Food Scarcity in Djibouti

Food Scarcity in Djibouti Djibouti is a small arid country in Eastern Africa. It has extremely important and convenient transshipment facilities at the mouth of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Its terrestrial neighbors are Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia. Maritime neighbor is Yemen. Djibouti has a convenient geographical position in means of trade. Its capital and main port Addis Ababa transports about 60 percent of Ethiopian export goods. Djibouti has a lot of problems. Its climate is arid. There are few fertile lands in Djibouti. Neighboring Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia impose additional tension in the region. Conflicts between Somalia and Eritrea adversely affect Djibouti. Bilateral ties between Djibouti and Eritrea were suspended in the period of 1998-2000. Such instability harms Djibouti and aggravates its economic lagging. Djibouti’s population comprises two main ethnical groups: Muslim tribe Issai with Somalian origin and Afars with Ethiopian origin. Scarcity of food and water are the most severe problems in Djibouti. There is also lack of expertise in dealing with these problems (Zoungrana, 2013). High unemployment and high food prices exacerbate the situation. The local government is seemed to be unable to improve the situation. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWSNET) reports, that Djiboutis urban centers like Balbala, Radiska, and Baulaos suffer food insecurity. Moreover, rural areas encounter food insecurity, too. Imed Khanfir, a programme adviser with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) reports, that about 42,600 people are severely food insecure with 24,300 others moderately food insecure in Djibouti. An overall population is 774,389 citizens by 2012. USAID provide Djibouti with food aid for 150,000 or one-fourth of the overall Djibouti’s population. Unstable economic situation is aggravated by the instant threat of the civil war between the tribes of Issais and Afars. Thus, the leader of ethnic groups dealt to share positions in the government. When the president is Issais’ representative, the prime minister must be of Afars’ origin. The Cabinet of Ministers positions also ought to be distributed among Issais and Afars. In 1990s Issais managed to usurp the whole government. This fact caused Afars’ outrage and provoked a civil war in Djibouti. Another Djibouti’s problem is an undemocratic and authoritarian tendency. Djibouti’s president Ismail Omar Guelleh has already served two terms as a president of the country, but 2010 Constitutional amendment allowed him to be reelected for the third term. Nevertheless, international community and U.S. are seemed to tolerate such situation because of the Guelleh’s agreement to erect US military base and anti-terrorist center in Djibouti. U.S. military base brought stability in the region, but did not eliminate all problems and threats. On the one hand, Djibouti was severely affected by the drought which hit the region in 2011. The number of drought influenced people rose from 120,000 in 2010 to 206,000 in 2011. Drought impact was aggravated by a large influx of refugees fleeing the conflict and drought in Somalia and other neighboring countries. This adds enormously to the burden on the already overstretched social service system. Another huge problem in Djibouti is its government inability to respond quickly the situation due to the elections. Every election makes government stagger and implement different initiatives very slowly. Electoral process makes government inactive and unable to solve the urgent needs of its people. Every new election causes a wholesale reorganization of the government, which initiates a set of new government initiatives which also had the effect of decreasing the government responsiveness. On the other hand, GDP growth remained relatively sufficient though it dropped short of expectations in 2011. The average GDP growth in period of 2005-2010 was around 5%. After five years of growth, economy slowed to 4.6% growth in 2011 against a predicted rate of 5.1%. The main guarantees for growth were foreign direct investment (FDI), mainly from Gulf Cooperation Council countries, into projects located around the port and construction and in the tourism sector. Concerning per capita income, the growth of the economy reached 1263 USD in 2010, qualifying Djibouti for middle income country (MIC) status under international classification. Military presence of France, the USA and Japan guarantee Djibouti’s economy additional significant revenue. Population growth is estimated at 2.18 percent every year. Djibouti Human Development Index was 0.430 in 2011, ranking the country 165 out of 187 countries. In 2010, life expectancy was 58 years, while mean years of school education was 3.8. UN still possesses no data concerning the scales of poverty in Djibouti in 2013. According to the period of the past five years, the situation did not improve, but deteriorated further in 2013. The overall amount of people living below the national poverty line more than doubled between 2002 and 2009 while the rate of people living below the nationwide extreme poverty line increased similarly over the same period. It is obvious that the economic growth of the recent past has not yet affected the poverty reduction for the large part of the population. The Government is seemed to neglect all the possibilities in expanding the humanitarian assistance taking into account the military presence in the country. New middle income country status has closed access to many grant and concessionary lending. MIC status is very unstable according to a huge amount of people living below extreme poverty line. There are no new international NGOs established operations since 2011 despite the drought emergency. The government should take more care about involving international NGO. As a result, Djibouti’s government keeps relying on UN support for technical assistance in key strategic spheres related to poverty alleviation. UN help the Djibouti’s government to accumulate resources from donors to address humanitarian needs of the most unprotected groups, influenced by the recurrent droughts. As a result, Djiboutian households keep experiencing strong food related economic pressures. The average cost of the basic food basket in 2011 remained well above the average cost for the previous five years. In 2011, the drought emergency that hit the region of Djibouti, Somalia and Ethiopia further aggravated the uneasy situation of the most vulnerable segments of the population, particularly those residing in the rural areas. The drought provoked the continued accumulation of livestock losses (close to 80 percent of the cattle in some areas) with a similar influence on the livelihoods of the nomadic population. Rural dwellers keep migrating to the urban areas swelling urban unemployment (60%) and poverty (42.1% extreme poverty). As a result, the UN Country Team had to devote an increased amount of time to accumulate resources to support humanitarian interventions in 2011. Furthermore, the drought and worsening insecurity in South Somalia kept provoking increases in the number of refugees infiltrating Djibouti. The quantity of refugees in the Ali Addeh camp rose from 12,000 to more than 14,000 over the course of 2010 and to 19,500 refugees at the end of 2011, a significant increase for a country of 818,159 people. In addition, the influx of migrants from Ethiopia, rushing towards Djibouti City, in seek of employment, and Yemen, the Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia) via the Bab el-Mandeb Straits also continued, and reached spectacular figures at certain points in the year. The civil war threat follows Djibouti since 1991. Afars’ minority struggled with Issa-dominated government. The conflict ended by signing a peace agreement in 1999 and electing a new president. Thus, recurrent influx of new refugees and immigrants from the neighboring countries reignites the conflict time after time. Peace agreement did not eliminate local violence. Ethiopian military operation in Somalia affected Djibouti negatively. Population was divided in their support of the belligerents. Djibouti has a significant number of people infected by HIV/AIDS. About 1 percent of the population lives with HIV (approximately 7,700 citizens [6,200-9,400]). The most vulnerable group is children, born by HIV/AIDS infected mothers. The UN Refugee Agency prescribes the main objectives and targets for 2014 for Djibouti. Among the main goals is refusal in refoulement and access to the refugee camps in Djibouti. Every month there are up to 400 new refugees in Djibouti from southern Somalia. About 2,700 refugees from Ethiopia and Eritrea also seek for asylum in Djibouti. The UN bodies provide regular trainings for Djibouti’s staff in order to help boarder guards and law-enforcement officials. All refugee children must be provided with birth certificates. Djibouti’s government with the UN Refugee Agency assistance ought to provide basic needs and essential services to the refugees. Basic needs include sanitation and hygiene conditions. The Holl-Holl and Ali-Addeh camps were provided with about 2,000 family latrines and 200 garbage pits. At least once a month UN employees conduct hygiene-awareness campaigns and camp clean-ups. Sanitation interventions must be frequent in order to protect refugees from he alth hazards. Djibouti’s problems are seemed to make vicious circle. On the one hand, arid climate and absence of oil deposits complicate enormously the economic growth in Djibouti. Regional instability, civil war, excessive immigrants’ influx aggravate the situation. The government has no financial resources to instigate industrial development let alone the environment protection issues. 40 percent of citizens live below the extreme poverty line. 1 percent is infected by AIDS/HIV. Djibouti’s GDP grows, but the positive result is erased by the loans’ repayments. . Djibouti imports almost 90 percent of its food and 100 percent of its fuel, which makes it even more vulnerable to the droughts and food prices on the world market. The country is seemed to be hostage of its own climate and lack of mineral resources and oil. Budget income grows due to transshipment and port fees, Djibouti’s monopoly to export goods from Ethiopia by railroads to the port Addis Ababa. Another positive factor is a military presence of France, the USA and Japan. Military bases pay taxes to the state budget and help fighting terrorism in the region. International Monetary Fund praises Djibouti for almost 5 percent GDP growth per annum. Nevertheless, the aforementioned factors burden the economy and oblige to raise taxes. International humanitarian assistance is still insufficient for the overall welfare in Djibouti. IMF recommends the government of Djibouti to implement reforms in the public sector and avoid unnecessary budget expenditures.   Works cited â€Å"United Nations Development Group† .http://www.undg.org/unct.cfm?module=CoordinationProfilepage=CountryCountryID=DJIfuseaction=UN%20Country%20Coordination%20Profile%20for%20Djibouti The World Factbook.Central Intelligence Agency. Web. 29 Dec. 2013. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/dj.html>. The Vital Port of Djibouti Receives International Aid Read more: Djibouti: Geography, History, Politics, and More | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/country/djibouti.html?pageno=2 Zoungrana, S. Food insecurity looms in Djibouti. 15 07 2013. Web. 29 Dec. 2013. http://www.irinnews.org/report/98408/food-insecurity-looms-in-djibouti>. Resident Coordinator Annual Report 2011 for Djibouti. n.d. n. page. Web. 1 Jan. 2014. http://www.undg.org/rcar2011.cfm?fuseaction=RCARctyIDC=DJIP=1625>. â€Å"Djibouti: Fifth Review Under the Extended Credit Facility – IMF.† 19 May. 2012. Retrieved from: http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/scr/2012/cr12197.pdf â€Å"2013 UNHCR country operations profile – Djibouti.† Retrieved from http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/page?page=49e483836

Positive effect of technology on business

Positive effect of technology on business Introduction This studys objective is to analyse the positive effect of technology on businesses and organisations. In order to accomplish this objective, an industry as well as an organisation within the industry was selected for focus. Additionally, the technologies that were incorporated into organisation were observed as well as the benefits received by the organisation. The selected industries for the purposes of this study are the global confectionary industry. Additionally, the selected organisation selected for this study is Cadbury, which is a well-known global confectionary organisation, which leads the market in candy. Initially, an analysis of the confectionary industry is performed by the PESTEL and Porters Five Forces models. Additionally, the study the organisation is analysed in detail and the organisations application of technology is also analysed. Global Confectionary Industry The global confectionary market consists of products such as gum, chocolate, cereal bars and sugar cadies. Datamonitor (2009a) reports that in 2008, the global confectionary market created a total revenue of more than $127 billion, which represents 3 percent-per-year growth over than past 4 years. The information below shows the market value since 2004. Source: Datamonitor (2009a) The global confectionary industry is forecasted grow at a rate of 2.7 percent per year and to represent over $135 billion by 2012 (Weston, 2009). The 2008 global confectionary market is segmented into the following product groups as listed below. Global Confectionery Market Segmentation by Product Category Source: Datamonitor (2009a) The information above shows that chocolate represents 48.6 percent of the total market, whereas the sugar confectionary segment represents 35.2 percent. Additionally, the segment of gum is seen as 11.9 percent, followed by cereal bars which represent 4.3 percent of the total market (Datamonitor, 2009a). In terms of geographical segmentation, the largest market share belongs to Europe, which represents 48.4 percent of the total market. America follows Europe with 36.1 percent and 15.1 percent belongs to the Asia-Pacific region (Datamonitor, 2009a). The global confectionary sector consists of several major companies, which represent 35.5 percent of the market. These companies include Cadbury Plc, Mars Inc., and Nestle S. A. The information below shows the total market share of the industry and related companies. Source: Datamonitor (2009a) After briefly examining the industry of global confectionary, the external forces and factors which affect the industry as a whole will be examined. Analysis Of External Forces The PESTEL model of analysis will be used to observe the external factors and their impacts on the global confectionary industry. PESTEL represents a total of six factors, namely Political, Economical, Social, Technological, Ecological and Legal (Kotler and Keller, 2006). Political Factors: The policies of restrictions imposed on trade as well as protectionist policies for sugar producers created by developed countries caused an increase of sugar prices resulting from the decrease in supply (Bandow, 2009). This has been seen as a threat towards confectionary companies, due to their dependence on sugar for their products. Economic Factors: The recent global economic crisis has affected the cost of operations for companies as well as consumption by customers (Koksal and Ozgul, 2007). Consumers tend to spend very conservatively and purchase only times of necessity during recessionary periods. This can have a negative effect on sales of luxurious or premium products in the market, in which the confectionary industry belongs. Adding to this burden, the increased price of cocoa, which is typically a main ingredient of some confectionary products, has had a significant impact on the confectionary industry (globalbusinessinsights, 2009). Social Factors: The overall population of Europe is aging compared to other markets (Travis, 2008). This is important for the confectionary industry, because the market relies on purchases from younger consumers. Additionally, health consciousness plays a role in the sales of the confectionary markets growth (globalbusinessinsights, 2009). Technological Factors: The technological factors that have affected the confectionary market can be seen in the development of artificial sweeteners including xylitol, isomalt, and stevia. The developments of these ingredients resulted in producers of confectionary products to promote non-sugar products to support the growing segment of consumers who are health conscious and provide healthier products (Business Insight, 2009). Ecological Factors: Environmentally friendliness has become a growing concern for many consumers recently. This trend represents nearly 30 percent of the market of consumers (News System, 2009). This has resulted in the confectionary markets development of new packaging and materials which are environmentally friendly. Legal Factors: Obesity is becoming a growing concern for most people in developed countries. Laws have been created which deal with these potential health problems, in particular obesity in children is addressed through these laws. The development of these laws has increased restrictions to promotional efforts towards children of companies such as confectionary producers (Swinburn, 2008). Analysis Of Industry Specific Factors Porters Five Forces model identifies the factors within the industry that affect the organisations profits (Boddy, 2005). Porter (1985), explains that the competitive environment of an industry consists of five general forces. These forces are described as threats of entry, threats of substitutes, buyers bargaining powers, suppliers power and level of rivalry in the market. Using the Five Forces model of Porter, the confectionary industry can be examined. Threat of Entry As previously mentioned, three main companies exists in the confectionary industry which include Nestle S.A., Mars Inc., and Cadbury PLC. These companies combined represent 35.5 percent of the total market. This market contains well-established, strong brands and the new introduction of new brands usually comes through brand-extension of existing brands such as KitKat ‘Chunky and KitKat ‘Cubes. Bargaining Power of Buyers Organisations within this industry offer a variety of products and the elements of price, quality and brands create a highly differentiated market for products. The negotiation power of food retailers, especially in Western countries, over confectionary producers affects the price of products in this industry (Datamonitor, 2009a). Bargaining Power of Suppliers The primary suppliers in this market include raw material producers and cocoa farmers. These cocoa farming activities are dependent on tropical climates and exist in places such as Ghana, Indonesia, Brazil and Cà ´te dIvoire (Datamonitor, 2009a). The primary ingredients in confectionary products such as cocoa and sugar are sold on the commodities market, which limits the manufacturing companys control over suppliers. In 2007 an increase of between 5 and 6 percent on main ingredients of confectionary products were seen, and resulted in higher confectionary product prices (Wearden, 2007). Threat of Substitutes Typically, confectionary products are purchase as snack foods. The substitutes for these products are fruits. The increase of health consciousness has also threatened the confectionary market due to the high substitution of healthier fruits (Datamonitor, 2009a). Lower switching costs results from the substitution products. Degree of Rivalry Large companies dominate the confectionary market. Various products exist in these companies. High brand loyalty exists in the market (Datamonitor, 2009a). Cadbury Cadbury PLC, or simply known as Cadbury represents a global leader in the market of candy, chocolate and gum. Cadbury has operations located in America, Europe, Africa and Asia. The headquarters of Cadbury is located in London, UK where 46,517 people are employed total (Datamonitor, 2009b). As a worldwide confectionary producer, distributor and marketer, Cadbury divides the business into different categories which are gum, chocolate and sugar. The primary area of operation is within the Eurozone, South and Central America, the US, Australia and the Asia Pacific region (Datamonitor, 2009b). The largest segment of the company is represented through its chocolate business which generates approximately 46 percent of the 2008 total revenues. This segment is operated by regions and caters to the preferences and tastes of each market (Datamonitor, 2009b). Cadburys gum segment offers gums of a variety of flavours including mint, strawberry, watermelon and peppermint. The gum segment produced approximately one-third of the 2008 revenues for Cadbury (Datamonitor, 2009b). Additionally, Cadbury offers several types of candies which include toffees and cough drops (Datamonitor, 2009b). Cadbury functions through four different areas which include Britain, Ireland, the Middle East, Africa (BIMA region), as well as the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe. The BI (Britain and Ireland) segment represents the largest business unit overall. In terms of market share, the UK region held 30 percent while Ireland held 42 percent for Cadbury (Datamonitor, 2009b). SWOT Analysis A worldwide confectionary producer, distributor and marketer, Cadbury maintains a strong presence in each area of operation. Cadbury leads the global confectionary market with 10.5 percent of the market share. This strength in the market contributes to the profitability of the firm, but certain market shares are affected do to the increased price of raw materials and heavy competition. Strengths Strength in the market position Expansive geographical presence Highly active in new markets Weaknesses productivity of the employees liquidity status of the firm Opportunities Markets increasing in premium chocolates US and Europe markets are forecasted to increase Threats Increase in raw material prices Highly competitive markets Increase in US labour costs Performance Of The Company  £5,384 million in revenues were seen by Cadbury for the year of 2008, which represents an increase of 14.6 percent compared to the previous year. Cadbury also generated a profit of  £388 million during 2008, which represents a 39.6 percent increase over the previous year. Net profits for Cadbury were  £364 million during 2008, which represent a 10.1 percent decrease from the previous year (Datamonitor, 2009b). Information Technology Information systems are defined as systems that process, collect, interpret or transmit information from users through manual or automated means which include people, machines or different methods of collection. Additionally, this is defined as any type of telecommunications or equipment utilising computers which interact through a systematic network, which functions to gain, store, alter, manage, move, present, control, transmit, or receive data. A few examples of these include hardware, software and firmware. Information Technology on the other hand consists of a host of applications or technologies that allow storing, transferring and processing data to a user or users. Information communication technologies are a generic term that explains a wide variety of elements including fax, telephones, internet, applications, televisions and mobile devices (Daniels, 1998). The fundamental strategy in a firm is based on competition, which can be demonstrated through the idea of survival in the short term, market entry, dealing with legislation and creating quality customer service (Daniels, 1998). Strategic advantage is gained by these different activities and must be upheld by information services and technology. Therefore, information services strategies explain the applications and review the needs of information and implement the appropriate service to meet the needs of the organisation. These information technologies vary from large database systems or processing systems to specialised local systems. The quality of a customers relationship with the firm for example, can depend heavily on the point of contact within a marketing and sales division of a firm (Daniels, 1998). Competitive advantages are sought by companies within their respective markets through a variety of methods, which involve service, products, pricing strategy and differentiation strategies. To have a clear understanding of consumer behaviour and the business environment, a well established system and flow of information is needed. Therefore to align the business strategies with the market, the firm needs to manage the various processes and functions of the firm to encourage efficiency in the organisation. This is where the implementation of the appropriate information systems becomes important. Information systems allow effective communication throughout the organisation and among suppliers and distributors contributing to the supply chain of the organisation (Daniels, 1998). Technology In Cadbury A contract exists between Cadbury and ARINSO which will establish the euHReka system, which will combine the HR functions of the organisation globally. This system will be implemented in 2010 by Cadbury and will allow the employees of the organisation to access various services online. Additionally, information sharing will be created between the HR departments, which will allow better decision making abilities for the organisation. ARINSO has also given Cadbury the option to access services from them in the future (Business Source Complete, 2007). Although this, several problems do arise from IT as well, and Cadbury has witnessed over  £12million reduction in profits due to complications at the UK facilities (Saran, 2006). Due to this, additional IT solutions were integrated. This resulted in  £200 million being spent over a course of four years to assist with the ERP system known as SAP (Saran, 2006). In fact, in 2006, Cadbury began the year with higher than anticipated inventory and stock. Measures were taken to reduce the stock and inventory of the company by discounts in the spring of 2006 (Saran, 2006). Probe was implemented and it was suggested that this implementation resulted in various issues related to the functioning of the supply chain and manufacturing capabilities. These issues were resolved through the use of Probe, which developed a system for purchasing, marketing, distribution, finance, planning, and sales. Conclusion The global confectionary industry is analysed in this study to demonstrate the technology used in the industry. In this analysis, a small growth is demonstrated in within the industry despite the economic situation, although profits in 2008 decreased by 10 percent as compared to 2007 profits. The macro-environmental examination indicate that despite threats resulting from social, legal, and political factors the confectionary market maintains opportunities in new markets, young population of consumers, and the development of alternative raw materials such as artificial sweeteners. These opportunities not only benefit the market, but also specifically benefit Cadbury. New entry barriers however are presented by Porters Five Forces model as being high risk for new entrants. Additionally, buyers retain moderate power, suppliers retain significant power and rivalry is relatively low, while substitutes are high. Therefore, this suggests that profitability for companies can be increased by following trends in the market. In technological terms, the company will establish a new type of technology in 2010, which will provide improved decision-making capabilities in the future. The organisation in the past had implemented Probe, which is a system designed to improve functionality of manufacturing and the supply chain. Bibliography Bocij, P. (2006) Business Information Systems (3rd Ed.), Harlow: Prentice-Hall Boddy, D. (2005) Management: An Introduction (3rd Ed.), London: FT-Prentice Hall Koksal, M. H. and Ozgul, E. (2007) â€Å"The Relationship between Marketing Strategies and Performance in an Economic Crisis†, Marketing Intelligence and Planning, Vol. 25, No. 4, pp. 326-342 Kotler, P. and Keller, K. L. (2006) Marketing Management (12th Ed.), New Jersey: Prentice Hall References Bandow, D. (2009) â€Å"Time for Change in Sugar Policy†, available at: http://www.cato-at-liberty.org/2009/08/13/time-for-a-change-in-sugar-policy/ Boddy, D. (2005) Management: An Introduction (3rd Ed.), London: FT-Prentice Hall Business Insight (2009) â€Å"Innovations in Confectionery: Key Trends, Growth Opportunities and Emerging Markets†, available at: http://www.globalbusinessinsights.com/content/rbcg0205m.pdf Business Source Complete (2007) â€Å"Cadbury Awards ARINSO Global HR IT System Contract†, GlobalSourcing, published on 10/11/2007 Daniels, S. (1998) â€Å"The Strategic Use of Information Systems†, Work Study, Vol. 47, No. 5, pp. 167-171 Datamonitor (2009a) â€Å"Global Confectionery: Industry Profile September 2009†, available at: www.datamonitor.com Datamonitor (2009b) â€Å"Cadbury Company Profile†, available at: www.datamonitor.com globalbusinessinsights (2009) â€Å"The Top 10 Confectionery Companies†, available at: http://www.globalbusinessinsights.com/content/rbcg0219m.pdf Koksal, M. H. and Ozgul, E. (2007) â€Å"The Relationship between Marketing Strategies and Performance in an Economic Crisis†, Marketing Intelligence and Planning, Vol. 25, No. 4, pp. 326-342 Kotler, P. and Keller, K. L. (2006) Marketing Management (12th Ed.), New Jersey: Prentice Hall News System (2009) â€Å"Confectionery Packaging: Sustainable, Multisensory and White†, published on 7 December 2009, available at: http://www.ceepackaging.com/2009/12/07/confectionery-packaging-sustainable-multisensory-and-white/ Porter, M. (1985) Competitive Advantage, New York: Free Press Saran, C. (2006) â€Å"IT problems cost Cadbury†, Computer Weekly, published on: 6/13/2006 Swinburn, B. A. (2008) â€Å"Obesity Prevention: The Role of Policies, Laws and Regulations†, Australia and New Zealand Health Policy, Vol. 5, No. 12, available at: http://www.anzhealthpolicy.com/content/5/1/12 Travis, A. (2008) â€Å"Fewer Britons in Work Due to Ageing Population and Emigration Rather Than Migrants, Says Report†, available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/jan/09/uk.immigration Wearden, G. (2007) â€Å"Milk and Cocoa Costs Drive up Chocolate Prices†, The Guardian, published on 11 December 2007, available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2007/dec/11/cadburyschweppesbusiness1 Weston, S. (2009) â€Å"Baked Goods, Confectionery Snacks Market Dynamics†, FoodBev.com, published on 9 July 2009, available at: http://www.foodbev.com/article/baked-goods-confectionery-snacks-market-dynamics

Christian Beliefs about their Responsibility to the Poor :: essays research papers

There are many reasons that Christians believe that they have a responsibility for the poor. One of these is the teaching and guidance of the Bible. A good Christian should follow the teachings of the Bible and listen to the guidance it offers. The word of the Evangelists and the other books that make it up should have great authority as they reveal the teachings of God through his prophets and his Son. If we are to be Christians then we should follow the way of Jesus. ?Christian? literally means ?Belonging to Christ?. There are many Gospel teaching on how Christians should help alleviate poverty, both locally and on a wider scale. One of the most important of these is the Commandment ?Love thy neighbour as thyself?. Jesus himself stated that it was the most important. ?Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."(Matthew 22:37-40). This is important as it emphasises the stance that Christians should have towards their fellow men, one of complete untainted love. If this commandment were to be kept then there would be no need for the rest as in keeping it you would not murder, nor steal or covet your neighbour?s wife. Jesus set an excellent example in both his actions and his words. The parables he used to relate some very important messages about the nature of god. A good example of this is the Parable of the lost sheep. ?See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?? This implies that Jesus is never willing to give up on anyone who might be saved from hell. No-one is any greater than another in his eyes. As we are all part of God?s creation we are all one family in God. If we ignore the suffering of our Brothers and Sisters then we ignore God.

The Essence Of Empowerment Essay -- essays research papers

The Essence of Empowerment Empowerment is certainly not a new idea within the business arena. In fact, its concept has been around since the 1960's when American car manufactures suddenly realized that they were losing their butts to the Japanese producers. An extensive and extremely well-funded investigation for answers to the recurrent question, how do I get more out of my employees while simultaneously lowering my costs, did produce some implementable and constructive results. The topic I have chosen to investigate is the application of employee empowerment and how to get the most out of this HR "buzzword." Within my scope of discussions are topics which include effective implementation, the role of the organization, and incentives to achieve and sustain actuation. Employee empowerment, in its most basic definition, is effective delegation. The new twist that upper management has been trying desperately to achieve, is to involve the lowest level of employees in the decision-making process while making them responsible for the results of their decisions. There have been many documented examples of anxiety, mistrust and complacency in employees when this wave of "new-and-improved, successful management strategies" have been suddenly thrown upon them. Change of any kind will usually inspire resistance, especially when you are talking about extracting power from management to place in the hands of "subordinates." There are obvious methods to achieving the results that the stakeholders of an organization demand through empowerment. Increases in profitability, productivity, creativity, and a shorter time-to-market are all feasible results of empowerment. In fact, "empowerment is an extremely cost-effective means of bringing about desired changes in performance and operational effectiveness." It takes only a stout devotion of the entire organization, from the top levels downward. That's all. There are, however, key factors to its success. One of the most important key elements to take into account is the need for extensive organizational preparation to achieve effective implementation. By preparation, I mean an organizational-wide commitment to preparing both management and its staff for the changes... ...n to the company. While global change is driving companies to empowerment, and similar philosophies like self- managed team-based arrangements, total quality management, it is important to note that no one philosophy is entirely correct, or incorrect. By combining the best of what these philosophies have to offer and adjusting, to the best of your ability, you corporate culture to facilitate them, you are able to reap the rewards of currently suggested management ideologies. To expect them to work over night is ludicrous, however. These things do take time, because remember, you dealing with human beings here who don't like change. Be patient, persevere; it will be worth the effort. In sum, through cooperation, perseverance, and much patience, you might be able to develop an empowered atmosphere at your company. Change dictates that old philosophies are no longer valid. Through thorough preparation, education, communication, and absolute commitment you might be able to develop empowerment techniques, but to truly reap empowerment's rewards, you must remember that employee motivation is the product of your reward system.

Work Experience Essay -- Papers

Work Experience Essay Work Experience, three weeks of pain and suffering, which turned me from a school boy into a grown man, was it for good or just an ordeal that never should have taken place? You decideà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ My torment began early Wednesday morning my daily schedule involved meeting my supervisor. This not only petrified me but also my work colleagues. For the supervisor was no mere man. He was a huge sack of revolting comments. He was a cold, harsh man who held no compassion for his workers and besides all that he absolutely loathed me. For reasons unknown to me, since day one, the supervisor had made me the subject of all his jokes, his multitude of insults always seem to fall upon me. Walking down the dark pathways, climbing the stairs till I reached the very top of the building, my heart seemed to drop an inch with every step. I dreaded the encounter but it was unavoidable. I turned the corner ready and willing to confront my fate. Instantly I noticed the first of many different strange occurrences. I entered the room and the whiff of cheap perfume hit my nostrils. The room was a small dark area but sparse inhuman furniture made it look larger. The room's personality matched that of its occupant. It was cold, grey, dull and uninviting. Speaking of the occupant he was sat in the middle of the room, in front of the desk. He was waiting for me to take my seat. I did just that. It wasn't long before the shrill voice the supervisor spoke in began to speak. I was expecting a lecture on my late arrival but I didn't receive that, instead I heard the supervisor utter words that I'd never believe a creature of his postu... ...ed, but I had not the strength to tell her so, she could enjoy my babbling at another time, unfortunately dear readers, you do not have the same luxury, but fear not I'm coming to the end of my tale. Despite my cynicism and pessimistic view of life I knew I had experienced the worst case tangle with the world of work but somehow no matter how off-putting it seemed, I was rather excited at the prospect of full time employment, which looms in front of me. Oh and if you think I was serious in this concluding paragraph, you obviously haven't listened to my work experience report properly and in that case I'll start from the beginningà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Work Experience, three weeks of pain and suffering, which turned me from a school boy into a grown man, was it for good or just an ordeal that never should have taken place? You decideà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦

Smoking and god

Smokingâ€Å" If God had wanted us to smoke, he would hold given us a separate hole for it. † These are the words that I have heard when I was immature. My male parent kept stating me these words as he experienced it himself. My male parent was a tobacco user. He started smoking when he was 18 and he kept smoking until 35 when I was born. He was smoking more than three battalions of coffin nails daily. He described himself when he was a tobacco user as a really thin adult male and his face was pale. He was like a adult male who lost his wellness. After a few old ages he suffered from diabetes. He spent about 17 old ages smoking until God had enter his life and he quit smoking. From that clip, he kept warning me and my brothers about smoke. This essay is traveling to discourse the smoke issue among teens and offers some solutions. Smoke is considered a really unsafe disease that threats every tobacco user. It contains nicotine which is the chief beginning for smoking ‘s diseases. Nicotine has three of import effects. First, it rises up the blood-pressure. Second, it increases the bosom rate. Third, it constricts blood vass. The people who smoke inhale C monoxide which decreases the sum of O which goes to the encephalon and in the bosom. Furthermore, smoking makes the tobacco users agony of shortness of breath, bosom diseases, lung diseases and other disease such as malignant neoplastic disease. â€Å" Smoke putting to deaths. If you ‘re killed, you ‘ve lost a really of import portion of your life. † Brooke Shields This was one of Brooke Shields † expressions. He was seeking to converting people non to smoke by stating them about smoking ‘s hazards. Presents, most of the tobacco users are teens. Harmonizing to the Egyptian Smoking Prevention Research Institute ( ESPRI ) , Egypt has the biggest figure of tobacco users than any other state in the Middle East. There are more than 50 % of work forces over 18 smoking and they consume more than 70 billion coffin nails yearly. Smoke is considered a really of import societal issue. Nowadays, smoking becomes available for everyone. There are immature kids, teens, grownups, work forces and adult females who smoke every twenty-four hours. The figure of tobacco users is increasing every twelvemonth. In add-on, most of those tobacco users are teens. They want to smoke for chief three grounds which they are to look mature, to experiment, and to be like their friends. First, teens think that they will go older when they smoke as they see the old people smoke. Second, they want to experiment new things because they are young persons. They ever have the ability to seek out something new, particularly when they see many people do so. Third, many teens smoke because of their friends because they think that they should make the same to be accepted in this group. Although of these of import grounds, there are other grounds for them to smoke such as personal jobs and household jobs. Most of the tobacco users when they ge t nervous or angry, they do anything. Some of them smoke believing that this coffin nail will do them experience happy. Other tobacco users have jobs with their household or work, particularly with the parents who are tobacco users. Many kids imitate their parents ‘ wonts and as they see them smoking, the start to make like them. They believe that when they do like them, they will move like them besides as a adult male or adult female. This can do them hold a batch of force per unit area and emphasis. Weight is considered another ground as there are many people who smoke to free their weight. Every state should pay more attending to those people who are addicted to smoking. These states should increase the consciousness plans and set more advertizements in the street. They besides should forestall smoke in crowded topographic points and edifice. Beside, there must be a jurisprudence that punishes the people who sell coffin nails to immature people and teens. â€Å" For thy interest, baccy, I would make anything but dice. â€Å" – Charles Lamb, This sentence is the ground for halting smoke. Smoking leads to decease and this is the chief ground. Teenss must hold an internal ability to halt quit smoke. â€Å" The best manner to halt smoke is to transport wet lucifers. † – Anonymous If one has truly wants to discontinue smoke, he will make anything to discontinue. There are many people who tell themselves that if they want to discontinue smoke, they can. But, in fact, they are non honorable with themselves. They are fallacious to themselves as they do nil to discontinue. Actually, this societal issue had truly affected me in a positive manner. When I thought in my male parent ‘s narrative, I found that if I smoke I will destruct my wellness with my ain custodies. As a consequence, I will destruct my organic structure which God had given me to salvage. In the beginning, when I was immature, my male parent told me his experiment with smoking many times but, I did n't cognize the underlying significance of this narrative until I grown up. I found that many tobacco users had encountered many diseases through their life. This narrative was the chief factor that encouraged me to maintain away from smoking. Finally, smoke is a really unsafe disease and can infect anyone who does non hold unsusceptibility. I think my male parent ‘s narrative is my unsusceptibility against smoke. Every clip he tells me his narrative, I get encouraged to halt believing about smoke. This besides promote me to avoid what my male parent has encountered and what he has suffered through his past life and even his recent life after quit smoke.Procedure MemoThis essay has been organized harmonizing to the experience that I have lived, so in what manner this experiment has affected me. Then, talk about the consequences of smoke. The theses were in the debut to allow the reader know what I will speak about.Work Cited1. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml? identifier=3003308 2. hypertext transfer protocol: //health.nytimes.com/health/guides/specialtopic/smoking-and-smokeless-tobacco/background.html

“Words Can Hurt You!”

Have you ever been hurt by someone’s words? Words can’t hurt is a controversial statement. Being criticized for your intelligence, race or even where you live, can hurt you physically or emotionally. When I was little, people would tell me I was fat and ugly. I often felt like a symbol (word, sound or visual device that represents an object, sound, concept, or experience) trapped around referent (thing that a symbol represents). I didn’t feel welcome around a certain group of kids. However, my teachers and family would tell me the exact opposite and say words cannot hurt me, but in reality, they did.I thought (mental process of creating an image, sound, concept, or experience triggered by a referent or symbol) everyday would be a better day at school because some people would be positive towards me, but before I changed my lifestyle it was wishful thinking. Going to school every day was fun most of the time until someone had to say something cruel. I disagree wit h the statement words can’t hurt, because they do. Why do people say words don’t hurt, and how exactly are people hurt by those negative remarks? If words don’t hurt, then why do African-Americans get mad when called â€Å"negro†?All through middle school, I was called â€Å"rat boy† for some odd reason. One person told me it didn’t matter because I didn’t have to listen to them. It was hard to do this through my middle school life. It aggravated me and I wanted to move away and go into a deep state of isolation. Finally in eighth grade, most of my peers saw that it made me angry and they quit. It doesn’t matter the type of person you are, I was a three sport athlete that had good grades and still got made fun of. Over the years, my peers have changed. I got into my college classes and my life became pleasant once again.I met a guy at my best friend’s house that thought I was funny and we connected. Being African America n, he is known as a â€Å"Negro† and knew how I felt when I was called â€Å"rat boy†. I grew up being told negative thoughts about my size. This guy not only makes me feel good about myself on the outside, but has helped me find the little girl who was still lost inside a body full of happiness. I would use profanity (words considered obscene, blasphemous, irreverent, rude, or insensitive) to get other's attention, and not realize it how uglier I sounded.I did it to try and fit in and only made it worse. Since words can hurt people, who started the whole false idea about how they don’t hurt? Words can upset you physically or emotionally or you’ll never forget what the bully said to you. I remember back when I was in first grade, one of the other kids at recess called me small fry; he was older than me and thus bigger. I was angry towards him that whole school year, and it still makes me mad when people call me small fry or short.I was around seven when i t happened, I’m twenty-one now, and I still get disgusted by that kid. In my case I was injured emotionally and I never forgot how much it hurt me. Since then my size has changed, but it is very unbalanced. People now are different and don’t vilify me anymore. All through my education at public schools, I have been ridiculed about my size. Being a junior in college and five foot seven inches, I’m considered average. This time in life I can honestly say, I haven’t encountered bullies near as much.It may have been because I took what was being thrown in my face and changed myself. I try to have a healthier lifestyle, by eating healthier and exercising more frequently. Out of all the names I was called, the two previously mentioned made me upset the most. I’m writing about this to show that I have struggled with my self-esteem because of the names I was labeled. People need to change in order for the remarks to stop completely. To conclude this writin g assignment, I myself disagree with words can’t hurt you because in truth they do. â€Å"Words Can Hurt You!† Have you ever been hurt by someone’s words? Words can’t hurt is a controversial statement. Being criticized for your intelligence, race or even where you live, can hurt you physically or emotionally. When I was little, people would tell me I was fat and ugly. I often felt like a symbol (word, sound or visual device that represents an object, sound, concept, or experience) trapped around referent (thing that a symbol represents). I didn’t feel welcome around a certain group of kids. However, my teachers and family would tell me the exact opposite and say words cannot hurt me, but in reality, they did.I thought (mental process of creating an image, sound, concept, or experience triggered by a referent or symbol) everyday would be a better day at school because some people would be positive towards me, but before I changed my lifestyle it was wishful thinking. Going to school every day was fun most of the time until someone had to say something cruel. I disagree wit h the statement words can’t hurt, because they do. Why do people say words don’t hurt, and how exactly are people hurt by those negative remarks? If words don’t hurt, then why do African-Americans get mad when called â€Å"negro†?All through middle school, I was called â€Å"rat boy† for some odd reason. One person told me it didn’t matter because I didn’t have to listen to them. It was hard to do this through my middle school life. It aggravated me and I wanted to move away and go into a deep state of isolation. Finally in eighth grade, most of my peers saw that it made me angry and they quit. It doesn’t matter the type of person you are, I was a three sport athlete that had good grades and still got made fun of. Over the years, my peers have changed. I got into my college classes and my life became pleasant once again.I met a guy at my best friend’s house that thought I was funny and we connected. Being African America n, he is known as a â€Å"Negro† and knew how I felt when I was called â€Å"rat boy†. I grew up being told negative thoughts about my size. This guy not only makes me feel good about myself on the outside, but has helped me find the little girl who was still lost inside a body full of happiness. I would use profanity (words considered obscene, blasphemous, irreverent, rude, or insensitive) to get other's attention, and not realize it how uglier I sounded.I did it to try and fit in and only made it worse. Since words can hurt people, who started the whole false idea about how they don’t hurt? Words can upset you physically or emotionally or you’ll never forget what the bully said to you. I remember back when I was in first grade, one of the other kids at recess called me small fry; he was older than me and thus bigger. I was angry towards him that whole school year, and it still makes me mad when people call me small fry or short.I was around seven when i t happened, I’m twenty-one now, and I still get disgusted by that kid. In my case I was injured emotionally and I never forgot how much it hurt me. Since then my size has changed, but it is very unbalanced. People now are different and don’t vilify me anymore. All through my education at public schools, I have been ridiculed about my size. Being a junior in college and five foot seven inches, I’m considered average. This time in life I can honestly say, I haven’t encountered bullies near as much.It may have been because I took what was being thrown in my face and changed myself. I try to have a healthier lifestyle, by eating healthier and exercising more frequently. Out of all the names I was called, the two previously mentioned made me upset the most. I’m writing about this to show that I have struggled with my self-esteem because of the names I was labeled. People need to change in order for the remarks to stop completely. To conclude this writin g assignment, I myself disagree with words can’t hurt you because in truth they do.