What is Magic Understanding and Trying to Explain Magic - 825 Words

What is Magic: Understanding and Trying to Explain Magic (Essay Sample) Content: What is Magic?Name:Institution:Date:What is magic?AbstractThis paper attempts to demystify magic. It draws a picture of ritual magic and contrasts it with stage magic. In this paper, the contemporary views of philosophers are explored in order to attempt to gain a better understanding of magic. The role of magic in connecting human beings to supernatural beings will be explored. The methods used by magicians, including altering peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s states of mind, in order to convince them will be questioned. At length, an attempt to offer a precise explanation to what magic is will be made.Keywords: Magic.What is Magic?IntroductionMagic is a common term whose use often denotes the use of poorly understood methods to achieve extraordinary results. However, philosophical views of magic are much wider and intricate than this stereotypical view. Magic encompasses an entire realm of philosophical concepts that even the most thoughtful minds grapple with. Thought of simplist ically as pseudo-science, magic is not something fixed and out there. According to Wilson (1988), magic is an active force in our own minds; a commanding, closed-circuit force, a formidable opponent of reasoning that functions in the realm of our strong feelings.Trying to explain magicMagic is a system that makes use of actions and rituals grounded on occult and paranormal knowledge in order to gain an understanding of the natural world. While some philosophers think that magic and religion are different others conflate the two. For example, Lerner (2013) believes that some interpretations of Peter Winchà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s work require that magic and religion be viewed as concerned with human hopes, values and emotions rather than achievement of practical goals. In essence, philosophers holding this view believe that magic and religion are variants of a similar thing.Ritual magic and stage magic have in common the fact that both are meant to achieve supernormal feats. Ritual magic holds to the belief that nature can literally bend to an individualà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s will. This is in line with Thelemic teachings of Aleister Crowley who believed that every individual has their own will, which is the purpose of their existence. With this will, Crowley believed that every person is able to influence nature in order to achieve their destiny.Magic is often understood to be only stage magic, where magicians create an impression of performing impossible feats for the amusement of audiences. Indeed, both stage and ritual magic share the fundamental principle of a belief in making impossible things possible. Indeed, as Chadwick (2012) asserts, magic is often intended to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"controlà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ spiritual beings and supernatural forces and seek their assistance. For example, symbolic links between human remains and death, fertility and regeneration and crops and harvest were drawn through and explained by magic. This assertion augers well for the argument that magic is a prac tice that is aimed at influencing nature in order for it to grant the wishes of the will.That said, one may be tempted to think of magic as a foreign, distant concept that is practiced by cults and detached people. The truth is that magic is perhaps ubiquitous. It appears to play a subtle role in each personà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s life. This is the belief of Wilson (1988) who states that magic is an omnipresent, active force in human life. Examples are given of communities in some rural areas of the world where ill wishes are invested with the power to bring other people to harm. Furthermore, misfortune or illness, or any other unfortunate occurrence may be attributed to the envy of another person. While the manifestations of magic are patently clear in those parts of the world, it is difficult to deny the influence of the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"supernaturalà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ even in the most à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"civilizedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ societies. It is difficult to deny the subtle, yet distinct, feeling that destin y or fate is at play when bizarre things happen. One cannot help but wonder whether there is a supernatural hand in the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"miraculousà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ recovery of a sick relative, or the victory in an election à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"against all oddsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬. Expressions such as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"miraculousà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"against all oddsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ are but a few examples of many phrases that lend credence to the almost universal belief that some supernatural forces are often at play in our daily lives.Magic that is discussed in a lot of philosophical literature is discussed more from the standpoint of its effects on peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬s thinking, than its effectiveness at its purpose. Klaassen (2012) gives an account of the subjective nature of the perceptions of believers in medieval magic. Drawing from a host of medieval literature, he concludes that achieving subjectively convincing results can be tricky. In other words, he believes that magic as a mani...

Capital Punishment Should Be Abolished Essay - 672 Words

Capital Punishment Should Be Abolished Capital punishment is a brutal antiquated concept that must be abolished in the name of civilised society. Each year in just America, the land of freedom + the just, 650 people r added 2 the death row + 105 r executed. The death penalty is the harshest form of punishment in the world today. Once the jury has proved a criminal guilty they go to the second part of the trial - the punishment phase. The enforcement of c p is a sadistic and macabre activity, which appeals to the more grim aspects of humane nature: wrath and malice. Capital punishment violates the right†¦show more content†¦In some countries, the size of the stones is regulated so that pain is maximised and the person does not die quickly. This is a pure example of how savage we have become. There arent many things as inhumane in this world as c p. Since the public attends, children are coming as well and so lern dat there is nothing rong with brutally killing each other. Therefore, more and more children r becoming murderers. Reason= simple. They c that if they kill some1, they go 2 jail, get the death penalty, and the government, known as the good guy kills them as a punishment. Lesson learnt, the finger is pointed to its own actions. Another reason I think that c p should be made illegal is that life imprisonment without parole serves the same purposes as this at less cost. Right now to execute some1 in the US, it costs approx. 3 times the amount it would cost to have him or her serve a life sentence in prison. The money used to pay 4 the death row (including court appeals) comes out of YOUR wallets. If c p was made legal, this money could go 2 projects in need of the funds like building new prisons. A few weeks ago in Ireland, a man was released 4m prison who had been wrongly accused of committing murder. He had been sentenced to life imprisonment, 4 this murder. While he was in prison he always maintained he was innocent. It took years of campaigning whileShow MoreRelatedCapital Punishment Should Be Abolished965 Words   |  4 PagesHaesemeyer Advanced Studies English 9 7 April 2017 Capital Punishment Over the centuries, capital punishment has fallen in and out of public support. In several countries, the practice has been overruled by law. In others, it is simply not exercised. More than half of U.S. states still practice capital punishment for capital crimes. Often, innocent people are sentenced to death because of circumstantial evidence. Capital punishment should be abolished in all fifty U.S. states because of the severalRead MoreCapital Punishment Should Not Be Abolished1541 Words   |  7 Pagestime, if a person committed a severe crime, like murder or rape, they were executed to maintain peace in the community and to bring comfort to those who knew the victim. Capital punishment has been used in almost every part of the world, but in the last few decades many countries have abolished it. The issue of capital punishment has been a sensitive topic for nations attempting a careful balancing act between prisoner’s rights and legal defense teams and society’s la ws on cases of extreme gravityRead MoreCapital Punishment Should Not Be Abolished901 Words   |  4 Pagesgovernment (â€Å"Capital Punishment in the United States†). Capital punishment is being debated all over the world whether it is murder or justice for the crime they have committed. Statistics show that murderers often kill again after releasement from prison. The Bureau of Justice gives relevant statistics pertaining to murderers who were released from prison: in 1994 40.7% of murderers were arrested for a new crime within three years of release (United States Department of Justice). Capital punishment shouldRead MoreCapital Punishment Should Be Abolished1115 Words   |  5 Pagesjail time, house arrest, and/or having to pay fines. Crimes that are severe can lead to greater punishment, like spending life in prison. The most severe crimes can lead one to an equally severe punishment known as capital punishment. Capital punishment is the authorization to kill someone fo r the crime he or she has committed. Capital punishment, commonly referred to as the death penalty, should be abolished in all states because it can put innocent lives at risk, it costs millions of dollars each yearRead MoreCapital Punishment Should Not Be Abolished750 Words   |  3 PagesCapital Punishment Should Not be Abolished There are many reasons why the United States of America keeps capital punishment. These reasons include the deterrence theory, the idea of retribution, cost of prisons, and general safety of the public. First of all, I’m sure that you have heard of the deterrence theory. Deterrence is basically the fear of punishment; and even though it doesn’t prevent all crimes, the results are still undeniable. The deterrence theory is when criminals thinkRead MoreCapital Punishment Should be Abolished883 Words   |  4 Pages Capital punishment is the punishment of death for a crime given by the state. It is used for a variety of crimes such as murder, drug trafficking and treason. Many countries also have the death penalty for sexual crimes such as rape, incest and adultery. The lethal injection, the electric chair, hanging and stoning are all methods of execution used throughout the world. Capital punishment has been around since ancient times; it was used in ancient Rome, and one of the most famous people to be crucifiedRead MoreCapital Punishment Should Be Abolished1137 Words   |  5 PagesThe case for capital punishment Topic: why capital punishment should continue General purpose: To argue Specific purpose: my main aim is to convince the audience that capital punishment should be upheld. In other, the advantages of capital punishment outweigh its disadvantages. Introduction Capital punishment is also known as death penalty and it has been in existence since time immemorial. Throughout history, the death penalty has been used to punish a number of crimes that include murderRead MoreCapital Punishment Should Be Abolished1955 Words   |  8 Pagesit has become apparent that capital punishment should be abolished worldwide. Around the world, various countries continue to practice this brash, inhumane punishment. The legal system is intended to regulate citizen’s behaviour which aims to provide a smooth functioning society. When someone is sentenced to death, the legal system loses the â€Å"fair† aspect of the proceedings, as under no circumstances is the death penalty â€Å"fair†. Capital punishment should be abolished because it violates Section 12Read MoreCapital Punishment Should Be Abolished1135 Words   |  5 Pagesname -unknown. Nobody should ever have to hear these words. Especially coming from their own state the one that is supposed to protect their rights no matter what. Capital punishment should be abolished from the United States. The number one goal of the constitution is to protect the life of an individual and the death penalty passes by this. The death penalty is an easy way out of the crime, it is expensive, philosophers and even psychologists disagree with capital punishment and most important itRead MoreCapital Punishment Should Be Abolished Essay1293 Words   |  6 PagesApproaching the topic of capital punishment is difficult when looking at society as a whole. In the opinion stated by my class group, capital punishment should be entirely abolished due to the possibility of mistakes while sentencing. This idea relies on the basis that capital punishment has absolutely no purpose or benefit. Members of my group mistakenly used a utilitarianist point of view to argue their case, even though this view can be stretched to fit almost any argument. This paper will explore

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The Assimilation Policy and Its Impact on the Indigenous...

Since the time of federation the Aboriginal people have been fighting for their rights through protests, strikes and the notorious ‘day of mourning’. However, over the last century the Australian federal government has generated policies which manage and restrained that of the Aboriginal people’s rights, citizenships and general protection. The Australian government policy that has had the most significant impact on indigenous Australians is the assimilation policy. The reasons behind this include the influences that the stolen generation has had on the indigenous Australians, their relegated rights and their entitlement to vote and the impact that the policy has had on the indigenous people of Australia. The assimilation policy was a†¦show more content†¦Their native land was taken from them, and this led to an increase in Aboriginal activism. Protest groups like the Aborigines Progressive Association and the Freedom Rides were formed. It wasn’t until 1962 that the commonwealth electoral act that began in 1918 was amended so that all Indigenous Australian could vote, and only in 1965 were Aboriginals finally granted the entitlement to full wages. (Skwirk, 2007). This impacted them in many ways us they were denied equal right for so long. ‘I want a Little Fair Play if you will be so kind enough to see on my Behalf’ (http://www.abc.net.au/civics/democracy/struggle.htm, 2001). This was from one of the many letters by John Kickett to parliament in his fight for aboriginal rights. The term terra nullius meant a land that belonged to no one, Australia was titled this by Captain Cook in the 18th century and it legally meant that no one could claim rights over the land because no one lived there. However, people were living there, the indigenous people of the country had been living here for many centuries, and once the land was claimed by European settlers the Aboriginal people lost their rights of the land that had been theirs for such an extensiveShow MoreRelatedSince the time of federation the Aboriginal people have been fighting for their rights through800 Words   |  4 Pagescentury the Australian federal government has generated policies which manage and restrained that of the Aboriginal people’s rights, citizenships and general protection. The Australian government policy that has had the most significant impact on indigenous Australians is the assimilation policy. The reasons behind this include the influences that the stolen generation has had on the indigenous Australians, their relegated rights and their entitlement to vote and the impact that the policy has had onRead MoreEssay on Policies Affecting Indigenous Australians1550 Words   |  7 PagesIndigenous Australians have faced many changes to their original life style, with numerous policies being brought in. These policies had an incredible affect on how the indigenous Australians lived. The policies inflicted on the indigenous Australians varied widely and had numerous impacts. The policies of assimilation, protection and integration had mainly negative impacts on the community, causing loss of identity, language and religion. The policies of self-determination and reconciliation, hadRead MoreThe Assimilation Policy ( 1961 )1540 Words   |  7 PagesThe Assimilation policy (1961) has impacted on Indigenous Australians within their physical and mental state and identity present in today’s society. Australia is commonly considered to be free and fair in their culturally diverse societies, but when the Indigenous population is closer looked into, it is clear that from a social and economical view their health needs are disadvantaged compared to non-Indigenous equals. In relation to this, the present Indigenous health is being impacted by disadvantagesRead MoreEssay about Indigenous Health1500 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"The status of Indigenous health in contemporary Australia is a result of historic factors as well as contemporary socio-economic issues† (Hampton Toombs, 2013, p. 1). The poor health position of Indigenous Australians is a contemporary reflection of their historical treatment as Australia’s traditional owners. This treatment has led to Indigenous Australians experiencing social disadvantages, significantly low socio-economic status, dispossession, poverty and powerlessness as a direct resultRead MoreWhich Policy Had the Largest Impact on the Indigenous Australians1018 Words   |  5 Pagesgovernment policy towards indigenous people has had the largest impact on Indigenous Australians? Through research the Assimilation Policy had the largest impact upon Indigenous Australians and the three supporting arguments to prove this are the Aborigines losing their rights to freedom, Aboriginal children being removed from their families, and finally the loss of aboriginality. The Assimilation was a policy set by the government in 1937 and went to till 1964. This policy of Assimilation was setRead MoreThe Changing Nature Of The Policies Introduced By The Australian Governments1248 Words   |  5 PagesThe changing nature of the policies introduced by the Australian Governments towards the Aboriginal Community greatly affected them in many ways. One of the darkest chapters of Australian history was the forced removal of Aboriginal children from their families. This is now known as The Stolen Generation . Between 1910-1970, many Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families as a result of various government policies. In removing their children, white people stole Aboriginal people’sRead More The Stolen Generation of Aboriginal Decent Essay933 Words   |  4 PagesThe Stolen Generation has left devastating impacts upon the Aboriginal culture and heritage, Australian history and the presence of equality experienced today. The ‘S tolen Generation’ refers to the children of Aboriginal descent being forcefully abducted by government officials of Australia and placed within institutions and catholic orphanages, being forced to assimilate into ‘white society’. These dehumanising acts placed these stolen children to experience desecration of culture, loss of identityRead MoreThe South West Corner Of Wa1042 Words   |  5 Pagestribes. They would also hold ceremonies and significant celebrations there. Both men and women from the Nyungar tribes would have scarification on their back, chest, arms and legs, as these were traditional rites of passage. Unlike most Aboriginal Australians, Nyungars did not perform circumcision or sub-incision on their children. The first European settlements arrived in the area around 1829, and with them the beginning of change and loss for the Nyungar people (Municipal Heritage Inventory, Sept.Read MoreThe Segregation and Assimilation Policies in Relation to the Impact They Had on the Aboriginal Family Lfe2030 Words   |  9 PagesCompare and contrast the segregation and assimilation policies in relation to the impact they had on the Aboriginal family life. Aboriginal family life has been disrupted and forcibly changed over the last two hundred years, as a result of the many segregation and assimilation policies introduced by Australian governments. Often a combination of the two was employed. The policy of segregation has impacted upon Aboriginal family life, for through this policy, Aboriginals were restricted and prohibitedRead MoreHow the Segregation Assimilation Policies Impacted on Aboriginal Fam2083 Words   |  9 PagesCompare and contrast the segregation and assimilation policies in relation to the impact they had on the Aboriginal family life. Aboriginal family life has been disrupted and forcibly changed over the last two hundred years, as a result of the many segregation and assimilation policies introduced by Australian governments. Often a combination of the two was employed. The policy of segregation has impacted upon Aboriginal family life, for through this policy, Aboriginals were restricted and prohibited

Piaget v. Vygotsky - 838 Words

Piaget vs. Vygotsky Both Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky have had a huge impact on learning and teaching methods. Although they have different views on how children learn, they both suggest helpful methods of teaching. Piaget and Vygotsky both focus on the idea of constructivism. Constructivist theories believe learning includes real-world situations, language, interaction, and collaboration with others. Piaget believed in cognitive constructivism and Vygotsky believed in social constructivism. They both had logical ideas with some similarities, but their theories also differed. First off, Piaget was a strong believer in cognitive constructivism and offered that children learn with schemes, accommodation, and assimilation. He also†¦show more content†¦He believed that a child must interact with the social environment on an interpersonal level. Once this has occurred, the child can internalize their experience and construct new ideas. For Vygotsky, culture and social context are critical in learning and he believed that’s when children learn the best. He came up with the ZPD, which stands for zone of proximal development. The ZPD is the distance between what a learner can do with help and what they can do without help. He thought that children learn best within this zone because it advances their learning and challenges them. Vygotsky believed that with the help of a teacher or mentor, students could understand concepts that they wouldn’t be able to know on their own. A classroom including Vygotsky’s social constructivism theory would include meaningful content and content that relates to the real-world. Teacher-student and student-student interaction are key in the classroom according to Vygotsky and will produce strategies such as questioning, summarizing, predicting, and clarifying. A similarity between Piaget and Vygotsky is that they both provided views on cognitive development using constructivism. They were both interested in fu rthering the learning of children using cognitive processes. Also, another similarity that they share is that they both believed that societal influences established cognitive growth in children. They agreed thatShow MoreRelatedVygotsky And Vygotsky : Early Childhood Development1683 Words   |  7 Pages Amanda Rezzonico Piaget vs Vygotsky Early Childhood Development Lev Vygotsky and Jean Piaget are known in the educational world. Vygotsky and Piaget were developmental psychologists who had many of the same views and beliefs, but at the same time had opposing views. According to Jean Piaget â€Å"cognitive development was a repetitive reorganization of mental processes that derived from biological maturation in addition to environmental experiences’’ (McLeod, S. A. (2015). The childRead MoreHow Do the Major Theories of Child Development (Known as the ‘Grand Theories’) Explore the Importance of Social Experiences?1675 Words   |  7 Pagesobservation, it tells us very little about the cognitive processes and the development of social schemata. The constructivist view of development was formed by Piaget in the 1920’s and 30’s. Jean Piaget’s stage theory suggests that there are four stages of development that every child will experience and progress through, regardless of culture. Piaget also developed the concept of schemata, and the theory that children gained knowledge through interaction between experiences and schematic concepts. Read MoreSocial Construction of Childhood Essay1286 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"childhood is understood as a social construction and appears as a specific structural and cultural component of many societies†. There are many debates about the journey from the developmental psychology to sociology in childhood studies. Piaget and Vygotsky take part in developmental psychology destination which Vygotsky’s pioneering studies in related to social influences supports the idea of social constructionism. From constructivist view to social constructivist view recent perspectives argueRead MoreCompare Piaget and Vygotsky Essay1718 Words   |  7 PagesPiaget v Vygotsky Cognitive development is the term used to describe the construction of thought process, including remembering, problem solving and decision-making, from childhood through adolescence to adulthood. In this essay I will compare and contrast the theories of Piaget and Vygotsky, both of which were enormously significant contributors to the cognitive development component to/in psychology. In addition to this I will also weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of each theory and outlineRead MoreSociocultural Approaches And The Construction Of Knowledge1650 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"Sociocultural approaches emphasize the interdependence and individual processes in the construction of knowledge†.(John-Steiner,V and Mahn,H 1996).The real understanding of constructivism is only paying much attention on the learners’ previous experience and background knowledge .It maintains that individuals create or construct their own new understandings or knowledge through the interaction o f what they already believe and the ideas,events,and activities with which they come into contact.(FacultyRead More Major Challenges to Piagets Theory of Cognitive Development2134 Words   |  9 PagesIntelligence is not how we would class it today, he believed that intelligence covered all mental thought. He did believe however that the development of intelligence was an evolutionary matter not something that could be built on after birth, only used. Piaget believed that the child was responsible for its own development and therefore teaching could be seen as defunct. In Piagets development theory there is four stages the Stages of Development. These stages are a progressive format which childrenRead MoreCognitive Control And Social Control Essay897 Words   |  4 PagesDalton. Our interviews were conducted at a local Starbucks, always under the permission of his fifty-one-year-old father, Thomas. I observed Dalton through a social and physical lens and related the theories of Erik Erikson, Lev Vygotsky, Lawrence Kohlberg, and Jean Piaget to better understand his standpoint in development. According to the World Health Organization’s 2006 child growth standards report, on average, a seventeen-year-old male is normally around 142.0 pounds and 69.0 inches tall, orRead MoreTheories of Cognitive Development: an Insight to the Theories of Piaget, Information-Processing and Vygotsky1464 Words   |  6 PagesTheories of Cognitive Development: An insight to the theories of Piaget, Information-processing and Vygotsky How do we learn? How do we grow? Over the years, psychologists have studied to great lengths the processes that humans go through as they progress from infancy to adulthood. Several theories have emerged over time with three prominent ones. Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky produced two important and distinct theories. Another important theory, the information-processing theory, presentsRead MoreCo Constructive Environments Create Learning Opportunities For Children927 Words   |  4 Pagesrequired besides the educator providing a well-planned environment. Constructivism is a developmental theory developed by Piaget and social constructivism was developed by Vygotsky (MacNaughton Williams, 2009). The main difference between the two strategies is that Piaget reasoned that children learn in isolation during their interaction with the physical world and Vygotsky emphasised the social and cultural basis of children’s learning. Vygotsky’s social constructivist philosophy forms the basisRead MoreA Review of Bruner and Sherwoods Study of Peek-a-Boo1674 Words   |  7 Pagesweaknesses which evaluate the methodologies and different viewpoints regarding the game itself. Moreover, the review also focuses on the critical analysis of the different theories of child development put down by various researchers such as Piaget (1980), Vygotsky (1896) and Darwin (1809) with respect to the theory by Jerome Bruner (1977). The article by Bruner and Sherwood describes a proper study which observed six infants whose age varied from 7 to 17 months, for over a period of 10 months. The

Business - Society and Planet Management

Question: Discuss about the Business, Society and Planet Management. Answer: Introduction The adoption of global operations among various companies has played a critical role in improving their operations in the market. Both Coca-Cola Company and Wal-Mart Incorporation have adopted strategies aimed at producing high-quality products and services and venturing into new markets. Since their inception, the two firms have been at the forefront of creating numerous employment opportunities to the people. Moreover, the move by the both businesses has resulted in the improvement of economic development and growth in many countries (Buettner, 2012). The multinational businesses have adopted policies and practices that are similar as well as those that are distinct to the specific organization. Describe the two companies that have been researched Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational company that manufactures non-alcoholic beverages. The organization was formed by John Pemberton in 1886 during the industrial revolution. Coca-Cola Company undertakes the manufacturing process, retailing and marketing of soft drinks. The company operates globally and has employed 123, 200 workers across the world. As at 2015, the firm received revenue amounting to the US $ 44.294 billion. The continuous generation of high revenues has made Coca-Cola a global company and also led to expansion and the development of new divisions in several countries (Littunen, 2012). The current chief executive officer of the firm is James Quincy. Coca-Cola Company has built a popular brand of soft drink that has performed exemplarily in the world market. The company produces syrup concentrate that is sold to the bottling companies for processing and distribution to the customers. Wal-Mart Incorporation is an American global retailer. The company deals with diverse products such as grocery items, electronics, clothing, and health and beauty product among others. The organization was formed in 1962 by Sam Walton. Wal-Mart is the largest company by revenue in the whole world (Perkins, 2013). According to the 201 financial reports, Wal-Mart received revenue of US $ 482.13 billion in that financial year. The tremendous growth of Wal-Mart over the years has been attributed to the policy of producing affordable and customer-oriented products and services. The current chief executive officer is Doug McMillan who has steered the company to success using transformational leadership. Wal-Mart has opened subsidiaries such as Wal-Mart Canada, Amigo Hypermarket, and Jet.com. The major trading partners of Wal-Mart include Canada and China. What differences are evident between the two companies in terms of the range of issues dealt with in the reports and the depth of coverage on specific issues? Coca Colas Issues and its coverage Wal-Marts issues and its coverage One issue that has faced Coca Cola Company is the launching of healthy beverages as well as the normal soft drink. Since the start of the production of healthy beverages, the public have shown concern on whether the products have a significant impact on the health of the consumers. According to Pendergrast (2013), the company has in the recent years launched new versions of soft drinks such as minute maid and Dasani. The company has however ensured that the new products are safe for human consumption. Moreover, the company has adhered to the regulations of the Food and Drug Agency. One problem that Wal-Mart has encountered in their operations is negative influence on small and medium sized retailers (Kampf, 2013). Although Wal-Mart has created job opportunities for many people, the company has led to poor performance and underdevelopment of small sized retailers due to stiff competition. Wal-Mart has however, adopted effective strategies aimed at reducing the impact of the problem. The company has been providing funds to the upcoming retail shops in order to improve their operations. Another issue that the Coca Cola company has faced accusation of destruction of the environment. In 2004, the company was forced to shut down the Kerala division due excessive use of water that was interfering with the water table. Moreover, the packaging used by the company has also been opposed by human rights activists and environmental bodies. The bottles are non-biodegradable hence cause environmental pollution. However, the company is on a journey to adopt biodegradable bottles. Corruption scandal has also hindered the performance of Wal-Mart. The company was accused of corruption in 2012. The managers of the company were accused of giving bribes to Mexican officials in exchange of construction permits. The move violated the codes of conduct of business organizations. The company has embarked on a mission of eliminating corruption through enforcing proper behaviour as well as sacking corrupt officials. The company has also experienced criticism relating to language issues. Having refused to print the coca cola label in Catalan language, there was a massive demonstration in 2014. The demonstrators accused the company of discrimination of minority language. The companys label is found in 135 languages (Hollander, 2015). The company promised to print the labels in Catalan language as a measure of showing respect and recognition to minority languages. Wal-Mart has also faced several lawsuits based on labor relations. The company has been accused of providing low and unsustainable wages, inadequate healthcare and poor working conditions. In 2013, the company was accused of harassing the employees through creating a harsh environment for the workers. The National Labor Relations Board filed a suit against the company. Wal-Mart has tried to avoid the lawsuits through creating a sustainable environment for the workers To what extent can these differences be explained by the country or industry differences? What other explanations might there be? Coca-Cola (Country/Industry Differences) Wal-Mart (Country/Industry Differences) Development Coca-Cola Company has adopted measures aimed at promoting development in its operations. The company has established subsidiaries in several countries in different parts of the world. The company receives revenue of over US $ 44 billion annually (Luthans, 2014). However, the revenue of the company is smaller than that of Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart has recognized the importance of development. Being one of the largest retail companies, it generates revenue of over US $ 480 Billion annually. The presence of high revenue has enabled it to steer development and also initiate corporate social responsibility programs at a higher level compared to Coca-Cola. Culture The organization culture that Coca-Cola has adopted has ensured the implementation of a higher number of corporate social responsibility programs more than Wal-Mart. The company produces high quality soft drinks that are tailored towards the taste and preferences of a particular country. The company has therefore built good relations with the clients. Although, Wal-Mart is more successful than Coca-Cola, the culture of the company less effective than that of Coca-Cola. The culture of the company only focuses on the provision of low cost commodities while not developing a good relationship with the customers. Regulations In regards to adherence to the laws and regulations, Coca-Cola has faced several lawsuits on the safety of the newly introduced beverages. The company has failed to follow the regulations and laws on international law through enforcing monopoly in the international market. Wal-Mart on the other hand adheres to the laws and regulations on commercial activities in the international market. Wal-Mart has faced a lower number of lawsuits compared to Coca-Cola. This has created an enabling environment that has resulted into sustainability. Market Maturity Coca-Cola is more mature in terms of market adaptability than Wal-Mart. The company was founded in 1886 hence it has adapted to various market structures and changes in economic development. Wal-Mart has a lower market maturity. The company was founded in 1962 and therefore it has not effectively adapted to market changes(Meeks, 2011). The situation has hindered its level of sustainability. Technology Coca-Cola has a higher technological advancement than Wal-Mart. The company has adopted sophisticated technology that is used in the manufacture and bottling of the non-alcoholic drinks. The company has therefore embraced viable social responsibility programs. The technological infrastructure of Wal-Mart is not advanced. The industry has not adopted sophisticated technology since they do not undertake product manufacturing. Limited technology has also hindered the implementation of social responsibility programsAssess the apparent quality of the social accounting approach utilized by each company according to Zadek et al.s (1997) criteria. Zadek Criteria Coca Cola Company Wal-Mart Inclusivity The company has recognized the need to adopt the concept of inclusivity. The firm makes critical decision making after consulting the stakeholders of the organization. The employees, investors, shareholders, executives and the customers are included in making tangible decisions in the business. Through inclusivity, the organization has managed to improve its operations. Wal-Mart has also adopted inclusivity in its operations. The retail giant has adopted strategies aimed at appreciating the contribution of each individual in the stakeholders. For example, the consumers take part in decision making and policy making (Chuang, et. al., 2011). Moreover, both internal and external environment play a vital role in the operations of the organization. Comparability Among other soft drink manufacturing companies, Coca Cola is the most popular brand of soft drink. Other competitors such as PepsiCo has not been managed to control a large share of the market. Wal-Mart is the largest retailer by revenue. The company has therefore experienced a steady growth in revenue over the years. The organization had a revenue of U.S $ 482.13 billion. The amount is higher than that of its competitors such as eBay. Completeness Another feature that has ensured the success of Coca Cola Company is the completeness of its operations. The company follows the regulations set by the FDA as well as other federal policies. Wal-Mart incorporation believes in producing high quality but affordable products. Hence, despite the low price of its products, the commodities are complete and ready to be used by consumers. Evolution Coca Cola company has adopted new trends in order to remain relevant in the market. The company has introduced new brands such as Sprite, Fanta and healthy beverages. One measure that Wal-Mart has undertaken to improve its operations is the adoption of online marketing. The consumers can buy goods online and the company will deliver the goods to their destinations. Management policies and systems Coca Cola company is under a focused management that aims to improve its operations. Some of the policies that have been adopted included the production of high quality non-alcoholic drink that is tailored towards the taste and preference of the consumers. According to Wal-Marts policies, the company should aim at improving the lives of the people through provision of affordable but high quality products. Under the leadership of CEO, Doug McMillon, the company has adopted an efficient management. Disclosure Coca Cola is focuses on the provision of healthy drinks at affordable rates. The organization also has adopted policies that help in running its operations. Wal-Mart company is committed to providing diverse products and services that are tailored towards the need of the consumers (Michelson, 2013). The company also adheres to the federal laws and regulations. External verification Coca Cola company is a public trading company that is registered with the federal agencies. The company also adheres to the international laws on trade. Wal-Mart is a company that is recognized by the relevant federal agencies. The organization aims at changing the lives of the people through creating job opportunities. Continuous improvement Coca Cola company has undertaken a continuous improvement approach through the production of diverse non-alcoholic beverages. Moreover, the company has adopted advanced technology that is used to produce high quality soft drink (Dhar et,. al., 2015). Wal-Mart has recognized the importance of training of employees. The workers are trained regularly on how to work efficiently. Moreover, the company has also diversified its products. Several products ranging from health care, electronics as well as home delivery programs. Discuss the extent to which the social reports reflect the values of your selected companies. Coca-Cola Company is focused on providing products and services that are tailored towards the need and preferences of the consumers. One of the main factors that have determined the success of Coca-Cola Company is its policy of customer focus. The company has recognized the importance of producing goods and services that are focused on the needs and preference of its clients. There are strategies that the company has adopted in their quest to produce high-quality products. One way adopting a customer-focus approach is through involving the customers in decision making. Coca-Cola Company allows the clients to make sensible decisions concerning the operations of the business. Through allowing the customers views on the affairs of the company, the customers feel that they are part of the company (Armus, 2012). The clients, therefore, will develop a good rapport with the business. The company produces high-quality products ranging from soft drinks and healthy beverages. The products such as Fanta, Sprite and Diet Coke are of high quality. Sustainability According to the social reports, Coca-Cola Company is committed to attaining sustainability. The company has implemented various strategies and policies aimed at making it sustainable in the presence of competition from other soft drink manufacturers. According to Crandall et., al., (2012), one way through which the company has used to attain sustainability is through changing the lives of the people. The company has provided numerous job opportunities for people in different nations across the world. The organization has also ensured proper use of the resources to prevent waste. Effective Communication within the organization Communication plays a significant impact on the operations of an organization. Coca-Cola Company has therefore adopted an efficient communication system in the organization. The organization has been promoting upward communication. The managers and supervisors interact freely with the workers. The company also promotes teamwork. Through teamwork, the company has created an enabling work environment that has led to the achievement of goals and objectives. The company also promotes communication between the customers and the organizations. Hence the customers can ask questions and get feedback from the company agents worldwide. Wal-Mart has embraced a unique culture that aims at changing the lives of the people through providing affordable products and services (Matusitz, Reyers, 2011). In the organization, free interaction is allowed irrespective of the job position that a worker holds. Moreover, the company has recognized the value of teamwork. Each division is expected to embrace teamwork so as to effectively achieve their goals and objectives. Adherence to the laws, policies, and code of ethics One factor that has led to the success of Wal-Mart Incorporation is adherence to the laws, policies, and code of ethics. The company undertakes an awareness program in which the workers are encouraged to adhere to the laws, policies as well as work ethics. Illegal activities such as corruption and discrimination are not encouraged by the organization. Moreover, the business follows the federal laws that have been enacted by the international bodies. Since Wal-Mart is a multinational body, it has adopted an international focus. The products and services are tailored towards the needs and preferences of the international market (Perkins, 2013). Hence, the company undertakes an evaluation of the cultural and religious beliefs of every country in the quest to provide products that satisfy individual taste. Moreover, the company adheres to the international laws on multinational trade. Technological Advancement and innovation Wal-Mart has also adopted modern technology in its operations. A larger percentage of the companys marketing is undertaken in the online platform. Moreover, advanced technology has led to the adoption of sophisticated equipment that can be used to efficiently store the products in the departmental stores before sale. Through innovation, the company is heading towards a bright future. Briefly, reflect on your groups discussions of these companies. In what ways did the ideas presented by your group confirm your conclusions or present another perspective to you? According to our groups discussion, the company that had brought a significant impact on the economy is Wal-Mart. Although Coca-Cola Company has also made a significant contribution towards development and sustainability, Wal-Mart was found to have fully embraced sustainability. We found that Wal-Mart has adopted strategies aimed at improving the lives of the people. Coca-Cola Company, on the other hand, was also determined to become a global soft drink giant through the production of high-quality products. The groups decision, therefore, confirmed my conclusion that Wal-Mart had highly participated in sustainability efforts as compared to Coca-Cola Company. According to my conclusions, the role that Wal-Mart has played in the contemporary society has changed the lives of many people. Wal-Mart has also become one of the leading employers in the world through employing over 2.2 million workers. In summary, the presence of business organizations can bring a great impact on the economic growth and development in a country. Both Coca-Cola Company and Wal-Mart has provided job opportunities to the people in different parts of the world thus stimulating economic growth. According to Martone (2013), business organizations should ensure that they adopt strategies aimed at improving the lives of the people through corporate social responsibility programs. References Armus, S. (2015). Coca-Cola Company. France and the Americas: Culture, Politics, and History: a Multidisciplinary Encyclopedia, 1, 273. Birkinshaw, J. (2012). Entrepreneurship in multinational corporations: The characteristics of subsidiary initiatives. Strategic management journal, 18(3), 207-229. Buettner, R.(2012). Predicting user behavior in electronic markets based on personality-mining in large online social networks: The International Journal on Networked Business. 7(3) 1-19 Chuang, M. L., Donegan, J. J., Ganon, M. W., Wei, K. (2011). Walmart and Carrefour experiences in China: resolving the structural paradox. Cross Cultural Management: An International Journal, 18(4), 443-463. Crandall, P., Van Loo, E. J., O'Bryan, C. A., Mauromoustakos, A., Yiannas, F., Dyenson, N., Berdnik, I. (2012). Companies' opinions and acceptance of global food safety initiative benchmarks after implementation. Journal of Food Protection, 75(9), 1660-1672. Dhar, T., Chavas, J. P., Cotterill, R. W., Gould, B. W. (2015). An Econometric Analysis of Brand?Level Strategic Pricing Between Coca?Cola Company and PepsiCo. Journal of Economics Management Strategy, 14(4), 905-931. Hollander, S. (2015). Periodization in marketing history. Journal of Macro-marketing.7(1) 12-19 Littunen, H. (2012). Entrepreneurship and the characteristics of the entrepreneurial personality. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior Research, 6(6), 295-310. Luthans, F. (2014). Positive organizational Behavior: Developing and managing psychological strengths. The Academy of Management Executive, 16(1), 57-72. Martone, D. (2013). A guide to developing a competency?based performance?management system. Employment Relations Today, 30(3), 23-32. Meeks, M. (2011). Can Wal-Mart integrate values with value?: From sustainability to sustainable business. Journal of Sustainable Development, 4(5), 62. Matusitz, J., Reyers, A. (2011). A behemoth in India Wal-Mart and globalisation. South Asia Research, 30(3), 233-252. Michelson, H. C. (2013). Small farmers, NGOs, and a Wal-Mart world: welfare effects of supermarkets operating in Nicaragua. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 95(3), 628-649. Kampf, C. (2013). Corporate social responsibility: Wal-Mart, Maersk and the cultural bounds of representation in corporate web sites. Corporate Communications: An International Journal, 12(1), 41-57. Pendergrast, M. (2013). For God, country, and Coca-Cola: The definitive history of the great American soft drink and the company that makes it. Journal of Business. 8(3) 89-93 Perkins, O. (2013). Is Wal-Marts request of associates to help provide Thanksgiving dinner for co-workers proof of low wages?. Journal of Management. 9(2) 34-39

Employment and Unemployment free essay sample

Changes in unemployment depend mostly on inflows made up of non-employed people starting to look for jobs, of employed people who lose their jobs and look for new ones and of people who stop looking for employment. The cause of unemployment in Malaysia varies. There are four types of unemployments, which include cyclical unemployment, frictional unemployment, structural unemployment and seasonal unemployment. Cyclical unemnployment of Malaysia happens when there is lack of jobs due to the downswing in a business cycle or a recession. Due to this economy declines, the number of job layoffs crossways the world is rising extremely. The International Labor Organization affirmed that up to 51 million jobs worldwide could be eliminated due to the recession. Malaysia is no exception. Normally with an unemployment rate of 2% to 2. 5%, could rise to 4. 5% in that particular year. Since January 2009 about 10,000 Malaysians have been jobless. Another problem that causes the increasing of unemployment rate of Malaysia is that there are so many new job seekers each and every year. We will write a custom essay sample on Employment and Unemployment or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Research shows that every year there are 600,000 new job seekers in Malaysia. This is when the frictional unemployment happens which people are in between jobs, entering and reentering the labor force. For example when people quit their jobs for a better position or higher wages or when fresh graduates are actively seeking for jobs. Even though these people are not working, but they are counted as part of the labor force because they are searching for jobs. It is stated that structural unemployment is when jobs are available but the unemployed does not have the skills to fill these jobs. In Malaysia, the case is quite the opposite. There are many highly-qualified candidates, but they are too embarrassed to take on low-paying jobs, although a local spokesperson says that ‘job seekers should accept whatever job positions they can get’. That would decrease the number of people seeking jobs, which would decrease unemployment based on frictional and structural unemployment. Seasonal unemployment takes place hen seasonal variations happens during the activities of particular industries caused by climatic changes, changes in fashions or by the intrinsic nature of such industries. In Malaysia, there are a lot of opportunities in the plantation sector. With the typical weather of Malaysia, people in the plantation sector are able to grow crops all year round. Nonetheless, seasonal unemployment still takes place. For example, the sug ar industry is seasonal in the sense that the crushing of sugar-cane is done only in a particular season. Such seasonal industries are bound to give rise to seasonal unemployment.