Assess whether ‘God exists’ is a testable hypothesis Essay

Ultimately, God’s existence cannot be classified as a ‘testable’ hypothesis. A hypothesis is a proposal, which can be tested and then either confirmed or rejected. God’s non-physical state makes this virtually impossible, as we are unable to use our senses to confirm his presence or absence. Anthony Flew and Ludwig Wittgenstein’s theories provide a considerable amount of evidence, which suggests that there cannot possibly be a religious hypothesis. Good introduction. Firstly, Anthony Flew’s parable of the gardener is highly vital in the quest to prove that God’s existence is not a testable hypothesis. The scenario includes two explorers, who discover a humanly made clearing, yet evidence suggests that it occurred naturally. Both explorers have contrasting views, one favours natural causes and the other favours human intervention. Subsequently, no evidence of the gardener is present, however is invisible. Flew’s claim hinges on falsification,and if a religious claim cannot be falsified it is essentially meaningless, as the claimant hasn’t allowed themselves to be proven wrong. The hypothesis of God’s existence is relatively similar to this case, as God is ‘transcendent’ and beyond our experiences, which by Flew’s logic makes the religious hypothesis meaningless, as it is not testable. Good. William Paley’s ‘watchmaker analogy’ is instrumental in the argument for the claim that God’s existence is a testable hypothesis. Paley’s analogy consists of a watch, which possesses parts, which ultimately fulfils a purpose. Paley’s bold claims are plausible, as he likens the watch to the universe. Evidently, a watch’s sole purpose is to tell the time. Therefore, there must be a watchmaker. This links together with the human analogy, which implies that human beings must have a creator, who is in this case God. Essentially, Paley’s view is that due to the complexity and order of the universe, it is a requirement that a supremely intelligent being must exist. That being is supposedly God. Critics would say that this is far from the truth, and that we have not empirically witnessed the presence of God and it is safe to presume that we will never be able. Therefore, we can assume that God’s existence cannot be likened to that of a watch, because the process of making a watch is a testable hypothesis, whether the creation of the world is not and never will be. Good use of the analogy. Flew argues that religious believers hold onto God’s existence regardless of any evidence brought forward to suggest otherwise. Subsequently, Flew’s proposal is that the religious hypothesis must be rejected, due to the unfalsifiable nature and the undying support by religious believers, who are unable to allow their religious beliefs to be deemed meaningless. However, Flew’s approach is not widely accepted, and Basil Mitchell is one of many, who expressed their criticisms. Mitchell disagrees with Flew’s view that religious beliefs are unfalsifiable. Mitchell suggests that when religious believers encounter suffering such as evil, they are bound to question their faith, which makes it falsifiable. How plausible is this claim? Also, numerous believers do lose their faith, therefore, Flew is misguided in his attempt to show that believers see their religion through rose tinted glasses.So,while Mitchell may not be claiming that God is indeed a religious hypothesis, he still possesses the belief that religious belief can be falsified via trials of faith. Good. In addition, the verification principle is often used to support both the claim that God exists and that God does not exist. John Hick acknowledged that the religious proposals cannot be falsified, however can be verified therefore making the hypothesis testable.Ultimately,John Hick ‘s suggestion is that in the afterlife, religious statements can be verified, and can prove whether God’s existence is a religious hypothesis. Hick proposes that, an observation is best assessed, if it can be verified, with the removal of rational doubt. Hick accepts that religious propositions cannot be falsified, because if God doesn’t exist, when we die we will be un able to confirm or deny this. Hick uses the parable of the Celestial city to illustrate this. It includes two men, who are travelling to the same destination, yet have contrasting expectations of what they will find. This parable hints towards Eschatological verification, which relates to Hick’s argument that many claims are reliant on the presence of the afterlife. Nevertheless, critics suggest that we will never be able to truly verify our experiences. This essentially applies to the existence of God and heaven if God is a figure beyond our thoughts, it is hard to envisage how we will be able to identify that we are experiencing God and heaven, rather than merely a illusion. Moreover, ‘Logical Positivists’ possess the belief that all knowledge is derived from our senses. Therefore, if knowledge is not empirically gained, it is meaningful. God’s alleged characteristics hint toward him being non-physical, making it impossible to empirically witness his existence. This led to logical positivists claim, that God’s existence is not testable and the claim is meaningless, as it is empirically not verifiable and cannot be tested. Equally, the flaws within the verification argument are highlighted regularly. History and Science exploit the weaknesses for all to see. An example from science is the existence of atoms, which cannot be verified, but almost certainly exists.Therefore,this example highlights the out-dated nature of the verification principle, as issues are more complex than the verification principles allow. Also, the example of Julius Caesar is one which resembles that of God. There are no longer witnesses for the existence of the roman leader and documentary evidence is limited. This leads you to believe that, if Caesar’s existence cannot be verified but still be true, then maybe the same can be said for the existence of God. Strong analysis. Furthermore, Ludwig Wittgenstein, who was one of the most decorated philosophers of his generation, rejected the possibility of a religious hypothesis, basing it on the fact that the meaning of words hinge on the context that they are used in, and whether we are a part of the specific group. Wittgenstein claims that there cannot be a religious hypothesis, because the context will vary depending on whether it’s religion or science. Wittgenstein rejected the single theory of meaning, and all words can be used in a variety of context. Wittgenstein’s claim is that all statements are meaningful as long as they are understood by other language users. Regarding religious statements, we must be a part of the game and share the beliefs in order to understand the religious statements. Therefore, religious statements cannot be a hypothesis as they are too subjective ,unlike, scientific claims. This accounts for why Atheists do not possess the same faith and beliefs, because they do not interpret language in the same way as the religious believers, when it comes to the existence of God. However, Wittgenstein’s theory is far from flawless, and this is evident. A meaningful statement no longer has to be connected to the real world, as it is associated with a language game, which renders the truth of it to be irrelevant. For example, a group of priests could talk meaningfully about non-existent objects, and this wouldn’t affect the meaningfulness of the language game. This sparks anti-realism, which is detrimental ,as to an extent religious claims often involve claims about what exists in reality. The religious language game is applicable to society, and not such members of the religious language game. In addition, Evidentialism is a theory, that suggests it is irrational to believe in something without sufficient reason. Faith allows someone to simply state their belief, without explanation or defence. Kierkegaard’s infamous quote, ‘when I pray, I hear silence, therefore God exists’ Kierkegaard suggests that faith can provide solace in a meaningless world. The supposed silence that Kierkegaard hears would indicate to an atheist that God didn’t exist. But, for Kierkegaard, faith is more important than reason, and belief in God is required, which makes is God’s existence a religious hypothesis a meaningless discussion. How plausible is this claim? Despite this, faith is not without it’s faults. Believers often require a purpose in life, which hey gain from a supernatural being.Ultimately,our faith in God may well stem from our own insecurities and the desire to feel that there is an afterlife waiting for us if we abide by God’s rules. To conclude, ultimately, the existence of God’s is not and will never be a testable hypothesis, for an array of reasons. The main issues arise from the fact that God can not be empirically proven, due to his non-physical state, making it far from testable, which makes it hard to provide support for the case of it being a hypothesis. The case brought forward by Anthony Flew and Ludwig Wittgenstein is compelling to say the least, as they highlight several issues, which back up claims that God’s existence is not a testable hypothesis. The inability to falsify religious claims essentially makes them meaningless, as there is no possibility of the clamant being proved wrong, therefore since God’s presence cannot be empirically know, we cannot test his existence. Wittgenstein highlights the subjective nature of nature, which prevents you defining a term, and he claims that hypothesis are scientists rather than believers. Therefore, we cannot label the God’s existence as a hypothesis, as we’re unable to gain access to it empirically or otherwise. Meaningful conclusion.

Nancy Werlin Report Essay

She currently resides near Boston, Massachusetts. She received a Bachelors degree in English from Yale University. She was formerly a software writer for various companies. She is also the author of Are You Alone on Purpose? in 1994, The Killer’s Cousin in 1998, Locked Inside in 2000, and Black Mirror in 2001. She was the recipient of many awards including the Publishers Weekly Flying Start award, ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and the Edgar Award. Her favorite reading matter included the â€Å"Nancy Drew† and â€Å"Cherry Ames† series, Ray Bradbury’s science fiction, historical novels of all sorts, and classics such as Little Women, Jane Eyre, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings. Werlin is the youngest of three daughters. She grew up with an autistic sibling. Her parents had a very laid back way of parenting. Werlin had a complicated family in her childhood years. Double Helix is about 18-year old Eli Samuels, who works for a famous molecular biologist named Dr. Quincy Wyatt. There is a mysterious connection between Dr. Wyatt and Eli’s parents, and Eli knows that the connection has something to do with his mother, who has Huntington’s Disease. Because of the connection between Dr. Wyatt and the Samuels family, Eli’s father is strongly against Eli working there. The job is perfect, and the wages are great, but Eli can’t help but notice that Dr. Wyatt seems to be a little too interested in Eli. Later on, as Eli continues to work in the lab, he discovers with the help of Kayla Matheson, Dr. Wyatt’s supposed â€Å"niece,† that he and Kayla are the product of a highly unethical genetic experiments All the characters in the book had some moral and ethical flaws, but to me Dr. Wyatt has the least morals and ethics. He used Ava’s eggs to experiment with and that is extremely bad ethics. I think Eli had the most ethics, because he stood in there for Kayla as a brother even though he’d just learned of his own beginnings and even though they were virtually strangers. Both Kayla and Eli also share some of the characteristic such as they are both gifted athletes, extremely intelligent, and physically attractive. I think they share these same qualities because of two reason. The first is that they both have the same mother. The second is that they were genetically experimented on so what was stopping them from putting those genes in their DNA. I do not think that human life should be created in a laboratory. I think that there are numerous things that could go wrong in an experiment like that. I think that humans will eventually start cloning themselves. I think that this will happen in the not so distant future also. I think that genetic manipulation is ethical when you are trying to better the human race. I however do not think it is ethical for you to genetically manipulate something for personal gain. I enjoyed this book. At first I wasn’t too sure what to think of it because it seemed to be pure science fiction. It surprised me and turned out to be a decent book.

The power of pull Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

The power of pull - Essay Example to goods and services that is different from yester years, indeed the 21st century organization is sitting on â€Å"melting iceberg†, oblivious of the urgency needed to make changes to the new business model that would ensure their survival. Hagel, Brown, and Davison (2010) have analyzed the paradigm shift that has been occurring in the world of business over the past decades, especially the past two decades. Indeed, the current business environment is characterized with endless stream of knowledge, interconnected workforce, blurred borders with increased global movement of knowledge, talent and capital, and a shift in power balance, where the power has moved from corporations to the consumers, and employees have also have power without necessarily being in trade unions. All these changes have mainly been due to changes in technology and liberalization of the business world. Organizations are increasing finding newer ways to attract, retain and develop talent, even as employees’ priorities and motivations change with changes in generations. It is only in this new business environment that you find employees working as a virtual team or a big percentage of an organizations employees working from home. It is in thi s business environment that sales made online for a given business may by far exceed offline sales. However, despite these quite clearly notable changes, most organizations, especially those that have existed for a long time, are still focused on doing things the way they have always done. They still hold on to the old culture oblivious of the changing business landscape. Like the penguins in Kotter and Rathgeber (2005) work, the organizations are complacent in the way things have always been done, and are unaware that their iceberg is melting. Newer emerging 21st century organizations are coming up and taking advantage of the shift and surpassing older established organizations in business performance. Such include the Amazon which in only a few years

King Report on Corporate Governance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

King Report on Corporate Governance - Essay Example This also calls for a more transparent disclosure by business entities of their established governance practices in their annual reports. Such reporting requirements are not limited only to public companies but even the privates companies are also expected to follow recognized governance policies and report thereon. Several initiatives have been taken to integrate and organize different principles of corporate governance and arrive at a set of definite guidelines. These initiatives were undertaken by various orgnisations and committees including the United Nations Conference of Trade and Development. Some of the other organisations and committees whose reports are used to form the guide lines are: Out of the above reports this paper envisages making a critical review of the King Report 2002 and also makes a comparative analysis of the Kings Report with the The OECD principles on Corporate Governance - 1999. This is the central theme on which the King (II) Report is evolved. The King (II) Report published in the year 2002 was prepared by 'task teams' consisted of representatives from institutional and private investors, civil society regulators, and government officials. This way the report aimed to bring in the view points of all kinds of stakeholders in to the report. "The King II Committee itself was composed of 'leading proponents' of corporate governance as well as 'representatives of significant professional, private and public sector institutions'. Local and international consultation was 'extensive', with the Institute of Directors in Southern Africa providing a 'facilitative role' and secretarial support" (Armstrong et al2005). King (II) contains CODE OF Corporate Practices and Conduct ('the code') and the report's recommendations are applicable to all companies listed in Johannesburg Stock Exchange and several other public and private organizations including certain government organisations. King II Report contains recommendations relating the following six areas of corporate governance: The role and responsibilities of the Board and Directors: The report recommends guidelines for fixing the accountability of the board of directors by redefining the responsibilities of the directors towards all the internal and external stakeholders including the shareholders The aspect of Risk Management: In order to achieve the organisational goal of wealth creation and also to sustain the growth of the company it is important for the board to follow recognized principles of risk management. The function of internal audit: The report identifies the critical role of an internal

Acid base titration Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Acid base titration - Lab Report Example This is because in acidic, basic conditions phenolphthalein indicator usually indicates colorless and pink/purple colors respectively. Background theory Acid – base titration is one of the most essential Titrimetric analysis techniques commonly used in wet analysis to determine quantities or concentrations of the reacting reagents (Patnaik, 2010, p. 57). This is a neutralization reaction whereby its endpoint or neutrality point is marked by the change of phenolphthalein’s color from pink/purple to colorless. Colorless color in this experiment is an indication the reaction has reached its endpoint or undergone a complete neutralization route, hence basic condition is exhausted and instead acidity is increasing. Endpoint refers to a point where an indicator changes its color and assumes another thereby implying an acid has completely neutralized the available basic solution (Parsons, Forsythe, Edge & Bewick 793). At exact endpoint, the solution’s nature is neutral bearing a pH value of 7 similar to that of pure water. The addition of more acid solution reduces the solution’s pH from 7 towards 1, hence increasing its acidity nature compared to when it was a basic and a having a pH value more than 7. However, the color continues to remain the same but extent of acidity increases with addition of extra acid solution to the titrant, which in this experiment is a Standard 0.10 mol. /dm3 Sodium Hydroxide. Suppose there is a need to plot titration curves, then potentiometer is more accurate than either weak organic acid indicator or a weak organic base indicator (Patnaik, 2010). Since, it gives exact values compared to the latter two, which only relays the change of solution’s color (Patnaik, 2010.p. 61). An indicator is a weak organic acid or weak organic base having a formula of HY or HOY correspondingly, where Y represents a complex organic ion (Patnaik, 2010). During reaction, HOY or HY indicator usually dissociates as shown in the reversible equation below (Patnaik, 2010, p. 61). HY + H2O H3O+ + Y- Color -1 Color – 2. Reversibility in the above equation depends on the amount of either acid or basic solution added during neutralization process, which implies more base or acid shifts the process to the right (Patnaik, 2010). Hence, change of color from 1 to 2. The general equation involved in the neutralization process is, Acid + Base/Alkali Salt + water (Neutralization reaction equation) Essential components or agents for the above neutralization process to reach its completion state include hydronium ions, H3O+ (aq) from the acid and hydroxide ions, HO- (aq) from a base/alkali. However, these ions must be in aqueous form (in water) to facilitate their free movement besides ensuring intimate interactions when reacting. Respective equations for both Dilute Hydrochloric acid and Dilute Sulphuric Acid are, Ordinary equations (1) HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) Â ® NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) H+(aq) + Cl-(aq) +Na+ + OH(aq) Â ® Na+ + Cl-(aq) + H2O(l) (2) H2SO4 (aq) + NaOH(aq) Â ® NaSO4(aq) + H2O(l) 2H+(aq) + SO4- (aq) + Na+(aq) + OH-(aq) Â ® Na-(aq) + SO4-(aq) + H2O(l) After eliminating spectator ions these equations reduce to, (1b) H+ (aq) + OH (aq) Â ® H2O (l) (2b) 2H+ (aq) + OH-(aq) Â ® H2O (l) Or (3) H3O+1 + OH- Â ® 2H2O (l) However, moles of H+ ions in each side of the equation should be equal for the reaction to proceed to the right or neutralization to occur (York, 175). Molarity concept Titration calculation in this experiment entails use of stoichiometric mole ratio of H+ and OH- ions (Parsons, Forsythe, Edge & Bewick). Moles’ ratio comparison in this experim

Language and Structure in the novel When I Whistle by Shusaku Endo Essay

Language and Structure in the novel When I Whistle by Shusaku Endo - Essay Example Here he encounters a person who seems vaguely familiar but whom he cannot quite place. This man turns out to have been a fellow student at Nada Middle School some forty years before. Their brief conversation provokes an extended reminiscence that transports Ozu back to a simpler, more serene time in his life. Upon seeing boats on the lake, he conjures up his schoolboy friend, Flatfish, and their adventures together in an idyllic time before World War II, when the Japanese educational system sought to inculcate the virtues of pride and industriousness. While his stern teacher tried to build character, Ozu spent his school hours daydreaming about the young women he and his best friend, the unsophisticated but endearing Flatfish, would pursue, literally, once the school day had ended. (Allen 530-531; Updike 94-102) The romance and innocence of his adolescence is captured for Ozu in the enduring image of Flatfish's "tiny head being tossed about by the waves as he swam desperately for the open sea" in pursuit of a girl, Aiko, whom he had met by chance and with whom both were madly in love. While militarism gripped their nation, Ozu and Flatfish preferred the frivolous joys of childish classroom pranks and chasing girls. In When I Whistle , Endo is concerned to draw a number of disturbing contrasts between wartime and present-day Japan while scrupulously avoiding, in translator Van C. Gessel's words, "painting either period in a romantic light." What, Endo asks, is the legacy of the war generation, what kind of Japan has resulted from the devastation of World War II Part of his answer is seen in the life-style of Eiichi, the ruthless young surgeon of When I Whistle; unaffected by the tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and unable to see his patients as anything but specimens for his own experiments, he extends the imperialistic impulse of prewar Japan by ignoring the past and worshipping the present. (King 23-24) The accumulation of material possessions is the only source of meaning for the new generation. This striking thematic element in When I Whistle is made more powerful by its pervasive medical and hospital imagery. (Cunningham 527) Chronic heart and lung problems have plagued Endo throughout his adult life and consequently he has spent much time in hospitals; in the early 1960's, Endo underwent a series of major surgical procedures, resulting in the removal of one lung. Japan emerges in When I Whistle as one large cancer ward, the malignancy of rampant materialism uncurable, the placebo of success a momentary distraction in the face of a godless eternity. As a Christian, Endo is an apologist for a set of values he believes is indigenous to the West but foreign to Japanese soil. A convert who recognizes the irony that Japan has become less spiritual as it has become more Westernized, Endo constructs themes which generally revolve around a protagonist confronted with the ruins of a native culture to which he is drawn and by which he is repulsed. Ozu is thus an exemplar of Endo's despairing vision of the postwar era-an open-hearted Japanese seeking answers and finding only the echoes of the past. Endo wrote When I Whistle between his two more celebrated historical novels set in the seventeenth century, Chimmoku (1966; Silence , 1969) and Samurai (1980; The Samurai , 1982). In

Foucaults Discipline and Punishment Theory Essay

Foucaults Discipline and Punishment Theory - Essay Example Relative to calls for equal protection of laws has idealized the non-usurpation of pain infliction that questioned forms of punishment in stark contrast to ethical beliefs that crime can be prevented at its root cause. An alternative approach to reform and behavioral modification has given rise to the discussion of multi-disciplinary approach and theories to that prevent the incidence of criminal deviation. This approach has gained wider acceptance as a preventive means in stark contrast to the allowance a certain crime to happen before society takes action and incur varying degrees of physical punishment to the individual. Several believed that a variety of factors is believed to enhance the incidence of the violence in mankind that tends specifically recruit others to form a stronger criminal group. Recognizing the increasing scope, intensity and sophistication of crimes brought about by globalization as a mattress for drug operations, trafficking of arms and humans and laundering, countries have acknowledged the true nature of crime prevention. Efficient criminal justice systems have set standards and protocols that require cooperation to counter international syndicates. Certain preventive theories have equated crime prevention in the individual capacity to control and restrain urges; Foucault as an anthropologist has decried this philosophy with an apparent affront to discipline and punishment. He has equated prisons as a form of discipline that utilizes technological power. His argument against public spectacle of torture is equated with forms to entertain and satisfy the perverse need of the society to play God. Playing revenge against the convict or a felon has given law the authority to act as an extension of the sovereign's body who is allowed to inflict harm as payment for a felonious and criminal act. Hence Foucault provides the unintended consequences that the convict's body is used either to gain sympathy or admiration that fulfills a crowd's curiosity. Totally radical against public executions, Foucault notes that such theatrics often leads to riots in support of the prisoner. Its political cost was often high and is interpreted as the an tithesis to modern society. Stance against Violence Violence, is seen in Foucault's theory of power (1975) in a two-fold dimension. First, it recognizes that violence cannot be seen simply as a destructive force existing alone, since the damaging effects are considered as consequences of an attempt to analyze and understand the meaning and origins of people's identities and their attributes whether in groups and societies which are continuously invented and transformed. Secondly, it sees the trans-humanist forces widen the boundaries of knowledge to create a non-progressive series of historically distinct patterns of human and social response. In relation to violence, it is then possible that policy options in the present will always be restricted to the confines of the prevailing repertoire of violence, and therefore that any system of response is in fact a reflection not so much of the will of the people who set it in place. In place here was remotely discussed in mort of Foucault's discourses as the unpredictable play of power. Fo ucault's theoretical perspective offers a useful

Tate & Lyle plc finanical valuation Dissertation

Tate & Lyle plc finanical valuation - Dissertation Example Every model incorporated in the calculation presents a different per share price of the company. But one thing which is common in the result from all of these models is that the share price of the company, as at 31st December 2012, is significantly overvalued. The paper also evaluates the historical share prices and dividend payment ability of the company in the past few financial years. 1 A Background to the Company Tate & Lyle is one of the fines when it comes to global provider of ingredients and solutions to the food, beverage and other industries. The company is a British based agribusiness and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. Owing to its resilient management and state of the art production techniques, the company’s financial outlook appears to be strengthened and it has been a constituent of the FTSE 100 index as of June 20, 2011. The company was formed in 1921 as a result of the merger between the two giant names in the sugar refineries business i.e. Henry Tate & Sons and Abram Lyle and Sons. Through their state of the art production facilities the company turns the raw materials into rich and high quality ingredients for its customers. Through their process, the company adds taste, texture, nutrition and functionality to various edible items consumed by millions of people all across the globe. The company has been actively involved in exploring other horizons and thus has able to put its footprint in various locations all across the world. Tate & Lyle is now a global business dedicated to serving our customers from over 30 locations worldwide. The company operates through two global business units – Bulk Ingredients and Specialty Food... The intention of this study is Tate & Lyle as one of the fines when it comes to global provider of ingredients and solutions to the food, beverage and other industries. The company is a British based agribusiness and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. Owing to its resilient management and state of the art production techniques, the company’s financial outlook appears to be strengthened and it has been a constituent of the FTSE 100 index as of June 20, 2011. The company was formed in 1921 as a result of the merger between the two giant names in the sugar refineries business i.e. Henry Tate & Sons and Abram Lyle and Sons. Through their state of the art production facilities the company turns the raw materials into rich and high quality ingredients for its customers. Through their process, the company adds taste, texture, nutrition and functionality to various edible items consumed by millions of people all across the globe. The company has been actively involved in explorin g other horizons and thus has able to put its footprint in various locations all across the world. Tate & Lyle is now a global business dedicated to serving our customers from over 30 locations worldwide. The company operates through two global business units – Bulk Ingredients and Specialty Food Ingredients. In Tate & Lyle, each division has its own manufacturing and commercial operations to provide the necessary focus and expertise for customers in their two different and markets.

Prohibition of alcohol in 1920's Research Paper

Prohibition of alcohol in 1920's - Research Paper Example For this reason, all alcohol was banned indefinitely. From 1920 to 1933 the era called Prohibition did not allow for the drinking, manufacturing, or sale of alcoholic beverages. Despite all of the â€Å"good† intentions that bred Prohibition it was, ultimately, economically unsound and led to side-effects that were ineffective at solving the problems that they hoped to resolve. Background In order to understand the era of Prohibition better it is necessary to be more familiar with what led to what, today, would seem like a rather drastic law. The Temperance movement was, essentially, a philosophical belief with deep roots in religion. The ideals of the movement, including their dislike of alcohol consumption, goes back as far as the mid 1800s; over the years the movement gained a following.(Miron, and Zwiebel 2) The Temperance movement is historically linked to the suffrage movement. Women of the time had few worthwhile rights, their husbands could freely go to the bars and dr ink and then go home and â€Å"beat† their families. For this reason, the temperance movement was primarily supported by women, who were finally standing up for themselves, saw the consumption of alcohol with adding to the mistreatment of women and the breakdown of family morality. Also, Wayne Bidwell Wheeler has been called a genius behind much of the prohibition movement. He contributed to the founding of the Anti-Saloon League in 1893. His strategy was to take the movement on the road and go state by state, spreading the principles behind the Temperance movement. Eventually he and the movement had enough support among voters that he was able to sway the vote in the 1916 election. While the supporters were celebrating their success, bar owners and breweries began shutting their doors and selling their alcohol inventories. In 1920, the 18th Amendment went into effect. The amendment banned all intoxicating beverages.(Okrent 2) In July of that same year the United States becam e a â€Å"dry† country, at least, legally it did. The Volstead Act, passed, as well, which defined that the ban would apply to any beverage with more than 0.5% alcohol level. Discussion Prohibition had begun. This period of time will be a rather interesting point in history. Although, alcohol consumption did lower at the beginning of the ban, however, shortly after the consumption of alcohol increased to higher than it had ever been before. This was partly because, although, alcohol was illegal there were still a demand for alcohol. Illegal bars, and â€Å"speakeasies† began to opening in secret all over the country; relying on illegal and bootlegged liquors to fill their stock. By 1925, there were 100,000 illegal establishments in New York City alone. These were the means by which, Al Capone, and other profiteers like him, who made a fortune off the illegality of alcohol in the United States.(Sandbrook 1) However, over the years the America citizen’s perception s of alcohol began to change. The perfectly ordered society that the Temperance movement had promised has never arrived. Also, The Great Depression saw a change in the priorities of the American people. By 1932 many leaders were comfortable with the legalizing, production, and selling of beer. They, actually, believed that it would ease the mental stresses and suffering of the people during such a harsh economic time. November 16, 1932 the Twenty-first Amendment was

Seated buddha in meditation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Seated buddha in meditation - Essay Example Currently, Buddhism is widespread in India, China, Korea, and Japan. The sculptures of Buddha describe the various positions and activities practiced in Buddhism during worship. These positions include meditation, praying and activities such as offering sacrifices and protection. Buddha seated in meditation, is one of the Indian gods created by the Sri Lankan artists. It is one of the art products of the sixteenth-century. The figure sits on a lotus-vine pedestal, deep in meditation. The body contains several lakshana, numerous auspicious marks that are a sign of his Buddhahood. The sculpture has thirty two conspicuous marks referred to as mahapurusalakshana. There are also eighty lesser marks such as the forehead mark (urna) and the flame protuberance (ushnisha). Other marks in the meditating Buddha are contained in the extended earlobes, locks of hair and the lotus marks on the hands and feet. The sculpture has a height of 48.7 centimeters, width of 36 centimeters, and a diameter of 20 centimeters. The figure is displayed in a glass case placed directly on the museum floor. The front end of the case contains transparent glass that gives a clear view of the sculpture. The sides of the case are made of brownish concrete for protecting the sculpture. The inte rior of the case is white in color, which creates a high contrast with the copper sculpture. Buddha started Buddhism, a religion practiced in India, Sri Lanka, and other parts of Asia. The work is made for the Buddhist followers where meditation is the seventh step in the eight fold path. The eight fold path contains the teachings that guide Buddhists through their faith in order to experience peace in this world and the afterlife. The sculpture is seated in a lotus position, which is the recommended position during meditation. The meditating Buddha is seated in a lotus position with the feet resting on the opposite thigh. The hands are loosely placed

Minds Are Opened When Our Hearts Opened Essay Example for Free

Minds Are Opened When Our Hearts Opened Essay Dr. ARAVIND MALAGATTIDr. Aravind Malagatti is a well-known name in Kannada literature. He has earned this name by his contribution to the field of critical writing, research and creative writing. He has given more than forty competent works to Kannada literature in varied forms like poetry, prose, essays, criticism and folklore study. Karnataka government has bestowed the prestigious Ambedkar Fellowship Award to him considering his corpus of writing. His Government Brahamana being the first Dalit autobiography in Kannada has got the Karnataka Sahitya academy Award. Apart from these, the Honorary Award of Karnataka Sahitya Academy was conferred on him for his total contribution to Kannada literature. It is highly creditable in spite of all these credentials, Dr. Malagatti maintains simple city. The social aspects of Dalits are his area of concern. In profounder of Kannada Dalit literature. Dr. Malagatti catches the attention of people as an orator and makes them think over issues. His writing are equally sharp. He has founded a number of Dalit organizations and has taken active role in Dalit movement. At present Dr. Malagatti is serving as professor of Kannada in the Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies, Mysore University. He has also served as the Director of the Institute and as the Director of Prasaranga, the publication wing of Mysore University, prior to this. He is also serving as the Hon. Director of Jayalakshmi Vilas Palace Museum, Mysore University.| | CURRICULUM VITATName : Aravind MalagattiMother’s Name: BasavvaFather’s Name: YallappaProfession : Professor, Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies Mysore University, MysoreDate of Birth : 01.05.1956Place of Birth : Muddebihal, Bijapur District, KarnatakaMarriage : With Dharani Devi. Deputy Superintendent of Police Karnataka State Police Service-in 1992Childern : Two sons –1. Daksha 2. YakshaEducation : Pre University and Graduation-From 1973 to 1978 M G V C Colleage, MuddebhihalPost Graduation-M.A. form Karnataka University Dharwad From 1978 to 1980 with a first class. Ph.D in 1985-gold medal for the Thesis from Karnataka University Dharwad.Experience: . Editorial Committee member of Vidyarthi Bharathi-Jounal 1981-KarnatakaUniversity Dharwad. Editor of Sahitya Sagathi-a literary magazine –  from 1988 1995. Member of the Editorial Committee of Folklore News letter formMangalore University Campus.Teaching Experience Research Experience from 30.09.1980 to 30.10.1983, Under U G C Fellowship As a lecture-From 30.10.1983 to 31.08.1987, Government College, Mangalore. Experience as a Rader-From 07.07.1987 to 03.04.1994 Mangalore University. Professor-from 04.04.1994, Kuvempu Institute of Kannada studies, Mysore University, Manasagongotri, Mysore. Administration / Membership of Academic BodiesArts Faculty Dean – 2000 to 2001, 2004 to 2006 Univesity of MysoreAcademic council Member Univesity of Mysore BOS, BOE, BOA Member for various UniversityChairman of Kannada Department Mangalore University Form 02.11.1992 to 03.04.1994.Director, Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies, from- 03.01.2000 to 01.01.2001 and from 15.04.2004 to 01.06.2006.Hon. Director Mysore University, Jayalakshmi Vilas palace Museum from 27.10.2007Dirctor, Prasaranga, Manasagangotri, Mysore 1995 to 2000 University of MysoreMembership of Government Committee`s and InstitutionMember of Wholesales Book Purchase Committee, Government of Karnataka, Kannada and Culture Department 1991 to 1993Member of the Publication Committee of Popular Book Series of the Government of Karnataka, Kannada Culture Department 1991 to 1993.Member of Kannada Pustaka Pradhikara of the Government of Karnataka-from 1991 to 1995.Text book Committee member for the Pre University Board, Bangalore, 1995-1996.Film Pre-Review and Selection Committee member for Bangalore Doordarshan Kendra from 1997 to 2000.Member of Karnataka Sahitya Academy, of the Government of Karnat aka from 1998 to 2000.Member of Executive committee Kannada Sahity Parishat Bangalore From 1998 to 2000 and from 2000 to 2003.Member of Chayan Parishat, Saraswati Samman, Bhirla foundation-Delhi from 2003 to 2006. Published Works of Dr. Aravinda MalagattiI. Poetry 1. When the dumb opens his mouth (Mookanige Baayi Bandaaga. 1982)2. Balck Poetry (Kappu Kavya. 1985)3. The Third Eye (Mooraneya Kannu, 1996) 4. Rhythm Re-Rhythm (Naada Nianaada, 1999)5. Aneel Aradhana (Composite Poetry-2002)6. Silicon City and the Cuckoo (Silicon City Mattu Kogile, 2003)7. The Untouchable Ascends to Heaven (Chandaal Swargaarohanam, 2003)8. Selected Poems of Aravind Malagatti (Aravinda Malagattiyavara Ayda Kavithegalu, 2004)9. Kavyakumkume (Selected Poems of Aravinda Malagatti – 2009)10. The Dark Cosmos (Selected Poems of Aravinda Malagatti – 2009 Translated in English by – Dr. C. Naganna11. Towards the universe (Vishwatomukha, 2010)12. Flower is too heavy (Huvu Balubhara 2010)II. Short Stories 1. Unending Stories (Mugiyada Kategalu, 2000)III. Novel 1. The Death Ceremony (Karya – 1988)IV. Drama 1. The Ablution (Masthakaabhisheka, 1983)2. The Inner Salt of the Ocean ! (Samudradolagana Uppu, 1999)V. Criticism, Literary and Social Thought 1. Dalit Millennium and Kannada Literature (Dalitha Yuga Mattu Kannada Sahithya, 1999) 2. Dalit Consciousness: Literature, society and Culture (Dalita Prange: Sahithya, Samaaja Mattu Samskuthi, 2003) 3. Cultural mutiny (Samskuthika Dange, 2004) 4. Fire and Moonlight (Benki Beldingalu 2006) 5. Sahitya Saakshi (A Collection of Critical Essays – 2009) 6. Selected writing`s of Aravind Malagatti (Translated works – 2011) Ed. Prof: D.A.ShankarVI. Autobiography Government Brahmana. 1994 (Translated to English-Pub. Oriental  Longman)VII. Reasearch in Folklore and other works 1. Anipeeni (Anipeeni-Janapada Samshodhane, 1983)2. Study of Floklore (Jaanapada Vyasanga, 1985)3. Search for Floklore (Jaanapada Shobha, 1990)4. Thuluvara Aati Kalenja (Thuluvara Aati Kalenja-Janapada Samshodane, 1993)5. Folk Games (Janapada Aatagalu, 1993)6. Thalikote Dyamavva (Thalikote Dyamavva-Vayaskara Shikshanada Kruthi 1995)VIII. Research 1. Devil Worship (Bhootaradhane, 1991)2. Theoretical Study of Dalit Literary Movement (Dalita Sahithya Chalvaliy thatvika Chinthane, 1991) 3. Myth, Folklore and Nativism (Purana Jaanapada mattu Deshivaada, 1998) 4. Folk Games (Janapada Aatagalu, Ph.D. Thesis-1985)5. Folk Journey (Janapada Abhiyana-2005)IX. Studies and Reflections 1. An Introduction to Dalit Literature (Dalitha Sahithya Praveshike, 1996)2. How Progressive is Intercaste-Marriage ? (Antharjaathiy Vivaaha yeshtu pragathipar ? 1996)3. Puna Pact and whither Should Dalits go (Poonapyakt Mattu Dalitarettha Sagabeku ? 1998)X. Editing 1. Conference (Co-Editor) (Samaavesh-Saha Sampaadane, 1983)2. Four Dalitist Novels (Nalku Daliteeya Kadambariglu-Ed. 1990)3. Ideology of Ambedkar (Ambedkar Vichaara DHare-Ed. 1991)4. Koraga Community: A Study (Co-Author) (Koraga Janaanga Ondu Adhyayana, 1991) 5. Ambedkar-Ism and Counter-Ism (Ambedkar Vaada Samvaada-Ed. 1992)6. From Grazing Ground to Gangotri (Goomaaladinda Gangotrige, 1993)7. Foundation and background of Dalit Literature (Dalitha Sahighya nele-hinnele-Ed.1997)8. Book industry in  Kannada (Kannada Granthodyama, 1997)9. Folk Theoretical Consciousness and nativism (Jaanapada saiddhanthika Prangne Mattu Desivaada, 1998)10. Principles of Folklore (Jaanapada Thathvaglu, 1999)11. Criticism on Dalit Novels (Kadambarigala Vimarshe-Ed. 2000)12. Male Mahadeshwara (Male Mahadeshwara, 2001)13. Sweetness and Bitterness (Co-editing) (Bevu Bella, 2001)14. Dalit Approach (Criticism) (Dalitha Maarga, 2002)15. Aneela Aradhana (Composite Poetry, 2002)16. What Gandhi says about Ambedkar (Pub. Prasranga Myore University 2000)XI. Editor of Encyclopedias and Works of Similar nature 1. Kannada Encyclopedia-Volume 14. Chief Editor, Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies- Mysore University-year 2005 1. C.D. S of Kannada Encyclopedia-14 volumes, Chief Editor Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies- Mysore University-year 2006 1. Kannada Vishaya Vishwa Kosh Karnataka –(Revised)- Chief Editor- Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies- Mysore University-year 2005 1. Kannada Vishaya Vishwa Kosh – FolkloreChief Editor- Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies- Mysore University-year 2006 1. Kannada Vishaya Vishwa Kosha-Zoology. Chief Editor, Institute of Kannada Studies-Mysore University –year 2006 1. Epigraphia Karnatica-(Volume 12) Chief Editor, Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies- Mysore University-year 2006 1. Kuvempu Kriti Vimarshe, Chief Editor, Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies- Mysore University-year 2006XII. Journalistic Work Sahitya Sangagti, (Perodical) 1988-1995: (Editor) Vidyarthi Bharati- Quarterly, Karnataka University Journal, member of the Editorial Board -1981-1983.Karnataka Folklore News letter – member of the Editorial Board, Mangalore- 1988-1991.Vishwa Sampada-Monthly, Mysore University Journal, member of the Editorial Board-1999-2000Prabuddha Karnataka, Quarterly Mysore University Journal -Chairman of the Editorial Board 1995, 2000. Manavika Karnataka, Quarterly – Mysore University Journal Chairman of the Editorial Board – 2008 OnwardsXIII. Awards Prizes Gold medal for the Ph.D thesis 1985 Karnataka University DharwadDevaraj Bhaddur Award 1982 Recipient : Karnataka Government BangaloreNarashimhaia Award 1996 Kannada Sahithya Parishat- Dr. Ambedkar Fellowship Award 1996 Bharatiya Dalit Sahithya Academy –Delhi Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award 1996 for the Autobiography titled Government Brahmana Bangalore Karnataka Sahitya Academy Fellowship Award 2002 (for Total Contribution to Kannada Literature) Bangalore Ambedkar Award 2005 Govt. Karnataka, Bangalore XIV. Awared`s Conferred but not Accepted: Shiksha Rattan Puraskar-2007 India International Friendship Society. New Delhi-110001 Rashtriya Gaurav Award – 2009 India International Friendship Society. New Delhi-110001 Best Citizens of India – 2009 International publishing House New Delhi-110001 Twenty Ten National Academy Award for Literature Academy of Bengali Poetry Kolkata 700054XV. Works on Aravind Malagatti’s Wittings1. Critical Responses to â€Å"Karya† (Ed.) Sabiha Bhumigowad-1989 2. â€Å"Dalitagna† (Dalit Scholar Par Excellance) A seminar was conducted on the literature of Dr.Aravinda Malagatti in 1998 (Ed) Dr. Arjuna Golasangi – 20003. Aravind Malagatti Avara Kavyanusandhana (Critical Essay on Aravinda Malagatti poetry ) Dr. Dushala Bargur 2005 4. Prof. Aravind Malagattiyavara Marga-Sahitya Dr. K. Deshava Sharma 2006 5. Prof. Aravind Malagattiyavara Sahithya Mattu Chinthanne- (Ph.D. Thesis work) Dr. N.S. Shankare Gowda 20056. â€Å"Novu Hetta Preethi† A critical essay on ‘Government Brahmana’ (Ed) Dr. Appagere D. Somashekara and Dr. Malligahalli Narendrakumar 20037. Sharadey Kunisidha Kavi Prof. Arvind Malagatti Dr. H.S.K. Chethana Book House, Mysore 20078. Pagadiya Kowdiyali Deepagalu Belagi A Collection of Research articles – 2009 By : Dr. S.D. Shashikala9. Kavya Manthana – A Criticism Articles on Aranind Malagatti Poems – 200910. Vada Vagvada Samvada – 2009 A Collection of Interviews Ed- by Dr.Bislehalli Prabhu 11. Malagatti Mathu Mathana – 2010 A Collection of Interviews By – G.S. Bhat12. Depiction of poor in the Wores of Aravind Malagatti – 2008 By : Vijayakumar, C.E. M.Phil Thesis, Madurai Kamaraj University – Madurai13. Two versions of dalit growing up : A Comparative study of Vasanth Moon`s Growing up untouchable in India and Aravind Malagatti Government Bhahmana by – Banshelkar Yashpal Murhari M.Phil Thesis, Pandicherry University 2008XVI. OTHER INFORMATION 1. Presided jIlla Kannada Sahitya Sammelan-Bijapur in the year 2006-(The literary meet was held for two days on 25th and 26th November 2006) 2. Prsided Dasara Kavigoshti-on 08.10.2005 at Jaganmohan Palace Mysore. 1. Participated in national seminar on history of folklore studies in India-held on 23-25 October 1998 in Manasagangotri, Mysore 1. Participated in other national seminars and presided many seminars and workshops in kannada. 1. Brought forth more than 200 seminar papers and research articles 1. NAVIKA Frist Kannada Summit-2010 (Pasadena Convention Center) Los Angleles, CaliforniaResidence AddressDr. Aravind Malagatti MIG 29, Gangotri Layour 1st Main, Saraswathipurm Mysore-9Ph. No. Res. 0821-2516927 Mobile : 9448342469 Office : 0821- 2419787|

Personal Reflection On Community Psychiatry And Mental Healthcare Nursing Essay

Personal Reflection On Community Psychiatry And Mental Healthcare Nursing Essay As a part of my clinical SSC, I had to do visits to a variety of mental health care settings: 1 visit to River House at Bethlem Royal Hospital 1 visit to Scutari Clinic at St Thomas Hospital 1 visit Cheyne Ward at Kings College Hospital 4 visits to 190 Kennington Lane Clinic These visits broadened my knowledge about mental health care and the services provided. In each placement, I observed at least one consultation and had an opportunity of talking to a variety of health care professions about mental health care services and patient care. This reflective account discusses my experiences in the mental health care and the things that I observed. A Brief History on Psychiatry Psychiatry can be defined as the study of mental illnesses, their diagnoses, management and prevention (Oxford Medical Dictionary) and when this is carried out in the community, it is called community psychiatry. Here is a brief timeline of transformation from mental asylums to community based care: In 1601 the Poor Law was established which stated that individuals who were unable to care for themselves should be supported (History of Mental Health and Community Care- Key Dates, Mind.org.uk). In 1800s, introduction of the County Asylums 1808 allowed the asylums and psychiatric hospitals to be established, treating mentally ill patients (History of Mental Health and Community Care- Key Dates, Mind.org.uk). The number of bed allocated to patients with mental health problems was at its peak in 1954 (152,000 beds). However, with the introduction of new treatment plans, such new anti psychotic medication, rehabilitation in community, the numbers of people being admitted to psychiatric hospital reduced (ABC of Mental Health, 2nd Edition and History of Mental Health and Community Care- Key Dates, Mind.org.uk). Mental health care centres were the one of the steps taken in terms of the implementation of mental health care policies in 1980s (Sayce et al. 1990). 1990s, mental health care in the community was reformed and implemented a form of community mental health team which is a team of professions including a psychiatric, psychologist, social worker, occupational therapist and care coordinator, manage people with mental illnesses in the community settings (ABC of Mental Health,2nd Edition). Community Mental Health Team and Other Services Mental health problems are normally managed by primary health care, e.g. GPs, and referrals can be made to either community mental health teams or secondary health care if needed (ABC of Mental Health Care, 2nd Edition and Mental Health Policy Implementation Guide: Community Mental Health Teams, 2002). The majority of the patients who use the services provided by community mental health care teams have time limited problems and will be referred back to their general practices once they have made the necessary recovery (Mental Health Policy Implementation Guide: Community Mental Health Teams, 2002). Reflecting back upon a consultation that I observed at Kennington Lane Clinic, a patient was discharged from the clinic after having used the services as there was a significant improvement in her condition. One of the reasons for the referral to community mental health care team is that primary health care may not be able to offer services such as cognitive behavioural therapy or rehabilitation, required for patients with certain mental disorders, for example obsessive compulsive disorder (Mental Health Policy Implementation Guide: Community Mental Health Teams, 2002). Once the referral is done, patient is risk assessed and assigned a care coordinator, who would support, advice and have a regular contact with the patient. At Kennington Lane Clinic, the care coordinator whom I spoke with stated that when one of his patients do not attend a scheduled appointment, then he would go to visit this patient at his/her home so in other words, providing a continuity of care and support. During my time at River House, a medium secure hospital, one of the doctors that I have met articulated the fact that medium secure hospitals fill the gaps that are created by both the psychiatric units of general hospitals and the high secure hospitals. Since the patients admitted to medium secure hospital are not suitable for both: high secure hospitals may not accept these patients because they are not dangerous or insane enough and psychiatric units of general hospital may find these patients dangerous enough to refuse the admission. Therefore, medium secure hospitals are solely developed to accommodate such patients. The same principle can be applied to community mental health teams as they are thought to form a bridge between primary and secondary health care (ABC of Mental Health Care, 2nd Edition). During the transformation to community based psychiatry, it was thought that the prevalence of homicide carried out by psychiatric patients after deinstitutionalisation was going up but in fact these claims were not accurate (Fakhoury and Priebe, 2007). Deinstitutionalisation and allowing patients with psychiatric problems to be managed and cared for in the community settings intended to lessen and curtail social stigma related to patients with mental health problems, to integrate these patients into the community, and importantly to reduce and prevent long term hospital stays (Fakhoury and Priebe, 2007). So, one can conclude the fact that Community health care teams allow patients with mental disorder to stay in the community and have a life that as normal as possible. However, Fakhoury and Priebe, 2007 stated that community psychiatry has not quite achieved its goal in terms of social integration as most of the psychiatric patients in the community are unemployed, live in a sheltered accommodation or even homeless. During my time at Kennington Lane Clinic, I met a patient whom I will be naming as Mr. A due to confidentiality code. This patient looked depressed and was complaining about having nightmares, unpleasant thoughts and phobia of using public transport. He also mentioned having thoughts of self harming and suicide. On further questioning, he revealed that he did think about committing suicide by overdosing himself with his antidepressants but could not do it as he could not find a place to do it: he is unemployed, homeless and lives with his elderly parents and occasionally with his daughters both of whom are married. In terms of what observed and felt at Kennington Lane Clinic, patients whose files that read or met were either using street drugs or having housing problems compared to the patients that I saw at Scutari Clinic in St Thomas Hospital, however this may not be the case in general since I cannot generalise what I observed during my time at both places to the rest of the country. One of the main difficulties experienced by the community mental health team is that the DNA (Did Not Attend) rates are very high in comparison to out-patient clinics at hospitals. I visited Kennington Lane Clinic four times in total but managed to observe only two consultations so I had to read the patient files and talk to their care coordinator instead. At the Scutari Clinic, I noticed that almost all the patients did attend their scheduled appointment with the doctor. I could not help but ask the duty doctors about the rate of DNAs both at the community based clinics and hospital based outpatient clinic levels and the answer that I received did confirm what I observed. I believe that one of good things about community mental health teams is that they facilitate home visits which are not normally offered for the patients attending out-patient clinics. I agree with William R. Breakey, the author of Integrated mental health services: modern community psychiatry, that home visits allow clinicians to see patients in their own surroundings and to allow them plan an appropriate care plan for a particular patient. Of course, there is a variety of services dedicated to patients with mental health problems: an appropriate choice of service would be chosen for the patients best interest. Reflecting back on my time at Kennington Lane Clinic, I came across Mr Bs file from which I read his past medical history and discussed this patient with a social worker who was involved with this particular case. On discussion, I found out that he was originally referred to the clinic by his GP and treated by this clinic quite a long time but unfortunately was relapsing and not compliant with his medication. When something like this is the case, patients can be detained at hospital against their own will under the Mental Act legislation (Rethink, Factsheet, 2010). This particular patient was going to be detained under Section 2 for 28 days. In order to carry this out, the patient had to be seen by 3 professions (2 psychiatrics and 1 social worker) in the presence of police. These three professions are specialise d in mental health care that would assess the patients mental state and make a decision. In addition, during my time at Cheyne ward, I shadowed a senior registrar who was on call in AE. I managed to observe a consultation which lasted about 30 minutes. Mr C was complaining about low mood and was self-harming. Having learnt that his father had a history of long term depression and his relationship with his father is not good, he was suggested to stay in hospital in order to carry out a full mental assessment. End the end of the consultation; he was happy to go ahead with this decision. As can be seen, the main difference between these two cases (Mr B and Mr C) is the way of the admission process: one is being admitted to hospital by force and the other one is giving consent. Mr C is an example of informal patient who is admitted to hospital with his own will and not detained under the Mental Health Act legislation, whereas Mr B is sectioned under the Mental Health Act legislation and cannot have the right refuse treatment. All in all, this revolution of change from hospital based treatment to community based treatment played an important role modernising the mental health services in the UK. Community mental health care provides help and support to those with mental illnesses at the community settings and appropriate patients are referred to this service. From what I observed and read, I can confidently say that community mental health services provide a care that is continuous and offer advice.

Development of the Administrative Structure

Development of the Administrative Structure 1 PHASE 1 (1789- 1883) THE FORMATIVE ERA 1.1 Introduction Although Public Administration as a separate academic field was only developed in the early 20th century it is important to study the early history of the field as it gives important insights into the complex governance structure that is currently in existence within the nation. The[b1] first phase began with the setting up of the new government under a new constitution by George Washington in 1789, takes a significant change in approach post the election of President Andrew Jackson which gave rise to the spoils system and finally ends with the implementation of the Pendleton Act which marked an end to the spoils system. The major factors that influenced the creation of an administrative structure during this time period and the reasons why they was modified afterwards will be presented in this section. 1.2 Major Factors The major factors that influenced the evolution of public administration during the first phase presented chronologically are as follows: 1.2.1 Government under the U.S Constitution The United State Constitution was drafted in 1787 and the new government had its first session in 1789 under President George Washington. While the period during the drafting of the constitution involved the sorting and testing of the American heritage of political ideas and experience, the period between 1789 to 1800 was one of selective synthesis of political concepts, and the establishment of a federal system of administration during the presidency of Washington and Adams (Caldwell,1976). The role of public administration during the early formative years was seen primarily as to facilitate in institutionalizing freedom. The government during this phase was largely concerned with coming up with a working system that could factor in the complex relations that existed between the states the centre and provide unique identity to the government 1.2.2 Expansion of Federal Powers under Hamilton The first major changes in the administrative structure of the newly formed state came with the changes brought in by Alexander Hamilton as the secretary of the treasury. During this period, Hamilton introduced several bills through his reports that lead to the federal government assuming state debts, creation of a national bank and tariffs on select trade operations. In just 10 years Hamilton put in place an administrative infrastructure that set the young nation on course for becoming an opulent commercial power (Green, 2002). These advancements by the federal government gave significant power to itself over the states and thus increased its responsibilities as well. The role of the federal government changed significantly after this step, as it moved from the state of being a facilitator to that of a manager of public affairs. The role of Hamilton in deciding the path to be taken by America in becoming an International power was based on supporting a strong national government as a more effective protector of rights and as a greater stimulant to prosperity than the states which would otherwise remain as a force majeure. His contributions to public administration in America according to Green (2002) can be mainly classified among four major categories: politics, organization design, ethics and law. Politics: Hamilton believed that public administration must conform its operations with the political character and principles of its people/society. He was the first person to envision the complex relation that public administration would hold with politics and believed that all three branches (Executive, Legislative and the Judiciary) would be involved with neither monopolizing or being subordinate to the other Organizational Design: Hamilton wanted a strong government that possessed competency and power, particularly considering the failure of the Articles of Confederation. For that to take effect Hamilton envisioned a partial agency concept which allowed separation of powers and also fostered dependency. Ethics :Hamilton was also one of the first persons to identify the role, ethics is to play in public administration. He understood that public administration officials might be influenced significantly and hence wanted to enhance their ethical standards by using external and internal measures like public status, sufficient pay, belief that future generations will view their achievements etc. Legal : Hamilton being one of the founding fathers involved in the writing of the constitution had in depth knowledge of its powers and limitations. He used the necessary and proper clause to create and muster support for his financial and welfare schemes. 1.2.3 Rise of Jefferson and Republicans Thomas Jefferson was ideologically polar opposite of Hamilton and preferred a Laissez-faire approach by the government. Under Washington and Adams Hamilton was setting up the road map towards the creation of America which would posses an integrated balanced economy requiring the simulation of finance and manufacturing and implying a degree of centralized administrative control over the national economy. Jefferson despised this ideology as he had seen first hand the evils of centralization, bureaucracy and public indebtedness during his travels to France as minister to the court. Jefferson wished to keep the American Common Wealth a union as to foreign affairs but decentralized as to domestic affairs. Jefferson became the voice of the people who were against Hamilton and his aggressive federalist ideologics. Jefferson was successful in maneuvering this opposition to Hamilton to finally win the presidency which lead to a significant alternation in the direction America was progressing in for a very long time. Jefferson believed in a wise and frugal government which shall restrain men from harming each other and shall otherwise leave them free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement. The Ideological differences of Hamilton and Jefferson can also be attributed to what they felt constituted America. Hamilton look at America as a growing county that had a huge potential, if it embraced the federalist approach whereas Jefferson viewed America as the people it constituted and wanted to focus more their growth and prosperity. Although Jefferson is considered as one of the finest presidents of America , he is largely remembered for what he said than what he did during his presidency. The major contribution of Jefferson to growth of Public Administration are the set of principles he had developed. They represented to him the rules by which wise administrative action should be guided. They were : Harmony , Frugality Simplicity , Providing for Change, responsibility and decentralization. His role at the top of the executive body made him realize the need for educated and competent leaders in the highest offices. He was also one of the first person who attempted to divide the politics from the administration, although it was done only in the case of federalist appointees. The government of America and its executive body took a 180 degree turn from the Hamiltonian approach, under Jefferson and stayed so until the late 19th century. Another important aspect related to his presidency was his belief int he educat ion system. He believed that education was clearly the responsibility of the government. Jeffersons presidency highlighted the major dilemmas that presidents have to encounter for centuries afterwards. He did not prefer taxation of the general public but had to execute it, he wished for greater local control but at the same time was vary of growing state and local powers. 1.2.4 Populist Approaches and the Rise of Spoils System President Andrew Jackson was the seventh president of the United States of America. His rise to power signaled the rise of the populist democracy and more importantly the spoils system. Under this system the federal government jobs were given to its supporters of the ruling party as a reward for working for it as opposed to a merit system. Jackson’s rise to power signaled numerous ever lasting changes in America. The change in the voting electorate from white men who possessed property to all the white men brought everlasting changes to the democratic structure of America. This eventually lead to the populist movements which meant policies that had more public support were implemented most of the times. The growth of the voter electorate made the process of winning the election process all the more difficult, the parties started to implement the spoils system as an incentive for its party members to work it. The spoils systems had one of the biggest negative impacts on the pro gress of America as it lead to the drain of qualified personnel from administrative positions. The new emphasis on loyalty rather than competence had a long term negative effect on the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government 1.2.5 Role of the Judiciary The expansion of the powers at the federal level and the varying political stands of the states lead to conflicting situations within the government particularly at the executive and legislative levels. The supreme court passed several land mark judgments in the formative years in cases like the Marbury Vs Madison , Fletcher Vs Peck and Gibbons Vs Ogden using its judicial review powers. These judgments particularly demarcated the boundaries between the executive and the judicial branches and also clearly specified the limitations of the legislatures and the executive branches. The rise of the supreme court and its use of the judicial review powers along with the necessary and proper clause of the congress, helped in acting as checks on the powers imbibed with public administration to the legislature and the executive. The dominance of the judiciary by the federalists, particularly after the might night appointees further polarized the differences in ideologies of the Hamiltonians an d the Jeffersonians and established the important role of the judiciary in public administration. 1.2.6 Changing mood of the Nation America as envisioned by its founding fathers consisted of people who had historically a rights oriented and individualistic culture. This unique point of view of things of Americans was and is, even now one of the major factors influencing its policies and administration. Even the constitution as written by the founding fathers, attempts to be a limiter on the power of the government rather than limit the powers of its citizens. In its early formative years voting rights belonged largely to the aristocrats who were fairly educated. The government until 1829 embraced the Hamiltonian approach and promoted expansion and promotion of the private sector to boost the economy. This decision particularly was comfortable from the elite stand point of view as it helped boost their businesses. But as the awareness and educative levels of the citizens increased gradually, the relative interest of politics within the citizens increased and lead to a situation where in a majority of the voters we re not aristocrats. This change in voting rights and political awareness was influential in creation of populist electorates that eventually lead to the creation of the spoils system. The role of Religion in early America as a social binder was also very crucial in steering the ideological stand of the Americans. 1.3 Role of Presidents The constitution of The United States of America grants its president the power over the executive branch. The unique division of power between the executive, the legislative and the judiciary is what makes the American democracy and administrative structure unique. The necessary and proper clause of the constitution grants the president and his executive office unique privileges and has lead to everlasting impact on the administrative structure of the country. Hamilton himself under president Washington made ample use of the ambiguity in the constitution to propagate a strong centralized federal structure. All the presidents in the formative era except John Quincy Adams were founding fathers and in being so had intent and purpose towards the growth of the nation. Under President Washington, Hamilton envisioned and created a strong federal executive body. He continued the same even under President John Adams and lead to the federal governments increasing hold over the states. Under i ts first two presidents, the American government witnessed a massive boost to the federal and state level executive structures. The American presidents office saw numerous changes under the subsequent presidents of the formative era , but were largely not influential on the administrative structure of the state. The mid night appointees under President Adams lead to politicizing of the judicial and the executive wings also and further increased the powers of the presidency. This period particularly saw the rise of corruption and bargains systems within the administrative structures.

Sub-Prime Mortgages and the Death of the American Dream Essay example

Sub-Prime Mortgage: The Snowball Effect Intermediate Macroeconomics Sub-prime mortgages were a lucrative new market idea, pushed by the government, executed by the lending institutions, in order to provide everyone the American Dream. During the expanding economy, this dream became a reality—untested and unchecked—as low interest rates fueled the desire of investors to make dreams come true! Ultimately, the vicissitudes of the economy turned downward and the snowball effect began while financial sectors and investors scrambled to catch the falling knife. While history is being written this very day and hindsight is 20/20, we can reflect on the ideologies and policies that brought forth the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. At the birth of the sub-prime mortgage market, investors and lending institutions had found a way for more families to live the American Dream while they were able to profit. The economy was booming, the unemployment rate was low, and the demand for housing was high due to low interest rates. The idea was that lenders were willing to accept more risk by financing homes with less equity to those that were not creditworthy. The incentive to the lender was a higher interest rate to the consumer, while expecting a higher foreclosure rate. Due to the high demand for housing, assets were also appreciating decreasing the implied risk. Add in the origination fees, suddenly the entire proposition became very profitable. In theory, the market assumed an annual foreclosure rate of 8% with the average loss due to foreclosure being 30%. Over a $1.2 trillion market pool, the predicted foreclosures would only cost a mere 2.4% implied loss from gross revenues. If the subprime homeowner†™s a... ...e leaders and thorough oversight, our economy should bounce back with another painful lesson learned. References Petroff, Eric. â€Å"Who is to Blame for the Subprime Crisis?† 2007. Investopedia. October 5, 2008. http://investopedia.com/printable.asp?a=/articles/07/subprime-blame.asp Amerman, Daniel. â€Å"The Subprime Crisis is Just Starting.† March 20, 2008. Financial Sense University. October 5, 2008. http://www.financialsense.com/fsu/editorials/amerman/2008/0320.html Bajaj, Vikas and Story, Louise. â€Å"Mortgage Crisis Spreads Past Subprime Loans.† February 12, 2008. The New York Times. October 5, 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/12/business/12credit.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print Barnes, Ryan. â€Å"The Fuel that Fed the Subprime Meltdown.† 2007. Investopedia. October 5, 2008. http://investopedia.com/printable.asp?a=/articles/07/subprime-overview.asp Sub-Prime Mortgages and the Death of the American Dream Essay example Sub-Prime Mortgage: The Snowball Effect Intermediate Macroeconomics Sub-prime mortgages were a lucrative new market idea, pushed by the government, executed by the lending institutions, in order to provide everyone the American Dream. During the expanding economy, this dream became a reality—untested and unchecked—as low interest rates fueled the desire of investors to make dreams come true! Ultimately, the vicissitudes of the economy turned downward and the snowball effect began while financial sectors and investors scrambled to catch the falling knife. While history is being written this very day and hindsight is 20/20, we can reflect on the ideologies and policies that brought forth the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. At the birth of the sub-prime mortgage market, investors and lending institutions had found a way for more families to live the American Dream while they were able to profit. The economy was booming, the unemployment rate was low, and the demand for housing was high due to low interest rates. The idea was that lenders were willing to accept more risk by financing homes with less equity to those that were not creditworthy. The incentive to the lender was a higher interest rate to the consumer, while expecting a higher foreclosure rate. Due to the high demand for housing, assets were also appreciating decreasing the implied risk. Add in the origination fees, suddenly the entire proposition became very profitable. In theory, the market assumed an annual foreclosure rate of 8% with the average loss due to foreclosure being 30%. Over a $1.2 trillion market pool, the predicted foreclosures would only cost a mere 2.4% implied loss from gross revenues. If the subprime homeowner†™s a... ...e leaders and thorough oversight, our economy should bounce back with another painful lesson learned. References Petroff, Eric. â€Å"Who is to Blame for the Subprime Crisis?† 2007. Investopedia. October 5, 2008. http://investopedia.com/printable.asp?a=/articles/07/subprime-blame.asp Amerman, Daniel. â€Å"The Subprime Crisis is Just Starting.† March 20, 2008. Financial Sense University. October 5, 2008. http://www.financialsense.com/fsu/editorials/amerman/2008/0320.html Bajaj, Vikas and Story, Louise. â€Å"Mortgage Crisis Spreads Past Subprime Loans.† February 12, 2008. The New York Times. October 5, 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/12/business/12credit.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print Barnes, Ryan. â€Å"The Fuel that Fed the Subprime Meltdown.† 2007. Investopedia. October 5, 2008. http://investopedia.com/printable.asp?a=/articles/07/subprime-overview.asp

How Technology Effects Education Essay -- science

How Technology Effects Education The best method for improving educational standards is to utilize every tool available, including state-of-the-art technology. Computers and the Internet have expanded the way in which information can be delivered to the students of today. Today's networking technologies provide a valuable opportunity to practice new learning techniques. Educators are discovering that computers are facilitating learning. Computer based communications, or Telecommunications, can offer many educational opportunities; therefore, educators will need to adapt current teaching methods to incorporate this new media into the classroom. Computers have made a fundamental impact in most industries, providing a competitive advantage that has come to be essential to many businesses. Therefore, schools must also use technology to improve the educational process. School systems often consider purchasing a computer network, and justify its purchase by applying it to routine administrative tasks, such as attendance records and grading. While these tasks are very important, they only show a small part of what technology can do for a school. Technology must go further than simply keeping attendance; it must focus on keeping students interested and productive. Since computers and the Internet have expanded in such a way in which education can be delivered to students, it is currently possible to engage in "distance education through the Internet. Distance education...

Breast Implants in Teenagers Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The trend for a number of young girls is to get breast augmentation. They think that by changing their bodies, they’re going to change their lives. They think they will be happy, and they will be completely satisfied with their implants. Their expectation is that their self-confidence will skyrocket, and they will be attractive girls. Many young girls get implants to make themselves stand out more and to have a great appearance, but there are many reasons that they should comprehend the long-term effect of surgery.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First of all, teenagers expect that plastic surgery will improve their self-confidence, but does it? Teenagers think that their new appearance will be great, but they may get different looks from their friends. For example, when they’re talking, their friends may look at their chest instead of looking at their faces and their friends may feel uncomfortable and awkward about their new breasts. One study found that teenager’s body-image may occur in the late teens because their bodies were still changing. The average girl gains weight between the ages of 18 and 21, and that is likely to change her desire or need for breast augmentation. This indicates that many young girls who are very dissatisfied with their appearance will feel more satisfied a few years later, whether or not they undergo surgery.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Second, will teenagers who want to have breast implants understand the risks of surgery? Some girls may be completely satisfied with their implants, but...

Macro and Micro Environmental Analysis of Waitrose Supermarkets

WAITROSE ASSIGNMENT INTRODUCTION TO MARKETING MARKET RESEARCH CONTENTS INTRODUCTION —————————————– MACRO ENVIRONMENT POLITICAL ———————————————- ECONOMICAL ——————————————- SOCIAL ————————————————- TECHONOLGICAL—————————————- ENVIRONMENTAL—————————————- MICRO ENVIRONMENT SUPPLIERS———————————————- IN TERMEDIARIES—————————————- FINANCIAL———————————————– GOVERNMENT——————————————– THE COMPANY——————————————- EMPLOYEES———————————————- CUSTOMERS——————————————— COMPETITORS——————————————- MEDIA—————————————————- PUBLICS————————â₠¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- SWOT ANALYSIS—————————————– CONCLUSION——————————————– APPENDIX———————————————— BIBLYOGRAPHY—————————————— INTRODUCTION The food retail industry in the United Kingdom is an extremely competitive market. The major players in the industry all have tremendous purchasing power and are constantly fighting to increase market share. Like any other industry though they are affected but factors which are both within their control as well as outside. In this report we will first be focusing on the macro environment of the UK supermarket industry where we will review external issues such as politics, economy, technological, social/demographic and environmental factors. From this analysis we can gain insight into how supermarkets react to changes that are beyond their control and how they can often turn these changes into business opportunities. The second part of this report will be looking at the supermarket chain Waitrose. Through this we analyse the micro environment whereby we look at factors such as suppliers, intermediaries, financial, government, the company, customers, employees, competitors, media, and publics. The micro environment is what makes up a company and all aspects must run efficiently and effectively for a business to succeed. Based on the findings of the Waitrose micro environment we are then able to evaluate the companies strengths and weaknesses as well as their opportunities and threats. MACRO ENVIRONMENT Political The supermarket industry is affected by many varying political factors. New legislation and decisions from Governing bodies that regulate the industry aim to ensure that all business within the sector is conducted fairly and with the economy suppliers and consumers best interest in mind. Most legislation on food standards originates from the European Commission which consolidates legislation across the EU. The Competition Commission, a non departmental governing body, are responsible for investigating mergers, markets and inquiries related to regulated industries under competition law (Competition Commission No Date),. Competition Law which was introduced in 1998 promotes healthy competition, and bans anticompetitive agreements between firms such as agreements to fix prices or to carve up markets, and it makes it illegal for businesses to abuse a dominant market position (Office of Fair Trading, 2007). In 2009 the Competition Commission issued an amended and improved Grocery Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP) with hopes of providing greater security to suppliers. To help regulate legislation and the GSCOP an independent financial ombudsman was established in 2010 to resolves problems between retailers and suppliers (Sourceuk 2009). When a supermarket wishes to build or extend a site a ‘competition test’ would be carried out on the retailer and an assessment made to ensure that local shops don’t lose out to the large chain supermarkets domination an entire area (Competition Commission 2009). Price fixing is illegal under the competition act of 1998. When participants on the same side of the market (such as the big 4 in the UK supermarket sector) agree to sell a service, product or commodity at a fixed price it’s the consumers who must pay while retailers and suppliers reap the benefits. There are extremely heavy penalties for price fixing in the UK You can be fined, disqualified from being a director – or even sent to prison (Business Link No Date). Minimum wage laws will always affect supermarkets as generally many of their staff would be paid minimum wage. Under the National Minimum Wage Act of 1998 all employers must pay their employees a certain amount per hour as set by the UK Government. The main rate of National Minimum Wage which applies to workers aged 22 and over and is currently ? 5. 80 per but will raise ? 5. 93 in 2010 (Directgov 2010). There are many laws in the UK and EU which are designed to protect the environment. However there are two main Acts which were made to consolidate as many issues as possible, these are the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Environment Act 1995 (Hartshorne. J,1996). DEFRA is the UK government agency which is responsible for setting legislation and guidance on a number of environmental issues (DEFRA, No Date). Some important legislation which applies to supermarkets include laws on waste and recycling, genetic modification, and Climate Change which are all covered under these acts. Office of Public Sector Information No Date) Economic The economic situation at any given time will always affect market conditions. As the economy continually fluctuates between periods of economic growth and periods of relative stagnation (also known as an economic cycle) factors such as changes to interest rates, exchange rates, inflation and purchasing power will directly and indirectly affect th e supermarket industry (Tutor2u, No Date) In 2008 the UK had entered the recession stage of the economic cycle. Interest rates dropped from 5% to 0. % in an effort to increase consumer spending (Mintel 2009, Market Re-forecasts – Food – UK). And while this would initially appear to be a gain for supermarkets, other factors of the recession such as wide spread unemployment and bankruptcies saw this sector of the market having to revise their marketing strategies in order to weather these changes to the economy (Mintel 2009, Market Re-forecasts – Food – UK). In 2009 trading was down with consumers eating less ready meals and opting for own brand rather than premium products (Mintel 2009, Food Retailing UK – Broader Market Environment). This is just one of the many changes to consumer purchasing that changed and will continue to change as the economy tries to recover. According to The Office of National Statistics (2010) unemployment dropped by 33000 since then end of 2009 and the economy grew by 0. 1% a possible indication of the UK slowly emerging from the recession (BBC News 2010). However this will be the beginning of a recovery which could take at least another two years. As interest rates still remain at an all time low of 0. % (BBC News 2009) supermarkets will start to see an increase in spending from consumers as their confidence in the market returns (Mintel 2009, Market Re-forecasts – Food – UK). Inflation has only become a recent issue in the UK economy. Rising fuel prices, a few poor harvests and the weakness of the sterling has seen inflation accelerate between 2006 and 2008 (Mintel 2009, Food Retailing UK – Broader Market Environment) (Appendix 1). The implications of this for supe rmarkets are that it erodes the purchasing power of money which in turn means the price of imported good will rise. However a positive result of rising inflation, which at times reached over 10% also, meant that food price increases boosted sales value (Mintel 2009, Food Retailing UK – The Market In Context). A trend for customers trading down rather than reducing quantity enables sales value to rise fast enough to cover cost growth (Mintel 2009, Food Retailing UK – Sector Size and Forecast). The recession as a whole has had a very mixed effect on the supermarket industry. At the beginning of the recession in 2008 consumers drastically cut back on purchases from retailers such as Waitrose and Marks and Spencer. However by December 2009 Waitrose was the fastest growing supermarket chain while Aldi was on the decline. This is believed to be due to more expensive supermarkets introducing own brand products into their stores and selling them at a lower price to their standard products (Keynote 2010, Food Industry – Industry Overview). Social It is essential for supermarkets to understand the current sociocultural environment as any changes will affect their customers’ needs and wants. (Brassington & Pettitt 2006) According to Mintel (2009) the ageing population will have a negative effect on the supermarket industry with there already being more retired people than children, with this level set to increase (Appendix 2). This will affect the industry as older people tend to eat and drink a lot less than their younger counterparts but also treat themselves less as well. This decline in basket size will have long term effects for the industry over time as they are less efficient to service and require more staff (Mintel 2009, Food Retailing – Broader Market Environment) A worrying trend which has emerged in the last several years has been the increase in obesity among children and adults in the UK with 60% of the UK population being overweight (Office of National Statistics, Health and Social Care, 2010) Poor quality convenience foods, labour-saving technology, increased car use and more people doing sedentary jobs are just some of the reason the country is getting bigger. However despite this increase in obesity the U. K population on a whole is far more health conscious than in previous years (Keynote 2010, Food Industry – Industry Overview). There has been a trend away from genetically modified foods towards organic foods and an increased the customer desire for healthy alternatives. The government and other health organisations are working with supermarkets and manufacturers to help consumers make healthier choices when shopping. (Keynote 2010, Food Industry – PEST Analysis). According to the National Office for Statistics (2010) The UK population is increasing at an alarming rate with figures showing the population of the United Kingdom to be at 61383000 in 2008. This is up 0. 7 per cent since mid 2007. Increases in births, decreases in death and a sharp rise in migration to the United Kingdom have all contributed to the change in population (Office of National Statistics, Population Estimates 2010) Statisticians have said that at least 70 per cent of the population rise over the next 20 years will be attributable directly to immigration (Office of National Statistics, Migration 2010). The supermarket industry needs to reflect the needs of the changing population. With more people with different cultural backgrounds residing in England it is essential that the needs of these new consumers are being met by supermarkets in order to retain market share (Keynote, Food Retailing – UK 2009) The over powering proposition of the â€Å"everything under one roof† format has been a major factor in the demise of the small independent grocer, butcher and green grocer in recent times thus replacing the high street as the focal point of community life (IGD 2009, Non-Food Retailing). Declining meal preparation consequent to demographic changes such as an increasing number of single-person households and working women is forcing UK retailers are to focus on added-value products such as the booming ‘food-to-go† sector (Keynote 2010, Food Industry – PEST Analysis).. These demographic changes have also affected consumer work patterns with retailers modifying aspects of the customer shopping experience to accommodate changing lifestyles. Supermarkets are now flexible in opening hours as well as adding extras such as Thursday late night shopping and free parking facilities (Keynote 2010, Food Industry – Industry Overview). The recession in the UK has changed the population’s attitude towards the foods they purchase. Britons have developed a sophisticated customer preferences and demands for greater choice and comfort in the shopping experience but for lower prices. Supermarket own brand products have been on the incline as their ranges often offer great value for quality products. (Keynote 2010, Food Industry – PEST Analysis). Technological Recent technological advances have enabled supermarkets to provide customers with a quicker, easier and more enjoyable shopping experience. In recent years we have seen the introduction of online shopping, self check outs, product scanning and forecast technology which has changed the dynamics of how people shop. One of the most influential technological changes to happen to the supermarket industry in the past few years has been the introduction of internet shopping. The online grocery market is currently worth ? 4,4 billion having doubled in the past 4 years (Mintel 2009 – Online Grocery Retailing) and is set to reach ? 7. 2 billion buy 2014 according to research industry analyst IDG (Appendix 3). This is a major new opportunity for retailers and the UK offers a good market for this with the highest percentage of people online across the EU (Just Food 2009). New scanning device designed to be used by shoppers to scan products as they shop and then simply paying at a self serve checkout using the scanned date are a new introduction to the industry. Scales are then used at point of payment to weigh shopping against weight data which is provided when the product is scanned. This ensures much shorter queuing times for customers (Waitrose 2010) New communication technology such as the introduction of scanners which provide price labels and barcodes for any stock that needs to be reduced has enabled more sophisticated store management. The scanners minimise unsold food as well as check out productivity, which saves time and reduces waste. (Retail Systems 2010) Advances in forecasting software such as that developed by SAS and purchased by Waitrose in 2006 will help forecast demand for product based on the history of the item, casual variables, events and holidays. (SAS 2006) The introduction of self check outs into supermarkets has bought many advantages to both the supermarket sector and its customers. This technology allows customer to scan barcodes on their won items thus eliminating interaction with supermarket employees. While they are a relatively new concept, having only become wide spread in 2003 they have been accepted as a faster, more efficient and private way to shop. Through self check out systems supermarkets are also able to reduce staff requirements and save money (Goliath 2005) Environment With the environment becoming an important topic over the last several years it has been essential for supermarkets to meet the demands of both the Government and their customers with regards to addressing environmental issues. This has proved to be both a challenge as well as a business opportunity for the major players in the industry, who strive to try and reposition themselves as leaders in responsible sourcing, sustainability, climate change issues and recycling (Donohue. A 2007). Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today. The UK government has a long term plan to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050 (Department of Energy and Climate Change – A Low Carbon UK 2008). The Climate Change Bill and the Committee on Climate Change influence have raised consumer awareness of climate change which put pressure on the supermarket industry to meet their environmental obligations (Department of Energy and Climate Change – Legislation 2008). Many UK supermarkets are now part of a government initiative known as the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). WRAP works with the food industry is an effort to reduce food and packaging waste. Retailers who have signed the Courtauld Commitment (a voluntary agreement between companies and WRAP) agree to have absolute wastage reduction by 2010 (WRAP No Date). The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) with its green agenda for food and drink manufactures also play a key role in helping companies reduce emissions and waste as well as cutting the amount of packaging that reaches households (FDF No Date). The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) works with the government and consumers in an effort to reduce waste through recycling and composting of household waste (DEFRA No Date). This has created more consumer awareness and this new found awareness puts pressure on food retailers to meet waste reduction targets (Appendix 4). Waitrose currently puts into practice the use of the three R’s (reduce, reuse and recycle) to divert waste away from landfills (Mintel 2008 – Ethical and Green Retailing) Sustainable sourcing has become a very real issue with consumers over the past few years with a demand for supermarkets to ensure that their produce such as fish and meat are from sources that can be replenished. Another form of sustainable sourcing is for supermarkets to source their produce locally rather than importing from overseas. This has a huge impact on carbon use as well as a significant impact on creating sustainable economies in our local communities (Mintel 2009 – Influence of the Environment on Food Shopping). MICRO ENVIRONMENT Suppliers Behind its 18,000 different products, Waitrose is supplied by 2500 firms in over 60 countries. The majority of them are small scale and regional producers. Waitrose’s main aim, to offer high quality product, is the base of its plan to source goods from the areas where it trades. For example, that will show the real taste of British food with its regional variety. Furthermore people will have easy access to buy local food and support its local economy. Regardless of the small or big producers, Waitrose aim to work with decency and respect in long term with its suppliers. It wants to help its suppliers to reach their objectives by ensuring them that it will keep the integrity or quality of the suppliers’ product. For this reason, Waitrose wants its producers to use recognisable and with the best quality ingredients for the food, not a list of chemicals such as stabilisers or preservatives. Waitrose. com. â€Å"The Waitrose Small Producers Charter†) To succeed in that approach, the company presented a new Waitrose Locally Produced range, which will aim to offer the best local quality food and great customer service to its customers. The difference between Waitrose and the other UK retailers is the co-ownership of company by its staff, not the publ ic shareholders who only demand for quick and profitable return of their investments. It allows it to make long term growing plans and continuing relationships with its producers in order to face its great customer’s expectations. Waitrose. com. â€Å"The Waitrose Small Producers Charter†) In order to prove their support for small local producers, Waitrose teamed up with The Times to create â€Å"The Small Producers Awards† in 2001. For example, its first year category winners will receive ? 7,000 in cash, plus access to Waitrose business and marketing expertise. (Waitrose. com. â€Å"The Waitrose Small Producers Charter†) Moreover, in relation to the UK Recession, followed by the consumer downturn, Waitrose asked 1000 suppliers to cut their prices with 2%. The request was addressed mainly to suppliers of branded food and farmers in UK. The managing director Mark Price explained company’s decision with the fall in commodity prices, which makes suppliers’ raw material cheaper. Furthermore he states that the Waitrose’s market growth will lead the suppliers to sustain profit, which they should share with their biggest buyer. Moreover John Lewis Partnership’s decision was forced by the annual report of the company, which unveiled 26% fall in pre-tax profit for 2008 to ? 279. 6m. (Telegraph website, 12/03/09) Intermediaries By rewarded as the UK’s favourite retailer for 2007 and 2009, Waitrose main aim is to sustain its loyal and respectful relationship with its suppliers and partners. It is the main intermediary of its own branded goods. Furthermore, Waitrose nurture long-term relationships with its suppliers, paying the fair price and helping them to reinvest in their business. It is the most established local sourcing initiatives in its sector. All Waitrose shops have a regional offering, which covers in excess of 465 producers supplying over 1,400 product lines. In order to ensure its support for UK suppliers and in response to customer feedback, Waitrose has developed new shelf-edge ticketing, which emphasise the county, origin and unique qualities of each product. (JLP annual report 2009) Moreover, Waitrose cooperate with other intermediary companies in order to transfer the produced goods from its supplier to the customers. Its main distributor is the online supermarket delivery company Ocado. It operates mainly in Greater London, covering over 3 million households. Their relationships evolved in 2002 when John Lewis Partnership bought 29% of Ocado’s shares. In addition, their contract will expire in 2013. Apart from Ocado, Waitrose has established an own online delivery in over 100 stores. (JLP annual report 2009) Financial In difference from the other UK retailers, Waitrose isn’t owned by public shareholders and the City. In stead of cruel shareholders, whose fixed idea is to gain profitable quick returns, Waitrose is a part of John Lewis Partnership, which is owned by its workers. Each year, every partner share company’s profits, which in others retailers go to the shareholders. This organisational system makes extraordinary commitment and loyalty amongst its labour. Furthermore company could praise itself with partners who worked with it for many years. This system makes its workers to be interested in what they are doing and selling. For that reason the often good remarks of the customers about the customer service are not surprising, because every worker in the local store do in fact own the store. (Waitrose website. â€Å"The Waitrose Difference†) Moreover, an interest public fact is that Waitrose holds a Royal Warrant with Her Majesty The Queen. This means that company is chosen to supply the Royal Family with goods for five years. Moreover, Waitrose held the long-lasting Warrant with Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. That is a significant evidence for the great quality that Waitrose has been offering through the years. (Waitrose website. â€Å"The Waitrose Difference†) Government As an established responsible and reliable retail company, Waitrose aim to consider and follow government policy. It is in a consistent relationship with any local government, discussing key issues which affect its partners, customers and communities in which it operates. Furthermore it is an active member of government policy advisory groups, such as Climate Change Leaders Group, British Retail Consortium and Retail Energy Forum. (John Lewis Partnership website, â€Å"Engaging our stakeholders†) Moreover, Waitrose cooperate with local authorities during planning and construction of all its new shops. It wants to ensure that its new stores are built responsibly and will operate sustainably in order to diminish its impact on the environment and the local community. (John Lewis Partnership website, â€Å"Engaging our stakeholders†) Lastly, Waitrose and its parent John Lewis Partnership work closely with regulators such as â€Å"Environment Agency† and â€Å"Health & Safety Executive† to inform that the Partnership do all its best in compliance with the law. In any case of legal issue occur, it respond immediately, and cooperate with the local regulator to resolve the problem as quickly as possible. (John Lewis Partnership No Date, â€Å"Engaging our stakeholders†) The Company Waitrose stems from a small grocery shop called ‘Waite. Rose & Taylor’ founded by Wallace Waite, Arthur Rose and David Taylor; the small grocery shop opened for business 1904. Four years on the founders decided to rebrand the company in 1908 by changing the company name to ‘Waitrose’, which is a combination of two of the founders’ surnames. The Waitrose Company desired changed once again so joined ‘The John Lewis Partnership’ 1937, whereby 160 Waitrose employees became ‘partners ‘or co-owners of the business (Waitrose No Date – The Company). The John Lewis partnership is formed by 70,000 partners (staff) who co-own John Lewis department stores, Waitrose supermarkets, an online and catalogue business (John Lewis Direct-johnlewis. om), a direct service company (Greenbee), three production units and a farm. (The John Lewis Partnership No Date) (John Lewis Partnership CSR Report 2009, Page 5) ‘The Waitrose difference’ Waitrose focuses operation around offering the best quality goods and have adapted their daily producers, to make shopping easier to suit all by offering a distinctive service; such as packing at checkouts, carry to car service and assists to those that required it; it is this that they believe gives them the edge over other supermarkets (Waitrose No Date – The Waitrose Difference) Waitrose has an exceptional return policy whereby customers will receive their full money back, if they genuinely pursed t a product they didn’t require or a customer is not one hundred percent happy with the product. It is this edge that provides Waitrose with long lasting loyal customers that trust the supermarket they shop in. As well as food products Waitrose offers ‘Branch Extras’ at selected stores; enabling customers to rent wines glasses, beer glasses and fish kettles free of charge as a friendly jester(Waitrose No Date – The Waitrose Difference). Waitrose commitment to provide outstanding produces and services has been credited with a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty the Queen; Which is a mark of recognition of those that supply goods or services to members of the Royal Family for at least five years(Waitrose No Date – The Waitrose Difference). Employees Waitrose employees are also co-owners and form part of the John Lewis Partnership; the John Lewis Partnership aims to employ exceptional staffs that are dedicated to putting the consumers’ needs first whilst delivering excellent customer service. The John Lewis Partnership aims to keep the happiness of its employees at the heart of the partnership and uses a blend of five key elements to do this: †¢Work/life balance – employees are encouraged to keep a equal balance of work and play to support this the partnership offers ; flexible hours, career breaks, long leave, a flexible retirement policy . †¢Competitive pay and benefits – the partnership aims to maintain a pay policy which is competitive while being fair to all partners and offers a range of partners benefits from discounts and bonus to life insurance. Filling potential – the partnership gives all their employees the chance to reach their full potential and required all employees to ender go compulsory training. There partnership also allows employees the opportunity for promotion and career development programs. †¢Fair treatment – the partnership treats all its employees fair and provides equal opportunities for all, regardles s of age, gender, ethnicity, social background, religion and disability or sexuality. Powered by our Principles (PboP) – these are six principles sets out to inform employees of what is expected from all them; be honest, give respect, recognise others, show enterprise, work together and achieve more (Waitrose No Date – Our Employees) Customers ‘The John Lewis Partnership aims to deal honestly with customers, securing their loyalty and trust by providing outstanding choice, value and service. ’ (John Lewis Partnership CSR Report 2009, pg 4) Waitrose dominates a niche market were its target customers are believed to be affluent with a more flexible disposable income. They are associated with the middle classes along with high class food and fantastic customer service. Their repeat custom is formed, as the consumer seeks a well established supermarket they can trust and complete their weekly shop in a supermarket that’s driven by high quality fresh food. (Mintel 2009 – Food Retails Waitrose) A loyal Waitrose customer will complete their weekly shop unconditionally every week in there local Waitrose store; however if they need a product unexpectedly they will use a convenient store as a one off it is it nearer in location. Typical Waitrose customers are considered to be; affluent with a more flexible disposable income, middle to high classes, working professionals and health focused consumers (Mintel 2009 – Food Retails Waitrose). In addition another important factor that adds to ‘the customer’ that shops at Waitrose supermarkets is the location of the stores; as Waitrose stores are based more South/East England and areas that are frequently referred to as ‘posh’, where people are financially comfortable (Mintel 2009 – Food Retails Waitrose). Waitrose strive to maintain exceptional customer service and are always constantly evaluating their services to unsure they are fulfilling their consumer needs. Waitrose uses a range of formal methods of research and feedback, such as customer surveys, panels, focus groups, online feedback forms and regular mystery shopping to gather sufficient evidence to monitor their customer service and performance necessary action if required (John Lewis Partnership No Date – Customer Service) Competition Waitrose occupies up to 4% of the UK grocery market, this compares with the largest food retailer in England today is which is Tesco’s who hold a massive 30 % share of the market. In the UK today every ? 1 in every ? 7 of consumer spending is spent in one of Tesco’s stores. Tesco specializes primarily in food and drink with its Value and Finest ranges that we all know well, but it has also become a major player in a range of non-food markets including consumer electrical, clothing, financial services, telecoms, fuel and internet services amongst others. In 2008, Tesco launched a new ‘Discount Brands’ range, which is geared towards consumers seeking to trade down but not ready to compromise on quality. The new range appears to have halted the drift of customers to Aldi and Lidl. Tesco’s sheer scale means it has been able to lower prices on the back of large volumes. Tesco’s has different types of stores every one of them targeting different consumers, tesco express for example, the smallest one in the range, is designed to be a convenience shop where the costumer can Top-up (Mintel 2009 – Food Retail Tesco). Other major players are Asda, Sainsburys and Morrisons with Asda taking up to 17% of the market. Asda has a similar range of product to Tesco but opened up the clothing market in supermarkets but presenting its own brand known as George at Asda. Asda, part of Wal-Mart, directs its main focus on price, primarily targeting the lower end of the mass-market although the current climate is increasing demand for discount items from a variety of consumer groups. In terms of consolidated sales, in 2008 the company was the third largest grocer in the UK although when fuel sales are removed Asda moves into second place behind Tesco but above Sainsbury. What has really set Asda apart from its rivals in the food sector in the UK has been its lack of convenience store activity. While Tesco and Sainsbury’s have attacked the c-store sector very aggressively, Asda has been happy to maintain its larger big-box stores enabling them to maintain a presence out of town. (Mintel 2009 – Food Retail) Waitrose occupies a relatively small but nevertheless very strong portion of the market with its closest supermarket being Marks and Spencer. Both of these supermarkets aim at a quality rather than quantity market with prices generally being higher than the larger supermarkets Marks and Spencer holds approximately 3. 9% of the grocery market. The main differences between of the two chains is that Waitrose holds 18% of organic food ranges and sells none Waitrose brand products whilst Marks and Spencer sells just its own made brand. Marks & Spencer is the UK’s leading non-food retailer, but food has long been a part of its heritage. The company trades from a premium positioning, emphasising quality and value. Dry groceries are only a small part of the offer, with the company instead focusing on ready prepared meals, fresh items and foods for special occasions. The food range is available from specialist Simply Food convenience stores as well as the larger general merchandise outlets. (Mintel 2009 – Food Retail – Marks & Spencer). In the food retail industry we find that there are two different orientated companies, price orientated and customer orientated. Waitrose aims at the customer orientated market and this has generally held them in good stead. The recent recession was a testing time for the company but their strong brand name appears to have weathered the storm and it has successfully retained its position. Media Waitrose takes its promotion and advertising seriously and has a very organised and wide range of media publicity. On they own website they have options to find press releases and press packs and it is optional to sign up to receive daily updates regarding Waitrose. They have affirmed their commitment by appointing Grand Union as the lead digital agency for Waitrose. The agency will relaunch the brand's website Waitrose. com, as well as produce digital marketing for Waitrose Deliver, the brand's online grocery shopping service. Waitrose uses television and advertising extensively to promote its products and services and has announced recently that celebrity chefs Delia Smith and Heston Blumenthal will join forces in a collaboration that will see them appear in TV, press and online advertising for the grocer (Waitrose 2009) The company website now provides an option to find all the recipes that have been used on the show. In addition John Lewis, the stores sister brand, has launched a glossy customer magazine, which will be made available in all Waitrose stores, with an initial print run of 500,000. The launch is backed by an in-store marketing campaign (Mintel 2009 – Food Retail).. Publics The company takes its public and social responsibilities very seriously and its basic philosophy is as follows:- â€Å"As a responsible retailer, owned beneficially by our employees, we believe that the long-term future of the Partnership is best served by respecting the interests of all our stakeholders: Partners, customers, suppliers and the wider community. We look actively for opportunities to improve the environment and to contribute to the wellbeing of the communities in which we trade. (Waitrose Feb 2010 – Press Centre) In 2008, Waitrose was the first UK food retailer to begin using Anaerobic Digestion (AD), a process which eliminates the need to send waste food to landfill sites. (Waitrose Feb 2010 – Press Centre). Waitrose commits at least 1 per cent of pre-tax profits to charitable and community projects. They are also committed to providing support to overseas disasters through the British Red Cross and are involved in over 100 projects involving 16,000 people in South Africa; rolled out to Ghana and Kenya. Their target is to increase activities in the field referred to above and to actively encourage participation in Sport and physical exercise in the UK. They have already diverted 50 per cent of their total operational waste food away from landfill and their goal is to divert 95 per cent by 2013. Waitrose is set to launch an environmental initiative inviting customers to suggest eco ideas that it can implement into the business. â€Å"Your Green Idea† was launched on 15 March 2010, following a soft launch of the website. It is clear that Waitrose is very committed to its social and public responsibilities and have a proven track record to support their mandate SWOT ANALYSIS Internal Strengths Waitrose was one of the first retailers to develop own brands (after Mark’s and Spencer). Their own brand line carries over 18000 products including 117 lines in their ‘Perfectly Balanced’ range which promotes a fresh and healthy lifestyle for their customers (Mintel 2009, Food Retail UK – Waitrose). Waitrose differentiates itself strongly from other supermarkets. They have a more defined range of products with focus on high quality food and up-market products. They are extremely customer orientated and place great emphasis on customer service as one of their unique selling points (Mintel 2009, Food Retail UK – Waitrose). According to a survey by Which Waitrose is the leading supermarket chain in food quality and range. Only ASDA was rated better than Waitrose for value for money (Which 2008) Having owned their own farms for over 70 years Waitrose prides itself on working with its farmers, growers and suppliers directly to ensure that only the highest quality food from the most ethical and environmentally friendly sources reach they consumers. This is supported by its own inspections and farm assurance schemes (Waitrose No Date – Origin of our Food). Waitrose was the first ever winner of the title Organic Supermarket of the Year and have over 16 awards for wine purchasing and retail. These are just some of the many awards that have been claimed by Waitrose over the past several years (Waitrose Various Dates – Press and Awards). Waitrose also holds a Royal Warrant with Her Majesty the Queen to supply goods to members of the Royal Family (Waitrose No Date – The Waitrose Difference). Waitrose was the first to introduce self-scanning (Quick Check) in some stores, which demonstrates a willingness to innovate and offer a high service and reducing costs. Recent technological innovations that have been introduced in stores include: printers which provide price labels and barcodes for any stock that needs to be reduced and hand held devices available to shoppers to use as a self scanning system. (Thompson. S 2010). The partnership with John Lewis gives Waitrose tested supplier links and economies of scale. Waitrose would struggle to achieve the success it has today without the help of the partnership. The partnership also functions as a conglomerate therefore diversifying risk. The association with John Lewis improves Waitrose’s reputation (John Lewis Partnership No Date). Waitrose has a strong culture of co-ownership due to the fact that it’s not owned by shareholders but owned by everyone who works for the partnership. Their staff are generally well motivated because they are partners and profits ultimately come back to them. Various other benefits (such as pension schemes) are what make Waitrose a good employer, with satisfied employees. Waitrose No Date – The Waitrose Difference) Internal Weaknesses The distribution of the Waitrose stores is quite weak, especially in certain areas such as the south west of England, Wales, North-West of England, and Scotland. However their acquisition of 13 Somerfield stores has lead to an expansion of distribution into the North of England and Wales (Chesters. L Property Week 2009) Own labels are the main segment within th eir product mix. Waitrose is very dependent on this product range with a majority of sales coming from its own brand. Larger diversification would be helpful to gain better strength in the market (Mintel 2009 – Brands: Are Supermarkets Squeezing Out Brands) Waitrose also has the weakness of only supplying high quality, high price products. This could be seen as a negative factor due to the exclusion of an entire demographic of people in the lower class of the population who could be potential customers. However they have recently made attempts to increase their target demographic through the introduction of an economy range branded as Waitrose Essentials. This shows they have recognised a potential for expansion and this can lead to further developments in the future (Finch, J March 2009) External Opportunities Further expansions throughout the UK would be useful to raise the importance of the firm, gain market share and, weaken the competitors buying their own branches and improving e-commerce. Also further acquisition of competitor stores such as the Somerfield stores purchased by Waitrose would lead to increased market share (Chesters. L Property Week 2009). Waitrose has an elaborate online shopping facility in place; however, this as well is subject to regional limitation. Expansion of distribution channels for online shopping facilities would help Waitrose get their products to customers who live outside areas where branches are located. Setting up new partnerships with other companies will grant higher incomes because both companies could be able to buy larger amount of products with cheaper prices. New Partnership could also help Waitrose to diversify into other non-food products other than those that John Lewis already offers. Waitrose has recognised this opportunity (All Business, No Date) External Threats A major part of Waitrose strategy on sales has been built on the sale of premium own brand products. Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Sainsbury’s have identified the sales of premium own brands as a lucrative segment with high margins and all three have a wide selection of premium products in store. Tesco and Sainsbury’s advertise on price which gives the perception of their products still being of a lower quality than those sold at Waitrose (Mintel 2008 – Premium Foods – UK) The recession while perceived to be coming to an end still has the potential to generate many problems for Waitrose. When interest rate rise this year people will have less disposable income and may start to buy cheaper products and so shifting from Waitrose to other cheaper retailers. This could result in a loss in consumers’ loyalty and this would give direct advantages to competitors (Mintel 2009 – Food Retail) Also due to the weakened sterling there is a possibility that overseas groups could enter the market and increase competition generating the reduction of incomes and market share for each player (Keynote 2010 – Food Industry) CONCLUSION The supermarket industry has gone through some important changes over the past few years. From our analysis of the macro environment we can see some main issues have affected the food retails sector. Environmental issues are now at the forefront of everything companies do, with consumers not only demanding more for their money but more for the environment as well. Technology has seen the internet open up a whole new way of shopping and while it’s still the early stages there is great promise for the internet as a medium for food purchases. Society is changing in a way that will affect how people shop in years to come. Now with more people from different cultural backgrounds residing in the UK than ever before supermarkets must act fast to meet the new needs of a changing society. New legislation has stopped many key players in their tracks with plans for expansion as a new financial ombudsman now has the last word on whether a supermarket can expand in a certain location. The recession has had a major impact of the supermarket sector over the past couple of years. It has been the driving influences to a lot of changes which have been occurring in most of the major food retailers. While the supermarket industry is relatively ecession proof their customers are not and this has seen consumer trends of trading down and buying less. An analysis of the internal structure of Waitrose shows us a very strong company with high moral grounding and a passion for customer service. They may not have such large market share as the ‘big four’ but they are growing at a rapid pace and with the addition of their new ’Essentials’ range to their portfolio they are preparing to enter a whole new main stream market. They pride themselves on having great relationships with employees and suppliers and are at the forefront of environmental issue such as sustainable ethical sourcing. Waitrose is a company that is heading in the right direction and while they are not without their weakness’s, distribution being a key factor, they are adept at recognising where improvements can be made and building towards a higher market share. APPENDIX Appendix 1 – http://0-academic. mintel. com. emu. londonmet. ac. uk/sinatra/oxygen_academic/search_results/show&/display/id=395621/display/id=496165? select_section=496166 Appenix 2 – http://0-academic. mintel. com. emu. londonmet. ac. uk/sinatra/oxygen_academic/search_results/show&/display/id=395621/display/id=496166? select_section=496167 Appendix 3 – http://0-academic. mintel. com. emu. londonmet. ac. uk/sinatra/oxygen_academic/search_results/show&&type=RCItem&sort=relevant&access=accessible&archive=hide&source=non_snapshot&list=search_results/display/id=418439/display/id=480340? select_section=480342 Appendix 4 – http://0-academic. mintel. com. emu. londonmet. ac. uk/sinatra/oxygen_academic/sear ch_results/show&/display/id=394656/display/id=442497? select_section=442498 BIBLYOGRAPHY MACRO ENVIRONMENT Social Brassington. F and Pettitt. S (2006), Principles of Marketing 4th Edition, Pearson Education Ltd, London Office for National Statistics (2010), Population Estimates, Available: http://www. statistics. gov. uk/cci/nugget. asp? ID=6. , [27th March 2010] Office for National Statistics (2010), Migration, Available: http://www. statistics. gov. uk/cci/nugget. asp? id=260, [28th March 2010] Keynote (2009), Food Retailing – UK Market in Brief, Available: http://0academic. mintel. com. emu. londonmet. ac. uk/sinatra/oxygen_academic/search_results/show&/display/id=395621, [16th March 2010] Office for National Statistics (2010), Health and Social Care, Available: http://www. statistics. gov. uk/CCI/nugget. asp? ID=1268&Pos=6&ColRank=2&Rank=208, [20th March 2010] Keynote (2010), Food Industry – Industry Overview, Available: https://www. keynote. co. uk/market-intelligence/view/product/2360/food-industry/chapter/3/industry-overview [6th April 2010] Keynote (2010), Food Industry – PEST Analysis, Available: https://www. keynote. co. uk/market-intelligence/view/product/2360/food-industry/chapter/4/pest-analysis? highlight=food industry [5th April 2010] Mintel (2009), Food Retailing UK – Broader Market Environment, Available: http://0-academic. mintel. com. emu. londonmet. ac. uk/sinatra/oxygen_academic/sear h_results/show&/display/id=395621/display/id=496166? select_section=496167 [10th March 2010] IDG (2009), Non-Food Retailing, Available: http://www. igd. com/index. asp? id=1&fid=1&sid=17&tid=0&folid=0&cid=90, [6th April 2010) Economic Tutor2u (No Date), Business and Trade Cycle, Available: http://tutor2u. net/economics/gcse/revision_notes/big_picture_business_cycle. htm, [29th March 2010] Mintel (2009), Food Retailing UK – Sector Size and Forecast, Available: http://0academic. mintel. com. emu. londonmet. ac. uk/sinatra/oxygen_academic/search_results/show&/display/id=395621/display/id=496169? elect_section=496171, [17th March 2010) BBC News (27th January 2010), UK Economy Emerges from Recession, Available http://news. bbc. co. uk/1/hi/8479639. stm, [28th March 2010] Office for National Statistics (2010), Employment, Available: ]http://www. statistics. gov. uk/cci/nugget. asp? id=12, [1st April 2010] Mintel (2009), Food Retailing UK – Broader Market Environment, Available: http://0-academic. mintel. com. emu. londonmet. ac. uk/sinatra/oxygen_academic/search_results/show&/display/id=395621/display/id=496166? select_section=496167, [17th March 2010] BBC News (10th December 2009), UK Interest Rate Remains at 0. %, Available: http://news. bbc. co. uk/1/hi/8405543. stm, [19th March 2010] Mintel (2009), Market Re-forecasts – Food †“ UK – March Introduction, Available: http://0-academic. mintel. com. emu. londonmet. ac. uk/sinatra/oxygen_academic/sear ch_results/show&/display/id=445314/display/id=447574? select_section=447575, [12th March 2010] F. Kastner (2009), Supermarket Anchored Centres – Are they Recession Proof? , ICSC Certified Professionals Newsletter, Available: http://www. icsc. org/srch/education/newsletter/CPNews0309/15_Supermarket_Anchored. pdf, [26th March 2010] Keynote (2010), Food Industry – Industry Overview, Available: https://www. keynote. co. uk/market-intelligence/view/product/2360/food-industry/chapter/3/industry-overview? highlight=food industry, [6th April 2010] Political Business Link (2009), Business Links Cartels and Monoplies, Available: http://www. businesslink. gov. uk/bdotg/action/layer? topicId=1074014670 Business Link (2009), Understanding National Minimum Wage Law, Available: http://www. businesslink. gov. uk/bdotg/action/layer? topicId=1074402393 Directgov (2010), News Room, Available: http://www. direct. gov. uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_178175, Office of Fair Trading (2007), A Quick Guide to Competition and Consumer Protection Laws that Effect Your Business, Available: http://www. oft. gov. uk/shared_oft/business_leaflets/general/oft911. pdf, [6th April 2010] Hartshorne. J, Naturenet, (1996), UK Law and the Environment, Available: http://www. naturenet. net/law/envlaw1. html [6th April 2010] Sourceuk, (2009), Grocery Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP), Available: http://www. sourceuk. net/article/12/12940/groceries_supply_code_of_practice_gscop. html, [3rd April 2010] DEFRA (No Date), Legislation, Available: http://www. defra. gov. k/environment/policy/enforcement/project/index. htm, [27th March 2010] Office of Public Sector Information (No Date), Environmental Protection Act 1990, Available: http://www. opsi. gov. uk/ACTS/acts1990/ukpga_19900043_en_1, [2nd April 2010] Office of Public Sector Information (No Date), Environment Act 1995, Available: http://www. opsi. gov. uk/acts/acts1995/ukpga_19950025_en_1, [2nd April 2010] DE FRA (No Date), About Defra, Available: http://www. defra. gov. uk/corporate/index. htm, [2nd April 2010] Competition Commission (No Date), About Us, Available: http://www. competition-commission. org. uk/about_us/index. tm, [14th April 2010] Competition Commission (2009), Competition Test, Available: http://www. competition-commission. org. uk/press_rel/2009/oct/pdf/46-09. pdf, [13th April 2010] Environment, Mintel (2008), Green and Ethical Retailing, Available: http://0-academic. mintel. com. emu. londonmet. ac. uk/sinatra/oxygen_academic/search_results/show&/display/id=280622/display/id=416224? select_section=416223, [23rd March 2010] Ethical Consumer (2010), Ethiscore, Available: http://www. ethiscore. org/, [3rd April 2010] Mintel (2009), Influence of the Environment on Food Shopping, Available: http://0-academic. intel. com. emu. londonmet. ac. uk/sinatra/oxygen_academic/search_results/show&/display/id=394656, [19th March 2010] Donohue. A, (October 2007), Brand Republic, Availa ble: http://www. brandrepublic. com/News/744863/M-S-Sainsburys-Waitrose-top-green-supermarkets-study/, [28th March 2010] Department of Energy and Climate Change (2008), A Low Carbon UK, Available: http://www. decc. gov. uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/lc_uk/lc_uk. aspx, [12th April 2010] Department of Energy and Climate Change (2008), Legislation, Available: http://www. decc. gov. uk/en/content/cms/legislation/legislation. aspx, [6th April 2010] WRAP (No Date), About Us, Available: http://www. wrap. org. uk/wrap_corporate/about_wrap/index. html, [6th April 2010] Food and Drink Federation (No Date), About FDF, Available: http://www. fdf. org. uk/about_fdf. aspx, [6th April 2010] Technology Mintel (2009), Online Grocery Retailing, Available: http://0-academic. mintel. com. emu. londonmet. ac. uk/sinatra/oxygen_academic/search_results/show&/display/id=418439, [27th March 2010] Just Food (2010), UK Online Grocery Shopping to Double in 5 Years, Available: http://www. just-food. com/article. aspx? id=109468&lk=s, [18th April 2010] SAS (August 2006), SAS Chosen by Waitrose to Forecast Customer Demand, Available: http://www. sas. com/offices/europe/uk/press_office/press_releases/august2006/waitrose. html, [29th March 2010] Goliath (2005), Check out self-checkout: supermarket chains that fail to offer this customer convenience in the right stores are sure to disappoint many of their shoppers, Available: http://goliath. ecnext. com/coms2/gi_0199-4976992/Check-out-self-checkout-supermarket. html, [12TH April 2010] Retails Systems (2010), Zetes renews Quick Check scanners for Waitrose, Available: http://www. retail-systems. om/rs/Waitrose_Zetes. php, [19th March 2010] MICRO ENVIRONMENT – Suppliers Intermediaries, Financial Government, Waitrose (No Date), The Waitrose Small Producers Charter, Available: www. waitrose. com, [19th March 2010] Hall. J, Telegraph (March 2009), Waitrose asks 1,000 suppliers to cut prices, Available: http://www. telegraph. co. uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/4976976/Waitro se-asks-1000-suppliers-to-cut-prices. html, [9th April 2010] John Lewis Partnership (2009), John Lewis Partnership annual report and accounts 2009, Available: http://www. johnlewispartnership. co. uk/Display. aspx? MasterId=3a870a7d-6317-4f49-9ede-138f44473e9e&NavigationId=578, [20th March 2010] Waitrose (No Date), The Waitrose Difference, Available: http://www. waitrose. com/ourcompany/thewaitrosedifference. aspx, [20th March 2010] John Lewis Partnership (No Date), Engaging Our Stakeholders, Available: http://www. johnlewispartnership. co. uk/Display. aspx? MasterId=374bc5fc-f941-432c- 829531c505f15e37&NavigationId=607#gov, [20th March 2010] MICRO ENVIRONMENT – The Company, Employees, Customers Jonhlewispartenrship (2010) About us[online] Available from: http://www. johnlewispartnership. co. uk/Display. aspx? &MasterId=768e29e8-41a