Monday, January 27, 2020

Corporate Social Responsibility Environmental Disclosures Philosophy Essay

Corporate Social Responsibility Environmental Disclosures Philosophy Essay In many nations debates over current global issues such as climate change and poverty are sites of educational, social and political conflict. This paper explores the academic attempt made by Human Development (HD) model, to address Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) environmental disclosures in annual reports. Also this essay seeks to examine the impact of the notion of social contract and legitimacy upon corporate responsibility and Environmental Disclosure Policies. Discussion then shifts to an ecocentric critic on Marx and an ecofeminism critic on Frankfurt school on ecological crisis. As a way forward, an ecocentric outlook is introduced. The paper ends with conclusion. Introduction There is a growing understanding that the current crisis we face is both ecological and social furthermore the global challenges of poverty, that are foreseen to grow in many ways through Climate Change demand constructive, innovative and forward looking approaches between development sectors (World Bank, 2003). In recent years, there has been a proliferation of corporate social and environmental disclosures in business practice (Coles and Murphy, 1999). This study goes further than accepting the achievements in voluntary environmental disclosures in (CSR) annual reports, into actual commitment by the industrialized world in tackling environmental degradation. It critically evaluates the impact of mainstream notion of social contract and legitimacy in (HD) literature upon corporate responsibility disclosure policies theoretical arguments a way forward, an ecocentric perspective is introduced, one that draws leading an ecologically informed philosophy of internal relatedness to narro w the gap between (CSR) environmental disclosures and actual commitment to environmental protection. Description of a New Sustainability view Ever since the Bruntland Commission introduced the concept of Sustainable Development in its seminal report, Our Common Future, (UN, 1987). Governments and their development partners at the national, regional and international level have struggled to operationalize the concept of sustainability in development policies, programs and plans (World Bank, 2003). Part of the reason for this struggle is because sustainability is a highly complex concept that over time has come to mean different things to different people (Pepper, 1996). Sustainability actually describes several different approaches as well these approaches carry with them different visions of society and different political commitments to action (Pepper, 1996). Although, the sustainability defining roots come largely from environmental-economic fields (Constanza et al, 1992) the concept of Sustainable Development incorporated other aspects questioning justice, poverty, inequality, and peoples aspiration for a better life, only to mention a few (Naess, 1990). As a result, cultural, technological, ethical ambits have been most recently introduced in various innovative ways to better picture a multidimensional and integrated perception of the sustainability notion in an attempt to achieve progressively, what has called; a public relation response between business sectors and environmental organizations (Coles and Murphy, 1999). Like many critical theorists, we are strengthening corporate responsibility as fact that must be taken into account when talking of people and their environment, not only on the things that affect them but also on things on which they have an effect (Naess, 1999). Under this idea, sustainability has been recently define d in Human Development model with rather different and new terms and further characterizations demonstrating levels of interaction between business sectors and nature originating thoughts from many authors; such as Coles and Murphy, 1999), who has for instance defined it as: a proactive environmental management. CSR- Corporate Social Responsibility Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in (HD) has emerged largely since the 1950s, but its origins in the UK can be traced back to nineteenth century and early twentieth century philanthropists, many of whom left a lasting legacy; for instance, William Cadbury, who became a leading philanthropist as a result of successful business endeavors at the turn of the twentieth century (the William Cadbury Trust). Since then Businesses sectors has been engage in (CSR) for diverse reasons, driven by economic, ethical and other considerations. The conception of (CSR) is closely related to the conception of the social accountability in Human Development (Coles and Murphy, 1999). It is evident in this post-modern world that the business (CSR) annual reports have moved away from narrow financial disclosures to the disclosure of a number of broader social issues for a larger audience on a voluntary basis ranging from information about employees, political and charitable donations, environment pollution, social audit and other social information (Coles and Murphy, 1999). Perhaps this is one of the attempts to building what literature now describes as social accountability in Human Development (Coles and Murphy, 1999). The (CSR) annual reports are already advancing future concern for peoples ´ welfare foreseen as a long run problematic issue, but certainly is not yet questioning environmental havoc as one key aspect to analyse within. Most recently though, UNDP ´s Human Development notion began to question the fact that yet through elaborated definition and examination (CSR) is not really focusing enough on people and environment. Defining CSR eco-social unsustainability Defining current patterns of (CSR) and corporations as eco-social unsustainability is one way of making transparent human-nature connections (Williams, 1980). One needs to question the reasons for a sudden increase in these broader disclosures. Some may argue that such procedures on the part of the preparers of corporate annual reports may be nothing but a giant public relations campaign. From a more critical perspective the above may be seen as celebrations by environmentalists and researchers in sustainability. As Coles and Marphy, (1999) point out (CSR) Annual report of corporations these days are filled with information that celebrate successful social accountability actions but negative consequences of their actions such as externalities from pollution as costs to the society are never highlighted, thereby silencing injustices. The difference between voluntary environmental disclosure practices and the actual tackling or commitments to environmental performance of corporations cannot go unaddressed for long. A study by Perlo-Freeman in Nigeria (2002) reports a significant negative relation between sustainable development performance and Shell (CSR) annual reports. The findings support the argument that companies with worst environmental performance records (highest levels of toxic releases) provide most extensive environmental disclosure. Given the widespread variation in social and environmental disclosure, it is not surprising that a number of narrow, human-centred overlapping theories of such disclosure have evolved (for example, social contract, legitimacy theory, stakeholder theory and progressive market) (Pepper, 1996). We argue that a (CSR) approach thorough ecocentric theory on environmental issues is capable of providing a more comprehensive theoretical framework to the (HD) current ecological cris is. A Critique of Social Accountability Mainstream Theoretical Arguments Mainstream theoretical arguments for environmental in (CSR) comprise the Social Contract Theory approach and Legitimacy Theory. Social Contract Theory approach is the base of managerialist school of thought in addiction Social Contract Theory hypothesizes that the foundation stone of morality are uniform social accords that best serve the interests of those who make the agreements. Legitimacy Theory is closely related to the conception of the social contract. The theory posits that businesses are bound by the social contract in which the firms agree to perform various socially desired actions in return for approval of its objectives and other rewards, and this ultimately guarantees its continued existence (Guthrie and Parker, 1989). Legitimacy theory is essentially a systems-oriented theory, i.e. organisations are viewed as components of the larger social environment within which it exists (Dowling and Pfeffer, 1975). As this paper demonstrates these approaches favour an anthropocent ric (CSR) stance and concur with the arguments of the critical school in relation to the limitations of such approaches. Critique of Social Contract Theory approach Firstly, it is evident that the traditional (CSR) model, although dependent upon a range of conventions, has restricted itself to a dominant principle: value of goods and services also non human perception (Ormerod, 1994). This attitude is in line with the concepts of objectivity and profit that enhance shareholders and creditors welfare. They are seen as the primary users in the managerialist model, their needs are known (wealth maximisation), and are paramount, and the needs of other users are secondary. This observation, from an ecocentric (CSR) environmental perspective, ignores the information of the environment impact furthermore is just an ideological cloak to protect corporations. With this line of argument, (CSR) under the managerialist approach becomes important only if it affects the survival and continuity of an enterprise. Critique of Legitimacy theoretical arguments Legitimacy Theory is closely related to the conception of the social contract. The theory posits that businesses are bound by the social contract in which the firms agree to perform various socially desired actions in return for approval of its objectives and other rewards, and this ultimately guarantees its continued existence (Guthrie and Parker, 1989). This theoretical arguments for environmental (CSR) are ineffective according to the eco-socialists school (Pepper, 1996), largely due to the fact that social responsibility and profitability are at odds as a result of the neoclassical economics foundation on which the social accountability model is based. In spite of severe criticisms, legitimacy theorists defends their thought by questioning whether progress could be made under the critical approach by think that is possible to somehow reconcile the destructive tendencies in neoclassical, capitalist economics with radical sustainable development (Pepper, 1996). They state that while it is acknowledged that present practices (CSR) are far from perfect, one must work within the system and slowly refine it to be reflective of social and environmental issues rather than completely accepting or completely rejecting current systems which have been widely accepted for centuries as a decision useful tool in (HD) paradigm (Pepper 1996). Ecophilosophical point of view of Social Accountability From an ecophilosophical (HD) point of view, the most fundamental division in eco-social theory is between those who adopt an anthropocentric perspective and those who adopt a nonanthropocentric (ecocentric) perspective (Pepper, 1996). The distinction could be best understood as representing a spectrum of thought rather than separate and distinct positions. The first approach focuses on human freeing and fulfillment in an ecologically sustainable society, while the second examines the notion of emancipation in a broader context emancipation that also recognises the moral standing of the nonhuman world (Dobson, 1990). We are of the view that an ecocentric philosophical orientation provides the most comprehensive, promising and distinctive framework to study todays environmental problems. This is not to claim that ecocentrism would solve all our environmental social responsibility problems. Instead, emphasis is on providing sufficient details of an alternative model that could improve the present practice of (CSR) for the environment and provide a basis for a sustainable future in Human Development. An Ecocentric Critique of Marxism In this section we present an ecocentric challenge to Marxism and the critical theory of the Frankfurt School. A complete overview of these works remains beyond the scope of this paper, and only key ideas/issues in ecological context have been considered. Pepper (1996) argues that literature is far from clear about the extent to which Marxian analysis can be said to be compatible with or at conflict with environmentalism. Marx focused on capital, labour, surplus value, class conflicts and so on, and this placed him closer to liberal economics than to environmentalism (Pepper 1996). As for Marx, environmental problems, like social problems are traced directly to the exploitative dynamics of capitalism and solution to such problems require revolutionary transformation of the relations of production (Pepper, 1996). Marx was only marginally concerned with environmental degradation with no systematic theory of humanitys relationship to nature. The dominant sense in which Marx characterised nature was as a medium for human labour (Mellor, 1992). The above arguments seek to demonstrate that an ecocentric perspective on environment cannot be wrested out of Marxism without seriously distorting Marxs own theoretical concepts. Social Ecofeminism Critique of Frankfurt School The critical theory of the Frankfurt School is not a single doctrine or a unified worldview. Sharp differences have existed for long time among critical theorists at the Frankfurt School, as evidenced by the increasingly heterogeneous nature of their works. The first generation of Frankfurt theorists focused on different levels and dimensions of domination and exploitation through critique of instrumental reason, which also included critical examination of the relationship between humanity and nature (Mellor, 1992). First, early Frankfurt Schools critical discourse was pessimistic in outlook towards nature romanticism and was increasingly preoccupied with theory instead of practice. Secondly, a more fundamental explanation lies in the way critical theory developed in the hands of Habermas, who has, by and large, focused on social and political rather than personal aspects, thereby marginalizing green movement (Warren, 1990). Critical scholars in corporate responsibility have drawn up on Marxist and Habermasian themes to think and act about environmental (HD) pathways. Yet to date, critical theory has not had a major direct bearing in shaping the theory and practice of the green movement, except in indirect ways (Pepper, 1996). An Ecocentrism Critique of Frankfurt School There are two other problematic aspects of Frankfurt Schools theses that deserve attention. One is that it separates and privileges good life for humans concerning the emancipation of nonhuman world. And the other is the claim that we know nature, through science and technology ignore the reality of biological and ecological (Mellor, 1992) only insofar as we can control it, thus legitimising continued exploitation of the nonhuman world. In this way Frankfurt Schools endorses rather than challenges dominant anthropocentric prejudices towards the nonhuman world. As Eckersley (1992) argued that according to Habermas schema, a norm is considered right if it is achieved via a consensus reached between truthful and rational human agents. Thus the principal objection to Habermas social and political theory has been that it is human-centred, insisting that the emancipation of human relations need not depend upon the emancipation of nature. Alternative Ecocentric Arguments for (CSR) Environment There is no intention on our part to offer a detailed proposal on what an ecocentric corporate responsibility might look like as this will amount to putting the cart before the horse. Instead, we argue in support of a broad, thoroughgoing framework, sensitive to both human and nonhuman world, and one that seeks emancipation which will provide a better and more meaningful theoretical basis for environmental (CSR) and related environmental disclosures. Anthropocentricism and ecocentricism represent two opposing poles on a continuum, with different orientations towards nature, and major streams of modern environmentalism fall between these poles. It is argued that this classification enables an evaluation with regard to the kind and degree of anthropocentricism or ecocentricism that is manifest in green political discourses. Eckersley (1992) discusses at least four positions (resource conservation, human welfare ecology, preservationism, animal liberation and ecocentricism) on the continuum, moving from an economistic and instrumental environmental ethic towards a comprehensive and holistic environmental ethic (Pepper, 1996). The latter conforms to key ecocentric beliefs that recognise human and non-human interests, present and future within a more encompassing framework for human development. Ecocentrism draws upon an ecologically informed philosophy of internal relatedness that advocates that all organisms are not only interrelated with their environment, but also constituted by those environmental interrelationships. Ontologically, under this perspective, the world is an intrinsically dynamic, interconnected web of relations in which there is no absolutely discrete entities and no absolute dividing lines between the living and the nonliving, the animate and the inanimate or the human and the nonhuman (Eckersley, 1992). Ecocentric theorists emphasise on the absence of any rigid and absolute dividing line between humans and nonhumans to point out the logical inconsistency in anthropocentric models that justify exclusive moral considerations of humans and their superiority (for example, language skills, reasoning skills and technological skills). Some may argue that there are countless things that nonhumans do better (see for example, Fox, 1990) and to single out special attributes of human simply tantamount to human prejudice. To criticise ecocentric orientations as anti-science, ecocentric theorists have pointed out how new scientific discoveries have served to challenge long standing anthropocentric prejudices (Eckersley, 1992), and further argue that the philosophical premises of ecocentrism are actually more consistent with modern science than the premises of anthropocentrism. The concept of internal relatedness upon which ecocentrism stands, equally applies to relations among humans, in a biological, psychological, and social sense. In other words, we are all constituted by our interrelationships between other humans, and our economic, political and cultural affiliations (Eckersley, 1992). Since birth, humans are constituted by, and co evolves within the context of such relations and cannot be separated from them. Based on this social interactionist model, which is not new in social sciences, humans are neither completely passive and determined nor completely autonomous and self-determining, rather, are relatively autonomous beings, who by their knowledge, thought and action help constitute the very relations that determine who they are ( Anderson, 1996). Further, it needs to be pointed out that ecocentric theorists are not against the central value of autonomy as depicted in Western (CSR) political thought; they are concerned with the revision of the notion to incorporate into it, a broader ecological framework a framework that incorporates individuals and social aspects in a more encompassing way. Eckersley (1992) argues that while the liberal idea of autonomy as independence from others can be seen as philosophically misguided, socialists tend to adopt a more relational model of self, but both are deeply embedded in anthropocentrism. The ecocentric reformulation of autonomy at no stage implies that the boundary between the self and others is removed, it rather seeks to emphasise the soft and flexible nature of line between them. Ecocentric foundation requires psychological maturity and involves a sensitive mediation between ones individual self and the larger whole with a view to having a sense of competent agency in the world (Ec kersley, 1992). On the contrary, the quest of radical independence from others or power over others leads to an objectification of others, and a denial of their own modes of relative autonomy or subjectivity. What is new and adds strength to an ecocentric perspective is that it extends the notion of autonomy to a broader and more encompassing pattern of layered interrelationships that extend beyond personal and societal relations to include relations with the rest of the biotic community (Pepper, 1996). In this way the nonhuman world is not posited in the background but recognised as having their relative autonomy and their own modes of being. Zimmerman (1988) made this comment: the paradigm of internal relations lets us view ourselves as manifestations of a complex universe; we are not apart but are moments in the open-ended, novelty-producing process of cosmic evolution. Some critiques are cynical of ecocentrism, as it interprets nature selectively, something that is essentially h armonious, kindly and benign, providing and all too convenient framework for human relations (Eckersley, 1992). But there is no need to depict the nature as such, and to judge the nonhuman world by human standards, we will invariably find it wanting, for nonhuman nature knows no human ethics, it simply is (Livingston, 1981, Eckersley, 1992). Conclusion While voluntary environmental disclosures in corporate annual reports throughout the world are on rise, we have argued that these disclosures do not provide sufficient grounds for celebrations. One needs to go deeper and examine the silences in those successful stories in order to understand better the motives for such disclosures and more so, the extent to which corporations are actually tackling the environmental problems. It is the actual commitment to environmental performance that matters the most, for (HD) and (CSR) disclosure of such information will fall into its appropriate place when the former is taken care of. In seeking emancipation an existential attitude of mutuality needs to be adopted simply because ones personal fulfillment is inextricably tied up with that of others. The gap between voluntary environmental disclosures in corporate annual reports and lack of firm decisive actions to protect environmental by the industralised world will continue, as long as environme ntal philosophical enquiry favours human interests over the interests of the nonhuman world. Theoretical contexts: Anderson, E.N. (1996) The disenchanted: religion as ecological control, and its modern fate and A summary, and some suggestions. Extracts from Ecologies of the heart, pp. 161-179. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0 19 509010 1 Birch, C and Cobb, B. Jr. (1981) The liberation of life: from the cell to the community, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Coles, D. and Murphy, K. (1999) Social accountability: a new approach to business.Extract from Sustainable Development International, pp. 17-20. ISSN 1 466 4739 Costanza,et al (1992) Goals, agenda and policy recommendations for ecological economics, in Costanza, R. (ed.) Ecological Economics: the science and management of sustainability, New York: Columbia University Press. Dobson, A. (1990) Green Political Thought, London: Unwin Hyman, second edition 1995. Dowling, J. and Pfeffer, J. (1975). Organizational Legitimacy: Social Values and Organizational Behaviour. Pacific Sociological Review. Vol. 18 (1). pp. 122-136. Eckersley, R. (1992) Environmentalism and political theory: towards an ecocentric approach, State University of New York Press, New York. Fox, W. (1990) Towards a transpersonal ecology: developing new foundations for environmentalism, Shambhala, Boston. Guthrie, J. Parker, L.D; (1990) Corporate Social Disclosure Practice : a Comparative International Analysis Advances in Public Interest Accounting, Vol. 3, pp. 159-175 Habermas, J. (1981) New social movements, Telos, Vol. 49, pp. 33 37. Livingston, J. (1981) The fallacy of wildlife conservation, McClelland and Stewart, Toronto. Mellor, M. (1992) Dilemmas of essentialism and materialism. Capitalism, Nature, Socialism, 3(2), 43-62. Naess, A. (1990) Sustainable development and deep ecology . Extract from Engel, J. R. and Engel, J. G. (eds) Ethics of Environment and Development, pp. 87-96. Belhaven Press. ISBN 1 85293 251 1 Ormerod, P. (1994) I see, said the blind man, Independent on Sunday, 13 March, 21, extract from The Death of Economics, London: Faber and Faber. Pepper, D. (1996) Radical materialism: changing the economic base. In Modern Environmentalism: An introduction, pp. 301-305. Routledge. ISBN 0 415 05745 0 Perlo-Freeman, S. (2002) Militarism and Sustainability. A paper for the Education for Sustainability conference, November. The World Bank (2003). Extract from The world development reporter 2003: Global problems and local concerns, pp. 162-173. Oxford University Press ISBN 0 8213 5150 8 Warren, K. (1990) The power and the promise of ecological feminism, Environmental Ethics, 12, 125-46. Williams, R. (1980) Ideas of nature. Extract from Problems in Materialism and Culture, pp. 67-85. Verso. ISBN 0 86091 028 8 Zimmerman, M. (1988) Quantum theory, intrinsic value, and panentheism, Environmental Ethics, 10, pp. 3 30.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Biological Views of Man Essay

1. Humans, or human beings, are bipedalprimates belonging to the mammalian speciesHomo sapiens (Latin: â€Å"wise man† or â€Å"knowing man†). Humans have a highly developed brain capable of abstract reasoning, language, and introspection. 2. The cerebral cortex is nearly symmetrical, with left and right hemispheres that are approximate mirror images of each other. Anatomists conventionally divide each hemisphere into four â€Å"lobes†, the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe and temporal lobe. 3. Frontal lobe: It is associated with reasoning, planning, parts of speech, movements, emotions and problem solving. Parietal Lobe: Associated with movement orientation, recognition, perception of stimuli. Occipital Lobe: Associated with visual processing. Temporal Lobe: Associated with perception and recognition of auditory stimuli, memory and speech. 4. The human brain perceives the external world through the senses, and each individual human is influenced greatly by his or her experiences, leading to subjective views of existence and the passage of time. Humans are variously said to possess consciousness, self-awareness, and a mind, which correspond roughly to the mental processes of thought. 5. These are said to possess qualities such as self- awareness, and the ability to perceive the relationship between oneself and ones environment. The extent to which the mind constructs or experiences the outer world is a matter of debate, as are the definitions and validity of many of the terms used above. 6. The philosopher of cognitive science Daniel Dennett, for example, argues that there is no such thing as a narrative center called the â€Å"mind†, but that instead there is simply a collection of sensory inputs and outputs: different kinds of â€Å"software† running in parallel. 7. Psychologist B.F. Skinner argued that the mind is an explanatory fiction that diverts attention from environmental causes of behavior, and that what are commonly seen as mental processes may be better conceived of as forms of covert verbal behavior. 8. Like most primates, humans are social by nature; however, humans are particularly adept at utilizing systems of communication for self-expression, the exchange of ideas, and organization. Humans create complex social structures composed of cooperating and competing groups, ranging in scale from small families and partnerships to species-wide political, scientific and economic unions. 9. Social interactions between humans have also established an extremely wide variety of traditions, rituals, ethics, values, social norms, and laws which form the basis of human society. Humans also have a marked appreciation for beauty and aesthetics which, combined with the human desire for self-expression, has led to cultural innovations such as art, literature and music. 10. Mans needs, feelings and desires cause him to act for his own benefit and without regard for the needs and wishes of others. Man uses every means to fulfill his own needs: he uses every kind of transport to reach his destination; he uses the leaves, stems and fruit of plants and trees; he lives upon the meat of animals and their products, and takes advantage of a multitude of other things to complement his own deficiencies in certain respects. 11. Man co-operates with the social nexus and gives a certain measure of his own efforts to fulfill the needs of others; in return he benefits from the efforts of others in order to full fill his own needs. Thus mans first nature incites him to pursue the fulfillment of his own needs using others in the process and taking advantage of their work for his own ends. It is only in cases of necessity and helplessness that he lends a hand to co- operate with society. 12. In the development of human beings, all three factors are very important†¦ like in the topic â€Å"man as psychological, biological and social unit†, these three factors go parallel to each other. Man is incomplete even if one of the above mentioned factor is missing. Biological factors include the inherited characters, that helps in the development of human beings. 13. Some characters are inherited in humans like aggression, feelings, attitudes, behavior, emotions, height, color and so on. Brain is the central part of human body. Hypothalamus controls different mechanisms like secretions of hormones, (endocrine and exocrine secretions), motivation and moods and other activities within the body. Due to biological presence of brain, the psychology of human develops that further leads towards the development of man as a psychological unit. 14. Social factors are also important with biological and psychological factors. It includes the systems of communication and exchange of ideas. Social interactions between humans have also established an extremely wide variety of traditions, rituals, ethics, values, social norms, and laws which form the basis of human society. 15. Conclusion: Human’s personality is basically the combination of all three factors, all go parallel to each other, any phenomena cannot occurs separately..

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Advertising Images of Elderly

Advertising Images of Elderly The attitudes younger generations have of the elderly and the relationships they share, as well as perceptions older people have of themselves, are directly affected by stereotypes portrayed in television advertisements (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 35). When the elderly are visible in advertising, it is typically in life insurance and emergency catastrophe product commercials.These ads implied that the elderly are feeble, stubborn, grouchy, lonely, ugly, helpless, mentally declined, and isolated (â€Å"Life Call Commercial,† n. d. ). As a group, they suffered from immobility, illness, and frailness (â€Å"August 2004 Commercials part 9,† n. d. ). By portraying the elderly in a negative aspect in advertising, younger audiences and senior citizens began to accept the stereotypical and an unrealistic portrait of aging (Hillier & Barrow, 2011,p 39-41).All too many advertisements that use the elderly perpetuate negative aging stereotypes. These t elevision ads often try to generate media attention that overemphasis the vulnerability of older people (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p 47). One clear example of this, when Lifecall began running an overly dramatic advertisement in the late 1980’s. Typically, these older actors in these commercials were force to portray characters that were either deathly ill or sprawled across the bathroom floor clutched to a walker, crying â€Å"Help!I’ve fallen and I can’t get up! † The ad gave younger viewers the impression that the elderly were all of a sudden incapable of being alone at home, unable to get help, perhaps for hours or even days. They must rely on their medical alert pendent if they were ever going to call an ambulance, a next door neighbor, family, or a doctor (â€Å"Life Call Commercial,† n. d. ). Running head: ADVERTISING IMAGES OF ELDERLY 4 In other ads, the elderly were repeatedly reminded of negative stereotypes associated with aging (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 7). As the older spokeswoman dropped change into the parking meter, she described to a group of listeners that Colonial Penn Life Insurance helped make sure that her money problems did not become a burden to her family. The commercial continued to communicate with the elderly that the average cost of a funeral was over six thousand dollars (â€Å"August 2004 Commercials part 9,† n. d. ). These advertisements conveyed the idea to the elderly that their departure will place significant financial burdens to their family members.They would more likely be remembered for putting their families into extensive debt. By repeatedly exposing negative portrayals of elderly in Lifecall and Colonial Penn Life Insurance television ads, many children and young adults have lost their respect for the elderly. They believe in wrong or emphasize fictional messages of older people. They see the elderly as defenseless and burdens. Also, the negative stereotypes in television ads have a serious effect on older people’s self-esteem. They take on the negative stereotypes generated on television ads.

Friday, January 3, 2020

Inkwell Ltd Essay - 6191 Words

INKWELL LIMITED An evaluation of the internal controls and an investigation of the accounting system at Inkwell Limited. Student Name: Paul Michael Bantusitse AAT Number: 10416343 I testify that the following report is my own unaided work and a true reflection of the organization. Signed: Dated: Table of Contents 1. TERMS OF REFERENCE 3 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 3. METHODOLOGY 3 4. INTRODUCTION TO THE ORGANISATION 4 4.5 External regulation affecting the organization 4 4.6 Inkwell Ltd-Key external stakeholders 5 5. THE ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 5 5.3 The accounts department-Key internal stakeholders 6 6. REVIEW OF THE ACCOUNTING SYSTEM 7 6.3 Working†¦show more content†¦4.3 The organization has relatively flat structure with two supervisors reporting to the directors and then further clerks reporting to their supervisors. The leadership style used is consultative where combination of democratic and autocratic is involved. Appendix 1 expands the structure in full. 4.4 The accounts system is a centralized system consisting of 28 computers in head office site and 60 in shops/branches where online shops are opened 24/7.The inventory control system is based around on excel spreadsheet, the sage payroll system for payroll calculations and windows vista operating system is used. The password â€Å"Go Green† has been used and currently in use to log on all the computers of the company. In head office site every member of staff has his/her own computer whether full/part time whereas in branches each computer and printer is shared by 3-4 member of staff that are for part time.10% discount is given against the cost of a replacement cartridges if old ones are brought by a customers. 4.5 External regulation affecting the organization 4.5.1 The Company’s Act 2006-This sets out the way in which financial statements should be prepared so Inkwell Ltd will have to comply with this Act to mitigate all possible fines that might arise. 4.5.2 UK Accounting Standards-This defines procedures and approaches to the preparation of financial statements that the organization must take. They are either known as Statements of Standard Accounting PracticesShow MoreRelatedInkwell Ltd Essay870 Words   |  4 PagesInkwell Ltd Review of Inkwell Ltd’s accounting system and the effectiveness of its internal controls and recommendations for improvement. This report is submitted for assessment of competence in AAT Learning and assessment area Internal Control and Accounting Systems that compromises the two QCF units: * Evaluation of Accounting systems * Principles of Internal Control List of Contents 1. Terms of Reference 2. Executive Summary 3. Methodology 4. Nature ofRead Moreicas level 45104 Words   |  21 Pagesï » ¿ Investigating and improving the accounting functions of Inkwell ltd This report was submitted for assessment of the AAT learning and assessment area: â€Å"Internal Control and Accounting System†. Submitted by: Samira Williamson AAT student membership number: 10350450 Date: 30/03/2013 2. List of Contents 1. Title page................................................................................................................ Page.1. 2. List of Contents†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Read Moreicas inkwell3940 Words   |  16 Pagesï » ¿ A Report into Accounting systems of Inkwell Ltd recommendations for Improvement. Contents 1. Terms Of Reference 2. Executive Summary 3. Methodology 4. Introduction 5. Findings and Recommendations 6. Cost and Benefit analysis 7. Appendices Terms of Reference 1.1 This project has been prepared to cover the requirements of the Internal Control and Accounting Systems unit, for the Level 4 Stage for the Association of Accounting Technicians. 1.2 The report identifiesRead MoreICAS REPORT4063 Words   |  17 Pagesassessment area Principles of Internal Control and Evaluating Accounting Systems at Level 4 of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Diploma in Accounting qualification. 1.1.2 This report forms an evaluation of the Accounting System of the Inkwell Limited. 1.1.3 The main purpose of the report is: To evaluate the accounting system and procedures that are currently in place at IWL To identify weaknesses within the system, suggest possible improvements and make recommendations for improvement

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Essay on The Great Gatsby - 1727 Words

Texts can be valued and appreciated for numerous reasons, and this is particularly apparent in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby. The novel is a great part of 20th century literature and is valued for the themes and ideas which Fitzgerald presents, such as the importance of dreams in peoples’ lives, the myth that is the ‘American Dream’, Fitzgerald’s perspective of 1920’s life, and the style in which he portrays his ideas. It is also valued simply as a love story – as an entertaining narrative. In The Great Gatsby, dreams and their importance play a major part in the plot and underlying themes. It is seen that Gatsby himself presents this idea the most; this is because Gatsby is different to all the other characters in the†¦show more content†¦The parties continue this theme as they take on dream-like qualities. This is seen in Nick’s descriptions, which are very colourful, â€Å"blue gardens† and â€Å"yellow cocktail music† which helps them resemble dreams. There are constant references to dreams, such as his description of the moonlight, â€Å"Whisperings and champagne and the stars† and â€Å"the Earth lurches away from the sun† as well as comparisons, which all give the impression that the parties are just a dream or an illusion and not actually reality. Nick’s descriptions also change very quickly from one idea to the next, as well as to different times, which is also similar to dreams. The contrast to the theme of dreams is also seen in the characters of Tom, Daisy, Nick, Jordan and the people attending Gatsby’s parties, as they show that the ‘American Dream’ is a myth. This is seen through Gatsby’s attempts to repeat the past, and other evidence that proves the incapability of the American Dream such as George Wilson, the social classes of East and West Egg and Tom’s racist comments. Throughout the whole novel, there are attempts to repeat the past, particularly in Gatsby’s case. There are repeated references to clocks, symbolising the want for repetition, such as Gatsby nearly breaking Nick’s clock, representing his want to stop time or bring back feelings from the past. Also during the meeting set up for Gatsby and Daisy, Nick says to Gatsby, â€Å"you can’t repeat the past,† and Gatsby repliesShow MoreRelated Great Gatsby1497 Words   |  6 PagesIn chapter 3 of The Great Gatsby Nick is invited to one of Gatsby’s extravagant parties. He arrives only to find he doesn’t know where Gatsby is, and then he runs into Jordan Baker. Together they set off to find Gatsby and they head to the library where they find â€Å"Owl Eyes†, a drunken man trying to get sober. After talking to â€Å"Owl Eyes† for awhile they head outside again where Nick unknowingly starts a conversation with Gatsby. After revealing himself, Gatsby tells Jordan that he would like to speakRead MoreThe Great Gatsby1168 Words   |  5 Pagesone must be born into it. Therefore in The Great Gatsby, by F-Scott Fitzgerald, Gatsby fails to join the old money club because he exhibits his wealth to society. Gatsby possessions provides an indicator that he purchases items with eye appeal and flashiness which Old money typically never buys in order to impress or show off to others. They prefer to buy small non-noticeable items that skilled eyes will only know the true value of the merchandise. Gatsby on the other hand purchased a huge houseRead MoreThe Great Gatsby2449 Words   |  10 PagesI glanced seaward – and distinguished nothing except a single green light Possibly F. Scott Fitzgeralds masterpiece, The Great Gatsby is not just a magnificent story, but a lesson of societys flaws during the roaring 1920s. Fitzgeralds story creates an atmosphere of superficiality, dissatisfaction and dishonesty by the description of each character. With the economical growth, and the immoral society of the 1920’s ultimately brought corruption to desire of the American Dream and the chanceRead MoreThe Great Gatsby806 Words   |  3 Pagesthey smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money...and let other people clean up the mess they had made... (P. 179). During the 20s, many peoples American dream was to go out, party and be free, the roaring 20s. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is an explanation of how people acted. People went to parties, lived in luxurious homes, criticized each other, and wanted to achieve their dream by trying to live it. The Wilson marriage is a failure because its one-sidedRead MoreThe Grea t Gatsby647 Words   |  3 Pagesunderstand the book. Endings of books are usually there to bring the novel to a close and deliver a life lesson at the end. All of the concepts and themes are in the body of the book and are well presented depending on the author. In Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the American Dream was the theme that was presented, and according to the story it is unachievable and just an infant fantasy that America portrays. While reading the story, the characters’ views on how their interpretation of the American DreamRead MoreThe Great Gatsby607 Words   |  2 Pagesby the name of Jay Gatsby. Nick is the narrator who is sees a different side of Gatsby that sees him â€Å"great† aside from his wealth and corruption. Nick grew up in the Jazz age and it was replaced with the vitality, and favor of the artificial American dream. Gatsby’s life was full of winnings along with failures that followed him into death throughout the novel; never the less he achieves a form of â€Å"greatness† because of his morality in Nick’s perspective. In The Great Gatsby, Nick’s perspectiveRead MoreGreat Gatsby5612 Words   |  23 PagesThe Great Gatsby – Study Guide Chapter 1 1. Why is Nick Carraway made the narrator? The device of giving Nick the function of narrator lends psychic distance from the story. Nick is part of the action, yet he is not one of the principals. He shares some of the emotions and is in a position to interpret those of the others. However, the happens are not center on him. 2. What kind of relationship exists between Nick and the Buchanans? It is completely superficial. He speaks of themRead MoreThe Great Gatsby 565 Words   |  2 PagesIn the book The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Daisy Buchanan is a perplexing character. She is charming and pretty, yet her personality is almost robotic. Daisy has no sincere emotions; she only knows social graces and self-preservation. A materialistic society makes Daisy a jaded person who lacks any real depth. Gatsby remembers Daisy as the pretty girl from North Dakota he fell in love with when he was in the military. He soon sees that she is different, although he denies it, even toRead MoreNarratology in The Great Gatsby1308 Words   |  6 PagesFitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby demonstrates what Marie-Laure Ryan, H. Porter Abbott and David Herman state about what narratology should be. These theorists emphasize the importance of conflict, human experience, gaps and consciousness, among many other elements, in order for a story to be considered a narrative. The Great Gatsby shows these elements throughout the book in an essential way. This makes the reader become intrigued and desperate to know what will happen next. The Great Gatsby is unpredictableRead MoreModernism In The Great Gatsby1728 Words   |  7 Pages Modernism in The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby is a novel by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald that follows the story of Jay Gatsby in the Jazz Age of the United States. Although this novel tells a fictional tale, it also gives readers a window into the social and economic environment of America in the time period following World War I. For this reason, The Great Gatsby is considered one of the most important examples of Modernism in American literature. The Modernist themes in this novel come

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Psychosocial Rehabilitation for Schizophrenia Essay

Psychosocial Rehabilitation for Schizophrenia nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Psychosocial rehabilitation is a learning based approach using a token economy and social skill training to help patients with schizophrenia develop adaptive behaviors (Nevid, Rathus, amp; Green, 2003). To live successfully in the community, a variety of treatment approaches are available to people with schizophrenia. A few of the psychosocial rehabilitation options for people with schizophrenia include hospitalization, self-help clubs, family intervention programs, drug therapies and psychosocial treatments. Many treatments have been researched with the most effective being a combination of more than one treatment being implemented simultaneously with others.†¦show more content†¦A European standpoint â€Å"suggests that schizophrenia reflects an autistic relationship to reality or lack of attunement to others† (Lysaker, Wickett, Wilke, amp; Lysaker, 2003). All of the preceding factors contribute to the difficulties many people with schizophr enia face functioning in social and occupational roles. These difficulties, in turn, limit their ability to adjust to community life, even in the absence of psychotic behaviors (Nevid, Rathus, amp; Green, 2003). Self-help clubs commonly called clubhouses were created to help patients hospitalized with schizophrenia transition from a hospital setting back into their communities. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;These self-help clubs offered a more structured psychosocial rehabilitation centers. The clubhouse’s objectives are to help people with schizophrenia find a place in society. Many of the clubhouses across the country and even in other countries such as Sweden, Japan, and Australia were founded by the very people who needed them most. These people with schizophrenia created environments where they could go and receive the supports necessary to deal with their illness. This clubhouse movement began in 1948 after mental health agencies failed to provide adequate services to people being released from hospitals with schizophrenia and those suffering in the community. The first clubhouse, founded by released patients was called Fountain House. Since Fountain House more than two-hundred similar clubhousesShow MoreRelatedThe Treatment Prospects For Schizophrenia1571 Words   |  7 PagesProspects for Schizophrenia Cecilia Pivarunas Northern Virginia Community College Abstract Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that can present in many different ways. Most often, symptoms display in a negative or positive manner. While medications are on the market to mitigate symptoms, the optimal treatment method couples both pharmaceutical and psychiatric rehabilitation. The Patient Outcomes Research Team, commonly called PORT, has issued treatment recommendations for Schizophrenia. The firstRead MoreThe Psychological Disorder Of Schizophrenia Essay1582 Words   |  7 Pagesdisorders. Examples of these disorders are; depression, anxiety disorder, Schizophrenia, child hood disorders, impulse control disorders personality disorders, adjustment disorders and family disorders. I chose to write about Schizophrenia so that I can clear the air concerning the basic psychological ailments, and to assist people know what to do if a loved one identifies extremities in the manifestation of Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia being a serious brain disorder affecting how people think, beh ave andRead MoreTreatments For Schizophrenia And Its Effects On Society1028 Words   |  5 Pages Treatments for Schizophrenia M. Arah Enoh Southwestern Oklahoma State University Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe brain disorder which causes people to have odd thoughts, disturbed emotions and motor abnormalities (Carpenter, 2015). It is usually followed by psychosis, disconnecting from reality. People sometimes hear thoughts; some may think others are plotting against them. Even though individuals with schizophrenia have split personalities, it does not mean they are violent orRead MoreThe Psychological Disorder Of Schizophrenia1941 Words   |  8 Pages The Psychological Disorder of Schizophrenia Caleb Weidman University of Valley Forge Abstract Infamous for its terrifying symptoms and unknown cause, schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder that occurs when the brain’s normal equilibrium of glutamate and dopamine are altered. This can happen because of genetic disorders, an unhealthy living environment or pre-existing faulty brain structure or chemical makeup. The symptoms of the disorder include visual and auditory hallucinationsRead MoreSymptoms And Symptoms Of Schizophrenia881 Words   |  4 PagesSchizophrenia Pathophysiology Schizophrenia is a very complex disorder, and it is said that it involves irregulation of multiple pathways. It is believed that schizophrenics have an abnormal level of dopamine in their brains. Serotonin, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and glutamate may also play a role. Deficits in acetylcholine muscarinic receptors have been identified in individuals with schizophrenia. â€Å"Evidence from genetic, post-mortem and animal studies over the past decade has identified aRead MoreSchizophreni A Psychotic Disorder1364 Words   |  6 PagesSchizophrenia Schizophrenia is considered a psychotic disorder according to the DSM (American Psychological Association, 2013). Schizophrenia is one of the most commonly known of the psychotic disorders. A person who is schizophrenic must meet the following criteria according to the DSM (American Psychological Association, 2013). The person has to have at least 2 or more of the following Delusion, Hallucination, disorganized speech, Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptomsRead More Schizophrenia Essay1202 Words   |  5 PagesSchizophrenia   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Schizophrenia is an extremely puzzling condition, the most chronic and disabling of the major mental illnesses. Approximately one percent of the population develops schizophrenia during their lives. With the sudden onset of severe psychotic symptoms, the individual is said to be experiencing acute schizophrenia. Psychotic means out of touch with reality, or unable to separate real from unreal experiences. Schizophrenia is a disorder characterized by loss of touch with realityRead MoreSymptoms And Treatment Of Schizophrenia1476 Words   |  6 Pages Schizophrenia, paranoid type was researched in terms of diagnostic criteria based on many different actions that affect people in multiple ways. Schizophrenia is a disease in the brain that is an emotionally draining illness that can affect the victim along with anyone in contact with the victim. RB a young man has a diagnosis of schizophrenia, paranoid type. He lives at home with a loving family and he was always socially active and great student. Schizophrenia has been a severely stigmatized disorderRead MoreSymptoms And Treatment Of Schizophrenia Essay937 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction Per MentalHelp.net, schizophrenia is rare with approximately one-percent of the worldwide population and 1.2 percent of the population of the United States suffering from the disease as of 2009. Accurate statistics are difficult to obtain because many sufferers do not seek help. Symptoms typically – but not always – present in teen years with different peak times for females and males. Females have two peak times of vulnerability – mid- to late twenties and again around 40 – whereasRead MoreSchizophreni A Long Term Psychotic Disorder1265 Words   |  6 PagesDefinition of Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a long term psychotic disorder which severely affects the way a person thinks, behaves and their perception of the world. This illness has a negative impact on an individual’s social and occupational functioning and usually results in the affected person withdrawing from their family and friend (Trigoboff, 2008). The current DSM-V classification explores this definition in further detail and allows for reliable diagnosis in patients with schizophrenia. According

Monday, December 9, 2019

Supply Chain Management Principles

Question: What are the supply chain management principles? Explain. Answer: Introduction Supply chain management is one of the most important aspects in the present day market. Companies highly emphasise on effective supply chain management which would help them to reach its customer base effectively. In the recent past there has been significant research on supply chain management which has come out with several outcomes. In this highly competitive market supply chain management is an extremely important aspect. Effective supply chain management will help a company to distribute its products effectively and hence will be able to maintain a good relationship with the consumers. Supply chain management is a multi faceted concept and needs to be handled effectively by the companies. The theoretical and practical aspects of supply chain management will have to be utilised properly in order to make the supply chain management implementation successful (Wu Pagell, 2011). It is important to mention for the successful Implementation of successful supply chain management differ ent aspects needs to be considered. Proper implementation of supply chain management could be done with the help of 7 different principles that acts as the mainstay of supply chain management study. Efficient managers keep two things in mind the supply chain as a whole and all the different links that end up helping the manager to effectively implement the supply chain. With time passing by and markets becoming competitive it becomes extremely important for companies to identify the key aspects of supply chain management (Ross, 2013). The present study will take an opportunity to assess and criticise the different principles of supply chain management their theoretical aspects as well as practical implementation. The study will try to highlight the importance of these principles to be used effectively while practical implementation and does they become feasible while the supply chain implementation. All around the world the leading manufacturers have taken up the concept of supply c hain management and researchers have come across seven fundamental principles that stand to be important for the effective application of supply chain within the business (Monczka et al., 2015). Research Critique Literature critique The seven different principles of supply chain management are theoretically effective and it is important to mention that their applicability in the practical field will have to be tested and hence the present critique would be effective to justify their usage. The principles are theoretically effective for the implementation of the supply chain management. It is said that the seven principles of the supply chain management are important for the supply chain management but it is important understand their role in the practical implementation of this concept in a business. It is important to have a holistic view on the supply chain management and understand the criticality in a business (Pettit et al., 2010). The first principle of the supply chain management is based on consumer segmentation. Consumer segmentation is extremely important for the business since it helps companies to effectively place their products according to the taste and preference of the consumers. Different consumers have different perspectives and hence having a clear segmentation of the consumers helps to apply the supply chain effectively. The first principle of supply chain management focuses on segmenting groups according to the service needs and hence it is important that companies do a proper research which would help them to understand the service needs of the different consumers and this will help the company to understand the taste and preference of a given group of people that in return will help to manage their supply chains effectively (Pagell Wu, 2009). From a theoretical aspect managing the supply chain through this principle is effective as it gives the companies insights about the service needs of t he consumers. The need based segmentation helps the companies to effectively develop a strong bond which would which helps in segment specific delivery system that helps to gain and maximize profitability. Value consistent delivery is extremely important in need based segmentation. The present article takes an opportunity to elaborate on the concept of managing the supply chain based on the service needs of the consumers (Hugos, 2011). Adaptation of supply chain based on segmenting consumers according to their services needs is theoretically an effective approach since it clearly specifies the service needs of the consumers based in a particular segment. It could be said that practical implementation of the principle is much tougher as the wide service needs of the consumers and requirements could be a problem to contemplate on. In this scenario implementing need based supply chain management would be tougher to implement. Mass merchants like Wal-Mart have been effective in implementing this form of supply chain. Since the company has wide product mix it could offer products based on the service needs of the consumers. In the recent past there have been a lot of challenges in need based principle. Practice of need based supply chain management is best done through product differentiation theories. The product differentiation is an effective procedure to implement need based supply chain management. The perceived va lue of the market segmentation is high and Wal-Mart understands the importance of need based segmentation as it has a wide product mix and can offer many options (Ashby et al., 2012). Hence it could be said that practically this principle has been implemented. The article has highlighted the theoretical part of the concept very effectively discussing on the points of handling the supply chain based on the service needs of the consumers. The principle has a strong theoretical hold which helps to understand the importance of the impact of service needs. It could be said that the principle is placed effectively theoretically but practically to see it becomes tough to implement need based supply chain management. Since over the years the taste and preference of the consumers have changed it becomes tough to manage supply chain in this scenario. The shortcoming of this literature that it perfectly provides a theoretical platform for the study but practical implementation of the principle s are not that effectively highlighted. It was natural since the term Supply chain management was comparatively new the article served effectively but with time passing by slowly and steadily there has been issues which have come up and hence it has to be said that the article does not provide ample practical application (Waters, 2011). Customising the logistics network to service the consumer requirements and profitability of customer segments is another principle to implement supply chain management. It is important that most of the companies try to customize their networks effectively so that consumers requirements are properly fulfilled. This principle is highly consumers service oriented. Theoretically this principle sets up a standard that helps to keep their network design effective, organise their inventory a transport facilities that conforms to the standards set. It is important to mention that the key idea is to develop effective network design which will lubricate the process of getting in touch with the customers effectively. This principle mainly emphasises on the control of inventory and its related costs and effective development of transportation procedures which would help to distribute products and services effectively to the consumers. This clearly asks for support from the external stakeholders especially suppliers to keep the process lubricated which would help to receive and release products and services faster and smoother (Pfohl et al., 2010). Theoretically customising of logistics network tends to bring about positive outcomes for the implementation of the supply chain management. The logistics management is mainly focused on supporting the provision of the consumers requirements. The key idea that this particular principle provides a clear insight about reaching the different consumers segments effectively. The logistics discussion is clearly effective theoretically but again it has to be said that the practical application is not effective since the study doesnt practically give any instances where the impact of logistics chain management has been successful in getting profitability out of different consumer segments. Practically customising the logistics network is a tough job and the article doesnt provide any viable solutions for the implementation of this princi ple in business (Coyle et al., 2012). Market signals and aligned demand planning is important and thats what the third principle of the supply chain management says. Understanding market signals and based on doing demand planning is not easy. With the time passing by the markets have become highly competitive and it becomes tough to effectively develop proper demand plan. In this scenario resource allocation is also tough. Having a supply chain management that focuses on market signals is practically tough. Theoretical elaboration on this principle has been effective but it becomes tough for practical application. The key strength of this principle is it helps in aligning processes with requirements which is highlighted by the literature effectively but it doesnt suggest suitable ideas to go about the plan properly. The literature supports the different ideas of analysing market signals and accordingly do demand planning but practically it is a much more complex process and the article did not take significant steps to s how the different procedures through which aligned demand planning could be done for effective resource allocation (Ou et al., 2010). Hence it could be said that the literature of the third principle is theoretically rich but it doesnt provide rich practical evidence regarding its viability. The fourth Principle is differentiating products closer to consumers and speed conversion across the supply chain. It is important to mention that the present principle clearly lays some of the key aspects through which cost reduction could be done especially through the distributions network. The key idea of principle is to identify the regular products that consumers use and accordingly manufacture them and distribute them through a smooth distribution network which will help to disseminate the products easily and will also reduce cost as it would definitely provide cost reduction options as it could be disseminated through a single supply chain in a particular area. The theoretical take on cost reduction through speed conversion supply and distribution of regularly bought products to the consumers will ensure that the distribution channel works perfectly (Melnyk et al., 2011). This focuses on customer requirements and developing similar products through Just in Time production whi ch would help to keep inventory usage and stock pileup low as well as help to handle certain supply related aspects effectively. A proper example of Wal-Mart and related vendors have been brought into the discussion in order to practically show how it is effective for a business that makes this principle effectively handled both theoretically as well as practically. Managing sources of supply is another key principle for effective supply chain management. More effectively the sources of supply will be managed it will lubricate the supply chain in a better way (Seuring, 2013). This section of the article clearly highlights the need of managing the raw materials within the business and keeps an effective relationship with the suppliers. Managing the supply chain through this principle will help the managers to be aware about the different theories of handling suppliers and getting the best prices to purchase raw materials strategically. Information is extremely important within a chain and hence proper supply of information should be taken into account. The sixth principle emphasises on developing technology that would strategically handle products, services and information. The key idea of this principle is to keep in sync the production process, provision of services and relevant information. For managers it is important to build information systems in this highly competitive market. Hence it could be said that theoretically the principle is effective since in the present market conditions having a clear view of the products, services and information which is possible only with information system (Olhager, 2010). The last part of the literature focuses on measurement of performance which is extremely important from the point of view of the company. The supply chain is one of the most important aspects for growth and profitability. The literature highlights the importance of measuring channel spanning performance as it will help the company to develop its accessibility towards its consumers. Even though the study highlights some of the key aspects to continue having a successful supply chain management but the study remains to be unsuccessful as it has not been able to provide with ample practical application procedures (Gosling Naim, 2009). Methods Critique The literature gathered is varied in nature. The author has been able to assess different secondary sources from journals, articles and other relevant books for developing this piece which is appreciable but it is important to mention that the research strategy is highly contextual in nature and too descriptive in terms of design. The design of the article could have been a bit explanatory which would have helped to describe the concepts brought up by the different principles as well as explain their core practice through a pragmatic approach. It is important to say that the study was mainly done on a qualitative basis by gathering a lot of secondary resources (Holt Ghobadian, 2009). It is important to mention that supply chain management is multi faceted and should have been researched based on both primary and secondary processes. The study did not focus on meeting the practical aspects of the study and it has been seen that most of the principles have been able to theoretically s upport the views but practical application of the article is not substantial. The primary sources of research methods would have brought the numerical calculation into the picture which would have helped to understand the views of different managers in terms of the efficacy shown by these principles (Bozarth et al., 2009). The correlations and the survey done on this subject would have been effective in understanding the practical influence of the seven principles on the practice of supply chain management. Overall it is important to say that the study has been done based on logical and scientific reasoning and hence having a better idea about the practical application of these principles would have been effective. Hence it could be concluded that the methods for developing the articles have been partially effective and could have been used in a much better way (Lusch, 2011). Conclusion The present article has set a very effective theoretical platform for managers and companies to follow these seven supply chain principles but it is very clear that the study has not been able to discuss the evidential prospects about the practical implementation of these seven principles in the business. The supply chain management is a vast process and it is very important to focus on each and every step successfully for effective practical implementation (Handfield et al., 2009). The present literature has not been able to develop a strong hypothesis which would help to implement this practically. There are numerous hurdles that come in the way of successful practical implementation of supply chain management for example change in the structure of the organisation which is a vast process and the study does not provide ample insights to handle supply chain management, on the other hand at time it becomes tough for organisations to identify the aspects that play spoilsport to change and hence the study should have given effective ideas and plans to identify the difficulties to change. The building of effective supply chain management cannot be done within a day and hence it is important that managers and the upper management of an organisation understands this and keep calm. Overall it could be concluded that the present study has been effective theoretically providing ample theoretical knowledge about supply chain and the seven principles but it was written in the late 90s and things have changed drastically in the last decade or so and for this change the article did not provide ample knowledge to implement these seven supply chain principles in supply chain management and this could be changed in the coming researches (Blanchard, 2010). References Ashby, A., Leat, M., Hudson-Smith, M. (2012). Making connections: a review of supply chain management and sustainability literature.Supply Chain Management: An International Journal,17(5), 497-516. Blanchard, D. (2010).Supply chain management best practices. John Wiley Sons. Bozarth, C. C., Warsing, D. P., Flynn, B. B., Flynn, E. J. (2009). The impact of supply chain complexity on manufacturing plant performance.Journal of Operations Management,27(1), 78-93. Coyle, J., Langley, C., Novack, R., Gibson, B. (2012).Supply chain management: a logistics perspective. Cengage Learning. Gosling, J., Naim, M. M. (2009). Engineer-to-order supply chain management: A literature review and research agenda.International Journal of Production Economics,122(2), 741-754. Handfield, R. B., Giunipero, L. C., Patterson, J. L. (2009).Purchasing and supply chain management. Mason, OH: South-Western. Holt, D., Ghobadian, A. (2009). An empirical study of green supply chain management practices amongst UK manufacturers.Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management,20(7), 933-956. Hugos, M. H. (2011).Essentials of supply chain management(Vol. 62). John Wiley Sons. Lusch, R. F. (2011). Reframing supply chain management: a service dominant logic perspective.Journal of Supply Chain Management,47(1), 14-18. Melnyk, S. A., Cooper, M. B., Hartley, J. L. (2011).Managing operations across the supply chain. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Irwin. Monczka, R., Handfield, R., Giunipero, L., Patterson, J. (2015).Purchasing and supply chain management. Cengage Learning. Olhager, J. (2010). The role of the customer order decoupling point in production and supply chain management.Computers in Industry,61(9), 863-868. Ou, C. S., Liu, F. C., Hung, Y. C., Yen, D. C. (2010). A structural model of supply chain management on firm performance.International Journal of Operations Production Management,30(5), 526-545. Pagell, M., Wu, Z. (2009). Building a more complete theory of sustainable supply chain management using case studies of 10 exemplars.Journal of supply chain management,45(2), 37-56. Pettit, T. J., Fiksel, J., Croxton, K. L. (2010). Ensuring supply chain resilience: development of a conceptual framework.Journal of business logistics,31(1), 1-21. Pfohl, H. C., Khler, H., Thomas, D. (2010). State of the art in supply chain risk management research: empirical and conceptual findings and a roadmap for the implementation in practice.Logistics Research,2(1), 33-44. Ross, D. F. (2013).Competing through supply chain management: creating market-winning strategies through supply chain partnerships. Springer Science Business Media. Seuring, S. (2013). A review of modeling approaches for sustainable supply chain management.Decision support systems,54(4), 1513-1520. Waters, D. (2011).Supply chain risk management: vulnerability and resilience in logistics. Kogan Page Publishers. Wu, Z., Pagell, M. (2011). Balancing priorities: Decision-making in sustainable supply chain management.Journal of Operations Management,29(6), 577-590.