydale plant on the edge of Cincinnati to keep up with demand. In 1890 James N. Gamble hired a chemist, Harly James Morrison, to set up laboratory at Ivorydale and improve the quality and consistency of PGs products. PG soon introduce another successful brand: Lenox soap. Marketed as a heavier-duty product, yellow soap helped PG reach sales of more than $3 million by 1889. 2. Current Strategic Situation of PG SWOT Analysis of PG (S)trengths: PG has a strong brand name and it is a multinational company because it is a fast moving international consumer goods company which is operating more than 160 countries all over the world. PG is a well known reputable global organization and is well known all over the world and have big brand impact on the market all over the world. It has created goodwill in the mind of the customer and PG have more 300 brands all over the world with and 138,000 employees across the world. Research and development is the key department for the PG for the innovation of the products and also the advertising and marketing is the key thing for the PG. Strong research and development network helps it to develop new products and entre into new markets. PG invest greatly in its research and development to about $2 billion are invested every year by PG for improving and introducing new products PG is a global leader in different product like fabric, home, and beauty care in different countries. Strongest brand in the world is the biggest strength of the PG. PG is tightly integrated with some of the largest retailers in the US as well as world around and also around the world the world have distribution channels. ÂÂ   (W)eaknesses: PG acquired Clairol business in year 2001; it was unable to grow this business. The Clairol herbal essence brand failed to enter new markets as the market had access to better and innovation products. So many top brands of the PG are losing their share market rapidly PG has a lack on focus on advertisement of its brand because people do not have clear idea about the products of PG. People mostly not aware about the brand of the product like Pantene Pro V and other cosmetics and detergent products. (O)pportunities: Opportunity for the PG is health and beauty products for men, with the acquisition of Gillette; the company now has several growth opportunities in this market segment. PG has doubled its environment goals for the year 2012 and thus promises more value for the environment concerned customer today. Almost in all over the world growth rate is increasing which in turn increases the demand of products and necessities and especially in Asia the market is growing at a faster rate as compare to other continents so they have a to attract new entrants. (T)hreats: There is big threat for the PG is in the fast moving consumers goods market today. Companies like Unilever and Kimberly Clark, Johnson Johnson and Colgate-Palmolive etc pose a serious threat for the PG in different countries. Political condition is the biggest threat for any company because each country has their own rule and regulation of taxes and other things. This is the biggest threat for the PG PESTLE Analysis: (P)olitical Factor: Political factors some time make a very big impact on the companies; every country has different condition and rule of the taxes within the business sector. In some countries there are heavy taxes and there are some countries like in Europe where taxes are not so much. (E)conomical Factors: PG also affected by the economical factor because every country has different economical condition, for example like in Asia people have only average scale jobs and earn average money in a month, so they do not afford costly products and also affected by the inflation rate. But PG has the biggest brand all over the world they set the price according to the area point of view and target the customer according to geographical location. So it can get easily to finance and earn money in the every part of the world and also PG has the biggest strong brand image in the world (S)ocio cultural factors: Today world is very fast and technological world; people are very well educated and have different life style according to their value and beliefs. They have well known knowledge about the products that they use and they know each and every thing of the world. (T)echnological Factors: PG spending a lot of money on their research and development department and always looking for the new innovation in the world. Porters Five Forces Analysis Bargaining power of customer: Bargaining power of the customer is high because there is a lot of same product of the different companies available in the market at the almost same prices. PG is produce the consumer product and its customer are individual or large number of individual in the different geographical areas, thats why bargaining power of the customer is high. Due to the fast and the technological world people is very much awareness about the product and its brand. Mostly today people are very price conscious and health conscious. This thing affect PG and increase the buyer power of purchasing. Threat of new entrants: There is a lot of existing competitors in the market and they have low cost while if new competitors want to enter in the market, the cost will be high for them, and the cost like property, land, equipment, transportation cost, fixed cost. These all costs recover, if you have high sales in the market and the production of the products. But the PG multinational company and has the big brand name in the market to meet the customer needs. So it does not face any difficulty to produce the product in the market, it is difficult for the new player which enter into the market first time. But in some countries the government asks the investor to come and invest money in the tax free industrial zone. In that area it is possible for the new entrant to enter into the market. Bargaining power of suppliers: Bargaining power of supplier of the PG is that, if PG rely on the few suppliers with a large volume it can create a problem for them. In order to reduce their supplier power, they have a good supply system, due to which their switching cost is low. PG As Unilever is getting fresh milk on a much lower rate as compared to its processed milk rate, and also fresh milk is a commodity, so it does not cost much to Unilever. Here power remains with the UnileverUnilever do not have any threat from their suppliers of forward integration as it is a high capital requirement industry and their suppliers are small and do not have ability to forward integrate. Threat of substitute: As people are well educated and they know the other substitute in the market like local seller, through internet buying. But Unilever has created a brand image because it is supplying quality products. So the switching cost is low.The prices of substitutes are lower when we compare them with other substitutes. But the quality which Unilever is providing is not the same. And convenience because Unilever products can be purchased from anywhere. So buyers can easily switch to substitutes whenever they want to switch. So, the threat for substitute is low. Degree of Rivalry: The major competitors are Procter and Gamble, Kraft and Nestle.As it is a fast moving consumer goods industry. So the growth in this industry is so high. So there is a big gap mean competition is low.These businesses need high fixed costs, including their costs for distribution and advertisement.The switching cost is high because there is high fixed cost. Exit barriers also very high because the are performing their duties all over the world.So it is not easy to exit from the industry. Organization: Unilever is a multinational company which is doing its business in different parts of the world.Unilever recruit the local people of that region for their management and employees and then it train those people so that they can perform their jobs efictivelyfinall. Structure: Internal and external resources: Intangible Resources: Employees of Unilever are its intangible resources.It has brand awareness. It is a multinational company so its goodwill count. Outlook of their plants and their products. Research and development and good relationships with their customers. Tangible recources: Unilever has 500 plants in different countries.It has trained and skilled labour.It has a better transportation network. The products that they are providing. Capabilities: Unilever is doing its business in more than 170 countries.It has production 500 production plants in different.There are 400 core products of Unilever from which it is getting 100% return.It has 13 such products from which it is getting 75% of total sales.Unilever has grown 2.3% and its sales has been increased by 3.5% in 2009. Shareholder Powers: Unilever has shareholders from both Unilever PLC and Unilever NV. Shareholders of both companies has made the decisions which are implemented Unilever Global. Future Strategies: Corporate Strategy: Our future corporate strategy is to become No1 Globally in Fast Moving Consumer Goods by delivering innovative products and by fulfilling and satisfying consumer preferences. Business Strategies: Our business strategy is Market Penetration. We will emphasize on those products which are already in the local markets like lux, Knorr, Sunsilk, Omo, and Dove. We will go for Market Development by doing this we will introduce existing products in the new Geographical areas. Our strategy is cost Leadership strategy. In cost leadership strategy we will make plants in those geographical areas where the land cost, labour and cost as minimum and where are tax free zones. We will go for Asians and European countries where the people are more prices conscious. On the basis of my analysis as I have done earlier the bargaining power of buyer is low, Threat of substitute is low, Threat of new entrant is low, Bargaining power of supplier is low and competitiverivalryishigh.I recommend that Unilever will go for Marketing Ddevelopment.Unilever will increase its market share by expanding its products and by going in those areas in which it had not gone by doing this it can become better than its competitors. It is multinational company and financially it is so much strong Because its competitors are also very strong like Procter and Gamble and Kraft. As unilever is a multinational company so it has brand awareness in the customers mind. It will further develop its business in Asia countries Nepal and Bahrain. It will develop its plants in these countries. By going in these countries it can grow its business .As the per capita income of Bahrain is $27068 in 2009 and the GDP is $28.124 billion. Those areas where the people are not aware so much abo ut its brands it will go in those markets with new things. I recommend Unilever that it will go for market penetration in those areas where it is doing its business but its products are not so much accepted by the people. It means that people do not believe much on Unilever products because they think that its competitors Kraft, Proctor and Gamble, Nestle are providing better quality products. It will give a message to its customers by promotions that its products are unique as compare to its competitors. It will increase brand awareness. It will built trust in the customer mind about Unilever products. It will also attract customers to switch from its competitor products to its products. It will advertise more and more to gain the attention of its customers. Because by doing this it will retain its potential customers. It will also attract those customers which have been used its products but not retain with its. It will give use sales promotions for achieving the confidence of those customers. For example it will give options like by one g et one free. It will give the price discounts. It will give the points on purchasing more. It will also attract those customers who have not used its products before because they think they their competitors are giving more quality as compared to its products. It will also do personal selling means that it will build a strong relationship with its customers by giving free trials of its products and it will collect much and much information about its customers it will know the exact needs that what its customer wants.Unilever will increase its penetration by training of their distribution teams. It will invest more in its distribution network so that its products easily approach to its customers. I recommend that it will use Low cost strategy. For a new company that is going to enter in this industry the economies of scale is not easy and possible. A successful entry requires the company to have significant experience to stay in economies of scale. On the other side as fixed costs are high, so in order to recover its fixed costs a company has to produce in bulk thats required a huge market share. So in the end we can say that it is not easy for new entrants to enter the industry if they are not backed by huge financial investments and with a competent management, and product differentiation. In the end, we can conclude that threat of new entrants is minimum. Unilever has gain Economies of Scale and it is using New Technology. It will take a look on the prices of those products whose prices are too high because there are many countries where the economic conditions is not good like Pakistan where people cannot easily buy Unilever products because these products are costly than its competitors. So people give more preference to those products which are cheaper and which products are costly people shift to the competitors brands. Unilever should offer low price to their customers and by doing this it will win the confidence of those poor peoples who cannot afford Unilever brands. in those areas where the operating costs is too low. I recommend that Unilever will perform its functions as a single business unit. As It a part of two different companies one is Unilever PLC Listed on London stock exchange and the other is Unilever NV which is listed in the Netherland Stock exchange. Both companies are form a single financial report. Due to leadership structure it is not looking like a multinational. Because two different companies are holding one. It reduces the performance of the company. The conflicts between the Leadership and management are creating difficulties for the performance of the overall business. Because the decisions are made by the two different leadership authorities. Its structure should be simple. It will work like one Unilever and there will be cross functional management structure. Each department will emphasize on their responsibility. By doing this their performance will be increased. It will show the clarity of the leadership. Each department will be responsible for their assigned tasks and d uties. It will help Unilever to focus on the demand of the their customers. It will provide the balance of operations. I recommend that Unilever will do research and will do advertising for its core brands to click the mind that it is providing best quality product. It will show through the advertisement that it cares of its customers. It will emphasize on those products which are healthy for the customers. By introducing innovative products and knowing the needs of the customers it will increase its sales. I recommend that Unilever should emphasize and concrete more on its core brands like Knorr, Lipton, lux, omo, blue band, dove, sunsilk. And it will provide Good quality products those will be healthy and convenient for its customers. It will change the customers preferences by giving innovative products and by maintaining the quality of its products. I recommend that it will make its own selling stores where people can easily get its products. Like it will make franchises where the people easily get Unilever products.Unilever will also clear people perception about the Unilever products

Deer Hunting is Necessary :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is a freezing twenty-two degrees outside. Even though it is still too dark to see, as you look over the hills, you see a breathtaking sunrise that will soon creep through the heavy fog. Every breath that you take is like smoke coming out of a dragon’s nostrils. As you are waiting patiently, still, and quietly, you finally see your kill, the white-tail deer. Without a doubt, the white-tail deer should be hunted.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First, the population of the white-tail deer is entirely too big. In fact, there is a total of twenty-five million white-tail deer in the United States alone.1 Because of this enormous number of deer, they are constantly on the move. This means that they go straight to the roads. Ten thousand white-tail deer get hit by cars and die each year while they try to find new eating grounds.2 Not only is this wasting meat, but it causes severe damage to cars. Deer can even cause car accidents on the highway, killing humans as well. Also, deer are constantly getting pushed into the city because of little food due to the over-populated area of deer. Unfortunately, this causes a hassle in major cities when people try to catch the deer without harming it. Debra Fluitt, a citizen of Tulsa, Oklahoma, said, â€Å"Last year a big white-tail deer came into my very own house as I was unloading groceries. When the police tried to get it out, it destroyed over $800 worth of my belon gings and finally jumped through the window.† After the deer are captured in the city, they are taken back into an environment where food is scarce because of the over-populated deer that are already there. That deer then dies of starvation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Furthermore, the white-tail deer is destroying the environment day by day. They eat crops that humans need for survival. They eat all of the food in their area, so they have to come to our crops. In fact, several years ago, authorities passed the Buck Law, which was meant to stop hunting so many deer. Thanks to such strongly restricted laws, deer populations expanded rapidly but ended by causing serious damage to crops. The Buck Law was soon useless.3 A group of farmers in North Texas stated, â€Å"Each year, we lose more and more money because of those stupid white-tail deer. We can’t keep them away from our crops.

Ban a Pit bull, Save a Life: Why the Ontario Ban against Pit bull Terri

â€Å"Mom! Mom! The dogs got Cody. The dogs got Cody† (Vancouver Sun, 2007). Just a few days after Christmas in 2004, these are the cries that awoke Sheri Fontaine. Fontaine raced from her bed into the living room to find her three-year old son, Cody Fontaine, savaged by the dogs that were staying temporarily in her house. Tragically, young Cody did not survive the attack. A young life taken, a mother’s life ruined. Sadly, this story is not as uncommon as one of violence against people, they exhibit highly stubborn characteristics that make them difficult to control, and such bans have proven to be extremely effective. In 2005, the Ontario Liberal government passed The Dog Owner’s Liability Act: a ban against pit bull terriers in the province. After the bill passed, Attorney General Michael Bryant said, â€Å"Mark my words, Ontario will be safer† (Ontario passes ban on pit bulls, 2005). The legislation prevented people from acquiring a number of breeds of dogs that would be classified as pit bulls. In addition, Ontario residents who already owned a pit bull terrier prior to the ban were required to neuter and muzzle their animals. Such policies against this breed of animal are not unprecedented. In fact, similar laws are already in place in Britain, France and Germany. In Canada, Winnipeg has had a ban against pit bull terriers in place for 20 years (Ontario passes ban on pit bulls, 2005). Ontario and other regions have imposed these sanctions because the evidence clearly indicates that pit bull terriers pose a much higher than average risk to people. Pit bull terriers have a long track record of attacks against people and animals. A 1987 study of a particularly savage attack against a child was documented by four doctors in the hopes... ... An Analysis of the Pit bull Terrier Controversy. Anthrozoos, 2-8. Raghavan, M. (2008). Fatal dog attacks in Canada, 1990–2007. The Canadian Verterinary Journal, 577– 581. Ruryk, Z. (2008, March 2). One endangered species: But pit bull attacks are down. Retrieved April 20, 2011, from Toronto Sun: http://www.torontosun.com/News/TorontoAndGTA/2008/03/02/4887415-sun.html Smith, C. (2009, April 9). Media coverage of Surrey pit bull attack prompts protest by Vancouver pit bull owners. Retrieved April 20, 2011, from Straight.com: http://www.straight.com/article- 213929/media-coverage-surrey-pit-bull-attack-prompts-protest-vancouver-pit-bull-owners Vancouver Sun. (2007, February 6). Kids' cries woke mom of boy, 3, killed by dogs' bites. Retrieved April 20, 2011, from Canada.com: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=a79e501c-14a2-4964-aa02- f9a5ab25d2a5 Ban a Pit bull, Save a Life: Why the Ontario Ban against Pit bull Terri â€Å"Mom! Mom! The dogs got Cody. The dogs got Cody† (Vancouver Sun, 2007). Just a few days after Christmas in 2004, these are the cries that awoke Sheri Fontaine. Fontaine raced from her bed into the living room to find her three-year old son, Cody Fontaine, savaged by the dogs that were staying temporarily in her house. Tragically, young Cody did not survive the attack. A young life taken, a mother’s life ruined. Sadly, this story is not as uncommon as one of violence against people, they exhibit highly stubborn characteristics that make them difficult to control, and such bans have proven to be extremely effective. In 2005, the Ontario Liberal government passed The Dog Owner’s Liability Act: a ban against pit bull terriers in the province. After the bill passed, Attorney General Michael Bryant said, â€Å"Mark my words, Ontario will be safer† (Ontario passes ban on pit bulls, 2005). The legislation prevented people from acquiring a number of breeds of dogs that would be classified as pit bulls. In addition, Ontario residents who already owned a pit bull terrier prior to the ban were required to neuter and muzzle their animals. Such policies against this breed of animal are not unprecedented. In fact, similar laws are already in place in Britain, France and Germany. In Canada, Winnipeg has had a ban against pit bull terriers in place for 20 years (Ontario passes ban on pit bulls, 2005). Ontario and other regions have imposed these sanctions because the evidence clearly indicates that pit bull terriers pose a much higher than average risk to people. Pit bull terriers have a long track record of attacks against people and animals. A 1987 study of a particularly savage attack against a child was documented by four doctors in the hopes... ... An Analysis of the Pit bull Terrier Controversy. Anthrozoos, 2-8. Raghavan, M. (2008). Fatal dog attacks in Canada, 1990–2007. The Canadian Verterinary Journal, 577– 581. Ruryk, Z. (2008, March 2). One endangered species: But pit bull attacks are down. Retrieved April 20, 2011, from Toronto Sun: http://www.torontosun.com/News/TorontoAndGTA/2008/03/02/4887415-sun.html Smith, C. (2009, April 9). Media coverage of Surrey pit bull attack prompts protest by Vancouver pit bull owners. Retrieved April 20, 2011, from Straight.com: http://www.straight.com/article- 213929/media-coverage-surrey-pit-bull-attack-prompts-protest-vancouver-pit-bull-owners Vancouver Sun. (2007, February 6). Kids' cries woke mom of boy, 3, killed by dogs' bites. Retrieved April 20, 2011, from Canada.com: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=a79e501c-14a2-4964-aa02- f9a5ab25d2a5