Monday, November 4, 2019
Sociology - Ubran Sociology & Crime and Criminology Research Proposal
Sociology - Ubran Sociology & Crime and Criminology - Research Proposal Example As part of examining the possible impact of implementing a diet program for police officers, the health benefits, identified positive work improvements, and social benefits of this program will be tackled in details. In relation to the implementation of a strict diet program for local police officers, the proposed research study is important in terms of improving the health and work performance of the local police officers. Because of the nature of work, the U.S. police officers live roughly 15 years less as compared to the average Americans (Tracy, 1993). This is possible due to the fact that approximately 50% of the local police officers are likely to develop a form of heart disease during their retirement age (Vonk, 2007). The problem with being overweight is highly associated with the risk of developing a long list of health problems including: (1) high blood pressure; (2) Type 2 diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM); (3) high blood pressure; (4) atherosclerosis; (5) high cholesterol levels; (6) gallbladder disease; (7) atherosclerosis; (8) cerebral hemorrhage; (9) coronary heart diseases; (10) osteoarthritis; (11) sleep apnea; and (12) certain types of cancer. (Alberti et al., 2007; Nazario, 2007; Nanchahal et al., 2005; WHO, 2005; Ballington, 2002; American Psychiatric Association, 2000; Lau et al., 2000; Yuan et al., 1998) On top of the health consequences of being overweight, it also contributes to the slow physical movements can endanger the lives of the local police officers. The proposed research design includes the use of qualitative and quantitative research survey questionnaire which will be distributed to a group of police officers. To determine the best diet program which can be designed for the specific nutritional needs of the police officers, a one-on-one interview will be conducted with a qualified nutritionist. After requesting
Saturday, November 2, 2019
National debt with regards to taxes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
National debt with regards to taxes - Essay Example Therefore, whenever the national debt is high, there is a likelihood that the citizenry will be affected, since the available national resources could not be sufficient to cover for all the government payments in form of the interest rates that it must pay periodically to the creditors (Boccia, 2013). The consequence is that; the taxes that are collected from the citizenry must then be increased, so that there is enough money to cover for the payment of the interest in the debts that the government owes different creditors. Therefore, while there could be less awareness in relation to the impacts of the national debts on the citizenry to the public, the truth is that the effect of the national debt must be felt by all. Thus, the effects of National debt include: The National debt affects the tax rates that are charged on the common citizens, as well as the private sector through the licensing and other legal requirements that business are required to have. Whenever the National debt is high, the government has to seek for a way to increase the available revenue so that it can be able to meet the debt obligations in form of interest payments that must be made every single financial period (Faulhaber, 2010). Consequently, when the government is unable to meet the interest obligations from the already collected tax revenues, the government turns to the public for more money through raising the tax rates that the public must pay on various essential products and services. The increased taxation on the other hand becomes a financial burden for the common citizens, considering that they are now getting less value for their money. When the rate of taxation has increased, the prices of goods and services that the common citizens consume goes high, which in turn means that the value for their money has now significantly reduced (Boccia, 2013). The increased taxation does not only affect the common citizens, but also businesses, considering that their profitability will be reduced, while the costs of operations will keep increasing. The consequence is that, National debt increases the tax burden on both citizens and businesses, making it hard for businesses to grow, while reducing the purchasing power of the public (Agonist Learning Center, 2009). The net effect is that, investments will not perform well in the situation where the national debt is high. Further, National debt affects the interest in the sense that, the national banks continuously keeps track of the national debt as they are continuously served with such information from the central bank. The relationship between the central bank and the other commercial banks is that; the central bank is the key determinant of the interest rates that the commercial banks will charge on loans and mortgages issued to the banksââ¬â¢ customers (Faulhaber, 2010). Therefore, when the national debt increases, there is a need for more money that is used to cover for the increased interest rates that the government must pay to the creditors. Consequently, the central bank raises the interest rates, which are then increased by the commercial banks in similar proportions (Boccia, 2013). Therefore, the increased national debt serves to increase the
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 14
Business - Essay Example The two prospective business partners, Pat and Alex, are professionals in different fields. This is an advantage in that it will save their business a lot of money and will go further in ensuring that their business becomes a success. Alex has a lot of experience in roasting coffee, which they can choose to do in their coffee shop instead of buying coffee that is already roasted. Buying roasted coffee is expensive. Being a chef, he can also handle all matters related to the kitchen Alex has all the experience that the business requires in order to provide customers with fine cups of coffee. He could save the business unnecessary expense, and that money could be used for other purposes in the business (Longeneckeet & Gaele, 2006). Pat is a marketing manager in an advertising firm. Pat can overwhelmingly provide the necessary management skills that are required in the coffee shop. This is also an advantage to the business, as management skills are essential in daily operations of a business enterprise. Since the coffee shop will be a new business in town, the two partners will need to carry out some advertisements. The advertisements will be aimed at attracting customers in their business. Pat, a well-trained manager, has to embark on this department and advice on the best way of attracting customers in this coffee shop (Longeneckeet & Gaele,
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
African American and American Society Essay Example for Free
African American and American Society Essay African Americans No matter where or when a person lives, skin color, beliefs, class, or history he/she will see a difference in the way every ethnic group is treated. This world has never been fair for anyone. Life can treat a person with the greatest of care or it will treat a person as if he/she is lower than dirt. African Americans are no different. They have faced great hardships and triumphs throughout the years. Since they had been forced from their homeland they have been treated as if they had no rights or thoughts of their own. They were placed in the status of slaves even though they were human beings too. No matter if they were placed in the minority group by the dominate majority group of white Americans they remind structurally pluralism by keeping to their beliefs and traditions. Before and after slavery African Americans did not receive equal treatment. ââ¬Å"Even when slavery ended, Jim Crow laws went into effect meaning that the very best of everything was reserved for whiteââ¬â¢s only-school, jobs, neighborhoods, hospitals, etc. â⬠(Moore, 2008). In other words, the African Americans took the subordinate status to the dominant white Americans. Their race was used to dictate what rights they would be allowed to have in America. At one point, they did not have the right to be free and over the years they were given that right back. Even though they regained their right to be free, they still were not very free. They were only allowed to eat in certain places, drink from certain fountains, and ride in the back of the bus. This is not what would be called very free. They were not even given the opportunities to receive a quality education or to vote. ââ¬Å"With the 1896 Supreme Court decision in the case of Plessy v. Ferguson, the separate by equal doctrine was upheld, and the system of segregation in the South was securely in placeâ⬠(Merger, 2012, pg. 169). When it came to getting a quality education, they were placed at the bottom of the totem pole. The whites receive the best opportunities for receiving a quality education while the African Americans were not. It was not until the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case that African Americans were allowed a better education. ââ¬Å"Separate schools were inherently unequal and imposed an inferior status on black children, causing irreparable psychological changeâ⬠(Merger, 2012, pg. 173). The rights as citizens were also being denied by not allowing them to vote and make a proper living to take care of theirfamilies. Years ago, African Americans were not allowed to vote, so they had no say in the laws that were made that would deny them their rights as American citizens or human beings. This kept them from changing the laws that kept them from achieving economically and politically. The Civil Right Movement began a new era for African American. It was their gain of the right to vote and be elected to office that gave the some power over their rights as human beings and citizen in the economic and political environment. Even after everything that the African Americans have gone through, they still face prejudice and discrimination in all areas of their lives. It is no wonder that for some it feels as if it is never over. No matter what a person looks like, how he/she talks, their beliefs, where he/she lives, how much money he/she has, or what race he/she may come from we all bleed red and where cut from the same cloth. We all deserve to have the opportunities and resources that are out there to help better ourselves. African Americans are human beings too and they have the same rights as everyone else.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Marketing Communication Comparison of Shoe Companies
Marketing Communication Comparison of Shoe Companies Introduction: This report is presented with the aim of facilitating a comparative analysis of the marketing communication strategies and mix adopted by the athletic shoe brands Adidas and New Balance. This research entails a high magnitude of relevance as the two brands i.e Adidas and New Balance are operating simultaneously in the international market which is defined as being competitive. For illustrative purposes: Competitors of the Shoe Brands: Adidas New Balance Nike Puma New Balance Reebok Asics Woodlands Red Tape NIKE, Inc. Adidas-Salomon AG Ariat International AZ3 DC Shoes Fechheimer Brothers Company OshKosh BGosh Saucony Woolrich Combating completion as such is required for substance and growth.. Organizations such as Adidas, New Balance and many more are in continuity into market research to cater to consumers whose tastes and fashions are changing in rapidity necessitating variation in products by modifications, modes of advertising, sales and promotional approaches and appealing pricing strategy to attract consumers who are not only quality conscious but price conscious. To render an in-depth analysis, I propose the following: Primary Research: Consumer Poll Secondary Research: Books, Journals, Websites Analysis of Compiled data Primary and Secondary Research data employing the following business tools: S.W.O.T Analysis Marketing Mix Market and Literature Review: Origin: New Balance Shoes: New Balance Athletic Shoe was created by an orthopaedic shoe manufacturer in 1906. The individual who is credited for the birth of this reputed shoe brand is William Riley and the organization came to be known as the New Balance Arch Company. In the 1900s, New Balance Arch manufactured custom-made arch supports to rectify orthopaedic foot problems and help in relief of pain. In the year 1930, the very first handmade running spike was created by New Balance Arch. Paul Kidd acquired new Balance Arch in 1956. The Organization manufactured first running shoe employing a rippled rubber sole, which was produced with a multitude of widths in 1961. James S Davis, in 1972 bought New Balance and then it was christened as New Balance Athletic Shoe. New Balance Athletic Shoe bought the rights from Iron Age of the Dunham brand names. In 2000 the organization created the RC1001, which happened to be the primary shoe to present the N-ergy SC. System comprised of a technological superiority in the New Balance bringing about high-performance suspension system. New Balance Athletic Shoe also gained successfully the rights to the PF Flyers brand in the year 2000. New Balance Athletic Shoe commenced its first width centralized concept unit at Harrods with a merger with Sweatshop in 2001. The organization signed on the dotted line a license agreement along with the Franco Apparel Group for sale of kids apparel in 2003. It also opened its stores in Santa Barbara and Ontario in the same year. In 2003 New Balance Athletic Shoe stepped with intent to diversify into the market of China. In 2004, New Balance Athletic Shoe entered into agreement alongside New Era Cap to add in their product line performance headwear in its product line categories, a business agreement with Eyewear Designs to initiate sales of highly innovative performance sun wear and eyewear, and a mutually beneficial agreement with Moretz Sports to produce high quality performance socks. New Balance Athletic Shoe successfully acquired Warrior Lacrosse in Warren, Michigan in 2004 and also commenced its concept outlet in US and Canada at the same year. A totally-new comfort performance Shoe brand, Aravon, was by this organisation introduced at retail outlets in 2004. In 2005, Innovative Hockey was bought by the organization to function as a new section named Warrior Hockey. In August 2006, New Balance Athletic Shoe bought Brine, a reputed industry world leader in soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and volleyball, based in Milford, Massachusetts. Adidas: Adolf Dassler, a German National residing in a relatively unknown German Village created Adidas, the phenomenon in athletic shoe brand who named the shoe by utilising his nickname Adi and adding it on to the first syllable of his last name. In the very beginning Adidas hired reputed athletics to promote their product line. Jesse Owens, in the Olympic Games of 1936 wore Adidas shoes while performing at the games and later on as the brand gained popularity many sports personalities commenced sponsoring the brand. Towards the end of Seventies, Adidas gained phenomenal popularity and was dominating the global market in sportswear. Kaka, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham and many celebrity soccer players such as e are being sponsored by Adidas. For nearly eight decades Adidas has been very much an integral part of the sports world providing state-of-the-art sports footwear, accessories and apparel. Currently, the organization takes pride in holding a global position in the sports goods sector. Adidas products especially shoes are available in almost every nation of the world proving the fact that the organization has carved a distinctive niche for itself. Adidas has emerged into a large multinational corporation. It possesses a distinctive logo and the catchy advertising slogan Impossible is Nothing further cement the brand image and popularity. The business organization with intent to have sustenance of the image it has created in the minds of the global consumers allocates huge sums in advertising and promotion of the brand. The brand employs sports stars to project its corporate philosophy of passion, grit, determination and perseverance through its Impossible is Nothing Campaign especially at the current recessional phase which is predominant in the current economic world scenario. (Borderick 2005) Methodology: Primary Research: Initially primary research method was employed. Consumers were interviewed about the two brands i.e. Adidas and New Balance Shoes. Data was compiled and a theoretical approach was devised to compare the brands. The questionnaire utilized had 10 vital questions which helped in gaining required responses for the analysis Secondary Research: While the function was carried out for the secondary research, books and websites and learning modules were referred to. On the basis on the primary and secondary research data compilation, analysis was carried out and inferences drawn. Analysis and Discussion: http://www.wikinvest.com/images/thumb/e/e7/Footwear_market_shares.PNG/400px-Footwear_market_shares.PNGPie Chart The above figure statically indicates the fact that New Balance has a large share in comparison to Adidas. Nike stands at 6% while Adidas at 16% which is almost half of Nike. Marketing Mix: http://www.soopertutorials.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/4ps.gif New Balance Adidas Product New Balance Athletic Shoe has created the RC1001, which stands out to be the first shoe to feature the N-ergy SC System, a technological strategy innovation in the high-performance suspension shoes The shoes are known to offer comfort and style and are light in weight. They have great value for money. The grip which the sole provides is on account of good design and is useful especially in hiking. They go with ease on the legs and prevent any kind of twist or sprain. Price Commences from a pricing range of USD 59 The basic pricing range is USD 65 onwards Place New Balance Athletic Shoe are marketed in more than 120 countries on six continents. New Balance is in possession of wholly-owned subsidiaries in the Sweden, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, UK, France, Germany, New Zealand, Mexico, Canada, South Africa, and Brazil. Adidas is sold in all the developed and developing economies of the world. Adidas follow one level channel or an indirect channel to make their product reach out to the final consumer. The products are manufactured by the producer and it then reaches the retailer who in turn sells it to the final consumer. Promotion The company fails to have endorsements in huge sporting events, retarding its ability to gain international brand-recognition. Adidas now just does not advertise innovatively but makes the much required impact with executions which are brilliant. Television and other forms of advertising are in regularity employed and the organization successfully conveys their characteristics of innovation and technology coupled with huge success stories with personalities such as Emil Zatopek and Mohammad Ali to name a few. S.W.O.T Analysis: (Kotler 2001) A S.W.O.T Analysis in context of a business organization assists us in comprehending the strengths of the organization, the weaknesses it possesses, the opportunities the organization could explore and the threats which could harm its growth and existence. New Balance Shoes: Strengths Innovations New Balance Athletic Shoe focuses on continuous research and development work. New Balance Athletic Shoe has brought into various new products over the years. The business house was the first to produce handmade running spikes. It also created the first running shoe having a rippled rubber sole that was produced in multiple widths. The firms continuous innovations have helped it to remain competitive and improve market share. Global reach The firm possesses a number of licensees, joint ventures and distributors all over the world. International operations help the brand to use advantage of a range of market opportunities while refraining from overexposure to any specific market. Unique approach to athletic products The Companys aim is to provide the elite and daily athlete with footwear, apparel and accessories that assure superior performance, fit, quality and comfort. Understanding that the size of feet varies among people, New Balance sells shoes in up to six different widths from a narrow 2A to an expansive 6E.The company has created 18 different foot models (lasts) to design its footwear around. Each last takes into account the users i.e. men, women and kids and the use. All in all, they create a complete fit and size profile to design a superior shoe called 360 Fit. This new approach provides the organization a competitive better advantage. Weaknesses Lacking celebrity endorsements New Balance Athletic Shoe has focused on an Endorsed by no one belief or philosophy. The company fails to undertake celebrity endorsements like its competitors Nike, Adidas and Reebok. Its brand building process are hence at a position which is disadvantaged resulting in brand unawareness up to some extent by this. Opportunities Growth in the fitness equipment market The fitness equipment market in the US and UK is expected to grow at steady rate in the near future. Fitness equipment manufacturers have now started to offer high quality equipment at lower prices. This has helped increase the penetration of these products in the home fitness market, as opposed to the earlier trend, when such products were only found in fitness and training clubs. Treadmills, elliptical machines and other types of equipment that are used for cardiovascular workout are now available to consumers at reasonable rates. This is increasing the demand for such products and New Balance is well positioned in this market through its home exercise equipment product range. Threats Rising raw material costs The principal materials used in manufacturing footwear products are natural and synthetic rubber, plastic compounds, foam cushioning materials, nylon, leather, canvas, and polyurethane films used to make Air-Sole cushioning components. As a result of rising oil prices, the prices of synthetic rubber and plastic based products has increased. Rising oil prices will further increase the prices for petroleum based products. Increasing raw material costs would increase the companys production costs and may affect its profitability. Intense competition The business is subjected to high competition with many large companies such as Nike, Adidas and Reebok. The market launch of technologically better and improved products by competitors such as Adidas and Reebok, could lead to decline in the firms market share. Further, these competitors have greater resources and strong brand names. The competition from these big brands is very high and propels the company to invest large amounts in marketing and brand maintenance strategies. Adidas: Strength: The prime strength of the organization is its 8 decades of existence in the global market. The employment of high end technology in the production process improves quality, precision and durability which are the most desired aspects by athletes. The organization has the largest international portfolio of celebrity sports ambassadors. The business as a part of promotion sponsors football teams and has a high consumer brand loyalty mainly in U.S.A and India. Statistics and surveys indicate that Adidas has the maximum level of popularity and brand image in India. Adidas possesses the largest international portfolio of sports ambassadors. The organization in continuity sponsors football teams and has a high fan following particularly in U.S.A and India. Statistics and surveys reveal that Adidas has the maximum level of popularity and brand image in India. Weakness: The pricing strategy of Adidas for all its products including athletic footwear lacks flexibility and is highly rigid and this proves to be a weakness in a general price conscious economy. Adidas is hovered over with a close competitor in the form of Nike, Puma and many more in the global market. The Indian subcontinent, which in now identified as a potentially growing market with high potential of revenue, the brand has not been showing good revenue results. In a global price conscious economy, the high level of rigidity in pricing poses a weakness. Adidas is plagued with a close competitor in the form of Nike in the global market. The Indian subcontinent, which in now recognized as an emerging market with high potential of revenue, the brand has not performed well. Opportunities: Adidas should avail the opportunity to explore new world markets in the global arena. Health consciousness among the people in general is creating a good need for athletic shoes which should be skillfully tapped by Adidas. Creative advertising employed in continuity could open up opportunities of market growth and sustenance. The brand has tremendous opportunity to explore new avenues and markets in the global market. Health consciousness among the world populace in general is creating a good demand for athletic shoes Effective advertising employed in continuity could present the opportunity of market growth and sustenance. Threats: Statistics show that Reebok, a competitor of Adidas has a good market share and employs a higher sum for market communication strategies. This presents a threat which is growing for Adidas. New entrant brands such as GAP, CAT prove to be a threat as they are eating in on the market share of Adidas which it has created over a period of time Statistic reveals that Nike, a competitor of Adidas has a large market share and allocates a much larger sum for market communication strategies. This proves to be a threat which is growing for Adidas. Relatively new brands such as GAP, CAT prove to be a threat as they are cutting in on the market share of Adidas. Conclusion: Statistics state that Adidas rules over New Balance shoes in the Global Market. Without an element of doubt both the brands fulfill the quality criteria. Their marketing approach differs creating a certain amount of limitations especially in the case of New Balance Shoes. Adidas is undoubtedly performing better and will continue to do so Recommendations: It is recommended that New Balance Shoes commence celebrity endorsement for their product and even sponsor sports events like Adidas does. The excessive competition creates this need. With a change in the promotional activities the company might not improve market share. Adidas has to focus on moving ahead of Nike which is the only close serious competitor dominating the market.
Friday, October 25, 2019
Essay --
In Philip Larkinââ¬â¢s poem ââ¬Å"High Windowsâ⬠the speaker displays mixed emotions towards the invention of modern birth control and its integration into society during the 60ââ¬â¢s. Larkin composed poems during a period of political turmoil and instability and expresses a desire to escape the apparent chaos; he describes both the sexual and religious freedoms of the time. Nevertheless, ââ¬Å"High Windowsâ⬠, presents a small background of sexuality and culture that is about social change. Yet, during this time period using birth control was looked down upon by the previous conservative generations because the kids were rejecting the previous generationsââ¬â¢ morals. In addition, opponents of the birth control pill were concerned that because many were using birth control, it would be used as an excuse to engage in premarital relationships. However, birth control ââ¬Å"Pillâ⬠was an innovative invention that brought about a positive cultural change to soc iety because it allows couples to plan for wanted children, establish relationships, financial stability, and women to pursue professional lives with more freedom. In the time period that Larkin wrote ââ¬Å"High Windowsâ⬠, there were intense changes in matters referring to sex and birth control methods. Sexual practices that were previously considered inappropriate for discussion were openly discussed. New methods of contraception allowed men and women to be able to control their own reproduction. Larkin captures this sense of a new age of sexual freedom in his poem, ââ¬Å"High Windowsâ⬠. Larkin expresses the desire to escape a constantly changing world due to sexual freedom in order to achieve some type of fulfilling personal relationship. ââ¬Å"Larkin was a life-long bachelor; he had several sexual relationships, but was n... ...Marks). Therefore, the key development of the pill is the freedom of choice one has. ââ¬Å"It frees the woman from the burden of involuntary childbearing that has traditionally made her a poor risk to employers and assigned her a secondary role in society. Now, three out of five working women were marriedâ⬠(Marks). Nonetheless, birth control allows couples to plan for the conception of children and take charge of their life. Birth control has brought about a positive cultural change to society. Women were now able to consider having careers and attending college, rather than worrying about raising a family. The past decade has witnessed significant changes in the culture of society due to the introduction of the birth control movement. The ââ¬Å"Sexual Revolutionâ⬠of the United States is believed to be part of the aftermath of the widespread use of the birth control pill.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
The News of the World Phone Hacking Scandal
The News of the World Phone Hacking Scandal from Business Ethics and CSR Point of View Date: 21 June 2012 Executive Summary The focus of the project youââ¬â¢re about to read is on the recently phone hacking scandal of famous UK News agency, ââ¬â The News of The World. The report include a brief explanation of what has happened based on pre-selected online articles, analysis of the scandal from Business Ethics point of view by using various CSR theories discussed during the CSR course in period four and provides conclusion and recommendations on what could have been done.The research is built on identification of the moral problem identification, analysis of the scandal, optional actions which could have been taken to avoid the situation, evaluation of the scandal from business ethics perspective by using business ethics theories. To make sure that the scandal is analyzed realistically the report covers different stakeholder perspectives. Nonetheless, the report addresses one o f the most important scandals of the news industry and aims to handle the issues from Business Ethics and CSR point of view.Contents Introduction3 The News of the World and Phone hacking Scandal background4 1. What the dilemma is about5 2. Stakeholder Analysis6 2. 1. Who acted and who had to act? 6 2. 2. Stakeholder and their interests/actions7 2. 3. Moral values9 3. Theoretical analysis10 3. 2. Sustainability10 3. 3. Ethical Value Judgment11 3. 4. Virtue Ethics (Phone Hacking)12 3. 5. Utilitarianism: Consequentialist approach13 3. 6. Universalism: Deontological approach14 4. Conclusion and recommendations15 Bibliography16 IntroductionThe scandal analyzed within this report is one of the most discussed and complicated scandals the news world has ever faced. In order to be able to realistically present company and adequately evaluate this whistle blowing journalistic research which revealed the greatest journalistic scandal ever the following criterion were used: * Business Aspect of the scandal * Moral aspect of the issue and public reaction * Political aspect of the problem * Ethical theoretical relevancy * Social elements of the scandalAll the gathered data is analyzed according to the theoretical knowledge gained during the course. Company Mission Statement: â⬠Our practice is the fearless advocacy of truth. [We] will seek for the patronage of no party â⬠¦will conceal neither the merits nor the faults of any party, butâ⬠¦ will aim alone at doing good service to old England by maintaining her glory and security, the prosperity of all classes of the people. â⬠(Hinton. (2011). After 168 years, what changed?. Available: http://hintonandco. com/tag/mission-statement/. Last accessed 14 June 2012. This in itself is a very powerful mission statement which was left as an inheritance from the companyââ¬â¢s founding fathers. After 168 years they first have been in business, the staff were empowered by these powerful words. The culture that was ini tially ââ¬Å"advocated for truthâ⬠was left to run uncontrolled even if it was for the cost of breaking the law. The News of the World and Phone hacking Scandal background For the first time being published in 1843 the News of the World was one of the most read Newspaper in the United Kingdom, until 2011.During the period of its publication it was the biggest selling English language newspaper not only in the UK but also globally. The company initially was established by John Browne Bell in 1843 and later was sold to Lascelles Carr in 1891 and last was bought by News Corporation in 1969. News of the World was the Sunday sister paper of The Sun. The newspaper main focus was on its specialty on celebrity-based scoops and populist news. Its ââ¬Å"extraordinaryâ⬠scandal news earned the company various names, including but not limited to famous News of the Screws and Screws of the World slogan. UK: BBC. (2011). News of the World to close amid hacking scandal. Available: www. bbc. co. uk/news/uk-14070733. Last accessed 14 June 2012. ) The company was famous for exposing celebrities as drug users, sexual peccadilloes, or criminals, setting up insiders and journalists in disguise to provide either video or photographic evidence, and phone hacking which became obvious in 2011. With its paparazzi style and delivering personalized news, the paper was selling over 2 million copies on weekly basis up until 2010.Though the phone hacking allegations started back in 2006, accusations reached to its top level on the 4th of July 2011, when it was revealed that the newspaper staff had intercepted and deleted the voicemail of missing British teenager Milly Dowler, who was later found murdered. As a result of the intense allegations News International announced the closure of the newspaper on July the 7th 2011. However the scandal did not just end there by closing the company, it got deepened as the investigations got intensive.The most horrible news was that the comp any had hacked the phones of the British service personnel killed in action, their families, people who died during 9/11 and their families. However ethical dilemmas do not just end by the phone hacking scandal, but also secondary dilemma starts with the speech of the owner of the News Corp. Richard Murdochââ¬â¢s announcement on February the 17th 2012 in London that they were soon to launch a Sunday edition of The Sun as a successor to the News of the World and they were planning to employ a number of former News of the World journalists. . What the dilemma is about When the investigations initially started in 2005 it was concluded that the companyââ¬â¢s phone hackings were only limited to celebrities, politicians and a few members of the British Royal Family. However when it was revealed in July 2011, that the phones of the murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowlerââ¬â¢s , relatives of deceased military members, victims of the 7/7 London bombings and some of the 9/11 victims were a lso accessed. As a result of those unethical actions a public outcry against News Corporation and owner Rupert Murdoch culminated. (UK: BBC. 2011). News of the World to close amid hacking scandal. Available: www. bbc. co. uk/news/uk-14070733. Last accessed 14 June 2012. ) Even though the public relatively calmed down after the company was closed, the anti-Murdoch and anti-News Corp. protests culminated once again after the owner of the company announced that they are planning to start a new newspaper agency by hiring the same staff under different name. 1. Stakeholder Analysis 2. 1. Who acted and who had to act? Phone hacking scandal covered multi level stakeholders. The following were the major stakeholders:In this case the main responsible stakeholders were the News Corp Management, Richard Murdoch; ââ¬â the owner of the company and the British Government/monitoring institutions within the government. These stakeholders were legally responsible for making it sure that the news paper was operating within the legal borders. Once the company was suspected for its fraud activities the governmental institutions did their job by starting an investigation on the newspaperââ¬â¢s operations. However these institutions did fail to monitor the newspaper activities prior to the scandal.Both the News Corp. and the owner of the company, Richard Murdoch claimed not to be knowledgeable of those hacking activities, however they did apologize those harmed as a result of hacking activities and subsequently shut the company down. Meanwhile, the holding company did fail their promises when they announced about their plans of re-starting the newspaperââ¬â¢s successor under different name. 2. 2. Stakeholder and their interests/actions The stakeholders given in the stakeholder map can be divided into two: * Internal * ExternalThe following could be classified as internal stakeholders: 1. The News of the World: It was in the newspapers objective to deliver interesting news at on weekly basis. The company was profit oriented and would do almost everything to achieve its targets. They also had the campaign to expose pedophiles rings rather hollow. That was a dangerous path to go on: we could imagine them asking the question, ââ¬ËWill this sell us lots of copies? ââ¬â¢, and if the answer is ââ¬ËYesââ¬â¢, they would do it, no matter if itââ¬â¢s illegal, immoral or indefensible.The culture that was initially ââ¬Å"advocated for truthâ⬠was left to run uncontrolled even if it was for the cost of breaking the law. 2. The NotW management: The management had the responsibility to make strategic decisions to run the company profitably. It was in their interest to give the staff as much independence as possible to bring the most sensational news in the news industry. However it was also their responsibility to make sure that the staffââ¬â¢s actions were within the legal boundaries. 3. The staff/journalists: The employeesââ¬â¢ main duti es were delivering the news that no other paper delivered.However it was morally their responsibility to act responsibly. 4. Richard Murdoch: It was in his focus that the company was profitable. It was also him as primary responsible person when the company was subject to investigations. He was the one apologizing in public on behalf of the newspaper, which created a good image of the company in short term. However, his announcement about new company being launched again put the News Corp. as holding company in the frontline subject to criticisms. 5. The NOTW shareholders: This group of the stakeholders was the people who invested in the NOTW.It was in their interest that the company was profitable and was running that way continuously. It was definitely out of their focus that the company was engaged such harmful activities. The external stakeholders: 1. The UK government/regulatory institutions: It was governmentââ¬â¢s/regulatory institutions duty to check the activities of the newspaper and act upon necessity. 2. David Cameroon: The prime minister was criticized for his former director of communications Andy Coulson was an ex-editor of News of the World at the time much of the phone hacking occurred. (Luke Buckmaster and Amber Jamieson. 2011). ââ¬ËHacked to deathââ¬â¢: Murdoch kills NotW. Available: http://www. crikey. com. au/2011/07/08/the-latest-24-hours-of-the-NotW-phone-hacking-scandal/. Last accessed 14 June 2012. ) 3. Victims: The victims who were alive or the relatives of the victims were interested in NotW managementââ¬â¢s apalogizes. 4. New industry: The industry got harmed by one representativeââ¬â¢s action, and the eyes turned towards other news agencies asking one question ââ¬Å"Are they also using same or similar method? â⬠5. The community: The majority was interested in NotW to apologize and even shut down.However there were small group of people who could potentially be against these and these people were majorly the No tW employees or their relatives. In addition, the community was the main reason why the company did those actions as the demand was very high for such news. The dilemma in the case which makes the stakeholder interests collide: * The NotW company interests for higher profitability * The NotW management objective to bring news at any cost * Possible corruption within the government * High level of public demand for scandal newsSumming it up, there are over 10 major stakeholders being divided into two parts, internal and external stakeholders. However the most interesting part is that some of the stakeholders have mixed interests. For instance, the government who used the information provided by the newspaper, used and sought more news without checking the source of the news and later on accusing the NotW for fraud. In addition, the community who which was the main drive for the hacking due to the demand also had mixed interest levels. 2. 3. Moral values The question ââ¬Å"What is Mo ralâ⬠in itself is debatable.However one can accept that moral values are values shared by the majority. If there would not have been any value in common in the community, it would be impossible or extremely hard to decide on what is moral. In fact, one can see that some values are shared with higher acceptance late than others. The phone hacking scandal covers various moral valuesââ¬â¢ elements: * Responsibility * Accountability * Cooperation * Honesty * Commitment * Integrity * Equality The actions taken by all the stakeholders must meet at least one of the above given elements in order to be considered moral. 2. Theoretical analysis . 1. Carrollââ¬â¢s Pyramid Based on Carrollââ¬â¢s pyramid a company has four levels of responsibility which are Economic, Legal, Ethical and Philanthropic responsibilities. Analyzing the NotWââ¬â¢s overall operational structure we can conclude that their major focus was on Economic responsibility, making more profit in shortest time p ossible. Their mission statement did touch Legal and Ethical responsibilities as well, however it was not very much clear what their major Ethical responsibilities were. They tried to create ethically responsible image of the company by donating money and hosting charity events.However this in itself was not enough. One can conclude that NotW was settled at the base line of the Carrollââ¬â¢s pyramid. 3. 4. Sustainability Evaluating the NotW from sustainability curves point of view one can spot the target of the management. 1- Ethical Responsibility: The company website and their PR representatives always mentioned that their mission is to bring reliable and honest news. While they were often giving large money donations for good cause. However for the concept of the Phone Hacking Scandal, we can say that one action overcame all the ââ¬Å"Ethicalâ⬠actions of the company. ââ¬â Economic Responsibility: This was the main responsibility of the company as they were the large st selling English Language newspaper of the world. 3- Legal Responsibility: The company and the staff were held legally responsible for their actions however the management did not act legally responsible prior to the scandal outbreak. Summing it up we can conclude that the company did not meet all the sustainability elements and lacked sound CSR policy. 3. 5. Ethical Value Judgment We inherit ethical standards suiting our community the most.As people, the companies are as well judged upon firm views about right and wrong. Some of those ethical views are so strong that, shaking them will shake the whole fundamentals. Reliability and trust are those of major elements in these ethical standards that any news company would be judged upon. Looking at the NotW, we can confirm that, the company not only ignored the prevailing norms of the industry but also shook the fundaments of the ethical expectations from a news agency. (James Griffin (2006). Value Judgment Improving Our Ethical Beli eves. 2nd ed.New York, the USA: Oxford University Press. p 60- 98. ) However finally the management took the right psychological decision by stopping the company operations. NotW NotW Phone Hacking Scandal Prevailing norms of News industry Value judgments and perceptions of the audiance ETHICAL? 3. 6. Virtue Ethics (Phone Hacking) ââ¬Å"Virtue ethicsâ⬠is shortly the development of a person or a company into an ethically responsible one to lead ethical and responsible life/operations. To achieve that level it is important to develop responsible character traits which are called virtues.In Phone Hacking Scandal both the government and the management had to determine specific virtues and play the role of Virtue Ethics Agent. Based on virtue ethics, to determine whether an action is morally acceptable, the action must be chosen responsibly making the virtue equal to responsibility. In most of the case the agent must choose the virtue on the victim and help them. We could see that the British Government acted virtuously and increased the investigation on the hacking scandal, which eventually lead to the end of the NotW.This is mostly due to the fact that NotW as a company lacked major news agency virtues which are being trustworthy, reliable, and honest and one can conclude that the government played an important virtue agent role. 3. 7. Utilitarianism: Consequentialist approach According to the consequentialists it is morally right to do anything if it results in the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people. However the main issue becomes the consequence of the theory which would allow any action to take place under the name of a good cause. Even actions hat would be considered as ââ¬Å"morally wrongâ⬠can be accepted within this theory. However according to the utilitarianism, the NotW has created more harm in the community than benefit by hacking peopleââ¬â¢s private voice mails and, for this reason they are considered to be guil ty for taking morally wrong actions. Looking at from different perspective, if the scandal was not found out, and people enjoyed reading the hacked news, one could say that as long as nobody finds it out, everybody is happy, the consequence is good. Happy & satisfied customer, revenue generating company, taxes received at the government, positive consequence.Once again it is confirmed that this theory can not clearly formulate satisfactory rules for decision making and can easily breach justice/legislation. For the above given reason, one could conclude that the Utilitarianism is not the best way of assessing an action by means of morality. 3. 8. Universalism: Deontological approach Kant's deontological ethics theory is based on Deon ââ¬â duty. If the scandal is approached from Kant's categorical imperative principle point of view, we can conclude that it is the duty of any News Agency to deliver the news to its customers within the given standards without violating the otherâ⠬â¢s private lives.Since this theory is built on the actions that lead to the outcome, then we can conclude that it was not only the NotW but also the regulatory institutions who acted immoral by not monitoring the NotW properly and providing the ground for the company to take such actions. 3. Conclusion and recommendations Failing almost every Ethical Theory, not having sound CSR system, being majorly financialsââ¬â¢ oriented firm, the News of the Worldââ¬â¢s Phone Hacking activities were completely against not only the British Business ethical standards but also the international ethical standards.The NotW management had various mistakes, including but not limited to giving power to their staff without monitoring them on according to the standards. Which consequently lead for the largest scandal of the news industry. However, the management did take the right step by announcing the NotW closed which created a caring image in the community, and saved the holding News Corp. company. Meanwhile, Mr. Murdochââ¬â¢s announcement of News Corp. launching a new successor of the NotW created more aggression within the public. The following would be final recommendations for the News Corp. s the NotW is no longer exists: 1- Give your staff power, but do not let the aggression take their power over 2- Corporate Social Responsibility is not donations, but acting. After such incident, the management should start different volunteer activities not only in the UK but also the other parts of the globe. 3- Define a sound CSR policy covering both your internal and external activities 4- Add learning objectives which you have acquired and which you are missing from your mal-management to your website to let your customers understand that you are aware of your mistake and have learnt from it. ââ¬â Do not hide your history 6- Engage with your customers via different tools, including but not limited to Social Media means and ask for their opinions where they would li ke to see you as a company. 7- Make sure that you have decent reporting system set, and are on track of every single development within the company. Realizing the above given recommendations, the News Corp. will slowly, however soundly be restoring the customer confidence and rise back to their previous levels once again. Bibliography * http://www. bbc. co. uk/news/uk-14070733 * http://www. crikey. com. u/2011/07/08/the-latest-24-hours-of-the-NotW-phone-hacking-scandal/. * http://www. csrquest. net/default. aspx? articleID=12770&heading= * http://www. ec. europa. eu/enterprise/policies/sustainable-business/corporate-social-responsibility/reporting-disclosure/swedish-presidency/files/media-csr/corporate_responsibilty_and_the_media,_david_grayson_en. pdf * http://www. goodcorporation. com/documents/Corporatesocialresponsibilitymorethanaluxury. pdf * http://www. guardian. co. uk/news/blog/2011/jul/11/news-world-hacking-scandal-live * http://www. guardian. co. uk/sustainable-business/bl og/csr-now-hacking-scandal *
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