Boxing: Down For The Count :: essays research papers fc

Boxing: Down for the Count The tenth edition of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines boxing as "the art of attack and defense with the fists practiced as a sport." I could be mistaken, but there is a certain emphasis placed on the idea that boxing is practiced as a sport. It is rather ambiguous. Is boxing a sport to begin with? Is boxing something else that is just practiced as a sport? Is it, can it, or should it be practiced as something else rather than as a sport? Maybe I am just making too big a deal out of a simple definition here. Nevertheless, this simple definition of boxing gives rise to one question we should all take some time to answer: should boxing be practiced as a sport? Examination of medical findings and statistics and re-examination of our views and goals as a modern society will lead us to the one inevitable conclusion: considering boxing as a respectable sport just flies in the face of decency and civilization and therefore, it should be banned. Somehow, boxers and supporters have deluded themselves into thinking that boxing, when properly conducted, is safe. The classic justification goes something like this: "[b]oxers are not two brawling brutes seeking to maim or kill each other. [t]hey are two closely matched athletes seeking, through the use of such skills an footwork, timing, accuracy, punching, and feinting, to determine who is the better man in the ring" (Farley 26). Unfortunately, dead boxers tell a different story. A study on dangerous contact sports conducted by Patrick Malone of the Knight Ridder News Service in 1980 revealed that from 1970 to 1978 in America, there was an average of 21 deaths per year among 5,500 boxers, or 3.8 deaths per 1,000 participants, compared to college football's 0.3 deaths per 1,000 and high school football's 0.1 deaths per 1,000 (Sammons 247). Another more recent study conducted by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia revealed that 361 deaths have occurred in the ring worldwide since 1945 (NHMRC 22). Deaths and serious injury suffered in boxing contests reveal only a small percentage of the potential for danger. Unfortunately, the damaging effects of the "sport" are cumulative and difficult to diagnose, sometimes resulting in death, serious illness, or blindness long after the boxer is out of the public limelight. However, convincing evidence has mounted over the years to the effect that chronic encephalopathy (a disease of the brain marked by personality changes, intellectual impairment, slurred speech, and motor deficits), Parkinson's syndrome (a nervous disorder marked by tremors, drooling, muscle weakness, and

Noah’s Arf: Coming to the Dogs

Kris Price possesses most of the skills that are vital to be a successful entrepreneur. Having a successful career in Nike, Inc. prior to her business venture in establishing Noah’s Arf only means that she is a skilled and accomplished employee. Despite her blossoming career in Nike, Inc. she took the risk of quitting her job to start her own business that unknowingly would be the successful animal haven as we know now called Noah’s Arf. Being an entrepreneur, one must be willing to take risks. Even without prior knowledge of what the outcomes will be in either introducing a new product or expanding one’s business to a new location, an entrepreneur should be willing to take that risk and be able to muddle through the consequences no matter how difficult it would be. Taking risks is very important in dealing with one’s business because entrepreneurs who take risks are most probably the ones who get to experience bigger successes because they were brave enough to try. Kris happens to be one of them. (Sullivan) Kris’ creativity, innovativeness, and her intention to provide services needed by people, led her to develop the concept of Noah’s Arf. From a need, and that is the need to have someone check-up and care for her pet while she traveled elsewhere as an employee for Nike, Inc., the idea of a pet care facility cropped up. It was really impressive that she made efforts to conduct research in order to have an idea of how to develop a pet care facility and determine whether other business establishments offer the kind of service that she wants to provide for her target clients. Although she was inexperienced in writing business plans, she was able to find a solution to her dilemma. She used the Business Plan Pro computer software to write a business plan before starting to develop her vision of a pet care facility. Kris’ resourcefulness led to the development of Noah’s Arf’s business plan that contains the highlights of the pet care facility, the mission and objectives of the business establishment, and the image that it wants to develop for its customer as a credible and responsible pet care facility dedicated to provide for 24-hour service to its customers. Kris once again displayed her willingness to take risks by selling her house and donating her car to be able to raise funds as capital for her business venture. She even applied for a loan, believing that everything that she will be working on will pay off soon. Because of her innate entrepreneurial qualities, Noah’s Arf proved to be successful even after two months of opening up to the public. In just six months, she was able to draw clients, totaling to twenty dogs taken care by Noah’s Arf everyday. In order to attract more customers and contribute to her already solid client base, she spends time promoting her business, the in-home care services, as she calls it, to be specific. This service is very in demand during the holiday season. Perhaps Noah’s Arf is very successful because Kris is able to provide her clients the services that they really need. In addition to this, Kris was able to pick a strategic location, and that is putting up her business near the park where most people take their pets. Lastly, her success is simply because she loves and enjoys what she is doing. According to Kris, she is â€Å"working on adrenalin now.† Noah’s Arf: The Business Plan The business plan was successful in attracting clients to patronize her business. For the most part, the services that she offers are clearly some of the needs and demands of clients. Her reputation as a very hard-working and dedicated employee and her involvement in a service-oriented company prior to her business venture is convincing enough to trust and support the services she is offering. The business plan pointed out the services that she would be offering in Noah’s Arf, her credibility and qualities as an entrepreneur to provide for the needs of her clients as needed. The means of how she is going to establish her business was also mentioned in the business plan. (Business Plan Pro) The focal point of her business plan is very ambitious, in a good way though. Through this we can say that she believes and has faith in her vision in that she plans to achieve a steady increase in the facilities’ annual income, fifty percent gross income on her products for pets, maximization of resources, and expansion in the years to come. She does not limit her services to only dogs and cats and offers convenience for her clients and their pets, etc. These services and her ability to look through the future and predict the outcomes of her business take her halfway to meeting her goals and objectives as a pet care facility entrepreneur. (Business Plan Pro) However, business plans only give the entrepreneur a guide that would lead him tentatively to where everything in the business is going. These business plans change if, in application to real life, it fails to provide for the ideal concept embodied in it. In this case, changes to the business plan will apply if for instance, Kris fails to acquire loans to start-up her business. Then there would be changes as to the target objectives and the entire plan might be altered to fit the amount of money that she has for capital. In the actual business setting, if for instance the business establishment fails to acquire the target number of clients to furnish the amount of money needed to pay off the loans, etc. because of the location, then Kris might make another plan of establishing her business elsewhere. Business plans are changed if the output of the business does not meet the intended projection for the business in a short term and long-term basis. Noah’s Arf: The Website All the necessary information for the clients who want to check out the services they offer and want to look through the character of the facility is incorporated in the website. However, it would be great if the website were redeveloped to achieve a more attractive and amusing website that people would enjoy to browse through. Since Noah’s Arf is promoting a fun and clean environment for the clients’ pest, it would a good idea to add color and vibrancy to the physical make-up of the website. The links that are found at the bottom of the webpage should be put at a taskbar that is noticeable and that people can access easily. It is good that all the basic information is there in the website. It just needs a little restructuring to be true to the character that Noah’s Arf is portraying to its clients. Advertising and Promotional Strategies The use of the website is a good strategy to win over clients. Noah’s Arf should offer free and informational newsletters that will not only be available to those who visit the website but also for people who only get the time to check their e-mails. Clients who are on the go and leave their pets to the facility should be sent e-mail about recent news and other information that is related to pet caring, etc. There should be a sign-up button wherein people can sign in their names to be able to receive free newsletters. Through this, Noah’s Arf will also be able to include in their newsletters advertising for the services they offer, new promotional services, events for animals and pet-owners, etc. Another way is to sponsor a dinner featuring the dogs or cats in a fashion show. This is a great idea because the location of Noah’s Arf is accessible to most of the pet owners who take their pets to the park. It would be a great way to attract more people and clients for them to see the quality of services offered by Noah’s Arf. Through this other people will get to see and hear from Noah’s Arfs’ client base about the goodness and quality service provided by their clients. In addition to this, Noah’s Arf can get a sponsor from animal rights organizations and get to establish a larger network because of the organization’s endorsements.    Future Challenges As she was expecting, one of the future challenges that she will be facing for her business would be expansion. As her client base expands, there would also be a need to develop her business to be able to provide for the heightened needs of her growing clients, even in other places. It would be great, although a big risk, to establish a branch elsewhere, but if there is a need to, then she must be able to do it. Another thing is that as many innovative ideas are being developed nowadays, Noah’s Arf must be able to cope up with these changes and incorporate in their business technological advances that would help in systematizing tasks in the workplace. This would be difficult phase because further research and testing is needed to prove whether these changes will be feasible for her business. Aside from this, many ideas about pet care and animal rights are now cropping up and catching the attention of the people. Noah’s Ark should be aware of these ideas to be able to shape their establishment in a way that does not cause the loss of clients and endorsers alike.             Works Cited Business Plan Pro. 2008. Dog and Cat Kennel Business Plan. Retrieved from Palo Alto Software. 11 March 2008. Noah’s Arf. 2007. Noah’s Arf. Retrieved from Noah’s Arf. 11 March 2008. Sullivan, Robert. 2006. Are You and Entrepreneur? Retrieved from Information International. 11 March 2008.   

Biography of Harry S. Truman, 33rd U.S. President

Harry S. Truman (May 8, 1884–December 26, 1972) became the 33rd president of the United States following the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 12, 1945. Not well known when he took office, Truman gained respect for his role in the development of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan and for his leadership during the Berlin Airlift and the Korean War. He defended his controversial decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan as a necessity to end World War II. Fast Facts: Harry S. Truman Known For: 33rd president of the United StatesBorn: May 8, 1884 in Lamar, MissouriParents: John Truman, Martha YoungDied: Dec. 26, 1972 in Kansas City, MissouriPublished Works: Year of Decisions, Years of Trial and Hope (memoirs)Spouse: Elizabeth â€Å"Bess† TrumanChildren: Margaret Truman DanielNotable Quote: An honest public servant cant become rich in politics. He can only attain greatness and satisfaction by service. Early Life Truman was born on May 8, 1884, in Lamar, Missouri to John Truman and Martha Young Truman. His middle name, simply the letter S, was a compromise made between his parents, who couldnt agree upon which grandfathers name to use. John Truman worked as a mule trader and later a farmer, frequently moving the family between small Missouri towns before settling in Independence when Truman was 6. It soon became apparent that young Harry needed glasses. Banned from sports and other activities that might break his glasses, he became a voracious reader. Hard Work After graduating from high school in 1901, Truman worked as a timekeeper for the railroad and later as a bank clerk. He had always hoped to go to college, but his family couldnt afford tuition. More disappointment came when Truman learned that he was ineligible for a scholarship to West Point because of his eyesight. When his father needed help on the family farm, Truman quit his job and returned home. He worked on the farm from 1906 to 1917. Long Courtship Moving back home had one benefit: proximity to childhood acquaintance Bess Wallace. Truman had first met Bess at age 6 and had been smitten from the start. Bess came from one of the wealthiest families in Independence and Truman, the son of a farmer, had never dared pursue her. After a chance encounter in Independence, Truman and Bess began a courtship that lasted nine years. She finally accepted Trumans proposal in 1917, but before they could make wedding plans, World War I intervened. Truman enlisted in the Army, entering as a first lieutenant. Shaped by War Truman arrived in France in April 1918. He had a talent for leadership and was soon promoted to captain. Placed in charge of a group of rowdy artillery soldiers, Truman made it clear to them that he wouldnt tolerate misbehavior. That firm, no-nonsense approach would become the trademark style of his presidency. The soldiers came to respect their tough commander, who steered them through the war without the loss of a single man. Truman returned to the U.S. in April 1919 and married Bess in June. Makes a Living Truman and his new wife moved into her mothers large home in Independence. Mrs. Wallace, who never approved of her daughters marriage to a farmer, would live with the couple until her death 33 years later. Never fond of farming himself, Truman was determined to become a businessman. He opened a mens clothing store in nearby Kansas City with an Army buddy. The business was successful at first but failed after only three years. At 38, Truman had succeeded at few endeavors aside from his wartime service. Eager to find something he was good at, he looked to politics. Enters Politics Truman successfully ran for Jackson County judge in 1922 and became well known for his honesty and strong work ethic on this administrative (not judicial) court. During his term, he became a father in 1924 when daughter Mary Margaret was born. He was defeated in his try for re-election but ran again two years later and won. When his last term expired in 1934, Truman was courted by the Missouri Democratic Party to run for the U.S. Senate. He rose to the challenge, campaigning tirelessly across the state. Despite poor public speaking skills, he impressed voters with his folksy style and record as a soldier and judge, soundly defeating the Republican candidate. Sen. Truman Becomes President Truman Working in the Senate was the job Truman had waited for his entire life. He took a leading role in investigating wasteful spending by the War Department, earning the respect of fellow senators and impressing President Roosevelt. He was re-elected in 1940. As the 1944 election drew near, Democratic leaders sought a replacement for Vice President Henry Wallace. Roosevelt himself requested Truman. FDR then won his fourth term with Truman on the ticket. In poor health and suffering from exhaustion, Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945, only three months into his last term, making Truman president of the United States. Thrust into the limelight, Truman faced some of the greatest challenges encountered by any 20th-century president. World War II was drawing to a close in Europe, but the war in the Pacific was far from over. Atomic Bomb Truman learned in July 1945 that scientists working for the U.S. government had tested an atomic bomb in New Mexico. After much deliberation, Truman decided that the only way to end the war in the Pacific would be to drop the bomb on Japan. Truman issued a warning to the Japanese demanding their surrender, but those demands werent met. Two bombs were dropped, the first on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, and the second three days later on Nagasaki. In the face of such utter destruction, the Japanese surrendered. Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan As European countries struggled financially following WWII, Truman recognized their need for economic and military aid. He knew that a weakened country would be more vulnerable to the threat of communism, so he pledged to support nations facing such a threat. Trumans plan was called the Truman Doctrine. Trumans secretary of state, former Gen. George C. Marshall, believed that the struggling nations could survive only if the U.S. supplied the resources needed to return them to self-sufficiency. The Marshall Plan, passed by Congress in 1948, provided the materials needed to rebuild factories, homes, and farms. Berlin Blockade and Re-Election in 1948 In the summer of 1948, the Soviet Union set up a blockade to keep supplies from entering West Berlin, the capital of democratic West Germany but located in Communist East Germany. The blockade of truck, train, and boat traffic was intended to force Berlin into dependence upon the communist regime. Truman stood firm against the Soviets, ordering that supplies be delivered by air. The Berlin Airlift continued for nearly a year, until the Soviets finally abandoned the blockade. In the meantime, despite a poor showing in opinion polls, Truman was re-elected, surprising many by defeating popular Republican Thomas Dewey. Korean Conflict When Communist North Korea invaded South Korea in June 1950, Truman weighed his decision carefully. Korea was a small country, but Truman feared that communists, left unchecked, would invade other countries. Within days, Truman had gained approval for U.N. troops to be ordered to the area. The Korean War began and it lasted until 1953, after Truman left office. The threat had been contained, but North Korea remained under communist control. Back to Independence Truman chose not to run for re-election in 1952, and he and Bess returned to their home in Independence in 1953. Truman enjoyed the return to private life and busied himself with writing his memoirs and planning his presidential library. He died at the age of 88 on Dec. 26, 1972. Legacy When Truman left office in 1953, the lengthy stalemate between North and South Korea had left him one of the most unpopular presidents in history. But that sentiment gradually changed over time as historians began to reassess his terms in office, crediting him with keeping South Korea independent from the communist neighbor to the north. He began to be respected as a folksy straight shooter and the ultimate common man for his leadership in troubled times and his willingness to take responsibility, exemplified by the plaque on his presidential desk that read â€Å"The Buck Stops Here!† Sources Harry S. Truman: President of the United States. Encyclopaedia Britannica.Harry S Truman: 1945-1953. The White House Historical Association.

Biology Prefixes and Suffixes Erythr- or Erythro-

Descriptive Language In Jane Eyre - 1163 Words

I chose to read â€Å"Jane Eyre† because I am very interested in the Victorian era, and how they went about their day to day actions. This book certainly had a wealth of information for my curiosity. Continuing, Bronte certainly did not disappoint with her descriptive word usage, and her ability to make her reader feel as if they were actually present in the scene. This is something that only a few authors have the honor of possessing, for it is an extraordinary talent.†Jane Eyre† is very interesting, especially in its plot and storyline. I would rate â€Å"Jane Eyre† as being one of the best novels I have ever read, mainly because of the story line, how much I relate to Jane, Bronte’s usage of descriptive language, and that it was a constant page†¦show more content†¦She continues at Lowood, eight years as a student, and two years as a teacher. Once her mentor, Miss Temple, is married off, Jane makes the decision to leave, to work as a gove rness for Adele, her superior being Mr. Rochester, Adele’s presumed father. Mr. Rochester and Jane soon develop a romantic relationship, over the year that she is employed by him. Strange incidents occur, such as Mr. Rochester’s bed curtains being set on fire and Jane hears strange laughs in the night. Soon, however, Mr. Rochester brings society woman and begins to court a beautiful woman, in order to make Jane jealous. During the party, which spans a few weeks, Mr. Mason shows up. Through a series of strange events, he is stabbed and even bit. Jane is employed to care for him, while Mr. Rochester goes to fetch a doctor. Mr. Rochester sneaks Mr. Mason out early the next morning, offering Jane no explanation Soon, Jane leaves, having been summoned by Mrs. Reed, as she is on her deathbed. Jane goes, and her aunt admits to receiving a letter from Jane’s maternal uncle when Jane was fifteen. In the letter, he stated he wished to adopt Jane, but Mrs. Reed said that Jane had died while at school. Jane makes amends with Mrs. Reed, and heads back to Thornfield. There, she sends a letter to her uncle, telling him of her impending marriage. On the day they are to be wed, it is proclaimedShow MoreRelatedPoint of View and Narration in the Color Purple and Jane Eyre985 Words   |  4 PagesFinding a Voice: Point of View and Narration in The Color Purple and Jane Eyre Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambitioned inspired, and success achieved. Notable words expressed by Helen Keller. She mentions the character of a person must suffer through hardships in order for the soul to build up, like a muscle, and thus achieve a goal through inspiration. 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Retail Industry Commercial Activity

Question: Disacuss about the Retail Industry for Commercial Activity. Answer: Introduction Retailing is an integral part of the commercial activity wherein the customers can buy the products of different merchants from a single place. It is defined as a combination of customer-centric activities where the merchandizers identify the specific needs of the customers and import the products from different parts of the world. Traditionally, the retail outlets evolved from small shops at villages and towns which used to sell food, vegetables and dairy products. These outlets were usually small in their size and cater to the needs of the local customers. These stores typically served as the center for the local economic activities and provided the customers with advices and informed services. However, with the changing times, the face of the retail industry has also changed. At present several multinational retailers have evolved which operates in different parts of the globe (Findlay Sparks, 2002). These organizations sell the consumer goods and services through different distr ibution channel and earn a profit. In the retail industry, the demand is identified and then the retailer efforts to satisfy the demand through supply chain. In the traditional retail distribution model, the companies buy their products from wholesaler and sell it to the customers. Due to the immense profits in the retail industry, several multinational organizations have emerged. At present, retail has become a diverse and complex field. Today, the retail organizations are selling all types of products from automobiles to health care, books, grocery and repair services. The retailing is accomplished in two stages, namely, wholesaler and the retailer (Varley, 2014). The wholesaler works as a middle man between the retailers and the product manufacturers. They buy the goods in large quantity from the producers and stock these goods in warehouses, take orders from the retailer and organize for the product delivery. In this essence, in this paper, the history of the retailing is discus sed along with the historical development of departmental stores and their evolutionary forces and retailing future. Historical development of Department Stores and Discount Stores In the retail industry, the departmental stores refer to the retail outlets where a range of products from different categories are available at a single place. In the 19th century, the departmental stores made their appearance with the increase in the disposable income of the people and the changes in the shopping habits. At the beginning of the 19th century, due to the industrial revolution, several changes were realized in the consumer behavior of the society. As a result of the industrial revolution, the middle-class grew in its size and wealth which developed consumerism culture and consumption fashion. The retail industry developed due to the prosperity of the middle class and increase in transportable mediums. During this time, there was also an increase in the number of women shoppers due to changes in the society structure which boosted the retail business (Trentmann, 2012). Later, various shops emerged in the 18th century to cater to the needs of the idle rich. During this time, the departmental stores were focused on the affluent shoppers who desire to get high quality merchandize from different continents. These departmental stores were very different from their modern counterparts and distinguished from other retail outlets due to the proposition of merchandize from different departments. These retail outlets were focused on exploiting the high disposable income of the middle class and the increase in the living standards of the people due to the industrial revolution. The departmental store owners tried to provide an altogether different shopping experience to the retailers and satisfy all the demands of the consumers (Howard, 2015). The departmental store remained prominent till the 1960s after which the advent shopping malls and discount departmental store diminished its glory. The discount departmental stores focused on providing a different shopping experience to the price sensitive customers. These stores reduced the number of services provid ed and the ambience of the stores to lower the price of the products. With the advent of the discount retailers, the cost containment and the price competition among the retail organizations increased. Moreover, it developed the retail market and the market segments became refined and narrower. The discount retailers sell the products at a lower price than the typical stores. These stores focus on providing products at reduced prices rather than quality of service and presentation. They offer products at a wide price range and low-profit margins. They are focused on tapping the price sensitive customers (Benson Ugolini, 2006). Wheel of retailing and the Retail Life Cycle The Wheel of Retailing theory tries to explain the changes in the marketplace when the innovators such as large businesses try to enter the retail area. The Wheel of retailing theory discusses how the retailers capture the market share and create brand value of the organization. The retailers instigate their operations at the bottom of wheel with low prices and profitability. However, with time expand their operations and associated price, profits and image (Fernie, Fernie Moore, 2015). According to the wheel of retailing, the price-sensitive customers do not remain loyal to the retail organizations. They remain attracted towards the organizations that offer low-cost products. The new retail stores can reduce their operational costs by saving on rent prices and reducing the furnishing expenses. However, with time when these institutions develop overtime, they increase the services offered to the merchandize and offer products at different price range. The existing retailers expand their customer base; however, lose the initial price sensitive customers. The wheel of retailing is used to explain the evolution of the retail business (Zentes, Morschett Schramm-Klein, 2002). Retail life cycle concepts states that the retail organizations are identical to the products and services they sell and pass through different life stages, namely, introduction, growth, maturity and decline. This theory gives information regarding the direction and the speed of the change. In the first stage of the retail life cycle, a firm creates some strong changes in the strategy mix of the retail institutions. Therefore, it is also known as the innovation stage. The profits and the sales of the company spikes exponentially. In this phase, the company changes its existing strategies and introduce a new element in it. The retail company identifies advantage or convenience which is significantly different from their retailers. As it is an early stage in the retail life cycle, the number of competitors is low. The management develops the introduction strategy through a series of experiements. However, the risk in this phase is maximum if the new strategy introduced by the company i s not well-recepted by the customers. In this case, the firm may suffer from heavy financial losses. The second stage in the retail life cycle is the stage of the development (Dunne Lusch, 2007). In this stage, few competitors and counterfeit organizations emerge. Since the retail company has operated in the market for a substantial amount of time, it can achieve the position of market leader. In this stage, the profit levels of the company increases along with the investment requirements. The secong phase of the retail cycle appears for five to eights years. The end of this phase is characterized by cost containment pressures. In the maturity phase, the retail organizations make progress; however, the growth rate began to slow. The companies also start realizing the competitive pressures upon them. The direct competition among the companies increases and the retail organizations try to introduce some new element in their strategy to develop its competitive environment. The last st age in the retail life cycle is that of decline wherein the firm observes decline in its sales and profitability. The company looses its competitive advantage and has to identify a new strategy to continue profitability in its operations. The overhead expenditure of the company is high and profits are minimal. The customer perceive the business as old and boring. The companies find it difficult to lure the customers. In the retail industry, the companies survive by adopting new strategies and new element before the customers abandon them (Dunne, Lusch Carver, 2013). Mergers, Diversification and Downsizing At the present, the retail is in the phase of rapid transition. The profitability in the retail industry has become challenging due to the increase in the apathy of customers and the increased competition. The consumers have become more aware and restrained in their shopping habits. Along with it, the customers also have options of internet shopping. Today, the consumers search different options on the internet before making a purchase. Therefore, it is important to always remain competitive (Loeb, 2014). The retail organizations which are trying to expand their operations are adopting several strategies to evolve according to the changing market forces. Due to the increase in the competition and consumer attraction towards low-priced products, the retailers are forced to implement cost control and cost containment measures. The companies are reducing the unprofitable items and staff strength to increase the profit margins. Merger and diversification is an effective strategy to maint ain the sales of the organization in a highly competitive or mature environment. In the merger strategy, differently owned firms come together and unite (Thain Bradley, 2014). The mergers can take place between different kinds of retailers, for instance the discount retailers and the departmental stores or the retail stores of the same kind. With the merger strategy, the companies strengthen their resources and increase their productivity and enhance their customer base. The companies also try to overcome each others weaknesses by the resources of their counterparts. With this strategy, the larger retail firms grow more quickly and the smaller firms can ensure their long term survival. The retail organizations perform mergers to sustain the highly volatile environment of the retail industry. Recently, the eyewear firm Luxottica and Esilor, a large eyewear firm announced to merge in a 49 billion US dollar deal. The net market of both the firms is about 121 billion US dollars and the y have planned a share all deal (Retail Touchpoints, 2016). In the retail business, the mergers and acquisition are immensely popular. It is due to the fact that the mergers are considered as a source of innovation in the retail business. In the consumer goods retail industry, the most significant asset is brand. The small organizations get the desired brand recognition, whereas the big companies get the innovative products and strategies which have been difficult to build from scratch (Caldbeck, 2014). Diversification is another strategy wherein the retail firms become active in different businesses to increase the profitability and reduce the dependence of one business and associated risks. Several retail stores have expanded their size through mergers and acquisition. The retailing industry has implemented diversification so to expand their business in diversified fields. For instance, Tesco and Sainsbury have invested in restaurant chains and insurance business (Denton, 2016). Scrambled merchandizing is a part of diversification strategy wherein the company increases the companys sales by introducing products which are entirely different from the firms previous products. It also increases the inter-competition between different drug stores. The scrambled merchandizing has several limitations such as lack of expertise in that field, the increase in cost associated by merchandizing different products, the risk associated with selling low quality products and damage to the potential image of the store. The scrambled merchandizing is an expansion strategy wherein the company tries to achieve a broad customer base and increase in the retail trade area. In the scrambled merchandizing policy adoption, the direct and indirect competitors and their policies are also influential (Michman Mazze, 2001). Although the retail chains are expanding through mergers and diversification policy, several firms have not been successful in these approaches. In the downsizing policies, the companies are becoming unprofitable and to gain economy of scale are selling off or closing the unprofitable stores. The downsizing is an appropriate strategy wherein the retailers overextend themselves and does not have appropriate resources or talent to manage the new outlets. Several times, the companies in their quest to extend their operations, choose poor locations which fail in the long run. Cost containment and Value-Driven Retailing The cost-containment approach is the approach wherein the retail companies try to reduce their initial investment and the operational costs. A number of firms adopt this strategy to reduce their expenditure and increase their profitability. Recently, a large number of retail organizations have used this strategy to combat the competition given by the discounters. Cost containment is also an effective strategy to control the construction and land cost, minimize the impact of economic volatility and increase productivity of the organization. In order to control costs, the retail companies standardize their operations, use economic locations and inexpensive construction material and architectural design. The retail companies pursue cost containment to provide good value to the customers. Here, the value refers to the price, quality, service or the combination of all the three elements. In the retail business, the pricing strategy of the company plays a critical role in the choice of the customers (Berman, 2010). The pricing policy of the discount retailers have motivated the customers to buy products at bargain prices. The customers have realized that they can buy qualitative products at lower prices and the price no longer reflect the quality of the products. In the future, the retailing business is going to become highly competitive and it will become more and more difficult for the companies to survive with the maturity of the market. At present, the companies are striving to obtain the maximum market share by reducing the prices and sustaining at minimal profits. In the upcoming years, the retail organizations will try to find competitive advantages in services and the product quality. Moreover, they will engage in robust marketing strategies to attract the customers (Hammond Berman, 2013). Conclusion Retail business is the act of procuring products from different manufacturers and selling them at a single place. The retail business emerged in the Europe and the USA as a result o the industrial revolution and the growing income of the middle class. The departmental stores were the first form of the rental business and they focused on tapping the rich idle class. On the other hand, the discount retailers emerged in the 1960s and tapped the price sensitive customers. These stores forced the retail outlets to reduce the prices of the products. Analogous to the products offered by the retail companies, the companies themselves have a retail life cycle. The major phases in this life cycle are:introduction, development, maturity and decline. The retail companies expand their busness either through merger or diversification. If he retail outlets are not successful, the companies also conduct downsizing to shut the unsuccessful stores. At present, there is immense competition among the bu siness organiations; therefore, the companies implement cost containment and value offering stratrgies to increase their productivity and reduce the operational costs. It can be concluded that the future of the retailing will be very competitive and the companies will search to create competitive advantage in the product quality and the service provided to increase their market share. References Benson, J., Ugolini, L. (2006). Cultures of Selling: Perspectives on Consumption and Society Since 1700. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. Berman, B.R. (2010). Competing in Tough Times: Business Lessons from L.L.Bean, Trader Joe's, Costco, and Other World-Class Retailers. FT Press. Calbeck. (2014). Why Acquisitions Make Sense In Consumer And Retail. Retrieved on 22 January 2017 from:https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryancaldbeck/2014/04/09/why-acquisitions-make-sense-in-consumer-and-retail/#bcf6efb7c22b Denton, J. (2016). Tesco plans to take axe to loss-making garden centre, restaurant, bakery and coffee shop businesses in mass shake-up. Retrieved on 22 January 2017 from https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-3533673/Tesco-plans-axe-loss-making-garden-centre-restaurant-bakery-coffee-shop-businesses-mass-shake-up.html Dunne, P., Lusch, R. (2007). Retailing. Boston: Cengage Learning. Dunne, P.M., Lusch, R.F., Carver, J.R. (2013). Retailing. Cengage Learning. Fernie, J., Fernie, S., Moore, C. (2015). Principles of Retailing. London: Routledge. Findlay, A.M., Sparks, L. (2002). Retailing: The evolution and development of retailing. Taylor Francis. Hammond, R., Berman, B.R. (2013). Your Success in the Retail Business (Collection). FT Press. Howard, V. (2015). From Main Street to Mall: The Rise and Fall of the American Department Store. University of Pennsylvania Press. Loeb, W. (2014). Unrelenting Competition: The Biggest Retail Story of 2015. Forbes. Retrieved on 22 January 2017 from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterloeb/2014/12/16/unrelenting-competition-the-retail-story-of-2015/#3df89083ec46 Michman, R.D., Mazze, E.M. (2001). Specialty Retailers: Marketing Triumphs and Blunders. Greenwood Publishing Group. Retail Touch points. (2016). Mergers Acquisitions. Retrieved on 22 January 2017 from: https://www.retailtouchpoints.com/features/mergers-and-acquisitions Thain, G., Bradley, J. (2014). FMCG: The Power of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods. First Edition Design Pub. Trentmann, F. (2012). The Oxford Handbook of the History of Consumption. OUP Oxford. Varley, R. (2014). Retail Product Management: Buying and Merchandising. London: Routledge. Zentes, J., Morschett, D., Schramm-Klein, H. (2002). Strategic Retail Management: Text and International Cases. Springer Science Business Media.

Study And Control Measures Of ... free essay sample

Over the last few years, a special need for tall buildings has been established. Particular emphasis has been given to reducing the time period for the completion of these projects. Hence special structural formworks have been introduced to reduce time as well as labour cost of this industry.Structural Formworks used in the Construction Industry has tremendous advantages in terms of speed of completion of the project. However, since these Auto Climbing Systems is also used at tremendous heights these factors could lead to major hazards. These are mainly used in the building of core concrete walls which works as the backbone of the entire structure of the building.Some of these hazards include personnel working on the platform has a danger of falling from a height, injury from material falling from height to the person working below the platforms. High priority is required to safety aspects during the Jumping/Lifting of the platform. We will write a custom essay sample on Study And Control Measures Of or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page When ythe platformis elevated from a lower level to a higher level new risks and hazards are introduced. The purpose of this thesis is to analyze various risks and hazards involved in the use of such structural formworks in the construction industry and provide proper and appropriate means of control measures.INTRODUCTIONThe height of a building has always contributed to the constructions status.While India may be far behind when it comes to elevated constructions, in comparision with many other cities in the world, the country is making a slow but steady ascent with a number of towering structures that are being built and planned for several cities. Tall structures help accommodate more people in the limited resources of land. With the growing number of immigrant population in the city,if horizontal construction continues, the city will in no time run out of options for further development. Tall buildings use lesser ground area and so more land is available for better infrastructure development such as parking,gardens and other important facilities, A flat on a higher floor offers residents a significant reduction in the level of smog and noise. It also provides more light, better ventilation and greater relief from the heat. In short, better quality of life.While overall Floor Space Index (FSI) remains low in the country, especially in big cities, it is also difficult to btain large-sized plot wiyhin cities for construction of high rise buildings.Rules for high rise buildings are stringent. Builders must follow norms for setbacks, elevators, in house fire safety equipment, service ducts, electricity supply, exit routes, a published fire safety plan and more. One of the key factors that decides wheather compliance is required is the height of the building itself; the height decides wheather a building is a high-rise or not. The two most questioned aspects of high rise buildings are structural stability and security. In order to make the high-rise building withstand natural calamities, the design has to incorporate mechanisms to resist wind force of a very high intensity; the second important issue is safety in case of fire. For this High rise buildings are designed with free spaces for rescue and fire resistant materials.The Auto Climbing System though a very promising and beneficial addition to the construction industry of high rise building however like two sides of a coin it has both positive and negative aspects. The Automatic Climbing System (ACS) is a hydraulical ly operated self- climbing formwork system used for construction of tall concrete structures such as building core walls and bridge pylons. Tall concrete structures have historically been formed with crane lifted formwork often referred to as jump forms. This procedure requires extensive crane time and is too slow, unsafe and unproductive for tall structures where the concrete walls are typically on the critical path. Even though Auto or Self climbing system is a huge boost in reducing the time required for project completion, we cannot neglect the safety loopholes in these systems.