Investing in Gold and Silver Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Investing in Gold and Silver - Essay Example By depositing the gold and silver into the respective banks of nations, it was replaced with paper money based on the value of the gold and silver they deposited (Dunwiddle, 2008). The problem started to arise when the World War closed in and the countries required huge amounts of resources to fund the wars. Prior to the World War, the gold standard was in place in most of the countries. Gold Standard, as explained above is when people could convert their gold into paper money. Hence, the government is restricted in the amount of paper money it could print. The advantage of this gold standard upholds is that the inflation is kept under check, as the supply of money is limited (Haynes, 2005). To fund the war the United Kingdom and the United States both abandoned the Gold Standard, in 1920s and 1933 respectively. This was replaced by the Gold Exchange Standard, through which countries did no longer hold reserves in actual gold, but in dollars and pounds. Thus putting these currencies in a strong position in the world, while the other countries kept on piling up foreign currency thinking they were good as gold. In 1974 to further cut the ties between gold and currency, US government of Nixon abolished the link. Due to the need of yet more funds for the Vietnam War, the government abolished this link. The effects of this final blow, led to high inflation further helping the government and big businesses. Leslie Snyder in her book, â€Å"Why Gold? The One Sure Cure for Inflation and Economic Tyranny† named inflation as a vicious form of taxation on the common people, while the big corporations and government are the beneficiaries (Snyder, 1974). The importance and relevance of this historical background of Gold and Silver, is to understand how valuable gold and silver is even today. One thing to keep in mind is that even though the abolishment led to high inflation and budget deficits during the 1970s, the prices of gold and silver also increased with it. He nce the investment in silver and more importantly gold is always a safe bet. When inflation was at the highest in the United States during 1979 and 1980 the return on the gold was 130.4% on an average. It is a great hedge against high inflation; this holds true for the current market situation as well (BERU). Currently, the central banks are planning to announce unlimited liquidity to the financial sector. This would further fuel inflation and move it a step closer towards hyperinflation and top of the exhaustion of the savings and diminishing purchasing power, the metals such as Gold and Silver will emerge as winners. This is due to fact that the governments and central banks continue to print more and more money. According to William Bancroft, the gold is undervalued today in terms of the money being published. Considering this scenario the investors in the mining sector will be rewarded handsomely in the future. The opposite side of inflation is deflation. According to Bancroft, not only will a high inflation have a positive impact on gold, but a deflation will result in a desirable outcome. Due to the economics of deflation, it would put high pressures on the banks. Resulting in bank failures, depositors will find other means to safeguard their money. As history has shown, there is no safer investment than gold and silver. Due to the nature and high performance of these metals, gold and silver in tough times i.e., especially in times of hyperinflation is why most advisors encourage

Communication, Information and Coordination in Organizations Essay Example for Free

Communication, Information and Coordination in Organizations Essay In speaking of organizations I believe that how organizations communicate is an extremely key factor in success versus failure. The purpose of this paper is to talk about Communication, Information and Coordination, specifically Vertical and Lateral Coordination in organizations. I will reference the four different organizational frames we have learned about as a reference guide to explain how communication is viewed, as well as which types of organizations are best suited to use either a Vertical or Lateral Coordination methodology. When we began the term we laid down a foundation on the different types of frames that an organization can take on. I would like to briefly touch on the four frames and then show how communication is defined in each. The first frame is the Structural Frame, which, â€Å"†¦emphasizes goals, specialized roles, and formal relationships†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Bolman and Deal p. 14) In this frame the organization ultimately uses â€Å"†¦rules, policies, procedures and hierarchies to coordinate diverse activities into a unified strategy. †(Bolman and Deal p. 4) As you can see with the definition above, communication is being done through a system of symbols, signs and or behavior. The organization creates the method for information to be passed and there is an expectation that it will be followed. In the structural frame communication is used to, â€Å"Transmit facts and information. † (Bolman and Deal p. 307) You as an employee are simply taking information from the organization and using it accordingly as well as taking information you receive and passing it along. You as an individual are not analyzing the information, drawing any conclusions altering it, You are simply taking the information given to you and acting on it as given. The second frame is the Human Resource Frame. The Human Resource frame sees the organization, â€Å"†¦much like an extended family, made up of individuals with needs, feelings, prejudices, skills and limitations†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Bolman and Deal p. 14) In this frame the organization is made to fit the individuals that work there. The Human Resource Frame uses communication to â€Å"Exchange information, needs and feelings. (Bolman and Deal p. 307) The Human Resource Frame uses the individual as a conduit for information gathering and dispersal and is much more flexible in the delivery of information as opposed to the Structural Frame, which is more rigidly aligned. People are the most valued asset of an organization. The Human Resource Frame seeks to develop the individual employee in the organization rather than making them one step is a core process. The third frame is the Political Frame and sees organizations as â€Å"†¦arenas, contests, or jungles†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Bolman and Deal p. 4) In the Political Frame all people in the organization are in constant competition to get ahead and one way to get ahead is to possess the power of information. In the Political Frame it is who and what you know and who you are willing to share your information with that gets you ahead. With all of the competition involved there is often conflict between those vying for power. The Political Frame sees communication as an opportunity to, â€Å"Influence or manipulate others. † (Bolman and Deal p. 307) As stated previously, Information if a powerful tool. In a Political Frame possessing information and having the ability to communicate that formation is key. The problem with Politics is that often information is used destructively rather than constructively. In an organization influencing and manipulating can and usually is a double edged sword. Finally in the fourth frame is the Symbolic Frame is a more organic frame that is seen organizationally as, â€Å"Tribes, theaters, or carnivals. It abandons assumptions of rationality more prominent in other frames. † (Bolman and Deal p. 5) This frame is not widely used because it is so free flowing and actually quite odd that it does not work well in many cases. However, the Symbolic Frame still address communication as a means to, â€Å"tell stories. † (Bolman and Deal p. 307) Telling stories is a way often used to pass along information. Many cultures use stories to educate the next generation and the stories contain information that is important for the next generations to k now and preserve. In organizations, stories, tales and fables should not be seen as appropriate sources of information. Basically, all the frames acknowledge that communication is an essential part of their make-up. The ability to communicate, whether through rules and procedures, meetings and networks or stories is very important in the day-to-day operations of your organization. I now offer a definition of communication as found in Webster’s Dictionary and I will use the definition to further explain the importance of communication and more specifically the communication of information through a coordinated effort. Webster’s Dictionary defines Communication as: : an act of instance of transmitting 2 a: information communicated b: a verbal or written message 3 a: a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior b: personal rapport 4 a: a system for communicating b: a system of routes for moving troops, supplies, and vehicles c: personnel engaged in communicating 5 a: a technique for expressing ideas effectively b: the technology of the transmission of information. Since the beginning of time man has attempted to communicate and as a result communication has constantly been improved. Thoughts, events and information have been recorded and passed along in some form or another for centuries, so you can see how communication is an essential part of everyday life. Knowing this you have to wonder how do we effectively communicate with each other? The above question has become and will always be a huge topic in society. People spend millions of dollars a year on counseling and learning techniques to better communicate with each other. Many people have capitalized on this quest for better communication skills and have become supposed experts in the field of communicating. You hear everyday how you need to be able to communicate better in your relationships, with your friends, peers and in general with everyone. So I look to the above definition to better clarify what exactly is meant by the various definitions of communication as I interpret them. I will use three of the definitions above and concentrate eon how they tie in with the theme of the paper, which is coordination. 2 a: Information communicated. 3 a: a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs or behavior. Finally, 5 b: The technology of the transmission of information. I chose the above three definitions because they tie into a repetitive theme within communication and that is the passing of information. We have discussed in this class, throughout the term, that information is power and those who have information have a definite advantage. In an organization information is key to success. The organization that is able to establish a free flow of information will always be in a better position to succeed because they are in a position to be able to adapt more quickly in times where change is necessary. I am not suggesting that information always leads to change, because the information you receive could very well be that you need to continue what you are doing without changing. In particular I’d like to look at the second definition I chose which talks about information being exchanged through a common system of symbols, signs or behavior and I’d like to focus on behavior because the way your organization is aligned can ultimately affect your communicative behavior. In chapter three of Reframing Organizations we look see two types of coordination, which determine how information is passed and who processes it. The two types of coordination are Vertical and Lateral. Organizations that operate in stable markets and use a product that has little need for change are best suited for a Vertically coordinated organizational system. Organizations that operate in a turbulent environment and require constant change are best suited for a laterally coordinated organization. I will address both types and give an example of each below. In Vertical Coordination we see that the higher levels of management maintain control of information and regulate communications through establishing clear lines of authority, implementing rules and policies, and putting in place planning and control systems. By establishing authority the hierarchy appoints people such as executives, managers and supervisors to be in charge. This core group of people selected to have authority are, â€Å"†¦officially charged with keeping activities aligned with goals. They control by making decisions, resolving conflicts, solving problems, evaluating performance and output, and distributing rewards and sanctions†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Bolman and Deal p. 51) I can use my own situation as an example of this. Working in Law Enforcement I fall under a chain of command. In the chain of command I have been appointed a Sergeant. As a Sergeant I am charged with the tasks explained above. I communicate and pass information and orders to my subordinates. I receive my orders form my Commander, who in turn reports to a Captain and it goes right up the chain until it reaches the Sheriff. Information is communicated vertically through the ranks. Our organization aligned very closely with a Structural Frame Format. Not much emphasis is given to the Human Resource Frame, as the needs of the individual are not as much of a concern over the needs of the organization. The Political Frame is limited because the information is coming from the top and being disseminated down the ranks. Information obtained in Law Enforcement is normally transcribed in report format and given out. Information that is important and not given out could result in legal action. There is no chance for the Symbolic Frame to exist because we do not communicate organically nor are we allowed to report in a story fashion. In our private lives we can tell stories and relay information, however on an organizational level we deal strictly with fact. I derive my Authority from the chain of command and am regulated largely by the Policies and Procedures manual that my organization has constructed. The policies and procedures manual gives detailed instructions how to carry out tasks, how to monitor employees performance and conduct investigations. So in my personal career I can see that my organization is Vertically aligned. Information is communicated up and down the chain of command in clear-cut lines. Lateral communication and withholding information is discouraged and can lead to sever punishment. Although new technology is often introduced, the mission of Law Enforcement stays the same. As a result Law Enforcement uses vertical alignment to get information out as quickly and uniformly as possible. The opposite of the vertical form is the Lateral Form of Coordination. In Lateral Coordination several different methods are used to communicate and pass information. Lateral Coordination involves meetings, task forces, coordinating roles, matrix structures, and network organizations to communicate and pass on information. The above listed structures are more flexible and fluid than that of a rigidly defined Vertically Coordinated organization. I will briefly touch on the different methods used in the laterally coordinated systems. Meetings are described as, â€Å"informal communication and formal meetings form the cornerstone of lateral coordination. † (Bolman and deal p. 53) Formal meetings are the normal way stable organizations go about communicating. Simple meetings can used be used to pass along large chunks of information as well as to address new business. As the organization grows in complexity and size, Task Forces are utilized. Task Forces are formed when, â€Å"†¦problems or opportunities require collaboration of a number of specialties or functions. † (Bolman and deal p. 54) Collaboration requires cooperation and cooperation can only exist when there is communication. A Task Force gets a group of specialized people together to accomplish an organizational goal. Coordinating Roles take the talents of individuals and spread them out to help persuade others to accomplish goals. An individual can monitor several different areas to help tie all componets together to make a finished product. Matrix Structures are used when the organization grows very large and crosses several different sectors of the business world. Matrix Structures are very complex and can add a lot of confusion to your organization, which is why they have been used so sparingly. Finally, Networks are now a very common communicative form in organizations. Networks have always been in existence and have grown in usage since the advent of computer technology. Computer networks have the capability of transmitting almost limitless amounts of information immediately to a large-scale group of people. Computer Networks are now one of the most valuable tools an organization can use to communicate. Since an organization that coordinates laterally is generally one that operates in a turbulent and often changing environment it is easy to see why communication is essential. Information must be gathered, analyzed, processed and disseminated as quickly as possible to ensure that you will be able to keep up. An example of an organization that suffered because it failed to properly communicate and respond is the Digital Corporation. Digital Corporation was a leader in the minicomputer industry, however when the market shifted form minicomputers to PC’s they were too tied up in a non-productive coordination system. As a result they wasted valuable time in making the transition to the new technology. The company began to fail and was subsequently bought out by Compaq computers. The technology field, computers in particular, is changing on a daily basis. If you are not able to communicate the need for change based on the information received form current market trends then you are doomed to failure. Digital is a prime example of this concept. All of the above methods of Lateral Coordination are effective, however as with any system there are weaknesses. You must ensured that your resources are being used appropriately and efficiently in order to successfully maintain a more loosely coordinated method, as seen in the Lateral Coordination methodology. When you are not strict and rigid in your controls you run the risk of giving people too much freedom in their actions. Lateral Strategies are effective, however they must be monitored. In Conclusion, the coordinated communication of information within an organization is a key determinate of success versus failure. An organization, even one in a stable environment, must be fluid when it comes to communication. A lack of communication has been shown to result in the untimely delivery of crucial information and since we have identified that information is power, a lack of information will then render you powerless. By employing sound coordination methodologies and organization can better respond to it’s environment. As the environment changes so must the organization. The best way to know if your environment is changing is by properly gather and processing information form the various areas you deal in. Once processed and analyzed the information must quickly be communicated through the appropriate channels to ensure that necessary changes can be made. A breakdown in any one of these areas can and normally will have devastating effects. Many companies have experienced this firsthand. Coordination, Communication and Information are three keys that an organization must embrace in order to survive.

Big City Description- Stone Cold Essay Example for Free

Big City Description- Stone Cold Essay I knew I shouldn’t have done this, not like this, not today†¦ Not any day. I can’t turn back now, it’s too late for that, and in fact it was too late 3 hours ago, sitting on the plane†¦ I stare out of the window trying to look at the New York streets, but the shapes are a meaningless blur. There’s hardly any green, I notice every colour of the rainbow, but no green. It’s nothing like home –Snap out of it- I tell myself sternly. I look at the hole that I dug in the tired upholstery of the worn seat, â€Å"That’ll be 24 dollars, doll,† the cabbie says, his tone of voice clearly implying that this wasn’t the first time he was trying to get through to me but his face is a mask of nonchalance and amusement, it’s like he has two personalities that are fighting to show in one way or another Stiffly and without looking him in the eyes, I put a $50 bill in his hand and leave, not waiting for change. The pungent smell of car fumes was unbearable; so was the amount of people. To be quite honest, the whole city came as a huge surprise, the images in books lied, or maybe they hadn’t and I made it out to be more perfect than it actually was†¦ Most people were thankfully keeping to themselves, though some were openly staring; their icy glares like knives on my back. Others were something I’d call rather eccentric, one woman with a homeless sign looked up and smiled, a toothless genuine smile, I would have given her money, if not for her eyes; they looked like grey polished stones, dead eyes in a live body –Don’t look into anybody’s eyes- I remind myself. Another man laughed at a joke that only he seemed to hear. Right then I realized I had stayed in this street for far too long†¦ As I walk I look up into the bruised sky, it’s dotted with greyish clouds; I have the sudden urge to clear them away to see nothing but the flares of the celestial sun casting a dreamy haze upon the sky, announcing the arrival of twilight. I can’t hear crickets- I didn’t expect to, though I guess it would be nice to think I was back –You don’t even have a home- I think bitterly. I hadn’t realized I walked this far but I find myself face to face with the Empire State Building†¦ My mind starts to wonder what it would be like to step out one of the highest windows, just floating, flying at peace like a weightless bird. The last seconds of my life, stretched to minutes, but then would one feeling be worth hitting the ground in the end? It’s not like I would mind dying, not now, with no family or a place I could call home without thinking twice about it. –Stop it right now! My inner voice tells me†¦. –Happiness lays somewhere in your future- it carries on, but I don’t listen, I have made up my mind, and there was only one road I could take now. I Cyan Kaylock, had a mission†¦ I had to prove them wrong.

Corporate Governance And Ethics Practice

Corporate Governance And Ethics Practice This report looks at the differences of the sustainability report for year 2011 of the two companies that from the same automotive industry and based in different countries. The first company is a Volkswagen Group, which is a German multinational automotive manufacturing company based in Wolfsburg and founded in 1937. The area served of Volkswagen Group is worldwide and it produced almost 8.5 million vehicles in year 2011. It is one of the worlds leading motor automobile manufacturers and has kept the largest market share in Europe for over 20 years (Wikipedia, 2012). The second company is a Mazda Motor Corporation, which is the Japanese automotive manufacturer headquartered in Fuchu Aki Hiroshima and founded in 1920. The area served of Mazda Motor Corporation is worldwide and it produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales in 2007 (Wikipedia, 2012). Are all the car manufacturers harmful to society and environment? Based on these two firms sustainability reporting, both firms have revealed that they are taking their corporate social responsibility seriously which will audit and measure their activities, and putting money into green research. The two automotive companies, of course, have to comply with toughening fuel economy regulations reduce the impact of global warming and be more compliant because there is an increasing market demand that new generation of consumers are looking at fuel economy and sustainability mobility for making decision for what they buy. For fuel economy regulations, according to (Feng Amanda, 2004) in their report for Pew Center on Global Climate Change that the European Union (EU) and Japan have the most stringent standard for requirement for gasoline new passenger car fuel efficiencies as shown in their report. For the purposes of this assignment, the focus will be on sets out the differences between the reports of the two companies on in terms of the range of issues dealt with in the reports and the depth of the coverage; explains to the differences between the two reports in terms of country factors; assesses the quality of the reporting in terms of Zadeks (1997) criteria (i.e. inclusivity, comparability, completeness, evolution, management policies and systems, disclosure, external verification, and continuous improvement); evaluates the extent to which it would be appropriate for the two companies to use a standardized approach; and makes recommendations about how each of the reports could be improved and why. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO REPORTS IN TERMS OF THE RANGE OF ISSUES DEALTH WITH IN THE REPORTS AND THE DEPTH OF THE COVERAGE The sustainability reports of these two automakers have look into consideration of ESG criteria (Environmental, social and corporate governance) and making major strides in these similar sustainability issues: Management Approach; Corporate Governance and Ethics Practice; Environmental Protection; Product Quality and Safety; Workplace Practice; Human Rights; and Community Practice. In terms of reporting structure, Volkswagen Group had divided the report to eight chapters, which are strategy, economy, society, CSR projects worldwide, sustainability mobility, environment, key indicators/figures, and back-up. On the contrary, Mazda Corporate had identified the six chapters, which are Mazda CSR, management, environmental protection, social contributions, customer satisfaction, and respect for people. The next few paragraphs of this report will looks at the coverage of the issues dealt in these chapters and the differences between the two sustainability reports. Management Approach At Strategy chapter, Volkswagen Group had disclosed the management approach on CSR strategy in eight pages that covered company new sustainability objectives, development of top class team, sustainability requirements for suppliers, management approach to the sustainability mobility, sustainability management of corporate social responsibility, stakeholder dialogue, global compact, cooperation with Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), and the compliance to corporate code of conduct. Whereas Mazda Corporate had disclosed their approach of CSR strategy in the chapter of Mazda CSR in seven pages that covered corporate vision, CSR operations, external evaluation of CSR, awards, rising of employee awareness, stakeholders communication, shareholders and investor relations initiatives and dialogue. Set-aside the unstandardized of reporting structure, Volkswagen Group had disclosed the basis of information on its stakeholder dialogue program, but had not follow Mazda Corporate to disclose information on how company engages with each key stakeholders that with a full page table of Mazda group key responsibilities to stakeholders and opportunities for dialogue and disclosure. Corporate Governance and Ethics Practice At Economy chapter, Volkswagen Group had covered this chapter in seven topics, which are customer satisfaction, sustainability in suppliers relations, economic stability, raw material, localization, risk management, and compliance. On the contrary, Mazda Corporate covered this in two chapters with total of seven topics, which are corporate governance, internal controls, risk management, compliance, implementing CSR in the value chain, and customer satisfaction. At Customer Satisfaction topic, Volkswagen Group identified customer satisfaction as a key indicator of how well product developments and model facelifts cater to the needs of stakeholders, and focuses on market studies, complaint handling, and meets customer wishes. Mazda had covered this topic with extensive information on safety approach from three viewpoints of vehicles, people, and roads and infrastructure, with details information in safety technologies to explain how safety can be achieved. Additionally Mazda also covered extensive information in the four pillars that how the company can increase customer satisfaction, which are creating appealing products, improving product quality, improving customer satisfaction in sales, and improving the quality of after-sales service. At Sustainability in Suppliers Relations topic, Volkswagen Group had explained the system was built on four pillars which are sustainability requirements for suppliers before submitting quotes, an early warning system for minimizing risk, a transparent procurement process, and supplier monitoring and development process. On the contrary, Mazda had covered clearer information that outline on the Mazda supplier CSR guidelines, major channels of communication with supplier, evaluating and recognizing suppliers, measurement and quality improvement program for local suppliers. At Economic Stability topic, Volkswagen looked at global economic competition and stability; the company recognized the effort that to help in global economic is to achieve sustainable success by taking more responsibility for the environment and for social developments. This topic not covered by Mazda. At Raw Material topic, Volkswagen Group had revealed the secure and economic supplies of raw materials program, which contains corporate analysis system and regularly engages in dialogue with the Extractive Industries Transparencies Initiative (EITI) to identify risk of corruption. This topic not covered by Mazda. At Localization topic, Volkswagen Group had covered the implementation of systematic localization that had proven not only benefits in logistical but commercially and generates growth in the respective regions at new Volkswagen plan. This topic is not cover by Mazda. At Risk Management topic, Volkswagen Group had disclosed information on its risk management programs briefly. As a comparison, Mazda had enclosed more information on risk management policy, action guidelines, and methods of implementing, and the scopes of application. At Compliance topic, Volkswagen had outlined its compliance effort to keep in line with Germane Corporate Governance Code, which is core compliance teams were appointed, annually evaluation of compliance activities, anti-trust legislation matters, and corruption measurement. On the contrary, Mazda had revealed extensive information on corporate governance framework diagram that help in better understanding of company effort in dealing with management issues and how company boost transparency of management with board of corporate auditors. Also Mazda had covered internal controls topic that not by Volkswagen Group, which is disclosed its own self-examination of internal controls framework that having a department to support internal controls. Workplace Practice, Human Rights and Community Practice At Society and CSR Projects Worldwide chapter, Volkswagen Group had covered three ethic issues here, which are Workplace Practice, Human Rights and Community Practice. There are three topics covered, which are employment, reward and profit sharing system, AUTOUNI institution, Volkswagen way, employee opinion survey, ideal management, training and skills development, demographic change, advancing women and promoting diversity, social responsibility, and reveals on CSR projects worldwide. On the contrary, Mazda Corporation had covered in eight topics, which are social contribution framework, major activities in Japan and overseas, human development resolving around the principles of the Mazda Way, employee choice of self-realization, promoting work-life balance, advancing women and promoting diversity, reward and profit sharing system, and respect for human rights. As a comparison, Mazda had included a great data in the same page to explain their measurement and how Mazda achieve the g oals. Environmental Protection and Sustainability In terms of environmental protection and sustainability issue, these two companies had revealed their strategies in similar structure and topics, as shown in the table 1 below. The major differences between the two reports are Mazda had disclosed an impressive Mazda Green Plan 2020 Mid-Term Environmental Plan and clear data within the topic that help in understanding the topic. Both companies had covered good information on how they promote in climate protection, and the coverage are CO2 emissions reduction for automobile, energy supply strategy, environment factory, efficient production, environmental technology, green IT, and green logistics. Table 1: Comparing the coverage of environmental protection and sustainability issue: Volkswagen Group Mazda Corporation Environmental Management Mazda Approach to the Environment This is not cover by Volkswagen. Green Plan 2020 Mid-Term Environmental Efficient Powertrains and Fuels Developing New SKYACTIV Technology Electro-mobility Making Environmentally Friendly vehicles Resource Efficient Recycling and Resource Conservation Biodiversity Management and Reduction of substances Water Preventing Air and Water Pollution This is not cover by Volkswagen. Environmental Communication Climate Protection Prevention of Global Warming This is not cover by Volkswagen. Environmental Communication This is not cover by Volkswagen. Activities and Impact on the environment DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO REPORTS IN TERMS OF COUNTRY OR INDUSTRY FACTORS The effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake in year 2011 has influenced on how Mazda Corporate structured and produced their sustainability reporting. The word earthquake had appeared 25 times in the sustainability report. The top message of chairman of the board has included a paragraph to express company sympathies and condolences message. The paragraph explained how company makes a concerted effort to establish their ethical strategies, and deploy response plan into action to contribute in recovery for the areas affected by earthquake. The details of support activities for the recovery of stricken regions have presented in this formal report. The report also reveals the damage to Mazda group that Hiroshima Plant and Hofu Plant where forced to suspend operations temporary due to inability to obtain certain parts, and Mazda moved to weekly days off from Saturday and Sunday to Thursday and Friday during the summer period in accordance with the policy of the Japan Automobile Manufa cturers Association to reduce electricity consumption. For CSR strategy, Mazda Corporate evaluates its CSR strategy referencing to the Charter of Corporate Behavior issued by the Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren, 2004), and structure the table of contents of the sustainability report on these areas of Environmental Protection, Customer Satisfaction, Respect for People, Social Contributions, and Management (Compliance and Information Disclosure). Whereas Volkswagen Group has referencing their CSR strategy with EU Strategy 2011-14 (European Trade Union Confederation ETUC, 2011) and structure the table of contents in these areas of Strategy, Economy, Society, CSR Projects Worldwide, Sustainability Mobility, Environment, Key Indicators, and Back-up. In terms of code of ethics, Volkswagen Group has paragraph their compliance report in line with the German Corporate Governance Code, aside of Volkswagen corporate ethics codes of conduct. Per required by section 161 of the Aktiengesetz (AktG German Stock Corporation Act), an annual of conformity with the German Corporate Governance Code has issued by the Board of Management and the supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG on November 18, 2011 (Volkswagen, n.d.). Whereas Mazda Corporation has outlined their five principles of Mazda corporate ethics code of conduct. THE QUALITY OF THE REPORTING IN TERMS OF ZADEKs (1997) CRITERIA This paragraph looks at the quality of the reporting in terms of ZADEK et al.s (1997) eight principles of quality in social accounting. To what extend the reporting of two companies conforms to and contributes to the best practice. The eight issues are Inclusivity, Comparability, Completeness, Evolution, Management policies and systems, Disclosure, External verification, and Continuous Improvement. Inclusivity AAA Comparability AAA Completeness AAA Evolution AAA Management policies and systems AAA External verification AAA Continuous Improvement AAA THE EXTENT TO WHICH IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE TWO COMPANIES TO USE A STANDARDISED APPROACH Currently the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework, version 3.1, is the most widely used standardized sustainability reporting framework in the world (Wikipedia, 2012). The two companies have adopted the GRI framework as a reference to compile their reports. However both companies reports are not prepared exactly according to GRI guidelines and structure. Should two companies have to use a standardized approach for their sustainability reports that will exactly according to a GRI framework, so that it is helpful for reader to navigate the report, finding specific information, and easier to compare data among similar companies. Or should companies are recommended to be selective or focus primary that are most relevant to their business. To what extent that it would be appropriate for the two companies to use a standardized approach? It is not possible for the two companies to presence their data in sustainability reporting exactly the same structure and templates because each company is having their own reporting tools, data and context. However it is possible that the two companies to disclose and to measure of the extent to GRI Guideline Content Indexes. However as per Crane Matten (2010, p. 219) recognized that there is an issue with GRI which GRI has been criticized is its concern only with establishing procedures for voluntary reporting, rather than having an explicit aim to promote mandatory reporting. So it is not a regulation that company must follow the same GRI framework rules to prepare company sustainability report. Every company is free to determine its own data according to rules of its own choosing, and there is no performance or penalty at all. The new GRI fourth generation is now in development. It is an opportunity for the GRI seeking input from worldwide into development of the new standard which cater all the possible gaps in standardized approach. With the new G4 GRI standard it should improve on content in the current guidelines that could possibility encourage companies to use a standardized approach. THE RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT HOW EACH OF THE REPORTS COULD BE IMPROVED AND WHY GRI Content Index Mazda Corporation could improve their sustainability report by including a comparative table with GRI content indexes that disclose all items in the report at each rows of GRI content index. On the contrary, Volkswagen Group had included the GRI content index but the reference column that contains page number can be confused to some readers and might be pointing to the wrong topic. The comparative table with GRI content index could provides an objective to measure whether all the elements in GRI guidelines have been applied in the report. It is definitely helpful for reader to find specific information and to compare data among similar industry. The sample of comparative table with GRI content index has shown below. Table 2: The Sample of Comparative Table with GRI content index (G3.1): Item GRI Content Volkswagen Group Mazda Corporation Strategy and Analysis 1.1 Statement from the most senior decision maker -Responsibilities increase with commercial success (Page 6-7) -Top Message (Page 5-6) 1.2 Key Impacts, risks -Responsibilities increase with commercial success (Page 6-7) -Responsibilities (Page 10-19) -Compliance (Page 28-29) -Top Message (Page 5-6) -Management (Page 21-22) Organization Profile 2.1 Name of the organization Page 1, 3 Page 1-2 GRI Content Index Mazda Corporation. CONCLUSION Reporting on sustainability performance is an important way for organizations to manage their impact on sustainable development. The challenges of sustainable development are many, and it is widely accepted that organizations have not only a responsibility but also a great ability to exert positive change on the state of the worlds economy, and environmental and social conditions. Reporting leads to improved sustainable development outcomes because it allows organizations to measure, track, and improve their performance on specific issues. Organizations are much more likely to effectively manage an issue that they can measure. By taking a proactive role to collect, analyze, and report those steps taken by the organization to reduce potential business risk, companies can remain in control of the message they want delivered to its shareholders. Public pressure has proven to be a successful method for promoting Transparency (behavior) and disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions and social responsibilities. As well as helping organizations manage their impacts, sustainability reporting promotes transparency and accountability. This is because an organization discloses information in the public domain. In doing so, stakeholders (people affected by or interested in an organizations operations) can track an organizations performance on broad themes such as environmental performance or a particular issue such as labor conditions in factories. Performance can be monitored year on year or can be compared to other similar organizations. (2704 words) (References/bibliography on the next page)

Marriage and Love in Elizabethan England Essays -- European History Es

Marriage and Love in Elizabethan England The movie, Shakespeare in Love, provides insight into the world of Elizabethan England. Through the character of Viola De Lessups the audience is shown how marriage was an institution entered into not for love, but as a strategic maneuver designed to enhance the lives of those who would benefit from a union, whether or not the beneficiaries were the people actually exchanging vows. As Queen, Elizabeth I chose not to enter into such a union. She expressed the thoughts and feelings she had about the subject in both her speech, â€Å"On Marriage† and her poem â€Å"On Monsieur’s Departure.† A comparison of the character of Viola to the real life Queen of England, Elizabeth I, can provide the reader a greater understanding of marriage and love in Elizabethan England. Queen Elizabeth and Viola both realized that their station in life would determine their prospects for marriage. Elizabeth had the power to decide not to marry. Viola’s marriage to Wessex decided for her as â€Å"a daughter’s duty and the Queen’s command†(Shakespeare).[2] Viola is the daughter of a wealthy merchant and while she is â€Å"not so well born† she is, as her nurse points out, â€Å"Well moneyed† which â€Å"is the same as well born† and â€Å"well married is more so† (Shakespeare). Likewise, Elizabeth knew that if the Queen of England were to marry she would have to make a union that would benefit her country. She felt pressure from Parliament to marry and addressed it in her speech, â€Å"On Marriage†, given to Parliament in 1559. She assured them that they could put that idea â€Å"clean out of [their] heads† for â€Å"whensoever it may please God to incline [her] heart to anothe r kind of life,† she intended â€Å"not to do... ...n that she understood that duty prevented her from such a marriage. In her poem, â€Å"On Monsieur’s Departure† she allows a glimpse into the pain it caused her to be unable to fully pursue a life of love. Works Cited: [1] William Shakespeare, â€Å"Sonnet CXVI†, The Longman Anthology of British Literature: The Early Modern Period, ed. David Damrosch, 2nd ed., vol 1B (NewYork: Longman, 2003) 1233-34. [2] Shakespeare in Love, dir. John Madden, Perf. Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes. Mirimax/Universal, 1998. [3] Elizabeth I, â€Å"On Marriage,† The Longman Anthology of British Literature: The Early Modern Period, ed. David Damrosch, 2nd ed., vol 1B (NewYork: Longman, 2003) 1084-85. [4] Elizabeth I, â€Å"On Monsieur’s Departure,† The Longman Anthology of British Literature: The Early Modern Period, ed. David Damrosch, 2nd ed., vol 1B (NewYork: Longman, 2003) 1081-82.

Catcher and the Rye :: essays research papers

Outline Thesis statement:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The relationship Holden and Blanche have between family and people in society leads them to an inner turmoil, which eventually results in their psychological breakdowns. I.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Family A.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Positive relationships in The Catcher in the Rye. 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Phoebe is the only person who Holden needs 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Holden is proud of D.B’s accomplishments 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Holden truly admires the personality Allie had a.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"He was two years younger than I was, but he was about fifty more times intelligent† (38). B.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Positive relationships in A Streetcar Named Desire. 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Stella and Blanche are very close, telling each other everything 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Stella takes Blanche in when she has nowhere else to stay 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Blanche wants Stella to escape from Stanley a.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Animal habits! Eats like one, moves like one, talks like one!†(72) C.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Negative relationships in The Catcher in the Rye. 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Holden gets angry when his family/siblings do something he does not like 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Holden does not get along with his parents a.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Daddy’ll kill you†(166) 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Holden thinks D.B has turned into a phony D.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Negative relationships in A Streetcar Named Desire. 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Blanche flirts with Stella’s husband, Stanley 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Blanche makes fun of Stella’s lifestyle II.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Society A.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Role in society in The Catcher in the Rye. 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Holden despises when people refer to him as a minor. a.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The waiter came up†¦ a Scotch and a soda for myself, but the sonuvabitch wouldn’t bring me one, so I had a Coke, too† 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Holden does not have and direction in his life Zago 2 B.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Role in society in A Streetcar Named Desire. 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Blanche has no job 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Blanche tries to live off of others a.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I have always had a strong dependence on the kindness of strangers† (142). 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Blanche had no direction in her life C.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Relationships with peers in The Catcher in the Rye. 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Holden is infatuated with Jane a.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"She said I was wild and that I had no direction in life† (59). 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Holden views everyone as â€Å"phonies† 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Holden always gets into fights and arguments with his roommates a.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"About all I know is, I sort of miss everybody I told about. Even old Stradlater and Ackley, for instance† (214) D.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Relationships with peers in A Streetcar Named Desire. 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Blanche plays with Mitch’s mind 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Blanche lies about how old she is a.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Stella is my precious little sister. I call her little in spite of the fact she’s somewhat older then I† (55) III.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Inner-selves   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A. Alcohol problems in The Catcher in the Rye.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1. Holden drinks when he is upset which increases his depression   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2. Holden has hallucinations of pain when he drinks too much a.) â€Å"When I was really drunk, I started that stupid business with the bullet in my guts† (150)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3. Holden is able to admit he has a drinking problem B.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Alcohol problems in A Streetcar Named Desire.

Damien rice analysis :: essays research papers

My Eyes Bringing Desire to Christina’s World: Dependency and Hope in the World of a Handicap   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I can’t take my eyes off of you.† is repeated many times in the song â€Å"The Blower’s daughter†, which means quite a bit. With the poem and to the painting, the song expresses the feeling in both of the eyes of a handicap person and in the eyes of another person who loves them. Handicapped people require all the attention in the world, and even when they aren’t being attended to, someone is thinking about them. In the painting, the artist depicts a young girl, who seems to be crawling toward a home on a hill quite the distance away. She seems to be quite thin and weak, which hints at the point there may be a physical problem with her. In the poem, the farmer and his family give birth to a handicapped child and while watching her sleep, can see the desire and peacefulness in her. â€Å"His thoughts while they are resting. She’s only imagining, stalks of yellow flowers flush and frilled and rippling, and a song of h ours. On this and all the world’s resources, she lingers, lit up like a votive.† which means that she is only thinking about the most peaceful things in the world, and no matter what happens while she is awake, those thoughts inside of her will not be changed. These examples express the thought of someone being different or struggling to live. With the picture of a weak girl crawling to a home-looking building and the constant attention both shown in the song and the poem, these three things all connect in a certain way. They connect in the way of love and caring. They connect in a way that shows the desire and the determination anyone can see in a handicapped person’s eyes. In the song by Damien Rice, it seems, that quite possibly someone has fallen in love with someone. It does not have to be what everyone thinks. Love is not just something between two people, this could also be something felt by a father to a daughter, or a mother to a son, in a completely non sexual and non physical way. The father, who is a farmer in the poem â€Å"Bringing Desire to The Fields†, seems to be in love with his handicapped daughter. He thinks about her constantly, even when he is about to sleep.