Leadership Leadership And Followership - 996 Words

Leadership and followership are two sides of the same coin. However, one of these topics is more closely studied than the other. Leadership is studied in the halls of famous universities and discussed in various books and articles. Many of these discussions involve the same question; what makes a good leader? The question to this answer is both the cause, and the product, of excellent leadership, good followers. What a leader strives to create in the company can only be completed by a force of followers with the ability to realize the leader s vision. So instead of asking what makes a good leader, it must first be asked what makes a good follower. As leadership and followership mirror one another, looking at the parallels between the two may help to answer this question. Leaders are meant to lead teams in an ethical manner in order to realize a vision for the company. Therefore, in order to support the leader, followers must be able to work in a team and help actualize the leader s v ision in an ethical manner. As the leaders develop their grand ideas, it is the followers who actualize them, therefore it is necessary that effective followers have a conceptual understanding of their business (Antelo, 2010). They must be able to do the job. A welder would not expect a career ballerina to run a welding torch and a ballerina would never expect a welder to complete a pas de deux. A good follower must understand what they are doing. This is the foundation of a follower s work.Show MoreRelatedLeadership : Leadership And Followership865 Words   |  4 Pages1. When discussing leadership and followership, there is often a split in personal opinion when it comes to which one is more important. Leadership and followership both offer unique benefits in their own right and have supporting factors, which give them the perceived appearance of being more important. The focus for this paper will be to advocate the importance of followership over that of leadership. This will be accomplished by addressing the pros of followership to include some core skillsRead MoreLeadership : Leadership And Followership1099 Words   |  5 PagesLeadership and Followership Both leadership and followership is a continual journey through actions and growth (Stricklin, 2014). Therefore, leaders must seek development opportunities to optimize their effectiveness. In a followership role, leaders learn important skills that enable them to become better leaders. Ironically, the importance of followership is often overlooked. This essay will identify the leadership skills Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, still needs to develop and explore hisRead MoreLeadership and Followership3976 Words   |  16 Pages There is no leader without at least one follower. Yet the modern leadership industry, now a quarter-century old, is built on the proposition that leaders matter a great deal and followers hardly at all. Good leadership is the stuff of countless courses, workshops, books, and articles. Everyone wants to understand just what makes leaders tick—the charismatic ones, the retiring ones, and even the crooked ones. Good followership, by contrast, is the stuff of nearly nothing. Most of the limited researchRead MoreFollowership is as Important as Leadership1319 Words   |  6 PagesPhD in organizational leadership, but you can’t even get a bachelor’s in followership.† (Mercer) Why should an organization focus on followership as much as leadership? The Merriam Webster dictionary defines followership as â€Å"the capacity or willingness to follow a leader†. Over the last several years, there’s been a huge interest in leadership. However, former HP Executive Vice President, Vyomesh Joshi, shared that the key to being a great leader is not about leadership but instead the real attributeRead MoreLeadership and Followership800 Words   |  4 PagesOne of the most important components of leadership is the leader. A leader is responsible for his or her followers and the overall goal of the group or organization. Leaders are the people held accountable or everything that happens, good or bad. On the other hand, the second major component of leadership is the followers. Without followers, a leader would be worthless. Followers make up the backbone of a leader because they are the masses that get goals accomplished. A leader is just one personRead MoreFollowership: Leadership and Followers1218 Words   |  5 Pagesof a le ader, but followership has received less attention. Treister and Schultz (1997) â€Å"suggests that a follower is someone who accepts guidance and, on receiving it, takes the appropriate action. Treister et al (1997) also state followership is â€Å"considered a passive or submissive role of lesser importance than leadership. However, the effectiveness of leaders to a large measure depends on the qualities of their followers.† Treister et al (1997) go on to say â€Å"good leadership enhances followersRead MoreLeadership As A Dynamic Followership And Leadership Role1270 Words   |  6 PagesIn the preface of Followership, the author Tom Atchison, states the reason there has to be a dynamic followership and Leadership role it s not that there s a lack of effective leadership in healthcare, it’s that the current, worsening, issues are the moral and the staffing shortages of followers which result in a toxic work environment and the challenges on how followers overco me that while being a productive team. In followership there needs to be a leader that inspires and bonds followers togetherRead MoreFollowership And Leadership Of General Schwarzkopf876 Words   |  4 PagesFollowership and Leadership of General Schwarzkopf Introduction General Norman Schwarzkopf had a long lasting career in the United States Army as a follower and a leader. Schwarzkopf’s Army career began with experiencing the Vietnam War, Cold War and eventually commanding the US Central Command (CENTCOM) during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. His ability as a follower and leader influenced multiple layers of personnel in executing military operations, and fostering affiliations amongstRead MoreAnalysis Of Leadership And Followership. Reflecting On1183 Words   |  5 PagesAnalysis of Leadership and Followership Reflecting on my nursing career and trying to pick out a situation that would appropriately describe a leadership or follower situation, I decided on a leadership scenario. I most often assume the role of follower and avoid taking charge of situations. Once I had worked a few years in the emergency department, I began to be nudged into the leadership role more often. Working in the resuscitation room gave me a better feeling of leadership amongst my peers.Read MoreThe Difference Between Leadership and Followership759 Words   |  4 PagesExplain the difference between followership and leadership As you have all learned from leadership classes, all leaders are followers, but not all followers are leaders. One of the biggest differences that separate leaders from followers is the fact that many leaders have charisma. Many followers have charisma, although it may be stifled because they are not in a proper position to utilize it. Charisma, by my own definition, is the compelling attractiveness or charm that enables you to influence

The Changing Face Of Basketball Essay - 1491 Words

The Changing Face of Basketball Basketball has come a long way since its soccer ball and peach basket beginnings in that its style, players, facilities and leagues have developed dramatically and gained tremendous popularity. Salaries have increased from Bob Cousys minute $45.00 a game (Minser 37) to Michael Jordans $300,000 + per game (Minser 37). Basketball is a sport in which all ages can participate in any way, shape, or form and is a big part of American society today. In 1891 James A. Naismith invented basketball at a YMCA gymnasium in Springfield, Massachusetts (Hollander 4). He told a custodian to nail two peach baskets 10 feet high on opposite ends of the gymnasium walls. The first teams consisted of nine players on each side†¦show more content†¦He Graduated DePaul in 1946 as a three time All American, and was the biggest basketball star up to that time (Minsky 16). there were only a few centers that would ever classify as great, but George Mikan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar head that list. Georges build, Russells defense, Chamberlains style, and Abdul-Jabbars grace all set these guys apart from the rest of the basketball world. Like Mikan, Russell was the typical hard-working team player. Russell was one of the best rebounders, if not the best, ever to play basketball. Out of all the centers ever to play the game, Russell had the most success. He led his Boston Celtic team to 11 NBA titles (eight in a row) in 13 years; an all time NBA record (Minsky 26). Russells Celtic team was one of the best ever judging by statistics. However, there was no one Bill Russell feared more than Wilt â€Å"The Stilt† Chamberlain (Minsky 26). Russell , being the best defensive center in the league, prided himself on being able to guard the best offensive center in the league: Chamberlain. Russell verses Chamberlain will go down in history as one of the best matchups in the history of the sport. Throughout the ten years the opposing centers played, they met 162 times (Minsky 30). In those games, Chamberlains points were down and rebounds were up and visa versa for Russell (Minsky 30). last, butShow MoreRelatedMichael Jordan Research Paper1553 Words   |  7 PagesMichael Jordan is arguably the best athlete to ever step foot on a basketball court. He is still one of the most popular athletes in the world. This was because he was a hard worker on and off the court. Jordan was also looked at as an icon because he was an African American that was changing the National Basketball Association (NBA) by breaking records and developing new styles of play. 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Growing up basketball was more than a game, it was a way of life. My brothers and I analyzed every aspect of basketball, we were students of the game. I recall the 2008 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, there was this undersized point guard playing for Davidson College by the name of Stephen Curry. This kid took the basketball world by storm, he became an overnight sensation. He led the Davidson College WildcatsRead MoreShould College Athletes Be Paid?1397 Words   |  6 Pagesto college athletes the main focus is on basketball and football athletes. The sports of both basketball and football in the NCAA generate the most revenue amongst all other college sports. The combined profit of these two sports go through a trickling down process, in which the income is distributed amongst the other sports teams of the university. The ideal thing to expect is to pay all college athletes, the reality is that only football and basketball players will be paid. 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It’s a place that’s resistant to change. Hickory is a place where, according to Myra Fleener, a character in the film, â€Å"basketball heroes are treated like gods†. This town takes their basketball seriously, a settingRead MoreThe Movie Othello By William Shakespeare Essay1493 Words   |  6 Pageshigh achievements and talent to be a professional basketball player, the audience sympathizes with him in this scene because he was accused unfairly. Right after this scene, Nelson showed a scene of Odin beating up Roger. Odin responds very violently and he caused harm to other. Hugo continues to act loyal and tried to be a good friend to Odin, but in the back, he’s feeding Odin lies and having the intention to destroy him. Before an important basketball game, Hugo gives him some cocaine to help himRead MoreEarvin Johnson is Magic on the Basketball Court1795 Words   |  7 Pagesearly 90s. The 1980s is known to many people as NBA’s best decade. This era featured a combination of the best style of basketball, as well as some of the greatest players of all time. Magic Johnson headlined this elite group of players. Because of the immense amount of talent in the game at this time period, basketball was emerging as a big part of a lot of people’s lives. Basketball was growing in popularity and was becoming one of America’s favorite sports to watch. Magic Johnson only made this sport

Integrated Business Management Project

Question: Discuss about the Integrated Business Management Project. Answer: Inroduction: This research proposal is about analyzing the impact of social media marketing on the purchasing decision of customers. A case study for the company Tesco has been selected for this research proposal. Tesco is British Multinational retail organization established in the year of 1919 (Cheung Thadani, 2012). It has stores in more than 12 countries all over the world. The company has 28.4% market share. Background of the Study According to Akehurst Afonso and Martins Gonalves (2012), technology has given consumers the opportunity to examine about an offered product or a new product. Presently, internet technology such as social media marketing has added a newer perspective to business. Social media marketing has improved the communication between companies and their customers (Fan Gordon, 2014). It has also affected the decision making process of customers (Fotis, Buhalis Rossides, 2012) (55%). They can give their review and opinion about a product on social media, which can affect other customers as well. Problem Statement According to Fotis Buhalis and Rossides (2012), an increase of social media marketing has suppressed the effectiveness of traditional marketings such as T.V. advertisements, newspaper advertisements, banners, and hoardings. Most of the company invest a large amount of money for social media marketing. However, most of the marketers are not able to recognize the specific necessities of customers (Fan Gordon, 2014). For this reason, most of the social media advertisements are becoming less effective. In, additions, most of the companies use false statement in their social media advertisements. It has negatively affected the purchasing decision of customers (Akehurst, Afonso Martins Gonalves, 2012). Research Aim and Objectives The aim of the research proposal is to assess how social media marketing has changed the customers decision making process. The objectives of the research proposal are given below: To analyze the factors that affect consumers purchasing decision To assess the difference between traditional marketing and social media marketing To analyze the changes that social media marketing has initiated at every stage of consumers buying decision Research Questions What are the factors that affect the customers purchasing decision mostly? What is major difference between social media marketing and traditional marketing? How social media marketing affect customers purchasing decision? Literature Review Customers Purchasing Model A five-step model of consumer purchasing decision has been developed by Koalt, Engel, and Blackwell during 1968. These five stages are like recognition of problem, searching information, finding alternatives, decision of purchasing and post purchasing behaviour (Fotis, Buhalis Rossides, 2012). These stages are discussed below: According to Cheung and Thadani (2012), problem recognition starts when there is gap between the real situation of clients and their preferred situation. The needs of customers can be analyzed with help of Maslows need of hierarchy. They are such as psychological needs, safety needs, love and belongings (Fan Gordon, 2014). When the needs are identified, customers start searching information. As Cheung and Thadani (2012) stated that internal information is collected through customers own experience and external information are collected from friends and family members. After collecting information, customers look to find out product options that meet their needs (Akehurst, Afonso Martins Gonalves, 2012). At the next stage, the actual prpurchasing action occurs. However, Cheung and Thadani (2012) mentioned that it is not the end of purchasing stage. After the purchasing stage customer analyzes their products and decides whether they are satisfied with their products or not. This stag e is known as post purchasing stage. The sense of satisfaction in this stage can improve customer loyalty. Research Methodology In order to develop this research work, positivism research philosophy is used along with deductive research approach and descriptive research design. Methods of Data Collection As Waits and Paetkau (2015) stated that, there are mainly two types of data collection method is used in a research work. They are qualitative data collection method and quantitative data collection method. In order to analyze the effect of social media marketing on consumers purchasing decision, quantitative data collection method is used. It helps to gather data from a large population in a cost effective manner. Survey questionnaires will be developed and distributed to 55 customers of Tesco. Collected data will be analyzed with the help of MS Excel. Data Collection Sources According to Thomson and Emery (2014), there are mainly two types of data sources available for a research work. They are such as primary sources and secondary sources. Primary data can be collected with the help of surveys and interviews. On the other hand, secondary data can be collected from books and journals. In this research work, primary data will be gathered with the help of survey questionnaires. It will provide an overview of the impact of social media marketing on customer's purchasing decision. Gantt Chart Gantt chart (Source: Created by Author) Reference List Akehurst, G., Afonso, C. Martins Gonalves, H., (2012). Re-examining green purchase behavior the green consumer profile: new evidences. Management Decision,50(5), pp.972-988. Cheung, C.M. Thadani, D.R., (2012). The impact of electronic word-of-mouth communication: A literature analysis integrative model.Decision Support Systems,54(1), pp.461-470. Fan, W. Gordon, M.D., (2014). The power of social media analytics. Communications of the ACM,57(6), pp.74-81. Fotis, J., Buhalis, D. Rossides, N., (2012).Social media useimpact during the holiday travel planning process(pp. 13-24). Springer-Verlag. Hajli, M., (2014).A study of the impact of social media on consumers.International Journal of Market Research,56(3), pp.387-404. Thomson, R. E., Emery, W. J. (2014).Data analysis methods in physical oceanography. 5(2), pp.252-270 Waits, L. P., Paetkau, D. (2015). Noninvasive genetic sampling tools for wildlife biologists: a review of applications and recommendations for accurate data collection.Journal of Wildlife Management,69(4), pp.1419-1433.

Royal Ahold’s Case Write Up Essay Example

Royal Ahold’s Case Write Up Essay Executive Summary The case discusses the Royal Ahold’s the major events that led to the demise of a great European company. The case presents some of the key issues in the areas of leadership, strategy, audit and accounting fraud that resulted in their disaster. The case identifies the problems made by the management in selecting the improper growth strategy and incentive plan that encouraged unethical behaviour from the senior management. The events presented touch and highlight management and governance issues, which are so important in managing global companies. After analysis of the cases and financial statements, I have come with questions and concerns on the management and financial statements that could have caught this earlier on. Questions to be asked and process of approving budgets, corporate strategy, risk controls would have raised concerns on the management style. Some of the other recommended actions for board and its various committees would have discouraged the improper management practices. Some of these questions might have surfaced real issues and / or encouraged the right practice. I found various accounting standards, challenges of global audit process; in this case it was led by Deliotte. The CEO’s and leadership growth strategy was the reward and recognition was improper. The number of acquisitions made during the 90s and continuous pressure was put on all subsidiaries to grow the sales by 15% were bad decisions. This alone led to many other problems within the company. The CEO’s growth strategy and desire to quickly grow the company put immense pressure on all other companies and senior management to somehow meet the CEO’s expectation. We will write a custom essay sample on Royal Ahold’s Case Write Up specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Royal Ahold’s Case Write Up specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Royal Ahold’s Case Write Up specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer It all resulted into fraudulent activities and ultimately disaster of great company. I recommend adopting changes to incentive plans, non-financial factors be part of success criteria. In measuring financial success, working capital ratio, inventory days, receivable and payable targets should be part of incentives. Above all, I recommend changes to the board committees and ensuring their work is independent was also important, i. e. audit committee, establishment of HR committee to raise issues and improve the overall organization culture. The case also highlights the issue of multiple accounting standards being practiced in very country. A standard corporate wide accounting standard in Royal Ahold must have been used. Both external and internal auditors must have report ed numbers in a consistent approach. I recommend that auditors had direct reporting to board and should have empowered and trained to look for documentation and management structures in their audit process. Had they dig deep on all areas of concerns of material significance they might have found side letters. I have also highlighted other recommendations including the controls in the accounting standards and in preparing financial papers. Incentive plans and corporate strategy be realistic to avoid unwanted behaviors. Tone of the top management including the board’s, assignment of responsibilities be clearly stated and periodically measured. Student id: 250712690 1 Management Accounting Exam Problem Identification: The case depicts another case of fail of governance and business ethics. This appears to be a fraud and not just accounting mistakes. By 2003, the time of the case, Enron, WorldCom and few others had already identified the need of business ethics and corporate governance. Royal Ahold series of events happened mainly due to greed and unethical behaviour but what really underlies is the objective setting, growth strategy and, rewards recognition criteria set by management. The case also presents issues of cost accounting, in terms of, when to apply the manufacturing rebates. Consolidation of subsidiaries and joint ventures also played a role in this fraud. It also shows bad governance, flaws in external audit, failure of internal audit functions and to some degree their competency. Leadership strategy: Royal Ahold’s CEO’s strategy of 15% growth year-over-year was very aggressive. The reward and recognition structure around the sales number was improper as it led management of all subsidiaries and other business units to increase the revenue and meet the targets. CEO kept communicating to board and shareholders the expectation around the sales strategy and likelihood of meeting these targets. Consequently, it created a culture whereby senior management were under pressure to meet the sales objective. The senior management and head of subsidiaries must have felt that missing the sales targets is not even an option. Accounting Fraud: The case presents few big issues of accounting. Firstly, the issue is of the incorrect accounting treatment of manufacturing rebates and promotional allowances. My opinion is that rebates cannot decrease the cost of goods unless there is a certainty of getting the rebates. If the rebates are uncertain they cannot decrease the cost of goods incorrectly. From the case, it appears that management ordered more quantity of goods then they could have sold. They booked the rebates at time of goods received and decrease the cost of goods prematurely. (Assumption: It is not very clear from the case, if these rebates were booked as income or adjusted against the cost of goods i. . decrease in cost of item. I have assumed that Royal Ahold accountants decreased the costs (prematurely as per above paragraph). If these were booked as income, then it is even a bigger fraud and not an accounting error) Second accounting fraud problem is the accountants preparation of Royal Ahold’s parent company financial statements. They consolidated the financial statements including some of the joint ventures when Royal didn’t even had control over them. Royal Ahold did not own more than 50% of these Joint Ventures and did not have the control of the decision making. They created fraudulent paper work to show they had control on these join venture companies. This is a pure fraud as they created agreements to satisfy auditors and try to hide the real facts. Audit: Both external auditors and internal auditors (and audit committee) failed to detect any of the accounting issues. It could have been missed as accounting standards in many countries is different. External auditors, even though they may all be of Deloite, of one country only audits that country statements, so they may not be familiar what might be happening in other parts of the company. However, the Royal Ahold parent company auditors are responsible to have an oversight of companywide audit and should be held responsible for over -looking these fraudulent transactions. Internal audit and board’s audit committee failed to detect any of the misrepresentation either. On top of that in Netherlands there were two boards (Governing Board and Supervisory Board) and both boards weren’t able to detect or raise red flag on any of these problems and misrepresentations. Management having two sets of paper work with JV (Joint Ventures) without coming under the investigation shows incompetency of audit functions. Governance / Audit Structure The way the governance and audit structure was laid out at Royal Ahold, there were five different committees and entities were responsible to review accounting and financial controls and practices that could have asked questions and raise concerns (red flags). They were: The governance board, supervisory board, the audit committee, internal audit department and the external auditors. Each should have independently reviewed management controls and financial statements and raise concerns and issues. Raising Red Flags In my opinion, the governance structure and audit committees and external auditors were sufficient enough to handle or uncover such fraudulent activities had they been critical, created the right controls, empowered the internal auditors and obviously asked the right questions while reviewing the financial statements and other management documentation. As part of board, I would have asked questions following questions, or have acted when seen abnormalities. This would have helped me in identifying issues, concerns and in raising red flags on the Royal Ahold 1999-2001 financial statements. Also some of them are related to mid 90’s management attitude and strategy. Strategy and Growth Approach: The target of meeting 15% year-over-year in sales, especially in US in 2000-01 when economy was in recession should have alarmed the board and internal auditors. They should have investigated how the sales targets are being achieved. It is not easy to meet 15% sales in US food industries under this economic climate. This may have led the management behaviour in meeting the targets. As board member, I would have asked CEO to explain the strategy of rewards and recognition, mainly on top line bonus as it is a wrong choice. (I have personally worked at Compaq during 1999-2000 and have seen the issue of top line bonus and commission on sales. This led to Compaq’s continued crises and eventually it was bought by HP in 2003). I would tried to influence the board and hence the CEO to consider a more comprehensive rewards strategy. From my experience bonus strategy plays a big role in company culture. The other important factor that develops the management attitude is what CEO likes to hear. It seems Royal Ahold’s CEO, Cees van der Hooven, wanted to hear from all his subsidiaries and Joint Ventures that sales targets are being met every quarter. I would have influence the management style and company culture to be protected by changing (or diluting) this approach. CEO’s attitude and leadership style was one of the leading cause of Royal Ahold demise. His aggressive acquisition approach would have resulted in integration issues within the company. As board member, I would have asked the management plans on integration and how culture of the organization would not be negatively impacted. I would have created the board HR committee to influence management not to allow the negative impacts on the organization culture, integration within the organization, rewards and recognition be such that it would not have allowed the culture to deteriorate. The cultural issues, integration issues and above all greed among the management team members was uncontrolled in Royal Ahold’s accounting scandal. The growing number of acquisitions was extremely risky initiative; the corporate strategy was carrying high risks at all operational levels including controls, integration that may have led to frauds. Also, this had potential to be a reputation risk as well. In my opinion, board should not have approved such an aggressive corporate growth strategy. Consolidated Statements Although Royal Ahold ownership is less than 50% in some Join venture companies, they showed controlling interests in some companies. To me an agreement paper presented by the management is not sufficient. I would have asked the significance of Royal Ahold’s control and ask management which areas of Joint Venture management we have been making decisions on. If we are making decisions, even though we don’t own more than 50%, what are the risks associated with these decisions. As a board member, I would have understood how Royal Ahold has influenced the Joint Venture management. I would have also asked audit committee to understand the management structure of Joint Ventures. Taking a step further, assuming that 20% share would have given Royal Ahold right to appoint a board member on Joint Venture’s Board, I would have understood from the Joint Venture board member (through Royal Ahold appointed director) how the joint ventures decision making process really works. By asking such questions and efforts in trying to understand from the board and management of Joint ventures how the organization is actually structured and working. If Royal Ahold does not have a controlling authority on the acquired company, the company financial statements cannot be consolidated. Royal’s accounting practice o f consolidation will first bump up the revenue numbers. This was purposely done to beef up the revenue figures. This may have resulted bigger bonus for the senior management. Also, the balance sheet would be more attractive to the shareholders (and potential shareholders). To explain this here is simple illustration: Parent Current Assets Assets Total Assets Current Liabilities Liabilit ies Total Liabilities Shareholders Equity Debt to Equity Ratio Subsidiary Consolidated 3 7 10 1 3 4 4 10 14 4 1 5 3 7 0. 5 1. 5 3. 5 8. 5 3 2. 5 5. 5 2. 3 0. 6 1. 5 As illustrated in the hypothetical example above example, by consolidat ion the debt looks more attractive then it would have looked otherwise in the parent company. The debt to equity shows debt-to-equity of ($1. 5:$1) when consolidated, and ($2. 3:$1) when not consolidated. Similarly, other financial ratios would have looked good with consolidation of financial statements. The consolidation resulted in better financial statements; hence Royal Ahold used this approach. In actual, this should not have used consolidated method. As per the accounting text, Parent when owns an investee company’s 20%-50% should use the equity method of accounting. The equity method would have mainly impacted the earnings on the Income statements. The net income, however, would result the same earnings without changing the revenue numbers. On the balance sheet side, the equity method would only show true â€Å"Assets† number, as per the investments made in the JV by Royal Ahold. The financial ratios (e. . debt to equity or quick ratio etc. ) will not be as appealing as it started to sound with consolidated statement. Risk Controls: As board member, I would have influenced the entire board not to approve the corporate strategy as a budget was too aggressive and unrealistic. As pointed out above, realistic targets are extremely important. If strategy is too aggres sive and corporate culture is to share good news with the CEO the unrealistic budgets targets may lead to malpractice and improper (fraudulent) activities. In my opinion it is supervisory board obligation to approve only realistic targets. The corporate strategy in the growth years of mid ‘90s was too aggressive. This has done part of the damage in the culture and mind-set of the senior management that 15% growth is not unrealistic and has created an attitude to meet these targets in any way possible. This encouraged the wrong doings and possible frauds that started to take place in 1999-2001. Although it is not very clear from the case, were there any wrong doing (or activities) in 199798, but in the hind-sight, it appears that some of the issues must have started or existed in that time as well. The board and senior management should actively work on identifying risks to the organization and work on strategies that mitigates the risks. A key here is to have a formal risk assessment process on an annual basis. The assessment is under supervision of the board and results are reviewed by the board. Inventory 2001 balance sheet shows 20% rise in inventory, I would have raises some concerns that might have uncovered the management improper decision to order such high quantity of stocks to get the manufacturing rebates. Accounts Receivable In 2001, accounts receivable increased by Euros 605M i. e. 21. 2%. I would have asked questions around the assumptions and likelihood receiving the Account Receivable. More importantly, who owes this receivable to Royal Ahold. This may have been due to the manufacturing rebates included in the accounts receivable. If so, it would have led to the whole issue of management aggressive behaviour on ordering stocks to get rebates. It might have opened up the entire incorrect accounting treatment of manufacturing allowances and rebates. General Reserve Royal Ahold is showing consistently on their balance sheet a general reserve item that is over 5 to 6 Billion euros (approx). This appears to be high, I would have asked on what assumptions these provisions are made. It might have uncovered some of the assumptions that are being made by management. This general reserve is in addition to the 1. 5B euros in other provisions. This is should have been a red flag. Other Recommended Preventive Measures Besides the concerns and red flags mentioned above, I would have raised based on what I would have seen. I would have also taken following measures to prevent this from happening. Incentive (Bonus) Structure: The bonus structure cannot solely be based on financial goals. The bonus structure has to base on non-financial goals as well. Within financial goals all aspects to kept in mind when designing the appropriate incentive program. The increase in working capital (inventory, receivables, payables etc. ) is kept at minimum or in line with the net income. The increase or decrease in working capital beyond the realistic proportion to earnings should be discouraged through the incentive program as well. Audit Committee Structure: The case presents the audit committee and internal audit department weaknesses and signs of some of their inefficient processes and competency issues. Besides reviewing the audit committee performance, monitoring and control issues were also been found. I would have influence the audit committee to have a metrics of internal audit department. This may have encouraged more objectivity of audit functions and may have aligned management controls to the overall governance issues. It is the responsibility of audit committee that internal and external auditors have an open communication. Besides audit of the current financial statements, and review of controls and structures, the auditors must identify areas of improvement in controls and work on action plan in improving the organization controls and monitoring process. HR Committee As mentioned above, I would have asked board to create HR committee that takes an active role in setting the controls in the organization. The committee should take an active role in reviewing the annual compensation and objective setting. Committee should have taken an independent review of key hiring decisions and management capability on integration and organization culture. Some key decisions in this area should only made by committee after consulting with the management, audit and board’s general direction. IT System: I would have asked internal audit committee to ensure all IT systems are audited to ensure proper controls are in place. Usually, in fraud IT systems controls could have loop holes or management may have the ability to bypass some of the checks and balances and/ or segregation of duties. Consistency in financial Statements Royal Ahold had companies in four different continents and in many countries. Financial statements presentation and laws across the globe are not consistent. US GAPP, Netherlands GAAP, IFSA and others are not standard across all countries where the Royal Aholds companies are in operation. While the fact makes a challenge for the board, it doesn’t give them an excuse of letting things slip. The board should have worked out with internal and external auditors in creating a minimum corporate standard across the group of companies. It is the flaw in governance and leadership to over-look this fundamental point.

Men and women were created equal essays

Men and women were created equal essays Men are not superior to women, they are equal in every way. Although it is true that society has stereotyped women into traditional roles, this preconceived notion, is totally false. Action to promote the concept of equality in our society needs to be taken. Women have been fighting for equality for many decades. As a result of this battle, some amazing transformations have taken place amongst the female gender. Women have become educated and over the last few decades have started to take active roles and their rightful place in society. They have made major inroads in working opportunities, including government, science and even the military. They are reshaping world history and are very proud. Internationally, women have achieved the highest office in several countries, such as: Indira Gandhi of India, Golda Meir of Israel, and Margaret Thatcher of Great Britain. Hilary Clinton is currently running for a senate seat in New York and if she is successful, could one day follow in her husbands footsteps and become the first female President of the United States. These women have all obtained equal roles and respect as leaders of their countries similar to Bill Clinton and Jean Chretien. Other examples of women who have favourably impacted on todays society are the late Mother Theresa and Lady Diana. These ladies tireless efforts for the good of humanity impacted the whole world. Only in the 20th century, and most recently in the last 20 years, have women overcome social barriers and been allowed to obtain a scientific education. Today, women are becoming an ever-increasing percentage of the scientific and medical work force. In 1982 Barbara McClintock won the Nobel P rize for her discovery of mobile genetic elements. Her discovery was that genes could jump around on chromosomes. This discovery was the basis of todays advances in genetic engineering. The ...

The Environmental Costs of Cotton

The Environmental Costs of Cotton Chances are that on any given day we wear some clothing items made of cotton, or sleep in cotton sheets, yet few of us know how it is grown, or what are  the environmental impacts of cotton cultivation. Where Is Cotton Grown? Cotton is a fiber grown on a plant of the Gossypium genus, which once harvested can be cleaned and spun into fabrics used most commonly for linens and clothing. Needing sunshine, abundant water, and relatively frost-free winters, cotton is grown in a surprising variety of location with diverse climates, including  Australia, Argentina, West Africa, and Uzbekistan. However, the largest producers of cotton are China, India, and the United States. Both Asian countries produce the most, mostly for their domestic markets, and the US is the largest exporter of cotton with about 10 million bales a year. In the United States cotton production is mostly concentrated in an area called the Cotton Belt, stretching from the lower Mississippi River through an arc spanning the lowlands of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Irrigation allows additional acreage in the Texas Panhandle, in southern Arizona, and in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Chemical Warfare Globally, 35 million hectares of cotton are under cultivation. To control the numerous pests feeding on the cotton plant  farmers have long relied on heavy application of insecticides, which leads to the pollution of surface and groundwater. In developing countries cotton growers use a full half of the pesticides used in agriculture. Recent advancements in technology, including the ability to modify the cotton plant’s genetic material, have made cotton toxic to some of its pest. This reduced but did not eliminate the need for insecticides. Farm workers, particularly where the labor is less mechanized, continue to be exposed to harmful chemicals. Competing weeds are another threat to cotton production; generally tilling practices and herbicides are used to knock back weeds. A large number of farmers have adopted genetically modified cotton seeds that include a gene protecting it from the herbicide glyphosate (the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup). That way, the fields can be sprayed with the herbicide when the plant is young, easily eliminating competition from weeds.   Naturally, glyphosate ends up in the environment, and our knowledge of its effects on soil health, aquatic life, and wildlife is far from complete. Another issue is the emergence of glyphosate resistant weeds. This is an especially important concern for those farmers interested in following no-till practices, which normally help preserve the soil structure and reduce erosion. Reliance on glyphosate resistance makes it more difficult to control weeds without turning the soil. Especially problematic in the southeast US is Palmer’s amaranth pigweed, a fast growing glyphosate resistant weed. Synthetic Fertilizers Conventionally grown cotton requires the heavy use of synthetic fertilizers. Such concentrated application means much of it ends up in waterways, creating one of the worst nutrient pollution problems globally, upending aquatic communities and leading to dead zones starved of oxygen and devoid of aquatic life. In addition, synthetic fertilizers contribute an important quantity of greenhouse gases during their production and use. Heavy Irrigation In many regions rainfall is insufficient to grow cotton but the deficit can be made up by irrigating the fields with water from nearby rivers or from wells. Wherever it comes from, the water withdrawals can be so massive that they diminish river flows significantly and deplete groundwater. Two thirds of India’s cotton production is irrigated with groundwater. In the United States, western cotton farmers too rely on irrigation. Obviously, one could question the appropriateness of growing a non-food crop in arid portions of California and Arizona during the current multi-year drought. In the Texas Panhandle, cotton fields are irrigated by pumping water from the Ogallala Aquifer. Spanning eight states from South Dakota to Texas, this vast underground sea of ancient water is being drained for agriculture far faster than it can recharge. In northwest Texas, Ogallala groundwater levels have dropped over 8 feet between 2004 and 2014. Perhaps the most dramatic overuse of irrigation water is visible in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, where the Aral Sea declined in surface area by 85%. Livelihoods, wildlife habitats, and fish populations have been decimated. To make matters worse the now dry salt and pesticide residues are blown away from the former fields and lake bed, increasing the frequency of miscarriages and malformations among the 4 million people who live downwind. Another negative consequence of heavy irrigation is soil salination. When fields are repeatedly flooded with irrigation water, salt becomes concentrated near the surface. Plants can no longer grow on these soils and agriculture has to be abandoned. Salination has happened on a large scale in much of the former cotton fields of Uzbekistan. Are There Environmentally Friendly Alternatives? To grow environmentally friendlier cotton, a first step must be to reduce the use of dangerous  pesticides. This can be achieved through different means. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an established, effective method of fighting pests which results in a net reduction in pesticides used. According to the World Wildlife Fund, using IPM saved some of India’s cotton farmers 60 to 80% in pesticide use.  Genetically-modified cotton can also help reduce pesticide application, but with many caveats.   In its simplest form growing cotton in a  sustainable manner  means planting it where rainfall is sufficient, avoiding irrigation altogether. In areas with marginal irrigation needs, drip irrigation offers important water savings. Organic farming takes into consideration all aspects of cotton production, leading to much reduced environmental impacts and better health outcomes for the farm workers and the surrounding community.  A well-recognized organic certification program helps consumers making smart choices, and protects them from greenwashing. One such third-party certification organization is  the Global Organic Textile Standards. Sources World Wildlife Fund. 2013. Cleaner, Greener Cotton: Impacts and Better Management Practices.

Physical Privacy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Physical Privacy - Essay Example From this, it is worth noting that utilitarianism and deontology plays an integral role in the physical privacy right issues of employees in a workplace. Therefore, in order to clearly elaborate how the utilitarianism and deontology influences workers in a workplace, our discussion will be based on drug testing. Several concerns have been raised in regards to employees being given drug tests in their places. The main bone of contention arises with the question as to whether using such program would be socially desirable and ethically correct, or would it be an infringement on the employees’ privacy rights. Normally, the first argument that comes into play is the fact that administering drug tests to employees is related to the job functions, and secondly, the safety of other employees, the employer, as well as the general public (Verstraete, 2011). Several groups of individuals argue that employers violate the privacy rights of employees of when they request, collect or use personal information in a way that is not related to the existing relationship between the employer and the employees (Verstraete, 2011). Therefore, before employers subject its employees to a drug test, then they must prove the relevant need for the test. This is because subjecting employees to drug testing witho ut sound reasoning is subject to flouting federal and state laws. However, it is important for employers to understand that knowing drug usage of their employees is job-relevant information. This is attributed to the fact that a person using drugs can be a huge liability to the employer, themselves, co-workers, as well as the general public. Drug users normally have low productivity compared to the non-drug users (Verstraete, 2011). Additionally, drug users also have high work injuries compared to those who do not use drugs. This implies that the employer will incur high unnecessary costs. These costs can be

Politics in organizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Politics in organizations - Essay Example Within the leadership discussion, it would be apt to state that the leaders within the organizational domains have exerted their authority in a positive as well as a negative fashion. What this means is the fact that leaders have usually used all forms of tools that will manifest their control over the subordinates and employees who are working under their aegis. The negativity stems from the fact when politics come about as a major force to reckon with. This is a hugely significant undertaking on the part of any organization which has decided for its own self that politics will be kept away no matter how difficult the circumstances turn out to be for the organization (Storey 2004). The changing world of organizations have seen that leadership and management realms are now depending heavily on the use of power and politics for the sake of meeting their goals and objectives. It is a given that any organization would dearly cherish the idea of a politics-free environment so that the employees could breathe easily and also that no ill-will will come about whilst one is working within the domains of the organization. However this does not always come about as a reality so to speak. The reason for the same lies on the shoulders of the management gurus and top management cadres that literally rule the roost when it comes to gaining an understanding of the organizational realms. There should be sound values and principles within the organizational boundaries which ask of the employees to exert their authority in such a manner that no illegal undertakings are done on their part. This will solve quite a lot of problems for the sake of the organizations as well as the employees themselves. Moving on, the role of management within this discussion is an essential one. This is because any management entity would absolutely appreciate the idea of having a non-partis an, non-political ideology within its work manifestations. It has usually been seen that

Biology Lab Essay Example for Free

Biology Lab Essay 1.Discuss how to protect yourself from body fluids, such as saliva and blood. oGloves protect you whenever you touch blood, body fluids. The use of gloves also decreases the risk of disease transmission if you are pricked with a needle. Always wear gloves for handling items or surfaces soiled with blood or body fluids. oWash your hands and other skin surfaces immediately after they come in contact with blood or body fluids. oMasks and protective eyewear, such as goggles or a face shield, help protect your eyes, mouth, and nose from droplets of blood and other body fluids. Always wear a mask and protective eyewear if you are doing a procedure that may expose you to splashes or sprays of blood or body fluids. oAprons protect you from splashes of blood or body fluids. Always wear a gown or apron if you are doing a procedure that may expose you to splashes or sprays of blood or body fluids 2.Why should you consider a body fluid capable of infecting you with disease? o I think you should be aware and alert because its precaution to practice when youre working in a lab setting. 3.Describe how to dispose of waste material contaminated with body fluids. o You should dispose all waste material in the correct disposal area, and you can throw away the waste materials in the biohazard container. 4. Explain how to safely plug and unplug an electrical device. o When you plug in such electrical equipment, make sure you include the ground plug round. Hold the plug firmly by the insulating cover when plugging it in or unplugging it. Never unplug an electrical device by pulling on its cord. 5.Discuss how to protect yourself from preservatives used on biological specimens. o You would protect yourself from preservatives used on a biological specimen by wearing gloves and safety glasses. Do not shake the container or put the specimen back in the container. 6.Why are special biohazard containers used for biological waste? o Biohazard containers are used to separate infectious, contaminated or dangerous material from other materials that wouldn’t be labeled as such and to protect us and the environment. Also the disposing of biohazard material is done differently than normal material.

War Rhetoric Essay -- History Iraq WWII Essays Papers

War Rhetoric Introduction Last year, discussing the new World War II Monument in Washington D.C., the Washington Post described World War II, â€Å"in the words of novelist John Updike – ‘when good and evil contended for the planet, a tale of Troy whose angles are infinite and whose central figures never fail to amaze us with their size, their theatricality, their sweep,’† (Atkinson). World War II is commonly perceived as a black and white cause: America’s freedom versus Germany’s fascism. This mythological characterization expresses the general sentiment most Americans have toward all that took place during World War II. We perceive that it satisfied a basic human desire in Americans pertaining to war by appealing to our desire to see good and evil in clear forms. When a war is definable as a contest â€Å"for the planet† such a definition gives the average citizen a certain enormity of tension, compelling the reader all the more to be involved in the conflict. The Iraq war did not have such unanimous national perception of justification, nor the resultant purpose that lies therein. Having spurred debate about weapons of mass destruction (CIA), strained relationships with other countries (Rising), casualty counts (CNN) the high cost of the war (NPP), and numerous influential groups opposing the war (IRTF), it could not fulfill the image of World War II, having a clear moral cause, unquestioned by the masses. This war also did not appeal to a sense of intense conflict within the American psyche as a battle for the planet, since no one doubted the inevitable victory of America’s strength over Iraq’s dwindling, decimated army. Resultantly, America has a heightened dramatistic need rhetoricians seek to satisfy by symbolizing ... ...raq and the Middle East." 2005. 9 March 2005. . Leeds-Hurwitz, Wendy. "Signs". Semiotics and Communication. Lea. 1993. 22-49. National Priorities Project. "The Calculator." 2005. 9 March 2005 . Payne, David. "Dramatic Criticism." Modern Rhetorical Criticism. Ed. Roderick Hart. Allyn & Bacon; 2nd Edition. 1996. 259-283. Rising, David. "Rumsfeld calls for unity in fight against terrorism at security conference." CNEWS. 2005. 9 March 2005. . Summer Jobs Poster courtesy of Mindy with the good eyes. 1983 (give or take a few years). 8 March 2005. The Viking Union and Red Square. Wilkins, Richard G. "Welcome to Defend Marriage!" 2002-2003. 8 March 2005. .

Family Health Essay

Diversity among individuals, as well as cultures, provides a challenge for nurses when it comes to delivering meaningful health promotion and illness prevention-based education. How do teaching principles, varied learning styles (for both nurses and patients), and teaching methodologies impact the approach to education? How do health care providers overcome differing points of view regarding health promotion and disease prevention? Provide an example. 1)We live in a very diverse nation and overcoming challenges related to cultural beliefs and preferences is a very common obstacle for health care workers today. In an article in The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing cultural diversity is defined as being more than just race, Health care workers must realize that addressing cultural diversity goes beyond knowing the values, beliefs, practices and customs of African Americans, Asians, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans/Alaskan Natives, and Pacific islanders. In addition to racial classification and national origin, there are many other faces of cultural diversity. Religious affiliation, language, physical size, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability (both physical and mental), political orientation, socio-economic status, occupational status and geographical location are but a few of the faces of diversity. (Camphina-Bacote, 2003) Health care workers have to diligently accommodate the many needs of all the individuals they encounter. These needs range from diverse deep cultural backgrounds, varying learning styles and learning preferences, and mixed opinions defining health and well being. Language barriers may also be a hardship for health care workers to overcome. An example of how health care workers can overcome differing points of view would be demonstrated in their ability to accommodate to the specific needs of the patient. For example a Hispanic patient who is a Jehovah’s Witness and only speaks Spanish has been ignoring abnormal signs and symptoms of rectal bleeding for several weeks. She comes into the hospital and is worked up and then diagnosed with colon cancer. The early treatment process  requires a colon resection. The risks are discussed with the patient and the risk of blood loss with the surgery is covered. During the operation the patient does experience some bleeding and has hemoglobin that drops down well below normal range to 5.3. In the Jehovah’s Witness culture they do not believe in accepting blood transfusions. After the procedure the pt. is transferred to the ICU. In the ICU the visiting hours are typically restricted to specific hours and this patients family does not understand and does not feel comf ortable leaving there loved one unattended. In the scenario described above there are several examples of possible obstacles that the health care worker must overcome. First would be the language barrier. The use of an interpreter service would be required to be certain that the patient has a concrete understanding of the diagnosis, the treatment, signs and symptoms of chemo and radiation, education for follow up treatment etc. The second obstacle to consider would be the religious belief and refusal of blood products. The risks associated with anemia and possibly educating the pt. and family about natural options available to try and raise hemoglobin nutritionally with iron and vitamin supplements. The third obstacle could be the cultural preferences of family dependency and honoring and providing care for elders. The new diagnosis of cancer is difficult and when you add complexities like language barriers and specific religious beliefs it can make the process even more complicated. Health care workers must be very agile in t heir abilities to create flexible learning environments for the many diverse encounters the will have. References: Camphina-Bacote, J. (2003). Many faces: Addressing diversity in health care. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 8, retrieved from http://nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Volume82003/No1Jan2003/AddressingDiversityinHealthCare.aspx 2) Health practices and beliefs are diverse among all cultures in relation to health, illness, birth and death. What is equally true is that there is also diversity within the cultural group; therefore nurses must develop health  promotion and illness prevention-based education that is focused on the individual while taking into considering teaching and learning styles that are culturally relevant. Teaching and learning methodologies, principals, styles or approaches are perhaps the most challenging for nurses. Not only are nurses diverse in culture, sex, age, socioeconomic and religion, we are also part of a discipline that is diverse in practice. It is necessary to acknowledge our own beliefs, biases as it relates to other culture groups so that we don’t unintentionally create barriers to learning. Health care providers can overcome differing points of view regarding health promotion and disease prevention by creating a learning environment built on mutual trust, respect and acceptance. The goal is to provide education that is built upon the individual or group strengths that empower and engage the group/individual to be an active participant. It should encourage decision-making that positively affects lifestyle and health behavior changes. Through experience and education I have had the opportunity to see the diversity within the Hispanic culture. There are major differences with this group in terms of immigrants and acculturated Hispanics. One notable difference is in health care practices. Immigrants take on the traditional formal practices in regards to illness. They are more likely to practice home remedies recommended by a relative such as the use of herbs (yerbas), and healers (curandero), or seek a spiritual healer or religious leader for prayer before seeing a physician because the perception of illness is that it is an act of God for bad life or lifestyle. Therefore their life is in Gods hands. Acculturated Hispanics are more likely to adopt American health practices, depending on access and resources available in health care. However, in some cases a certain residual traditions and practices are seen even acculturated Hispanics. What one individual or cultural group perceives to be important or relevant may be insignificant to another. Reference Lipson, J. G., & Dibble, S. L. (Eds.). (2006). Providing Culturally Appropriate Health Care: Culture & Care 3) Low health literacy, cultural barriers, and limited English proficiency have been coined the â€Å"triple threat† to effective health communication by the Joint Commission. Nurses, who work with patients from increasingly diverse cultural groups, experience daily how these three threats offer a challenge to the effective provision of care at the system, provider and patient levels. Patients deserve culturally and linguistically competent healthcare. First and foremost nurses should continually develop their ability to practice cultural self-awareness so as to better recognize their own cultural and linguistic assumptions and biases. Because health literacy depends on cultural and linguistic factors, there is a need for patient assessment tools that can efficiently collect information on patient literacy, linguistic ability and cultural beliefs. So that providers rely on assessment tools, not on â€Å"gut feelings†. Nurses should make appropriate use of medical interpreters and cultural brokers. Medical interpreters should be cross-trained in cultural competence and health literacy, in addition to medical interpretation training. Understanding cultural differences enables nurses to use appropriate teaching such as oral patient education instead of pamphlets or written materials they may not understand. A teaching tool for ESL is Picture Stories for Adult ESL Health Literacy, which gives students and teachers a starting point for talking about complex healthcare problems and solutions. The assumption that patients understand â€Å"enough† is a common misconception in the operating room. Nurses are responsible for assessing the patients while  the surgeons and anesthesiologist often rely on the information in the chart. The patient is rarely able to verbalize or explain what the doctor is going to do. The Cyracom phone is a indispensable tool used in the operating room to assess and educate culturally diverse patients. We are the patient advocates and must be proactive in providing teaching and answering questions and making sure patients understand what is happening to them. Singleton, K., Krause, E., (Sept. 30, 2009) â€Å"Understanding Cultural and Linguistic Barriers to Health Literacy† OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. Vol. 14, No. 3, Manuscript 4 4) Culture refers to the learned, shared and transmitted knowledge of values, beliefs and ways of life of a particular group of people that generally pass on from generation to generation and it influence thinking, decisions, and actions in certain way and manners (Singleton & Krause, 2009). Culture and language affect how patients attain and apply skills in health care which makes patient education very difficult for nurses to achieve a better outcome for the patient. Nurses are in a position to make better connections between patient culture, language, and health literacy in order to improve health outcomes for culturally diverse patients. Nurses today are providing care, education and case management to an increasingly diverse patient population that is face with triad of cultural, linguistic, and health literacy barriers (Singleton & Krause, 2009). Patient education is essential in assisting patients to live with illness and to have improved health outcomes. Patient education is also one of the most satisfying aspects of care provided by professional nurses. To facilitate learning, nurses must apply effective patient teaching strategies. This process includes assessing and prioritizing learning needs, assessing learning styles, and implementing teaching strategies designed to address identified learning needs (Chang & Kelly, 2007). For example, a family friend had a baby three years ago; she lost a lot of  blood as a result of some complication during child birth. Her hemoglobin was 8gm/dl (Normal 12.1-15.1gm/dl) which was low compare to the normal. Doctor wants her to get blood transfusion which she and her immediate family did not want because of their cultural beliefs. The provider gave options on how she can increase her hemoglobin by eating food rich in iron and vitamin B; eat fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C, which will help her body to absorb iron and Iron supplement tablet. The first obstacle there was her cultural beliefs which the provider has to overcome by providing her with an alternative to increase her Iron level. Second obstacle was decision making. In different cultures, individual may look to the nuclear family, extended family, or family head to make decision. The decision for Iron supplement was a family decision due to their cultural beliefs. Furthermore, patients make decisions that are similar to their health beliefs systems to which their culture permit. If the provider does not subscribe to the same health belief system regarding disease etiology as does the patient, health directions may not be followed and conflict may arise between the patient and the provider. Hence, it is important that providers consider the patient’s beliefs when providing health education and interventions (Chang & Kelly, 2007). References: Chang, M., & Kelly, A. (2007). Patient Education: Addressing Cultural Diversity and Health Literacy Issues. 27(5), 411-417. Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/564667 Singleton, K., & Krause, E. (2009). Understanding Cultural and Linguistic Barriers to Health Literacy. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 4(3), Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/mainmenucategories/anamarketplace/anaperiodicals/ojin/tableofcontents/vol142009/no3sept09/cultural-and-linguistic-barriers-.html

Forever New Case Study Essay

Indian Retail Sector India is one of the most desirable retail destinations in the world. India’s twin growth engines of economic growth and demographic profile set it apart from other nations and present a compelling business case for global retailers looking to enter the market. PwC research indicates that India’s retail sector is worth US$ 350 billion and has a low organised retail penetration of 5 to 8%. Modern trade emerged during the 90s, primarily in the food and grocery sector, and is now growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15 to 20%. A large market potential for a range of categories is indicated by low ORP, increasing urbanisation, growing incomes, increasing consumer confidence, etc. India’s retail sector comprises organised and unorganised participants. Given the size of the country’s retail market, PwC research and other reports suggest that the 12 million mom-and-pop stores comprising India’s unorganised market can co-exist with modern trade players. Recognising the long-term growth potential of India’s retail market, some of the country’s largest conglomerates have allocated billions of dollars to launch large scale retail initiatives that span cash-and carry, food and grocery, books, music and leisure, gems and jewellery, footwear, apparel, accessories, etc. India-based retail incumbents are expanding their presence across a range of categories, experimenting with formats, launching private labels, strengthening supply chain systems and more. Global retailers are also assessing the Indian market with keen interest. They have recognised that the next wave of growth in terms of generating revenues, reaching new customers (including the large number of middle-class consumers) and harnessing research and development (R&D) and innovative skills. An aspiring middle-class of 300 million consumers, a large demand-driven population of 500 million young consumers and a relatively untapped rural population of 700 million people constitute the growth story. Besides, a strong GDP growth, rising consumer confidence, consumption-based behaviour, increasing incomes and a large pool of consumers have made India one of the world’s most attractive retail destinations. Major demographic groups are driving purchases across categories: Sources: PwC analysis Capgemini, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management India’s Retail Fundamentals: Market Size Compound Annual Growth Rate Unorganised Sector Organised Retail Penetration Retail Density Contribution to GDP US$ 350 Billion 15-20% 12 million mom and pop stores 5-8% 6% 14% Indian economy displays resilience in the midst of global crisis. Source: Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, Government of India Demand drivers Demanding consumers: Indian consumers are demanding access to products and services that delight and excite them, are of good quality, and provide value for money. Increasing incomes: Strong GDP performance, capital market growth and the emergence of new industries are creating new millionaires and boosting income levels. This acts as an incentive for consumers to spend more on products. They are also experimenting with brands, trying new products, etc. Evolving consumption patterns: Traditionally, the focus of Indian consumers was on saving. However, positive macro-economic fundamentals, an evolving retail market, lifestyle influencers, etc. are ensuring that consumers spend more across categories. Other aspects, like the emergence of double-income households, easier access to credit and society’s acceptance of self-indulgence, are changing purchasing habits. Supply drivers Expansion: The growth of modern trade and expansion plans are enabling consumers to easily access retail products and services across urban, Tier II and Tier III cities and towns. Growth opportunities: Some high growth categories in the retail sector include children’s wear, accessories, consumer durables, leisure, apparel and footwear. New entrants: Some of the world’s largest and most prestigious brands and retailers have a presence in India. Those who have not yet entered India are assessing the market with interest. The central government recently took a decision to allow up to 51 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail and raise the limit for overseas investment in single-brand retail to 100 percent. Benefits of FDI Consumers: plethora of options with better quality. Government Exchequer: Payment of indirect taxes through the supply chain by the modern trade players, primarily service tax. Farmers/Producers: Establishes efficient supply chains that links farmers and small manufacturers directly with retailers which maximises value for stakeholders. Together with back-end infrastructure, this will minimise wastage (especially of fresh foods and vegetables), increase farmers’ realisations, encourage best practices in crop management and improve food safety and hygiene. Unorganised Trade: Mom-and-pop stores can exist alongside modern trade players and can explore partnership models (e.g., sourcing, franchise partners) in a rapidly changing retail environment . India’s retail sector is an evolving market. The sector will grow and develop over the next four to six decades, since consumers will earn more, those below the poverty line will cross over, the gains from economic growth will be felt more inclusively, etc. Pune Retail Scenario The retail sector in Pune was earlier confined to a few markets which were unorganised, chaotic and crowded. In the last two years, however, the rise in modern retail outlets can be seen across the city. Koregaon Park Plaza, Inorbit, Phoenix Market City, Pulse, Kumar Pacific Mall and Amanora Town Center are the new ones that have joined the already existing malls like S.G.S Mall, Mariplex and Central to name a few. Source: CBRE India Retail Market View 2011 Source: CBRE India Retail Market View Source: CBRE India Retail Market View Pune has come a long way in recent times. The IT market, automobile boom, student community, thriving service sector, robust real estate market and increase in the number of professionals have led to an expansion of the city. This rapid urbanisation, and the new demands of Pune’s global citizens, has led to a rise in the number of malls, offering high-end brands. Introduction Forever New is a fashion clothing and accessories brand founded in Melbourne, Australia. It was started by Dipendra Goenka and Amanda Goenka, an Indian-South African couple in 2006. The brand celebrates the feminine beauty of women, a signature style flowing through every creative element. Collections are inspired by global trends in art, film, music and theatre as well as haute couture runway shows in Paris, London, Milan and New York. It was started as Dipendra Goenka saw an obvious gap which was not only restricted to the Australian market but all over the world. With Forever New, the Goenka’s targeted daughters who are willing to shop with their mothers, a group that flies well under the cultural radar. Normally it gets very difficult for a woman who is on her far side of 40s to struggle with hot pants and play suits of her daughter’s choice, and hence Forever New is a one of a kind store which makes women of all age groups comfortable and creates an environment for all ages groups who prefer ethereal to edgy range. Forever New has created a fashion empire based around the frilly and feminine It is one of the fastest growing Australian brands, Forever New emerged in late 2006 as a start up retailer and now trades over 250 stores in 11 countries globally. The company was restructured in 2010 to support it’s growth which values it at about $108 million, although the ownership remained unchanged. While Forever New is best known as an Australian retailer, the 250-store chain already includes outlets in China, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and Turkey. While Forever New’s restructure meant that it was impossible to say how much the chain made in 2011. Accounts filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission showed that between June 25 and July 31 in 2011 it cleared $480,000 profit on about $1.9 million worth of sales. It had assets of almost $50 million and employed about 700 people. Forever New in India Forever New was launched in India soon after it was launched in Australia. It has its head office in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. It also has its branches in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning In the Indian scenario the segment for Forever New will be women of almost all age groups starting from 15 years. They can be teenagers or college going students, fashion conscious girls, celebrities, elite class of women or house wives involved many in social activities etc. The target audience for frilly, ultra feminine products of forever new ranges from 15 to 60 years as the designs are on the classics edge. Along with that it does make collections inspired from the runway for the fashion conscious women. For the teenagers it has edgy, cute and girly designs. It has different price ranges for women of the elite class and celebrities and provides them with luxurious fabrics and designs. For the women aged 40-60 it has frilly, elegant clothes with a soft pastel palate so that it suits their age and style and doesn’t look flashy. Overseas it positions itself as a middle range brand which caters exclusively to women of all age groups primarily from 15 to 60, but in India generally after the age of 30-35 women do not prefer it. Hence in India it has positioned itself as a very chic, feminine, high fashion expensive brand which caters to women of age group from 15 to 35. The Marketing Mix Product: The products of Forever New are exclusively for women and have a wide variety under them. Under the clothing section they have dresses, tops, pants, skirts, denims, shorts, knitwear, coats and jackets. They widen their range with a beautiful collection of bags, sunglasses, shoes, jewellery, hats, belts, scarves and gloves. The products are very feminine, frilly, and classy and generally have soft colours. The quality of the products is very good especially the choice of fabrics or materials for each piece. Design-wise the products are according to the latest fashion forecasts or they are just plain simple classics. Price: Different products have different price ranges, starting from Rs 800 to Rs 15,000. Promotions: Forever New in India promotes itself through hoardings in malls. It also gives away its products for shoots in fashion magazines for which it gets due credit, hence displaying its latest collection through print media. Exhibitions are put up in Mumbai to create brand awareness. They also do mobile marketing by sending an SMS to every customer informing them about their new offers and sales. It gives away free catalogues to people who enter their stores to increase its brand awareness. It has an online shopping website which displays and sells the latest collections. Place: It sells through 2 different channels. Stores and Online. In India Forever New doesn’t have stand alone stores. They are located in malls. The head office is in Noida but the inventory is shipped from Australia to each store in India separately, even though the products are manufactured in China. Forever New, Pune Forever New is located in 2 different malls in Pune: ï‚ · Town Centre Amanora, Hadapsar Town Centre Amanora in Pune is a lifestyle retail centre, spread across 20 lac sq. ft. It is set according to world class standards, it is destined to be the retail and cultural epicentre of Pune, catering to both Western and Indian sensibilities, it has everything from premium to mass retail, cinemas, quick service restaurants, cafe’s and fine dining options. Town centre is destined to get a steady stream of customers, keeping them engaged throughout the day and create a profitable equation for retail partners. The location is an advantage for Forever New as it has almost all kinds of people coming to the mall out of which a majority are young women from the age group of 15-35 because the mall is situated right at the entrance of Amanora Township spread across 450 acres and is near the Magarpatta area, the hub of IT professionals. ï‚ · Koregaon Park Plaza Koregaon Park Plaza built on European concept, launched on 2nd March 2012 is a world class attraction with a premium retail mix and the epitome of â€Å"shop entertainment† where visitors will find a host of wonderful, engaging activities. The retail positioning of the mall is mirrored by its location in the heart of Pune, at Koregaon Park. This combination of centralised location and the mall’s world class architectural features positions Koregaon Park Plaza as an appealing destination for tourists & shopaholics of Pune. The location should’ve been an advantage for Forever New had the mall been as successful as promised but unfortunately Koregaon Park Plaza is not doing so well, but loyal and regular customers of Forever New do visit often and shop from there. Since the mall is isn’t doing well, it is very difficult to form new customer relationships leading to less brand awareness. Forever New in Town Centre Amanora, Hadapsar It is a small store in a rectangular format. Size: 375 sq ft. Approximately. The customers that come to this store are mostly young girls (teenagers), IT professionals or housewives of the upper middle or high class. Store Layout: The store in Town Centre Amanora is a small, congested store. It has very less space to move around. The focus does not go on the primary wall. The nesting table at the entrance takes up too much space. The trial rooms are big and well accommodating. There is no proper defined space for accessories. There is no defined path for the customer Forever New in Koregaon Park Plaza This store is in rectangular format with a fairly good size. Size: 400Sqft Approximately. The customers that visit this store are mostly loyal customers and are located far away from the Magarpatta area. It also has college going girls coming in to store. Women/girls from upper middle class or high class also come here to shop. Store Layout: The store in Koregaon Park Plaza is comparatively bigger and spacious. The store provides a well defined path for the customer. It has been put up in such a way that the focus goes on the right places. The store is very spacious and welcoming. It attracts attention. Common Features: Almost all the International stores have a Visual Merchandising guideline from their country head office that they have to follow. Some of them are: ï‚ · The collection stories and their display criteria. For instance, the way the story for is be spring it collection has to Tropical Fantasy and the displayed on the primary wall is already decided and ï‚ · ï‚ · The sent window by the display Australian head office. design too comes from the Australian head office. The basic store characteristics, like the humungous beautiful mirror behind the cash counter, the chandeliers, the white walls, the fixtures, nesting tables, trail rooms with maroon curtains, the chic and fun soundtracks, the comment book, the catalogues etc. Whatever things do not get sold off after a particular period of time are sent back to Australia. The collection is updated every month. Everything each store. Sales happen twice a year. This brand wants to ensure that the customer have a first class experience while visiting their store. So that when they walk out they form an image of the brand in their head and position it as a classy, feminine and delicate place. comes from the Australian head office directly to Brand Portfolio Like mentioned before, Forever New is an exclusive women’s wear brand. It has an ultra feminine style and the designs are inspired by classics and latest runway shows of New York, Paris, Milan and London. In India it is considered as an expensive brand. It uses expensive and delicate fabrics like silk and lace for its products. It provides a good visual experience when one enters its store. groups of women. The products are like the brand itself, delicate and beautiful. It has a wide variety of products and sizes for all the age Sizes Women’s Sizing Chart Measurement Point Bust Circumference Waist Circumference Hip Circumference 4 74 57 83 6 79 62 88 8 84 67 93 10 89 72 98 12 94 77 103 14 99 82 108 16 104 87 Clothing International Size Conversion XS S M L 4-6 8-10 12-14 16 Footwear International Size Conversion Australia US UK Europe 5 5 3 36 6 6 4 37 7 7 5 38 8 8 6 39 9 9 7 40 10 10 8 41 Ring Size Guide (measurement is the diameter of the ring) S/M M/L 17mm 19mm Product examples: Dresses: The stores comprised of almost 25 different types of dresses: Some of them were: 1. Cassie Embellished Strap Dress 2. Yvette Skater Dress 3. Ella Low Back Dress 4. Poppy Strapless Waterfall Dress The dresses had a very wide price range starting from Rs 2000 to Rs 15,000. The sizes varied from the kind of dresses available. In general the fastest selling sizes were 6 and 8. The slowest selling sizes were 12 and 16. Tops: The store comprised of almost 45 different kinds of tops Some of them were: 1. Trixie High Low Top 2. Koko Studded Pocket Tee 3. Chelsea Printed Tank 4. Mackenzie Roll up sleeve The prices of the tops ranged from Rs 1200 to Rs 6000. The sizes varied according to the different kinds of tops. The fastest selling sizes were 8, 10, 12 and 14. The slowest selling size was 4. Pants The store comprised of almost 20 different kinds of bottoms: Some of them were: 1. Isobella Draped Pant 2. Leya Casual Skinny 3. Arla Tuxedo Shorts 4. Oslo Piped Pocket Jegging The prices of the pants ranged from Rs 1200 to Rs 4000. The sizes varied according to the different kinds of pants. The fastest selling sizes were 8, 10 and 12. The slowest selling sizes were 6 and 16. Bags The store comprised of almost 15 different kinds of bags: Some of them were: 1. Lori Satchel 2. Ava Grace Small Bag 3. Ariela Hard Case Clutch 4. Lucy Stud Coin Accessories The store comprised of a lot of accessories: Some of them were: ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · Tilly Pearly Statement Ring Heather Beret Vanessa Lace Scarf Jaylyn Enamel Torque The store comprised of almost 15 different kinds of shoes: Some of them were: 1. Prianne Platform 2. Sonia Embellished Sandal 3. Candice Diamente Pump 4. Lolita The prices of the pants ranged from Rs 2500 to Rs 6000. The sizes varied according to the different kinds of shoes. The fastest selling sizes were 6, 7 and 8. The slowest selling size was 10. After studying the assortment of both the stores, it can be concluded that: The size 4 clientele in the Pune sector is less. The most common sizes are 8, 10 and 12. Oversized people generally do not prefer Forever New for dresses and shoes but they prefer the tops. Competitive Analysis According to the Pune Retail Scenario, the direct competitors of Forever New would be: ï‚ · ï‚ · Mango Zara Even though they have different styles and they all are from different parts of the world still in the Indian market these brands are competing against each other. Mango: Mango clothing is a Spanish multinational based in company Barcelona. It designs, manufactures and markets clothing garments and accessories for women and men. Mango opened its first shop in 1984. What started out as a small team began to grow as a result of an ambitious production system based on the philosophy â€Å"justin-time†, which defined product concepts, store design, quality standards, price and brand image. This solid approach has turned Mango into a Spanish fashion leader. Mango can be differentiated for having a highly-defined concept. The Mango concept is based on an alliance between a quality product, with an original design and a coherent and unified brand image. Dressing the modern, urban women for her daily needs is the formula they have analysed, adapted and applied in all the countries in which Mango is present. Zara: Since the moment the first Zara store’s doors were opened in 1975, the growth of the Zara fashion line has built a been unstoppable. In Zara famous the has brand competitive successfully clothi ng industry, worldwide thanks to their premium locations as well as a unique management system of design, production and supply chains. Unlike other fashion brands, it takes Zara only 10 to 14 days from the time they design new clothing until it arrives in stores. This â€Å"fast fashion† concept and operation allow Zara to always provide the most fashionable clothes to their customers, and the ever-renewed collections definitely help build brand loyalty. Brand Positioning: Factors Quality Variety Sizes Assortment Value for Money Price Design Style Forever New Good Fair Good Poor Fair High Good Good Mango Good Poor Fair Good Fair High Fair Poor Zara Poor Good Poor Good Poor Medium Good Good Mango in Pune has established itself only as a women’s wear brand. Unlike Forever New it has a very good assortment of products. It has a category of products which can be affordable by middle and upper middle class women and another category which can be affordable by elite classes. It has better quality but less variety. Zara in Pune opened up recently in 2011. It has great style and is up to date with fashion, but unlike Forever New it has sizing issues and most of their products are sold out or not available in proper sizes. It has poor quality goods when compared to Mango or Forever New. It is cheaper than both the brands but it doesn’t provide value for money. Forever New SWOT Analysis Strengths ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · Filled in the brand gap of mother daughter shopping together. Unique Products Brand name Customer Loyalty Online Market Weakness lot of Indian consumers are not able to relate with the brand. Very expensive Weak Promotion Strategies Less brand awareness Emerging Markets Increasing Economy New Products Innovation New Technology Threats Intense Competition Substitute Products Substitute Market Losses due to low acceptance rate of consumers Strengths Forever New is a big brand name and a lot of consumers will be directed towards it cause of that. It has a USP of filling in the gap of mother daughter shopping together. It has exclusive products for women. It has high customer loyalty rate. Forever new has established itself in the online market which is the latest trend in the retail business. It ships to India free of cost which adds on to the rest of the advantages. Weakness A lot of Indian ‘mothers’ who go out shopping with their daughters won’t be able to relate to the brand. Another weakness is that due to the high prices of the products a lot of people do not prefer buying from there. It has poor promotional strategies and hence the consumers don’t notice it much and hence less brand awareness. Opportunities With the new technology coming in it would be easier to design and produce goods leading to faster innovation and new products. The economy is increasing and hence more and more people will be willing to spend on such brands. Threats There is intense competition from a lot of International brands as they are also looking forward to invest in the Indian Retail Sector. Substitute products and substitute markets at better deals will pose a threat to Forever New. Since the Indian consumers are not accepting the brand properly the company might go into a loss. Data Analysis and Interpretation Why do people shop from Forever New? Sizes Quality Pricing Design Style 0 Why do people shop from Forever New? 2 Style 12 4 Design 9 6 Pricing 1 8 10 Quality 5 12 Sizes 1 14 A majority of people shop from Forever New because of its style followed by its designs. Preferred Mall 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Town Centre Amanora Koregaon Park Plaza Preferred Mall According to my sample size the mall preferred to visit Forever New is Koregaon Park Plaza. What do people prefer buying? Tops Bottoms Dresses Shoes Accessories 3% 13% 37% 34% 13% Almost 37% of people buy tops from Forever New which is closely followed by Dresses (34%). How often do people visit Forever New? 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Weekly Fortnight Monthly Once in 6 months Yearly How often do people visit Forever New? According to my sample size a majority number of people visit Forever New monthly while hardly anyone visits it weekly. How much do people spend? 9% 18% 500-1500 1500-2500 32% 2500-5000 5000-10000 41% In this sample size 41% of people spend Rs 1500-2500 and 32% spend Rs 25005000 on Forever New. Which other brand do you prefer? 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Mango Zara Promod Other Which other brand do you prefer? Maximum number of people prefer Zara if not Forever New. Problems faced 4% 4% 8% Style Designs Pricing 46% 38% Quality Sizes Other 0% According to this sample size the major problems faced in Forever New are sizes and prices. Preferance: Store or Online 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 Preferance: Store or Online 0 Online Store Many people prefer visiting stores over online shopping. Membership Card? 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Yes No Membership Card? A majority of people prefer a membership card for Forever New. Recommendations and Conclusion Forever New is moving at a very slow rate in Pune. It caters only to a limited clientele and many people are not aware of it as a brand. People who are aware of this brand and shop from it are not very happy with the sizes and the prices it offers to them. Along with that a lot of people complained that it has limited variety and goes out of stock fast. Despite all these issues, Forever New does have a brand loyalty and some people do follow it regularly, generally on a monthly basis because of its designs, style and quality. A lot of people are not aware about the online shopping facility of this brand and hence do not take advantage of it. The major backing of the online shopping market is that people prefer going to stores because they like the overall experience of actually touching the product and then deciding on whether to buy it or not. International Brands like Forever New are currently going through a bad phase in Pune because consumers are still in the middle of accepting such expensive brands. Growth Opportunities Even though the women’s wear apparel is booming right now, it still is a little congested. But if there is a proper gap like mother daughter shopping together in one store (similar to Forever New), it can easily fit in the Indian scenario, one just needs to work on the styles and sizes a bit so that the Indian mothers accept it more openly. Indians as consumers are still not ready to shell out a lot of money on apparels so if one can work on the prices and they come down a bit for a brand like this, it will be successful in the Indian market. References and Bibliography Winning in the Indian Retail Sector Indian Retail Report: Opening more Doors CBRE India Retail Market View 2011 http://www.forevernew.com.au/ http://www.canalwalk.co.za/shop.htm?shopMGID=35523 http://www.waterfront.co.za/shop/shopcontent/Pages/ForeverNew.aspx http://www.google.co.in/search?rlz=1C1LENP_enIN472IN472&sourceid=chrome&i e=UTF-8&q=globalhttp://www.zendesk.com/why-zendesk/customer/forever-new http://pune.mallsmarket.com/malls/koregaon-park-plaza-pune http://pune.mallsmarket.com/malls/town-centre-amanora-hadapsar

Globalization brought about rising number of students migrating to different countries for higher education The WritePass Journal

Globalization brought about rising number of students migrating to different countries for higher education 1.10   Reference Globalization brought about rising number of students migrating to different countries for higher education CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1   Background of study 1.2   The significance of the research1.3   Purpose Statement1.4   Problem Statement1.5 The conceptual framework1.6     Research Questions1.7    Ethical Consideration1.8    Research limitations1.9   Overview of the chapters1.10   ReferenceRelated CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1   Background of study Globalization brought about rising number of students migrating to different countries for higher education. As international educations’ landscape continue to change, students are seeking opportunities that are not only advantageous to their academic agenda, but also to their social and professional development within a global context (Marginso; Agawal, Said, Sehoole, Sorozi and De Wit; Daglish and Chan, cited in Fleischmann, Lawley and Raciti).   There are great challenges in higher education brought about by globalization. â€Å"These challenges are seen as threats as well as opportunities for higher education around the world† (Arambewela Hall, 2006 p142) Research has shown that there is a continuous rise in the number of international student in to the Netherlands.   Generally the transition of studying overseas either from a secondary school or from the work place in another country in always challenging and usually stressful. According to Pereda et al. international students are often less satisfied with their courses than other student. Most international student i.e. full-fee paying students may have similar issues with their fellow domestic students but additionally they face some distinguishing issues like inadequate financial resource, social adjustment, loneliness and cultural shock etc, these may affect the students’ experience and hence their overall satisfaction. Therefore the need to understand international students’ perception of the service quality is vital. For a business to achieve its financial objectives and survive, understanding what creates a great satisfying customer experience is crucial.   Research has shown that high service quality contributes significantly to profitability. Understanding the students’ perception of service quality and satisfaction at the university is vital to management and policy makers in the design, implementation and evaluation of services, as the key to sustainable competitive advantage is creating memorable customer experience. Competing in a highly competitive market requires the delivery of superior service because it affects corporate image. International students have a significant role to play on the country economy for the fact that the pay full tuition fees and they spend on the country’s home produced goods and services. 1.2   The significance of the research This research will be a source of knowledge about issues concerning international students to the researcher who is an international student. Not only will the research be beneficial to the researcher it would benefit other individuals or groups of individuals because of the following: This research focuses on the effect of adjustment issues on the overall services experience of the international student and student satisfaction which will add knowledge to the existing literature on higher education service quality. The importance of students from other countries to colleges and universities cannot be undermined as they bring with them different cultures which adds to the cultural richness of the institution. The outcome of the research will be valuable to different groups of individuals like university management team and lecturers, the students and their parents, and the country. To the university management it will provide insight about international students experience and their satisfaction which will help management in policy design and satisfying their customers the students and their parents. To the lecturers it would lead to a better understanding of the international students need and better delivery of the services hence increasing their satisfaction. Finally, the students will be better served by the university and their fellow students, their experience abroad will be enhanced. 1.3   Purpose Statement This study aims at evaluating the service quality of the Netherlands University. The overall objective is assessing international student’s perception of the service quality provided and adjustment issues, and its relative impact on students’ satisfaction and potential loyalty. Seek to:   Ã‚   Examine the dimensions of service quality and the determining factors of international student satisfaction at   the university   Ã‚   Analysing the effect of interaction of service quality and adjustment issue on international student satisfaction and potential student loyalty   Ã‚   gain an insight in international student perception of service quality in the Netherlands University    To provide a set of conclusions and recommendations to enhance the level of quality of service provided by universities. 1.4   Problem Statement As the international education continues to grow in size and international full-fee paying students expect to be treat as customers, they have several adjustment   issues which affects their overall experience and hence satisfaction. â€Å"How does the adjustment issues of international students affect the overall service experience and what are the effects of this experience on their satisfaction?† This research is conducted mainly to find answers to the question above. 1.5 The conceptual framework This research will be guide by the SERVQUAL survey developed by Parasurama et al. An adapted SERVQUAL model with some modification made to provide contextual relevance, will be used in this study as it will help the researcher measure the perceived service quality across the five SERVQUAL dimensions. The SERVQUAL is an instrument for assessing customer perception of service quality in service and retailing organization (Parasuraman et al, 1988) Based on extant literature adjustment issues affect affects international students experience at universities. These adjustment issues are Academic, socio-cultural and psychological factors. The main key to success in studying abroad is the degree to which the student adjusts to the above mentioned factors. Figure 1.1 Conceptual framework The conceptual model above illustrates the study of international students overall service experience and their relative satisfaction with the Stenden university in the Netherlands. The study with the aim of evaluating the service quality and adjustment issues of the international student on their overall service experience, will also evaluate the effect of the experience on their satisfaction and hence word-of-mouth and if they will chose same university for further education. The main dependent variable in this study is the student satisfaction with the university and the sub dependent variables are Positive word-of-mouth and same university for further study. The independent variables are service quality provided by the university and the student adjustment issues. These independent variables influence both influence the dependent variables. When there is an overall good experience this will lead to student satisfaction which in turn will lead to a positive word of mouth and may want to further study at same university. If quality of service offered by the school is good and students adjustment to academic, socio-culture and psychological is good this will also lead to student satisfaction. On the contrary if the service provided by the school is good but students have problems with adjusting this may have a negative effect on their overall experience and student satisfaction. 1.6     Research Questions   The central research focuses on the analysis of the international students’ perception of service quality and adjustment issues at Stenden university and the relative impact on student satisfaction and potential student loyalty. The research aims at answering the following research questions: Which   service quality factors are most important to international students What are the adjustment issues international students faces? What factors affect international students perception of service quality at the university What are the determinants of overall international students perceived service quality In what ways does the quality of service affect the satisfaction of international student? How does an adjustment issue affect student satisfaction? How can the overall experience of international students be enhanced. 1.7    Ethical Consideration All the information collected will be used strictly for the purpose/objectives of this research and the researcher will abide to the ethical principles of research. The researcher will strive to be objective in her judgment in scenarios that might come up by not taking side but by being critical. 1.8    Research limitations The period required to complete the research is short therefore time is a constraint. The results may not be generalizable as the research involves only a single organisation. 1.9   Overview of the chapters The study will consist of five chapters followed by reference and appendices Chapter 1 Introduction consists of: Background of study The significance of the research Purpose of the study Problem statement The conceptual framework Research questions Ethical considerations Research limitations Chapter 2 Literature review Higher Education    International full-fee paying student Service quality SERVQUAL Dimensions Adjustment issues of international student Student Experience Student Satisfaction    Positive word-of-mouth    Chose same university for further study Chapter 3 Methodology Research methodology    Quantitative research The research Process The population under study Research design Data collection Chapter 4 finding and analysis of Data Demographic profile of sampling Data analysis Chapter 5 Summary and Discussion   Conclusions Discussions Limitations recommendations 1.10   Reference Arambewela, R. and Hall, J. (2006). A Comparative Analysis of International Education Satisfaction Using SERVQUAL. Journal of Services Research 6 pg 141-146 Fleischman, D., Lawley, M., and Raciti, M. Community Engagement and the International Student Experience: Definition. From http://anzmac2010.org/proceedings/pdf/anzmac10Final00179.pdf Khawaja, N. and Dempsey, J. (2007). Psychological Distress in International University Students: An Australian Study. Australian Journal of Guidiance Counselling 6(1) pg 13-27 Mehdizadeh, N. and Scott, G. (2005). Adjustment problems of Iranian international students in Scotland. International Education Journal, 6(4), 484-493. Pereda, M., Airey, D., and Bennett, M. (2007). Service Quality in Higher Education : The Experience of Overseas Students. Journal of Hospitality, leisure, Sport Tourism Education 6(2) pg 55-67 Qiang, Z. (2003) Internationalizatin of Higher Education: towards a conceptual framework. Policy Futures in Education 1(2) pg 248-270 Rogers, C. and Smith, P. (1999). Identifying the needs of overseas students: a monitoring exercise at the University of Southampton, August 1992. Journal of International Education 3(3), 7-24 Sadrossadat, S. J. (1995). Psyco-Social and Cultural Adjustment Among International Students at the University of Wollongong, PhD Dissertation, University of Wollongong. Zeithaml, V.A. (1988). â€Å"Consumer Perceptions of Price, Quality, and Value: A Means –end Model and Synthesis of Evidence†, Journal of Marketing, 52 (2) Pg 2-22. Zeithaml, V.A, Bitner, M.J. Gremler, D.D.(2006). Services Marketing: integrated customer focus across the firm. International 4th Edition. Zeithaml, V. A., Parasuraman, A., Berry, L.L. (1990). Delivering Quality Service: Balancing Customer perceptions and Expectations. NewYork: The Free Press.