Ethical Analysis of Gumdrop Northern

At the conclusion of this audit, the following ethical Issues were identified: emergence to International law and treaties by exporting manufactured landmines to Afghanistan and Iran; use of substandard materials used to construct body armor; disclosing Information from the military that would prevent Injuries; and the formulated plan to send out notices under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, and severing ties to the collective bargaining agreement which resulted in 100+ employees out of work.Despite the several issues that have been identified, we are optimistic that we can implement solutions that can correct these incidents and prevent future issues from happening. Due to the magnitude of the issues that were found it is essential to get a basic understanding of business in ethics. Ethics can be perceived differently among people because it has several nuances. According to Frederica, Farrell and Farrell, The American Heritage Dictionary defines ethics as, â€Å"The study of the general nature of morals and of specific moral choices, moral philosophy, and the rules or standards governing the conduct of the members of a profession. (p. 7). This Is a good starting point to help us further understand the importance of ethical compliance. For the purpose of this memorandum, the definition that will be used is the principles, values, and standards that businesses should adhere to, to ensure it is acting within ethical standards. Furthermore, studying ethics in business is very important because ethical misconduct is a considerable concern in business throughout the world. My ethics committee and I have referenced this definition and statement through the duration of our audit, and is the foundation of our findings.Now that we have discussed the definition and importance of ethics in business, we will discuss ACH ethical Issue that was discovered in Gumdrop Northerner operations. After each ethical Issue has been addressed, we will di scuss potential solutions and our reasoning for the betterment In your short and long-term goals. Ethical Issue #1 : Ignorance to International Law and Treaties by exporting manufactured landmines to Afghanistan and Iran. This is a very dynamic issue because there is conflict of interest.This conflicts with your parent company, the Department of Defense because you are a long-term military contractor that manufactures munitions, body armor and armored vehicles for the United States military. The U. S. Litany is currently fighting in a decade-long war in the Middle East, and landmines have been common amongst the fatalities since the beginning of the war. Improvised explosive devices (Deeds) have continued to be the number one killer of United States armed forces in Afghanistan, and 60 percent of all combat- related deaths in 2011 alone were caused by Deeds (Moral, 2011).Deeds are the most common method used by insurgent groups and rebels who wage non-traditional warfare, and are des igned to kill or cause serious bodily harm. The conflict of interest that my committee and I are most concerned with is the simple fact that you are opposed to supply effective body armor to the coalition forces to protect them from explosive blasts, but you are also supplying the enemy with the essential tools that cause these aforementioned explosive blasts.This conflict of interest not only violates international law and treaty, but you are potentially responsible for deaths of uniformed personnel serving in the armed forces. It is your responsibility to behave ethically, and this has not happened by your ignorance to the law, and the endangerment you have caused to uniformed personnel. In addition, the landmines hat you sell to the Taliban and Iranian government are defective, and many of who attempted to plant the mines was killed in the process due to the faulty switches.It should also be noted that many of these deaths were children and soldiers of each respective country. Th is ignorance on every angle is unethical by all counts. The basis of this ethical issue can have a wide range of effects legally, and can have severe repercussions on corporate stakeholders. The legal effects are very straightforward. The company can potentially be taken to court to file the violation of international law, and the consequences can be severe.For example, Department of Justice lawyers are rumored to be involved where families of injured or killed service members can consult attorneys to investigate Gumdrop Northerner contributions. Furthermore, the stakeholders are also potentially at risk. Anyone who has a stake or claim in your business can be directly affected because of your negligence to law, and this can damage your reputation, which is important in keeping your contract with the Department of Defense. In addition, it can Jeopardize the future of your company.Ethical Issue #2: The Use of Substandard Materials Used in the Company's Manufacturing and Failure to Di sclose to Stakeholders It has also been brought to our attention that Gumdrop Northern has utilized substandard materials in their manufacturing. Given the nature of your business, the United States military needs state of the art body armor that has the sophistication to stop penetrating shrapnel aimed for the body. The use of substandard materials is unacceptable because the safety of our soldiers is paramount in today's war.The body armor is the primary mode of protection that protects America's sons and daughters, and the armor you are providing the U. S. Litany does not protect them to Afghanistan and Iran. The substandard material is not only limited to the personnel body armor, but it also is connected to the armored vehicles used to transport military personnel throughout the theater. It has been revealed that there is a thin sheet of steel on the underside of the vehicle that makes them extremely vulnerable to improvised explosive device explosions.This is alarming because, as previously mentioned, Deeds are among the chief causes of death of soldiers. You have structured a vehicle that is protective on the sides and top, but have ignored arguably the most important part of up-armored vehicles used in the Middle East. This also leads to the negligence of the company to disclose this information to its primary and secondary stakeholders, and failure to understand the stakeholder orientation. The failure to disclose information can cause the rescission of an agreement.In your case, the Department of Defense can void the agreement with your company and also pursue a money settlement. Also, the purpose of the stakeholder orientation is for you to understand and address the demands of a stakeholder. The U. S. Litany is your primary stakeholder and you have failed to meet their demands and standards by using substandard materials and failing to disclose this information to them. It is your responsibility along with other top managers in Gumdrop to act in a responsible manner by providing truthful information to all stakeholders.We have found in our audit that you have failed in this field, and you have not complied with ethical standards. Ethical Issue #3: The formulated plan to send out notices under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, and severing ties to the collective arraigning agreement, which resulted in 100+ employees out of work. We have found that your actions under the WARN Act are completely legal because you have acted within all the guidelines underlined in the act. Also, your plan to file for bankruptcy to reject the collective bargaining agreement is another area of concern.However, we believe it is unethical to do so because of the circumstances that you have found yourself in the aforementioned ethical issues. This issue is controversial because you are middling between the lines of ethical and legal issues. We believe that this is an unnecessary approach, and there are other venues to pursu e to resolve the issues at hand. I believe you should place significant value on your shareholders because they are primarily responsible for the day-to-day operations and ensuring your company is bringing in profit.Therefore, you should treat your people right and you can accomplish this by giving them a fair shot. If you trade seats at the table, it would seem unfair to dump them so quickly because they have families to feed, bills to pay and priorities to maintain; so we think you should do the right thing and help them in any way possible. The ethical issues hat we have identified are substantial and they can have serious potential effects on the reputation of your company and its future. With that said, we have outlined a detailed plan that we have formulated as the best for the business.Resolving the Ethical Issues: All of the issues have been put on the table and addressing possible solutions is statement of Gumdrop because this is where we believe you have failed. We suggest that a meeting is held by the Board of Directors to re-tool the mission statement of Gumdrop Northern. When all of the issues are put on the table it helps to have all eye players there to innovative think of the direction the company wants to move in. For the first ethical issue, the resolution is quite simple.We believe that Gumdrop Northern should adhere to international law and treaty by severing your ties with Afghanistan and Iran. It doesn't make sense to supply the enemy with antipersonnel ammunition, and protect the individuals fighting the enemy. Although more than half of your profits derive from these clandestine operations, it is conflicting with your interest by protecting the United States military with your manufactured products. This relationship should be terminated, and it should tie into your company's mission statement.Furthermore, it is your moral and ethical responsibility to report your shortcomings. I believe that showing integrity defines a company, and thi s can be the first step to repairing and strengthening your relationship with your stakeholders. It is also a great first step into repairing your corporate image. Moving on, the second ethical issue that we discovered is definitely a priority in addressing. The United States Military deserves the best protection because of their illnesses to volunteer their lives to fight for our freedom.Gumdrop Northern is using substandard materials when superior equipment should be used in preparing the body armor and armored vehicles. I think that the best solution to this problem is using the best equipment available to help protect the soldiers. I believe you should immediately recall all the body armor that has been issued, and rebuild the body armor that the soldiers use. This move is good for your image because it shows you have identified faults in your products, and will work relentlessly to alter it to meet military standards.You are also doing yourself a favor by telling your primary s takeholder that there are issues with your product, which is something that you have failed to do so. In addition, you should also revamp the armored vehicles that you supply to the troops. This is the primary mode of the transportation for uniformed personnel, and ensuring the safest vehicle possible should be a priority. Gumdrop Northern should provide additional sheets of metal to the bottom of the vehicle to strengthen the most vulnerable part of the vehicle. Finally, the third ethical issue can be resolved by not doing any of it.It is our belief that you should take responsibility for your actions, and slowly repair your image. I believe that taking care of your shareholders is important in business because they make sure your company is working. Therefore, the essential portion of this resolution is to own up to your mistakes and build on what you have. This solution shows ethical responsibility, and this is the focal point of this memorandum. I previously mentioned that an es sential part of this meeting is also to identify fiduciary duties of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Operation Officer.It is the ethical responsibilities of each of these managers to gain back the trust and confidence of the stakeholders (I. E. – United States Military). This is the best alternative that is the best for the business considering the ethical issues that were identified and the potential circumstances that were discussed. It is the right thing to fixing your problems. By owning up to your mistakes it may damage your company's problems in the short-term, but you are strengthening your company in the long run.I believe the first couple of months will be difficult because of the backlash you'll chive by showing your integrity, but with strength and perseverance, Gumdrop Northern can return to prominence. I also believe that part of repairing the company is implementing an ethics committee and appointing an individual to act as the ethics officer. I believ e this is essential because it would help prevent issues like the previously mentioned from happening in the future. It also will keep Gumdrop Northern in ethical compliance. Your company has fallen short in this area, and it should be a priority in your company's mission statement.

International Marketing

In addition, the celebrations. Com we Bessie informs that there now exists a huge gap between the rich and the poor in BRB jail, which would lessen when poor people have access to education and the opportunity to develop reading skills. In a recent article dated October 1 , 2013, the www. Goalposts. Com website reports that Brazil now experiences disappointing economic growth. Despite President Dilemma Recourses efforts to revive the economy with stimulus packages and TA x cuts, the GAP grew only 0. 6 percent and both stock market and currency rates plume Ted.Other economic problems in Brazil include: â€Å"high salary costs, falling productivity, an d terrible 2 logistical bottlenecks that Rousseau has not yet addressed† ( l). In addition, Humblers Barbara, president of BEANIE, a lobby group for the elect Nils industry, predicts that unless infrastructure resolves its problems, industry will I continue to suffer ( 1 The website also informs that household consumption grew jus t 0. 1 percent due to inflation which adversely affected the purchasing power of consumers. In order to combat the problem of high inflation Brazil has increase seed interest rates.Brazier's business leaders have also encore raged Rousseau to reform tax a ND labor costs â€Å"so factories can regain their competitiveness at home and abroad† ( 2). Although Brazil now experiences these problems, the article states that Brazier's economy still flourishes in some areas. These areas include: low unemployment, strong foreign investment levels, Recourses approval rate of 80 percent, and a strong harvest and increased agricultural activity. In addition, Guide Ma enter (Brazier's Finance Minister) asserts that the investment growth trend will contain u.The article concludes with David Reese' (an economist for Capital Economics in Loon don) suggestion that Brazil should rebalanced the economy towards investment in 0 order to create growth rates of five percent, which investors want to see ( 3). A recent article in The Economist titled ‘ ‘The Price is Wrong,† and dated September 28, 2013 reports that â€Å"Brazil offers appalling value for money† ( www. Economist. Com 1). The article states that a pizza in Brazil costs 530 and also that a cheap, windowless hotel room in ROI costs $250/ night.The article also reports that 3 payroll taxes are 58% Of salary, that a Broadminded car costs 45% less in Mix than in Brazil, that a smartened costs 50% more than in the US, and that large domestic appliances and cars cost 50% more than in other Mendocino coo entries. The article presents the following reasons why these problems exist in Brazil: or infrastructure, high crime rates that necessitate an army of 650,000 security g awards, expensive office rents, expensive credit, decreased household consumption, a decreased exports of manufacturing goods.The article explains that the Brazil liana people go on foreign shopping sprees in order to make more e conomical purr chases and to avoid the â€Å"Custom Brazil† which â€Å"refers to the increased operational costs ass associated with doing business in Brazil, making Brazilian goods and services more expel noise compared to other countries† ( www. Economist Another recent article in , titled â€Å"Stuck in the Mud,† and dated June 8, 201 3 describes the current economic growth of Brazil as feeble limited.The article informs that Brazil now experiences a trade deficit, a shrink king primary fiscal surplus, and growing government debt mainly due to domestic rigidities. The article also discusses Dilemma Recourses efforts to â€Å"stimulate growth by hike Eng public spending and the minimum wage, and forcing starters banks to lend more† ( 2). Again, despite these efforts, consumer confidence continues to suffer, which greatly impairs economic growth.The government (the Centre al Bank) has responded by increasing base interest rates to 8% in addition to elim inate g a tax on foreign purchases of bonds in order to increase currency inflows and to â€Å"slow the weakening Of the real† ( 2). The government has also attempted to 4 solve these problems by encouraging investment and discouraging consumption Ion. However, these efforts proved unsuccessful for the steamrollered oil giant p terrors, for the grandmotherly industry, and for the electricity and banking industry sees.Other attempts to correct the dismal situation include: investments in the oil industry Y, the government's attempts to attract bidders to its road and rail concessions, and stimulating sales to increase business confidence. However, the challenging a ND diverse political landscape in Brazil, as well as Recourses inability to be diploma attic, will most likely cause further corrective actions to be unsuccessful. Http://Brasilia. Com/economy/ http://www. interdependence. Com/Brazil/economy. HTML http://www. celebrations. Com/bristlecone. HTML http://www. Goalposts . Mom/dispatch/news/thunderstorms/131001 / barometrically http://www. Economist. Com/news/ species Loretta/21 586678whybrazi I paraprofessional's Americas/21579048feeblegrowthhasforcedchange c b. Demographics As of July 2012, Brazil had a population of 199,321,413 people, with the majors y being in the 2554 age range. The majority of their population (87%) resides in urban areas. The largest city in Brazil is SAA Paulo with about 20 million residents. Ri o De Jeanine, where the 2016 Summer Olympics will be held, is the second largest c tit with about 12 million residents.In terms of diversity, over half of Brazier's residents are Caucasian and the sec 5 largest group is mulatto (mixed), making up almost 40% of the total population n. The official and most widely spoken language is Portuguese. The largest religious group IS Roman Catholic, with almost thirds of the demographic. A vast majority of Brazilian are literate with 89% of the population fifteen years old and over be inning a ble to read and write. ( http://www. Undermine. Com/Brazil/demographics_profile. HTML ) c. Cultural information Sports are very popular and important in Brazil.Most citizens regularly follow participate in various sport activities. The most popular sport in Brazil is foot all (American soccer). It is said that football â€Å"†¦ Is in the blood of the people of Bra Brazier's tropical climate is excellent for playing and practicing football. Brazil is also the only country to have participated in and qualified for all of the Football World Cups to date. The Brazilian soccer team is known all over the world for their brilliant Pl areas. Everyone in Brazil, from small villages to large cities, is known to go crazy for t heir country during the World Cup.Brazilian are known for the pride they feel for their country during sporting events. Brazil holds the most wins for the World Cup with five wins, known to Brazilian as the â€Å"Pentane†. The most dollied Brazilian soccer P l areas are Cafe, Aid, Ronald, and Reinhold. Sports such as sailing and golf are considered to be for the high class and are not accessible to the general public. Brazilian also enjoy footloose, basketball l, tennis, auto racing, and volleyball ( http://www. Mayflowers. Com/Brazil/sports/ Women's football has gathered an increasing share of interest in Brazil.The country's SST ring of successes in volleyball since the midnight century have made it Brazier's second most 6 popular sport. Municipal governments often provide volleyball courts and 10th recreational equipment for the country's beaches, including ROI De Jeaneries FAA moss Copernican and Panama. Brazier's beaches are gathering places for young pee people, the more athletic of which play football and various racket games. Brazilian chasm pincushion of beach football and volleyball draw thousands of spectators and television.Brazil has competed in every Olympic Games since 1920, except the 1 928 Summer Games in Amsterdam. It has been successful in many events, include Eng transfixed, swimming, yachting, and such team sports as football, volleyball l, and basketball. In 2009 the International Olympic Committee selected ROI De Jeanie or as the site of the 201 6 Summer Games. It was the first city in South America to be chi seen to host the Olympics. Http://www. Britannica. Com/Checked/topic/781 01 ‘Brazil/25115/ Superconductivity II.Background on Underarm (Mary Kate) under Armor, a relatively new company was established in 1 998 by a former University of Maryland football player, Kevin Plank, who was sick of repeatedly changing his sweat soaked Theists during football camp and took it upon him elf to invent a new type of This that would keep athletes cool, dry and light by rep ailing moisture. Under Armor has come a long way from young Kevin Plank selling Theists along the east coast out of his grandma's basement-?on November 18, 2005 Under Armor went public and became the first Seabed initial publi c offering to do blew on the first day in five years.Over the years the company began to expand its pr duct line to providing clothing for different weather temperaments, creating equipment t for various 7 sports fields, as well as developing lines for women and children. They have e expanded from the clothing collegiate sports team and now sponsor numerous professor Anal sports teams and world's athletes which include Olympian, national champions, etc. They have expanded in a global scale to Europe, China, Canada, Japan, parts of LATA America and are known as a global leader in performance footwear, apparel, accessories.Today, Under Armor has revenues approaching $2 billion dollar s and continues to maintain its mission to â€Å"make all athletes better through passion , design, and the relentless pursuit for innovation by creating exchanging products t hat provide an advantage for athletes. † Under Armor takes its corporate responsibility very seriously. As outlined on its companies website, AU operates under the core values with which the comma NY was established: innovation, inspiration, reliability, and integrity.They only seek to do business with third parties that operate under these values as well. Under Ar ours products are made by thirdly manufacturers: consequently, they hold these e third parties to the high standards in which they hold themselves. AU will not do buy seines with any companies that use any form of forced labor, child labor, or harass .NET/abuse on their employees. The CIA suppliers and subcontractors must provide their employees with a safe and healthy working environment and comply with all laws and re solutions.AU must provide employees with at least legally mandated minimum wage an d benefits. The employees of CIA and its suppliers or subcontractors are not forced to woo ark more Han 48 hours with 12 hours overtime and countries that have no limit on how RSI worked must provide one day Off out Of every seven days Of work. CIA complies with a 8 environmental regulations, rules, and standards as well as making all subsonic reactors and contractors comply with all local, state, federal, national, and international I laws, rules, and regulations in the company of manufacture.The suppliers and sub contractors are regularly monitored by ALGA internal employees and third party contractors . As well as taking corporate responsibility seriously, CIA prides itself on its community involvement. They created CIA Giveback which partners with prior ms that are dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer, environmental sustainability , supporting military and law enforcement, and empowering youth athletes. From a marketing perspective, Under Armor target athletes of all ages as we as fans as they have entered into the collegiate and professional sports appear el market.Internationally, this is an asset to the company as well as having lines of cloths Eng for all ages and genders. AU has unique temperature specifi c clothing that can cater to the specific temperaments as they expand on a global level. However, it appears as if Under Armor is heavily rooted in its football background in America which el eaves room to question the company's success on an international level as it tries to break free of its American football image in countries where the sport is nearly nonexistent. International Marketing In addition, the celebrations. Com we Bessie informs that there now exists a huge gap between the rich and the poor in BRB jail, which would lessen when poor people have access to education and the opportunity to develop reading skills. In a recent article dated October 1 , 2013, the www. Goalposts. Com website reports that Brazil now experiences disappointing economic growth. Despite President Dilemma Recourses efforts to revive the economy with stimulus packages and TA x cuts, the GAP grew only 0. 6 percent and both stock market and currency rates plume Ted.Other economic problems in Brazil include: â€Å"high salary costs, falling productivity, an d terrible 2 logistical bottlenecks that Rousseau has not yet addressed† ( l). In addition, Humblers Barbara, president of BEANIE, a lobby group for the elect Nils industry, predicts that unless infrastructure resolves its problems, industry will I continue to suffer ( 1 The website also informs that household consumption grew jus t 0. 1 percent due to inflation which adversely affected the purchasing power of consumers. In order to combat the problem of high inflation Brazil has increase seed interest rates.Brazier's business leaders have also encore raged Rousseau to reform tax a ND labor costs â€Å"so factories can regain their competitiveness at home and abroad† ( 2). Although Brazil now experiences these problems, the article states that Brazier's economy still flourishes in some areas. These areas include: low unemployment, strong foreign investment levels, Recourses approval rate of 80 percent, and a strong harvest and increased agricultural activity. In addition, Guide Ma enter (Brazier's Finance Minister) asserts that the investment growth trend will contain u.The article concludes with David Reese' (an economist for Capital Economics in Loon don) suggestion that Brazil should rebalanced the economy towards investment in 0 order to create growth rates of five percent, which investors want to see ( 3). A recent article in The Economist titled ‘ ‘The Price is Wrong,† and dated September 28, 2013 reports that â€Å"Brazil offers appalling value for money† ( www. Economist. Com 1). The article states that a pizza in Brazil costs 530 and also that a cheap, windowless hotel room in ROI costs $250/ night.The article also reports that 3 payroll taxes are 58% Of salary, that a Broadminded car costs 45% less in Mix than in Brazil, that a smartened costs 50% more than in the US, and that large domestic appliances and cars cost 50% more than in other Mendocino coo entries. The article presents the following reasons why these problems exist in Brazil: or infrastructure, high crime rates that necessitate an army of 650,000 security g awards, expensive office rents, expensive credit, decreased household consumption, a decreased exports of manufacturing goods.The article explains that the Brazil liana people go on foreign shopping sprees in order to make more e conomical purr chases and to avoid the â€Å"Custom Brazil† which â€Å"refers to the increased operational costs ass associated with doing business in Brazil, making Brazilian goods and services more expel noise compared to other countries† ( www. Economist Another recent article in , titled â€Å"Stuck in the Mud,† and dated June 8, 201 3 describes the current economic growth of Brazil as feeble limited.The article informs that Brazil now experiences a trade deficit, a shrink king primary fiscal surplus, and growing government debt mainly due to domestic rigidities. The article also discusses Dilemma Recourses efforts to â€Å"stimulate growth by hike Eng public spending and the minimum wage, and forcing starters banks to lend more† ( 2). Again, despite these efforts, consumer confidence continues to suffer, which greatly impairs economic growth.The government (the Centre al Bank) has responded by increasing base interest rates to 8% in addition to elim inate g a tax on foreign purchases of bonds in order to increase currency inflows and to â€Å"slow the weakening Of the real† ( 2). The government has also attempted to 4 solve these problems by encouraging investment and discouraging consumption Ion. However, these efforts proved unsuccessful for the steamrollered oil giant p terrors, for the grandmotherly industry, and for the electricity and banking industry sees.Other attempts to correct the dismal situation include: investments in the oil industry Y, the government's attempts to attract bidders to its road and rail concessions, and stimulating sales to increase business confidence. However, the challenging a ND diverse political landscape in Brazil, as well as Recourses inability to be diploma attic, will most likely cause further corrective actions to be unsuccessful. Http://Brasilia. Com/economy/ http://www. interdependence. Com/Brazil/economy. HTML http://www. celebrations. Com/bristlecone. HTML http://www. Goalposts . Mom/dispatch/news/thunderstorms/131001 / barometrically http://www. Economist. Com/news/ species Loretta/21 586678whybrazi I paraprofessional's Americas/21579048feeblegrowthhasforcedchange c b. Demographics As of July 2012, Brazil had a population of 199,321,413 people, with the majors y being in the 2554 age range. The majority of their population (87%) resides in urban areas. The largest city in Brazil is SAA Paulo with about 20 million residents. Ri o De Jeanine, where the 2016 Summer Olympics will be held, is the second largest c tit with about 12 million residents.In terms of diversity, over half of Brazier's residents are Caucasian and the sec 5 largest group is mulatto (mixed), making up almost 40% of the total population n. The official and most widely spoken language is Portuguese. The largest religious group IS Roman Catholic, with almost thirds of the demographic. A vast majority of Brazilian are literate with 89% of the population fifteen years old and over be inning a ble to read and write. ( http://www. Undermine. Com/Brazil/demographics_profile. HTML ) c. Cultural information Sports are very popular and important in Brazil.Most citizens regularly follow participate in various sport activities. The most popular sport in Brazil is foot all (American soccer). It is said that football â€Å"†¦ Is in the blood of the people of Bra Brazier's tropical climate is excellent for playing and practicing football. Brazil is also the only country to have participated in and qualified for all of the Football World Cups to date. The Brazilian soccer team is known all over the world for their brilliant Pl areas. Everyone in Brazil, from small villages to large cities, is known to go crazy for t heir country during the World Cup.Brazilian are known for the pride they feel for their country during sporting events. Brazil holds the most wins for the World Cup with five wins, known to Brazilian as the â€Å"Pentane†. The most dollied Brazilian soccer P l areas are Cafe, Aid, Ronald, and Reinhold. Sports such as sailing and golf are considered to be for the high class and are not accessible to the general public. Brazilian also enjoy footloose, basketball l, tennis, auto racing, and volleyball ( http://www. Mayflowers. Com/Brazil/sports/ Women's football has gathered an increasing share of interest in Brazil.The country's SST ring of successes in volleyball since the midnight century have made it Brazier's second most 6 popular sport. Municipal governments often provide volleyball courts and 10th recreational equipment for the country's beaches, including ROI De Jeaneries FAA moss Copernican and Panama. Brazier's beaches are gathering places for young pee people, the more athletic of which play football and various racket games. Brazilian chasm pincushion of beach football and volleyball draw thousands of spectators and television.Brazil has competed in every Olympic Games since 1920, except the 1 928 Summer Games in Amsterdam. It has been successful in many events, include Eng transfixed, swimming, yachting, and such team sports as football, volleyball l, and basketball. In 2009 the International Olympic Committee selected ROI De Jeanie or as the site of the 201 6 Summer Games. It was the first city in South America to be chi seen to host the Olympics. Http://www. Britannica. Com/Checked/topic/781 01 ‘Brazil/25115/ Superconductivity II.Background on Underarm (Mary Kate) under Armor, a relatively new company was established in 1 998 by a former University of Maryland football player, Kevin Plank, who was sick of repeatedly changing his sweat soaked Theists during football camp and took it upon him elf to invent a new type of This that would keep athletes cool, dry and light by rep ailing moisture. Under Armor has come a long way from young Kevin Plank selling Theists along the east coast out of his grandma's basement-?on November 18, 2005 Under Armor went public and became the first Seabed initial publi c offering to do blew on the first day in five years.Over the years the company began to expand its pr duct line to providing clothing for different weather temperaments, creating equipment t for various 7 sports fields, as well as developing lines for women and children. They have e expanded from the clothing collegiate sports team and now sponsor numerous professor Anal sports teams and world's athletes which include Olympian, national champions, etc. They have expanded in a global scale to Europe, China, Canada, Japan, parts of LATA America and are known as a global leader in performance footwear, apparel, accessories.Today, Under Armor has revenues approaching $2 billion dollar s and continues to maintain its mission to â€Å"make all athletes better through passion , design, and the relentless pursuit for innovation by creating exchanging products t hat provide an advantage for athletes. † Under Armor takes its corporate responsibility very seriously. As outlined on its companies website, AU operates under the core values with which the comma NY was established: innovation, inspiration, reliability, and integrity.They only seek to do business with third parties that operate under these values as well. Under Ar ours products are made by thirdly manufacturers: consequently, they hold these e third parties to the high standards in which they hold themselves. AU will not do buy seines with any companies that use any form of forced labor, child labor, or harass .NET/abuse on their employees. The CIA suppliers and subcontractors must provide their employees with a safe and healthy working environment and comply with all laws and re solutions.AU must provide employees with at least legally mandated minimum wage an d benefits. The employees of CIA and its suppliers or subcontractors are not forced to woo ark more Han 48 hours with 12 hours overtime and countries that have no limit on how RSI worked must provide one day Off out Of every seven days Of work. CIA complies with a 8 environmental regulations, rules, and standards as well as making all subsonic reactors and contractors comply with all local, state, federal, national, and international I laws, rules, and regulations in the company of manufacture.The suppliers and sub contractors are regularly monitored by ALGA internal employees and third party contractors . As well as taking corporate responsibility seriously, CIA prides itself on its community involvement. They created CIA Giveback which partners with prior ms that are dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer, environmental sustainability , supporting military and law enforcement, and empowering youth athletes. From a marketing perspective, Under Armor target athletes of all ages as we as fans as they have entered into the collegiate and professional sports appear el market.Internationally, this is an asset to the company as well as having lines of cloths Eng for all ages and genders. AU has unique temperature specifi c clothing that can cater to the specific temperaments as they expand on a global level. However, it appears as if Under Armor is heavily rooted in its football background in America which el eaves room to question the company's success on an international level as it tries to break free of its American football image in countries where the sport is nearly nonexistent. International Marketing INTRODUCTION TO THE REPORT & THEME The basic objective of this report is to study about the Global market opportunities for Kandos chocolates & prepare a Strategy to capture it. I would like to take this opportunity to gratefully the Chairman & Board of Directors to give a excellent Opportunity work as International Marketing Manager & I would really enjoying to take the challenging task, which has been mentioned in this whole report. BUSINESS PROFILE 5th May 1962 was an evolutionary day for Sri Lankan confectionery industry due to the commencement of Ceylon Chocolates Ltd.Prior to the establishment of Ceylon Chocolates Limited Sri Lanka was 100% relaying on imports for Chocolates. The main objective behind the pioneering activity of producing chocolates locally is to gain certain advantage on foreign exchange by increasing the local production as well as controlling the imports. In 1970 Kandos became one of most popular brand among the consumers. On the same year the millionaire ind ustrialist Philip Upali Wijewardene acquired full control of Ceylon Chocolate Ltd.During this time Delta confectioner products manufactured by Ceylon sugar company Ltd which was started by Upali Wijewardene1 in 1962 was the leader in sugar confectionery. In 1970 both these companies were amalgamated and the production of Kandos Chocolates and the Delta toffees were merged and started operating as Ceylon Chocolate Ltd. As the next avenue Kandos emerged into global market. Kandos became very successful brand in South East Asian Region. As a result of the above successes in order to take the business towards another step forward Mr.Upali Wijewardena formed Upali Group of Companies and Ceylon Chocolate Limited became one of the subsidiaries. Upali Group of Companies established them as one the large conglomerate and also as a key diversified business enterprise in South East Asia. It was leading in the products such as Chocolate, confectionary, beverages, soap & detergents and also moto r cars, Aviation, Electronics, newspapers, plantation became their key business. From the inception Kandos products were locally distributed by M/S Shaw Wallace & Hedges Ltd. In 1991 Ceylon chocolate Ltd had a mile stone of stepping into their own distribution channel.The head office is located in Colombo & The factory and main stores are located in Kundasale. Another small warehouse is located at Homagama, in order to distribute the chocolates demand of the Colombo city and suburbs. At preset it has 68 Distributors island wide and also it has Delta Toffee plant, Wafer Biscuit manufacturing plant & Pudding manufacturing plants as well. There are two chocolate outlets which are named as â€Å"Kandos Shop†, which produce varieties of products using chocolates and there our plans for future developments as another trade mark operation. Product RangeChocolates are categorized as dark, milk, compound, flavored, filled chocolates and couverture. There are many sub brands under thes e categories with different varieties. Basically the chocolates are classified as Cocoa butter chocolates (CB) and Non Cocoa Butter chocolates (NCB). In NCBs cocoa butter substitute (Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil) is used instead of cocoa butter. CB chocolates include Couverture-A, Super Blend, K-21 Collection, Milk and Fruit & Nut, Classic milk, while NCB chocolates include Super-10, Crispy, New Gen, Tak Tik, Kiddies, Super car and Couverture-B.Each category has different varieties. PHASE 1: GOAL SETTING Vision To be the leader in our chosen field in the confectionery industry in Asia. Mission To be the leader in manufacturing & marketing best quality chocolate & confectionery products maintaining the highest brand values in a profitable manner to satisfy the needs of consumers. Long Term Objectives 1)To be the market leader in chocolate industry in Sri Lanka in year 2015. 2)Diversify the Business in to biscuits range, adding varieties of toffees & other confectionaries such as pudd ing, beverages etc in year 2020. )Re-brand Kandos in globally in year 2013. 4)Go to Cocoa Plantation through vertical Integration of Supply Chain Management in Sri Lanka in year 2012 & extend to overseas by year 2016. (China, Malaysia & Indonesia) 5)Re-build new manufacturing plants in China, Malaysia & Indonesia by year 2018. 6)Start Exporting of Biscuits & toffee range in year 2018. 7)Capture the Asian Market by year 2035. (Achieving 60% of Asian market) As go with company Vision, Mission & Long Term Objectives as an International Marketing Manager, I & my division also have following goals. )Execellarate Export market & do the preset Export Orders in effective & efficient manner. b)Re-branding as an International Brand in tourist countries such as Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong & Dubai from year 2013 as a Joint Venture agreement with respective local agents. Planning to capture 40% market share by year 2018. c)Gradually Increase the small Export O rders to countries such as India, Malaysia, Pakistan, China, Japan & Middle East countries by year 2013 onwards. Strategic approach to capture 20% market share by year 2025) d)Go beyond from Exporting & check feasibility of establish own plants from countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia or Pakistan to act as true global player by year 2014. e)Capture 25% market share by year 2018 & increase up to 50% in year 2025 from above selected country, which we establish a plant. f)Using the same strategy & builds own manufacturing plants in selected countries, based on prevailing situation in the Asia. Year 2020 & beyond) g)Plan to capture 25% of market share in above mentioned countries in year 2025. h)Gradually positioning the Kandos brand in other Asian countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines, Korea, Taiwan, Myanmar, & other Asian countries i)Ultimately we strategically approach to capture 50% of Asian Countries. Functional Strategies Business Strategy: Vision, Mission & Long Term Objectives’ of the Kandos as stated above. Marketing Strategy: How sales, marketing effort will support firm’s Business Strategy.Operation Strategy: It support Business Strategy through specifies the policies & plans for using organizational resource. Strategic Decisions in operation involves products, services, process & technology, capacity, supply chain management, Product Design, Layout Planning & quality etc. Finance Strategy: Develop LT finance plan in order to support Business Strategy. In a simple term, corporate strategies are essentially about what the business wants to achieve. Strategy is about making high-level decisions & forms the management game plan for †¦.. †¢Satisfying customers (meeting customer needs) Running the business (organizing resources in the most efficient & effective way) †¢Beating the competition (strategies $ tactics to gain competitive advantage) †¢Achieving corporate objectives. Corporate business object ives are set at the high level & are quite distinct from any more detailed functional objectives set for the functional areas of a business. The position of corporate objectives in the hierarchy of business objectives can be illustrated as follows; BCG Matrix2 & Ansoff growth matrix2 can be used to explain how corporate objectives achieved through strategy as follows.As far as International market is concern, Kandos is at Growth stage at the Product Life Cycle, since they are in the Export market. We have to decide the place in the BCG Matrix in accordance with stage in the Product Life Cycle. Only Coco Butter ranges chocolates that we are going to market, then we are in Stars level at the Local market. When we consider International market it is in cash cow level, we need to build up strategies to become Star level. GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR KANDOS IN ANSOFF MATRIX 1)Market Penetration – An existing product in an existing market.Therefore to penetrate the market, the company will have to consider the following. †¢Offer competitive prices. †¢New minor changes – Improved taste, different tastes (such as 3 layer chocolates) †¢Sales promotional Activities & advertising. (Push & Pull Strategies’) †¢Positioning in alternative usages. (Gift packs, gift for lovers, promises chocolates) †¢Change the packaging. 2)Product Development – New Product to the Existing Market. †¢Develop white chocolate, Dark Chocolate. †¢Chocolate cake for wedding. †¢Re-launch Coco Powder packet for households. 3)Market Development – Existing Product in a new market. Presence in the global market. †¢Increasing the Chocolate consumption of the elders. 4)Diversification – New Product in a new market †¢Pure Coco Chocolate Biscuit to Middle East. †¢Energy Cocoa Drink. PHASE 2: MARKETING AUDIT FOR INTERNATIONAL MARKET & ASSUMPTIONS The marketing audit3 is a fundamental part of the marketing planning process. It considers both internal internal & external influences on marketing planning, as well as a review of the plan itself. Therefore it’s not involving at the beginning of the process, but also at a series of points during the implementation of the plan.SWOT Analysis, PEST Analysis, Porters Five Forces Model & Value Chain Analysis are most widely used as a tool to marketing audit. In many ways the marketing audit clarify opportunities & treats, and allows the marketing manager to make alterations to the plan if necessary. In this phase as a International Marketing Strategy, and introduces a marketing audit checklist. The checklist is designed to answer the question, what is the current marketing situation? Lets consider the marketing audit under three key headings4; 1)The Internal Marketing Environment. 2)The External Marketing Environment. )A Review of our Current Marketing Plan. The Internal Marketing Environment. What resources do we have at hand? (i. e. Five â€Å"M†s5 ) I. Men (Labour) II. Money (Finance) III. Machinery (Equipment) IV. Minutes (Time) V. Materials (Factors of Production) †¢How is our marketing team organized? †¢How efficient is our marketing team? †¢How effective is our marketing team? †¢How does our marketing team interface with other organizations & internal functions? †¢How effective are we at Customer Relationship Management (CRM)? †¢What is the state of our marketing planning process? Is our marketing planning information current & accurate? †¢What is the current state of New Product Development? (Product) The External Marketing Environment. As a market oriented organization, we must start by asking – What is the nature of our ‘customer’? Such as; †¢Their needs & how we satisfy them? †¢Their buyer decision process & consumer behavior. †¢Their perception of our brand, and loyalty to it. †¢The nature of segmentation, targeting & positioning in our ma rkets. †¢What customers ‘value’ & how we provide that ‘value’? What is the nature of competition in our target markets? Our competitors’ level of profitability. †¢Their number/concentration. †¢The relative strength & weakness of competition. What is the cultural nature of the environment(s)? †¢Beliefs & religious. †¢The standards & average levels of education. †¢The evolving lifestyles of our target consumers. †¢The nature of consumerism in our target markets. What is the demography of our consumers? Such as average age, levels of population, gender make up, & so on. How does technology play a part? †¢The level of adoption of mobile & internet technologies. †¢The way in which goods are manufactured. Information systems. †¢Making communications uses of technology & media. What is the economic condition of our markets? A Review of our Current Marketing Plan. †¢What are our current objectives for ma rketing? †¢What are our current marketing strategies? †¢How do we apply the marketing mix? (Including factors covered above in (a)) †¢Is the marketing process being controlled effectively? †¢Are we achieving our marketing budget? †¢Are realizing our SMART objectives? †¢Is our marketing team implementing the marketing plan effectively? †¢Levels of staffing. †¢ Staff training & development. Experiencing & Learning. 1)SWOT Analysis STRENGTHWEAKNESSES †¢Brand Value †¢50 years presence in market †¢Good Rapport with Super market †¢Good Rapport with Government †¢High Quality †¢Loyal Employees†¢Did not change with Environmental changes †¢High Cost of Production, sp. Labor †¢Less Advertising & modern marketing approach †¢Problems in Distribution Channel, cause by above matters †¢Failure of facing competition †¢Slowly emergent of Quality issues OPPORTUNITIESTHREATS †¢High growth rate in co untry †¢Consumer pattern is changing for better in confectionary industry †¢Export pportunities, including Maldives, Middle east & Pakistan(SLPFTA) etc †¢Agricultural Economy is enhancing worldwide useful for cocoa plantation. †¢Emergent of New technologies†¢High competition(within other brand & industry in Local & Global brands) †¢Increasing trend of RM prices (Cocoa etc due to inflation, Exchange rate) †¢Encourage to new Entrants (Global through Free Trade Agreements, Horizontal integration of Super Market channel. Ex. Cargill’s have Kist, Cadbury) †¢Rules & Regulations in Food Industry 2)Porters Five Forces Analysis6 of the Kandos Bargaining Power of Suppliers’ )As an industry bargaining power of suppliers are very high, & as per the company it is also high. Examples are as follows. †¢Sugar Industry. Monopolies in the market in worldwide, new entrants are not possible at all. †¢Our Production is comparatively low; he nce bargaining power is less possible in a world market as well as locally to some extent. Ex : Cocoa consumption is very low, considering world market. Coco Butter Substitute usage is low, compare with Ritzbery & Edna. Ritzbery has more bargaining power in Milk powder & Sugar with a synergy effect. )Price determination is high in local Coco beans suppliers; hence it is very price sensitive market. The risk is high comparatively since only Cocoa Beans processing Chocolate Company in Sri Lanka. 3)Packing materials are also playing major role, therefore Edna is doing it their under own control. Ritzbery’s strategy is concerning core business & outsources supporting activities as much as possible. We have waste experience is printing industry & we have to upgrade it to present culture. 4)Direct buying is widespread concept in Food industry, examples are as follows. Elephant House is doing their own Vanila plantation for Ice Cream & Ginger for ginger bear. -Munchee is buying igur u for Samaposha,soya for soya meet. 5)Continually conducting R & D for alternative suppliers & RM. -Ritzbery is doing continuously R & D for alternative suppliers for CBS & other RM too. -Producing Rice cookies, Kurakan biscuits. (by munchee) -Sweet treat (by Kandos) Bargaining Power of Customers’ 1)There is considerable bargaining power of customers in the world market & local since there are few operators are in the chocolate industry.Further switching cost is almost nil, and customers consider taste, quality, attractiveness of packing, advertising & pricing. 2)Generally Sri Lankan consumers are very much price sensitive, so it is obvious all competitors are tend to price competitive, in that condense Customer bargaining power is very high. Ex: Offer product at Rs 5, Rs 10. 3)As a norm Producers are changing customers mind through introducing new Products. Munchee is introducing new Biscuits in regular basis. Ritzbery also doing New Product Development. 4)Advertising also t ool to reduce customer bargaining power & maintain Brand & product Loyalty.Ex : Cream cracker for small hungry. Elephant House ice Cream is new method of giving gifts. New Colours of Lovers, blue (by Ritzbery) Novel way to lovers’ gift, tropica coconut based chocolate by Ritzbery 5)Doing continually market research is helpful to identify customers mind & their consumer pattern changing. Threat of New Entrants 1)Chocolate industry is somewhat challenging industry, therefore there is limited chances to entering this market. Nevertheless there is trend to import & distribute in Sri Lanka, since it has less Business risk. )Diana is latest newcomer to the market & there is trend to enter this market by following Companies in Local & global. -Cargills. They are going to vertical integration Strategy & sell their own brands. Therefore there will be high probability to entering Chocolates market in the future. Ex : Kist, Walls Ice cream,Diana Biscuits (Kist Biscuits) , 3 Coin Beer co mpany,Cargills meet balls, Kothmale Milk Products, Cargills detergents etc -Other players in the super market Industry are also following Cargills. Ex : Keels going to acquire Rich Life MilkArpico is selling their own brands Laufgh Sun up is going to start their own brands. -There is high probability to enter world class Chocolate in to Sri Lanka, since we are booming economy in the region & world, changing consumer patterns & emergent tourist industry etc. -There is also probability to enter chocolate market by confectionary manufacturing Companies as Diversification strategy. Ex : Nestle, Hemas, Maliban,Rigam, Daintee, Cherish etc Threat of Substitute Products 1)In Sri Lankan culture, most of the confectionary products are buying to give as a gift.Therefore following products are competing with chocolate products such as Biscuits, Ice Cream, Gift Vouchers, Sugar, fruits, Fruit Drinks etc. 2)Further there are more products to be chosen by consumers as alternative to eat as a desser t or as snacks. These Products are also including Biscuits, Ice Cream, fruits, Fruit Drinks, Yogurt, Milk packet, Chocolates & many more. 3)As the result of that there is numerous treat to Chocolate industry, & we must focus on increasing chocolate consumption of the general public in order to hike Sales. Ex : Biscuit Consumption per Person has been increased due to advertising & competition.Elephant House Ice cream has increased their sales volume through market development through branding it as â€Å"new method of giving gifts ’’. Sunquick also tried to do market development through branding it as â€Å"new method of giving gifts †. Cream crackers is re-position as â€Å"small hungry† Samahan is positioned to use daily prevents from cold. 4)Knowing culture & consumer pattern through effective market research, we can create delighted customers rather than satisfying customers. Competitive Rival within Industry 1)Price competition is done by Edna, Ritzb ery is compete through heavily advertising. )We mainly use our unmatched quality as a core competence to compete in the local market. 3)We are focusing to prevail in the market as a leader. 4)Growing global chocolates brands will be treat to Kandos. 5)Vertical & Horizontal Integration strategies used by the competitors to survive in the market. 3)Porters Generic Strategy7 of the Kandos In Sri Lankan Chocolates markets, the above categorization is as follows, according to Brands. Cost Leadership Differentiation †¢EDNA †¢RITZBERY †¢KINDER JOY Focused Low Cost Focused Differentiation †¢DIANA †¢DAINTEE †¢CADBURY †¢TOBLERONE FERRARI †¢KIT KAT Kandos does not have any particular strategy, hence theoretical it is categorized as Best Cost Provider &/or Stuck in the Middle. Because Kandos is not cost focusing, focusing differentiate a products to some extent & catering whole market, same as Edna & Ritzbery. SWOT FOR MARKETING OFFER A detailed SWOT anal ysis is to be carried out for the marketing mix8 of the company as shown below and the recommendations made in each component of the marketing mix will lead to formulation of a better comprehensive marketing strategy. ?SWOT for PRODUCT – Done for Coco Butter range in Singapore, Malaysia & ThailandStrengthsWeaknessesOpportunitiesThreats Was there in 1980’s & have prior experience. Working capital problems. Emerging economies of the selected countries for chocolates. Already there is a presence of multinationals. Be in a market as unmatched quality of Coco Butter Chocolates’ in the Asian region. Difficult in Product adaptation in ASEAN region. There’s a lot of room to do value additions & product development in Chocolates’. High Competition. Excellent sales staff with a strong knowledge of existing productsNon Coco Butter Products are popular in those countries.Trade Barriers for global companies. Recommendations ?Market penetration ?More product ada ptation ?More value additions ?New product development ?SWOT for PRICE N/A ?SWOT for PLACE StrengthsWeaknessesOpportunitiesThreats Excellent R&D staff with a strong knowledge of existing products for Local marketControlling issues in overseas operationDistribution systems are good enough compare to other Asian countriesMultinationals have more bargaining power in the Distribution channel Have prior experience in Overseas DeliveryHaving own distribution mode will be more costlyCultural difference Recommendations Change distribution channel & outsource distribution ? Offer more sales commission to Agents ?Implementing Intensive strategy ?SWOT for PROMOTION StrengthsWeaknessesOpportunitiesThreats Promotion for just remind the customer mind towards Kandos brand. Less experience of handling promotional campaign in the selected countriesThe use of latest technology to develop advertisementsMultinational Companies Promotional Budget & effort is very competitive. The use of social media lik e facebook for online advertisingThe high costs to be spent for promotions in the selected countries compared to Sri Lanka Read also: Reed Supermarkets: a New Wave of Competitors International Marketing In addition, the celebrations. Com we Bessie informs that there now exists a huge gap between the rich and the poor in BRB jail, which would lessen when poor people have access to education and the opportunity to develop reading skills. In a recent article dated October 1 , 2013, the www. Goalposts. Com website reports that Brazil now experiences disappointing economic growth. Despite President Dilemma Recourses efforts to revive the economy with stimulus packages and TA x cuts, the GAP grew only 0. 6 percent and both stock market and currency rates plume Ted.Other economic problems in Brazil include: â€Å"high salary costs, falling productivity, an d terrible 2 logistical bottlenecks that Rousseau has not yet addressed† ( l). In addition, Humblers Barbara, president of BEANIE, a lobby group for the elect Nils industry, predicts that unless infrastructure resolves its problems, industry will I continue to suffer ( 1 The website also informs that household consumption grew jus t 0. 1 percent due to inflation which adversely affected the purchasing power of consumers. In order to combat the problem of high inflation Brazil has increase seed interest rates.Brazier's business leaders have also encore raged Rousseau to reform tax a ND labor costs â€Å"so factories can regain their competitiveness at home and abroad† ( 2). Although Brazil now experiences these problems, the article states that Brazier's economy still flourishes in some areas. These areas include: low unemployment, strong foreign investment levels, Recourses approval rate of 80 percent, and a strong harvest and increased agricultural activity. In addition, Guide Ma enter (Brazier's Finance Minister) asserts that the investment growth trend will contain u.The article concludes with David Reese' (an economist for Capital Economics in Loon don) suggestion that Brazil should rebalanced the economy towards investment in 0 order to create growth rates of five percent, which investors want to see ( 3). A recent article in The Economist titled ‘ ‘The Price is Wrong,† and dated September 28, 2013 reports that â€Å"Brazil offers appalling value for money† ( www. Economist. Com 1). The article states that a pizza in Brazil costs 530 and also that a cheap, windowless hotel room in ROI costs $250/ night.The article also reports that 3 payroll taxes are 58% Of salary, that a Broadminded car costs 45% less in Mix than in Brazil, that a smartened costs 50% more than in the US, and that large domestic appliances and cars cost 50% more than in other Mendocino coo entries. The article presents the following reasons why these problems exist in Brazil: or infrastructure, high crime rates that necessitate an army of 650,000 security g awards, expensive office rents, expensive credit, decreased household consumption, a decreased exports of manufacturing goods.The article explains that the Brazil liana people go on foreign shopping sprees in order to make more e conomical purr chases and to avoid the â€Å"Custom Brazil† which â€Å"refers to the increased operational costs ass associated with doing business in Brazil, making Brazilian goods and services more expel noise compared to other countries† ( www. Economist Another recent article in , titled â€Å"Stuck in the Mud,† and dated June 8, 201 3 describes the current economic growth of Brazil as feeble limited.The article informs that Brazil now experiences a trade deficit, a shrink king primary fiscal surplus, and growing government debt mainly due to domestic rigidities. The article also discusses Dilemma Recourses efforts to â€Å"stimulate growth by hike Eng public spending and the minimum wage, and forcing starters banks to lend more† ( 2). Again, despite these efforts, consumer confidence continues to suffer, which greatly impairs economic growth.The government (the Centre al Bank) has responded by increasing base interest rates to 8% in addition to elim inate g a tax on foreign purchases of bonds in order to increase currency inflows and to â€Å"slow the weakening Of the real† ( 2). The government has also attempted to 4 solve these problems by encouraging investment and discouraging consumption Ion. However, these efforts proved unsuccessful for the steamrollered oil giant p terrors, for the grandmotherly industry, and for the electricity and banking industry sees.Other attempts to correct the dismal situation include: investments in the oil industry Y, the government's attempts to attract bidders to its road and rail concessions, and stimulating sales to increase business confidence. However, the challenging a ND diverse political landscape in Brazil, as well as Recourses inability to be diploma attic, will most likely cause further corrective actions to be unsuccessful. Http://Brasilia. Com/economy/ http://www. interdependence. Com/Brazil/economy. HTML http://www. celebrations. Com/bristlecone. HTML http://www. Goalposts . Mom/dispatch/news/thunderstorms/131001 / barometrically http://www. Economist. Com/news/ species Loretta/21 586678whybrazi I paraprofessional's Americas/21579048feeblegrowthhasforcedchange c b. Demographics As of July 2012, Brazil had a population of 199,321,413 people, with the majors y being in the 2554 age range. The majority of their population (87%) resides in urban areas. The largest city in Brazil is SAA Paulo with about 20 million residents. Ri o De Jeanine, where the 2016 Summer Olympics will be held, is the second largest c tit with about 12 million residents.In terms of diversity, over half of Brazier's residents are Caucasian and the sec 5 largest group is mulatto (mixed), making up almost 40% of the total population n. The official and most widely spoken language is Portuguese. The largest religious group IS Roman Catholic, with almost thirds of the demographic. A vast majority of Brazilian are literate with 89% of the population fifteen years old and over be inning a ble to read and write. ( http://www. Undermine. Com/Brazil/demographics_profile. HTML ) c. Cultural information Sports are very popular and important in Brazil.Most citizens regularly follow participate in various sport activities. The most popular sport in Brazil is foot all (American soccer). It is said that football â€Å"†¦ Is in the blood of the people of Bra Brazier's tropical climate is excellent for playing and practicing football. Brazil is also the only country to have participated in and qualified for all of the Football World Cups to date. The Brazilian soccer team is known all over the world for their brilliant Pl areas. Everyone in Brazil, from small villages to large cities, is known to go crazy for t heir country during the World Cup.Brazilian are known for the pride they feel for their country during sporting events. Brazil holds the most wins for the World Cup with five wins, known to Brazilian as the â€Å"Pentane†. The most dollied Brazilian soccer P l areas are Cafe, Aid, Ronald, and Reinhold. Sports such as sailing and golf are considered to be for the high class and are not accessible to the general public. Brazilian also enjoy footloose, basketball l, tennis, auto racing, and volleyball ( http://www. Mayflowers. Com/Brazil/sports/ Women's football has gathered an increasing share of interest in Brazil.The country's SST ring of successes in volleyball since the midnight century have made it Brazier's second most 6 popular sport. Municipal governments often provide volleyball courts and 10th recreational equipment for the country's beaches, including ROI De Jeaneries FAA moss Copernican and Panama. Brazier's beaches are gathering places for young pee people, the more athletic of which play football and various racket games. Brazilian chasm pincushion of beach football and volleyball draw thousands of spectators and television.Brazil has competed in every Olympic Games since 1920, except the 1 928 Summer Games in Amsterdam. It has been successful in many events, include Eng transfixed, swimming, yachting, and such team sports as football, volleyball l, and basketball. In 2009 the International Olympic Committee selected ROI De Jeanie or as the site of the 201 6 Summer Games. It was the first city in South America to be chi seen to host the Olympics. Http://www. Britannica. Com/Checked/topic/781 01 ‘Brazil/25115/ Superconductivity II.Background on Underarm (Mary Kate) under Armor, a relatively new company was established in 1 998 by a former University of Maryland football player, Kevin Plank, who was sick of repeatedly changing his sweat soaked Theists during football camp and took it upon him elf to invent a new type of This that would keep athletes cool, dry and light by rep ailing moisture. Under Armor has come a long way from young Kevin Plank selling Theists along the east coast out of his grandma's basement-?on November 18, 2005 Under Armor went public and became the first Seabed initial publi c offering to do blew on the first day in five years.Over the years the company began to expand its pr duct line to providing clothing for different weather temperaments, creating equipment t for various 7 sports fields, as well as developing lines for women and children. They have e expanded from the clothing collegiate sports team and now sponsor numerous professor Anal sports teams and world's athletes which include Olympian, national champions, etc. They have expanded in a global scale to Europe, China, Canada, Japan, parts of LATA America and are known as a global leader in performance footwear, apparel, accessories.Today, Under Armor has revenues approaching $2 billion dollar s and continues to maintain its mission to â€Å"make all athletes better through passion , design, and the relentless pursuit for innovation by creating exchanging products t hat provide an advantage for athletes. † Under Armor takes its corporate responsibility very seriously. As outlined on its companies website, AU operates under the core values with which the comma NY was established: innovation, inspiration, reliability, and integrity.They only seek to do business with third parties that operate under these values as well. Under Ar ours products are made by thirdly manufacturers: consequently, they hold these e third parties to the high standards in which they hold themselves. AU will not do buy seines with any companies that use any form of forced labor, child labor, or harass .NET/abuse on their employees. The CIA suppliers and subcontractors must provide their employees with a safe and healthy working environment and comply with all laws and re solutions.AU must provide employees with at least legally mandated minimum wage an d benefits. The employees of CIA and its suppliers or subcontractors are not forced to woo ark more Han 48 hours with 12 hours overtime and countries that have no limit on how RSI worked must provide one day Off out Of every seven days Of work. CIA complies with a 8 environmental regulations, rules, and standards as well as making all subsonic reactors and contractors comply with all local, state, federal, national, and international I laws, rules, and regulations in the company of manufacture.The suppliers and sub contractors are regularly monitored by ALGA internal employees and third party contractors . As well as taking corporate responsibility seriously, CIA prides itself on its community involvement. They created CIA Giveback which partners with prior ms that are dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer, environmental sustainability , supporting military and law enforcement, and empowering youth athletes. From a marketing perspective, Under Armor target athletes of all ages as we as fans as they have entered into the collegiate and professional sports appear el market.Internationally, this is an asset to the company as well as having lines of cloths Eng for all ages and genders. AU has unique temperature specifi c clothing that can cater to the specific temperaments as they expand on a global level. However, it appears as if Under Armor is heavily rooted in its football background in America which el eaves room to question the company's success on an international level as it tries to break free of its American football image in countries where the sport is nearly nonexistent.

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Liability and Risk Management - Essay Example I am the Account Manager for Best Western Hotels and work for a worldwide insurance broker, Aon Reed Stenhouse. It is possible Best Western may employ a staff Risk Manager, but it is more likely this function is performed by an insurance broker since only some of the very largest corporations have an in house Risk Manager. Regardless of whether done by staff or an outside agency, the functions are very similar. At this point, a distinction must be made an insurance agent and an insurance broker. An agent serves only 1 or a very few insurance companies and is paid a commission by them for a business referral. In contrast, a broker has access to the entire insurance market and therefore place coverage with any insurer or group of them in the case of subscription policies for physical damage on behalf of a client such as Best Western. Because their remuneration is derived from their client rather than insurer(s) they are usually more attuned to their customers’ needs than an agen t is. While brokers do place insurance coverage their function is much broader than that. Especially if Best Western does not have a staff Risk Manager, the brokers’ function is to supervise the hotels’ static risk management. For example, as Account Manager for Best Western, I would be responsible for liaising with them to ascertain the risks they face and advising them on the most efficient ways of dealing with each one whether by insurance, transfer to subcontractors, reduction through preventative safety measures, retention, or avoidance.   To assist me, I would have a site inspector make at least annual inspections to identify and decide how to minimize perceived hazards. I would probably also have the services of a Claims Manager who would monitor Best Westerns’ claims and if they felt an insurers’ position was wrong, go to bat for the hotel, or conversely if they agreed with the insurer try to convince the hotel their decision was right and in ac cordance with policy terms. In a nutshell my role would be to assist and advise Best Western in all maters related to static risk management. Risk Identification Although there may be slight variations in the risks associated with individual properties due to such variables as differing amenities provided or specific locations, most static risks are common to all. They include the physical risks of damage to the property itself such as by fire, smoke, earthquake ( especially in California), flood, water damage due to leakage from plumbing and fire

Inhalation injuries Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Inhalation injuries - Research Paper Example Observed increase of cases had been observed in incidents related to fire such as the attack in the World Trade Center wherein 49% of the victims suffered inhalation injury. Based on the WHO data, more than 1 billion people suffer airway and pulmonary inflammation due to different forms of fires (Rehberg et al. 284). The process of heat generation in combustion that produces smoke can cause thermal injury in the upper airway. The soot referred to as particulate matters during combustion can clog and irritate the airways resulting to reflex bronchoconstriction. Other compounds in the form of gas can lead to different types of injury and asphyxiation such as carbon monoxide; hydrogen cyanide; aldehydes (from furniture and cotton); chlorine gas, ammonia, hydrocarbons acids and ketones (from rubber and plastics); and the most common component of smoke phosgene gas (Serebrisky, Nazarian and Connolly 1). The mechanism of the injury can be attributed to the component of the smoke. The effects of smoke inhalation are divided into the effects of the gas phase and the particle phase. Thus, different parts of the respiratory system can be affected by the different components of the smoke namely the upper airway, the tracheobronchial system or lower airway, lung parenchyma, and systemic toxicity. The three types of smoke inhalation injury are thermal injury due to cell injury and pulmonary parenchymal which commonly affects the upper airway, chemical irritation and hypoxemia of the respiratory tract and the systemic toxicity leading to organ damage due to the action of toxic gases (Rehberg et al. 284; Serebrisky, Nazarian and Connolly 1). There are different indications of inhalation injuries such as facial and neck burns, burned lips and vibrissae, soot-containing airway secretions, pathological respiration patterns such as coughing, stridor and hoarseness, dyspnea, cyanosis and neurological symptoms such as unconsciousness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

Interview with a Health Professional Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Interview with a Health Professional - Essay Example There are increasing numbers of people who pursue careers in the health care industry. The reasons for delving into this challenging, yet rewarding array of health professions are diverse – which could be distinctly unique for some or universal as encompassing themes of care for others. The paramedic, in particular, is a dynamic and evolving career that interests people with genuine desire to provide immediate response to health dilemmas. The Australasian Council of Paramedic (ACP) (2008, p. 1) defines a paramedic as â€Å"a specialist health care professional who responds to requests for assistance and attends people suffering acute health crises of any nature†. Their roles and responsibilities encompass providing assessment, diagnoses and treatment to patients in health crises outside of the hospital setting. The paper hereby aims to initially conduct an interview with a health professional: a paramedic, specifically for this purpose; to summarize, reflect and evaluate on the findings and eventually to link specifically identified issues to related relevant literatures on the subject. To achieve the objective, the health professional interviewed is Peter Broadbent, a 30 year old paramedic based in Beverley Uranium Mine. The discourse would therefore summarize details from the interview and to provide a reflection with link to health literatures based on three issues: the concept of enjoyment in one’s profession, the frustrating instances, and the significant factors that impact his profession. ... The discourse would therefore summarize details from the interview and to provide a reflection with link to health literatures based on three issues: the concept of enjoyment in one’s profession, the frustrating instances, and the significant factors that impact his profession. Findings and Evaluation 1. Profile of the Interviewee With approval sought to cite his name and details provided from the interview in the current paper, Peter Broadbent has indicated that he has been working as a paramedic for four years with main responsibilities revealed by him as: provision of pre-hospital medical care in a remote location, health promotion, and testing employees for alcohol and other drugs, among others. His working hours on a weekly basis total 168 hours, with 84 hours on-duty and 84 hours on-call. Prior to delving into the details of the three specific issues identified that influence and impact his profession, Broadbent averred that from his experience, the two main issues he co nsidered prominently facing and affecting paramedics in their working life are fatigue and â€Å"burn-out†. 2. The Benefit of Enjoyment When asked â€Å"what do you enjoy most about your job?†, Broadbent’s reply was: (1) diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses; (2) interaction with patients and other members of the workplace population; and (3) the magnificent scenery in the Australian outback. Further, he clearly emphasized that having genuine enthusiasm for one’s career choice is the secret to satisfaction and enjoyment. The ability to provide enjoyment, satisfaction or pleasure in one’s job is linked to the theory of motivation in the work place, specifically Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, where people have varieties of needs that manifest

Planning and evaluation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Planning and evaluation - Assignment Example In order to evaluate the performance or effectiveness of the service, it is crucial consider the indicators of the service. Trivalent influenza vaccination, for instance, is one of the common types of vaccinations in Australia. The immunization helps to protect young children from respiratory viruses and untreatable infections. In order to monitor immunization effectiveness, an examination into the delivery and consumption of the vaccine is conducted by the relevant agencies. The aim of such examination is to determine the effective modalities of delivering the service to the population. In this perspective, the component of that helps in evaluation and monitoring and evaluation vital for the proper determination of the effectiveness of a service. Immunization is regarded as one of the basic methods of disease prevention. From childhood, an individual’s immune system is fortified from attack by the use of immunogens. As a preventive method, the evaluation of the effectiveness of immunization is quite difficult. Reason being; the performance of the process is based on the occurrence of the condition that it is supposed to protect. However, the delivery and consumption can be measured and evaluated. This paper gives a plan on the evaluation process that will be used in gaging the effectiveness of the immunization process The evaluation will cover the public immunization of infants specifically. At a more specific level, the effectiveness of trivalent influenza vaccination will be the focus of the evaluation. To determine the status of the vaccination, parents will take a questionnaire that will indicate the status of the vaccination of the child and the schedule of vaccination. Because the subjects of this research are infants, the investigation will be carried out at two levels. First, the prevalence of the diseases that can be

Report on the Case Study of the Red Bull Brand Essay - 1

Report on the Case Study of the Red Bull Brand - Essay Example Although Red-Bull is a single product offering, it has been able to achieve brand equity across the world through its uniqueness and other factors that enable customers to identify it as unique and different from other soft drink and energy drink offerings on the market. In summary, it's unique packaging (the blue, silver and red 250ml can) is famous around the world. Also, the unique content and effects on users is a very strong element of brand equity since it gives consumers a very positive physical, mental and health advantages that most competitors do not give. The Burnett model states that a brand equity has four main facades: personality image, source, differences and functions (Randall, 2000). In terms of personality image, customers around the world feel good about the health and mental alertness that Red Bull provides. They respect it as a premier energy drink because it does what a normal cup of coffee would do but with a very positive impact on the individual. Secondly, Red Bull seems to stand for good health, vitality, and productivity and that is exactly how it is promoted and packaged as a revitalized. Also, Red Bull was originally created to be different from all other soft and energy drink offerings on the market. Now that several similar products are available, Red Bull still maintains its distinct packaging and content which keeps it embedded in the mind of consumers. In spite of the universal nature of Red Bulls brand, there was the need for some variation in the brand offering in markets around the world. Dunn (2004) points out that there are six main processes that a business needs to go through before they can create brand equity and they are: Market analysis involves scanning the dominant environmental factors in a country before offering your products in a country.

Unfair Dismissal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Unfair Dismissal - Essay Example Dismissal DefinedDismissal DefinedDismissal is certainly a fundamental concept in the employment law so to explore the subject first define the term ‘dismissal’.It is defined for the aims of redundancy and unfair dismissal in Employment Rights Act 1996, sections 95 as well as 136 respectively. Although the definitions are identical and conceive of dismissal developing in any of given three situations:†¢ In case the employment contract has been ceased by the employer after notifying or without notifying;†¢ In case a limited –term contract terminates or expires devoid of renewal;†¢ In case if the contract has been terminated by the employee, after notifying or without notification, in conditions providing him the entitlement to terminate without notifying the employer due to employer’s conduct.The last clause of the dismissal definition entails â€Å"constructive dismissal† where an employee is forced to resign due to certain actions of the employer.Unfair dismissal term unfair dismissal in context to the law is used for termination of an employment contract for inadmissible or unfair reasons. In case, such an act is challenged in a court, by the affected employee, then the employer is needed to establish that the termination was based on a significant reason such as deficiency of qualification, gross misconduct, and incapableness to execute assigned responsibilities or redundancy. While deciding such cases, the statutory rights of employees are taken into consideration by the court.The terms ‘unfair dismissal’ and ‘wrongful dismissal’... Unfair dismissal The term unfair dismissal in context to law is used for termination of an employment contract for inadmissible or unfair reasons. In case, such an act is challenged within a court, by the affected employee, then the employer is needed to establish that the termination was based on a significant reason such as deficiency of qualification, gross misconduct, and incapableness to execute assigned responsibilities, or redundancy. While deciding such cases, the statutory rights of employee are taken into consideration by the court4. Unfair and Wrongful Dismissal The terms ‘unfair dismissal’ and ‘wrongful dismissal’ seems similar but within the United Kingdom, the terms are rather unalike as wrongful dismissal is referred to when the employment contract is terminated by the employer in order to dismiss the employee or forcibly causing an employee leave. It is established on the basis of contract law. While unfair dismissal involves without notifica tion termination of employment by the employer. Thus resigning from an employment under constructive dismissal may be regarded as a wrongful dismissal case. Historical Development of Unfair Dismissal Statute in United Kingdom The history of the formulation of law of unfair dismissal dates back to year 1971, since it was made a part of Industrial Relations Act. It is a statutory creation. Therefore the right of avoiding from being unfairly dismissed only subsists if legal conditions are fulfilled. The unfair dismissal statute was re-enacted in the initial Schedule to the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act 1974, modified by the Employment Protection Act 1975. This statute was amalgamated in 1978 with the Contracts of Employment Act 1963 along with the Redundancy Payments Act 1965

Being a Nurse Is More Than a Job, Its a Treasure Essay Example for Free

Being a Nurse Is More Than a Job, Its a Treasure Essay To me, being a nurse is far more than a job or even a career. Its an adventure, a continuous learning process that I embark on bravely each day, in search of life changing events and miracles. Touching the lives of others is a treasure chest overflowing with metaphorical gold, whether the help I provide is of great measure or remains unnoticed. The pride I hold in saying, Im going to be a nurse, is immeasurable. Nursing is more than a profession of integrity and compassion, it is a privilege that measures out my values as a human being and the responsibilities granted to me with the precious gift of life. The first time I truly touched a persons life, although the encounter was brief, was surprisingly fulfilling. A strong feeling of accomplishment and self-worth spread rapidly throughout my body and soul that no average good deed has ever accomplished. Nursing exceeds that average deed by far. After each experience, Im left with an awestruck attitude of purpose, knowing that I am needed in someones life. By saying, Im going to be a nurse each morning, I get the motivation needed to survive the awaited day ahead of me with a smile. In my opinion, nurses aren’t angels. They don’t go hand in hand with hearts and rainbows. Nursing is about providing care, yes, but that does not entail that nurses’ only purpose is to be a compassionate hand to hold on to. Nursing integrates science and care. Nurses take the knowledge they have gained from their education as well as their experience and apply it each and every day, all while, being there to comfort patients in their tim es of need, whether what is needed is an IV, pain medication, or an ear that will listen. Like it said in the documentary, a nurse takes advantage of opportunities, faces daily challenges, and most importantly in my eyes, is a powerful advocate for the patient. Watching this video enlightened me to the most significant responsibilities of a nurse. I’ve realized that a nurse is the liaison between the doctor and the patient. They ensure that the patient fully understands what is happening to them in their most vulnerable states. Nurses are responsible for patient education and for making sure the patient understands what the doctor tells them. Ardis Bush said just a few words that really clarified what being a nurse is  all about. She said that nurses treat the whole person, someone with feelings, someone who may cry – not just the diagnosis. In other words, doctors cure, but nurses heal. Ardis really helped me understand the difference between a doctor and a nurse. Nursing facilitates more meaningful patient interaction. I don’t want my patients to be just a statistic. I want to remember them and how strong they were emotionally when they weren’t strong physically. This video showed me that being a nurse will allow me to do just that.

The Ecosystems At Risk Environmental Sciences Essay

The Ecosystems At Risk Environmental Sciences Essay An ecosystem is the dynamic link of flora and fauna and micro-organism communities and their non-living surroundings. Two highly specialised ecosystems are coral reefs and coastal dunes. An example of a coral reef is the Great Barrier Reef which spans roughly 2,300 kilometres making it the largest reef in the world. The reef is home to a range of animals and plants and is known for its diversity. Coastal dunes another specialised ecosystem, is formed through a large accumulation of sand located behind the beach zone. Coastal dunes are known for having very extreme environments with only few flora or fauna being able to survive the conditions. With reference to both ecosystems, explain the biophysical interactions that lead to diverse ecosystems and their functioning. Coral Reefs Atmosphere Due to the location of the Great Barrier Reef, it faces both positive and negative interactions with the atmosphere. The reef lies in an area classified as Australias Cyclone Zone, an area hit by many fierce storms in its past. The degree of impact on the reef is subject to the intensity and extent of the storm. The damage occurs due to the large storm waves that are produced from strong winds and low-pressure systems. The forceful waves rip apart the more fragile coral and create chips and imperfections in the harder coral. In severe cyclone cases the whole reef ecosystem may be put under sediment. Tropical cyclones are known for having heavily-induced rain cycles. The extra volume of fresh water means that the salinity of the reef ecosystem is then distorted, and affects coral growth. The atmosphere can also be a constructive interaction. For example in 2006 Cyclone Larry that hit the shores of North Queensland. The cyclone struck the reef, but instead of causing destructing within the ecosystem, the cyclone prevented mass coral bleaching from occurring by lowering the temperature of the water. Atmospheric pressures lead to greater functioning ecosystems through adaptation. Lithosphere The Great Barrier Reef is aided in its functioning and transforming by the lithosphere. The reef itself produces limestone. The limestone is weathered and transported throughout the reef. The limestone is then able to create new landforms like coral cay. The limestone is also used as a defence mechanism by coral against the erosive waves. The death of one coral is used as a platform for life for another coral. Another lithospheric factor affecting coral functioning is sediment. Sediment like sand can have the effect of clouding up the water of the reef resulting in increased turbidity levels of the water. There is then less sunlight penetration into the reef, affecting the process of photosynthesis and coral bleaching is more likely to occur. Hydrosphere The Great Barrier Reef tends to have best coral growth when hydrosphere conditions are at their greatest. For example coral reefs tend to have optimal growth when wave energy is high. The wave energy is broken by the reef through the seaward, and produces an area of peaceful, protected water behind the reef. The waters of the Great Barrier Reef tend to flow in a northerly direction most of the year, though during monsoonal seasons the form of the waters change, and there is a reversal in the direction of the waters. The reversal allows the cooler southern ocean current to flow into the reef. The waters that run from the north are warm and high in salinity; they provide the reef with high nutrient levels and are major influences for the diversity of the ecosystem. Biosphere The biosphere element of the Great Barrier Reef is how the reef grows and obtains its wonderful features. An important animal for the reef are polyps. Polyps are simple organisms that have a stomach and their exoskeleton. Within the polyp is an interdependent algae called zooxanthallae. The two organisms provide mutual benefits with one providing sugars and oxygen through photosynthesis and the other supplying nutrients. Polyp regrowth occurs with the use of the deceased polyps exoskeleton. Though coral reproduction is different, where the coral will release their eggs into the summer waters, and instantaneously they release mass amounts of sperm as well. The process of evolving occurs and the larvae grow on the exoskeleton of coral. The diverse range of species within the Great Barrier Reef also has an impact on its functioning. For example crustaceans are great at executing the nutrient recycling role, while the crown of thorn star fish is known for attaching itself to coral and ea ting it to death. (Appendix A Figure 1.1) shows a Crowns of Thorns starfish preying on coral. Coastal Dunes Atmosphere The most pivotal biophysical interaction with coastal dunes is the atmosphere. The atmospheres main components are wind, temperature and precipitation. Wind is a major contributor to shaping dunes through aeolion transport, where sand grains are picked up and transported to another location. The amount of sand removed is dependent on the size of sand, velocity of the wind and nature of vegetation cover. The faster velocity of the wind the more likely sand grains will be moved, due to a greater force. The type of local vegetation and amount of vegetation on the sand dunes also impacts aeolian transport, as the vegetation becomes a barrier against the wind for the sand. Temperature plays the role of influencing the rate of sand dryness, and type of vegetation on the dunes. Temperature values also determine the functioning of ocean currents. As temperature increases the dryness of sand increases resulting in only few vegetations that are able to live on the dunes, which in turn affects the rate of aeolian transport. Precipitation is also an atmospheric component that impacts coastal dunes, through the level of rainfall. The amount of vegetation on dunes is dependent on the level of rainfall, with regular rainfall meaning a greater variety and denser vegetation. Hydrosphere The hydrological processes that have an impact on coastal dune ecosystems include wind-induced waves, longshore drift and rainfall. Wind-induced waves are important for developing coastal dunes. When there are periods of calmness within the ocean, this means sand is able to be transported from offshore deposits to the beaches. This gives greater supply to dunes through wind transportation. On the other hand when there are treacherous conditions in the oceans the waves become powerful, crash into the coastline and remove sand from the beaches and foredunes. Another hydrological process impacting coastal dunes is longshore drift. Longshore drift is the transportation of sediment by currents that are running at parallel to the shoreline. Through longshore drift, sediment is able to be produced in one location and transferred to another. Longshore drift is quite common on the East side of Australia, with many of the islands up in Queensland having been made from sediment that came from N ew South Wales. The final hydrological process to impact coastal dunes is rainfall. The amount of rainfall has a bearing on the erosion of the sand, with high rainfall eroding the surface and making it vulnerable. Biosphere The biosphere influences coastal dunes through flora and fauna. There are three species to flora, primary species, secondary species and tertiary species. The primary species are those that are closest to the sea. These areas are only colonised by vegetation that can handle the conditions. The main role of the pioneer species like Marram Grass is to stabilise any incoming sand. These species of fauna spread at a rapid pace, and so their able to protect much of a sand dune. The secondary species is the foredune vegetation. They are usually comprised of shrubs and small trees like the coastal wattle, and help in maintaining foredune sand mass. The tertiary species are those that go beyond the coastal moorland, like tall trees. This process is known as succession. Fauna on coastal dunes is not very evident. Not many animals live on the dunes closest to the beach, as the conditions are too extreme for them to handle, with only few crabs calling this area home. Towards the back of the dun e systems an increasing number of bird species can be found. Lithosphere Sand particles are not identical; therefore its mineral and chemical composition will vary from place to place. For example in New South Wales most dunes have sand made of quartzose particles. The particles do not bond easily, resulting in less stable dunes. Dune formation starts with the deposition of sediment and offshore sand bars at the mouths of rivers. Through longshore currents the sediment is relocated then deposited on a beach by wave action. Dry sand is blown inland from the beach. The drift accumulates around obstacles like vegetation and a dune starts to form. Coastal dunes have three types of dunes that could occur, the first being foredunes. The foredune is the first stable dune built. Its main objective is to act as a barrier between the sea and inland. It is located at the back of the beach and usually has pioneer grasses colonising it. As the vegetation matures more sand is trapped creating larger dune systems. (Appendix B Figure 1.1) a foredune has developed with pi oneer grasses colonising it. Another type of dune is parallel or transverse dunes. Parallel dunes develop when a foredune has been hit by a storm, and the seaward face has been eroded. When sediment flow restores, a new ridge develops in front of the foredune, with a swale separating them. With the new foredune developing, supply to the old foredune becomes limited and stables. Heath-like shrubs develop on the old foredune once it is stable enough to house them. A diagram of parallel dune is seen in (Appendix B Figure 1.2) where it is shown how a transverse dune develops. The final type of dune is the parabolic dune. Parabolic dunes are the result of blowouts. They are large dunes that are shaped like a horse shoe, and develop in dune systems running parallel to the coast. Their formation is linked to onshore winds. (Appendix B Figure 1.3) shows how parabolic dunes are the resultant of primary wind direction. Question 2. Analyse the impacts due to both human-induced modifications and natural stress on both ecosystems at risk. How does each ecosystem adjust in response to natural stress? Coral Reefs Human Modifications Human dependence on the Great Barrier Reef has been for many thousands of years. As human populations grow the demand for coral reef resources will increase as well. Over-fishing of the coral reef often occurs when there is an increase in the human population, as there is a greater demand for seafood. Fishermen usually target those fish that are closely connected with the coral, like snappers. When these species decrease in population fisherman target all fish using methods like spears and nets. Through observation it has been proven that coral with no fish near are more prone to overgrowth by macro-algae and increases in coral diseases. There is also physical damage sustained by the coral, through the anchors and nets. Tourism is an additional human induced factor impacting coral reefs, and especially the Great Barrier Reef. One of tourisms foremost asset the Great Barrier Reef brings in $4 billion a year. Research performed by James Cook University of Cairns found several comprehensive impacts of tourism on the reef. The first being coastal tourism development, where many people visiting the reef want to stay as close to the reef as possible. The coastal developments near and around the Great Barrier Reef disrupt currents and gravitate to the displacement of sediment. There is also increase tourism on the islands near the reef causing problems linked with sewage and rubbish. Marine based tourism also occurs in the Great Barrier Reef with the anchor chains of boats having catastrophic effects on the coral. Although operators are very careful when it comes to tourist interaction with coral animals, some tourists negatively interact with the wildlife causing complications in the breeding cycles and n atural interactions. (Appendix A Figure 1.2) reveals how close some tourist get to the coral. Climate change is another contributor of human-induced modification to the Great Barrier Reef. Some of the effects of climate change include changes in rainfall patterns, changes to ocean currents and circulation and increase in sea surface temperature. Especially a rise in sea surface temperature will mean coral bleaching events will occur, creating mass damage through the reef. (Appendix B Figure 1.4) depicts the linkage between average temperatures and bleaching events (one being in 1998 and the other being in 2002). The chemical structure of the water is also changed with greater amounts of carbon dioxide dissolved in the water. Added on with rising sea levels could spell the destruction of coral reefs. An example of climate change affecting the fauna of reef is through the turtle. Turtle gender is determined through the temperature of the water, with warmer temperatures resulting in greater numbers of female turtles, creating a gender imbalance. (Appendix B Figure 1.5) shows the extent to which coral bleaching occurred in 2002, in accordance with the sea temperature. Natural Stresses Natural stresses are dangerous to reefs but the reef ecosystem can usually recover and adapt to the change. This is because natural change usually occurs over a long period of time, allowing the ecosystem to adapt. One natural stress is the Crown of Thorns Starfish. Crown of Thorns Starfish are known for eating the coral polyps. Coral reefs can only withstand a low population of these starfish. When the conditions are right for the starfish they can grow in numbers to plague proportions and have harmful consequences on the hard coral population. It could take the reefs up to many years to recover from plague numbers of starfish. Weather is another natural stress that inflicts damage to coral reefs. Coral thrive best in warm, salty waters. They are generally found in shallow clear waters, which help the zooxanthaelae algae to undertake photosynthesis. When there are changes in temperature and salinity, due to excessive rain, stress is placed on the coral polyps. This stress causes the coral polyps to eject the algae, which results in coral bleaching. For example it was reported in 2010 of mass coral bleaching occurring throughout South-East Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. The reason behind the bleaching was increased water temperatures. Low levels of water also impact coral, through being exposed to the sun for long periods of time the coral polyps consequently dry up. (Appendix B Figure 1.6) demonstrates the future implications to current scenarios facing the reef ecosystem. Coastal Dunes Human Modifications The main reasons to human induced modifications on dunes are the ever growing desires of humans to live on the coasts, and the increase in human population. Coastal development is occurring all over the world, due to the demand of humans to live near water. Most coastal development involves the process of flattening the parallel dunes to build. These actions result in the flow of sand inland being disrupted, and the protective barrier situated between the land and the sea vanishes. Another form of coastal development affecting coastal dunes is reclamation. Reclamation involves building a wall that is some distance off the coast. It is done to extend the land out into water, and is extremely harmful to dune ecosystems, as it alters the movement of sediment along the coast. The areas that are reclaimed usually provide sand for dune development and growth. Humans also destroy the coastal dunes through the recreational practices that take place. When people try to make their way to beaches they usually trample along plants. This creates holes in the dunes and invites resilient weeds to grow. Most vegetation degradation occurs in the foredune, which happens to be the most important part of the dune system. The weight of vehicles and other means of transport compact the sand, resulting in the sand having less oxygen and therefore less plant growth. For example in Lake Huron, Ontario, Canada research has found that the number of vehicles having access to the dunes has caused the deeper sand to become compact and surface sand to loosen. The loosened sand becomes vulnerable to wind erosion, and causes a decrease in the rate of organic decay. Coastal dunes are very specialised and tenuous. When there is an introduction in a flora and/or fauna species, this creates havoc in the dune ecosystem. One species that has caused major dune damage is the rabbit. The rabbits were introduced to Australia by the First Fleet and have been destructive ever since their introduction. Rabbits impact coastal dunes through eating the grasses and other vegetation, reducing the ground cover and they expose sand to wind erosion. An example of floral impact on the coastal dunes is the detrimental bitou bush. Once the bitou bush has entered the dune system it quickly takes over and kills all the native plants. The bitou bush is so successful due to its high-volume of seed production, large root systems and having no predators in Australia. (Appendix A Figure 1.3) An example of bitou bush monoculture on dune systems. Natural Stresses The major natural factor impacting dunes is storm damage. Storm-induced waves are able to cause a great deal of damage to the structure of the dune system. The ferocious power of the storm can leave the beaches degraded with little sediment, for dune reconstruction. Structural damage comes in two main forms, washovers, and washouts. An example of a major storm damage that has happened was in 1999 on the coastline of Byron Bay, New South Wales. The waves were as high as 3-metres, with the storms created mass coastal erosion. A further example of storms impacting coastal dunes was in Stockton Beach, Newcastle in 2007. The storms occurred over the June long weekend and resulted in approximately 100,000 cubic metres worth of sand being lost, as well as structural damage like erosion around sea walls. This caused major disturbance to the coastal dune functioning, as will take a long time to recover. Dune systems dont have perfectly shaped surfaces. The dunes often have recessions and elevations. When a storm-wave height surpasses the height of a recession in the dune, water seeps into the dune creating a washover. With consecutive storm-induced waves the washover impression deepens and widens, causing major damage. Recurring, powerful storms also cause damage to the flora of the dune, further decelerating the process of regeneration. (Appendix B Figure 1.7) makes evident how washovers make rifts in the dune tops. An example of how washovers have caused damage to dunes was the major storm damage that occurred at the Newcastle Port in 1974. The storm had wind gusts up to 165 kilometres/per hour, and swells were over 17 metres high. The impact of the storm on the dunes was the well-built foredunes had been completely flattened. Washouts are linked with the penetration of sand barriers like those that segregate coastal lagoon from the open sea, after there has been a period of substantial rainfall. Washouts can also occur in dune systems, when there is a build-up of water in the swales that separate dunes. When there are slumps in the dunes surfaces, the water gets directed through the low points and overspills onto the beach, sometimes transport sand with it. Most if not all ecosystems are affected by both human and natural stresses. Though the difference between the stresses is that ecosystems are able to adapt and overcome natural stresses, while human stresses cause great damage to ecosystems. An example of a natural stress impacting coastal dunes is a washover. Washovers can have significant damage to the dune system, and the dune system must adjust. One form of adjustment is through the accretion cycle. Constructive waves bring sand to the beach from the sea. The sand is dried from the wind and sunlight, and is then able to be transferred to the dunes. Like washovers coastal dunes adapt to washouts in a similar fashion. One way in which coral reefs especially the Great Barrier Reef responds to natural stresses like currents is by taking the shape of the stress. This helps the ecosystem in adapting to the stress and alleviating the consequences of the stress. Question 3. Compare and contrast the vulnerability and resilience of the two ecosystems at risk. All ecosystems have vulnerabilities and resilience. Location is one vulnerability. Coral reefs tend to be greater impacted by location than coastal dunes, as coral reefs are more specialised than coastal dunes. For example for coral reefs to thrive they need a certain water temperature. The temperature should be between 25 Degrees Celsius and 29 Degrees Celsius. An increase in temperature in the summer months has devastating consequences. As seen in the 2010 mass bleaching in the South-East Asian region which came with increased temperatures. On the other hand coastal dunes are more resilient to temperature changes. Coastal dunes are able to better adapt to temperature changes and only with a great increase in temperature change will coastal dunes become less resilient. On the other hand a loss of land has more impact on coastal dunes than coral reefs. Coastal dunes have greater vulnerability to a loss of land because they are not large in size. If dune land is taken for human uses like parkland or parking spaces, unwanted competition is created within the dune flora and fauna. For example at Long Beach, Collaroy a large amount of the dune system was replaced with a car park area and grass land. This reduced the area of the dune system and created competition within the ecosystem. (Appendix A Figure 1.4) Long Reef Beach were has been redeveloped to fit human wants. In contrast the Great Barrier Reef is more resilient to reef area being taken. The reef being approximately 2,300 kilometres means that even if a few kilometres of reef area is taken, it will not have a major effect on the reef flora and fauna. The Great Barrier Reef has a large degree of biodiversity, therefore making it more resilient to changes in diversity than coastal dunes. The Great Barrier Reef has around 1,500 species of fish, species of sea grass in beds, 500 coral species and more, showing great diversity. (Appendix B Figure 1.8) shows the diverse range of fish and coral species within the reef, compared to another reef. If for example one producer being algae is ended then there are other producers like sea plants that secondary consumers can feed on. While coastal dunes have very extreme environments, therefore only few flora and fauna are able to survive. This limits the diversity within the ecosystem, and if one primary consumer for example is killed off then there is competition for food, resulting in disequilibrium. Ecosystems with greater interdependence like the Great Barrier Reef can accommodate for change more easily, while coastal dunes (who have harsh conditions, which lowers there flora fauna populat ions), are more susceptible to change. Question 4. Evaluate the traditional and contemporary approaches to management and protection of both ecosystems. Coral Reefs Traditional Management Strategies Traditional management approaches were mostly used by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The Aboriginals focused on preserving the reefs and maintaining equilibrium in the ecosystem. The first traditional management plan was season hunting. Season hunting involved hunting only occurring at specific designated times of the year, for example summer. This strategy guaranteed that there would be flora and fauna available for the future generations. The Aboriginals and Islanders only took what resources they needed from the reef, which helped in maintaining dynamic equilibrium in the reef. Another impressive traditional management tactic used by the Aboriginals in maintaining the reefs was restrictions on fish sizes. This practice involved only catching fish of a certain length or above. Through this practice the fish of the Great Barrier Reef were given the chance to reproduce at least once before they were caught. This let the ecosystem maintain levels of fauna. Contemporary Management Strategies Coral reefs are also maintained through contemporary management strategies, with a startegy being zoning. Zoning involves establishing what can be done and where it can be done. The purpose of zoning is to diminish stress placed on certain areas of the reef. An example of zoning is allowing commercial fishing to occur in some parts of the reef, while tourism developments in other parts. Another way in which reefs can be preserved is through benchmark data. Benchmark data is comparing the ecosystem that is at risk with the standard of that ecosystem. Benchmark data helps in understanding whether the reef ecosystem is at the standard that it should be. For example the standard level globally for the amount of dissolved nitrogen in the water of coral reefs is 0.014ppm. Benchmark data is important in interpreting the risk factor the reef ecosystem has. The managing of tourism on the reef is also a significant factor of contemporary management strategies. Tourism generally has a negative impact on the reef, so its important that these tourists learn more about the reefs and the need to manage them. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) makes all tourists pay a certain fee when visiting the reefs, so they can reinvest the money into the reef. One of the major issues regarding tourism in reefs is the concentration on certain areas. For example, around 85% of all Great Barrier Reef tourism occurs in the areas of Cairns and Whitsunday Islands. Though they only make up 7% of the entire Great Barrier Reef putting immense risk on these areas. Over the years there have been many pontoon accidents in the reef and so the GBRMPA decided to ban all pontoon activity unless granted otherwise. Tourism also impacts the wildlife and breeding cycles. Fauna have certain places and times when they are breeding and sometimes humans distu rb their cycles. For example research found that many bird species that regularly bred on Michaelmas Cays had stopped breeding due to the growing tourist activity on the island. Coastal Dunes Traditional Management Strategies Very little is known on the traditional Aboriginal ways of the management of coastal dunes. The findings of middens, which are mounds of shells, are indicators to the type of marine environment in the area, and the time that the Aborigines used the resources. Totems were also used by Aboriginals. Totems are animals assumed as an emblem to an individual or family. For many Aborigines the totems were an animal ancestor of theirs. They were not allowed to eat their totem animals or harm it in anyway. This management strategy helped in making sure species were not overhunted. The most known form of Aboriginal management of coastal dunes was back-burning. Back-burning occurred through fires or fire stick farming, and would occur during cool periods so the fires would not get out of hand and kill the whole ecosystem. Contemporary Management Strategies For successful dune protection to occur, the natural functioning of the dune must be sustained, while allowing humans to use the coastal dune ecosystem in a sustainable manner. As dune restoration is extremely costly many bodies of power have used strategies that protect the current dunes, and keep them in the best possible condition. One strategy imposed is land-use controls. Through state and local governments there is the ability to have stricter planning laws on human activities on dunes. Local governments have the power to accept or decline any development applications on the dunes. This would help the dune system function in a more natural state. Dune stabilisation is also an important feature to management and involves securing exposed sand and stopping it from blowing away. One way of doing this is through reshaping the dunes. Reshaping transpires through the use of earthmoving equipment that makes the dunes more aerodynamic shaped. Reshaping is able to create the needed form of the dune for vegetation and organisms to become established on the dunes. Dune reconstruction usually occurs on dunes that lack in sand. As it is expensive to import sand, chemicals and other inorganic fertilisers are used. If dune reconstruction is applied with other efficient management methods like revegetation, then it is extremely positive for the dune, as seen in Texas, USA where sand dunes using this method have grown by 2 or 3 metres in only 2 years. The most successful method for dune stabilisation is revegetation. Revegetation is proven to be the least expensive, most durable and is able to self-maintain. The main role of dune plants is to trap and hold wind-borne sand. The leaves of vegetation also play a part, as they disturb the movement of sand by saltation and surface creep. Revegetation usually takes on the form of developing a plant succession on the dunes. If the dune is somewhat degraded then pioneer dune grasses, like sand spinifex, are brought in to stabilise the dune, then introduced are the secondary vegetation like she oaks and finally tertiary species like coastal trees. As coastal dunes are extremely harsh and specialised ecosystems it is preferred that the seedlings of the revegetation come from neighbouring areas, as the vegetation has experienced the conditions. Revegetation does not come cheap and is particularly labour-intensive. Through the actions of volunteers like Dune Care, dune revegetation is able to occur more often and with fewer expenses. (Appendix A Figure 1.5) an example of successful dune revegetation occurring on coastal dunes. Conclusion Both coral reefs and coastal dunes are extreme environments in their own ways. They face common problems in terms of the biophysical interactions and human stresses, but also contrasting difficulties with one being more vulnerable than the other. Much importance must be placed on preserving both ecosystems as they offer us many resources. Efficient management approaches must also be used to sustain them for future generations. These environments offer humans an insight into the power and ferocity that is instilled in Mother Nature. The ecosystems have adapted to the many conditions they have faced, and will continue as long as we can help preserve them.