Corporate Social Responsibility Analysis Commerce Essay

Corporate Social Responsibility Analysis Commerce Essay Nike an American Multinational has its engagement in the development and design, worldwide selling and marketing of apparels, equipment, footwear, services and accessories. It has its headquarter near Beaverton, Oregon, Portland. It is one of the leading brands in supply of athletic shoes, other sports equipment and apparels. It had a revenue exceeding US$24.1 in the 2012. Till the end of 2012 it had employee strength of around 44000 people worldwide. It is valued at around $10.7 billion which has made it the most valuable brand in the sports product market. According to The Oregonian Nike and Precision Castparts are only ones among the Fortune 500 companies with their headquarters in Oregon. Being one of the leading brands Nikes works is dedicated towards delivering inspiration and innovation to every athlete. They have a clear vision to provide itself and its customers to thrive in sustainable economy where profit, people and planet are balanced. To have such an approach they are integrating sustainable practices and principles and have involved corporate responsibility into Sustainable innovation and business. Corporate social responsibility reports mainly self-regulation of the corporate involved in business model. It is a self-regulating built-in policy under which business ensures the monitoring and compliance of issues having spirit of laws, international norms and ethical standards. (About Nike, 2012) The three main types of CSR report are Philanthropy In case of philanthropic approach the companies contribution extends far above from just making financial contribution, financial check etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ however apart from financial aspect it involves contribution of a wide range of support and expertise in modern philanthropic activity. In the financial year 2007-09 they mainly had their contribution towards community giving guidelines and responding towards international crisis. Starting from the year 2007 the foundation has provide more than $100 million to its partners and programs that benefits adolescent girls. In the financial year 2010-11, Nike contributed a sum of around $27 million to its own Nike foundation. Its philanthropic investment also had a great impact from its collaboration with NoVo foundation. NoVos contribution to cause of girl effect was around $112 million. The leveraged Philanthropy helped the organization by enabling them to have long term success financial flows and scaling without limits. (Nikes Charity Fund, 2012) The Nike employee grant fund provides a huge amount of $500000 every year to communities near its global headquarters. The funding is done based on a priority which is ordered in the following manner that is health, education, environment and social inclusion. However physical activity involving practices and sustainability deeds have a higher demand and potential to have a long lasting effect on the community. The overall stats for the year 2011 were around 44 programs and 28,000 people which have been funneled by the company. The Oregon Community Foundation also has a role to play in guiding the Nike people in granting and funding recommendation activities of the company. The company is benefited by such deeds as this contributes the company with economic growth contributions, monetary payments and public health and science in an effective manner Community Based Development The company has a strong belief towards human potential. Their aim behind leveraging the reach of their brands and their sizes is to have a long term positive effect. This would provide support to the communities and empower them thus improving the place where we play, live, work. Being a global economy the company by leveraging the power of their partners, consumers and employees aim at having exciting innovation and thus scaling up the power sport. They have taken a leading step in creating a number of such programs both a single basis as well as on partner basis. Naming a few: Social Change Networks program for sports: The concept behind this program is simply to bring sports based communities together in order to propagate best practices, shared ideas and have proper funding and also overcome the local changes. Homeless World Cup: Nike has funded this organization which works to build resilience; camaraderie and self-esteem with homeless children who can be made a part of football team and a way to get back on their feet. Magic Bus, India: This organization works in helping the vulnerable children by educating them and by providing them a place to live and have a stable environment. Nike (Red)/Grassroots Soccer: Nike worked with Grassroots Soccer organization by providing funding and donation to the young people ignoring gender, religions, races and boundaries. Similarly Let Me Play, Students Run LA are also funded by Nike Inc. The Nike Foundation is a non-profit organization started by Nike Inc. that is dedicated in investing on adolescent girls to provide positive change for them on the planet. (Community, 2012). Creating Shared Value The Company is about the evolution embraced by the creation of shared value that has taken place in the private sector. The increasing attraction of the companies towards creating shared value they have benefited the society and boosted their competitiveness at the same time. The sophistication of capitalist model has created shared value to show evolution to its next stage. The company has created a winning culture through the representation of its values visually which are action, inclusiveness and competitiveness. The difference between fulfilling corporate social responsibilities and creating shared value is that there is a need for societal and economic benefits in relation to cost but mot taking action of doing merely good. The idea behind it is creation of value for the company and its community thus integrating in order to compete and produce profit in the long run. Creating shared value has appealed to corporate sector in a form to improve corporate sustainability conscious citizenship or social responsibility. The companys culture has always motivated towards creating shared value. The concept of holistic bottom lines, mutual benefits and stakeholder engagement is dictated by creating shared value. But it has been resonated by instantly dictated responsibility that has been resonated by mortality. Benefits of CSR A sustainable report is away to show the companies sustainable growth in a way which is similar in manner of financial report and facilitates companies to have a sustainability comparison. A sustainability reporting has the benefits of metrics and agreed disclosures reporting which systematic and in order.CSR is basically the combined integrated approach of good social and environmental governance practices in to all aspects of business which provide an integrated approach to all aspects material with non-financial issues. There are two basic benefits of CSR for both at company levels and property levels. First, it acts as a guide to the company and its programs that also acts as measure in facilitating organizational shifts and continuity in turnover. Secondly, it also helps in invoking the tracking procedures and measurement that enable analysis in terms of purchases, waste, water and energy. The data above further helps in in decision making in terms of retrofits and programs and capital expenses. The careful implementation of CSR policies can help an organization and it is a resource drain which is good for an organization. The benefits of CSR to Nike are The company has started new business ventures like New Green Venture Capital Arm to Fuel Innovation, New Model of Corporate Venture Capital etc. It has gained customer retention and has established some permanent motivated customers. The company has also improved its relationships with suppliers and developed networks like Native American Employee Network, Latino Employee Network, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Friends Employee Network, Black Employee and Friends Network etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ It has established an employee friendly environment giving rise to human resource retention and attraction towards a happy workforce. The company has also saved money incurred in energy and has managed its risk and operating cost. There has been a vast improvement in points that differentiate the company from its rivals like reebok, puma. The company has also improved in terms of generating innovative learning like starting development programs like Nike summer of innovation etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ and improving its standard and reputation from a leading brand to a best brand in the market. The company has also succeeded in generating media opportunities and publicity in a positive manner in business activities ethically to invoke interest. (Corporate Social Responsibility Companies in the News, 2012)

A Passing Thunderstorm :: essays research papers

A Passing Thunderstorm   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When one returns home from work or school, the first thing he wants is relaxation. Some factors that can affect relaxation are sights, sounds, and feelings. To achieve the most relaxing environment at your home, you must have ideal weather conditions. Different weather can affect these factors. There is not a more relaxing atmosphere than a cozy house while a light thunderstorm passes overhead.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  An oncoming thunderstorm should visibly change your atmosphere. One can look out the window and see the trees swaying easily in the wind. One should turn off all the lights as to sooth your sense of sight. The turning off of lights and the blocking of the sun by clouds will both darken your house making the perfect place to go rest or even nap. Some people may choose to light a fire in which case the flames would glow on all the walls.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A thunderstorm can produce some soothing sounds as it passes overhead. The light rain tapping at one’s window provides a comforting pattern for resting. The sound of thunder sounds like volleys of cannons being fired repeatedly in the distance. One knows the fire is hard at work by the crackling of the flames. One can hear the whistling wind sweeping the corners of your house repeatedly.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Along with the thunderstorm comes a lower temperature. All one wants to do is bury himself in his bed. The soft bed provides the most comfort and easiness for your body. The brisk warmth of the fire enwraps the body in comfort. The sounds uniform sounds of the thunderstorm calm your mind. All these feeling combined will bring restfulness upon oneself.

Learning styles Essay

Overview 1. What are learning styles? 2. Why learning styles are important? 3. What are the different learning style classifications available? 4. What are the similarities and differences between different learning style classifications? 5. What is/are your learning style/s? 6. What is/are the most appropriate learning method/s for your learning style/s? 1. What are learning styles? ? Learning style is an approach to learning ? It is not how you learn; i. e. not the method of learning ? It is, rather, how you prefer learning; i. e. what are  the broad strategies of learning that you prefer Which of the following two statements illustrates a learning style? I like lectures – this is not a learning style, but a preference for a method I like to gain knowledge by listening to others – this is a learning style; preference for an approach 2. Why learning styles are important? ? Matching learning methods to learning styles ? Developing a learning organisation/network in which students adapt change & learn ? Developing individual learning plans ? Self-development for individuals? Assessing suitability for specific training courses ? Training the trainer ? Team building, looking at team strengths & weaknesses ? 360 degree appraisal 3. What are the different learning style classifications available? ? There are more than half-a-dozen learning style classifications ? This shows that there is no one-best way to learn ? Rather, based on the individual needs and the personality traits, the approach that one takes to learning differs ? Out of the many learning style classifications, there are two that are commonly used 1. VARK classification 11. Classification based on Kolb’s cycle I. VARK learning styles Visual learner Auditory learner Reading/writing Kinaesthetic learner Action-oriented Thinkers II. Kolb’s learning styles Reflector Theorist Activist Pragmatist 4. What are the similarities and differences between different learning style classifications? ? All classifications aim at a common cause/outcome – so, to this extent, there cannot be major differences ? However, there are differences related to the orientation of learning or the angle through which learning is viewed. VARK – based on the sensory input for learning / how we capture learning Kolb’s – based on the cognition/ how we understand VARK vs Kolb: an approximate comparison Theorists Reflectors Pragmatists Activists 5. What is/are your learning style/s? 1. Go to: http://www. varklearn. com/english/page. asp? p=questionnaire 2. Answer the questionnaire and get a score 3. Interpret the score to find out your dominant learning styles 6. What is/are the most appropriate learning strategies for your learning style/s? 1. Form groups that have similar dominant learning  styles. 2. Individually make a list (in priority order) of your preferred learning methods 3. Compare your list with the others in the group 4. Find out the three most preferred learning methods of the group (in priority order) Summary 1. What are learning styles? Approach to learning 2. Why learning styles are important? To know the best learning method to adopt 3. What are the different learning style classifications available? VARK / Kolb’s 4. What are the similarities and differences between different learning style classifications? VARK – sensory input based; Kolb’s – cognition based 5. What is/are your learning style/s? Usually a combination of learning styles 6. What is/are the most appropriate learning method/s for your learning style/s? Though broadly similar, methods may differ even within the same learning style References †¢ Fleming, N. D. (2001). Teaching and learning styles: VARK strategies. Christchurch , New Zealand : N. D. Fleming. †¢ Kolb, D. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Englewood Cliffs , NJ : PrenticeHall.

Free Essays on Juvenile Delinquincy And The Ageing Out Process

At what point do juveniles discontinue delinquent thinking and behavior? Does a juvenile’s age environment or identity effect their delinquent behavior? If the â€Å"ageing out theory† is concrete, then what factors are decisive in this phenomenon? I would like to examine what causes juvenile delinquency and if the aging out process is a cause of nature or society. In the year 2000, juveniles were responsible for 17% of all arrests, 53% of arsons and 33% of property crime committed in the United States (1). In that same year there were 7,327 arrests for every 100,000 youth ages 10-18 in the U.S (2). Although this number has dropped since the early 1980’s when juvenile crime was on the rise it is still high. To help understand why these statistics are so high we need to understand the theories behind why juveniles commit crime. There are several factors which are currently being attributed to juvenile delinquency ranging from socioeconomic status and neighborhood quality to ones identity perception or age. Travis Hirschi and Michael Gottfredson are renowned criminologist who have been theorizing about delinquency for over 30 years. Their theory on the aging out process is that age and crime has remained the same for years and therefor age is not connected to crime. Regardless of ones enviornmental issues (family, peers, race and gender) they have consistently phased out of criminal activity over their life span (3). One example that Hirschi and Gottfredson give is that crime and age are always a constant through out the life cycle. If a 15 year old boy is 4 times more likely to commit crime than a 15 year old girl, then a 50 year old man will be 4 times more likely to commit crime than a 50 year old woman (4). Not all criminologists share this same view though and have actually disregarded it as much to generalized rather than specialized. According to criminologist Kyle Kercher, personal factors (such as gender and race) and s... Free Essays on Juvenile Delinquincy And The Ageing Out Process Free Essays on Juvenile Delinquincy And The Ageing Out Process At what point do juveniles discontinue delinquent thinking and behavior? Does a juvenile’s age environment or identity effect their delinquent behavior? If the â€Å"ageing out theory† is concrete, then what factors are decisive in this phenomenon? I would like to examine what causes juvenile delinquency and if the aging out process is a cause of nature or society. In the year 2000, juveniles were responsible for 17% of all arrests, 53% of arsons and 33% of property crime committed in the United States (1). In that same year there were 7,327 arrests for every 100,000 youth ages 10-18 in the U.S (2). Although this number has dropped since the early 1980’s when juvenile crime was on the rise it is still high. To help understand why these statistics are so high we need to understand the theories behind why juveniles commit crime. There are several factors which are currently being attributed to juvenile delinquency ranging from socioeconomic status and neighborhood quality to ones identity perception or age. Travis Hirschi and Michael Gottfredson are renowned criminologist who have been theorizing about delinquency for over 30 years. Their theory on the aging out process is that age and crime has remained the same for years and therefor age is not connected to crime. Regardless of ones enviornmental issues (family, peers, race and gender) they have consistently phased out of criminal activity over their life span (3). One example that Hirschi and Gottfredson give is that crime and age are always a constant through out the life cycle. If a 15 year old boy is 4 times more likely to commit crime than a 15 year old girl, then a 50 year old man will be 4 times more likely to commit crime than a 50 year old woman (4). Not all criminologists share this same view though and have actually disregarded it as much to generalized rather than specialized. According to criminologist Kyle Kercher, personal factors (such as gender and race) and s...

Achebe and Post-Colonialism in Anthills of the Savannah Essays

Achebe and Post-Colonialism in Anthills of the Savannah Essays Achebe and Post-Colonialism in Anthills of the Savannah Paper Achebe and Post-Colonialism in Anthills of the Savannah Paper In this line, Aba agrees that Is classified as a social realist?C,? (11). This Is not surprising, considering the fact the basic theory underlying post-colonialism Is sociology and culture as testified to by Shish in his statement that post-colonialism concerned with the study the coming together of two or more cultures and languages?C,-1?0 (4). Post-colonial authors use language and culture as tools for distinguishing their works and showing Its uniqueness. The importance of language is fundamental to post-colonial writings as Noggin states in his landmark book Decontrolling the Mind: The Politics of Language In African Literature. He explains that language carries culture, and culture carries particularly through orate and literature, the entire body of values by which we come to perceive our place In the (16). In the achievement of using language, there is the argument of whether to use a local language or to use the language of the imperials that is far reaching. This forms the crux of the debate between Achebe and Noggin. Noggin argues that the use of the English language would enrich It to the detriment of local languages. Achebe on the other hand argues for the use of English for Its several benefits. He says that the African writer aim at fashioning out an English which is at once universal and able to carry out his peculiar experience?C,-1? (Morning Yet on Creation Day 61). It Is In this light that he makes a summary of the use of English saying that he feels the English language will be able to carry the weight experience. But it will have to be a new English, still in full OFF communion Walt Its ancestral none out altered to soul t Its new Attract surroundings C,-1?0 (62). In this fashioning, other post-colonial writers make use of such linguistic strategies as the use of local untranslatable words (diplomacy), abrogation and appropriation. Abrogation refers to the denial of a set norm or standard (Imperial) language while appropriation refers to a seizure of the language, a remolding that localizes it. In this way, the language is made local either through the of the privilege of which involves a rejection of the metropolitan power over the means of communication [abrogation]? C,-1?0 (Empire Writes Back 38) or the seizure of the language which it under the influence of a vernacular tongue, the complex of speech habits which characterize the local language?C,-1?0 (Empire Writes Back 39). Post-colonial writers also use cultural tools such as affiliation and hybrid to in the achievement of their target. Affiliation, as the term suggests, is a derivative of Affiliation refers to a certain history pedigree, or ancestry. This is better explained by Edward Said who defines affiliation as or ancestry, as in a child being bonded to her/his [sic] parent by blood, body and soul?C,-1?0 (CTD in Aba 43). This shows literature to be connected afflictively to the discourse of (Key Concepts 106). Affiliation is a disclaimer of this norm and is the direct opposite of affiliation. Ashcroft, Griffith and Tiffin give a summary of this difference saying that affiliation refers to lines f descent in nature, affiliation refers to a process of identification through send the critical gaze beyond the narrow confines of the European and canonically literary into this cultural text can now be seen to be affiliated with the network of history, culture and society within which it comes into being and is read Key Concepts Hybrid refers to the combination of two or more elements. In post-colonial discourse, it shows the complex of the colonized who are a mixture of two worlds; that of the colonizers and that of theirs. To Ashcroft, Garret and Tiffin, it involves interaction of English writing with the older traditions of orate or literature in post-colonial societies, and the emergence of a writing which has a major aim, the assertion of social and cultural difference? (Key Concepts 118). Finally, the writers implore their personal voices as a tool for the reclamation of their literature. Authorial voice here, to borrow from Susan Lenses is presence and attitude of a textual voice [and the] stylistic, philosophic centre of a novel?C,-1?0 (CTD in Aba 13).

Managing External Influences on Local Bus Company Essay

Managing External Influences on Local Bus Company - Essay Example Empirical and theoretical studies have found evidence that the organization has an estimated seven thousand buses inside the United Kingdom alone. Arriva enjoys thirty percent share of London’s public transportation services. It provides efficient and effective services inside the city. It also connects London with other major cities like Liverpool and Manchester. Arriva even provides passenger services from London to remote areas in Wales. The success of the organization has been due to its focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence. It seeks to provide an exhilarating experience for passengers. Customer desires and aspirations are at the forefront of Arriva’s business and marketing strategy. The overall aim of the organization is to transform the public transportation industry to serve customer interests. Finally the organization seeks to become the catalyst for revolution in the public transportation industry. External factors have been defined as the rapid changes in the business environment that impact organizational performance (Kotler, 2001: Pg 73). These factors can either have a positive or negative impact on the performance of business organizations. Firms need to carry out extensive audit and analysis of the business environment. They need to utilize a goal oriented approach in order to respond to external challenges. Arriva plc has been influenced by a number of external factors. The Transport Act passed in 1985 ensured the deregulation of the British transport industry. Deregulation has been a major external factor on the performance of Arriva plc. The benefits of deregulation have been the transformation of the organization into the fifth largest bus operator in the United Kingdom. It has also provided efficiency and effectiveness in bus services. The organization registered â€Å"contract mileage in London up 5%† in the year 2008 (Arriva, 2009: Pg 12). Also fuel

Phenyl Thiocarbanate (PTC) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based Research Paper

Phenyl Thiocarbanate (PTC) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based genetic analysis of the PTC genotype using human-specific DNA primers - Research Paper Example Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) also known as phenylthiorea (PTU) is an organosulfur thiorea that has phenyl ring (Karlsson, Et al., 2001). This chemical has a unique characteristic in that it tastes very bitter to some people or has no taste to other people (Woodings, 2012). PTC tasting is a genetically controlled ability to taste PTC and related substances, these have antithyroid activity (F.D. Kitchin, 1959). The PTC tasting ability is governed by a pair of alleles, dominant T for tasting and recessive t for non-tasting. People who have genotypes TT and Tt are tasters while those with genotype tt are non tasters. PTC tasting is determined by the level of dithiotyrosine in the saliva and this may be correlated to the dislike of plants in the Brassica genus among some people (M. Padmavathi, 2013). PTC is not found naturally, however, the ability to taste PTC correlates with the ability to taste other bitter substances that are found naturally. The PTC gene explains 85% of the total influe nce on whether a person is a taster or a non-taster, other factors such as having a dry mouth, explain the remaining 15% (HHMI, 2015). This explains why some people find some food too bitter to taste while other find this food not bitter at all.PTC has a unique characteristic because it tastes bitter to some people and has no taste to others. . PTC tasting is a genetically controlled ability to taste PTC and related substances that have antithyroid activity. Genotype refers to the genetic makeup or composition of an organism.