Thursday, October 10, 2019

Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Du Bois

No two persons have had a greater impact on the black person's right movement in the late nineteenth and early twentieth cenury American history more than W. E. Burghardt Du Bois and Booker T. Washington. Both have gained millions of followers in their quest to elevate the black people's place in society with their show of great intelligence and wisdom. Yet, their philosophies and ideas on how that goal can be achieved were as different as the racial differences that separated the whites and the blacks in their time.According to Ellis Washington, author of The Devil Is In the Details: Essays on Law, Race, politics, and Religion, â€Å"If the philosophy of Du Bois and Washington can be reduced to one word it would be rights vs. duty† (Washington, â€Å"Du Bois vs. Washington†, para. 21). Indeed, while Du Bois was a very vocal advocate on the black man's right to an equal treatment as the white man without reservation or apology, Washington espouses more on the idea of ra cial accomodation and gradual acceptance between the two races.This was nowhere more evident than in their respective speeches, â€Å"The Talented Tenth† and â€Å"The Atlanta Compromise†. In â€Å"The Talented Tenth†, Du Bois asserts that only through the cooperation of the best and the brightest of the black people can the general masses be elevated to the standards that they deserve. He argues that for this to happen, black people needed to also be accorded the elite educational training that is given to the white people, saying that â€Å"The Negro race, like all races, is going to be saved by its exceptional men† (Du Bois).Washington, on the other hand, appeals to the white Americans in a way that was almost pleading and submissive. In his speech at Atlanta in what came to be known as the â€Å"Atlanta Compromise†, he said: Casting down your bucket among my people, helping and encouraging them as you are doing on these grounds, and to educatio n of head, hand, and heart, you will find that they will buy your surplus land, make blossom the waste places in your fields, and run your factories.While doing this, you can be sure in the future, as in the past, that you and your families will be surrounded by the most patient, faithful, law-abiding, and unresentful people the the world has seen (Harlan, 583-587). Such a difference in ideologies, of course, is bound to elicit a reaction from one or both of the leaders, and indeed, Du Bois was the most influential critic of Washington, saying that Washington had encountered the most criticism from his own people, amounting to bitterness, even though generally held in silence (Du Bois, â€Å"Of Mr.Booker T. Washington and Others†). The contest between the two ideologies has long been debated, but the Du Boisian perspective have gained the upper hand, mainly due to the followers of it's leadership paradigm making major contributions to Black communitarian advancement during th e era between the two World Wars, resulting in the eventual demise of Washington's leadership legacy (Kilson, â€Å"Booker T. vs DuBois†). There is no question, though, that whichever became more influential, both will always be a defining force in Black American history.Works Cited Du Bois, W. E. Burghardt. â€Å"Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others. † The Souls of Black Folk: Essays and Sketches. Cambridge: University Press John Wilson and Son, Cambridge, USA, 1903. —. â€Å"The Talented Tenth†. The Negro Problem: A Series of Articles by Representative Negroes of To-day. New York: 1903. Harlan, Louis R. , ed. The Booker T. Washington Papers, Vol. 3. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1974. 583-587. Kilson, Martin.â€Å"Booker T. vs DuBois: Retrospective on the Washington/DuBoisian Black Leadership Paradigms: Part II. † The Black Commentator: Think Piece. 2 March 2006. 19 December 2007 Washington, Ellis. â€Å"Du Bois vs. Washington: Old Le ssons Black People Have Not Learned. † Issues & Views. 2001. 19 December 2007

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Benchmarking With Costa Coffee And Caffe Nero Marketing Essay

Benchmarking With Costa Coffee And Caffe Nero Marketing Essay The organisation chosen for the report is Starbucks Corp. and the report would compare it with two similar companies, one being Costa Coffee and the other being Caffà © Nero. The report would highlight the frameworks underpinning the competitive position of Starbucks and also would identify and asses the economic and the competitive position of the firm. A financial model using appropriate ratio analysis would also be presented in a spreadsheet format identifying the industry trends and their impact on the performance of Starbucks vis-à  -vis Costa Coffee and Caffà © Nero. Both quantitative and qualitative data would be made available so as to provide an insight into Starbucks sustainable performance and prospects. Analysis of Starbucks operational, financial, organisational and marketing capabilities would be made available through application of PESTEL analysis, Porter’s 5 forces model, the Ansoff Matrix and the BCG Matrix. The report would also discuss the issues, the p roblems, the opportunities and the options available to Starbucks for future business growth, followed by conclusions to draw together all the variables identified. Recommendations would be provided for the company highlighting the direction it needs to take to ensure business profitability with comments on the suitability, acceptability and the feasibility of the options made available. INTRODUCTION The Starbucks Company was founded in Seattle in 1971 by Gordon Bowker, Jerry Baldwin and Zev Seigel with a vision to educate American consumers about the fine coffee drinking experience. In 1987 Howard Schultz took over the Starbucks Group. Starbucks is the number one in the industry, with more than 12,000 shops in more than 35 countries. Just within a couple of years they grew from a small coffee business house to a multi-million dollar player in the coffee industry by buying the best coffee available and providing the people with an unmatched store experience. Freshly brewed coffee is the main product offered by Starbucks along with other drinks which include cold and hot teas, cakes and pastries. The Starbucks coffee comes in a many varieties each possessing a different taste, aroma and flavour. INDUSTRY TRENDS AND MARKET ANALYSIS The market right now for gourmet coffee business is hot. All the multi-national fast food chains and street-corner shops want in on the boom. Many big companies are focused on the supply of specialty branded coffees and the economic stage is heating up. Specialty coffee industry is one of the fastest growing financial services globally. Growth in the coffee industry is continuously peaking, with many new overseas companies entering the market using policies offering exclusive perks and special discounts, despite the questionable quality of the coffee being used to increase the market share. A notable trend seen is that often a significant increase in sales occurs every time a cafà © starts to use branded consumables. The consensus is that these coffee drinks would be a long-term trend, with focus on elevating the customer’s taste for a product that they are familiar with and then leading them to the coffee stores to buy it. Many companies are also tinkering with expanding the food menus as well including an in-store display of sandwiches, fresh baked goods and many confectionary items.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

US Taxation Benchmark #3 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

US Taxation Benchmark #3 - Assignment Example The fact that Mia does not paint for the purpose of profit qualifies her artwork venture as a hobby rather than a business. Since Mia’s expenses are hobby expenses, she may not claim a loss from her artwork, although she can deduct the expense from the income from her artworks. An expense is reasonable if, in its nature and amount, it does not exceed what a prudent person would incur in the context of competitive business. Reasonableness of specific expenses must be examined with precise care in connection with the motive of the business venture, whether for profit or non-profit. If an initial review of the facts results in a test of a specific expense by the business entity, the burden of proof shall be upon the entity to establish that such expense is reasonable. A reasonable expense depends on a variety of factors such as whether it is the type of expense generally recognized as necessary and ordinary for the conduct of the entity’s business. Furthermore, the trading activities should exhibit adherence to relevant laws and regulations, generally accepted sound business practices, and arm’s-length bargaining. The U.S congress enacted the Internal Revenue Code in order to tax net income. According to the legislation, taxable income, whether obtained illegally or legally is subject to federal income tax rules. A business bad debt is a loss due to the worthlessness of a debt was created in the course of the business or it closely related to the business entity when it became worthless. Debts closely relate to a business if the primary motive of incurring them is business related. The main cause of business bad debt is credit sales. Businesses deduct their bad debts from the gross income when figuring their taxable income. Businesses can deduct bad debts in part or in full. Businesses can claim a business bad debt using either the nonaccrual experience method or the specific charge-off method. Nonbusiness debts

Monday, October 7, 2019

Assessment of Risk Management Perceptions and Practices of Dissertation

Assessment of Risk Management Perceptions and Practices of Construction Contractors - Dissertation Example 7 Methodology †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 7 Ethical considerations †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 10 Conclusion †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 11 Introduction The construction industry is a source of risks and uncertainties. This is true in any country, especially in Saudi Arabia, which has experienced a construction boom these past three decades because of the vast oil revenues poured into government coffers. Risks account not only in physical terms, but also in abstract terms like financial and economic outcomes. Contractors devise plans to manage risks and to pre-empt problems and risks during and after construction. Managing risks involves taking care of the safety and security of the construction project or the finished building and the workers and em ployees therein. Risk management also involves analysing problems or surprises that will occur during and after project construction. Risks include environmental hazards caused by construction and demolition wastes, the health and safety of the workers, and risks associated with the design of the structure whether it can withstand natural disasters. Other risks include insurance and value for money or the business side of the construction project. Saudi Arabia has a long, hot summer, with a short, cool, winter season with very minimal rain. Some parts of Saudi Arabia have some of the extreme climatic conditions, which are most unfavorable for contractors to work with. This is very detrimental to the operations of any project, and could lead to loss of productivity on the part of the owners and contractors. Risk management should consider this aspect. (Shublaq, 1999, p. 277) Another aspect contractors have to include in risk management is the importation of laborers who are from othe r countries. Laborers have to adjust to the kind of unique culture Saudi Arabia has. Culture shock on the part of the laborers affects the kind of work they produce. Significance of the study This paper provides a brief assessment of how construction contractors in Saudi Arabia employ risk management perceptions and practices. The significance of the study brings to light the common practices of contractors in managing risks, and future problems and possible delays that may occur while construction is ongoing. The research will therefore seek to answer the following questions What risk management techniques are available to construction contractor in Saudi Arabia? What is the level of usage of these risk management techniques by the construction contractors? What is the importance of organizational risk management among construction companies in Saudi Arabia? What are the challenges faced be construction contractors in Saudi Arabia in using risk management techniques? Aim of the res earch The aim of this paper is to determine the extent to which risk management techniques are used construction contractors in Saudi Arabia and also determine the perception of construction professional to various construction risks. Objectives To identify risk management techniques used by contractors in Saudi Arabia To determine the level of usage of identified risk management techniques among Saudi construction companies To determine the importance of organizational risk management among Saudi construction companies To identify challenges faced by Saudi construction companies in using risk management techniques To recommend effective ways to limit the challenges identified in the

Sunday, October 6, 2019

Does 'free trade' advance or retard development in poor countries Essay

Does 'free trade' advance or retard development in poor countries - Essay Example The following paper evaluates the effectiveness of the free trade policies as far as the betterment of the poor nations is concerned. It analyses the arguments in favor and against of free trade with references of the development of the developing nations or the poor trading partner in the equation. Free trade has become one of the debated topics around the economic world. The terminologies of globalization, free trade, liberalization, socialization are also discussed in this paradigm. Before the actual argument can be established, it is imperative to understand the different terms and concepts that can have an impact on the argument itself. As the name suggests, globalisation refers to strengthening relationship between organisations, governments and individuals across geographical horizons. The term is generally used to regard economic globalisation. Economic globalisation can be explained as: increasing economic activities across the globe, through distribution of products or services by reducing international trade barriers. International trade barriers are placed by countries for various reasons. Some strong reasons could be to stipulate the use of local products, not compromising taxes, fear of rise in un-employments, pressure in maintaining budgets and dilution of long held customs and culture. Trade barriers can be tariff, import quotas, exchange rates, conflicting cultures and export fees etc. A dramatic increase in the process has been witnessed in the last decade. Technology has reduced the communication gaps between geographies. Travelling across national borders has been made easier and as a result doing business internationally has lesser complications in the modern age. The introduction and implementation of International Accounting Standards (IAS’s) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS’s) has made comparisons between organisations appropriate. Comparable and understandable flow of

Saturday, October 5, 2019

Mental Disorder and crime Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Mental Disorder and crime - Essay Example If they are too broad they may result in unnecessary intervention’ (Wilson, 1995 as quoted in Healthcare Education Services, 2006). This quote from Wilson suggests the complications that mental health carers and the courts have when they attempt to apply a definition to mental illness. There is a distinction made between mental health and mental disorder. According to Healthcare Education Services (2006) mental health and mental illness have often been used interchangeably as 'mental health refers to thoughts, feelings, and actions of the individual, all aspects of life, including social, physical, spiritual and emotional, affect it' (p. 6). The term mental disorder implies that he person has a mental illness and also has some sort of disability and has often been used as a legal definition for a variety of mental illnesses. The Department of Health (2004) defines mental disorder as ‘an impairment of, or a disturbance in, the functioning of the mind or brain resulting fr om any disability or disorder of the mind or brain’ (p.3). This definition was refined from the original bill that was drafted in 1983 and said that mental disorder was, ‘†¦mental disorder means mental illness, arrested or incomplete development of mind, psychopathic disorder and any other disorder or disability of the mind’ (as quoted in Healthcare Education Services, 2006, p. 7). ... This definition will cover a variety of mental disorders and it can be relevant to the individual's fitness to plead guilty or not guilty, their sentencing or disposal, or the decision for the prosecutor to divert the sentence or prosecute the individual (The Crown Prosecution Service, 2010). This is the definition will be the one used for this paper because it is the one that comes from the courts. Definition of Crime The definition of crime is complex because its definition will relate to the individual's offense. Sammon (n.d.) states that the word crime is difficult to define because it covers a variety of acts that have nothing in common necessarily except that they are punishable by law if they are carried out by an individual. The easiest definition comes from the Oxford Dictionary (2011) which describes crime as a noun and defines it as 'an action or omission which constitutes offence and is punishable by law'. A crime can be anything from shoplifting to murder. Each offence h as its own definition in the court system. This is a simple definition and will be used in this paper to refer to generic crimes. Crime and General Mental Disorders The challenge for both of these definitions is the fact that everything about them is dependent on the circumstances in each situation. Many people believe that a defence that states that an individual who has a mental disorder should be excused for committing a crime because at the time of the crime, they had a mental breakdown due to a mental disorder. However, the empirical evidence does not support this idea. Sirotich (2008) reviewed several studies about crime and violence to see whether there is a correlation with mental illness. He found that most of the literature suggests that the best

Friday, October 4, 2019

Cultural profiling tools for global business leaders 2281 Essay

Cultural profiling tools for global business leaders 2281 - Essay Example Leadership being an important part of an organizational culture is also included in the discussion section. Based on the culture profiling tools discussed in the current paper, few examples relating to how culture effects decision making process of leaders have been discussed. Culture profile can be described as the cluster of cultures which determine the characteristics of a firm. The motive of culture profiling is to present the culture of an organization from different perspectives. In the system of profiling, the various categories of culture existing with an organization are attributes which reflect the same are identified. An entity can be viewed upon like as an individual. Like every individual, a firm is also seen to possess a set of values and cultures which determine the manner in which the organization interacts with different stakeholders. The set of values present in an organizations culture profile determines the way in which interaction takes place between different organizational factors and the manner in which information gets transferred (Cameron and Quinn, 2011). Culture profiles get portrayed through such interactions. Culture profiles also refer to common set of beliefs and understanding which is shared by the members of an organizati on. As members of an organization continue to interact with each other on a regular basis, they become habituated with each other and develop their own ways and styles of interaction. Cultures are often developed in a manner such that it suits motives and functions performed by the organization. Apart from communication styles, culture existing within an organization gets reflected through dress codes, slogans, interiors and ceremonies held. Existence of a strong culture is essential to provide a strong identity (SÃ ¸ndergaard, 1994). Culture also facilitates motivating employees to perform better. It is essential that the culture existing within an organization