Can Kuwait save the GCC Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Can Kuwait save the GCC - Assignment Example The states that make up the GCC feel that Qatar is not honoring its part of the agreement in relation to regional security. In response to this, Bahrain, the UAF and Saudi Arabia have opted to withdraw their ambassadors from the country (2). The GCC member states are calling on Qatar to honor the November 2013 accord that calls for severing ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, greatly restrict the movement of Iranian operatives within the zone, and stop all privileges enjoyed by Sheikh Yusef al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian Scholar, to make public broadcasts (2). In this respect, the GCC member states are requesting Qatar to disallow Sheikh Yusef from making broadcasts, severe ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, and stop facilitating the movement of those considered to be Iranian operatives within the GCC zone. While the GCC countries feel that Qatar is interfering in the zone’s security matters that are enshrined in their accord and uniting agreements, Qatar feels that the move to withdraw ambassadors by other GCC states from Doha has no relation to do with the stability, security and interests of nationals of the GCC (3). Instead it was linked to a difference opinions regarding issues that are external to the GCC (3). By allowing Iranian operatives into the GCC zone, the U.S. and its affiliates will find cause to severe ties with GCC member states on the premise that they are supporting Iran’s aggressive activities and stance toward developing nuclear weapons.

Classical Argument Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Classical Argument - Essay Example According to Carey, the National Public Radio, states that college students borrow very huge loans to supplement their stay in college. However, the government is also working very hard to ensure that the rates of borrowing loans for college students are low and the government does not care whether the students have borrowed loans surpassing the one trillion dollars. The government is also intending to double these rates since rumor has it, in order to enable the stay of the students comfortable in college. Eventually, this means that not only will the cost of college fees increases at the WVU university increase but also the amount the students will have to pay back in payment for loans are doubling. This arguments and matters may actually discourage other students anticipating on joining college when especially they think about the increasing cost of Fees and increasing money to pay back as loans after college. Although it is a pleasure that the government gives enough loans to the students, it is an advantage to wise students since they can decide to invest. In this case, the loans will help them positively in a better way. On the other hand, it is a disadvantage for the students will incur many debts with the government and thus it may become a great burden to the students who just do not utilize these loans and thus unless they find jobs on time, it may become very hard to repay the loans. Consequently, several changes have occurred in college tuitions over the last several decades. Tuition at colleges in the current generations cannot have any comparison to the college tuitions in the olden days. Following Feldman’s, Myths and Realities about Rising College Tuition, discusses the changes statistically, historically, and in a way that is not biased. In the past days, college tuition fee used to be very affordable and most people could afford it comfortably as compared to the current days where the college tuition fee is very high for the peasants to afford. This increasing of the cost of the college tuition is due to many factors, which include, one, the rising economy. The increasing cost of life has greatly affected the college tuition fee; this is because of the high prices for food and other household equipments and the increasing needs of the people. This in turn causes the lot of straining to the parents or guardians providing and catering for the college students. On the other hand, in the olden days, very few students qualified to join colleges, and thus this became very convenient for the institutions to provide very affordable accommodation, food and quality tuition at an affordable tuition fee. In addition, the cost of living had not yet risen to greater levels thus parents were very comfortable to pay the tuition fee. On the other hand, the government provided little loans to the students since the government also understood that the cost of life was affordable in comparison to the current cost of life in the colle ges. Life has generally become very demanding and expensive and thus the college students require more money. In the current days also, many students got admissions into colleges hence causing lot congestion into the institutions. The institutions require setting up more structures to accommodate the rising population of the institution

Engineering accomplishments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Engineering accomplishments - Essay Example When the seals are exposed to temperatures above 5000 0F, they are not able to withstand for an extended period. Therefore, there has a been the need to develop an engineering technology that would ensure that the temperatures emanating from the motor joints do not damage the O-rings. The development of the rocket motor joint with thermal barriers was a major 21st century breakthrough. It has ensured that the heat generated by the motor joints is contained. This paper places into perspective the development of the thermal barriers in the rocket motor joints and the benefits that the engineering technology has brought. High temperatures in rocket systems require a thermal barrier. An efficient thermal barrier is one that is composed of a carbon fiber, which forms the core while braided carbon fibers, forms part of the layers. The layers are usually found around the core. The protection of the components of the rocket that cannot bear high temperatures is very vital, for example the elastomeric O-rings seals both the primary and secondary ones requires to be protected against high temperatures(Patrick  et al 577). This made it possible to develop an innovation that will see efficiency in the rocket in order to make the work of space exploration easy and efficient. Additionally, the thermal barriers are required in any other machines, especially that require high efficiency and are used for extended periods. The development of the Rocket Motor Joint with thermal barrier was considered the NASA Government invention of the year in 2004 (National Aeronautics and Space Exploration 14). This is because of its capacity to withstand extremely high temperatures. The development was made in consideration of the current as well as future rocket motors, some of which have been under development. In addition, it is not limited to use in the motors since it can also be uses in other equipment such as industrial

IP1 Diversity in the Workforce Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

IP1 Diversity in the Workforce - Research Paper Example It fosters equality in the distribution of resources and opportunities (Page 2008). This document focuses on the importance of diversity in human resource section of Steel Mill Company. Steel Mill Company has maintained its front-line supervision staff for a long time because of the performance and experience from these top official employees which has helped in the maintenance production levels and profits. However, the company does not benefit from the approaches resulting from diversity thus the workforce demographics of the company have changed dramatically. The main objective of changing the management structure of the company by replacing the old human resource managers and front-line supervisors with a new lot of top official employees of the same ranks is to foster diversity in the company which may lead to profits and production as well as service delivery. Current population projections indicate a change in the future demographic profile of the United States. The population is expected to rise from 296 million to 438 million people in a span of 45years and 82% of this population increase will be as a result of immigrants settling in the United States if the current population trends continue. The population of immigrants is estimated to reach 117 million people with an approximate of 67million adults, 47million children and 3million will total the sum of the grad generation of the immigrant society. The current trends indicate that 12% of born children born in the United States are of foreign origin. The racial and ethnic radar indicates that 67% of the total population in the United States is made up of whites and 14% are of Hispanic origin. Black people sum up to 13% of the total population while 5% are Asians. The working population sums up to 63% while children below the age of 17years make up 25% of the total population. The elderly group made of people

Tree of knowledge Essay Example for Free

Tree of knowledge Essay In the Paradise Lost, Milton has created the character of Satan with unparalleled brilliance and heroic energy. Satan, the leader of the fallen angels, rises to the occasion with unusual strength and inspires his comrades with his undying conviction in his own ability and that of his followers. He refuses to accept his defeat with his strong conviction that â€Å"Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heav’n† (Book -I. line 263). Satan not only convinces his audience but also charms them to plunge into action with his seductive brilliance of verbal persuasion. It is evident in his compelling speech to Beelzebub, his motivational appeal to his legions and in the final seductive speech of Eve. Milton presents Satan with a singularity of grandeur, of suffering and a ruined splendor. He depicts Satan as embodiment of the spirit of pride and ambition- ambition not as a virtue but as the fevered lust for power, which springs from self-exaltation. Satan’s resolve to accomplish the fall of man is because of his jealousy and his desire to assert his supremacy. It is his pride that stands at the back of all his actions. This pride and egotism vitiate all that is noble and good in him. In his compelling speech to Beelzebub he acknowledges their plight but stresses the fact they are strong now as they are still united. His rises himself as a tower of strength and states that they are in a better position to having known the strength of God. Previously it was unknown as it was untried. He declares â€Å"All is not lost; the unconquerable Will, And study of revenge, immortal hate, And courage never to submit or yield: (Book I lines 106-109) Thus, he instills confidence in Beelzebub inspiring him not to yield or surrender. He claims that God’s rule was in danger with imminent revolt from them at any time. He outlines his course of action to fight against God. He expresses his desire to defy God’s authority once again as he is against to ‘bow or sue for grace with suppliant knee’. Obviously, Satan speaks boastfully and words his wishful thinking. Beelzebub understands Satan’s trial of God’s strength, but worries about the loss of Heaven and grieves for the punishment they were given. Satan aptly replies using all his skill and reminding Beelzebub that their task is never to do any good, but always to spoil or pervert what God does. He urges him to leave the lake and join him for reassembling their followers. It is noteworthy that Satan projects himself as infallible though he is actually fallen. He maintains that he neither changes nor fails. On the contrary his is a story of degradation and ultimate failure. As the poem progresses Satan becomes less compelling degrading himself from a heroic warrior to a snake ultimately. Satan’s extraordinary powers of persuasion and oration are best expressed in his most appealing and inspiring speech to the fallen angels. He begins his speech first by soothing them with words of hope. The very beginning of the speech raises the spirit of his followers with his address â€Å"O Myriads of immortal Spirits, O Powers Matchless (Book I, lines 622-23). He empathizes with their suffering by acknowledging their dire situation. He acknowledges that the better part remains with them and stresses that the power of mind. He tells him from his past experience and knowledge that a fitting answer to the God would be taking revenge by working in close design by fraud or guile. He tells them about the creation of new world and the new creatures. Then they build Pandemonium to assert themselves of their power. Being a valiant leader he draws his fallen angels together and instills confidence in them saying stirs them to action with his most inspiring words. Satan is presented with extraordinary powers of oration and persuasion. His words have become the most inspiring quotations in literature. For example the quotations â€Å"the mind is its own place, and in itself / can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven† (Book I lines 254-55). and â€Å"Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven. † (Book I lines 263) are electrifying and haunt the minds of his audience. Milton honestly builds the character of Satan to great heights only to show that all evil is powerful and seems attractive. It is this power and attraction that cause the down fall of all including Satan and his followers. It should be noted that beneath the attraction lies the inherent wickedness and false ambition. Satan’s seductive speech to Eve brings out all the skill and powers of persuasion in him. It involves trickery, flattery and appeal to the commonsense and emotions. The story of the Paradise Lost reaches climax in the Book IX as Satan successfully seduces Eve and takes revenge on God by degrading himself into the form of a serpent finally. Satan, who wished but never hoped to find Eve alone, finds her alone in the rose bower. He feels happy at it as it helps him to convince her easily when she is alone without Adam by her side. He feels he can use all his powers of persuasion without much defense from Eve. He is so overcome by her beauty, that for a moment, he forgets his evil intentions, and is ‘stupidly good. ’ She is gently supporting the stalks of flower plants and she herself is like the ‘fairest unsupported flower, away from her support. The spot where she is working surpasses all those famous gardens in mythology, history and the Bible. But the hot hell always burns in him and that reminds him of his present mission. He recollects his thoughts of mischief and takes advantage of the loneliness of eve as he wants of some marvelously beautiful tricks to engage her attention (Book IX, lines 494-531). He looks like a divine serpent with burnished neck of verdant gold and so on. He stands erect amidst circling spires. He is more beautiful than all the famous of myth and legend. Eve is first attracted by his incomparable beauty and when he starts speaking to her with human voice, she is greatly surprised; Satan begins with flattering the beauty of Eve, which is a method to win her favor. (Book IX, lines 533 -548). He says that such an angelic beauty is wasted in the lonely forest where she is looked at by only one man. She should be served by Goddesses. Eve expresses her sense of wonder at a snake taking sense like a human being. The tempter then fabricates his story. He says that he has obtained a recent promotion to human sense and status after eating and fruits of a tree in the garden, (Book IX, lines 568 -612). His strategy proves successful as Eve is surprised and wants to know where that tree is. The serpent (Satan in disguise) is too happy to lead her to that tree. Thus that leader of the devils leads (or misleads) the first woman to that fateful tree as a wandering fir origins fastuas or will of the wisp conducts a lost traveler into bogs and mires, where he is swallowed up, far from any help (Book IX, lines 634 – 642) . On seeing that tree, Eve immediately recognizes it to be the forbidden tree of knowledge. She tells the serpent that God has commanded them not to eat the fruit of that. So their coming there is fruitless, though the tree is full of fruits. The serpent is astonished that scandal should have been started about so excellent a tree. As if he is greatly concerned with Adam and Eve, he expresses anger at God, who deprived them of the pleasure and profit of eating the fruit. In a great emotional fervor, he begins his lecture, and looks more impressive than all the great orators of the world (Book IX, lines 665 -668). Satan is at his best in his seductive brilliance of persuasion. His words accompanied by his action have a compelling effect on Eve. First, he turns to the tree and plays a tribute to its great virtues. Then he turns to Eve and presents his long drawn argument (Book IX, lines 684 -733). He asks her not to believe in God’s threats of death. â€Å"Ye shall not die’, he declares. The fruit has no killing power, and he himself is the standing example for it. After eating the fruit he says he is not dead but his vital, mental and spiritual faculties are enriched. The serpent (Satan) first surprises her with his physical and intellectual abilities. Then he uses his logical reasons in and pretends very rational in his approach. He says that when it is not forbidden to the beast (the snake), it need not be forbidden to human being as well. God will not get energy for such a minor trespass but will praise the adventurous spirit of Adam and Eve: The fruit gives them knowledge of good and evil. Knowledge of good is desirable, knowledge of evil is also necessary for without knowing it, how can one avoid it? Here anyway, the fruit has to be eaten. God, therefore, cannot hurt them, and still he is just. If he is not a just God, he need not be obeyed at all. Hence, anyway, there is no need to follow God’s word. Satan excels in his brilliance in putting a series of reasons and questions to innocent and helpless Eve. He questions Eve why God has forbidden them from eating the fruit? He does it only to keep them ignorant, low and in his control. The moment they eat the fruit their eyes will be fully opened and become Gods, knowing good and evil. If he, a beast by tasting it, could attain human status, surely she a woman, by tasting the same fruit, ought to become at least a Goddess. If according to God’s words she dies the death only leads to a new birth as a Goddess which is good. Satan goes to the extent of proving that man is not inferior to God in any way and stresses that man also should have every thing as God has. He seems superb when he says that human beings have every right to become Gods for, how are they inferior to Gods? In fact, the earth created for man, is better than heaven, for earth is created later by God himself, with all heavens defects rectified. Above all how does man offend the Gods in eating the fruit? What do they lose if man becomes intelligent? Or if everything goes by Gods intention and Will, how does the tree impart knowledge without His will? (Satan means to say that tree has the intrinsic power and God has no claim or control over it anybody who eats the fruits becomes wise). Thus Satan concludes his speech saying. â€Å"These and many more causes import our need of this fair fruit,† (Book IX, lines 730-731) Satan’s guileful words have won any easy entrance into Eve’s heart. She believes his words to be true. She feels hungry as the lunch time approaches and the attractive color and fragrance of the fruit, in addition to the tempting words of Satan, encourage her to touch and taste them. Yet, she first considered it within herself (Book IX, lines. 745 -779), It is doubtless that the fruit is virtuous (powerful) which made the mute snake speak. God also did not conceal its merits and told them that it is the Tree of knowledge. But his forbidding â€Å"commends thee more. † Human mind runs towards forbidden things. If God has forbidden them from being wise such prohibition binds not. The threat of death also appears false as the serpent still lives. Then ‘For us alone was death invented? † The beast, ‘friendly to man’ has brought news about his good experience. So saying she reaches for the fruit and eats it. Eve falls an easy prey to the enticing words of the Serpent. Satan’s use of trickery, flattery and his seeming logical reasons had their effect on innocent Eve. Had she not been taken by surprise by the charming golden serpent with a human voice, Eve might have found his arguments specious. His reasons are not based on any truth or reality. All his reasons are based on self deception and pride and are aimed at tempting her to eat the fruit. Thus, Satan with his extraordinary powers of persuasion and heroic energy not only convinces his followers but also tempts them for taking revenge against God Obviously, his actions and conviction are based on self-deception and his false ambition. Works Cited Paradise Lost, John Milton http://www. dartmouth. edu/~milton/reading_room/pl/book_1/index. shtml

Product and Service Marketing Analysis Essay Example for Free

Product and Service Marketing Analysis Essay Product and service marketing are highly related. Take the success of a company like Apple, for example. The technology giant operates nearly 400 retail stores, employs more than 42,000 people and hosts more than a million visitors each day. In 2012, Apple’s retail operations generated nearly $19 billion. Furthermore, it’s estimated that Apple’s Fifth Avenue store generates more than $35,000 per square foot, making it the highest grossing retailer in New York – ever. Those statistics reinforce the company’s product and service strategies of those of a highly successful company. Apple continues to hold a number one spot on a list of the world’s most admirable companies. However, the success of Apple hasn’t always been so great. It wasn’t until the company combined good products with good services, that profits increased exponentially. Slide 12-12: Service Differentiation Apple actually had a point in business in which it struggled. That was in the 1990s when the company was selling products through larger retailers such as CompUSA and Sears. It was then, that Apple computers were shoved to the side, out of the main view of customers, as just another computer brand available on store shelves. Apple employees didn’t pay enough attention to the installation of the product in the big box stores in which it was being sold, so there wasn’t a true selling point for buyers. Also, the product delivery took a major hit. In fact, the brand became so weakened when retailers did not market the products properly, that the inventory wasn’t fully stocked. While Apple products plummeted in sales, the Gateway company was offering direct sales to consumers in its own stores, and Apple had to reinvent its business model, and quickly learn how to operate in a different manner. Less than two years after Apple launched its retail stores, Gateway shut down all of its shops and laid off 2,500 workers. Only three years later, CompUSA closed its chain of 23-year-old stores as well. Apple went against much of the advice it had received, and clearly the company was doing something right. Apple created retail stores that offer more than just a product. The stores offer a shopping experience that consumers often give raving reviews on. That includes ordering ease, smooth delivery, clear installation, the right customer training and consulting, and simplified maintenance and repair. Slide 12-11: Product Differentiation Apple Stores are now the highest performing stores in retail history. This isn’t due to just good in-store and online service. The products typically set the bar among all other technology products offered in the industry. Many Apple products come with customizable features based on a customers wants and needs. That includes hard drive and disk space, all the way down to the detail of an optional custom engraving on a product. In addition to the features, Apple products are known to hold superior performance quality. Sure, the products aren’t cheap, but typically when a customer buys an Apple product, they know that product will pay for itself over time. Slide 13-5: Categories of Service Mix When you’re dealing with a product that Apple designs and sells, it’s typically a highly technological device. That tangible good brings on accompanying services. The more advanced the product, the greater the need for those high-quality supporting services. When a customer goes into an Apple store looking for a new computer or an iPad, there’s a chance they don’t know how to maximize its use to its full capability. Apple found a way to assist costumers, so they can learn about the devices they’re purchasing for free. Employees at each Apple retail shop hold free workshops for consumers to teach the basics. In addition to workshops, customers can sign up for one-on-one training sessions to dig even deeper into their product’s capabilities. Slide 13-6: Service Distinctions These services offered by Apple require the client’s presence; therefore employees need to be considerate of the consumer’s needs. That is why Apple is known for hiring â€Å"customer-obsessed, empathetic employees.† Apple cofounder Steve Jobs offered a unique insight about how consumers interact with technology. Jobs said often the problem was that consumers are limited to thinking in terms of only what they know, instead of what is possible. Jobs once said that one of the keys to Apple is that the company builds products that turn the employees on. That is certainly to the benefit of the customers, that it â€Å"often means products are exactly what they want because Apple employees are so deeply entrenched in and committed to the customer’s experience.† Slide 13-8: Distinctive Characteristics of Service While many consumers know the physical products Apple offers are those of high quality, the company has made it a point to â€Å"manage the evidence,† and â€Å"tangibilize the intangible.† In doing so, Apple had to create stores that have a clean layout, in which traffic flows steadily, have employees that are busy, but they can still manage the workload, have equipment that is state of the art, have a symbol that suggests quality in both product and service, and finally, has a reasonable price for service. We already know that Apple services are offered for free, the company’s logo is iconic, and that the equipment is top notch. So, Apple’s stores had the main focus of a clean layout and employees readily available, yet still busy. When a customer walks into an Apple store, the aesthetics are clean and well thought out. Each product is on display for testing use, and the floors, walls, and counter spaces are clean and tidy. In addition to that, carefully recruited and trained sales associates are encouraged to take customers on a â€Å"ride.† They give each willing customer a short, informative tour of the space to be able to have a conversation and connect with each and every visitor. Then, of course, there’s the offering of support for each customer, which is just another delight to those who shop at Apple. The end result of Apple’s mix of product and service marketing combined is certainly one of success. Apple has the highest retail sales per square foot than any other U.S. retailer. The stores average more than $6,000 per square foot, which is more than twice the former gold standard Tiffany Company. That success did not come with quality products alone, but quality product marketing coupled with quality service marketing. The company’s marketing strategy is unique, but the company figured out how to attract and retain customers, generate an extremely large amount of word-of-mouth and brand appeal to give it a huge competitive advantage. Works Cited Chazin, S. (2013). The Retail Secrets of Apple. Retrieved from http://www.marketingapple.com/marketing_apple/2013/01/the-retail-secrets-of- apple.html on 07/23/2013. DuBois, S. (2011). World’s Most Admired Companies. Retrieved from http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/mostadmired/2011/snapshots/670.html on 07/23/2013. Kotler, P; Keller, L (2011). Marketing Management (14th ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Moorman, C. (2012). Why Apple is a Great Marketer. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/christinemoorman/2012/07/10/why-apple-is-a-great-marketer/ on 07/23/2013.

Corporate Social Responsibility: Tesco and Sainsburys

Corporate Social Responsibility: Tesco and Sainsburys Importance of CSR: Case studies of Tesco and Sainsbury Executive Summery Corporate social responsibility which needed explanation some decades ago, is now included almost every mission statement and does matter in the recent time. It is to a very large extent true that with the awareness of consumer, Media, certain rules from the authorities and pressure from NGOs have lessen the harm of the corporate world to the society. But on the other hand it has been observed that if a conflict between profit and doing the right thing is seen profit wins. To start with, the project will examine what CSR stands for in reality in the light of the definitions provided by different intellectuals. It will further highlight does corporate social responsibility matter followed by the discussion about the importance of CSR in the recent times. After that the project further enquires the different approaches towards CSR as some people are in favour and many are against CSR activities in the business. Furthermore, the project throws light on the obligation and practices of the different institutions and authorities which includes businesses, Government, Professional accountants, Non government organization and general public as well. The impartial conclusion has been made after enquiring the findings from previous literature, previous progress in respect of CSR, corporate worlds role in current situation, future priorities declared by government, accountants, non- government organizations and civil society . Moreover, an analytical approach of case studies has been adopted in the project where mainly two companies Sainsbury and Tesco have been chosen to demonstrate the corporate worlds current role with regards to CSR. In addition to two companies Sainsbury and Tesco, the analysis of the scores of other companies is also included to reach the conclusion. Finally, the projects propose some recommendation with regards to CSR for Government, Professional accountant, Businesses and civil society that they need to make collective efforts to make this world a better place not only for themselves but for the successors as well. Chapter 1 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 What is CSR? Although every organization has formed a different definition for corporate social responsibility yet there are common grounds and connection between them. CSR is about how companies manage business processes to produce an overall positive impact on society. (www.mallenbaker.net) With the passage of time CSR has become very important issues in the corporate world and even for other stakeholders including media. For instance the financial times and guardian have special reporters for Corporate Social Responsibility of the corporate world. Social responsibility can be found in almost every weekly newspaper. According to Mallenbaker CSR is something which ‘like original sin can never be escaped by corporate world. The following illustration will help to explain CSR to a very large extent: In terms of the above mentioned illustration, to bring the quality of management, the organization or company has to consider all the inner and outer circle factors which will ultimately bring about the positive effect on the society. For instance if the company tries to show its responsibility in respect of Environment it has to satisfy the government, non-government organization and civil society concerned with environment. Similarly for work place it has to keep in mind the employees rights and unions as well. 1.2 Who are Stakeholders? Person, group or organization that has direct or indirect stake in an organization because it can affect or be affected by the organizations actions, objectives and policies. Key stakeholders in a business organization include creditors, customers, directors, employees, government (and its agencies), owners (shareholders), suppliers, unions and the community from which the business draw its resources (www.businessdictionary.com). Businesses generally need to manage their relationship with their stakeholders for both short and long term benefits. It is considered more valuable for any company to involve the stakeholder in the whole process and communicate them through a sophisticated process. For the lasting relationship with the stakeholders, the managers need to expand role of the stakeholders by moving form just informing and responding to involving them in corporate social responsibility process. 1.3 Background The history of social responsibility of the corporate in the world is as old as business itself. For instance the laws to protect forest during commercial operation can be found almost 5000 years ago. In ancient Mesopotamia almost 1700 BC King Hammurabi introduced some laws for farmers, builders and innkeepers which showed that they would be prosecuted if they caused any death or major problem for the citizens. In old Rome senators grumbled about the failure of business to contribute sufficient taxes to fund their military campaigns. (www.brass.cf.ac.uk ) With the advent of industrialisation the impacts of the business on society assumed a new dimension. By the 1920s the world saw a new discussion about social responsibility of the business which was actually the beginning of the modern Corporate Social Responsibility movement. In March 2006 the European commission published its latest communication on CSR which clearly defines that the companies should recognise the social and environmental concerns in their business activities. The aim for this communication was to make Europe ‘pole of excellence ‘on CSR.Uk government also encouraged such activities and in the ‘global reporters surveys UK companies were rated the top 3 reporters. Almost 80 % of FTSE 100 companies report on social and environmental issues. (www.corporateRegister.com) 1.4 Project Objectives A large part of the project includes the discussion about the importance of the CSR to the businesses, Government, civil society and especially for the professional accountants who can play a very important role in respect of CSR reporting. It has been tried to achieve the following objective in the project. * What is CSR in reality with its true spirit * Importance of CSR in the current era * Stakeholders expectation from Corporate World * Role of professional Accountant * What the businesses are doing in this respect * How CSR can be developed * Is there any legislation exists or needed The debate on CSR is growing day by day but in reality a big part of the corporate world and society almost does not know the real meaning of the this term. Some recognise it as a report for public relation. Some say it is about to improve the business competitiveness. Some call it a good business practice. The other feels it is just a type of threat. CSR in reality is a framework of relations between corporate world and the rest of society both nationally and internationally. It is not the activities just for the big countries in the world but for all the companies exist in this world because people exist everywhere. CSR is good for long term business development as well as for wider society. The world has seen progress in every area and this thing has increased more concerns for the society. Thats why the partnership of society and business world is needed to deal with all the concerns. Government in this aspect ha a very important role to play to bound and encourage the corporate world to recognise its social responsibility and act positively. This task is not only the responsibility of one department ,company or community but participation is needed from every field of life including Governments, Corporate world, NGOs, Professional Accountants ,Professional bodies and Civil society. 1.5 Priorities So For CSR has gained more attention for all including media but on the other hand the real importance of the CSR is being neglected or going behind the scene in some way or other. Many organizations are using CSR as a tool to make money for their shareholders ignoring the other stakeholders of the business which is totally against the true spirit of CSR. The government and private bodies made some priorities in the past and started working on CSR. They precisely mentioned some principle to go along with these issues. For example U.K CSR department announced publically that it will highlight the importance of social and environmental responsibility, assist the involvement of all the small and medium sized companies in this respect. They further mentioned that they will favour the transparency of CSR reporting and aware the whole corporate not only in U.K but all over the world. To talk about the professionals who are considered responsible for reporting financial and social issues used to follow only a set of rules established by GAAP and other bodies. These rules and regulation do not seem to be helpful for the professional accountants to report social and environmental issues. The professional used to look into the past for reporting like historic cost, prudence etc and have ignored the changing trends of the world which has become the global village. Although management accounting deals with the removal of waste which is also a part of CSR yet there are so many things which the accountants are lacking. The accountants should know the reality that the standards only provide guideline and it is accountants who by using their own moral standards ethically can make the things bit better. In terms of the firms priorities for CSR, it seems that they are claiming more than taking practical steps and their priorities together with their practise are ambiguous. Although CSR reporting have become tradition in many companies but still they are lacking many aspects. It seems that they are looking after their own benefits only and not giving importance to other stakeholders .They seems to follow Friedmans idea that money belongs to shareholders only and they have to decide where to invest it. They are planning for short term ignoring long term. They do no consider this reality that by investing in social issues like community development, employees betterment , customer care, environment issue etc not only improves the reputation of the companies but develop the companies benefits in long term. But in spite of all the claims it seems that saying something and doing something practically are two separate things. One can find hundred and thousands of press releases about CSR but less practical steps can be found. It does not mean that nothing is being done on CSR but more needs to be done. Chapter 2 2. Literature review This Chapter will examine the academic literature on Corporate Social Responsibility. More specifically the review will focus upon what CSR in reality stands for, its importance, Rules and Regulation, what the companies are doing in respect of CSR, Professional Accountants Role and expectations of the stakeholders. CSR which has been used for business ethics, defined as tantamount to corporate philanthropy, and considered strictly as relating to environment policy has different meaning and importance for everyone. (McWilliams, Siegel, Wright, 2006) Through the power of collective action, the Global Compact seeks to advance responsible corporate citizenship so that business can be part of the solution to the challenges of globalization. In this way, the private sector in partnership with other social actors can help realize the Secretary-Generals vision: a more sustainable and inclusive global economy. (www.unglobalcompact.org) 2.1 The concept of CSR JCI believes that CSR is about what business can do not about what business must do. It is about opportunities not about obligations or new rules. (www.davidgrayson.net). The recent CSR concept was first found in the mid-twentieth when the focus was just on social issues like charity and Labour issues. But later the area of discussion widened and covered ecological issues as well. It included how business should take account of its economic, social and environment impacts in the way it operates- maximizing the benefits and minimizing the downsides. Corporate social responsibility means that a company or business is not only accountable to its shareholders but to all its stakeholders which include its customers, suppliers, employees, local communities, investors, environment, governments etc. CSR to a very large extent has been noticed a voluntary action with less legal requirements. 2.2 Importance of CSR The exploitation in the business world is as old as business world itself. Whether it was employees rights, communities inconvenience, environment, shareholders, customers, suppliers, creditors or debtors it has been obvious everywhere. But as the CSR ha gained a lot of attention, the world has become the global village now where the comments like ‘ Profit is only responsibility can not be accepted. (Husted, B.W. and Salazar, J., 2006). Where selected stakeholders like particular suppliers, creditors or shareholders can not be favoured by managers, where abuse of power by business can not exist, employees can not be exploited and society can not ignore the damage of the environment. The main reason for the awareness for all these things is CSR. One thing is sure that the pressure on business to play its role on social issues will continue to grow in future. In the last ten years the institution which worked hard within the global sphere of operation gained more respect, power, monetary benefits and influence as well. On the other hand the institutions like police, judiciary and scores of government institutions have been failed in doing so. But the pressure is growing day by day in this respect. The governments have admitted this thing that it can not change the whole world without the help of the people who are living in the world particularly the corporate world which is getting benefits from the society. So the government is in one way or another putting pressure on the businesses to contribute towards the social issues. On the other hand businesses have also come to known that for long term recognition and benefits, they have to be active in respect of CSR. They have to recognise the rights of their employees respect their suppliers, save the environment and contribute towards the other issues which exist in the society 2.3 Intangibles and CSR The importance of the intangibles can not be ignored as the new International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) stated that from 2005 all listed European companies must report acquired intangible assets. The intangible assets includes Brand value, goodwill etc. (www.csr.gov.uk). It is said that intangible assets are more important for a business than the tangible ones. CSR not only helps in building these assets but protects and expands them. For example the brand value of any business do not start form the beginning but retained afterwards with different CSR activities which may include Consumer specific activities, health and safety measures , Sponsoring community development programme, support for clean environment and so on. 2.4Competitiveness A business can be more competitive and successful as well by adopting CSR policies which is an edge for any company. For example a link between a business and customer give more information to the business about the needs and requirements of the customer. Ultimately this thing results in the business becoming more competitive in terms of product development. CRS also makes the businesses more efficient and competitive in respect of price by taking steps like minimizing waste .If the companies prefer to make the recyclable products, it can help on the one hand to reduce a danger for environment and on the other hand can help a lot to reduce the cost of the product which ultimately results in low price for the customer and more benefits for the businesses. 2.5 Different Approaches towards CSR Corporate social responsibility is one of those topics-like Manchester United and the New York Yankees- that raises passions both for and against. (Simon, 2005). Different approaches can be found about CSR which are contradictory. This part will examine some of the approaches available and analyze them. For many years, Milton Friedman (1962) has been known as the villain in the business and social literature. His notion, that business are owned by their shareholders and they have to decide about their money if they want to give it to the charity or not, has been criticized (Husted and Salazar, 2006).He further had an argument that CSR is indicative of self-serving Behaviour on the part of manager and reduces shareholders wealth (Abagail , Donald and Patrick 2006).But without going into details this idea seems to be true that how spending more on social issues will help to maximize the benefits of the businesses . The shareholders do not have any problem to spend a moderate amount on these types of issues. On the contrary, there are others who have totally different opinions. For example Jones says in his stakeholders theory that the firms which are loyal and honest to their stakeholders ultimately create incentives for their own firms. Some say that CSR is only used by some companies to get competitive advantages. (Abagail , Donald and Patrick 2006) Some are with the viewpoint that CSR is not about giving charity only but it is more than that. It is about helping the community, taking steps to save environment, taking care of the rights of employees, improving relationship with customers and about contributing towards other social issues. (www.mallenbaker.net) One thing is quite sure from the previous experiences that companies cannot maintain business success and shareholder value by maximising short-term profits and the importance of the CSR can not be ignored in the recent time. (Oketch, M. 2004). The companies should, therefore, should take part in the activities which allow them to get benefit in the long run, and contribute as much as possible to the community without making a loss. This will take them towards a win-win situation. 2.6 CSR and Poverty Reduction Because of the unfair distribution of the wealth, people in some countries do not have food to eat and water to drink while in some countries people have more than they need. Although poverty reduction and CSR do not seem to be connected with each other yet the social responsible business can contribute to reduce the poverty especially in developing countries. Creating Jobs, Training the people, addressing the issue of child labour, gender equality, health care, community development, higher minimum wage and better working place conditions are some of the steps under the roof of CSR which can help to reduce the poverty to a certain level. A proactive approach of corporate world, society, professionals and governments is needed towards CSR to reduce the poverty. 2.7 Professional Accountants role Scores of Professional accountant have already started taking steps to adopt the concept of CSR and ready to contribute towards a contemporary issues especially environment-being the most important currently. But they have been criticised usually for not unfolding the required information which the stakeholders are looking for. Their CSR reporting fails to be logical and does not produce comparable data on environmental issues, risks and uncertainties which can be relevant to the business current and future performance . The main objective of corporate reporting is to communicate economic measurement of the information about resources and performance that would be useful to users who have a right to this information. To fulfil this objective, corporate reports have to possess the following qualitative characteristics: relevance, reliability, comparability, objectivity and timeliness (Barry Elliot and Jamie Elliot, 2004). Accountants, who are actually considered responsible for reporting all the aspects, have been following set rules made by professional bodies and other authorities. These bodies have only provided basic rules which do not include the ultimate guidance on social and environmental issues. Furthermore accountants have been focusing on past only rather than dealing with present and future. For instance historic cost, prudence, representational faithfulness and so on have been their basic areas of interest. These concepts actually do not help when reporting social and environmental issues. After years of criticism both professional bodies and government worked out certain criterias about these issues. But in spite of the fact that accounting standards have some provisions and government has put some restriction, the accounting professionals need to take these new issues into consideration while reporting financial performance. The standards only provide basic guidelines to standardise the system globally and the whole world will be a better place if theory and practice is balanced for its betterment. The accounting professionals need to use their moral standards as well while reporting. 2.8 Governments role The role of the governments is very vital to improve the contribution of the business to the social development. According to many intellectual the basic thing which prompts any organization to play its responsible role in society is legislation in that particular area. There are laws which cover many areas like minimum wage, Health and safety and disclosure to investors but the governments have probably need to make some amendments in laws in the areas such as social and environment. Whereas on the other hand many opine that if the legislation regarding CSR is prepared, the businesses will only make efforts which the law requires but never more. At the moment many companies are doing their best voluntarily but the legislation can effect their motivation and they may step back. The governments have been facing two challenges. First how to engage more and more companies in CSR and secondly how to make the contribution of the companies better in terms of CSR. For the first challenge the government has made a set of rules and regulation for the companies to follow CSR and reviewed it action and polices across the board and made CSR a priority. For the second challenge the governments have been encouraging the roles of the companies which are doing their bets for the social issues. The governments can make corporate social responsibility better by providing best practice guidance, intelligent regulation and incentives to the companies where needed. Some suggestions of making a separate department for CSR have also come to the surface from many critics. They think that accountants are not supposed to deal with CSR especially social and environmental issues. 2.8.1 U.K Government U.K business world to some extent going in the right direction as the global Reports 2006 survey shows that U.K companies were rated the top three reporters (www.csr.gov.uk). ‘Since I became Minister for CSR in May 2002 we have seen rapid growth in Interest in the application and implications of CSR. What has impressed me most has been the level of creativity and enthusiasm brought to the subject from all quarters. Weve seen encouraging progress. Id like to highlight some significant recent developments and look at where we need to focus for the future. (www.csr.gov.uk) The government encourages companies to report on their CSR performance in different ways like: * Issued guidance on environment reporting * The ACCA sustainability reporting awards * Supported the global Reporting Initiative The U.K Government has brought the regulation up to date as well. From October 2007 Quoted companies must also disclose the information about employees, environment, social and communities matters. Company act 2006 also has shown some legislation in this respect. (www.corporateRegister.com) 2.8.2 European Union Role Like UK European commission also considers Corporate Social responsibility an important area and have already started working. In 2001 the European commission developed a strategy on CSR which resulted in the establishment of a Multi-Stakeholder forum on CSR in October 2002.In march 2006 European commission published its communication on CSR which states that CSR can make a significant contribution and make Europe a ‘ pole of exellance. During its presidency of EU in 2006, Finland held a conference with the name ‘ Corporate social responsibility policies promoting innovation and competitiveness which also emphasized on the importance of the Corporate Social Responsibility. (www.csr.gov.uk) 2.8.3 International Commitment In September 2006 a ‘world summit on sustainable development was arranged in Johannesburg where all participant committed to promote corporate responsibility and made a future line of work. Some critics, however, says that the government is trying to avoid its duties because it is just dependent on the NGOs. Governments are trying to push NGOs on the front foot instead of going forward themselves. It is true that governments are making efforts for the development of CSR but the main problem is practice. It has been observed in different surveys that the non-government organizations in the world are making more efforts and taking practical steps for the solutions of social issues than the governments and the Governments are lacking the implementation of the its theory . 2.9 Consumer and CSR To talk about the role of the general public, they have also a very important role to play. Sometime the companies want to be more efficient and wishes to make CSR Central to their corporate identity. For instance the Seventh Generation who are the suppliers of the chlorine-free toilet tissues and Ben Jerrys, who are the eco-friendly ice-cream maker, have not been responded well by the consumer. It seems that only minority of people are ready to pay premium prices for these responsible products. This type of behaviour from consumer can demoralise the companies or force them to limit their CSR activities. Some critics says that only consumer can not be blamed for not supporting CSR activities as it is the duty of the government that it should aware the general public about CSR. If a common consumer does not know what CSR is or how it can be supported, how consumer can encourage such activities. 2.10 NGOs and CSR NGOs and trade unions have been pointing their fingers at the international government bodies for their lack of commitment towards CSR. It is to some extent true that companies have been left alone with less guidance and little support from governments. It has been noticed that Non-government organizations have been working more actively than the governments. Whether they are social or environmental issues non- government organizations seems to be excelled. For instance in many parts of the world different charitable or non- profitable organizations are going ahead to the governments institutions, professionals, and corporate world. ActionAid , Amnesty International UK , Oxfam GB , Refugee Council , Saferworld , Save the Children UK and World Development Movement are some of the examples of the NGOs which are working for social and environmental issues and putting their best efforts without making any profit. 2.11 CSR in developing countries CSR aims both to improve the contribution of the business in society and maximize the benefits out of the business activity. The more CSR activities can be found in the richest countries than in the middle and low-income countries. The agenda of CSR is less visible in these countries. CSR actually offers opportunity to the governments, Private Sectors, Professional Accountants to bring changes in the current social system in these countries. Even the companies which are doing their businesses in the developed countries can do a lot in these countries by expanding their Corporate Social Responsibility practices to these countries. By doing this they can enlighten their image and get long term benefits as well. However over the past few years the governments, businesses NGOs and civil society have managed to some extent to adopt CSR agenda and have started doing something in the developing countries as well . For instance the countries like South Africa, China, India, Brazil and Philippines have started CSR movements in their respective countries. But it is the beginning and still lot to do in this regard. 2.12 Consequences in the absence of CSR The above mentioned discussion about CSR and its importance made one thing very clear that CSR has become essential both from the business an Social point of view. If the society, the accounting professionals, businesses and other academics in the financial field do not challenge these issues and stop being passive in order to meet the true purpose of their roles, the problems will continue to grow. As far as the businesses are concerned they make money while working in a society. If the society where they are working is strong enough in respect of money and can enjoy the basics needs of the life the economy will grow which will result in a prosperous Situation. If the companies are making money from the people, it is not strange to give some part of it back to the people in the form of facilitating them in different respects such as community development, helping the poor, Taking care the children, take care of the suppliers, customers, employees and contribute towards the solution of the environmental issues which is in reality their surroundings as well. It is said that to get love from some one you have to give it first. By doing all the efforts regarding CSR the companies actually enhance their image side by side other benefits for long term. In the absence of CSR business can make money but can not earn long term benefits and respect in the society in current situation. To talk about the professional accountant, it is obvious that they follow certain rules and regulations while reporting but they need to follow morality and ethics as well. The professional, of course, are the part of society and not the part of problems in society. As CSR has become a source of betterment for the society, they should take care of the social and environmental issues while reporting for the companies and should try to point the risks in future with regards to business side by side giving analysis of the past. If they just ignore the issues of the society, who knows they can be ignored by the society. Chapter 3 3. Methodology Knowledge is a series of inventive activities which applying models to unfold the reality (Watofsky, 1983) .This type of inventive process changes time to time and human beings observe the changes. But the models which human beings themselves recognise vary time to time. The method of case study has been adopted in the project which will itself answer many questions like ‘How, when and why. The procedure to go for case study is more explanatory and flexible than the other methods. Case study procedure is found suitable because it helps to understand the complex issues deeply, points out the problems during the procedure and suggests remedies as well. The Case studies of Sainsbury and Tesco in this project are carried out in order to know the current situation of CSR and its importance in corporate world in U.K. The reason for selecting Sainsbury and Tesco is that the both companies are the very successful and big names in the U.K, represents other business community and rivals as well. The project aims to observe the CSR importance by analyzing their intern