Corporate Environmental Policy Statements in Mainland China To What Extent Do They Conform to ISO 14000 Documentation

Abstract This paper presents a critical analysis of the document that is titled â€Å"Corporate Environmental Policy Statements in Mainland China: To What Extent Do They Conform to ISO 14000 Documentation?†. The paper seeks to explore the extent to which industries in China implement issues of environment management as exemplified in the codes of environmental management.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Corporate Environmental Policy Statements in Mainland China: To What Extent Do They Conform to ISO 14000 Documentation? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More China is one of the countries that are recording a high pace of industrial development, yet it often comes out in the headlines as a country that does not pay attention to environmental management. The assessment of environmental sustainability standards in China is, therefore, measured against ISO 14000, which is one of the critical codes of env ironmental sustainability. A critical analysis is done on the scope of issues of sustainability in China as it is explained in the article. The analysis brings out the objectives of the research and the methods that are used for exploring issues of sustainable development in China. The paper pays attention to the sustainability standards that are used as a basis for judging the rate of compliance to ISO 14000 by Chinese firms. The research methods used in the paper are restrictive in the sense that they seem to embrace conclusive results, which hinders the exploration of the adaptive level of Chinese firms to ISO 14000. The conclusion arrived at is that Chinese companies are fond of seeking for the fulfillment of minimum requirements for ISO satisfaction, yet they do not go ahead to enforce the standards that are stipulated in the codes. Article Critique Introduction Sustainability standards are increasingly incorporated in systems of corporate governance. This paper presents a crit ique of one of the articles that expound on the level at which corporate governance policies in mainland China reflect the international sustainable standardizations, particularly the ISO 14000. The article is titled â€Å"Corporate Environmental Policy Statements in Mainland China: To What Extent Do They Conform to ISO 14000 Documentation?† In the review, the paper focuses on two main areas: the scope of the article and the research methods used. Discussion of Article (scope/content) China, which is a country that has attained a rapid pace of industrialization, has been in the limelight for having a poor system of waste disposal. This emanates from the lack of effective policies to enhance waste management and the prevention of pollution.Advertising Looking for critical writing on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In their study, Chung, Fryxell and Carlos (2005) sought to explore the policy stateme nt on the environment of a total of 106 certified plants in mainland China against the link with the environmental requirements of the environmental standardizations rules: ISO 14001 and ISO 14004 in relation to the enforcement of ISO 14000. Owing to the prevailing state of environment management in China, it is important to establish the pace and intensity with which the sustainability standardization codes are being enforced, especially in a country like China that is quite highly aggressive in terms of establishment of industries. The paper goes deep into exploring the tangible aspects in as far as the implementation of the sustainability standardizations is concerned. The rationale behind this is that one of the impediments in environmental management and the embrace of sustainability is that most firms ensure that they fulfill the requirements of satisfaction and registration, but they stop at that. They do not embrace the implementation of the standardizations, which inhibits the attainment of the goals of environment management. The continual improvement is a critical factor in ensuring the effective of environment management systems (Northern Ireland Environment System, 2009). The paper bases on other standardizations ISO 14001 and ISO 14004 to explore the commitment of the plants on enforcing ISO 14000. While this broadens the scope of the results, it depicts some aspects of weakness. The conclusion that points out that adherence to ISO 14001 and ISO 14004 justifies the application of ISO 14000 is, therefore, not desirable. This is a mere extrapolation of results since there is a variation between the diverse sustainability standards. The justification of one sustainability standard by using other standards results in a summative assumption. Using such an assumption to develop results and conclusions drives away the aspect of exploring the main goal of the research. Objective of the article The article is one of the most incisive steps that seek to es tablish the gaps that prevail in China’s system of environmental management. The ultimate goal of the researchers is to establish the level at which plants in mainland China adhere to ISO 14000.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Corporate Environmental Policy Statements in Mainland China: To What Extent Do They Conform to ISO 14000 Documentation? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More These standardizations are the key tools that can define the level at which China, which is an emerging economic giant in the world, responds to the concepts of environmental management and sustainability. Environmental policy statement is a critical element in the adoption of environment sustainability standards. Relating the policy statement to the sustainability standards as has been done in the paper, therefore, aids in bringing out the underlying issues. Evaluation of Research Methods The paper uses both qualitative and quantitative methods. However, there seems to be a high level of dependency on secondary data. The paper uses two standards as the dependent variables and the main standard that is being investigated as an independent variable. The number of sampled plants is quite convincing, considering the fact that there are a lot companies in mainland China. The amount of literature carried in the paper also reflects most of the issues of managing the environmental systems in China. However, the data collection method used in the research, postal questionnaires conducted in 2002, is not convincing. The information in the questionnaires cannot be used as a basis for concluding on the environmental management codes in the companies. It implies secondary information was used, which cannot be relied upon in in delivering an up to date content. Secondary information bars researchers from exploring the emergent issues in China. By using ISO 14001 and ISO 14004 as standards as dependent variables, the researchers come up with a general assumption about the application of ISO 14000 standards. The research holds an assumption that adherence to certain standards translates into application and enforcement of other standards. This can be misleading since it results in the ignorance of certain critical aspects of sustainability that are embedded in the main standard being investigated. Conclusion The article is quite comprehensive. The article takes an exploratory approach in unearthing the practices of sustainability in Chinese firms. According to the paper, the level at which firms in China deploy practices of environmental standards is not desirable. There is a tendency that only firms that work at that their environmental management systems qualify as per the international environmental standardization.Advertising Looking for critical writing on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More References Chung, S., Fryxell, G., Carlos, W. (2005). Corporate environmental management policy statements in Mainland China: To what extent do they conform to ISO 14000 documentation? Environmental Management, 35(4), 468-482. Northern Ireland Environment System. (2009). Measuring the effectiveness of Environmental Management Systems. Web. This critical writing on Corporate Environmental Policy Statements in Mainland China: To What Extent Do They Conform to ISO 14000 Documentation? was written and submitted by user Malice to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive and chronic disease. The passageways in many of the body’s organs, especially the lungs and the pancreas become clogged as a result of this disease. The passageways become clogged because mucus in the body because thick, dry and sticky. People with cystic fibrosis only have an average life expectancy of about 30 years. This is mainly a result of the complications of the disease. In the lungs, it can cause serious breathing problems and in the pancreas, it can result in malnutrition and corresponding problems in growth and development. Cystic fibrosis is a type of genetic disorder. This type of genetic disorder is known as an autosomal recessive disease. This means that to have the disease, a person must inherit a certain gene from both of their biological parents. If a person inherits the gene from only one parent, he or she is only classed as a carrier. This means that the person carries the gene for this disease, but does not suffer from the effects of the disease itself. If someone has received the gene from both of their parents, than this defect that occurs causes problems with the way salt and water move in and out of mucus-producing cells in the body, which causes the mucus to become thick, dry and sticky. Things such as the environment, diet, exercise or other external factors do not cause CF. It is not contagious so it can only be passed from one person to another through inheritance. Cystic fibrosis is usually diagnosed during childhood. Some babies who have the disease may show signs of it immediately but other may not develop symptoms until later on in their lives. The first respiratory symptom of CF is a cough. This will most develop into a repetitive cycle between lung infection and inflammation. This cycle results in lung damage, and as this increases, things such as shortness of breath occur and it becomes harder for the individual to exercise. This lu... Free Essays on Cystic Fibrosis Free Essays on Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive and chronic disease. The passageways in many of the body’s organs, especially the lungs and the pancreas become clogged as a result of this disease. The passageways become clogged because mucus in the body because thick, dry and sticky. People with cystic fibrosis only have an average life expectancy of about 30 years. This is mainly a result of the complications of the disease. In the lungs, it can cause serious breathing problems and in the pancreas, it can result in malnutrition and corresponding problems in growth and development. Cystic fibrosis is a type of genetic disorder. This type of genetic disorder is known as an autosomal recessive disease. This means that to have the disease, a person must inherit a certain gene from both of their biological parents. If a person inherits the gene from only one parent, he or she is only classed as a carrier. This means that the person carries the gene for this disease, but does not suffer from the effects of the disease itself. If someone has received the gene from both of their parents, than this defect that occurs causes problems with the way salt and water move in and out of mucus-producing cells in the body, which causes the mucus to become thick, dry and sticky. Things such as the environment, diet, exercise or other external factors do not cause CF. It is not contagious so it can only be passed from one person to another through inheritance. Cystic fibrosis is usually diagnosed during childhood. Some babies who have the disease may show signs of it immediately but other may not develop symptoms until later on in their lives. The first respiratory symptom of CF is a cough. This will most develop into a repetitive cycle between lung infection and inflammation. This cycle results in lung damage, and as this increases, things such as shortness of breath occur and it becomes harder for the individual to exercise. This lu...

How the jewish american lobby influences congress on us foreigh policy Research Proposal

How the jewish american lobby influences congress on us foreigh policy towards israel - Research Proposal Example Among the most prominent are the Zionist/Jewish groups that have been joined by various Christian groups to form a powerful pro-Israel lobby group. The predominant lobby group among the pro-Israel supporters is the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which together with other powerful Israel friendly groups have been accused of adversely influencing US foreign policy ‘dominating American foreign policy while disguised as a domestic lobby (Gates, 1). However, there are over 60 pro-Israel lobby organisations with the most powerful being AIPAC, Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the American Zionist Council (AZC), and the American Jewish Committee (AJC). Among these, 52 are affiliated to the umbrella body The Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish American Organizations representing American Jews. The Israel lobby has also prospered with the addition of the powerful Christian evangelicals to their cause as the evangelicals enjoy massive support in rural America even though there very few Jews found there. In the UK veteran Labour legislator, Tam Dalyell declared in 2003 that, â€Å"A Jewish cabal have taken over the government in the United States and formed an unholy alliance with fundamentalist Christians †¦ There is far too much Jewish influence in the United States† (Nelson). United States as the only remaining world superpower has thus immense influence on most of the global foreign policy unmatched by any other nation. Since the demise of world communism and the fall of the Berlin Wall, much of the world attention has been expended on the Middle East agenda, which mainly evolves around the toxic Israel-Palestine relations or rather Arab-Israel conflicts. In this regard, the US actions and inactions have shaped its relations with both set of antagonists. The United States unwavering support of Israel has thus shaped its relations with the Arab countries of the Middle East leading

Chinese Media & Culture Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Chinese Media & Culture - Term Paper Example Chinese media is commercial market and people are media addicted. Chinese people are highly media active and they socially interact more on internet than in person. Chinese people are creative and professionals and they use media effectively to benefit their lives. Chinese use media for education, information purpose, industry, art and entertainment. China is a producing country and many products and services are provided by them and use media creatively and they earn more benefits from it .China has more social media user than Face book has and it is very large. Chinese used Face book and Twitter for many purposed like educational, employment and entertainment but lately it is banned. The Chinese had been using radio and television for discussion matters of sensitive nature like politics and cultural issues. The media are advantageous in informing the Chinese people on crime, disaster and matters of human interests. The Chinese media activism is rigorous and hence been an integral part of their lives. The newspaper and radio had been the main media for the Chinese people to sell advertisement and compete in market place. Now internet and television has become a source for entrepreneurs to sell their products and services. The search engine Google is used by elite group of China and academics on a wide basis. Newspapers and radio had been a media extensively used by students and politicians. Now internet is a media which the Chinese use to learn local and international affairs. Online communication has become a vital part of Chinese society and people connect with world instantaneously with the use of media. The media in China is growing especially social media as it is the key way for individuals and businesses to communicate. They also use mobile internet because many people have smart phones and other wireless devices. The communication was Chinese have become much more open with internet and they have immediate

Strategic Management Case Study: Honda

Strategic Management Case Study: Honda Ever since the days of Henry Ford, the global car manufacturing industry, one of the worlds biggest employers, has blazed the trail in both the product innovation, and perhaps most notably for the Japanese motor industry, the development of leading manufacturing methods. The industry is not unlike many others, with blistering competition on all fronts, which makes strategic planning utterly important for both the sort as well as long term survival of any industry player. The ratification of the Kyoto Protocol for instance, spurred car manufacturing companies into the adoption of strategies such as the closed-loop-strategies, in the not only the development of more efficient engines, but also the production, distribution, operation and ultimately recycling of decrepit cars etc. This report presents a review of a number of strategic alternatives by Honda and other automotive industries both in the West as well as Japan, in an attempt to establish the driving force behind Hondas success and growth. The first part of the report gives a description of Honda, followed by the reconciliation of several divergent strategies. Discussion of the differences, if any, between the western and Japanese styles of corporate leadership will unearth the myth behind Japans corporate culture before ultimately concluding with a discussion of the importance of both corporate governance as well as CSR. Contents (Jump to) HONDA, COMPANY PROFILE RECONCILIATION OF DICHOTOMIES PLANNING v. LEARNING POSITIONING VERSUS DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNAL RESOURCES CORE COMPETENCIES VERSUS CORE CAPABILITIES MANAGEMENT STYLES Lifelong Tenure CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CONCLUSIONS RECOMMENDATIONS HONDA, COMPANY PROFILE With over 182,000 employees, ÂÂ ¥ 10,011, 241 million in annual revenues in 2009 coupled with upwards of $ 1370.1 million$ and 1896.4 in operating profits for the FY 2008 and 2009 respectively, Japans Honda is easily the industrys biggest manufactures of motor cycles, besides being a among the leading automobile producers. Operating across the globe, Honda is involved in the development, manufacturing as well as marketing and distribution of motor cars, motor cycles and a range other power products (Honda Ltd, 2010). It was founded in 1946, by Soichiro Honda and subsequently incorporated two years later, followed by years of success and growth as a motor cycle maker. Away from its core business, the companys 105 affiliates and 396 subsidiaries across the world provide financial services to thousands of its clients. It operates a four tier business model which includes the financial services division, motorcycle, automobile as well as power products (Honda Ltd, 2010). Besides multi wagons, Honda also produces a range of passenger cars, SUVs, mini vans, passenger cars, mini vehicles as well as sports coupes among others. Hondas flagship car and motor cycle models include the Accord, Civic, Legend, Insight, Acura CSX and Acura RL, CR-V, Cross Road, ASIMO Robots as well as the scooters among many others. The company recorded sales of over 10,114,000 units mainly in Japan, North America and Europe, representing an 8.5% rise over the previous years figures. Its sales have been on the rise despite through the global economic down turn that hit its American competitors, and largely driven by Toyotas PR woes over alleged flaws in the breaking system in its flagship Prius model. This success is largely attributable to the company strategic preparedness. Case in point, in 2002, it launched a hybrid car model to tap into the ever growing environmentally conscious clientele, besides launching the Environmental Learning Center (based in Texas), while in 2004, the company entered into a strategic partnership with GE, that led into the development and production of a trail blazing light jet engine, suited for business jets. Sethi and Swanson (1984), commencing in the year 2000, the company has embarked on an ambitious program to set up production plants in the emerging car and motor cycle markets, notably China, Argentina, Russia and the motor bike hot spot, Vietnam. The company prides itself with the twin principles of respect individuals and the Three Joys Principle i.e. buying, selling as well creating. These values reflect the company does wish to build on each persons unique abilities and its endeavor to ensure that everyone who comes by purchasing the products or by other means should have a great/joyous experience. Honda ensures this by relentlessly, lead in the creation of value, innovation, new products at accessible prices. RECONCILIATION OF DICHOTOMIES Honda ltds strategic innovation is founded on a process of dichotomies reconciliation which include both learning and planning, positioning on the market vs. internal resources development and lastly, core competencies related to the product against the core capabilities related to the processes. These three dichotomies do representing divergent strategies etc that drive Honda as a company since its establishment and through years of exemplary growth and expansion. De Wit Meyer (2010), assert that a critical look at Hondas strategies points especially its successful entry and dominance of new markets raises questions as to whether, Hondas strategy and subsequent decision making is solidly based on a meticulous, analytical and rational planning or whether its strategies are a direct result of the some decisions/ strategies reached at by the company, which evolved or became modified due to the environmental influences of the industry in which the company operates. PLANNING v. LEARNING While designing its strategies, the company has consistently followed a rational approach based on a critical analysis of the market and the industry environment. This strategy hinges on and it suited for a seasoned industry player such as Honda, since it seeks to built on, and exploit the companys immense experience in the automotive industry (Johnson et al., 2005). As a strategy, this is an important bottom up strategy that uses the already gained knowledge to optimize the companys needs. Planning takes into consideration both the companys resources as well as the environmental factors, as such will most likely utilize the companys set objectives within the constraints. Hondas largely seen as having successfully employed the planning strategy while entering into new markets notably while launching into the US motor cycle industry. Its recent strategic alliances with GE as well as its design and launch of innovative new products and expansion of manufacturing plants, in the ultimate attainment of huge scale economies and extremely law costs represent examples of internal planning. Planning is largely apparent from an outsiders point of view. However, interviews with the companys top management reveal a far different picture that suggests at best a company that is far from an overly rational, academic planning seeking to impose its corporate values and policies on the market and the industry, but rather a company, with a management structure that is at all times willing to learn. It is evident and widely accepted by many observers that Hondas strategies have evolved, without a clear plan or analysis of the industry. Case in point, the huge success attained by the companys 50 cc Supercab surprised everyone including the companys management. Mintzberg et al. (1998) observe that though the companys strategy may have looked analytical and well thought out, the management did blunder severally up until the market gave them the correct formula. Rational planning on its own is hardly, suited to many organizations and is in fact removed from the day to day running of a business as compared to learning, which permits management to continually develop and adjust their policies and strategies as they are implemented, in the light of new experience (De Wit Meyer, 2010). Hondas development of hybrid vehicles and energy efficient models e.g. the Honda Civic Sedan, in the wake of Toyotas success in the same field represent examples of learning from the environment. Honda has as well launched joint ventures in RD with other companies. Using both strategies gives the company an advantage, not least because it only allows the formulation of strategies that best meet both the internal resources as well as the environmental factors prevailing in the industry. POSITIONING VERSUS DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNAL RESOURCES Hondas positioning helps its brand to be associated with a given market segment. It is an equally helpful guide to the companys other strategies, particularly the marketing strategy, not least because it does clarify the essence of the brand and the helps the consumers to better identify the goals that the product seeks to meet in a unique way. In positioning a product or brand, managers must make decisions, seeking to appeal a given segment of the population, while at once risking losing the other(s). Honda has placed its various products on the basis of benefit, target, distribution as well as prices. The company offers competitive prices owing to its scale and technology advantages, which in turn permits it to achieve better client franchises. This strategy does however; affect the prestige of the brand, besides reducing the profit margins. Target, distribution and benefit positioning, that has seen the introduction of green models to serve the needs of green conscious clients, co upled by Hondas expansion into India, China and Vietnam, which was entirely meant at catering for emerging middle class in those countries. As against, development of internal resources, Hondas product positioning allows it to use fewer resources but still reach the target markets. It however, has enormous resources in capital, management, cutting production technology as well as manpower, which have driven the companys expansion across the globe. More investment in RD is, and has been possible, leading to greater innovation. While other smaller industry players struggle with limited resources constraining their RD as well as expansion, bigger companies like Honda, Toyota and GM can attain a better edge in the industry. Hondas has been able to pursue both strategies owing to the availability of niche products that it has successfully positioned e.g. motor bikes in Vietnam (over 400,000 units in annual sales), coupled by its huge availability of resources which allows it rope for RD, diversification and expansion. This does not entirely hold though, Honda spends just a fifth of GM expenditure on RD and launches fewer mode ls than the latter, yet it products/models are more successful than GMs. CORE COMPETENCIES VERSUS CORE CAPABILITIES Competencies are as a result of coordination of multiple production skills as well as a complex coordination of numerous technologies. They give a company access to newer markets; provide high barriers for competitors to enter the market, besides contributing considerably to the benefits of the end product(s). Hondas core competencies as regards products are the driving force behind the development of the numerous, innovative end user products. Hamel Prahalad regard Hondas product competencies as a brilliant example of how a small company can break into, and establish itself in a mature, stable market. In 2010 alone, Honda has set up a solar H2 station (Los Angeles), introduced the versatile iGX and GX engine series for general purposes. The company has as well produced lithium-ion based batteries intended for the new range of hybrid motor vehicles, alongside an ELC to spear head its green agenda. Honda is famed for its ability to recycle technologies in all its range of products, affording it RD efficiency. There are elements of core capabilities associated with its processes, but perhaps far lacking behind Toyota and many other industry players. These include efficient distribution channels, cost effective production processes. It trains dealers, determines shop floor plans and has strict operating procedures among others. Core product competencies in the automobile industry are far superior to the process capabilities and Hondas success is an outstanding testimony to this fact. MANAGEMENT STYLES Japanese and Hondas management styles do differ from the American style in at least six distinct aspects. These include differences in the interdepartmental relationships, communication patterns, and supervisory styles, mechanisms for control as well as existence of, or lack of a paternalistic orientation. According to Hofstede (2004), these differences largely stem from the inherent cultural differences between the two countries, which in turn influence the respective corporate cultures. Lifelong Tenure Most of the companies in Japan do provide lifelong jobs to their employees, with greater emphasis being laid on not age, but also seniority. Promotions are thus much more difficult, just as there is greater job security for the workers. Many organizations effectively hire employees for the, and are interested in the long term objectives as against Americas corporate worlds obsession with short term goals. Case in point, Hondas top management i.e. Satoshi Aoki (Chairman), Takanobu Ito, Koichi Kondo and Atsuyoshi Hyogo joined the company in 1968, 1978, 2000 and 1972 respectively, during which time they have risen through the ranks to reach the top management. On the contrary, the western corporate world is characterized by short term contracts for both managers and workers, charged with meeting short term objectives. Teams v. Individuals In contrast with the Western model where managers are responsible for decision making and subsequently accountable for the decisions reached, the Japanese system recognizes the importance of individual expertise, but the performance of the entire team is more emphasized than an individuals. In the western corporate world (Germany and American), certain employees have the star statuses e.g. in Germany, the engineers play central roles to the success of motor companies. Some elements of convergence exist though. Long apprenticeships and cadres (seniorities in Japan) do exist both in Germany, France as well as the Netherlands. Employees attain positions, promotions etc. through years of internships, apprenticeships or memberships to given classes-attained through education and or experience. Decision Making While most western corporations are characterized by top down decision making, the Japanese style of management is largely characterized by collective decision making by individual teams. Hondas decision making is characterized by the Ringi system, where decisions are passed based on a consensus of all the employees in a department or even the entire organization. This management style is identical to that practiced in Holland, except that the latter is anchored on existing contracts or class differences of among the employees. Communication As against the largely bureaucratic communication, hierarchical channels characterizing western corporations, which is largely effective and efficient, the Japanese channels of communication compromise in large part of face-to-face communication. These comprise everything from provision of information regarding assignment of tasks, responsibilities, organizational goals and the development and rechanneling of feedbacks. Implicit Mechanism of Control Honda ltd is concerned with building of its relationships with it biggest assets, the employees. Inspired by its philosophy Respect for the Individual, the company always seeks to develop collaborative relationships with each and every employee, where all mechanisms of control and supervision are largely informal. Supervisors work alongside other employees, who are involved, the decision making, which in turn renders decision making, execution of decisions and reception of feedback a lot more expedient. On the contrary, Hondas competitors run on a rigid, formal control mechanism. This sets goals, measurable, complete with targets that must be met by departments, franchises and individual employees, while the Japanese system is anchored on the management philosophies that all employees as well as managers identify with. Departmental Relationships Pascale Athos (1981), states that attainment of the goals set for a department etc requires inputs not just from the concerned departments, but perhaps most importantly, close collaboration with other departments in the company or even other organizations. Formal (necessary) relationships largely accomplish these goals (characteristic of the western model), while the Japanese style has an extra dimension; voluntary collaboration which is far more productive and results in greater knowledge sharing. Paternalistic Orientation Honda and many other Japanese companies are concerned by the holistic needs of every employee, including the concern for the well being of their families (Culpan, 2009). This imposes a social support role on the managers, a feature which is largely absent in the western world, safe for a limited number of family organizations. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY With car markets in the developed world already saturated, most car companys are looking abroad in the emerging markets notably China, India and Brazil. A recent study by TNS shows that car buyers rate car makers more according to their CSR than those consumer in the first world, thus companies that perform better in this sphere stand a far greater chance of winning the hearts and minds of the new middle class is guaranteed success. In 2005, Honda was ranked the UKs best car company based on its social responsibility initiatives, by the foremost research company on automotives, TNS Automotive. It performs equally well in the US, Indonesia, Italy and Spain among other countries alongside BMW, Shell, Malaysias Petronas, Michelin and Germanys Porsche (Nissan Corp., 2010). Honda spent over 2.3% of its annual revenues in 2009, on its CSR commitments, with the environment taking the lions share of the budget. The company has undertaken numerous actions in an attempt to meet the challenges posed by global warming and climate change. With the reputation of the automobile industry and fossil fuels already damaged, due to its huge carbon footprints, and the growing fears among the public of air pollution, it is only reasonable that companies act in accordance to the wishes of the consumers. Honda has initiated the LCA system, which identifies and sets targets for the required actions. The company develops energy efficient models, adheres by the 3Rs (in design) and noise reduction etc. Hondas corporate governance is a typical Japanese style bottom down structure, characterized by collective decision making and a collective sense of belonging among to the company that in turn reflects on the companys performance (Honda Ltd, 2010). Any companys corporate governance does determine the direction that it assumes, which ultimately reflects on its financial performance. Nissans corporate philosophy, governance as well CSR activities are not different from Hondas. It seeks to bring enrichment of the peoples lives and the environment in which they operate. It has made CSR an important part of its corporate management policies. It has devised its green purchasing guidelines, coupled with Nissan-Renault Suppliers Guidelines, which ensure that the companys entire supply chain is green and serves the purposes of the policies set by its top management. Through its charitable arm, Chryslers management makes annual donations to needy communities, projects and causes (Chrysler, 2010). In 2009, the company advanced upwards of $100000 to Good Harvest geared at combating hunger. The companys CSR initiatives are not as extensive as both Nissan and Hondas partly because the company caters for the luxury market segments that are in the main concerned about the quality and luxury as against a companys CSR etc. CONCLUSIONS Honda is largely touted by observers and varied literatures in strategic management. Its strategies have largely been used either rightly or wrongly to back up a number of conceptual dichotomies, with contracting positions i.e. learning v. analytical planning, core capabilities v competencies etc. Most of these assumptions, and evidences have however, proven erroneous owing to empirical mistakes that result into the over emphasis of the companies strengths, while its mistakes go largely unnoticed. Further, strategies and explanations are expressed in form of reductionist, single-sided theories that largely fail to portray the actual strategic orientation of Honda. Hondas thrives on reconciling dichotomies. Thus many observers in the west have largely missed out in studying, learning from and understanding Honda. Rohlen (1974), it is evident that capabilities as well as competencies can possibly complement one another, forming into one theory. The latter does focus on the production expertise and technologies while the capabilities serving to improve the whole chain of value. Capabilities are far more visible and easily appreciated by the clients than are product competencies. Hondas ability to meet high targets and post tremendous growth rates is largely due to its tendency to set stretched targets, which brings into direct competition with the biggest players in the automotive industry. In order to compete, it uses its resource base to compete by either providing niche products or undercutting competitors on basis of cost advantages, attained through scale economies. This ability to leverage her resources offers the key to its success, as against the widely fabled Japanese management styles. This style is widely different from and more appealing that the western style corporate management is only suitable for the Japanese and Asian environments. There are aspects in both management styles that could beneficially be, and have largely been adopted by either side to the great advantage of the corporations, but not the complete management packages as they will be utter failures in the other ones environment (Schein, 1981). Finally, this report has demonstrated the importance of corporate governance, policy and CSR is important in the ever changing consumer tastes as well as preferences, and most importantly, increasing consumer awareness. RECOMMENDATIONS Increased spending and expansion of Hondas and other automotive companies in CSR, environmental protection and production of innovative environmentally friendly models should continue as the only way counter changing consumer needs as well as the changing times. The Western and Japanese styles of corporate management should be blended to suit both the practical and strategic objectives of each organization. Reconciliation of strategies is crucial for success and helps companies reap the benefits of divergent strategies, thus companies must seek common grounds between strategies rather than opting for only one.

Free Oedipus Rex Essays: The Role of Characters :: Oedipus the King Oedipus Rex

The Role of Characters in Oedipus the King Characters play a very important role in the play "Oedipus the King" by Sophocles. Without characters, the play would lack a certain dimension and be very difficult to read. The presence of characters in the play make it more easily understood. If characters did not appear in the play it would be close to impossible to understand it since everything that takes place is through the words of the characters. Also if there were no characters the outcome of the play would be different. The significance of characters in the play is very obvious. Without them the play would be much shorter and much more boring. The role of characters is very important to the play. Characters make the play possible just by the virtue of existing. If they did not exist the play would not either. If the play did not exist then the characters would not either. The characters and the play are codependent and need to have a symbiotic relationship to ensure their mutual survival. A lack of characters in the play would make very difficult reading and perhaps more difficult viewing. A lack of characters would necessitate some other device to be used and a substitute has not been found that replaces the role characters play in a play. An example from the play is when Oedipus was speaking to Teiresias: "I did not know then you would talk like a fool ­or it would have been long before I called you". If there had not been any characters in this play, this could not have happened. If the play did not have characters the outcome would be much different. All the actions and conversations could not have taken place without the use of characters. Characters made the play and its tragedy possible. Without characters nothing could have taken place. They made it possible for Oedipus to kill his father and have sex with his mother and for everything that was bad to happen. If Jocasta or better Oedipus did not exist within the context of the play everyone would have been much happier and the tragedy could have been avoided. Even if the herdsman who saved Oedipus as a child did not exist or the messenger from Cithaeron the tragedy of the play would have been avoided and made for a much happier ending.

Vannah

Two hundred and six years ago, high officials of two nations deliberately turned 5,000 square miles of Southwest Louisiana into a safe refuge for violent criminals who flocked to it from all over the young nation. This is how it happened. In 1803, the united States had paid France $15 million to abandon its claim to 828,00 square miles of land in the brand-new America. It was called the Louisiana purchase, but we TLD actually buy the land. America and France both claimed the land, and e paid France SSL 5 million to abandon its claim, leaving us as sole owners of the land.When the Louisiana Purchase was announced, Spain protested, saying France had no right to include a 5,000-square-mile strip of land in what is now Southwest Louisiana in the Louisiana Purchase. Spain said the land had been found by Spanish explorers and claimed for Spain. We argued that the Louisiana Purchase was history and we wouldn't try to change It. Spain said It wanted its land. The argument got hotter. When bo th sides hinted they might use military force to support their claims, lore but not wiser heads stepped in.The cool heads suggested that the disputed land be set aside and belong to nobody until ownership was decided by peaceful negotiation. Both America and Spain liked the idea. Thus was born the Neutral Strip. The disputed land being put aside was bound on the West by the Sabine River in East Texas. It was bound on the East by El Arroyo, the Spanish name for what is now the Calcifies River. It was bound on the South by the Gulf of Mexico, and on the North by the 32nd parallel, which was near Southeast in Red River Parish.The Neutral Strip included all or portions of the present Louisiana parishes of De Sotto, Sabine, Nuthatches, Vernon, Rapider, Beauregard, Allen, Calcifies,Jefferson Davis and Cameron. The rules or the Neutral Strip were simple: I For whatever time it took to peacefully negotiate ownership, the disputed land would belong to nobody. I Nobody would be allowed to liv e on the disputed land, which would also be off-alms or anyone In the military or law enforcement. I Since the Neutral strip would have no Inhabitants, there was no need for laws, ordinances, ales or regulations.The Neutral Strip opened in 1806, and the response was immediate. The strip became known as No Man's Land, and it seemed that every criminal in our young nation heard of it and moved into No Man's Land. Squatters took over land uninvited. It seemed that anybody who asked got grants from Spain for small tracts of land. Runaway slaves sought refuge there. Convicts who escaped from prison disappeared Into No Man's Land. So did military deserters , criminals sought for smuggling contraband goods, murderers, robbers, counterfeiters and rapists.Bands left No Man's Land to rob trade caravans, then disappeared again in No Man's Land. Other bands left long enough to rob homes and businesses before returning and melting into the lawless crowds in No Man's Land. Even joint military uni ts hesitated before entering No Man's Land. Two raids, in 1812 and 1816, netted few arrests and caused little Interruption of criminal activities. Inside the strip, there Land kept loaded guns in their houses. A curious mind-set developed that was copied years later by lawmen in some cities.The feeling was that having the worst elements of society gathered into one area created more safety in other parts of the city or parish. The same mind-set that led to red light districts and allowed criminals to congregate in specific areas of a city or parish. There were several roads across the 50-mile width of the strip that retained the Spanish names of Camino Real (Royal Road) which became routes of terror for traders. Some traders skirted No Mans' Land to the South by using schooners to carry goods to Galveston and other Texas ports for distribution.To the North, traders skirted No Man's Land by going through upper Red River Parish. After 13 years of crime and violence in No Man's Land, r elief came from an unexpected source. The Adams-Ions Treaty of 1819, known as the Transcontinental Treaty, was a pact between the United States and Spain. It was mainly directed at Florida. Under the agreement, we paid Spain $5 million and Spain withdrew its claim on Florida. In what was considered a lesser clause in the Transcontinental Treaty, Spain also gave up its claim on any land in Louisiana. With that silent stroke, No Man's Land died.