The Issue Of Sexual Discrimination On College Campuses

CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) has been key to characterizing the issue of sexual discrimination on college campuses. Today, the force of Title IX has an intense focus on sexual misconduct and is present in the mind of not only the administrators responsible for compliance, but administrators throughout college and university campuses as well. While just a few short years ago it was normally known as the law relating to equity in athletics, this was not even its initial goal. Title IX was made as and remains a comprehensive equity law, not exclusively an athletic equity law. Notwithstanding, its focal part in characterizing athletics set imperative preparation and established the framework for its application to all types of sexual discrimination. As college and universities have been under expanded scrutiny to address sexual discrimination on campus, the force of Title IX related to sexual misconduct has increased. In any case, before sexual misconduct could turn out to be such a noticeable piece of Title IX, it must be characterized. This chapter provides a review of the related literature germane to the current study. This chapter will look at the backdrop of Title IX s advancement from sexual discrimination law to the sexual misconduct law it serves as today, through the perspective of a historical review of Title IX, significant court cases, and significant guidance documents issued by the Office forShow MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Sexual Discrimination On College Campuses1214 Words   |  5 Pages In today’s world, Sexual Discrimination is a very common issue, especially in college campuses. Unfortunately, Student’s enrolled at The College at Brockport has found themselves to be victims of the issue. Althoug h, sexual discrimination is best defined by discriminating against a person on the grounds of sex, other forms of sexual discrimination include sexual assault, and sexual harassment. The college has also had students that have falsely reported sexual discrimination. Both of which are crucialRead MoreSexual Assault And Sexual Violence On College Campuses Across The United States1570 Words   |  7 Pagesessay explores the ongoing issue of sexual assault and sexual violence on college campuses across the United States. Education on the topic of sexuality and sexual assault throughout secondary and post secondary education is vital to the awareness of, and battle against sexual assault. Issues in sex-education, included lack of depth into healthy sexuality, and abstinence only sex education. Women are not reporting their cases to the authorities or universities because of issues with privacy, shame andRead MoreEssay On Title IX807 Words   |  4 Pagesand advocating for better repres entation for those accused of sexual assault and misconduct. In 2011 the Department of Education released a â€Å"Dear Colleague† letter aimed at reminding educators of a fact established by the Supreme Court: under Title IX, schools much ensure survivors of sexual assault can stay in school and learn safely and notified colleges and university that the federal government was going to be aggressive on sexual misconduct. However, under DeVos’s new ruling the federal governmentRead MoreSexual Assault Among College Students1412 Words   |  6 Pagesformidable amount of sexual assaults that occur on U.S. college campuses. Sexual assault among college students—as both victims and perpetrators—is an epidemic that has been identified and acknowledged as problematic for several decades. As an ongoing and consistent problem, there is little empirical evidence indicating that sexual violence prevention initiatives to date have been effective. The U.S. National Institute of Justice (NIJ) estimates that between one-fifth and one-quarter of college women are victimsRead MoreShould College Promote A Rape Culture?1594 Words   |  7 PagesCollege. It is labeled as the best four years of anyone who is granted the opportunity to attend any university. It is a time where an individual can decide who they are and what they want to become. While this is an accurate piece of information, it also raises the question, does college promote a rape culture that is seen in society today? Often with sites, such as I’m Shmacked and others, who posts videos of college drinking, presumably of underage students. These sites promote the damagingRead MoreWomen During The 19th Century1741 Words   |  7 Pages This was partially due to male privilege and needs of society that lead to families deciding to send their sons to college over their daughters if they could afford it. Society at that time believed that a woman s place was in a home to nurture and take care or create a family. Likewise, there were no spaces created for educating the woman but many women and families disagreed with this. As a result, the formation of schools for girls emerged but they only educated women in the socially acceptableRead MoreTitle 11 Case Study1258 Words   |  6 PagesIn recent studies dealing with Title IX versus the Obama-era policies on handling sexual misconduct, arguments of preponderance of evidence and clear and convincing evidence are up for debate in terms of which protocol should be used. It is clear that due to the tenacity of college rape procedures, such as ways these cases should be handled, needs to be the court mandate of preponderance of evidence due to these situations occurring not only when a camera or second party isn’t around but createsRead MoreGenital Mutilation And Its Effects On Women1374 Words   |  6 Pagesgenital mutilation is linked to proper sexual behavior, so by reducing the libido you reduce the chance for sexual promiscuity. Globally war s that have taken place in the 20th and 21st centuries have caused an increase in violence and harm done to women and children, as approximately 1 in 3 women in the world is beaten, coerced into sex, and otherwise abused (Shaw 506). In fact rape is a common weapon in a warring nation. The United Nations Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security wasRead MoreSexual Assault in the United States826 Words   |  3 PagesSexual assault has been huge problem on college campus. College female students have been targets of sexual assault acts, According to Robin Gray â€Å"Between 20% and 25% of women will experience a completed and/or attempted rape during their college career.† Sexual assault is when is a crime to knowingly cause another person to engage in an unwanted sexual act by force or threat. There are laws that protect women in all types of setting from being victims of sexual assault. The government had made someRead MoreThe Effects Of Sexual Assault On Ca mpus Safety Nationwide2792 Words   |  12 PagesSexual Violence defined by the United States Center for Disease Control as â€Å"penetrative and non- penetrative acts†¦[occurring] when a perpetrator commits sexual acts without a victim’s consent† is an issue finding itself highly concentrated on collegiate campuses nationwide (Basile et al. 1). Statistically speaking â€Å"one in five women, and a substantial number of men, [will experience] attempted or completed sexual assault during their college career†(OAESV 2). These numbers are utterly horrific, and

Sarah Goode Entrepreneur and Inventor

Sarah Goode was the first African-American woman to receive a U.S. patent. Patent #322,177 was issued on July 14, 1885, for a folding cabinet bed. Goode was the owner of a Chicago furniture store.   Early Years Goode was born Sarah Elisabeth Jacobs in 1855 in  Toledo, Ohio. She was the second of seven children of Oliver and Harriet Jacobs. Oliver Jacobs, a native of  Indiana  was a carpenter. Sarah Goode  was born into slavery and received her freedom at the end of the Civil War. Goode then moved to Chicago and eventually became an entrepreneur. Along with her husband Archibald, a carpenter, she owned a furniture store. The couple had  six children, of whom three would live to adulthood. Archibald described himself as a stair builder and as an  upholsterer. The Folding Cabinet Bed Many of Goodes customers, who were mostly working-class, lived in small apartments and didnt have much space for furniture, including beds. So the  idea for her invention came out of the necessity of the times. Many of her customers complained of not having enough room to store things much less to add furniture. Goode invented a folding cabinet bed which helped people who lived in tight housing to utilize their space efficiently. When the bed was folded up, it looked like a  desk, with room for storage.  At night, the desk would be unfolded to become a bed. It was fully functioning both as a bed and as a desk. The desk had ample space for storage and was fully functioning as any conventional desk would be. This meant that people could be able to have a  full-length  bed in their houses without necessarily squeezing their home space; at night they would have a comfortable bed to sleep on, while during the day they would fold up that bed and have a fully functioning desk. This meant that they no longer had to squeeze their living environment. When Goode received a patent for the folding cabinet bed in  1885 she became the first African-American woman to ever get a United States Patent. This was not only  a great feat  for the African-Americans as far as innovation and inventively is concerned, but it was a great  feat  for women in general and more specifically to African-American women. Her idea filled a void in the lives of many, it was practical and many people appreciated it. She opened up the  door for many African-American women to come after her and get a patent for their inventions. Sarah Goode died in Chicago in 1905 and is buried in  Graceland Cemetery.

Gracious Christianity Journal Response Two - 1244 Words

Gracious Christianity Journal Response Two In chapters four through eight of Jacobsen and Sawatsky’s book, Gracious Christianity, there is an in depth analyses of the Holy Spirit, the church, the Bible, and the future. There was so much information that I read over, so I took a concept from each chapter that I found significant and analyzed it. There are many fantastic points made that really got me thinking about the life around me and how I am executing my own life. In chapter four of, Gracious Christianity, it covers the spirit of life. Basically, the Spirit that is given by God gives us life mentally, physically, and spiritually to all Christians (78). One concept the authors talk about was powerful, â€Å"Instead, we†¦show more content†¦In Genesis, God tells Adam to take care of all the plant life and animals roaming the earth, moreover, I believe the responsibility has been passed on to us and it is our duty to take care of God’s beautiful creation of life. In chapter five what really caught my attention was the section on community of the church. Personally, I believe the church communities are failing to reach out to others, and reach the full potential of what the church can be. I believe many churches are slowly becoming a social club that merely mimics what Christianity should be. Many people go to church for the popularity and inspirational quotes. â€Å"The church as a community does not require conformity. Christians are not meant to be cookie-cutter copies of one another† (90). I have been told by friends about the hurt their family member has felt because the church rejected them due to he or she being gay. Hearing these stories broke a piece of me because this is not how a Christian community should behave. God does not reject us for our unworthiness, however, he loves us. Which in my eyes means we are not to reject anyone from attending the church, yet, show them love. â€Å"The church is the place where the s tory of our personal redemption branches out and intertwines with the stories of other persons seeking redemption on the road towards full salvation† (91). As a community, we are not to reject

Complementary Business Innovations Project Advancement

Question: Discuss about the Complementary Business Innovations for Project Advancement. Answer: Introduction The main purpose of this report or rather project is to appreciate that solar energy is not being used in many households currently. The renewable energy has been selected in this project because the advancement of the words power requires the solar energy in addition to the available modes of electricity. The study was undertaken to determine the uses of solar energy more specifically in households. The use of solar energy in most households is determined by the viability of the amount of solar insolation I addition to the climatic conditions. For instance, during winter it is very hard to use solar energy. Most people want to use the most reliable source of electricity. The projects also seek to analyse the advantages of solar energy, the environmental impact it has, the long run term as well as try too suave most of the population into using solar energy. A comparison will be made between the costs of the normal power source as to that of solar energy. Purpose of report Most management researchers have put their attention into looking on how new practices and use of new innovations by an economy. The studies are aimed at looking the imperative nature of new innovations and their effectiveness in either improving or stagnating the economic status of a certain country. The use of solar in households can be very imperative steps that will create more job opportunities as well reduce the cost of power. The adoption of such process is not only suitable for organizational and national economic growth but very instrumental in the creation of wealth. Interviews conducted different areas are also presented for the project to establish the real cause of not using solar energy despite the advantages it presents to economy as well as the environment. Recommendations from the research are made in and conclusively, the paper seeks to encourage more and more households to embrace solar energy as opposed to electricity. Context of perceived problem There are very few firms or even organizations providing solar panels currently. This is attributed to climatic conditions. The duration that lasts for some time will render the employees jobless and the eventual closer of their services. Making some people has temporary jobs yet they need to pay bills and send their children to school. The unreliable nature of the solar energy makes it less attractive to potential investors which in turn the availability of a readily available market in most cases is very low. Methodology (ies) and Limitations The individuals involved may not fully grasp the concept of adapting to a new way of getting power and this includes the kind of rationales involved. The study therefore would only be possible if the right method of research is used that is survey through the conduction of interviews to various homes. Survey as a method of research is inconsequential because it mainly involves predetermined items which actually may be very different because of different responses from totally diverse experiences. Alternatively, if the items used are open and subjective to discussion, then the interpretations well as the reliability becomes another monumental problem. Contrary, if another method is used, lets say qualitative case, the individuals involved in the research will be given an opportunity to share their own epilogues Damanpour et al.,(2009) subsequently, giving the researchers a chance to also probe what the respondents say to establish if its something to go with. The method also allows the researcher to only on the area of interest and do away with what may seem irrelevant Eisenhardt,(1989); Hoskisson,et al,. (1999) The other methodology used while conducting the research was the critical analysis of previous academic research papers as well as physical interviews from individuals. Subsequently the limitations encountered during the study as well as the research make the report quite variable because most of the data gathered is from different perceptive which may differ or may tally depending on what they prefer on their own context. The study adopted the methodology of survey so as to establish key reasons as to why most people are not yet using solar panels despite the fact they are easily available and technology can be manipulated to fit their desires however complex they might be. This study therefore primarily focuses on the strengths of using solar energy as opposed to the normal electricity found in our households. Team composition The study comprises of student or primarily the researchers, investors, electricians and technologists. Phase 1: What is? Understanding the problem Introduction The determinant of the use renewable energy in households is highly placed in the effectiveness as well as the advancement of the new technologies. Studies show that, the incorporated light emitting diodes (LEDS) and the lamps that use HPS are advanced in details and therefore suitable for use in households serving different purposes such as lighting, cooking, watching television and even for washing. There are large amounts of power that is required in order to serve all the mentioned purposes as such, very large solar arrays in addition to a battery bank is required in order to sustain the high pressure needed and subsequently a battery bank that will be able to last the whole winter session. Secondly, since the power demand will change drastically; therein there will be needed to reduce the demand of the power without necessarily requiring a new bulb that is special in any way. The bulbs should be able to incorporate and adapt easily to the high efficient balance. The cost of bulb s will increase but also the number of days it will last increases proportionately. The only best way to control the cost is to ensure that at the designing level, cost should be decreased in order to select the best equipment. Literature review Within the case study for each household, the research personnel steered their interviews within a wide range of households, electricians and technologists. This is because they play a major role in ensuring that the solar energy is used in their homes and they control the regulations. In total our research team interviewed a total of ten individuals. The interviews lasted for two to three hours each. Nevertheless, Mol and Birkinshaw (2009. p.1269) notice that the reports done on the topic are scanty more especially when looking it at the level of analysing a firm or organization. Additionally, the perception of comprehending the implementation of the laws that regards the use of solar energy and the consequences that will be faced when they are effectively instigated into practice. On the other hand, Battisti and Iona (2009) argue that the traditional use of power from turbines, the ownership of power plants and the existing market competition are the main factors that can be looked into for answers why most households are not using solar energy as their main source power. They therefore suggest that it is very essential to deliberate on the substitute enlightenments that seek to give comprehensive analysis on the reasons.. Design brief The solar lamp is usually determined by the number of watts required by the solar panel in addition to the batteries. The panel rating will be used to establish the number of batteries as well as the kind of controller that essential to put up with the pressure of handling voltage and the current outputs. In the research, 100-watt sodium bulb was chosen because it provides the needed 9500 by a household in order to use a solar panel. The amount of energy used is also determined by the number of amp the batter will use in days without the need to recharge. There is deep-cycle type of batteries that use lead acid gel. They are also designed in a way they can comfortably handle the strain that comes with recharging, they also have a longer life span that can range up to seven years. The might therefore, cannot match that of the regular solar panel that lasts up to three years. Conclusively, the prototype design is the most suitable design for solar panel. The fact that it can last longe r, it will encourage more and more households to switch to renewable energy as opposed to hydroelectric power that we are used to. Problem Visualisation After careful evaluation, the report brings out the realization that the main problem is to convince the general population on the advantages of solar energy. It will take the power of technologists and electricians to come on board and talk about in language they can understand and adapt to the suggestion more easily. Another problem is how to convince investors and business person to take up on the prototype designs of solar panels. Entrepreneurs are great risk takers, however, some of these risks seem not be worthwhile. Interviews Constant with other researches, the researchers adopted interview questions that are normally used in such sessions which was guided by a prior literature guide .The agenda of the questions were structured n a way that sought to know the main reasons as why most households were not using the solar energy. How they reached to a conclusion that electricity from turbines was the best. How they were planning to adopt the new change and that includes the dates when they will start using the solar energy and if relevant when the house holds would stop using electricity. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. The data was coded using the tabular layouts using the word processing system that allows coding while accessing it (Strauss and Corbin, (1990). The data was well categorized so as to make it easy to read and the word processing package allowed the addition of more information. Journey mapping The use of solar panel is greatly affected by the geographical location of an area. For instance, households that experience strong winds and frequent torrential rains can only be advised to adopt to the use of hydroelectric power and wind turbines. Areas that have coals will use geothermal power. Where sun experienced in longer periods, the solar energy can be encouraged vehemently. Tool X Tool Y Phase 2: What if? Developing solution concept Hypotheses formulation Investors and interested parties have to go into the market and look at the available data on solar panels. This will help them in formulating a hypothesis so that they can invest on it wisely. Wiping away the current solar panels may render closure to some manufactures Benders (2006). Therefore, it was also suggested that the manufacturers to be given a chance to voice out their opinions. They can also be given time to be able to come up with the suggested type of design. This means that their employees will have to undergo some training to sharpen their skills and improve on what they know. Sales executives will also be required to go for training to learn the new features of the suggested design. Phase 3: What wows? Assumption Testing and Experimentation A period of test will be allowed and a hundred households will participate in the trial process. The trial period will take two months more especially during summer when the sun is always up on the sky. After the period elapses, interviews will be conducted to ascertain the kind of experience these households had. For the feedback to be viable, the households were carefully selected according to the number of electrical appliances they have in addition to the amount of time they spend in their homes. The family number was also put into consideration. The feedback was as follows. Households with more electrical appliances: the voltage used was slightly higher but the watts of the prototype design solar panel were able to sustain the pressure quite well. On the other hand, there are households that used a very small amount of voltage therein saving more energy and ruling out the chanced of recharging their batteries in less than four days. This is a very positive feedback thus encouraging more and more households to cut on the electricity costs and use the money on other projects that are meant to make life more comfortable. Conclusion Conclusively, the renewable energy seems to be a untapped gold in most countries because of the lack of technology know how in addition to few investors in the area. More importantly, there are very few households who use solar power. This is because of many assumptions that mostly misconceptions. Solar energy if well harnessed can create employment opportunities to a very large number of people. Recommendations The report offers no recommendations until when the solar power has been used. References Battisti G, Iona A.(2009) The intra-firm diffusion of complementary innovations: Evidence from the adoption of management practices by British establishments. Research Policy Battisti G, Stoneman P. (2009) how innovative are UK firms? Evidence from the fourth UK Community innovation survey on synergies between technical and organizational Innovations. British Journal of Management 2009;online early version. DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8551.2009.00629.x Benders J. (2002) Too many tools? On problem solving in NPD projects. International Journal of Innovation Management 2002;6:163-185. Birkinshaw J, Hamel G, Mol M. (2008)Management innovation. Academy of Management Review 2008;4:825-845. Birkinshaw J, Mol M. How management innovation happens. MIT Sloan Management Review 2006;4:81-88. Birkinshaw J, Mol M. Management Innovation. Academy of Management Review 2003;4:825-845. Damanpour F. (2009)An integration of research findings of effects of firm size and market Competition on product and process innovations. British Journal of Management Damanpour F, Schneider M.(2006) Phases of the adoption of innovation in organizations: effects of environment, organization and top manager. British Journal of Management

Hearing Impairment and Specific Communication Needs free essay sample

In the table below list features in the environment that may help or hinder communication. Then describe in detail how these features may help or hinder communication. Features in the environment How may this help or hinder communication? Lighting People with a hearing or sight impairment need good lighting as they may need to be able to see your face features to see what you are saying to them. (Reading lips). Distractions People would not be able to hear you if you are in a busy and noisy area. For example; if you have a few friends and everyone is talking at once the person who can’t hear well won’t be able to hear the conversation. Positioning You need to be facing each other so you can read the other persons facial expression and body language. To help understand what they are saying to you. Barriers Barriers block are view of the other person and it can impair on us understanding and hearing the person. We will write a custom essay sample on Hearing Impairment and Specific Communication Needs or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page You can also feel uneasy. For example; when you go to the bank and you have a separated glass in between you. Space You don’t want someone to be too close to you as you would feel uncomfortable and uneasy. We need to feel comfortable with the other person to communicate well. 1. 4 In the table below list and describe the reasons why an individual may have specific communication needs. Then identify a Learning difficulties like down syndrome will have an effect on people’s communication because it can impair the hearing and speech. They can find it hard to form certain words which are hard for others to understand. They also make their own way to communicate to others. Depending on how much their disability takes over them. Physical disability such as Cerebral palsy which is damage to the brain can compare someone’s hearing and speech it all depends on what areas of the brain have been damaged. Also other physical disabilities affect the body such as loss of head control or facial muscle which is making it hard to communicate to others or for them to understand. A mental health condition like dementia is hard to communicate with because they may start to hallucinate and see things that we cannot. We have to remind them of certain things as their short term or long term memory has been affected. They may start to not understand what we are saying because they have forgotten what certain words mean. Hearing loss affects people’s communication because some people can be completely deaf also some people can be slightly hard of hearing. Either way to communicate with others is hard they need to see and face the person they are talking to so they can read lips or watch your body language. People who have lost their hearing in later life will find it harder to adjust as they have always relied on their hearing to communicate. Others that could have been born with deafness they would feel that they haven’t lost something but would have learned new ways of communication such as sign language. Sight difficulties have a huge impact on people’s lives because you are missing out on a lot of communication such as people’s body language to get the full effect of communication. When we lose are sight at a later stage in life it is hard to accept and can sometimes stop people wanting to learn new communication skills. Deaf and blindness is a major concern as they have lost most ways of communicating. They can feel and touch but they haven’t any more senses then that. Social development is important as it is everyday life from when we are growing from child to adult. We need to socially interact with people as this is how we develop are communication skills. 1. 6 Describe the potential effects on an individual of having unmet communication needs The effect of unmet communication is that an individual can become withdrawn and have a low self-esteem or even depressed. Their behaviour can change and become angry and violent or even frustrated because they cannot communicate like everyone else. Also, if that individual does not have any support they may believe that they do not need to communicate on their views or debate on a conversation. They start to believe that there is no point in it anymore. Some individuals that have been born with communication difficulties as above and have grown will the impairment does not mean that they understand it or be able to cope with it. By not support these people we are denying them their rights and by doing this we are abusing them. 2. 3. How and when would you access information and support about identifying and addressing specific communication needs? We access information and support when we give others support in their lives as everyone is different and we need to know different techniques. Such as having photographs or pen and paper to communicate with people. When we look into peoples records we must follow correct policy and procedure. Keep confidentiality. If the information we need is not there then we look on the internet, books, journals and reports. When we support people we may need to work with other professionals. Such as; occupational therapists, psychiatrists and speech and language therapists etc.

Contemporary Issues in Global Business Management An analysis the business strategy of Nike Incorporation

Contemporary Issues in Global Business Management An analysis the business strategy of Nike Incorporation Introduction Nike Incorporation has been successful in designing, developing and marketing diverse products such as apparels, footwear and other accessories. In its operation, the firm contracts manufacturing of most of its products to firms which are located overseas. This has enabled the firm to attain a high bargaining power over its suppliers (Lussier Kimball, 2009, p. 90).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Contemporary Issues in Global Business Management: An analysis the business strategy of Nike Incorporation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The firm has effectively positioned itself in marketing its products on a global scale. In the United States, the firm has established a strong distribution network through a number of retail outlets. For example, the firm runs approximately 20,000 retail accounts around the 110 countries in which it operates. Most of the firm’s products such as bags, bats, gloves, sports wear and other sports equipment are marketed under the Nike brand name. Nikes success can be attributed to its efficiency in implementing its internationalization strategy. Findings of a study of 132 organizations conducted by Veronica Wong and Professor Peter Doyle in 1998 revealed that marketing is one of the core drivers in the performance of business entities (Blythe, Coxhead, Lashwood, Partridge, Reed Simms, n.d, p.23). The American Marketing Association (AMA) defines marketing as the process which involves a number of elements such as planning, execution, promotion, pricing and distribution of the ideas conceived. Marketing is made up of a number of components such as product development. In addition, marketing must ensure that the businesses’ and customers’ needs are met. Finally, marketing must result into creation of value between the two parties (the business and the customer). Marketing is therefore considered to be a highly invaluable business activ ity (Kaser Oelkers, 2007, p.4).This paper is aimed at illustrating the various marketing strategies adopted by Nike Incorporation. Industry analysis The United States apparels industry is relatively large. In addition, the industry is in its maturity stage which is evident by the slow growth rate and a high level of fragmentation. Demand for apparels in the US is satisfied by both domestic and international markets. Similarly, the US footwear industry has experienced a significant growth over the past few years as a result of growth in demand.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This has led into the industry reaching its maturity stage. In addition, the market has become very saturated. One of the reasons to explain this is the rise in intensity of competition. Some of the firm’s core competitors include the recently formed Addidas-Reebok merger, PUMA, Under Armour, Fila and New Balance Athletic. All these firms specialize in the production of sportswear. The global apparel and footwear market has become flooded with various sportswear brands. This has culminated into an increment in the consumer bargaining power. Consumers can easily switch from one product to another (Lussier Kimball, 2009, p. 90). However, the firm’s current strategy has enabled it to attain an effective market position. The firm has been able to create a relatively high level of customer loyalty. As a result, Nike Incorporation continues to lead in the footwear and apparel industry. In an effort to enhance its competitiveness, Nike Incorporation management team diversified its operations into the golf industry. This was achieved through the signing Tiger Woods who is a renowned golf personality as its spokesperson (Lussier Kimball, 2009, p.92). Competitive advantage Attaining competitive advantage is one of the ways through which a firm can be able to succe ed in the long term as a going concern entity. According to Lussier and Kimball (2009, p.93), competitive advantage entails how a firm delivers unique value to its customers. In addition, competitive advantage is aimed at making a firm distinct from its competitors by enhancing its core competency. According to Porter (1998, p.70), there are three main strategies which a firm can incorporate in order to attain competitive advantage. These strategies include cost leadership, differentiation and focus strategy. Cost leadership entails ensuring that a firm becomes the leader with regard to low cost production. As a result, the firm is able to attain price competiveness by selling its products or services at a low price point compared to its competitors. On the other hand, differentiation entails production of unique products which are highly appreciated by the customers.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Contemporary Issues in Global Business Management: An ana lysis the business strategy of Nike Incorporation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More There are various aspects which a firm can incorporate in an effort to differentiate its products. These include the product, sales, image, distribution and marketing. Focus strategy entails a firm being committed to be the best with regard to a particular product segment. Over the years it has been in operation, Nike’s Incorporation management teams have appreciated the importance of developing the firm’s competitive advantage. In order to achieve this, the management team incorporated the concept of product differentiation. The resultant effect is that the firm has managed to develop strong brand recognition by ensuring development of high quality products. In addition, the firm has a strong research and development team which ensures that the products developed meet the market demand. Product differentiation is achieved through effective desig ning such as by ensuring that the products such as the shoes are of different color. The high quality of the firm’s products has enhanced its reputation on a global scale. As a result, Nike as a brand name and the Swoosh logo has increasingly been recognized as status symbols globally. As a result, the firm has been able to increase its sales significantly (Porter, 1998,p. 72). The table below illustrates a competitive profile matrix comparing the firm’s competitiveness with some of its core competitors on the basis of quality of its product, marketing strength and price. A weighted scale of 10 is used. Critical success Nike Under Addidas- factor Armour Reebok Quality 5 5 5 Marketing 2.5 2 2 Price 2.25 2 2.25 Total 9.75 9 9.25 From the table above, it is evident that the Addidas-Reebok merger is likely to pose a threat to the firm’s competitive advantage. This arises from the fact that the merger has culminated into creation of a relatively strong competitor. In an effort to remain competitive, the firm’s management team has incorporated the concept of continuous product improvement. To be effective, Nike Incorporation conducts continuous market research in so as to develop a product which meets the customers’ requirements. In addition, the firm has incorporated emerging technologies in an effort to improve the quality of its footwear, apparel and other equipments. The management team has also appreciated the importance of creating effective market awareness. One of the ways through which the firm achieves this is by integration of creative marketing campaigns. For example, the firm’s advertisements are a part of the pop culture.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Its campaigns feature prominent personalities such as Michael Jordan, Bo Jackson and Tiger Woods (Robert, Lussier and Kimball, 2009, p. 92). Through these strategies, the firm has managed to develop a strong competitive advantage thus being effectively positioned in the market. Pestle Analysis In order to determine the existing market potential, it is vital for Nike Incorporation to consider evaluating macro environmental factors. One of the ways through which the management can achieve this is by conducting a PESTLE analysis (Worthington Britton, 2006). Political Analysis According to Campbell and Craig (2005, p.123), the actions taken by the political institutions through formulation and implementation of various policies can have significant effect on the operation of businesses. In an effort to ensure continued economic growth, the US government has relentlessly ensured that there is a stable political environment. The US government has formulated policies which enable Nike Inc orporation to effectively produce and market its products. One of the ways through which the US government supports Nike Incorporation is by ensuring stable macro economic environment by advocating low interest rates, creating an environment which promote international competitiveness through an effective and efficient tax system and ensuring currency stability. This has culminated into formation of a foundation conducive to Nike’s growth. In addition, the US government is committed at forming trading blocs with neighboring countries through economic integration. Some of the countries the US is considering include South Korea, Panama and Colombia. The economic integration is aimed at boosting the country’s apparel and footwear industry. Economic Analysis Over the past few years, the US has experienced a relatively high rate of economic growth. This led to an increment in the citizens’ disposable income and hence their purchasing power. However, the occurrence of the 2007 economic recession adversely affected the country’s rate of economic growth. The recession affected various economic sectors including the apparels and footwear industry. In an effort to minimize the effects of the recession, organizations adopted various strategies such as laying of public relation campaigns which the firm utilizes include organizing fashion shows which are aimed at displaying the latest product offering. The firm’s decision to incorporate celebrities such as Tiger Woods has also played a significant role towards improvement of the brand’s value. In addition, endorsement of the firm’s brand by celebrities has also contributed towards creation of brand loyalty. For example, by wearing the firms’ clothes and designs, a firm’s brand can be improved significantly. This arises from the fact that consumers intend to associate themselves with successful individuals. In addition, firm also uses celebrities in their advert isement campaigns such as when promoting a specific product. Considering the intensity of competition, Nike Incorporation has adopted emerging Information Communication Technologies (ICT). The core objective is to enhance increase the firm’s market share by increasing their market share. The firm has achieved this through incorporation of ecommerce. In marketing its products, the firm is increasingly utilizing the internet. Some of the internet technologies which the firm has incorporated include use of emerging social networking tools such as You Tube, wikis, blogs and Face book. Distribution strategy Product distribution is vital in a firm’s effort to ensure that it succeeds in the market (Kurtz, Mackenzie Snow, 2009, p. 57). A firm’s distribution strategy should ensure that the product can be easily accessed in the market. In marketing its products in the global market, Nike Incorporation has adopted a comprehensive product distribution strategy. The firm di stributes its product to large retailers such as supermarkets in the countries in which it operates. Supermarkets form one of the largest points through which the firm distributes its products. In addition the firm has established a number of distribution centers which ensure that the supermarkets are effectively stocked. The firm has also implemented a computerized point of sales program which enables the firm to track movement of inventories in the various distribution outlets. As a result, the firm is able to restock the stores more effectively. The role of marketing strategy Through its differentiation strategy, Nike Incorporation is able to able to position itself more effectively in the market. According to Lussier and Kimball (2009, p.90), attaining an effective market position is one of the defensive strategies that a firm can utilize. The firm’s Swoosh mark is one of the core selling features. This means that there is a high probability of the firm improving its sale s revenue and hence its profitability level. In addition, adoption of the differentiation strategy will contribute towards the firm’s product being unique. The uniqueness of the firm’s products will contribute towards a large number of consumers considering purchasing the products relative to those of the competitors. In addition, product differentiation will enable the firm to address the diverse market needs (Morrison, 2006, p. 65). Through its market research activities, the firm will be able to undertake effective product development. In addition, the firm will be able to develop a high level of customer satisfaction by integrating the customers’ needs in the process of developing new products. This illustrates that there is a high probability of the firm increasing the size of its global market share. For differentiation strategy to be well undertaken, the firm will be required to conduct continuous market research (Brooks, Weatherston Wilkinson, 2004, p.5 4). This means that the firm will be able to understand the changes in the global market. The resultant effect is that the management team will be effective in the planning process hence its ability to address future changes. In addition, product differentiation strategy will enable the firm to target the market more effectively. Conclusion From the analysis above, it is evident that Nike Incorporation has been very successful. This has resulted from its efficiency in formulating and implementing operational strategies. Additionally, the external environment has also provided an environment conducive for Nike’s operation. To be successful in the long term, Nike Incorporation should continuously adopt global strategies in its operations. This will contribute towards the firm attaining a high market share and at the same time retain its leadership. However, the firm’s management team should act locally in the various markets it penetrates. This will contribute towards th e firm’s products being widely accepted in the market. Reference List Baron, D.P., 2005. Business and its environment. New York: Prentice Hall. Blythe, J., Coxhead, H., Lashwood, M., Partridge, L., Reed, P. Simms, H., n.d.  Strategic marketing. London: Select Knowledge Limited. Brooks, I., Weatherston, J. Wilkinson, G., 2004. The international business  environment. London: FT Prentice Hall. Campbell, D. Craig, T., 2005. Organisations and the business environment.  New York: Butterworh – Heinemann. Kaser, K. Oelkers, D., 2007. Sports and entertainment marketing. New York: Cengage Learning. Koekemoer, L. Bird, S. 2004. Marketing communications. New York: Juta and Company Limited. Kurtz, D., MacKenzie, H. Snow, K., 2009. Contemporary marketing. New York: Cengage Learning. Lamb, C., Hair, J. McDaniel, C., 2008. Marketing. New York: Cengage Learning. Lussier, R. Kimball, D., 2009. Applied sport management skills. New York: Human Kinetics. Morrison, J., 2006. international business environment: global and local  marketplaces in a changing world: the international business environment.  London: Palgrave Macmillan. Porter, M., 1998. Competitive advantage: creating and sustaining superior performance:  with a new introduction. New York: Simon and Schuster. Public Policy and Advocacy. n.d. Taxation and intellectual property rights. Web. The New York Times. 2009. In recession, Nike is likely to cut marketing. Web. Worthington, I., Britton, C. 2006. The business environment. New York. Prentice Hall.

DRIVING THE ORGANISATION - ORGANISATIONAL DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT Assignment - 1

DRIVING THE ORGANISATION - ORGANISATIONAL DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT - Assignment Example The point of debate is that whether the organizational strategy is purposely changed to adapt to the external environment or the strategy is automatically determined due to external forces, as noted by Hannan and Freeman (1977). Wieck, (1979) agrees with this stance and argues that developing mutually exclusive theories; relying one single causation, focusing on the origins and elimination of elements such as â€Å"choice† are problematic. This theory can be put to test in Sony’s case - we see that Sony’s strategic direction was determined by external and internal factors, and as a result, the external and internal environment was influenced by its direction. Some strategic choices were made due to adaptation, while the others were determined by external forces- both these forces conglomerated to create Sony’s’ strategic direction. This can be better portrayed using a Venn Diagram Given Sony’s position in the market, it can be said that it had a number of strategic choices; although most of these choices were somewhat influenced by the external environment and company decisions, but due to its size and complexity, it was able to achieve its desired outcome with the availability of multiple choices. According to the work of Porter (1980), such Companies are able to follow â€Å"differentiation and focus strategies, choose market niches or segments within the constraints laid down by the environment or alternatively pursue different strategies despite external forces†, as stated by Berle and Means (1932). Upon using Porter’s (1983) analysis of the external environment on Sony, we can understand how the external environment shaped the Sony’s strategic direction and how Sony’s decision in turn shaped the external environment. The five elements of Porter’s design include: Threat of New Entrants: For Sony, this was a major external force that based their strategic direction, and this is evident