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

Chu - Essay Example The school has remained to be one of the altenatives in the 11th century as a Confuniacism mainstream (Kim, 2000). Consequently, the philosophy need to be recommended because of the inherent interest that it holds. The philosophy focuses on the social and moral problems which are perfect guidelines for leaders of Chu. The natural knowledge of philosophy is of great value to the leaders since they have a key role in investigation of things.Additionally, the philosophy are weighted heavily on the social and moral concerns with the objects and knowledge failing to be excluded form the ‘wu’ conception (Kim, 2000). Closely related to the philosophical aspect is the belief that the moral order underlaid the natural world and offered a cosmic basis for the morality. This has been recognized by the founders of Neo-Confucian moral philosophy. That is the reason why the shift is considered as the key achievement since the philosophy exists without the help of cultural tradition. The main outcome of the philosophy was a rising importance of moral cultivation in comparison with cultural accompl ishments and

Influence of alcohol on youths life Essay Example for Free

Influence of alcohol on youths life Essay Alcohol abuse among the youths has become a major concern in the recent past in various parts of the world. Alcohol is one of the most abused drugs with more than 60% of homesteads having access to alcohol. While in the past alcohol was not termed as a drug, today it is the leading cause of many deaths in the United States especially among the youths. Alcohol use and abuse by the youths has significant impact on their mental development and other health issues. Alcohol has been known to compromise the capability of a person to perform some of the normal tasks and also other complex tasks, the ability brain cells to retrieve information and it also slows information recording by the brain cells. Alcohol also has the effect of degrading coordination and slowing down reaction process. Apart from destroying the brain, alcohol abuse leads to other physical health problems as well as social and economic problems (Buddy, para 2). Currently, most youths drink due to peer influence or just to appear superior to their peers. Drinking has become a major problem in most colleges as more young people engage in alcohol drinking. In America for example, research has established that almost 50% of all students consume alcohol even before they reach their 8th grade (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), para 1). This trend continues as the students continue to 12th grade with the frequency at which alcohol increasing as students’ sets on adolescent and early adulthood. Some of the negative impacts associated with youth drinking include risky sexual activities, high risks to societies and individuals through road accidents and subsequent deaths, alcohol stimulated or induced brain damage, increased crime such as homicide, assaults and rapes all associated with alcohol, poor academic performance and poor general health of youths who take alcohol among other effects (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), para 1-2). This research paper will thus evaluate the various negative effects that alcohol abuse has on youths’ lives as well as their families and the society as a whole. Effects of alcohol abuse on youths As mentioned earlier, alcohol abuse is the leading cause of deaths in the United States as well as other parts of the world. Unlike in the past where terminal illnesses were ranked as the first killers in the world, today alcohol has been identified as the major killer around the world a scenario which has been attributed to the exposure of individuals to alcohol. Alcohol is one of the oldest drugs in the world. However, its abuse especially among the youths has increased in the recent past and its effects are felt across all nations (Felsted, pp 16). One of the major impacts of alcohol abuse on youth’s lives is that it interferes with the normal development process of the brains. Current research has established that brain development continues through the early twenties in a person. However, the pre-frontal cortex which is the part which is responsible for controlling cognitive ability and reasoning develops later in life as it takes a longer time to mature. Drinking in the early ages by a person (before the complete development and maturity of the brain) thus affects a person memory as it damages the region of the pre frontal cortex. Most of the youths who begin drinking do so at tender ages when their brain cells are still at the development stages. Brain cells develop when individuals are young and excessive drinking interferes with this development making young people more ineffective and unproductive. Research has established that most of the youths start drinking before the age of 16 (Barnes Brown, pp 45). During this period, it is the time when brain cells fully mature and intoxication with alcohol reduces or interferes with hormone release and functioning. Excessive use of alcohol reduces the capability of the brain to coordinate and integrate information thus interfering with good decision making process (Barnes Brown, pp 45). Academic degradation is another effect of alcohol abuse amongst the youths. As mentioned above, alcohol interferes with effective brain development as well as the ability of the brain to integrate and coordinate information to make meaningful translation of assimilated information. The ability of a person to comprehend and perform complex tasks and also to control impulses is controlled by the pre-frontal cortex which is destroyed by early age drinking. Alcohol abuse also slows down a person’s ability to be creative and make mature and meaningful decisions. Most of the youths who abuse alcohol are in their college levels or junior classes. Due to the negative impact alcohol abuse has on brain development and concentration capability, such youths end up performing poorly in their course work. Poor academic performance has various implications both in the short run and long run life of a youth. Mostly, students who perform poorly in class or course work end up getting poor grades which in turn forces the students to retake a course or a unit. Students who are forced to retake a course usually find it to be offensive and end up dropping out of school. This has further implications in their later life as it is difficult to find a descent job without good grades. Also, students who perform poorly in their academics are unlikely to find good jobs to support them and their families in the future. They thus end up with blue collar jobs which are not capable of supporting them financially in the long run (Buddy, para 4-6). Poor academic performance by youths and the subsequent loss of welfare has significant impact not only to the youths but also the communities in which they live in. Youths are the energetic and creative generation which is entitled to take up community development projects and to take care of the younger ones in their families in cases where parents are old or incapacitated. When youths are involved in alcohol abuse, they are unable to bring development in their communities thus affecting the overall development of these areas. Also, the government loses out as there are few youths to employ in more sophisticated careers thus end up importing professionals which can be costly. Alcohol has not only destroyed the future lives of youths but it has also destroyed the welfare of the families, societies and the overall economic growth of a country (Barnes Brown, pp 76). Another negative impact of alcohol abuse among the youths is that it leads to loss of jobs thus economic welfare. Alcohol is very addictive and once addicted; a person becomes alcohol dependence and cannot work effectively without it. Once in the blood stream, alcohol changes the normal functioning systems and makes it to become dependent on alcohol for functioning. Most of the young adults have lost some prestigious jobs due to alcohol addiction and abuse. Once fully addicted, a person cannot perform his or her duties and thus end up being retrenched or laid off from their work places. Loss of economic welfare renders a person incapable of feeding and taking care of his or her family leading to marital problems which may even lead to divorce or separation. Domestic violence associated with alcohol and drug abuse is the main reason given by most people while filing for a divorce. Alcoholics tend to become violent and unruly which have negative impacts on the children development. Most children who are brought up in families characterized by domestic violence tend to become reserved and perform poorly in class and they may even become violent later in their lives. Young married couples who abuse alcohol are more likely to raise unhealthy families and are even more likely to be violent and disorderly (NIAAA, para 5). Alcohol abuse among the youths also leads to increased crime and homicide cases. In America for example, over 36% cases of homicide which are reported are related to alcohol intoxication and abuse. 0% of these cases are reported to have been committed by young persons under the age of 25 years whose history verify excessive use of alcohol (Felsted, pp 22). Alcohol has different effects on adults and youths which make these two groups of individuals to behave different while under its effects. In adults, alcohol acts as a sedative which makes the adults to be more controlled even after they are totally drunk. On the contrary, alcohol acts as a stimulator for young people which make them to drink past the necessary or legal limits. Alcohol brings some kind of energy in young people which stimulates them to do things they would rather not do while sober. This explains why more homicide cases which are reported to be carried out by young people are linked to alcoholism. Other crimes which are commonly committed by young persons while under the influence of alcohol include rape cases, assaults and robberies. In America for example, over 45% of all rape cases are committed by young adults between the ages of 19 and 23 years while 44% of robberies and over 35% of assaults are all alcohol related. This is still the trend in most of the colleges where over 90% of all college rapes and violence are directly related to alcohol abuse. Most of the young persons who are imprisoned for homicide cases and rape cases attribute their actions to alcohol intoxication (Felsted, pp 25). Alcohol abuse amongst the youths is also an avenue through which most of the young persons are introduced to hard drugs such as cocaine, brown sugar, heroine and bhang. Young people are usually very eager and anxious to try out new things and love being adventurous. However, under the influence of alcohol, they become more vulnerable to be introduced to other dangerous drugs which are more fatal to their health as well as their lives. Under the influence of alcohol, young people are unable to make rational decisions which make it easy for them to fall prey of hard drugs abuse. Most of the young people who are today addicted to drugs say they were first introduced to such drugs during a drinking spree. Once introduced to such drugs, it becomes difficult to quit and even treat. Other health complications may arise which may not only be costly to treat but may lead to death. Drug addiction is hard to quit hence it can easily destroy the live of the youth (Barnes Brown, pp 109). Death is also another negative impact of alcohol on youths today. Alcohol intoxicates the mind making a person to act and behave irrationally. As already mentioned, youths are in their development stages and they are very energetic, curious and explorative. Unlike their counterpart adults, they tend to make decisions at impulse without thinking of the consequences that may accrue. Most of the youths who commit suicide are said to have prior being intoxicated with alcohol and other drugs. Alcohol is a leading cause of suicide cases which are reported around the world. Apart from suicide, most youths also meet their death while driving under the influence of alcohol. It is normal for the youths to explore and try out different things to satisfy their curiosity. Drinking is one of the means of doing this and at times they end up driving under this condition. This is dangerous as a person is not mentally and physically stable to drive which leads to major road accidents and deaths. Accidents caused by driving under the influence of alcohol are usually fatal and may cause further harm to other motorists and pedestrians as well. Families end up losing their children in such accidents all due to alcohol abuse. Another influence of alcohol on youths is that it leads to increased sexual activity amongst the youths which exposes them to dangers of contracting sexually transmitted diseases some of which may be terminal such as AIDS. Alcohol intoxicates a person and hinders rational thinking and decision making. Under the influence of alcohol, youths engage in sexual activities without reasoning or even taking precaution. This exposes or makes them vulnerable of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Currently, most of the persons living with HIV/AIDS virus are young people and they attribute it to alcohol and drug abuse. Such diseases are terminal and before a youth realizes he or she is infected, he can pass it over to others especially when drunk. Once infected with sexually transmitted diseases especially those which are terminal, a person feels worthless and may even become ill to an extent that he or she cannot work normally or may even commit suicide. Youths who are energetic, creative and future leaders and pillars of the world thus end up dying due to alcohol abuse (NIAAA, para 7). Alcohol also leads to poverty both for the youths and their families in that once a youth becomes infected with sexually transmitted diseases; their families are forced to cater for him which requires finances. Alcohol also has other health issues in the lives of youths. Alcohol is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis and kidney failure problems. Such diseases require a lot of money to treat and usually lead to diversion of money from other family welfare issues. This may easily lead to family poverty thus further complications in family matters. Alcohol abuse among the youths also leads to stress among the family members as they try to help the addicted person. Apart from economic constraints in the family for medical care, excessive alcohol especially amongst the youths makes them to become unruly and disorderly. They may also become abusive both physically and emotionally and sometimes sexually. This may cause trauma in families and may even attract legal suits against the perpetrator. Most of the youths are incarcerated as a result of alcohol abuse. This is also costly to their families as well as the youths (Felsted, pp 43-46). Alcohol drinking by the youths also affects their reproductive and maturation systems. During puberty and adolescence, young people experience rapid growth and set the onset of maturity to adulthood. During this growth and development process, different hormones are released to aid in maturity of an individual and development of reproductive system. Alcohol destroys or tampers with the production of growth hormones thus slowing growth and development of productive organs, bones, and muscles. Excessive alcohol intake by youths especially in males can cause impotence or immaturity in development of sexual organs. Women who take excessive alcohol during their youth may also become infertile or develop other fertility complications in the future. This affects the future reproductive health of an individual as such people may become incapable of procreating. This is also a major reason for family breakups and divorces in the world (Barnes Brown, pp 116). Another heath effect of alcohol intake among the youths is that it lowers the immune system. Exposure to alcohol especially during the youthful years leads to suppression of the immune system of an individual making such a person vulnerable to illnesses and diseases. Chronic exposure to alcohol changes the pattern in which hormones are released in the body. Hormones are the ones which stimulate the immune system in the body and once they are altered, the immunity of a person is affected greatly. Low immune system exposes a person to various kinds of health risks and diseases such as liver damage (NIAAA, para 9). Alcohol abuse by youths affects their behavioral development. Usually, youths who are under the influence of alcohol tend to be rowdy and disorganized and pick fights with almost everybody even their parents and teachers. In colleges, such students’ education is terminated which may mean end of their careers and aspirations. Termination of education also means that they cannot get better paying jobs due to lack of proper school qualifications and certificates. Alcohol makes the youths behave in an immature and irresponsible manner despite where they are. Behaving irresponsibly also has legal implications on youths. Most of the rowdy youths who become a public nuisance are picked up by the authorities and may be taken to rehabilitation centers or juvenile courts. This delays their education and prolongs their time in school which in some instances can be humiliating especially when a student is schooling with younger students. Such students may end up dropping out of school which further decreases their chances of getting good jobs. Alcohol generally leads to poverty in the long run for the youths (Felsted, pp 67-68). Conclusion Youth drinking has become a major concern in most parts of the world due to the negative impact alcohol has had on the young generation. The youth comprise of over 30% of the total population and they comprise the future generational leaders. Alcohol has however changed some of the youths and corrupted their energetic and agile minds rendering such youths almost useless to the global economy. Alcohol abuse among the youths is the leading cause for their deaths, poor performance thus poor paying jobs for the youths, diversion of family financial resources to cater for huge medical bills associated with alcohol related ailments, diseases and rehabilitation costs. Effects of alcohol on youth’s awareness campaigns should be planned to ensure that the future generation is protected.

Strengths and weaknesses of using faith as a basis of knowledge in reli

According to Victor Hugo â€Å"Faith is a necessity to a man. Woe to him who believes in nothing† (Hugo). Faith, or the unquestioning belief in something, is crucial to the maintenance of society, and in fact makes up the majority of its foundations. Faith is more pervasive of one’s entire being than trust and, when exploited, can have both positive and negative effects on the individual and society. Faith’s consequences upon the human mind affect both reason and emotion, both of which are explored in this essay. Governments cannot successfully control their populations without a substantial amount of faith within them. Questioning a government’s every move exposes its flaws, which leads to chaos as citizens discover that their government is not the stable institution they had trusted. Faith is a quintessential part of controlling the masses and it exists in nearly every facet of society. History has shown that a lack of confidence in a government leads to a decline in its effectiveness in promoting the happiness of the average citizen, leading to civil unrest. The American and French revolutions, as well as the Arab spring, are all examples of this phenomenon. However, faith in government can have disastrous effects on the individual, as I have witnessed firsthand within my own country. The American people’s complete acceptance of the financial advice of their government in 2006 led to the recent housing bubble from which the lower and middle classes are still struggling to emerge. The government’s financial advisors, who practically ran Wall Street, twisted citizens’ perception by convincing them that buying a home was like building a mini bank and refinancing was investing in it. The Glass-Segall Act, which kept commercial an... ...re of the faith’s flaws, which could be considered dangerous by ardent believers. This essay seeks only to prompt discussion on the human need to believe, not insult it. Faith rules our society, from a domestic to international sense. This â€Å"trust without reservation† is necessary to keep relationships healthy, the soul pure, and the global community at peace. It’s role in areas of knowledge such as religion and science is essential to its maintenance and development. However, one is constantly at risk of being manipulated by that very institution. It is important to consider both the faults and benefits of faith in order to determine the role it plays in society today. Works Cited Victor, Hugo. "VIII: Faith and Law." Les Miserables. Trans. Fahnestock Lee and MacAfee Norman. New York, NY: Signet Classics, 1987. 521. Print.

Nestl”s Nespresso

INTRODUCTION During the 70s, Nestle anticipates the growth of the market of the up-market coffee and is inspired by the original concept of the inventor of the espresso Luiggi Bezzera. The principle is simple: offer directly at home or to the office the quality of espressos served in the best Italian cafes. Based in 1986, Nespresso looked like pioneer on the market of the portioned out coffee and introduced a new tendency which will be adopted all over the world.And since the subsidiary of the international group Nestle did not stop surprising: more than 3 million customers worldwide, a growth superior to 30 % during 6 consecutive years and crossed for the first time the billion Swiss franc cap of turnover in 2006. The concept Nespresso leans on a trilogy: the best big vineyards of cafes, machines in espresso ingenious in the elegant design and finally, a service outstanding personalized customer. Nestle Nespresso S.A, whose seat is to Paudex, in Switzerland, counts more than 2500 em ployees, markets directly its products with its consumers in more than 50 countries and manages more prestigious 160 shops situated in most big cities of the world Cafes contained in capsules Nespresso result from various regions of the world such as Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Togo, Kenya and Ethiopia. Its range includes ‘espressos’, a range which samples in small cups (40 ml), and ‘lungos’, for the big cups (110 ml), without forgetting the editions limited by variety show of coffee produced in limited quantity and for a while given.Nestle Nespresso limited company maintained, from its debuts, the narrow business connections with manufacturers of famous household electrical devices and carefully selected. Every partner hatches is responsible for the distribution, for the marketing, for the referencing in boutiques and the after-sales service of the machines of its own brand. At the moment, Nespresso accounts 10 partners for domestic customâ₠¬â„¢s machines with, offering various models of machines Nespresso. Machines and capsule Nespresso Professional are also available on the Internet site, www. nespressopro. om, as well as through a network of importers and independent distributors, subsidiaries of Nestle Nespresso limited company and local structures of the Group Nestle. Today, the activities â€Å"except place of residence† of Nespresso represent 25 % of the turnover of the sales of portioned out coffee. And to seduce the consumers, Nespresso uses big means: place of boutiques, design of machines, glossy paper magazine, secondary purified†¦ Nothing is left at random, everything is thought to evoke the refinement of the brand. The success of this company represents an interesting book case; a case of rare innovation.That’s why we chose Nespresso. In the present work, we shall approach first of all the history of Nespresso since its launch until our days. In a second time we shall speak about the ma rketing analysis of the company as well as about main competitors. After the study of the strategy, we shall enclose this report by recommendations. 1. 0 BACKGROUND TO COMPANY: Strategy’s history In the 70s, the Research and development services of Nestle turn to an integrated system: a machine receiving doses ‘encapsulated ‘of coffee, every dose corresponding to a cup of coffee of 50 cc.They invent the capsule of coffee freshly ground and its concept of extraction of the coffee under pressure. Nestle, world leader of the coffee â€Å"mass market† gets ready to attack the segment of up-market † premium coffee † thanks to this technical innovation say. A first patent of the process is registered in 1976 by the centre of development of the Group Nestle. It is only in 1986 that the marketing begins. First of all, by the creation of the company Nespresso S. A, the wholly-owned subsidiary of the group Nestle to Vevey.Then Nespresso dashes by targetin g the Business to Business market, particularly that of offices and restaurants. The company opted for Switzerland, Italy and Japan as country of starting up of its activity of marketing. Turmix, a Swiss company, took charge of the production of machines. Nespresso bought the capsules of coffee from Nestle, the machines to Turmix and dedicated itself to its marketing in association with a Swiss distributor ‘ Sobal ‘. But the success is not there: sales do not exceed 875 machines first year and it will not be better next year.We are in 1988, Nespresso begins to wonder about the efficiency of its strategy and in order to boost the company, appoints a new general manager: Jean-Paul Gaillard who decides to change all the strategy. He asks on one year of respite and a marketing budget of 1. 6 millions. His purpose: make of the ‘capsules percolator’ a luxury. Nespresso thus decides to transfer to the private individuals, and chooses to replace the word â€Å"caps ule† to speak about â€Å"vineyards â€Å"like wine and about â€Å"limited series â€Å".As for the distribution, it will be exclusive and direct for the capsules of coffee by introducing the concept of â€Å"Club Nespresso† which will allow its members to buy that by mail, telephone and fax (internet recently). Year 1989, the new strategy is launched in Switzerland. JP. Gaillard made a test, in 1990, on the market of the United States by changing variety of coffee to adapt itself better to the customs of the American consumers. At the end of the year the club counted already 7700 members. In 1991, The Nespresso system is introduced in France, in Belgium in Germany and In the Netherlands.And in 1994, Nespresso penetrated into the market of airline companies (First and business class) with its new machine ‘Nespresso Aviation System’. Present in 15 countries in 1995, Nespresso granted licenses of production to the other manufacturers in a precise purpose : the improvement of the performances, the convenience of use as well as the design. Nespresso S. A blew its 10 candles of success, in 1996, with 3 500 selling points and 180 000 members. Targeted the sector of restaurants and hotels in Belgium and in France and went in Great Britain, in Malaysia, in Singapore and to Taiwan.In 1998, it expands its field of action thanks to a new Web site completely dedicated to the members of the club so offering the possibility of ordering on-line 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week. This distribution channel also provides a personalized service, advices on blends of coffee and the maintenance of machines. In 2002, the production capacity of capsules is multiplied by 4 to answer the future growth and the orders placed on Internet know an increase of 94 % during year. The deals on Internet represent then 30 % of the turnover of the company.After 5 years of research and development, Nespresso launches in 2003 the first machine Nespresso Concept Automat ique which allows the preparation of capuccino. Other important point: the company goes into the sustainable development by trying to combine quality of selected vineyards of coffee and condition of production according to the rules of the sustainable development with its program AAA Sustainable Quality. It was a good initiative, especially after the different criticisms that the company received.Notably as regards to the capsule Nespresso which is in aluminum, hence pollution and a spending of energy, not compatible with the brand image and the ‘Natural image’. Given that the success of Nespresso and the unitary daily consumption, this problem of the lack of recycling presents a big blackhead at the same moment on the ecological plan and of the image. In 2005, the sales of the coffee machine Nespresso Essenza contribute to make of Nespresso the European leader of machines in ‘espresso’.Then in 2006, Nespresso does not hesitate to engage the actor George Cl ooney further to the choice made by the members of the club among a list of celebrities which they had subjected them. The use of this actor as media vector aims above all at consolidating the positioning of Nespresso as a sophisticated brand and up-market. Nespresso’s figures: World Turnover 2007: 1  034  600  000 milliards Number of stores: 160 Number of clients: 3, 6 millions Number of machines sold in the world: 1, 4 millionsNumber of capsules sold in the world: 2, 3 billions Market share 2007 of the espresso market: 26, 7 % 2. 0 MARKETING ANALYSIS 2. 1 MARKET TRENDS Coffee’s consumption Source: National Coffee Drinking trends study Coffee is the most popular beverage worldwide. In 2008, 17% of the adult population consumed this gourmet drink everyday, compared with 14% in 2007. What is more, positive health messages drove the consumption Espresso’s market (2008) Type| Market shares| Individual coffee pods/portioned coffee| 57%|Traditional| 19%| Filter combined| 12%| Automatic| 10%| Espresso without pump| 2%| As we can see, this market is essentially characterised by individual coffee pods’ sales. Types of most popular home espresso machines Espresso pump machine (Nespresso’s): automatic pump to create the perfect amount of water pressure (usually the most expensive) Lever or piston machine: manual or human powered pump to create the pressure it needs to make espresso. The quality of the coffee can vary, as it depends on human power.Steam powered machine: works by heating water and using steam power to create the pressure needed (usually the cheapest and often the worst quality) Moka pot espresso machine: works by boiling water in the bottom of the pot, creating steam and then forcing that steam through the coffee and into the top portion of the pot. Overall, trends are favourable concerning the espresso’s consumption. Thanks to positive messages about coffee and health, people are slowly changing their mind. The sector is developing well, creating opportunities.More and more people buy home espresso machines and this trend will certainly follow its growth. 2. 2. TARGET AND POSITIONING The target | Types| Characteristics| B to C| * Members of Nespresso Club * Prospects| * From 35 to 60 * AB| B to B| * Hotels & restaurants * Luxury retailers * Companies * Airline companies| * Sponsors et partnership with events organizers * Conference rooms * Welcome rooms * Hotels, restaurants and cafes * Airlines * SME * Big companies| Needs in B to C| Needs in B to B| To consume differently but in a better way * Need to be pleased and to dream * To search for new sensations * Innovative products * High quality products * To believe in key values of the company * To create a ceremonial atmosphere around the coffee’s tasting as if it was a high quality win * Recognition through the Nespresso Club * To access the best coffee of the actual market| * Innovative and up-market products => brand image * High quality products to offer to customers or associates * Value of exception emitted by the Nespresso brand * To give to the company or to the event a modern, innovative and dynamic image through an up-market brand * To offer a delightful moment * Recognition trough the Business coffee solution| Actually, Nespresso’s typical customer is either a person linked to the statue conveyed by the brand and attached to the quality of the service, or a hedonist attached to the quality of the product. Positioning Nespresso’s positioning is up-market, in terms of quality and service. The brand is the worldwide leader of the up-market coffee. Nespresso aims at profitability per unit and their return on investment rather than volumes. This is the reason why the brand targets a niche with high prices. 2. 3. ENVIRONMENT 2. . 1 PEST Analysis Key points| P| * The smoking ban: impact on coffee machines’ sales| E| * A luxurious machine for a high purchasing power| S| * Coffee c an be considered as a social habit| T| * Implementation of the latest new technologies| Politic The only interesting political aspect in this case is the smoking ban. Indeed, this law has created a change of atmosphere in all public premises where people were used to have a coffee. Several pubs and cafes have been affected. Some smokers have preferred to have their coffee at home and to make it taste as good as cafes’ ones, they invested in high quality coffee machines. EconomyCoffee’s market is characterised by very strong prices’ fluctuations. Like in every market, coffee’s price is regulated by the ratio between the quantity of coffee available and the amount of people who want to consume some (in fact, this amount represents the quantity coffee merchants need to buy). If the quantity of available coffee exceeds needs of coffee merchants, coffee’s price decreases. Conversely, if there isn’t enough coffee to satisfy demand, the price incre ases. In this way, this international prices’ instability may, at any time, increase or decrease volumes of supply or demand. But the world’s actual economic situation influences those fluctuations.Indeed, recession affects everyone and it is leading to new behaviours and new consumption strategies. Nowadays, coffee’s supply overtakes demand. However, people targeted by companies like Nespresso are usually wealthy. This is the reason why sells of ‘luxurious’ coffee machines have increased for a couple of years. Social According to market trends, coffee is the most popular beverage worldwide with over 400 billion cups consumed each year. It usually refers to social and family gatherings. Coffee is also associated with ‘white collar’ jobs and office workers. Nowadays, coffee breaks at work are considered as social habits as they are pleasant ways to chat and relax.However, young people and elderly people restrict coffee’s consumpti on. Indeed, young people usually prefer soft drinks and seniors care about their health. Technology Coffee’s market is characterised by high technologies. Each coffee merchant is looking for the latest technology in terms of capsules and coffee machines; 19 Bar pressure pump, automatic and programmable coffee quantity, capsule container, cup-warming side plates, electronic control of the level in the water tank are examples of inevitable new technologies found in modern coffee machines. However, most of these new products don’t correspond to actual environmental criteria. 2. 3. 2 SWOT Analysis ————————————————-STRENGTHS * Diversification: in parallel with its activities in the ‘home’ sector, Nespresso extended to ‘out-of-home’ segment (hotels, restaurants, cafes, aviation, SME) * Up- market positioning * Fame and brand image: high qu ality coffee perceived by the customer as a luxury product * Personalized marketing: Nespresso Clubs (luxurious shops which represent Nespresso’s universe) and website * Own capsules: avoid competition and reduce distribution costs * Constant innovation: to maintain its brand image, Nespresso deals with sector’s leaders such as Krups, Miele or Siemens * Growth higher than 30% per year * Knowledge: an exclusive accessories range of high quality * Experimented sales force| ————————————————- WEAKNESSES * Limited target: from 35 years old with a high purchasing power * Mono-use of the coffee machine * Ethic and practical issues concerning capsules * High competition with lower prices and good quality equipment * Limited distribution: only through the Internet, by phone or in Nespresso shops| ————————— ———————- THREATS * Competitors: numerous and strong * Capsules’ patent comes to an end in 2012: if competitors reduce capsules’ price, huge margins realized at the moment won’t endure anymore * Multi-use coffee machines: people like to have many options (hot chocolate, tea†¦) * Negative environmental image| ————————————————- OPPORTUNITIES * Development on American and Chinese markets * Opening of new shops * B to B * The young’s market| Thanks to its positioning, Nespresso’s sales increase a lot every year since the company’s creation. Indeed, Nespresso wants its coffee and its coffee machines to be considered as luxurious products. However, even if they’re meant to target a niche, more and more people buy those products. For example, during offers periods customers can a fford the simplest coffee machine for only ? 50.In fact, the company’s turnover is not based on machines sales (only 4%), they are more considered as a strategy. When Nespresso first set up, it offered free machines to companies. Once the customer has the coffee machine, he can only buy Nespresso’s capsules. On the one hand, this system represents the main strength of the company but on the other hand, it can be perceived as a weakness. Indeed, many people are not used to buy through the Internet for several different reasons and there aren’t enough shops. Moreover, Nespresso’s coffee is often too expensive for potential customers. But Nespresso has planned to open new shops all around the world in order to become more accessible.The Nespresso Club is a good way to add a luxurious value to products. It creates a privileged relationship with customers. What is more, the experimented sales force of the company will be able to open up new products, new coffe e machines and different kinds of coffees. 2. 4. COMMUNICATION ANALYSIS Direct marketing Through its whole communication, pleasure and quality is always at the heart of Nespresso’s strategy. Having a coffee isn’t an everyday act anymore; it became a real sensorial experience. To understand this deep experience proposed by the company, it is necessary to get first into a Nespresso shop. Indeed, this is where Nespresso’s communication starts.In the shop, everything’s meant to create an unforgettable atmosphere characterized by luxury, peace and sensual pleasure. A very nice and smart employee welcomes potential customers. They directly feel comfortable and are happy to follow him/her to discover products. In this environment, each coffee machine looks like the perfect last element that will complete the decoration of the potential customer’s kitchen or living room. Moreover, a large range of tasting implements is nicely presented: cups, glasses, teas poons, shakers, chocolates, sugars†¦ and of course coffee. A vast number of coloured capsules are exposed, and obviously it is possible to taste them.Once the coffee machine and capsules bought, customers become members of the Nespresso Club in the same way as Georges Clooney! Hoarding campaign Nespresso chose the American actor Georges Clooney to represent the brand. Through this choice, the company expresses the following message: drinking a Nespresso is kind of being like Georges; it means integrate the elite, access a higher rank. Advertisers use here an identification process: they push consumers to adopt some behaviour and some feelings from the person they would like to be. The aim of this campaign’s strategy is to impose Nespresso as a worldwide brand and to reinforce its icon statue.Georges Clooney is The man who best represents Nespresso’s values, as he is sophisticated, chic and charming. Georges, as the brand’s ambassador, gives some legitimacy and some leadership to Nespresso. Actually, this campaign is based on two types of purchasing motivations. Coffee refers to a simple life’s pleasure but a Nespresso aims to be considered as a kind of ‘magic’ desire. This delightful idea of having a Nespresso at home is a hedonist motivation. On the other hand, advertisers use the fact that having a coffee has become a social habit so having a Nespresso machine is a good way to ‘show off’, as it can represent an extern sign of success. This is the auto-expression motivation. Visual analysis The logoThe N of Nespresso is made of curves, which brings dynamism to the word. This shape and warm colours refer to the idea of a nice coffee and to relaxation. We can also imagine an allusion to Italy. There is a direct relationship with yin and yang: that remembers equilibrium. Yin is associated with moon, which represents the feminine part of nature. Yang is associated with sun and represents the masculine par t. The visual way Nespresso’s advertising is adapted to the European market. Indeed, the picture is meant to be red from the left to the right and from the top to the bottom. The lighting, the look and the hands position guide the audience to the slogan, then to the machine and to finish to the brand.The main colour used is black; it remembers coffee. Georges Clooney is at the centre, he directly catches the attention. There is a hand-play and a look-play. His eyes are creating a delicious moment of impatience. The composition is simple, there are few movements; Georges is acting as a figure of authority. Concerning the slogan ‘Nespresso: What else? ’, the italic typeface remembers the idea of quickness when making a Nespresso. What is more, this short question refers to seduction, still according to the brand’s up-market position. Press relations * Communication relating to events Nespresso always organises an event when a new product is launched.For exam ple, the brand organised a big show in December 2007 at ‘Bon Marche’, Paris, to promote 2 new coffees. Nespresso is also an active partner in gastronomic events, such as the Bacuse d’Or competition and the selection of the World’s 50 best restaurants. * Press reviews The press reviews’ selection is strategic. Nespresso is present in some magazines, some newspapers, and in specialised reviews of information, strategy and opinion leader. * Press Once again, the choice of magazines is strategic. Nespresso’s ads are published in some magazines like feminine up-market, travels, sciences, decoration, news and economy. Most of Nespresso’s ads are double-page. Nespresso Magazine The brand has its own magazine. It targets all the members of the Nespresso Club. The magazine is published three times a year and distributed in about ten European countries. The magazine’s main topics are coffee and lifestyles. It is a 64 pages magazine with n o more than 10 pages of ads for luxurious brands. * TV and Cinema In 2006, Nespresso started to broadcast TV spots of 10, 30 and 50 seconds. Thanks to Georges Clooney, this operation has been very successful. However, it is through its campaign destined to cinema that the brand caught all the attention (75% of memorisation against 15% for TV). 3. 0 COMPETITORS ANALYSISOn the market of percolators we attend an increase in the number of partnerships between household appliances manufacturers and big food groups: * Kraft foods et Braun  : TASSIMO * Nestle and leaders in the sector of espresso machines such as Krups: NESPRESSO * Philips and Sara Lee: SENSEO * Procter and Gamble, Black and Decker and Krups: HOME coffee * Kraft foods and Braun: TASSIMO 3. 1 TWO LEVELS OF COMPETITION Coffee market  offers a lot of segments: powdered coffee, instant coffee, coffee beans, capsules†¦Each kind of products offer variants: Classical coffee, decaffeinated coffee, Arabica coffee†¦ Do mestic electrical appliances market offers various products: coffee pots, espressos, percolators†¦ Concerting to capsules’ market, two kind of systems exist: * Closed proprietary systems: Nespresso, Tassimo, that is to say machines which only work with the brand’s capsules * Open Systems (easy serving espresso): De Longhi, all compatible brands. Coffee market:Monodor, Swiss also, which sold 500 millions of capsules in 2006 in the world (against 2, 3 billions for Nespresso). The same design, the same complexions, the same naming with Italian consonance and the same rates as those of Nespresso. The leader of Monodor, Eric Favre, is the inventor of the concept of capsule used by Nespresso. According to the last rumours, he would recently have signed a discreet agreement with Lavazza. Three times smaller with 227 million euros turnover and an annual growth of 10 %, Illy and its cafes-shops (since 2001) aim at the same clientele as at the Swiss roaster. We can sample t he coffee in cups there drawn by the biggest designers or make it some purchases of capsules.Hyper Espresso, the new Illy‘s machine already distributed in certain restaurants will be available for the general public via two new machines launched at the end of the year (approximately 250 and 390 euros). It will require only Illy plastic capsules. Selling price: 0, 39 euros each. Starbucks, leader of the retailing and the roasting of coffee with more than 10 000 stores distributed between North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and peaceful region. Starbucks made 7, 8 billion dollars of turnover in 2006 and realized an annual growth of the sales of 20 %. The company launched in the United States compatible capsules with the system Tassimo (Kraft Foods), it also collaborates with the car manufacturer BMW and the manufacturer of coffee machines Saeco for the launch of a new machine in espresso, Sirena.Luigi Lavazza is an Italian active company in the coffee market. A t the world level, Lavazza distributes approximately 1, 8 billion drinks a year. This company operates in the sector of the espresso in capsule for more than 15 years with the systems ESE, Espresso Point and, since 2004, Lavazza BLUE (Best Lavazza Ultimate Espresso). Lavazza is present in 80 countries and acquired an international fame. Today the sector â€Å"Professionals† of Lavazza represents 50 million euros. Domestic electrical appliances market Philips Senseo  : Senseo is a coffee machine spring from an association between Philips and ‘Maison du Cafe’. The main asset of this coffee pot is its speed and simplicity of use.We do not use any ground coffee in bag, but capsules, don’t need to measure anymore, similar for the water, it is measured meadow following the number of cups which we wish. Furthermore, the taste remains considerable and the froth gives one plus to the coffee natural. Key Factors of Success: Speed of use, simplicity of use, design, taste. Philips cucina  : This second coffee-pot of Philips, is less popular than the Senseo. This is principally had to the fact that its use is totally different. No capsules, but ground coffee and filters. Less rapidity of use, but simplicity is always present. The principal asset of this machine is its design and its simplicity. Key Factors of Success: simplicity of use, design. De’longhi espresso  : Another different coffee pot.Here it is the same system of use that the previous one, but this coffeepot is more worn towards the quality and taste. Indeed, its main asset is the taste which it produces and its froth as well. Key Factors of Success: taste. Moulinex crystal, Moulinex cocoon  : These two machines are similar; this is the reason why they are examined together. Work as the philips cucina, with ground coffee and filters as well. Their major assets are design and simplicity. However, they are common to many coffee pots. Key Factors of Success: simplicity of u se, design. Tassimo: This is a machine which does at the same time filter coffee, espresso, cappuccino, chocolate and tea.Its capsule, called ‘T-disc’ and patented, is endowed with a bar code which allows to recognize the drink and to adapt the preparation. A single button orders the use of the machine. Key Factors of Success: Speed and simplicity of use, design, taste, quality and practicality. 3. 2 FIVE PORTER’S FORCES Competitors The main Nespresso’s competitors are: Compagnies  : Philips et Sara Lee  in 2002 Target  : general public Price  : 69â‚ ¬ Capsules: 0,13-0,19â‚ ¬ and compatible with the others percolators Main competitor, Senseo established itself as the leader of capsules. The technology is simple and cheap, so easy to access, confirmed by the sale volume. We notice a big increase in + 37. 5% for Nespresso, and + 30% for Philips Senseo.Senseo which is often directly criticised concerning the fact its offer is not a true coffee e spresso, for lack of sufficient pressure, has just reacted with a kit espresso (carries filters & capsules) being able to adapt it on the machines which already exist. Its positioning is very generalist in comparison with Nespresso which promotes a up market brand image and which aims a certain clientele. Nespresso insists also on the quality of its coffee as being an exception coffee, and does not skimp on the means to assure to its clientele the better services and advices. Kraft foods and Braun  : TASSIMO Target: all drinkers of hot drinks Price: 129,99â‚ ¬Capsules  : 0,22-0,28â‚ ¬ This is a machine which does at the same time filter coffee, espresso, cappuccino, chocolate and tea. Its capsule, called ‘T-disc’ and patented, is endowed with a bar code which allows to recognize the drink and to adapt the preparation. A single button orders the use of the machine. Since its launch in France in 2004 until at the end of 2006, more than two million systems of dri nks Tassimo were sold in seven countries. Kraft Foods awaits of its brand Tassimo, a turnover of 200 millions of dollars this year. The threat of substitutes: Tea and infusion are markets with ‘well being references’ contrary to the coffee. Each year, 2. millions of metric tons of tea are produced in the world and about 1,200 billion cup of tea are drunk per year, hence 36,000 per second, which corresponds to an average annual consumption of 600 grams per year and per person. Soluble and other coffee varieties: the coffee market in capsules would not represent in 2006 that 3% in volume and 7% in value of the total quantity of consummate coffee in the world. But, nowadays the coffee market increase where sales stagnate. The power of suppliers: About coffee: the coffee market is characterized by fluctuations rather frequent because of the fact that it is governed by the offer and the request, which influences the coffee prices.Example: In 2006, Starbucks had bought its gr ains about 36% above the course of the stock Market of New York. This American offensive constrained Nespresso to align itself. The Swiss business thus paid a premium of 33% in comparison with the average course of the stock Market. However, Nespresso has a partnership with a NGO working for durable farming. For the machines: Nespresso has partnerships with the machine builders. There are many brands in competition each other: Krups, Magimix, Siemens, Miele †¦That allows Nespresso to check easily the pressure of the suppliers. The power of customers: The customers have a strong pressure on the market because they have access to a diversified choice.However, for the systems owners, the pressure is inverted, indeed, once the machine bought, the customer can only to use the corresponding capsules. In addition, the stagnation of the consumption of coffee gives to the customer a certain influence on the sector. Potential entrants : * Procter & Gamble * Kraft foods et Braun * Philips et Sara Lee * Salton * Monodor * Illy * Starbucks * Lavazaa The threat of the potential entrants is quite strong all the more so it is the matter of big groups such as Procter & Gamble or Salton. Concerning to competitive force, the pressure is even more important as a consequence of the presence of many competitors on this sector. Competitive Rivarly:In this sector it is very pronounced as a consequence of the fact that there are several competitors which take strategies of growth and base themselves on the innovation technological of the products. The competitive pressure is strong considering to the variety of the products and the power of competitors. Some of them do not hesitate to produce open systems, that is to say, usable capsules with others machines. The market is attractive and does not really represent barriers to the entry, that’s a real potential. 3. 3 NESPRESSO COMPARED TO COMPETITORS MULTI-DRINKS CAPSULE VARIETY (COFFEE) MACHINES QUALITY (Power) ACCESSIBILIT Y CAPSULES PURCHASE POSITIONING (upmarket) COMPETITIVENESS MACHINES & CAPSULES PRICES BRANDS MATCHINGPRESENCE IN THE MARKET (Time) Nespresso Tassimo Senseo 4. 0 NESPRESSO’S STRATEGY Since its creation, Nespresso has experienced several policies and several strategies which were not always successful, until now. Indeed the current strategy of the company is a clever association of knowledge, creativity and innovation which transformed the firm in a real and particular concept. Nespresso is now one of the most known brands on the coffee market. 4. 1 CORPORATE STRATEGY 4. 1. 1 Differentiation Strategy To deeply understand the Nespresso’s corporate strategy, we based our reflection on the Generic Strategies analysis by M. Porter. | COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE| Specific feature seen by the costumer| Low cost policy of the company| COMPETITVE SCOPE| Broad| DIFFERENTIATION| OVERALL COST LEADERSHIP| | Narrow| FOCUS/ NICHE STRATEGY| Analyzing the principal characteristics of Nespress o we can think that they use the Differentiation strategy. Indeed, the differentiation strategy implements other factors than the price in order to differentiate the product or service from the competitors. The Nespresso’s strategy is based on a high quality product and on a luxurious brand image. If you buy a Nespresso product you belong to the selective â€Å"Nespresso Club† which provides lots of personal advantages and personal status to the consumers who are ready to pay a high price.The company offers a perfect espresso for hedonist and elitist people who reflect a special way of life: the more than 30 year old urban people with a high purchase power. Nespresso use the differentiation through the top with a high price and value: The â€Å"Virtuous Circle† of the differentiation through the top: Characteristics| Risks| * Intuition and Creativity * Innovation * Business * Partner and cooperative distribution network * Good brand image| * Difficulties to mana ge the additional cost due to the differentiation * Wrong perception from the costumer * Imitation of the differentiation factor * Lose the interest of the differentiation factor from the costumer|We can easily link this model to the Nespresso concept: their creativity innovation and intuition are perceived by the rarity, the quality and the image of the range of capsules or machines they sell. It is perceived as well by the concept of â€Å"Club† and of belonging to a high community just drinking a delicious coffee which answers to their target using the esteem need of the Maslow’s hierarchy. Its distribution network is an entire part of its concept: luxurious places where consumers can join people sharing the same taste and feel the personal status Nespresso gives them. Concerning the brand image, Nespresso is now one of the most famous brands thanks to its clever communication and to the face of the company: George Clooney.At the moment Nespresso keeps its competiti ve advantage and is still a reference in the high quality market. Consequently the firm is still avoiding the risks linked to this strategy which is the main reason of its incredible success. If we follow the Strategy Clock of Bowman, we can explain why the differentiation strategy succeeds so much. Indeed, the perceived added value sufficient to bear a premium price. The target buys not only an espresso machine but the whole culture of Nespresso which give them the possibility to join an elitist community and reach particular privileges. 4. 1. 2 Internal Growth Strategy The internal growth strategy of Nespresso is clear: Penetrate and spread.The company currently wants to conquer new markets shares thanks to a strong marketing campaign at once â€Å"push†: cinema, television, billboards and â€Å"pull†: direct marketing, website, sponsoring, in order to become and stay the leader on the capsules coffee market. The firm established an internalization strategy. It has r ecently implemented some stores in the United States and in China. Nowadays, Nespresso is represented in more than 50 countries by 160 Nespresso boutiques in 2008. Two different kinds of internalization strategies are possible. The first one is the Multinational strategy: the organization’s activity is implemented in a new area and then modified according to the country’s specificities.Nespresso is developing the Global strategy: it proposes on the whole area it covers a standard offer. Nevertheless, the international development of the brand succeeds thanks to a good knowledge of the coffee consumption habits which is very different in each country. According to that, it adapts its strategy to each new market, privileging sometimes the loyalty aspect of the concept and sometimes to conquer new costumers. 4. 1. 3 External Growth Strategy An external growth strategy could be defined by a merger and acquisition process, by an assortment of companies or by a partnership o f different firms. Nespresso’s strategy is defined by the last one.Indeed, the firm established strategic alliances with some famous companies as SIEMENS or TURMIX (KRUPS) to develop some of their activities like coffee machines. According to the contracts those companies have to respect the Nespresso’s criteria manufacturing design, refined and luxurious items. Nespresso cooperates as well with the RAINFOREST ALLIANCE, one of the most important ONG supporting agriculture in order to create the NESPRESSO AAA program which certifies the quality of their product. The objective of this program is to produce a high quality Green coffee according to the economics and social consequences for the local producer and to the environment’s respect. 4. 2 ACTIVITIES’ STRATEGIES Nespresso SA is one of the most efficient strategic business units of the Nestle group.Therefore, despite the fact that the company owns several activities none is corresponding to a strategic business unit. Nevertheless, as we said the firm operates on different market segments thanks to 4 developed businesses: the sale of espresso machines, of coffee capsules, of accessories and the managing of many luxurious places around the world. In order to deeply understand the company strategy and to produce a complete study, we will present the different businesses Nespresso proposes and then its strategy applied for each of its market segment using those businesses. 4. 2. 1 Nespresso’s Businesses Presentation Espresso machines The espresso machines represent the main activity of the brand and generate the most important profit.The company has created 40 models according to the different needs of the target. The machines are manufactured by partner companies as Siemens, Miele, Alessi, Koenig, Turmix, De’ Longhi, Magimix and Krups. They differentiate themselves by a unique design and a luxurious aspect which perfectly reflect the Nespresso’s image. As an exam ple, the most famous machine is the MAGIMIX M110 sold for ? 116: New compact brewing unit technology, 19 bar pressure pump, thermoblock heating element, automatic and programmable coffee quantity and available in different colors: â€Å"What else†? Those machines represent a high technology inside a refined aesthetic.Concerning the distribution network, it is a traditional one: we can find some machines in hypermarkets, mail order or in specialized shops. More than 18  000 points of sale have been counted. Coffee capsules The Nespresso’s range of coffee capsules is composed of 9 different blends from the decaffeinated to the strongest one. The espresso blends come from the finest coffee-producing countries: Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica, Togo, Guatemala, Kenya and Ethiopia. Capsules cost ? 0. 25 each and customers can only find it on the Nespresso official website or in Nespresso boutiques. According to Daniel Lalonde, International Commercial Director, 24 capsules ar e sold each second somewhere in the world. AccessoriesIn order to perfectly complete their offer, Nespresso sells to its consumers all the accessories which are necessary to make their coffee break a design and elegant moment. A wide range of coffee cups from ? 8. 81 to ? 44. 04 each, sugar bowls, chocolate, items to heat the milk, recipe glasses, candles, Shaker, cappuccino kit, spoons, trays and more. Under the words â€Å"Presentation is everything† Nespresso makes its consumers understand that they cannot drink such a delicious coffee without sophistication. The Nespresso Boutiques The Nespresso boutiques and bars boutiques are the heart of the Nespresso communication strategy. They are allowed only to â€Å"Club members† and are the showcase of the brand. Consumers belong to the club as soon as they buy their first machine.From this moment they are able to buy the capsules and the accessories and they benefit from a personal service for information or reclamations . Moreover they are able to enter the luxurious boutiques in order to taste new blends, buy some products or just enjoy their time in beautiful and refined spaces. Those boutiques generate about 25% of the company’s annual turnover in B to C. In order to create those elegant and design spaces the brand worked with the famous French architect Francis Krempp who realized the plan of the biggest boutiques. Each new boutique is strategically located in the most elegant and famous street of the biggest urban centers. We currently count about 160 boutiques and bars boutiques around the world. 4. 2. 2 Nespresso Markets SegmentThe company operates on two different markets segment, the Nespresso Business to Consumers division for customers or Club members and the Nespresso Business to Business division for the out-of-home sector. In a very competitive environment, the brand is positioned as leadership and as the only distributor and owner of aluminum capsules and particular machinesâ €™ patents. The Nespresso’s challenge is that in 2012 the capsules and machines’ patents will become public giving to the competitors the possibility to create machines with the same technology and the corresponding capsules. Therefore, in the following part we will analyze the strategies that the company is currently using in order to keep its position on the market. Nespresso applies different strategies for each market segment. 4. 2. 2. 1 Nespresso Business to ConsumerIn this section the target are the members of the Nespresso Club, the new costumers and the potential customers. Machines promotions and new customer strategy Nespresso aims to conquer new customers until 2012 proposing some promotions on machines at special occasions of the year. The brand wants to develop its consumer panel thanks to reductions for the new buyers, for the club members and for partnerships. The Partnership is the fact that a consumer â€Å"pushes† another person to buy a ma chine, and then the consumer gets a reduction. The club members are the best promotion support for Nespresso, indeed a consumer who talks about the brand to 10 people for example, gives it between 3 and 5 new potential customers.Moreover, once the customer buys his first machine, he becomes a member and therefore he has to buy the capsules and enter in the Nespresso’s database. Differentiation strategy The Coffee: In order to keep its dynamic image, Nespresso markets, once a year and in a period of two months, two new coffees from a small production: Spring limited edition, autumn club edition and variations. Those very high quality coffees are punctual and limited offers which goal is to make the customers come into the Nespresso boutiques. Those products are very rare and consequently, it does represent a differentiation because Nespresso is the only brand which proposes a different offer from the classic range. Finally the variations are another kind of limited editions: i t is a range of flavoured coffee.Machines: In order to differentiate itself from the competitors, the company created a â€Å"pack machine† which contains an instructions file, 12 capsules and some promotional leaflets on accessories. Accessories: As a luxury brand Nespresso has different season’s collections of accessories: The Autumn/Winter collection and a Spring/Summer collection. The firm is the only one which creates its own accessories on the coffee market. Loyalty strategy The main strategy of the company in B to C is the loyalty strategy based on an important loyalty program: * The â€Å"Welcome in Nespresso† concept * The website * The â€Å"Nespresso Club† * The mailing and emailing campaigns * The phoning campaign called â€Å"Nursing† Newsletter in the monthly Nespresso magazine The â€Å"Welcome in Nespresso† concept: This loyalty program integrates on one year long the new customers thanks to discovery boxes or promotions. Thi s strategy not only strengthens the Nespresso perception and its brand image it also allows it learning more about their consumers from the beginning, encourages members tasting different blends and buy accessories and generates important orders. The website www. nespresso. com: Useful loyalty tool, it generates about 37% of new members. Indeed the consumers can buy some items online and regularly check the new offers and promotions. The â€Å"Nespresso Club†: The main dvantage of this concept is to create a long term relationship with the consumer because he belongs to the brand club since his first purchase. He will regularly receive some mailings and emailing and therefore he will be in regular contact with Nespresso. Mailing and emailing When a new customer enters in the Nespresso’s database he often receives personalized mails about the club services, the accessories, machines and some satisfaction surveys. Nursing: Nespresso phones all new customers one month aft er their first order asking them about their opinion about the Grand Crus and the practicality of the machines. They also remind him the club services.Public relations: As we said previously, the Nespresso magazine is delivered only to the best consumers of the brand. It is mainly about coffee but also about different subjects about the luxury sector. It is considered like a privilege for those who receive it. 4. 2. 2. 2 Nespresso Business Coffee Solutions This division of the firm targets companies from different sector: Offices, hotels and restaurants, luxury retails (luxury shops, spas†¦) and airlines companies. The B to B prospecting strategy Prospecting: Nespreso is currently prospecting new business customers using tools as a trying brochure or telephone number in order to fix an appointment to try a machine.The objective of this strategy is in a first step to establish a contact with the potential business customer for a free try and in a second step to measure his poten tial and his needs. Try and contract: During the try session the aim is to introduce â€Å"Nespresso Professional†, inform the potential customer about the different products and services, create a first impression and engender the signature of the contract. Loyalty strategy: As the B to C loyalty strategy, the company that Nespresso is targeting will receive a welcoming pack, some phone calls (nursing) and a satisfaction survey. 4. 2. 2. 3 Market segments’ strategy conclusions On the whole we can say that the B to B division is now a mature segment where Nespresso mainly has to develop its relationships with its customers.Nevertheless, despite the fact that the B to C division is well developed and well positioned on the market, the company still has to conquer market shares and customers around the world. Indeed the machine selling is a very important part of the Nespresso’s profit and needs to be increased. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Unique Personalized Service High Design Machines High Quality Coffee In conclusion, according to the market trends and the Nespresso’s sales, the company is on a successful way. Success which began with its resources, indeed Nespresso owns decisive intangible resources which are its several patents, its relationships with high technology industries and quality coffee producers around the world and finally, its brand image.They are completed by an inventive strategy management team: the firm’s main tangible resource. Those resources engender the Nespresso’s distinctive competencies: Ownership of high technology and design process, worldwide coffee supplying and an efficient differentiation strategy. The final result of the Nespresso’s competencies is the now famous trilogy of competitive advantages: That is how Nespresso became one of the most famous coffee brand and that despite high price products, sales exploded. The competition could be severe however each competitor has a different positioning which protects the company from directs competitors. All future consumers are conquered by the system and rapidly become a Nespresso Club member.About the future of the company, it recently conducted a democratization strategy targeting younger customers creating the Essenza and Compact ranges. The reason is probably because their target is getting older which could become risky in long term speaking. The expansion of Nespresso Boutiques confirms that theory, the company is trying to catch the attention of a larger population. As we said the firm has to develop its machines sales as much as possible and young people seems to be a perfect potential target. In order to reach this aim Nespresso should develop its range of affordable machines keeping a dynamic and innovative feature but giving to younger people the access to the brand. Nevertheless, they should not target people under 25 in order to keep their high quality brand image.Recently some competitors la unched new technologies able to produce not only coffee but hot chocolate and tea as well. It could be an interesting evolution for the company, still in a view of getting the target larger. Indeed the tea market is full of potential with an increasing demand. Moreover, to attract young people Nespresso could create a special range of machines with a trendier aesthetic, keeping its refined design with a touch of dynamism. As final recommendation, Nespresso should find an alternative to the aluminum capsules which are in contradiction with the environmentally friendly and natural image that Nespresso desires to have. Indeed aluminum is known as a very polluting material.

What are the reader’s first impressions of the Woman in Black?

?What are the reader’s first impressions of the Woman in Black? The first description of the Woman in Black raises a lot of questions for the reader to think about. The fact that she is described as being ‘Dressed in deepest black†¦that had rather gone out of fashion’ suggests that the woman is out of place in the time period as well as at a funeral. This links to how the other funeral attendants cannot see her. The fact that she is a woman and described as being dressed in ‘black’ links to the title of this novel which gets the reader wondering if she is the Woman in Black.Secondly, her cloths are described as ‘a little rusty looking’. This gives the impression that her clothes are ageing which links with her isolation from the rest of the funeral party as she isn’t dressed in the most up to date formal funeral wear. She is also said to have a ‘terrible wasting disease’ and the ‘thinnest layer of flesh was tautly stretched and strained across her bones’. Also Arthur says she had a ‘blue-white sheen’ on her skin. All three quotes suggest a ghostly looking character. This links to other ghostly descriptions of the woman including ‘Eyes seemed sunken back into her head’.The quote ‘thinnest layer of flesh†¦across her bones’ links to the quote ‘a victim of starvation’ because if someone has been starved then you can see the shape of their bones. However, to create contrast, Arthur Kipps shows sympathy for the woman when he says ‘some lingering hint, of a not inconsiderable former beauty’ and ‘I bent my head and prayed †¦for the soul of that lonely old woman. ’ Her skin is described as being ‘extremely pale, even more than a contrast with the blackness of her garments could account for.’This shows that the contrast between the colour of her skin and her dress is completely different l inking her to the theme of contrast in the novel. Twice in this section of the story, Arthur notes the movement of the woman when he hears ‘some slight rustle behind (him)’ and the same again later on with a ‘slight rustle of clothing. ’ The use of small sounds to show her movement creates suspense as the reader doesn’t know if she is real or not because she is making a sound when she moves but the description of a ghostly figure contradicts that.The quote ‘on hearing some slight rustle behind me’ then links to having ‘acuteness of the senses’ and the theme of sounds in both Edgar Allan Poe novels. When the funeral congregation moves outside, Arthur describes where the woman stands. She stands ‘some yards back, beside another headstone†¦overgrown with moss. ’ This makes the reader question why the woman is looking at another headstone and not looking at the actual burial. The fact that the headstone is over grown with moss suggests that it is an old headstone but it would be hard to tell how old.This links to Arthur finding it hard to tell how old the woman is. Could it be her headstone? Finally, when we first meet any of the other characters in ‘The Woman in Black’ we are given a short description of how they look and dress, however, the Woman in Black has a considerably longer and more detailed description meaning that this character and this meeting obviously had a bigger impact on Arthur than any other character as he can quite easily recall and retell every detail of the funeral of Mrs. Drablow.

Body Art Essay Example

Body Art Essay Example Body Art Paper Body Art Paper Body art is a practice whereby people use forms of artistic expression to decorate their bodies in order to indicate their status, religious devotion, desired protection against the evil and diseases. People express themselves for many different reasons for getting various forms of body art. Some could mean personal expression, cultural expression while other continues to decorate their bodies as means of remembering some important time or event in their lives. In different cultures, various parts of the body are painted and the pattern of painting may reflect age, gender or social status. In the United States women decorate their faces with cosmetics after they reach puberty while in some societies; men mark their adult status by painting designs on their babies. Babies and children may also be adorned by painting designs on their bodies or faces. There are different styles of body art and these include; a) Scarification- is the process of decorating the body by inflicting wounds and allowing wounds to heal. It is performed by people trained in the art. The marks can be of different shapes and form a decorative pattern. This is common among the Samoans b) Tattooing- is widely practiced worldwide and is a procedure of permanently marking the skin with ink or dye. The process is painful and extensive tattoos are a mark of stoicism. Various parts of the body may also be pierced or otherwise surgically altered. c) Piercing- is a procedure in which a sharp instrument is passed through a fold skin or part of the body. The process is very painful and it takes time for a person to decide to go for it. d) Body paint- is a temporary form of body art which includes Mehndi. Mehndi is the Indian tradition of decorating a womans hands and feet with henna dye, originally done to celebrate her wedding. The patterns are very intricate and usually take several hours to complete. e) Permanent Makeup- is a form of tattooing. This makeup is most commonly applied to eyebrows, upper and lower eyelids and lips. It can last anywhere from four to six years. f) Body Play or Shaping- is the most severe form of body art. It includes body suspension, waist/corset training, implanting foreign objects under the skin, e. g. , inserting metal spikes into the skull or inserting marbles under the skin Body art practice in some societies is highly regarded. In most societies body art is/ was done with a reason and it depended with the occasion, the status of a person in the society. In some communities body art showed some form of bravely because the experience is very painful. When members of one culture consumes the visual arts of another, the social and the cultural context shifts and in the process the tastes and expectations of the outside consumers may reshape and redefine the artistic or culture that produced the art objects. Body art has created jobs for those who are practicing it. Many people are being trained to do body art. At the same time some forms of body art are being related to crime as some body marks depict crime or any other social vice. However body art if not done properly on the body can be a health risk as it involves body piercing which can lead to bacterial or viral infection and other complications which may be harmful to the body. References Mari Womack (2000) Being Human, 2nd Edition Lahn D. (1999); Body Piercing; St. Martins Griffin

The Warn Act of 1989

The Warn Act of 1989 Free Online Research Papers The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, or WARN Act, was enacted on August 4, 1988 and was made effective on February 4, 1989 (www.doleta.gov). The WARN Act is a requirement put in place that mandates companies to provide sixty days written notice to employees affected by either plant closings or mass layoffs. This includes both salaried and hourly workers, as well as managers and supervisors. In the case of a unionized workplace, the notice must be provided to the union representative. The written notice must also be submitted to the state dislocated worker unit and the appropriate local government unit. The companies are covered under WARN if they have more than 100 employees excluding those who have worked less than six months out of the last twelve, or employees who work an average of less than twenty hours per week (www.doleta.gov). All types of companies are subject to the act with the exception of Federal, State and local government agencies that provide p ublic services. The Purpose of WARN The intent of the WARN Act passed by Congress was attempt to maintain economic stability in a given geography. As we are now extremely aware, an employed population is one that spends, thus helping maintain a healthy economy. WARN allows employees and their family sufficient time to prepare for and find jobs in the case that their current employment is ending. This could include assisting the soon to be displaced employees with locating job openings, or giving them access to new career training prior to the actual job loss. Triggers for WARN There are two main occurrences that trigger the need for WARN compliance. The first one is a facility closure or discontinuation of an operating unit. In this instance, if the aforementioned event results in the layoff of at least 50 employees, excluding part-time employees, WARN would need to be followed. The second incident that would require compliance to WARN is a mass layoff of 500 or more workers at a single site within thirty days. The same treatment is to be given in the case of lay-offs of 50-499 employees excluding part-time, if the total number affected is equal to or greater than thirty three percent of the total active workforce (www.doleta.gov). Exceptions to WARN In addition to the thresholds listed above not being met, there are some circumstances that would not activate the need for WARN. The first category covered as exceptions surround unpredictable reasons for the workforce reduction. The three such reasons are faltering company, unforeseeable business circumstances, and natural disaster. The faltering company is only applicable when the act of giving the notice to employees could jeopardize sought after new capital or business and is reserved for plant closings. The unforeseeable business circumstances exemption applies to both site closings and mass layoffs, but only comes into play when the circumstances were not reasonably predictable or anticipated. Finally, natural disaster only applies when a closing or layoff is the direct result of a natural disaster. All of these exemptions leave the burden of proof that any of these conditions have been met on the employer, and they are still expected to give written notice as soon as i s practical. The next area of exceptions involves something that can be foreseen. There are two areas that qualify as an exception. The first is when the layoffs or closure surrounds a temporary project or site where the employees have been given the clear notification upon hire that their employment will be terminated upon project completion. The second reason WARN would not be triggered in this area is if the closure is a direct result of a lockout or strike. The reasons, however, can not be used for the purpose of avoiding WARN. Federal versus State Regulations States are given the leeway to modify WARN as they see fit, but the Federal requirements are always the minimum. Two examples of the different approaches that states take can be seen by comparing New York and Connecticut. Connecticut simply mirrors the Federal guidelines (www.ctdol.state.ct.us), while New York goes a step beyond. On February 1, 2009 they extended the required notice period to ninety days while reducing the number total number of employees to fifty and the layoff threshold number to twenty-five (www.labor.state.ny.us). Each individual state’s guidelines can be found on their Department of Labor website and must be complied with in a company’s state of operation. The Impact of WARN on the Workplace WARN has a profound impact on the workplace from a company’s perspective. As companies contemplate the current trend of outsourcing work overseas or even within the United States, they must plan ahead to make sure they are not subject to litigation when deciding on their business case. Company leaders must also take into consideration the potential loss of productivity of a workforce that knows they are coming to the end of their tenure with a firm. How will this impact their customer experience when dealing with a potentially unmotivated workforce? What impact will this have on the company’s reputation once the closure and layoffs are known and on public record 60 or more days before they occur? Will this impact the customers comfort level with the company’s services or products? WARN has a different impact on the employee. It allows a certain level of comfort in knowing that if a company decides to make a substantial change in its operations, they will be provided the notice and the resources to prepare them for the next leg of their career. The act can soften the impact of such a dramatic change. It mandates a certain level of accountability for company leaders to their employees, or at least make a fair effort to forewarn the employees that they will be experiencing a major life change in the near future. It also removes the uncertainty of rumors surrounding a potential layoff or closure with an actual statement in writing that the changes are going to occur. Violations and Penalties Violations to WARN would include not being compliant to your state’s provisions if your company meets any of the criteria set forth above in the â€Å"Triggers for WARN† section. There are costly penalties for violating the WARN Acts include liability to each aggrieved employee who experiences an employment loss as a result of the mass layoff or plant closing. An employer is liable for a maximum of 60 days of back pay and benefits payable to each impacted employee. If there are a substantial number of such employees, then the dollar amount of penalties could be quite high. In addition, failure to notify the required governmental entity may result in a penalty of up to $500 per each violation day (www.doleta.gov). The Role of Human Resources with WARN All employees are affected when it comes to a major change in the operations of their firm. This is especially true when that shift involves layoffs and site closures. The government sanctions for not complying with WARN combined with the potential unrest amongst the employees, both those losing their employment as well as those who do not, clearly dictate that Human Resources needs to be highly leveraged in the decision process. Human Resources needs to be there to make sure at a minimum that the guidelines surrounding compliance to the WARN Act are met. They must be involved while the company weighs potential repercussions and impact on the business case. In essence, they need to be involved every step of the process to mitigate against any potential legal proceedings that may ensue, as this decision is likely to solicit a very emotional response from the affected employees. In this litigious society, some people unfortunately will always turn to lawsuits. Companies need to make sure that they follow the guidelines precisely to eliminate their exposure to such actions. HR will also be the likely recipient of the fallout of the displaced as well as the remaining employees. As such, they would need to fully understand the decision process so they can converse openly with the employees. The Future of WARN Currently there has been Legislation introduced to reduce the triggers of WARN from a Federal front. On May 1, 2009, the Alert Laid-Off Employees in Reasonable Time (ALERT) Act would expand from the current single site limitation to include all of the employers operations (hrpolicy.org 2009). This would mean small handfuls of employment losses at several facilities located miles away from each other could constitute continuous mass layoffs for large corporations. As of the writing of this paper, it has not been passed as it is very recent. References www.ctdol.state.ct.us. Retrieved May 2, 2009 from ctdol.state.ct.us/progsupt/bussrvce/rrwarn.htm www.doleta.gov. Retrieved May 2, 2009 from doleta.gov/programs/factsht/warn.htm www.hrpolicy.org (2009). Retrieved May 2, 2009 from hrpolicy.org/portal_story.aspx?GID=204SID=705 www.labor.state.ny.us. Retrieved May 2, 2009 from labor.state.ny.us/workforcenypartners/warn/warnportal.shtm Research Papers on The Warn Act of 1989Twilight of the UAWResearch Process Part OneUnreasonable Searches and SeizuresAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NicePETSTEL analysis of IndiaThe Project Managment Office SystemMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesRelationship between Media Coverage and Social and

Essential Facts About the South Carolina Colony

Essential Facts About the South Carolina Colony The South Carolina Colony was founded by the British in 1663 and was one of the 13 original colonies. It was founded by eight nobles with a Royal Charter from King Charles II and was part of the group of Southern Colonies, along with the North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and Maryland. South Carolina became one of the wealthiest early colonies largely due to exports of cotton, rice, tobacco, and indigo dye. Much of the colonys economy was dependent upon slave labor that supported large land operations similar to plantations.  Ã‚   Early Settlement The British were not the first to attempt to colonize land in South Carolina. In the middle of the 16th century, first the French and then the Spanish tried to establish settlements on the coastal land. The French settlement of Charlsefort, now Parris Island, was established by French soldiers in 1562, but the effort lasted less than a year. In 1566, the Spanish established the settlement of Santa Elena in a nearby location. This lasted about 10 years before it was abandoned, following attacks by local Native Americans. While the town was later rebuilt, the Spanish devoted more resources to settlements in Florida, leaving the South Carolina coast ripe for the picking by British settlers. The English established Albemarle Point in 1670 and moved the colony to Charles Town (now Charleston) in 1680. Slavery and the South Carolina Economy Many of the early settlers of South Carolina came from the island of Barbados, in the Caribbean, bringing with them the plantation system common in the West Indies colonies. Under this system, large areas of land were privately owned, and most of the farm labor was provided by slaves. South Carolina landowners initially acquired slaves through trade with the West Indies, but once Charles Town was established as a major port, slaves were imported directly from Africa. The great demand for slave labor under the plantation system created a significant slave population in South Carolina. By the 1700s, the population of slaves nearly doubled the white population, according to many estimates.   South Carolinas slave trade was not limited to African slaves. It was also one of the few colonies to engage in the trade of American Indian slaves. In this case, slaves were not imported into South Carolina but rather exported to the British West Indies and other British colonies. This trade began in about 1680 and continued for nearly four decades until the Yamasee War led to peace negotiations that helped end the ​trade activity.   North and South Carolina The South Carolina and North Carolina colonies originally were part of one colony called the Carolina Colony. The colony was set up as a proprietary settlement and governed by a group known as Carolinas Lords Proprietors. But unrest with the native population and fear of slave rebellion led white settlers to seek protection from the English crown. As a result, the colony became a royal colony in 1729 and was divided into the colonies of South Carolina and North Carolina.

Managing people Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 5

Managing people - Essay Example The most recent legislation that the country passed is the Anti-discrimination legislation that seeks to enhance equality at the work place (WOODHAMS & LUPTON 2006). For many years women have been subjected to any forms of discrimination and gender discrimination is just one of the many things that women have been discriminated against. The most prominent discrimination that ladies are subjected to include: low pay, dismissal because they are pregnant, maternity leave and related issues. Women are also more susceptible to sexual harassment at the place of work. Despite the legislations that have been passed in the country, many more women face discrimination. For example, it is estimated that 30, 000 women are discriminated against and consequently lose their jobs because of pregnancy (DURBIN & FLEETWOOD 2010). Despite all the laws and initiatives put by stakeholders to break discrimination on basis of gender, social and cultural barriers the strides are yet to achieve maximum effort. Similarly, the society is yet to break from the negative perception that women are subjected to. From the persistent discrimination directed to women it is clear that the country, like any other country that discriminated against women, cannot grow and develop to meet 100% potential since almost 50% of the population is discriminated against. However, the society through different groups such as trade unions continues to advocate for more change (SARGEANT 2009). The country has made great strides by introducing different types of laws that seek to deal with different kinds of discrimination including work related discrimination. In 1975, the country introduced Sex discrimination Act. This legislation sought to ban all kinds of discrimination on the basis of sex. Several years later the country introduced the Equalities Act of 2010. This act consolidated many laws together and in particular

Find a case study of an ERP implementation and prepare a critical

Find a of an ERP implementation and prepare a critical summary. The will outline an ERP implementation that has been successful or unsuccessful - either is perfectly OK - Case Study Example 140). Also, the short-term solutions applied to the problems experienced during the implementation of ERP systems have substantial side effects whenever the systems go live. The essay presents an investigation into the management strategies adopted by the Pharma Inc. project team in their efforts to stimulate what is now referred to as the best practices of ERP implementation. The case involves a multinational pharmaceutical firm that decides to implement specific technical skills (SAP) to a large number of worldwide sites(Tan & Payton, 2010, p. 77). The single instance SAP is implemented through the manufacturing subsidiary department of the Pharma Inc. Ideally, the manufacturing subsidiary is termed a ‘primary site’ since it produces active ingredients used in other secondary sites that tablet and package the drugs. One attractive feature in this case study is that previous ERP implementation was only carried out on secondary sites. The manufacturing subsidiary in this case study was the first primary site to be implemented based on the new SAP system. Based on the skills gained in developing the global template, project members were solicited by the Pharma Inc. team to assist in the rollout of other primary sites. The overall level of preparation done by the project team members on the local site was right. The success of the project was encouraged by the fact that other manufacturing sites had already gone live based on the global template of an ERP system (Tan & Payton, 2010, p. 246). Project members understood that their primary objective was to comply with the industry standards in order to withstand any audit from the Food and Drug Administration. From this point of view, the project was seen as a necessary investment to avoid extra costs. All the stakeholders involved agreed in unison that the benefits derived from the ERP system would for the greater good

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 1 (MA EDUCATION) - EVIDENCE FROM A CRITICAL Essay

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 1 (MA EDUCATION) - EVIDENCE FROM A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF AN APPROPRIATE PUBLISHED RESARCH PAPER - Essay Example ary was a one which had an intercept, a linear growth rate term and a quadratic term (level 1) and had maternal lexical input, language and literacy skills and depression as the significant predictors (level 2). The observed variation was positively related to diversity of maternal lexical input and maternal language and literacy skills, and negatively related to maternal depression. Maternal talkativeness was not related to growth in children’s’ vocabulary production in the study sample. Finally, the authors discuss the implications of the examination of longitudinal data from this relatively large sample of low-income families. 2. Are the rates of change in children’s observed vocabulary production related to maternal communicative input, maternal education, maternal language and literacy skills, or maternal depression, controlling for child gender and birth order, maternal age, family income, and family participation in an intervention program? CES-D: The Centre for Epidemiologic Studies –Depression (CES –D; Radloff, 1977) scale, on which adults rate on a 4-point scale the frequency with which they have recently experienced 20 depressive symptoms Child Abuse Potential: An inventory was designed primarily as a screening tool for the detection of physical child abuse by protective services workers in their investigations of reported child abuse cases (Milner, 1986) CHILDES: Child Language Data Exchange System (CHILDES; MacWhinney, 2000) is a system of transcribing, coding and storing information pertaining to communication in children, notably in the form of words and gestures Early head start: A program within Head Start that promotes healthy prenatal outcomes, promotes healthy family functioning, and strengthens the development of infants and toddlers beginning as young as newborn infants. Individual growth modelling: This is a statistical method of analyzing data by fitting the data to various candidate models, represented as growth equations.

Ethics, Genetics and Reproduction Philosophy Essay

Ethics, Genetics and Reproduction Philosophy - Essay Example Had the things been that simple, any type of intellectual debate would have become a mere travesty that would have predominantly remained confined to evaluating the emerging social and ethical issues by the established yardsticks. However, this was never to happen. Luckily, such a travesty of intellectual and ethical catechism is infact next to impossible in the contemporary technology driven society where the emergence of latest scientific discoveries and novel possibilities infact more then ever impinges upon the collective human consciousness to see and analyze the emerging issues in a multifaceted context. In such a mature and liberal social scenario, issues related to fertility, reproduction and surrogate motherhood assume special significance in an ethical, legal, theological and philosophical context that attract the attention and interest of thinkers and intellectuals from all the spheres of social life. In her work 'The Case against the Legalization of Contract Motherhood', Christine Overall defines surrogate motherhood as, "a reproductive practice in which a women agrees before becoming pregnant, to surrender the baby she gestates to a man who has commissioned the pregnancy, usually in return for a set fee (112)." As is evident to any thinking individual, the issue is doubtlessly open to a variety of conflicting opinions and is fraught with contention, so far as its ethical and legal ramifications are concerned. It not only invites a debate on the issue of the 'right to reproduce', but also implores whether the criminalization of commercial surrogacy contracts infringe upon the right to reproduce. A whole spectrum of opinions exists on the issue under consideration that vary from being outright endorsing or reprehensive to those somewhat being mild, liberal and situation based. The case of Mary Beth v/s William Stern litigated in the Supreme Court of New Jersey infact raised more issues that are relevant to the given topic then coming out with ample i nalienable and irrefutable conclusions and guidelines. Many of the outspoken feminists hold that commercial surrogacy amounts to trivializing the whole concept of labor and motherhood. The very fact that such activities are coordinated and conducted by astute brokers makes the whole thing sound more of an industrial activity then the scared and sensitive experience of becoming a mother. This issue is fraught with grave possibilities, so far as the status of the women and the children in the society is concerned. It can not only thwart the society's onward march to achieving sexual equality, but has the potential to infringe upon the rights of the children. The problem is that most of the heard of opinions till now, pertaining to this issue were forwarded by theologians and conservatives. This temporarily obfuscated the logical and rational moorings of the whole issue and made it seem anti-science and recidivist. Still, there is no dearth of critics who are outright modern and contemporary in their perspective and who denounce the idea o f contractual surrogacy on the more understandable grounds of human exploitation and the blatant commercialization of the ability to reproduce. There exists a school of opinion makers of