Pastoral Intern At The Vineyard Christian Church Of Evanston

Situation: The situation involves me as a Pastoral Intern questioning two different security guards at my Field Site about a certain man I had interacted with earlier that Sunday morning. The encounter had sounded suspicious in his attitude and this led me to ask the security guards to learn about him and his reputation. 1.Background: I serve as a Pastoral Intern at the Vineyard Christian Church of Evanston. The church is located at 2495 Howard Street, Evanston and is a non-denominational church. The church hosts two English services and one Spanish service. The first English service is held at 9:30 am in the main auditorium while the second English service is held at 11:30 am. The Spanish service is held also at 11:30 am in the LaVina†¦show more content†¦In case of emergency if any child either does not feel comfortable in that space or needs immediate attention, wants to be with his or her parent/parents, or is lost, the staff in these respective rooms is required to use a pager to let out that information to people that are in charge of the sound system and, that information is shared on the television screens inside the church, even if the sermon or worship is going on. On another note, if the pager does not work, the staff serving at the welcome desk is responsible for letting out that information in the same way asking sound system operators to coordinate. The main door to the church auditorium opens to the south of the coffee lab. A nursing room for mothers is adjacent to the right side of the main auditorium. People who choose not to attend the church service in the main auditorium hang out in the coffee lab, eat bagel, drink coffee or tea and watch live service on the large sized LCD television screen that is installed in the coffee lab. People in the coffee lab are either busy listening to the sermon, hanging out in the space taking care of their personal businesses, talking, eating or drinking or the kids are seen moving about and mothers carrying their babies. 2. Description of the event: Around 9:15 am, on November 22nd 2015, I was at the Vineyard Church. I was standing near the welcome desk and was talking to one of the volunteers Rosita

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay - 474 Words

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight In the medieval time period literature was considered a form of entertainment. The most popular type of literature as entertainment was poetry. Poetry is a way in which language is used. Language has two uses, which are to please and to teach. A poet uses language to shape it to make a form of fiction. In the poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight the unknown author uses language to create a fabulous piece of work. The story is well told but more importantly well crafted. One may look at the poem, as entertainment but the most important aspects of the poem are in its artistic designs. The three artistic designs are prosodic, narrative, and thematic. The artistic designs of the poem give it a†¦show more content†¦Throughout the poem this holds true. In result, the poem is bind together by the structure of the lines. Further more the poem is broken up into stanzas. Once again the poem is given structural unity because of this division. At the end of each stanza there is five short lines, which are separated from the rest. These lines are referred to as the bob and wheel. The first line is called the bob and the rest are called the wheel. The bob has one stressed syllable and the wheel has two syllables in each line. Also in these lines, end rhyme is incorporated. The bob and wheel separate the stanzas from one another. This is repeated throughout the poem and because of its repetition it gives the poem structure. The largest division of the poem is by fitts. The poem is divided into four fitts. The first and forth fitts being the shortest because an introduction and ending in literature tend to be shorter than the plot. The second and third fitts are longer because the plot is told in them. In a sense the poem is balanced out by fitts one and four being smaller than fitts two and three. The second artistic design is narrative design. Narrative design is the way in which the plot is structured. In order for a poem to have good narrative design the plot must be equally divided. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight it is quite evident the author did that. The plot of the poem can be told like this; fitt one Gawain accepts the challenge of the greenShow MoreRelatedSir Gawain And The Green Knight1359 Words   |  6 PagesIn the poem â€Å"Sir Gawain and The Green Knight,† a protagonist emerges depicting an Arthurian knight named Sir Gawain. Sir Gawain, King Arthur’s nephew, takes initiative by accepting the challenge requested by the Green Knight in place of his uncle. He undergoes a perilous adventure, seeking for the Green Knight to receive the final blow. Although Sir Gawain is not viewed as a hero for his military accomplishments, he is, however, viewed as a heroic figure by the Knights at the Round Table for hisRead MoreSir Gawain And The Green Kni ght862 Words   |  4 PagesIn Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, by an unknown author referred to as the â€Å"Pearl Poet,† we are introduced to Sir Gawain. Gawain is a knight of the Round Table and he is also the nephew of King Arthur. As a knight, Gawain is expected to possess and abide by many chivalrous facets. Throughout the poem he portrays many of the qualities a knight should possess, such as bravery, courtesy, and honor among others. Because of his ability to possess these virtues even when tempted to stray away from themRead MoreSir Gawain and the Green Knight1100 Words   |  5 PagesThe poem of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight compares a super natural creature to nature. The mystery of the poem is ironic to the anonymous author. The story dates back into the fourteenth century, but no one knows who originally wrote the poem. This unknown author explains in the poem of Sir Gawain not knowing of the location of the Green Chapel and or who the Green Knight really i s. This keeps the reader entertained with the suspicion of not knowing. The author then does not give his name orRead MoreSir Gawain And The Green Knight Essay1687 Words   |  7 PagesSir Gawain and the Green Knight contains ambiguity and irony that make it interesting to read and teach. Gawain’s conflict arose when he accepted the girdle that could protect him and when he lied to his host, severing fellowship with the lord for courtesy with the lady. By utilizing a social reconstructionist philosophy of teaching that emphasizes personal beliefs and ethics, a teacher will help the students establish their identities and learn to appreciate classic literature. Sir Gawain and theRead MoreSir Gawain And The Green Knight1514 Words   |  7 PagesSir Gawain and the Green Knight is an epic poem written in the mid to late fourteenth century by an unknown author. Throughout the tale, Sir Gawain, a Knight at the Round Table in Camelot, is presented with many hardships, the first be ing a challenge on Christmas by a man in which, â€Å"Everything about him was an elegant green† (161). This â€Å"Green Knight† challenged someone in Camelot to accept his game which they will chop off his head with his axe and the Green Knight will do the same to the playerRead MoreSir Gawain And The Green Knight1335 Words   |  6 PagesSir Gawain: The Ironic Knight Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a tale of the utmost irony in which Sir Gawain, the most loyal and courteous of all of King Arthur’s knights, fails utterly to be loyal and courteous to his king, his host, his vows, and his God. In each case, Sir Gawain not only fails to perform well, but performs particularly poorly, especially in the case of his relationship with God. Ultimately, Sir Gawain chooses magic over faith, and by doing so, shows his ironic nature as aRead MoreSir Gawain And The Green Knight906 Words   |  4 Pagesusually the latter. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight we see Sir Bertilak go off to hunt three very specific animals as a game with Sir Gawain. They agree that â€Å"what ever [Bertilak catches] in the wood shall become [Sir Gawain’s], and what ever mishap comes [Sir Gawain’s] way will be given to [Bertilak] in exchange.† (Sir Gawain†¦, ln 1105-1007). In this deal we slowly see Gawain loose his honor as paralleled with Sir B ertilak’s hunt. The first animal that is hunted by the knight is a deer, while thisRead MoreSir Gawain And The Green Knight Essay1521 Words   |  7 PagesFall 16 Donnelly Many years ago, knights were expected to form a certain type of relationship with their king, this relationship was otherwise known as fealty. Fealty is a knight’s sworn loyalty to their king (in other words a loyal relationship should be formed between the two). The use of this relationship is shown in the poem called â€Å"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight† ( the author is unknown). This poem has a classic quest type of formula, with a knight receiving a challenge and then going outRead MoreSir Gawain And The Green Knight1455 Words   |  6 PagesHowever, for Gawain in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight temptation existed around every corner while he was playing the game of the Green Knight. Temptation existed every day and each day it existed in a new way. Gawain never knew what was coming his way throughout the grand scheme of the game, but one thing was for certain he was being tested. Without his reliance religious faith and dedication to his reputation, Gawain wo uld not have been able to make it through the game of the Green Knight alive andRead MoreSir Gawain And The Green Knight Essay1020 Words   |  5 PagesBoth Sir Gawain, from â€Å"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight† translated by Marie Borroff, and Beowulf, from Beowulf translated by Burton Raffel, serve as heroes in different times of Medieval English Literature. Many of the basic principles that describe heroes in Medieval Literature are seen in both of these characters even though they were written in different times. There are distinct similarities, differences, and also a progression of what the hero was in English literature, between Sir Gawain and

Love and Friends Free Essays

When he cares for someone, he shows it and oneself, h?s not a shy type of person and maybe just a little bit lazy think. He looks like a vampire because he hates going out in the morning because as what I’ve said, he’s too conscious with his skin’s color. He hates cheese but he likes chocolate a lot. We will write a custom essay sample on Love and Friends or any similar topic only for you Order Now He looks so cute when his sleeping he looks like a little child. Unlike the other boys, he’s not fun of playing basketball and other ball games think. This someone is not just like an ordinary someone for me. Someone will remain someone, no name will be mention. Not all someone means unknown. Persuasive essay: Have Many Friends gut Are They All Real All of us have a friend, that’s normal. But do you think if you have many friends, all of them are true friends? No, no, no. You what more friends, for what? Having many friends is not the basis Of having a real one. Friends are those person whose there during the time that you really need someone to talk to and someone to be with, not that person who are just there when they need something from you. , you, us, we don’t need many friends when in fact, all of them are just fake and can bring us in trouble. Just look for the person who you think really deserves to be your friend. The person who you think it is and the person can really trust. Being friendly is actually nice. But actually you don’t need all of them. At least having some people in your life is enough. Don’t ask for more, just be contented with the frien ds you have because you just don’t know they are the real one. Not all the time that the merrier is better. Narrative Essay: The Family Have The people who will always be there for you, who will acceptor whatever and whoever you are. Who will think of things for your own good and make you safe, not the things that can harm you. The best gift you receive from God, the only one who will be there when you feel nothing. Family, the one hose there during the hard, sad and happy times in our life. Where we first learn how to love, how to care, and treasure important things we have, and where we first experience the feeling of being love. Like other people, I have my own family which is composed of my mother, sister and of course me. You’ve noticed there’s no father right? Yeah, all of us have father but not all of us experience of being love of a father and I’m one of that. Yes, I have father but never feel his presence even hi so I conclude 3 members of a family Is enough. I already feel contented even without a father. My mother raises me and my sister alone. I saw how my mother did her best just to provide our needs, just to make us live. Appreciate everything that my mother did. She’s the best mom lye ever wish for, just like my sister. My sister is just like me, a disobedient but a loving child. Maybe that why we’re really close. But despite of that she is a very good sister and she’s the best. She cares for me that much. I can say it’s really nice to be the youngest daughter and sister. I’m very honor to have them as my family. To have my mother as my teacher as the same time my adviser and my sister as my best friend. Having a family like them, you won’t wish for anything else. I just wish, May God blessed me and my family and guide us. Expository Essay: Influence High school graduating students will soon be studying in college. Do you know that almost 50% to 70% of the graduates will choose their course with the influence of their friends than their family? Graduating students will choose their course for their college. But observations say that friends give greatest influence to students on what they will choose. Parents have less influence to their children because they want their children to choose on their own. Influence can either be good or bad. It depends upon the people who will believe. How to cite Love and Friends, Papers

Ibn Battuta free essay sample

His travels lasted for about thirty years, after which he returned to his homeland, Morocco. Ibn Juzay was his scribe recording all of his Rihla- His voyage. In the year 1369 C. E Ibn-Battuta died. Ibn Battuta was the only medieval traveller who is known to have visited the lands of every Muslim ruler of his time. Also it is known that Ibn-Battuta travelled for approximately 75,000 miles. In this Secondary source Biography you will find out more about Ibn-Battuta himself and his travels. Ibn-Battuta Ibn Battuta was born in a rich family of scholars in Tangier, Morocco. His original plan was to be a judge. After his studying, Ibn Battuta decided to make his first pilgrimage to Makkah for Hajj. Makkah was about 3000 miles away and the journey would take more then a year. So, Ibn Battuta set off in 1325 CE. He was amazed of what he saw, inspired by this, Ibn Battuta then decided to spend his life traveling. However, he made two rules for himself: 1. Only to visit the Muslim world. 2. Never to travel any road a second time. So he began by first exploring the lands of the Middle East. Then he sailed down the Red Sea to Makkah. He crossed the huge Arabian Desert and traveled to Iraq and Iran. In 1330 CE, he set of again, down the Red Sea to Aden and then along the coast of East Africa to Tanzania. Then in 1332 CE, Ibn Battuta decided to go to India. He was welcomed by the Sultan of Delhi- AKA ‘The shadow of God’, and was given the job of a judge from him. He stayed in India for approximately 8 years; then left for China. He survived wars, shipwrecks, and rebellions. Finally, he returned home at Tangier in 1349 CE. Ibn Battuta left for another adventure. In 1352 CE, he went south, crossed the Sahara desert, and visited the African kingdom of Mali. He got back to Morocco in 1354 CE. He had traveled for about 30 years and more then 75,000 miles had been explored, he also managed to meet sixty different Islamic rulers. His First Trip On Hajj In June 1325, when he was twenty one years old, Ibn Battuta set off from his hometown to perform his first Hajj, this journey took 16 months, and it meant he would not see Morocco again for 24 years. He journeyed to Makkah by foot across land, and followed the North African coast. His route passed through the city of Tlemcen and all the way through to Tunis, where he stayed for two months. Ibn Battuta knew he would of got attacked if he didn’t join a caravan, so he chose to join a caravan so he wouldn’t be attacked. After he had completed his Hajj, he continued his exploration through out the lands. A group of pilgrims going on Hajj. People on Hajj, circling the Ka’aba as part of their ritual. His travels Over the 30 years of Ibn Battuta’s travellinf, he managed to travel to: West, North and East Africa, to Arabia, Russia, India and China. This was over 112,000 kilometres that Ibn Battuta had travelled successfully, in just as little as 30 years of his life. In April 1326 Ibn Battuta reached Cairo in Egypt. Cairo was the capital city of the Mamluks-Soldiers brought from Turkey to serve as slaves in the Egyption army. In 1250 they took control and ruled Egypt until 1811. Cairo had claimed to be the heart of the muslim world in the fo urteenth century. This was because it had over 500,000 inhabitants. airo was filled with beatuiful stone Palaces and mosques set amidst sprawling alleys. As Ibn Battuta pressed his way through the people, donkeys and camels on its densely crowded streets; he saw markets bustling with butchers, goldsmiths, leatherworkers, candle makers and countless other trader selling their products. Maps The red lines show Ibn Battuta’s route around the Muslim World. The green line shows Ibn Battuta’s footsteps. His Return Home After returning home from his travels in 1354 and at the encouragement of the Sultan of Morocco- Abu Inan Faris. Ibn Battuta dictated an account of his journeys to Ibn Juzayy, a scholar who he had met previously in Granada. The account, recorded by Ibn Juzayy, is the only primary source of information on his adventure. Ibn Battuta returned to Morocco through the route of his first Hajj, on the way he was told that his father had died. Ibn Battuta was very sad after this tradgedy. Thinking situations couldn’t get any worse, a few months later, he discovered the death of his mother also.

Toyotas E

BOB HOPE Essays - Bob Hope, Free Essays, Term Papers

BOB HOPE Essays - Bob Hope, Free Essays, Term Papers BOB HOPE For the past 80 years, Bob hope has been entertaining everyone, from people in the war to even the President. When Bob Hope is not entertaining his fans he is usually off at the golf court for either fun or for charities. With Bobs help he has been able to raise millions of dollars for charities in the desert area. Among Bobs acheivments is setting a world record for having "The longest running contract with a signal network lasting 61 years". One of Bob Hopes many contributions to America was to go around the world to entertain the service men and women that off in other countries stationed in other countries. During World War II in 1943, he and a small USO troupe would visit our military bases in England, Africa, Sicily, and Ireland. After WWII when the world was at peace, he still went around and visited military bases and hospitals.(B Hope Book 5) While his career started he changed his named from Leslie Townes Hope, for professional reasons, to Bob Hope. The beginning of Bobs career began after highschool when he took lessons from entertainer Rastus Brown and Johnny Root. Later he was able to team up with George Byrne and formed the name "two diamonds in the rough", they created an act and soon were playing at different houses in New York including Keith's Flushing.(Bob Hope Pixel 11) Bob was first seen in the Broadway production "Ballyhoo" and "Roberta". His personal life was changed forever when one of his co-performers introduced him to a young singer named Dolores Reade. After a brief time they were married in February of 1934. Today they have four children: Linda, Anthony, Nora, and Kelly, and also four grandchildren. Bob Hope was first herd on the radio but when herd on it was able to make it in Hollywood. In 1950 Bob Hope made his first formal debut on NBC on Easter Sunday, but his first television appearance was in 1947 on CBS. After he was a guest on the Ed Sullivan show in 1949. Though he has not won any Oscars at the Academy of Motion Pictures has honored him five times, two honorary Oscars, two special awards and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. (Bob Hope NBC 4)(Hope Enterprise 2) For more than half a century Bob Hope has been entertaining the presidents of the United States, starting with President Roosevelt. Since then he has been invited to the White House for the last 11 presidents. The last appearance Bob made was the Bob Hope "Laughing With The Presidents. This was the 283 special Bob has had on NBC he was shown through his career with all of the famous Stars and Presidents he has met and entertained through his life. The presidents that have been honored by include, Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush and Clinton. President Kennedy presented Hope with the award of "America's most prized ambassador of goodwill throughout the world" Other specials that Hope has done on NBC include "Memories of World War II and "This is Bob on the Air".(Bob Hope Laughing with The presidents 9) Bob has been giving his support to America for the past seven decades. Among which he has lifted the spirits of the troops at was and the WWI, WWII, and Vietnam war Veterans. Today Bob Hope is 94 years old and retired. Now he spends his free time playing golf every day he is able too and raising money for charities. Bob has a school named after him called the "Bob Hope Primary School" and a yearly golf tournament called "The bob Hope Classic"(Bob Hope Kennedy 4)

Strategic Management and Strategic Competitiveness Research Paper - 1

Strategic Management and Strategic Competitiveness - Research Paper Example However, in the past few years, the company has implemented different changes in its business processes to offer its products. The top management of Amazon.com with the support of its founder Jeff Bezos, separated the trading platforms with on geographical grounds such that individual trading sites are developed to offer the products and services for consumers of UK, USA, Canada, Japan, China, Germany, France, Italy and other countries. There are two main reasons for bringing such global change in its business operations. Firstly, Amazon.com targeted the specific consumer needs for each geographical territory and aimed at catering the local customers through local platforms i.e. a decentralized platform. Secondly, the company managed to invest in the logistics and operations in different parts of the world on local basis. This means that the company has established the local supply chain in different countries and the products are not shipped from its global warehouses to a customer in a particular country, rather local orders are fulfilled through using local warehouses and logistics. Industrial Organization Model and Resource based Model Industrial organization model reflects that the external environment of any business poses a large influence upon the earnings of an organization as compared to the internal environment of any business (Johnson, Scholes, & Whittington, 2008). Amazon.com initially opted a business of e-retailing the books and similar reading content material and kept polishing this product line. However, this product line turned out to be a niche market for Amazon.com, as the company’s earnings remained stuck because several other online book retailers saturated this market as well as the market itself lost its momentum and showed a declining phase. Realizing this phase at an early stage, the top management of Amazon.com decided to enter into new product lines while staying as an e-retailer. New product lines provided Amazon.com a bette r opportunity to penetrate into other industries rather quickly as well as earning above average returns because of having an already established supply chain. From the resource based model perspective, the resources, which Amazon.com currently has, are quite capable of providing it the competitive advantage (Pitts & Lei, 2006). The most promising and trustworthy resource is the logistics and supply chain infrastructure. The company has developed its logistic infrastructure across the world on local basis such that if the specific consumer of a country orders a product, that product can be delivered through local supply chain within the least amount of time. Another resource which acts as a competence to Amazon.com is its highly dependable and secure Web-based IT infrastructure which ensures the safe transactions and privacy elements for the customers and eliminates the likelihood of system failure. Impact of Mission and Vision Statement Following are the mission and vision statemen ts of Amazon.com: Mission Statement â€Å"We seek to be Earth’s most customer-centric company for four primary customer sets: consumers, sellers, enterprises, and content creators.† (Amazon.com, 2012). The above mission statement of Amazon.com provides the company a room for several different areas such as the company has not confined its purpose of business operations to a specific

History and Development of Human Resource Management Essay

History and Development of Human Resource Management - Essay Example Traditionally, there was no clearly organized personnel management as most trades were carried out by individuals and their families (Koster, 2002). As time progressed and industries established, it became necessary to find innovative ways of managing human resources in order to achieve business success hence the introduction of personnel management which evolved into HRM and other concepts such as strategic HRM and international HRM. In view of this, the paper will discuss the history, development and the importance of HRM. History and Development of Human Resource Management Personnel management can be traced back to the time of Hammurabi, the king of Babylon who developed a code of laws that set wages for labourers (Bach & Sisson, 2000). Other aspects of personnel management were found in the way the craftsmen handled their trades and passed on skills to apprentices. There were no special people to oversee the work of others but each individual was responsible for his/her own work . However, as technology advanced the nature of work changed and also the manner in which work was managed. Most craftspeople started organizing into guilds to guard their trade from intruders and take care of the welfare of each other such as providing mutual insurance for those in need of assistance (Ivancerich, 2006). The industrial revolution which began in the middle of the 18 Th century changed the face of working relationship completely and prompted the search for ways of managing workers. It led to the introduction of the factory system and wage labour instead of workers utilizing their skills to make items for sale on their own. They also started specializing in tasks as opposed to the old system where one performed a range of tasks to complete an item hence interdependence of tasks (Koster, 2002). The nature of the factory system required rules to govern the behaviour of employees and to end sure they produced results hence the beginning of personnel management.

Racial and Ethnic Differentials in Obese Children Thesis

Racial and Ethnic Differentials in Obese Children - Thesis Example As the discussion highlights no research has been able to prove clearly that racial and ethnic background of a person is a factor that causes overweight and obesity in people. Even though some researches have concluded that it is the racial and ethnic background of a person that causes obesity in him, the deeper look at those studies show that it is not the racial and the ethnic background, but the socioeconomic factors ‘associated’ with those racial and ethnic communities that lead to development of obesity in people. Hence, it can be concluded that it is the ‘socioeconomic status’ (SES) and the social factors related to minor races and ethnic communities in the US that causes the prevalence of obesity among people.This essay stresses that  the research conducted to study the role of racial and ethnic background on obesity trend among children has revealed that children from ‘all’ the races and ethnic background showed a trend of increase in weight with growing years.  In a research conducted to study the effect of family income on the development of overweight and obesity in children, it was found that income of family and biological and social factors in the environment play an important role in the development of obesity.  At the same time, this study revealed a very interesting thing about the racial and ethnic aspect of obesity.... Effect of SES The research conducted to study the role of racial and ethnic background on obesity trend among children has revealed that children from ‘all’ the races and ethnic background showed a trend of increase in weight with growing years (Freedman et al. 301). The only difference is that children from some ethnic background show more increase in obesity than children from other ethnic background. For example, over 30-year period, children belonging to White ethnic background showed an increase in prevalence of overweight from 4% to 13%, while children from Black ethnic background showed an increase from 4% to 30% (Freedman et al. 301). This shows that not only children and adults from Hispanic ethnic background but also children and adults from White ethnic background have a tendency towards overweight and obesity. Hence, it does not clearly prove the effect of race and ethnicity on obesity and overweight. Moreover, other studies have revealed that it is not the r ace and ethnicity of a child that causes obesity, but it is the SES factors ‘associated’ with certain race and ethnic backgrounds that causes obesity. In a research conducted to study the effect of family income on the development of overweight and obesity in children, it was found that income of family and biological and social factors in the environment play an important role in the development of obesity (â€Å"Childhood Overweight..† para.35). At the same time, this study revealed a very interesting thing about the racial and ethnic aspect of obesity. The study found that the BMI levels in the second generation of Mexican-American adults is high among those living in the US than among those living in Mexico (â€Å"Childhood Overweight..† para.33). Moreover, the prevalence and the

The world urban slum population

The world urban slum population Introduction In recent years, the worlds urban poverty growing than before, social problems also lead to further highlight. With the deepening of urban poverty, it has become unsafe hidden in social and economic life. The urban poor people have many problems not to be effectively solved; they are unemployment, social security, distribution system, social equity and social development and so on. Since the middle 20th century, along with the accelerated process of urbanization and urban population density increased, the worlds urban population increased from 30% to now about 50%, this figure will be close to 60% to 2030. The population increased has brought a significant increase in the urban poor and slum issues become increasingly prominent. Currently, nearly 10 million people in worldwide are living in urban slums. And according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2006) more than 13 million deaths annually are due to preventable environmental causes. Among them, the most populous slum in Asia , this figure represents the worlds urban slum population of more than half of the total. In the globalization process led to poverty and social inequality, in 2030 urban slum population will grow to about 2 billion. Slums represent the worst city in the current poverty and inequality, its emergence and existence of many factors. Among them, the war and the regional situation of unrest led to a significant increase in refugees, migrants quickly to urban migration, urban poverty and inequality were increased, living without protect, these are all the causes of slums. So this report will discuss different solutions to poverty in urban areas. Firstly the author describes the causes and effect, and then the report will talk about problems and how to solute these problems. The author will use reading much information from books, journals and internet to collect data, What means of urban poverty? Urban poverty generally refers to individuals or families to rely on labor income and other legitimate income could not sustain their basic needs for survival in urban areas. 1. Cause and effect 1.1 causes Uneven distribution of urban poverty groups lead to the existence and rapid expansion of the important factors. With urban poor groups, unemployment, social security, distribution system, social equity are all problems in social development and these problems did not been effectively resolved and sufficient attention. With the passage of time and social gap between rich and poor growing, global cities in the number of poor people from poverty being gradually towards the long-term poverty, social poverty in the formation of a large group. 1.2 effects In modern society, the fastest growing community is slums, slums are growing center of crime and violence, in terms of climate change, urban poverty is one of the largest sources of pollution, in this global village, someone elses poverty very soon become their own problems: lack of market products, illegal immigration, pollution, AIDS, other diseases, insecurity, crime, religious fanaticism, terrorism. People can no longer ignore the plight of slum dwellers. If people ignore these problems, it may be a serious social exclusion, with the attendant threat to peace and security, this is the adverse effects. 2. Problems 2.1 Refugees and migrant populations have high rates of poverty. 2.2 Poor living conditions. Slums are usually the worst health conditions in urban areas, and even waste materials pile up land (including industrial toxic waste), groups living in slums, often suffering from various diseases caused by pollution, slum women and their children the biggest victims of these problems. The streets are dirty, some times many people have to share one toilet. The dirty condition may cause diseases and especially for children, they are easier to get ill (Practical Action, 2008). 2.3 Basic life, health and employment are not protected. One of the main urban underemployment in recent years, some countries and regions due to growing poverty and political instability and war continued, leading to a large number of refugees fleeing their homes to escape war and poverty and to change part of a influx of relatively well-developed and there is no war in the city. 2.4 Urban poverty increased and serious underemployments lead to all kinds of crime. Modern society, the work requires not only the employed have a higher level of scientific and cultural knowledge, while the extensive application of science and technology result in decreased employment. Thus, many cities people who are low education and older age were significantly reduced employment opportunities, making the city are suffering from the rapid expansion of vulnerable groups, vulnerable groups in cities grow crimes, including violent crime is more prominent. 2.5 Urban poor and disadvantaged groups live in the bottom of society, social status is low and even some of the extreme poor people have not basic social security benefits. 3. Solutions 3.1 Through legislation to clear the main responsibility of the parties to the social security. Through the legislature to develop the appropriate social security laws and regulations, they clearly defined responsibilities of the principal parties to the social security. 3.2 Establish effective social security system. Related departments need to further improve the urban minimum living security system. Workers not only should have a minimum wage, but also establish an effective system of Family Planning survey, the conditions to help the inhabitants of current income and family status of assets and other income combined, clear procedures for poor residents to apply for assistance, protect the rights of poor residents. 3.3 The establishment of urban public housing policy as soon as possible. Poor living conditions for the poor, the Government should build public housing, to help poor people improve their living conditions. Currently low-rent housing policy introduced in some cities and their integration into the social assistance system. The system should be firmly follow the fair, the principle of open, unified per capita housing area, and ensure that housing conditions were extremely difficult for low-income residents have access to limited housing support. 3.4 The establishment of poor medical assistance policy. The health care of poor people is an increasingly prominent social problems, disease caused poor people worsened the living conditions and even fall into despair. Therefore, people need to establish a poverty-oriented medical assistance system, the system helps relieve the pressure on poor peoples lives, it is also social development and progress and an important part of social equity. Of course, this system reduces the medical burden of the poor people, but not free. 3.5 Improve peoples education level, because of financial or personal problems, lots of young people have no chance to gain better education. Consequently, with the purpose of guarantee citizens security, related organizations can help some poor students to entry universities and give them more opportunities. For instance, the organizations can provide funding to students, or build a committee to collect funds from society; they can also consulate with universities to reduce the tuition fee or provide jobs to students. From these solutions, it is not only benefit for students, but also for whole education system. 3.6 Try to change the appalling living conditions; people should not dispose sewage in anywhere. People should reduce garbage and collect all rubbish to a special place, please do not thrown away or burning rubbish. People can create a good living space. 3.7 Urban poverty lead to all kinds of crime, the best ways to solute this problem, maybe community help poor people to study different kinds of vocational education and improve the quality of the poor people; they also can improve basic education policy and try to make more people to go to school; society can strengthen ethics and law education so that people understand not to do illegal things; community can establish a social security system, it maybe eliminate the poor peoples worried, and they also need to strengthen external management of the domicile population. Conclusion In conclusion, this report talk about urban poverty and it impacts our world in different aspects, there are many problems, and people need to give the suggestions to solute these problems. Overall, poverty is a serious instability factors, because this is a very difficult question, we need more concerned about this problem so that more people and community groups aware of the seriousness, to get more help, the agency can try to solve the problem within the maximum range. Reference E. Moreno (2003) Slums of the World: The face of urban poverty in the new millennium? Giusti de Perez, R. Perez, R. (2008) Analyzing Urban Poverty: GIS for the Developing World. http://gis.esri.com/esripress/shared/images/139/URBAN_ch01.pdf Masika, R., de Haan, A. Baden, S. (1997) Urbanization and urban poverty: a gender analysis. BRIDGE, Report No 54. http://www.bridge.ids.ac.uk/reports/re54.pdf Perlman, J., Hopkins, E. Jonsson, A. (1998) Urban solutions at the poverty/environment intersection. http://www.megacitiesproject.org/publications_pdf_mcp01solutions.pdf Practical Action (2008) Urban Poverty. http://practicalaction.org/shelter/urbanpoverty_background S. Li (2007) Unemployment, Inequality and Poverty in Urban China Taylor Francis; 1 edition

may 4th movement Essay examples -- essays research papers fc

Born on May Fourth: The New Culture Movement and its Influence on Early Communist Rhetoric "As long as there shall be stones, he seeds of fire will not die." Lu Xun, December 1935 On May Fourth 1919 over three thousand Beijing intellectuals met in Tiananmen Square to protest the results of the Paris Peace Treaty. The protesters disagreed with the Beijing government's decision to accept the lot given China in the post-war world. Over the next month students and workers from across China marched, held strikes, and boycott Japanese and western products, eventually causing the Chinese government to capitulate to their demands and make a stand on the world stage. This was the first mass protest in 20th century Chinese history and would serve as an example and inspiration for the next century of communist politics. By 1914, when the First World War began, the Chinese government was still extremely unstable. Only three years earlier, in 1911, Sun Yat-Sen and his Nationalist Party had toppled the Qing Dynasty and formed a new government. At the outbreak of World War One the government had dissolved into various warlord factions and was, in general, only operating in the larger cities and urban areas. By the time the war broke out various countries had taken advantage of China's weak government. In 1915, when Japan invaded Shandong, the German occupied area of China, they handed the Chinese government a list of twenty-one demands. Among these demands was the stationing of Japanese troops within China and the placement of Japanese officials in the Chinese government. These measures would have in effect made China a Japanese colony. When China joined the First World War in 1917 its main goal was to regain Shandong and have the Twenty-One Demands repealed. Yet despite China's donation of over ni ne hundred workers to the fronts of France, Africa, and Turkey, by the end of the war in 1918, China was given only a tertiary seat at the Versailles peace conference. During the peace talks at Versailles, China's demands were all but ignored. When the telegraph arrived bringing the news that the Paris Peace Treaty hadn't taken into account either of China's concerns, the people were und... ...rically necessary ... yet incomplete" and had a "lack of determination to merge with the masses." Mao took many approaches of the movement, the vernacularism, the antifeudalism and anticolonialism, and he gave them his own spin. Truly in this sense, the Chinese Communist Party is a child of the May Fourth and New Culture movements. Works Cited Barmà © Geremie. Seeds of Fire: Chinese Voices of Conscience. New York: Hill and Wang. 1988. Chang, Sylvia. "Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: Towards a 'Free' Literature" China Journal. Issues 19/20. Murphey, Rhodes. A History of Asia. New York: Longman. 2001. Schwarcz, Vera. The Chinese Enlightenment: Intellectuals and the Legacy of the May Fourth Movement of 1919. Berkeley: University of California Press. 1986 Siu, F, Helen. Mao's Harvest: Voices from China's new Generation. New York: Oxford University Press. 1983. Tse-Tsung, Chow. The May 4th Movement: Intellectual Revolution in Modern China. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. 1992.

United States went into its first Asian war in the Philippines

In 1899 the United States went into its first Asian war in the Philippines. From then on there were others against Japan, North Korea and china. The war was waged against Spain and in it, Spain was forced to give up the colony.The explanation was provided by president McKinley as having been motivated by a desire to provide education to the locals. The mission also involved the civilization and Christianization of the Filipinos as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.This was a lie. The real reason for the acquisition was the rise of imperialist sentiment among the ruling elite. This was inspired by a need to include the United States among the club of world’s great powers.The challenge that arose after the war was that the Philippine independence leaders expected to acquire their independence. America on its part was in a way seeking to replace Spain’s position.This would lead to a war against the Filipinos whom they had supported. America had thus officially entered the league of imperialists.There was at the same time the rise of anti-imperialism advocates in the United States. These got credence from the accounts of soldiers who were fighting abroad through letters written back home.These narrated the horrible activities that the soldiers were involved in for instance massacres. The Americans’ conduct ended up looking worse than the Spaniards had.The American people started changing their minds about the war. By the end of the war in 1901 America could be counted as an imperial power in Asia. It is at this time that the open door policy was declared.As from this point on, the US started getting more involved in world affairs. There was the contribution of troops to china to fight nationalists over there.From this point the us began sending its navy abroad so as to assert its position as a new power. It was also from this point that the government began involving itself in promotion of American investment abroad. Foreign trade also bega n being promoted in ways never seen before. Overseas investment and foreign trade were also promoted.Upon the assassination of President McKinley in 1901, there was the rise of Theodore Roosevelt, a committed imperialist. He favored a big army and navy. He also always dwelt on citizen duties to the state rather than human rights. Roosevelt was a daring and zealous in the pursuit of American interest. There was the belief that the United States had the role of saving the world.In the late 1920’s the government had a challenge. In addition to     The president also had to deal with a number of important foreign policy issues. There were revolutions in South America. The economic situation created serious problems in America's relations with Europe. And Japan launched a campaign of aggression in northeastern China.Hoover failed in his efforts to solve America's economic troubles. But as we will see in our program today, he did succeed with some of his foreign policies. He an d most other Americans, however, would fail to understand the long-term importance of the forces gaining control in Germany and Japan.VOICE TWO:Herbert Hoover's foreign policies were marked by his desire to make friends and avoid war.Like most Americans, the new president had been shocked by World War One. Hoover had seen the results of that terrible war with his own eyes. He led the international effort to feed the many European civilian victims of the fighting. And the new president was a member of the Quaker religious group that traditionally opposes armed conflict.Hoover shared the wish of most Americans that the world would never again fight a major war. He felt the bloody bodies at Verdun, the Marne, and the other battlefields of World War One showed that conflict should be settled by peaceful negotiations.VOICE ONE:Hoover worked toward this goal even before he entered the White House.Following his election, he had several months free before becoming president. Hoover used thi s period to travel to Latin America for ten weeks. He wanted to show Latin American nations that they could trust the United States to honor their rights as independent nations.

Free Essays on Something So Unconventional

Something so Unconventional There are many reasons why someone would start a museum. Mr. Wilson’s reason, and his museum is a bit different than most. Mr. Wilson’s Cabinet of Wonder is very unusual. He prides himself in finding things that most people would think of as odd, or not worth putting in a â€Å"normal† museum. As a man, Mr. Wilson is also a mystery. He almost seems to be able to disappear and reappear when he is in his museum. He never answers any questions with a straightforward answer, which might just be why so many people love to go visit Mr. Wilson’s Cabinet of Wonder. The Museum is made up of many different bizarre exhibits. Normally when someone thinks of a museum they think of paintings, and famous sculptures, but in this case Mr. Wilson’s museum has rarities not found many other places in the whole world. One of the exhibits that sticks out in my mind was the Megaloponera foetens, otherwise known as the stink ant. It is said that they can ingest spores, and when inhaled by these ants the spore goes straight to the ant’s brain. After the spore is in the ant’s head changes in behavior of the ant are present. They climb a tree and wait to die while this spore grows in its brain until it bursts through the ant’s tiny head and an inch and a half spike grows from its head. This spike is unique also because it has a bright orange tip. (3-4). This is just one of the many different exhibits that you see at Mr. Wilson’s museum, but this shows you that his ways are a bit unconventional. Mr. Wilson himself started the museum because he wanted a place for people to learn about the more bizarre things in life. He looked all over the world to find unique things to put up in his museum, so that he would attract the interest of those who were yearning to learn about things almost unknown to man. Most of the exhibits in Mr. Wilson’s museum have not been studied by a lot of people, and most hav... Free Essays on Something So Unconventional Free Essays on Something So Unconventional Something so Unconventional There are many reasons why someone would start a museum. Mr. Wilson’s reason, and his museum is a bit different than most. Mr. Wilson’s Cabinet of Wonder is very unusual. He prides himself in finding things that most people would think of as odd, or not worth putting in a â€Å"normal† museum. As a man, Mr. Wilson is also a mystery. He almost seems to be able to disappear and reappear when he is in his museum. He never answers any questions with a straightforward answer, which might just be why so many people love to go visit Mr. Wilson’s Cabinet of Wonder. The Museum is made up of many different bizarre exhibits. Normally when someone thinks of a museum they think of paintings, and famous sculptures, but in this case Mr. Wilson’s museum has rarities not found many other places in the whole world. One of the exhibits that sticks out in my mind was the Megaloponera foetens, otherwise known as the stink ant. It is said that they can ingest spores, and when inhaled by these ants the spore goes straight to the ant’s brain. After the spore is in the ant’s head changes in behavior of the ant are present. They climb a tree and wait to die while this spore grows in its brain until it bursts through the ant’s tiny head and an inch and a half spike grows from its head. This spike is unique also because it has a bright orange tip. (3-4). This is just one of the many different exhibits that you see at Mr. Wilson’s museum, but this shows you that his ways are a bit unconventional. Mr. Wilson himself started the museum because he wanted a place for people to learn about the more bizarre things in life. He looked all over the world to find unique things to put up in his museum, so that he would attract the interest of those who were yearning to learn about things almost unknown to man. Most of the exhibits in Mr. Wilson’s museum have not been studied by a lot of people, and most hav...

Three Different Elements of a Crime

Three Different Elements of a Crime In the United States, there are specific elements of a crime that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in order to obtain a conviction. The  three specific elements (with exception) that define a crime which the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in order to obtain a conviction: (1) that a crime has actually occurred  (actus reus), (2) that the accused intended the crime to happen (mens rea)  and (3) and concurrence of the two meaning there is a timely relationship between the first two factors. Example of the Three Elements in Context Jeff is upset with his ex-girlfriend, Mary, for ending their relationship. He goes to look for her and spots her having dinner with another man named Bill. He decides to get even with Mary by setting her apartment on fire. Jeff goes to Marys apartment and lets himself in, using a key that Mary has asked for him to give back on several occasions. He then places several newspapers on the kitchen floor and sets them on fire. Just as he is leaving, Mary and Bill enter the apartment. Jeff runs off and Mary and Bill are able to quickly put out the fire. The fire did not cause any real damage, however Jeff is arrested and charged with attempted arson. The prosecution must prove that a crime occurred, that Jeff intended for the crime to occur, and concurrence for attempted arson. Understanding Actus Reus Criminal act, or actus reus, is generally defined as a criminal act that was the result of voluntary bodily movement. A criminal act can also occur when a defendant fails to act (also known as omission). A criminal act must occur because people cannot be legally punished because of their thoughts or intentions. Also, referencing the Eighth Amendment Ban on Cruel and Unusual Punishment, crimes cannot be defined by status.   Examples of involuntary acts, as described by the Model Penal Code, include: A reflex or convulsion;A bodily movement during unconsciousness or sleep;Conduct during hypnosis or resulting from hypnotic suggestion;A bodily movement that otherwise is not a product of the effort or determination of the actor, either conscious or habitual.   Example of an Involuntary Act Jules Lowe of Manchester, England, was arrested and charged with the murder of his 83-year-old father Edward Lowe was brutally beaten and found dead in his driveway. During the trial, Lowe admitted to killing his father, but because he suffered from sleepwalking (also known as automatism), he did not remember committing the act.   Lowe, who shared a house with his father, had a history of sleepwalking, had never been known to show any violence towards his father and had an excellent relationship with his father. Defense lawyers also had Lowe tested by sleep experts who provided testimony at his trial that, based on the tests, Lowe suffered from sleepwalking. The defense concluded that the murder of his father was a result of insane automatism, and that he could no be held legally responsible for the murder. The jury agreed and Lowe was sent to a psychiatric hospital where he was treated for 10 months and then released. Example of a Voluntary Act Resulting in a Non-Voluntary Act Melinda decided to celebrate after receiving a promotion at work. She went to her friends house where she spent several hours drinking wine and smoking synthetic marijuana. When it is time to go home, Melinda, despite protests from friends, decided she was okay to drive herself home. During the drive home she passed out at the wheel. While passed out, her car collided with an oncoming car, resulting in the death of the driver.   Melinda voluntarily drank, smoked the synthetic marijuana, and then decided to drive her car. The collision that resulted in the death of the other driver occurred when Melinda was passed out, but she was passed out due to decisions she voluntarily made before passing out and would therefore be found culpable for the death of the person driving the car she collided with while passed out. Omission Omission is another form of actus reus and is the act of failing to take action that would have prevented injury to another person. Criminal negligence is also a form of actus reus.   An omission could be failing to warn others that they could be in danger because of something that you did, failure to a person left in your care, or not failure to complete your work properly which resulted in an accident.   (Source: U.S.Courts - District of Idaho)

Standards-Based Decision Making Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Standards-Based Decision Making - Essay Example ditors are required to state whether an audit client has complied with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (G.A.A.P) when preparing financial statements (Williams, 2006). Green and Associates is an external audit firm to ABC Corporation. The audit firm may provide any of the four types of the audit opinions after completing a corporate financial audit on ABC Corporation’s financial statements. Green and Associates may provide an unqualified or ‘clean’ opinion of the company’s financial statements. An unqualified opinion is only provided when an audit firm ascertains that a company’s financial statements reflect a truthful opinion of its financial operations. The opinion also indicates that the company’s financial statements are in compliance with the G.A.A.P. An unqualified opinion is the best audit report that a company can receive from its auditors. In our opinion, ABC Corporation’s financial records provide an honest and fair view of its financial operations during the fiscal year ended 31th August and are in compliance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. An unqualified opinion may warrant an explanatory paragraph if the auditors feel that certain disclosures in the financial statements require a detailed explanation or when there is a change of auditors. It arises when the financial records indicate some minor deviations from G.A.A.P. The explanatory paragraph includes a detailed explanation of the auditor’s opinion. In our opinion, ABC Corporation’s financial statements require modification to expel the minor inconsistencies with the G.A.A.P, despite reflecting a true and fair view of the company’s financial operations. An audit report may provide a qualified or an ‘except for’ opinion after completing a corporate financial audit. Green and Associates may provide a qualified opinion if it believes that ABC corporation’s financial records are not in compliance with the G.A.A.P, despite representing a true

Direct Marketing Communications Campaign in Easy Jet Case Study

Direct Marketing Communications Campaign in Easy Jet - Case Study Example Internal communication in an organization is the stepping stone that enables a cordial communication between the company and the outsiders. (Littlejohn, 2002, P. 30) A communication campaign is a well defined communication strategy that helps an organization to communicate with the customers. It is a strategy for internal and external communication within the organization. A communication campaign represents well arranged interacted strategies which are aimed at delivering a certain message to the customers and which is important for effective relationship in an organization. (Werner 1998, P. 72) There are various communication campaigns that are used in the market by different organization. An organization can use one specific communication campaign or it can integrate number of campaigns with an aim of delivering its core message home to the target audience. The kind of communication campaign that is used by a company depends on the target audience and the kind of message that an organization wants to deliver. (Dempsey 1997, P. 7) In this paper we will be reviewing how easyJet, which is one of the prosperous low cost airline in the UK has been using internet tools as direct marketing communication campaign in the market. We will review what the company has achieved and review the areas that it needs to improve. The company was founded by Sir Stelios Haji-loa... The Airline is based at Hangar 89 which is a bright orange building next to the taxiway at Luton airport. This represent the simplicity way that the company has been using for its operation which is not only reflected in it headquarter but also in the pricing strategies that that company has adopted. Since it was started the company has been keeping the policy of low cost operation and has been eliminating unnecessary cost and frills which has been characterizing the traditional airlines. This has been achieved through a number of ways. One of those ways has been the maximization in the utilization of the substantial assets which has reduced the unit cost of the airline. It has also taken the policy of not providing free lunch on the airport. It has kept to the efficient use of the airports. But its main source of success in keeping the cost of operation low has been the policies that the company has taken towards the use of internet and paperless operations which have been enabled by the direct marketing campaign through the use of internet tool. (easyJet.com, 2008b) Use of internet communication campaign in EasyJet Easy jet was one of the first airlines in the UK to embrace the use of the internet when sold the seat online in 1998. Since then the company has not looked backward in its internet campaign and currently online marketing accounts for more than 95% of all its sales. This makes the company to the one of the leading internet retailers in the Europe. EasyJet has become one of the leading airlines in Europe which have banked on the use of the internet for their success. The company has adopted an e-commerce strategy which has been the main tool of communication with the consumers. In this regard the internet has become the main

Brand Implementation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Brand Implementation - Essay Example It is a process for constant and reliable application of the brand image among major of the leading business units, media and communication channels. However, it does not encompass the design and creation of brand identity. Industry Background and the Competitors EAT was founded in the year1996, with the determination of delivering best quality food, coffee and soup in London at rational price. Presently, more than 100 shops all over London are offering handmade food every day. According to the statistics of the year 2011, the organization is having market share of 76%. The CAGR is +27%. It mainly offers soups, sandwiches, pies, salads, wraps, sushi, desserts, cold drinks, juices, coffees etc. Mark &Spencer, Pret a manager, Costa, Starbucks are the main competitors of the company. The sales growth for the year 2011 is more than 13%, whereas the outlet volume growth is more than 11%. The founder of the company is Faith MacArthur and Niall MacArthur. According to them, EAT is a family owned organization dedicated to provide quality food. People of London can also get the home delivery option from the registered company website. Few simple steps will help to bring the food in home within a small period of time. Challenges and Opportunities In order to determine EAT’s challenges and opportunities, SWOT analysis can be framed below. The SWOT analysis will help EAT to make a better brand positioning for the company. This strategic framework will help to reveal EAT’s internal strengths, weaknesses and external opportunities and threats. SWOT Analysis Strengths The food quality is superior. Homemade fresh food used to offer every day by the organization. More than 100 shops are situated in London. The price of the food is also rational. The sales growth is more than 13%. The volume growth is 11%. They used to provide home delivery for every individual customer. The organization has become popular among the local customers. Market share is more than 76%. T he CAGR rate is also more than 27% Experience is more than 10 years. Weaknesses The outlets are only London based. CSR reports are not included. Lower range of products has failed to increase customer base. The space area is very limited within the outlets. New and menu sections in the company website are not accessible. Cost of production is very high. Relevant information is very nominal for the company. Inadequate packaging quality. Opportunities Expansion of business footprint across the country. Traditional food items can increase the brand awareness of people. Promoting food menu and price range in social media networks. Cost-effective business operation strategy may result profit maximization. The organization can introduce healthy food items as the demand for healthy foods is increasing. Need to tie-up with hospitals, trains and several domestic and international airways. Designing new logo and slogan. Online promotional activities will increase the brand awareness. Threats Big competitors like Sainsbury, Tesco, and Marks & Spenser’s will pose a big threat to the company. As it is a sensitive industry, the organization may face several legal barriers. Huge capital required in order to expand business. Economic downfall and low disposable income of people. People are tending to avoid outside foods due to the food safety factors. One unsatisfied

Native Americans in the United States and Pocahontas Life Essay Example for Free

Native Americans in the United States and Pocahontas Life Essay This book was the bases and the most informative piece I have seen on a review of Pocahontas life in my perspective. Pocahontas life is a difficult piece of history to analysis for the fact that her life is only denoted by other persons of history writings. She has no known piece of writing of her own so all knowledge is personal based of outside parties. This makes it for sometimes difficult to truly believe everything for many of the views were from white men during a time period where they had not seen many females weren’t around. I believe the author thesis of the book for the Pocahontas part was her involvement with the English and her growth throughout her life. The other thesis of the book from the Powhatan side was there involvement with the English as well and there plan to use the culture but at the same time push them away. Within the first five chapter of Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma it gives you a base review of history. This first part of the book it explains the culture of the Powhatan and how they are laid out. At this point in the book within the first chapter we find out that Pocahontas is only 9 years of age and her mother is nowhere to be found, but her father is Powhatan the chief of many native people and villages. It talks about the arrival of English in 1603 and we learn that many ships have come before us truly being to talk about John Smith and Jamestown. It also mention the arrival of Don Luis and the Spanish, but doesn’t get into much detail he just seems to pop up with the first few chapters her and there. We learn that Pocahontas name means â€Å"mischief† or the â€Å"little playful one. † The author tells us that the native were not completely different from the Europeans just simply behind the times. We also learn that within the native culture of the Powhatan that there chiefs do not come from the next up son, but from marriage of the daughters. We also learn that the Europeans felt that the women of the tribes need to be saved due to their work in the fields and other jobs around the village. It speaks of the native’s religion of their belief in spirits within everything. John Smith comes into play in 1606 when the English begin to prepare for the Virginia campaign. What I learn from John Smith was that he was a captain that has been captured a lot and has numerous stories of being saved by women that fall lustful in love with. As kids watching films and stories we are told of Pocahontas is her and John Smith fall in love, but at the time of them meeting Pocahontas would’ve been ten years of age. The plans of the English and John Smith was to: improve native culture, use the land properly, get there before the Spanish, and bring English enlighten, and a place to send the unemployed English. One of the main fears that I read about in the reading was the fear of the English to become like the Indians. The term we learned in class for this is recolonization. After the landing John Smith gets taken by the Powhatan and convince them not to kill him by way of trade. He promises them weapons which out of smarts gives them a cannon which cannot be moved. Both the native and the English realize the need of each. Without one another the English could not survive without food and the natives want weapons or easier put there technology. Over time many English were sent to live with natives to learn their culture and a native would be sent with the English. The most notable was Pocahontas herself was sent with the English to learn their language and lifestyle. The book talks of Pocahontas marriage first to a native warrior, but it fails to mention what happens to him. She later marries John Rolfe an English man who experience much of the reverse colonization. Before her marriage though Pocahontas was kidnapped one of the main characters they looked over her kidnapping was Sir Thomas Dale who was the first Marshall of Virginia. Pocahontas would declare herself a Christian in 1616 and then start her life with John. They would build a log on the land John was granted from the Virginia Company. They would have two children together in their lifetime. Shortly after being settled in there Pocahontas would go to London and experience true English culture. Pocahontas would become very ill around the time the Rolfe family was ready to head back to Virginia. Pocahontas died on March 21, 1617 in the Rolfe inn. What I learned from this book that for someone of her time period and of native culture Pocahontas got to see much more than any Native American of her time period for sure. I learned that much of what we were taught or told of her in are childhood was wrong. I learned that john smith stories could not be trusted. The feeling I receive as well is Pocahontas rejected her culture and tribe, but in return was probably rejected in a way due to her mother situation. Though she might have be royal in a way just from some of the information I read. The book was good though and I enjoyed the insist of Pocahontas life.

Importance of Outsourcing of Logistics Function

Importance of Outsourcing of Logistics Function Outsourcing and 3PL, as important business functions, have drawn attention of business operators as well as academic and scholars. A large number of studies have analyzed these areas from a theoretical perspective and a practical point of view. This section will start with the review of outsourcing regarding its definition and importance as well as motivations and concerns. Then, based on the correlation between outsourcing and 3PL, the section presents the concepts of 3PL and most challenges 3PL providers are facing. Lastly, the section shows what could be the current situation of Chinas 3PL industry. Outsourcing of logistics function 2.1.1 Definition and importance Razzaque and Sheng (1998) defined outsourcing as multiple logistics services provided by a single vendor on a contractual basis. Outsourcing is becoming more important today. Due to economic and competitive pressures, it is imperative for different enterprises to pay attention to their core competencies and turn to third-parties to undertake responsibility for other secondary corporate functions. Outsourcing can create profits by improving customer service level, providing high added-value to products, benefiting in exploiting new markets, and offering dedicated resources (Foster and Muller, 1990). By means of outsourcing, companies can obtain competitive advantage through cost reduction and increased responsiveness to market change. Motivation of outsourcing Several reasons lead private business as well as government agencies to outsource logistics functions: Avoid Capital expenditures It reduces capital investment in facilities (Richardson, 1995). This allows the using firm to spending where it can get the best return as in research, manufacturing, marketing, or other functions core to the organization. Increase flexibility This can enable firms to focus on the core business, question any function or department that is not producing revenue and adapt to changes in the market and access to leading edge technology. A third-party will be invited to help a company when demand increase dramatically beyond the capability of the company to fulfill (Razzaque and Sheng, 1998). Many 3PL providers specialize in logistics functions such as transportation, warehousing management and information technology. Cost savings To save costs is identified by most literature as one of the most popular reasons for why outsourcing occurs. In principle, outsourcing will occur to companies for cost reduction when their suppliers offer a service for a low price which however still can cover added overhead, profit, and transaction costs (Harler, 2000). Those companies which outsource their logistics functions to 3PL service providers usually agree that it is more cost saving than to fulfill the same logistics task in-house (Candler, 1994). According to Bradley (1995a), there are some other reasons of logistics outsourcing such as improving service level and customer satisfaction, using 3PL providers logistics IT systems, acquiring outside sophisticated professionals, combining service and minifying number of suppliers, integrating the process of supply chain, and increasing productivity. Concerns of outsourcing Despite the fact that outsourcing is now favored by most organizations, there are still many recognized potential barriers and problems related to outsourcing. Normally the most mentioned reservation which restrains enterprises from employing 3PL service providers is loss of control of 3PLs (Richardson, 1993a). Such tendency can be caused by different objectives and attitudes of the logistics service providers and users towards strategy, profits and service or skills (Axelrod, 2004, p49). The adoption of outsourcing might also lead to a situation in which critical knowledge associated with process and customers would leak to potential competitors (Jennings, 2002). Moreover, unrealized savings with a potential for increased costs, employee moral problems, losing touch with important information, unreliable promises of the providers, their inability to respond to changing requirements have been mentioned as potential risks as well. Each of these concerns should be recognized carefully by organizations that intend to outsource their logistics function, otherwise contract logistics can be another issue to deal with, rather than a catalyst or improvement (Razzaque and Sheng, 1998). Third-Party Logistics 2.2.1 Concept of 3PL Third party logistics service has been described in a few ways, including outsourcing of one single service such as transportation, and outsourcing of a set of complicated processs (Vasiliauskas Barysiene, 2008). Generally, 3PL provide not only just separate warehouse or transport functions but also multiple, bundled services (Leahy et al., 1995). It is also worth mentioned that freight forwarders and shipping lines are included in broad definitions of the 3PL industry (Rao and Young, 1994). On the basis of above definitions, Leib et al. (1993) used the following definition: Third-party logistics involves the use of external companies to perform logistics functions that have traditionally been performed within an organization. The functions performed by the third party can encompass the entire logistics process or selected activities within that process. The authors refer to the 3PL as a new industry and growing business environment has more expectations on 3PL. The usage of 3PL has been considered as logistics alliances at strategic level. Bagchi and Virum (1996, p.193) have developed the following definitions: A logistics alliance indicates a close and long-term, relationship between a customer and a provider encompassing the delivery of a wide array of logistics needs. In a logistics alliance, the parties ideally consider each other as partners. They collaborate in understanding and defining the customers logistics need. Both partners participate in designing and developing logistics solutions and measuring performance. The goal of the relationship is to develop a win-win arrangement. Compared with the prior definition, which focuses on the logistics functional activities, the final one emphasizes the duration of the relationship between the logistics service provider and user, and also covers an extensive range of promising logistics services (Halldorsson Larsen, 2004). Many articles have disclosed that 3PL industry has progressed steadily for ages (Liu, 2008). 3PL providers started as a traditional transportation or warehousing service providers from 1980s. Nowadays, 3PL companies provide a variety services including basis logistics service as well as value added services. Main challenges to 3PL service providers As the 3PL industry has continued to evolve, the 3PL provider, sitting in the middle between the manufacturers or suppliers (the buyers of the 3PL service, known as shippers) and the end customers (the consumer of the products), will need to balance the dynamic pulls generated by upstream and downstream entities, and thus faces challenges are unique to its position. Financial issues Although 3PL providers should develop skills, improve competencies, and provide more value-added service so as to survive and expand business successfully in this flourishing market, the main challenge for them is how to obtain business and achieve acceptable financial performance. Maintain profits under price pressures from customers The economic crisis has caused serious situations for both 3PL users and providers -82 percent of shippers now are implementing cost-cutting strategies and 60 percents are reconsidering their supply chain and relationships with 3PLs accordingly (Capgemini Consulting et al, 2009). As a matter fact, economic factor is a strong motivation for outsourcing, of which cost reduction and cost saving are the main concerns. One of the most significant motivations for outsourcing logistics functions to third parties is their professional knowledge and valuable experience in logistics industry which are costly for their customers to have in-house (Byrne, 1993). However, the decision of employing 3PL providers is usually influenced by the evaluation of cost/service trade-offs (Selviaridis and Spring, 2007). Hence, no matter what strategic stances the logistics providers take, they have to keep upgrading and improving their operational potentialities in the business environment (Sum Teo, 1999). Meanwhile, as price competition is inevitable and most customers are also price sensitive at present, 3PL providers still need to be cost conscious to achieve higher margins, and to prevent themselves from being priced out of the market. Financial stability Many articles have placed emphasis on financial firmness as a critical essential for logistics providers (Bottani Rizzi, 2006). Based on the empirical survey conducted by Boyson et al. (1999) financial stability was ranked as the most significant selection criteria for choosing 3PL providers because it reduce the risk in relationship. A 3PL services provider with stable financial standing can not only better satisfy its clients and implement cost reduction through a dedicated resource, but also diminish risks for logistics partners (Bowersox Daugherty, 1990). Accordingly, Boyson et al. (1999) assert that firms prefer providers demonstrating outstanding customer service level with low price and possessing solid financial stability. Nevertheless, the financial tsunami which has weighted down the world economy has resulted in steep decreasing in logistics demand with no doubt. On the one hand, according to Li Fung Research Center (2009), the clients of the logistics enterprises asked for price cut and longer credit term, and it is difficult for them to collect the payments form clients during such hard times. Bad debts and financial losses will be easily incurred by any imprudent credit management. On the other hand, the confidence for the banks to lend had been damaged by the tsunami. Banks are now only willing to provide loans to selected enterprises or projects, which limits the financing options of the logistics enterprises (Li Fung Research Center, 2009). Clearly, it has always been important for 3PL providers to maintain a sound financial condition to survive in the recession as well as to rise superior to others in the market. Information technology (IT) Capability of information technology IT-based logistics services is considered as significant factor by 88% of shippers, but only less than half (42%) of the shippers are satisfied with the IT capableness of their providers (Capgemini Consulting et al, 2009). Accordingly, such IT capability gap result in a few difficulties for both shippers and 3PLs to collaborate in an adaptive supply chain (Capgemini Consulting et al, 2009). Information is one of the most important elements in logistics management (Cheong, 2004) and it is definitely essential to assist logistics process with effective IT (LaLonde and Masters, 1994). IT capability can be enhanced by employing advanced software, such as electronic data interchange (EDI) networking, enterprise resource planning environments, simulation software, vehicle routing packages, carrier loading optimization tools, etc. (Qureshi et al, 2008). Hardware also may be utilized to facilitate operations and to increase the production efficiency, including radio frequency devices, servers, bar code printers and scanners, global positioning system (GPS), networking and internet/intranet connections, satellite tracking devices, etc. (Qureshi et al, 2008). 3PL services providers which adopt tracking and tracing devices can grant better services to users with quick responsiveness (Rahman, 2004). According to Byrne (1993), the need of sophisticated information technology is impe rative for logistics management to link members like manufacturer, carrier and customer in the supply chain. Sauvage (2003) proposed that to fully satisfy the variety of customers demand, LSPs should continuously employ advanced information technologies in order to enhance their service performance. It is unlikely for a firm which is lagging in a technology to move to a position of leadership (Jennings, 2002). Security of information systems The sharing of so much information inevitably leads to security concerns. It can not be denied that logistics service providers usually still lose customers annually due to issues of trust in privacy and security, though they keep attracting new clients (Pattel Conners, 2008). One possible mentioned security issue is that when a 3PL provider has to serve several direct competitors, the information in relation to all of them should be kept confidential (Grover et al., 1994, p. 38; Lacity and Hirschheim, 1993a, p. 24). Other than cost, security and privacy are also considered as major concerns by many companies when outsourcing. Compatibility of information systems IT compatibility acts an essential role in logistics activities such as forecasting, order purchasing, inventory replenishment and life cycle management (Anand, 2010). According to Arshinder et al. (2007), the information system of the whole supply chain is expected to be compatible. A compatible information system means comprehensible data are quickly shared among the parties throughout the supply chain (Arshinder et al, 2007) while incompatibility will lead to costly and time consuming process because information, though can be shared as well, is rarely in synchronization. At present, it is difficult for information to seamlessly flow throughout the network as international logistics often includes some different transportation modes and carriers. Moreover, there are diverse IT systems in the different trading areas. For example, Europe adopts Administration, Commerce and Transportation (EDIFACT) standards for EDI systems while the US follows the standards of the American National Standards Institute (Rao Young, 1994). These difficulties in global supply chain have challenged 3PLs regarding how to capitalize the gap to provide a distinct competitive advantage. Reliability of information systems As one of the major industry focus in the global logistics market, the field of information systems paid special attention to user satisfaction as an important performance measure (Ives and Olson, 1984; Robey and Farrow, 1982). Bailey and Pearson (1983) have pointed out that reliability is one of the critical criteria of customer satisfaction. There could be many unknown increased reliability risk which result from two major sections of technology. One is that new technology innovations or adoptions of 3PL providers may have an unclear reliability performance. The other is that an existing technology may be applied to a new market with unknown increase failure rates (Collins, 2005). To fulfill the promised logistics service reliably and exactly, 3PL providers must identify and remove uncertainty involved with technology reliability performance. Human Resource (HR) Lack of expertise There is a tendency that firms desire to acquire the expertise from third-party logistics providers who possess particular local knowledge of customs and infrastructure of destination countries in such a growing global market (Razzaque Sheng, 1999). Although one of the drivers for companies to outsource is to acquire resources and logistics professionals (Selviaridis Spring, 2007), the results of the research conducted by Georgia Institute of Technology et al. (2009) show that many outsourcing users dont believe that 3PLs are in the capacity of strategic partners currently, 40% of shippers in the survey expect their 3PL service providers to continue focusing on execution, and a good many of them reckon that 3PL providers lack logistics expertise that would support users increasing outsourcing. Often-cited problems range from misunderstanding the demand of customers supply chain to inadequate professionals in given products and markets (Selviaridis Spring, 2007). In fact, customers are looking for 3PL providers that have expertise in multiple phases of the logistics process. An annual surveys of US 3PL firms indicates that company employee/expertise is regarded by CEOs as the most important asset of the company for business success in the competition, however those same CEOs also agree that currently the most critical problem facing 3PL companies as finding qualified people (Leib and Randall, 1996b). Different culture Almost all members in the supply chain, including third party, have their own company culture which is definitely different from each other (Babics, 2005). According to Pagell (2004), the capacity of how to harmonize its own internal culture with the external different cultures of its customers is one significant factor that 3PL providers should note in the integration of operational services in supply chains. Mckeon (1991) states that for both 3PL providers and their customers, understanding each others cultures and organizational structure is an essential factor to ensure a win-win outsourcing. Compatibility of culture and values is one of the keys to successful partnership which can result in long-term partnership (Qureshi et al, 2008). Culture conflicts often result in change orders, unexpected costs, and sometimes a negative impact on relationships (Kremic et al, 2006). In general, the ability of 3PL providers to understand the customer organizations culture is a basis for partnering. Inadequate education and training In order to remain competitive in the logistics market, 3PL providers have to be vigilant and agile to their customers needs, and continually seek to meet customer expectations as much as possible. Logistics executive should be aware that, due to rapid growth in the logistics industry, there could be a shortage of qualified logistics expertise (Yeung, 2006). Therefore, it is necessary for governments and educational services to allocate more resources, put logistics on formal curriculum, and provide more correlated training programs to fulfill the demand of the whole supply chain. The development of logistics, otherwise, might be constrained by lack of trained logistics personnel (Sum Teo, 1999). Ulengin and Uray (1999) indicate that in Turkey, senior management that is void of professional knowledge of logistics is the fundamental factor limiting the progress of logistics industry. Kerr (2005b) describes poor training as a black hole in China because neither the central government nor Chinas regulatory authorities do much to promote logistics training programs. Obviously, a firm with higher quality of human resources such as better education or training will have superior core competence in the market. Hence, it is imperative for 3PL service providers to offer more training programs to employees so that they can cope with competition in the future (Wang et al, 2006) Business Landscapes Globalization of 3PL market delivering service in new geographic regions The internationalization and globalization of 3PL providers has been boosted by the economies of scale and scope, by the internationalization and globalization of the competitors and by customer following i.e. the internationalization of manufacturing firms, which may demand that the service supplier provides a global network and/or global experience (Arvidsson, 1997, p.74). 3PL providers that take charge of their customers outsourced logistics function normally need to build up a logistics network to deal with the flow of the goods from the customers factory to the end customers (Cheong, 2004). In current global economic environment, manufacturing companies tend to establish partnerships with 3PL service providers and they desire to cooperate with some global freight forwarding companies (Lemoine et al, 2003). 3PL service providers with well-content characteristics, such as far geographical spread and wide range of services are popular among the shippers (Qureshi, 2007). As per Bottani and Rizzi (2006), companies favor the 3PL providers with wide range of advanced services more than those traditional ones which can offer mere single logistics functional service. However, supply chain requirement keep changing. Customer demand can change in spatial and temporal terms. In response to the shippers new requirement, 3PL service providers endeavor to extend service coverage geographically and to expand breadth of service so that they can fulfill the interest of their customers as an integrated logistics provider (Qureshi et al, 2008) Relationship with customers 3PL service providers are normally very concerned with the relationship with their customers because they attempt to establish a long-term one with the users (Cheong, 2004). Long-term customer relationships can enable 3PLs to provide more sophisticated services, reduce the risk of replacement, achieve more earnings, and avoid expense of developing new customer (Cahill, 2006). In addition, long-term relationship is built on the basis of mutual trust and sharing of risk and reward (Qureshi et al, 2008). Bothe shipper and 3PLs will benefit from such long-term relationship (Qureshi et al, 2008). Most of 3PL services users agree that logistics costs could decrease even more through strategic relationships with 3PL service providers. Langley et al. (2004) point out that the successful relationship with 3PL service providers will assist the users to achieve their major objective. Customer relationship management is necessary once a 3PL provider first establishes a relationship with a shipper. To keep customers satisfied and coming back, 3PL providers must demonstrate their capabilities and the value these capabilities provider to customers (Wisner et al, 2005). Third-party logistics service providers in China: China has become the most attractive country for more and more foreign investments, manufacturers, and retailers from all over the world, which results in the fast growth of the Chinese economy (Liu, 2008). Accordingly, the development of 3PL has been spurred in China and 3PL industry has achieved significant achievement. Currently, most logistics companies offer extensively various value-added services and have confidence in the continuous development of Chinas logistics industry. Many literatures have research the Chinese logistics area from diverse perspectives and some supply chain-related difficulties facing foreign 3PLs are identified. High transport cost It is not deniable that Chinese government has invested a lot in the logistics sector to improve traffic in recent years. However, poor transportation is still considered as one significant challenge for logistics industry in China, which may result in the increase in logistics cost and the decrease in company profits (Lau Zhang, 2006). Li Fung Research Center (2009) notes that the transportation occupies more than 50 percent of the total logistics cost in China, and undoubtedly the operation costs of 3PL service providers will still be ascending due to the price upswing of commodity and fuel. Another culprit is high local road tolls and other hefty transportation fees (Kerr, 2005b). Underdeveloped physical infrastructure Many MNCs find that it is difficult for them to implement coherent strategies in China because underdeveloped transportation system hinders their distribution and sourcing throughout the country (Speece and Yukiko, 1995). Although Chinas economy and industrial production have been developing rapidly, the current logistics system is loaded with new challenges as it can barely keep pace with the growth rate of economy (Carter et al, 1997). The undeveloped logistics infrastructure in China, including deficient highways, aged port facilities, and limited runways and airports, can hardly fulfill the growing logistics demand in the progress of new economy (Pollit, 1998). The insufficiencies of present distribution system have restricted foreign enterprises to immensely exploit the plenty opportunities in Chinas market (Goh and Ling, 2003). It is thus imperative that the distribution of products and services be supported by a reliable transportation system. The need for guanxi Literally, guanxi means relationship. It is noted that Chinese culture is quite distinct from Western culture in numerous aspects, including the way to conduct business (Jiang and Prater, 2003). Guanxi, which is an important concept for successful business in China, refer to relationship between people (Michailova and Worm, 2003). It suggests a conveyable, reciprocal, invisible and useful responsibility to dyadic personal relationships (Luo, 2000). It is not surprising that Chinese prefer to deal with people they know and trust. As Wang et al. (2003) indicated, guanxi which is created on the basis of mutually beneficial can lower risk as well as competition in business circles. Millington et al. (2006) also state that when looking for satisfying vendors, guanxi is more useful than other information from website, trade market or media. This implies that the knowledge and expertise to understand local circumstance and the communication skill with foreigners are absolutely necessary for establishment of a successful cooperation (Lightfoot and Almeida, 2007). Government regulation Kerr (2006) identifies that government regulation is still 3PL providers biggest challenge. The development of 3PL in China is obstructed by some barriers such as underdeveloped infrastructure and entrenched regulatory circumstance (Lau Zhang, 2006). In the meantime, various regulations set up by different provinces forcefully influence business activities so that the founding of national networks is hindered (Kerr, 2005). It also has made it difficult for 3PL providers in China to fully meet the requirements of their clients. Moreover, there are many regulations and rules for foreign 3PL providers who plan to enter China logistics market. According to Lai and Hsu (2007), foreign 3PL providers must apply for the class A license issued by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation (MOFTERC) if they plan to establish subsidiaries as international freight forwarders in China. A survey conducted by Li Fung Research Center (2009) also identifies that the regulations and policies associated with logistics industry are not unalterable because the government will supervise the execution and analyze the effect of the existing ones and then will formulate new ones accordingly to boost the growth of the industry. It is true that a number of government departments which are involved in policies related to logistics industry have impact on the rhythm of changing regulation (KPMG, 2008). Local 3PL providers Chinas local logistics providers have been growing rapidly because foreign firms are increasingly looking to source there. To contend with foreign logistics providers, domestic companies have to upgrade facilities and enhance their service level (KPMG, 2008). Jiang and Prata (2002) indicate that in contrast with foreign 3PL entrants, local players are always in the close association with local or central governments. For instance, Sinatrans is a state owned company and is the only 3PL service provider in China who can provide a nationwide logistics service with full license. The authors also mention that a number of local 3PL providers at regional level have their own special strength in specific areas or specific business. Some of them even look for individual connection built directly with government officials which may be valuable in their daily business. Literature review summary This section has reviewed the literature ranging from some fundamental definitions of outsourcing and 3PL, to challenges for 3PL industry globally and especially in China which represents the current situation foreign 3PL providers are facing in China. In table 2.1, we summarize the above referred articles in each of the focus challenges. Importance of Outsourcing of Logistics Function Importance of Outsourcing of Logistics Function Outsourcing and 3PL, as important business functions, have drawn attention of business operators as well as academic and scholars. A large number of studies have analyzed these areas from a theoretical perspective and a practical point of view. This section will start with the review of outsourcing regarding its definition and importance as well as motivations and concerns. Then, based on the correlation between outsourcing and 3PL, the section presents the concepts of 3PL and most challenges 3PL providers are facing. Lastly, the section shows what could be the current situation of Chinas 3PL industry. Outsourcing of logistics function 2.1.1 Definition and importance Razzaque and Sheng (1998) defined outsourcing as multiple logistics services provided by a single vendor on a contractual basis. Outsourcing is becoming more important today. Due to economic and competitive pressures, it is imperative for different enterprises to pay attention to their core competencies and turn to third-parties to undertake responsibility for other secondary corporate functions. Outsourcing can create profits by improving customer service level, providing high added-value to products, benefiting in exploiting new markets, and offering dedicated resources (Foster and Muller, 1990). By means of outsourcing, companies can obtain competitive advantage through cost reduction and increased responsiveness to market change. Motivation of outsourcing Several reasons lead private business as well as government agencies to outsource logistics functions: Avoid Capital expenditures It reduces capital investment in facilities (Richardson, 1995). This allows the using firm to spending where it can get the best return as in research, manufacturing, marketing, or other functions core to the organization. Increase flexibility This can enable firms to focus on the core business, question any function or department that is not producing revenue and adapt to changes in the market and access to leading edge technology. A third-party will be invited to help a company when demand increase dramatically beyond the capability of the company to fulfill (Razzaque and Sheng, 1998). Many 3PL providers specialize in logistics functions such as transportation, warehousing management and information technology. Cost savings To save costs is identified by most literature as one of the most popular reasons for why outsourcing occurs. In principle, outsourcing will occur to companies for cost reduction when their suppliers offer a service for a low price which however still can cover added overhead, profit, and transaction costs (Harler, 2000). Those companies which outsource their logistics functions to 3PL service providers usually agree that it is more cost saving than to fulfill the same logistics task in-house (Candler, 1994). According to Bradley (1995a), there are some other reasons of logistics outsourcing such as improving service level and customer satisfaction, using 3PL providers logistics IT systems, acquiring outside sophisticated professionals, combining service and minifying number of suppliers, integrating the process of supply chain, and increasing productivity. Concerns of outsourcing Despite the fact that outsourcing is now favored by most organizations, there are still many recognized potential barriers and problems related to outsourcing. Normally the most mentioned reservation which restrains enterprises from employing 3PL service providers is loss of control of 3PLs (Richardson, 1993a). Such tendency can be caused by different objectives and attitudes of the logistics service providers and users towards strategy, profits and service or skills (Axelrod, 2004, p49). The adoption of outsourcing might also lead to a situation in which critical knowledge associated with process and customers would leak to potential competitors (Jennings, 2002). Moreover, unrealized savings with a potential for increased costs, employee moral problems, losing touch with important information, unreliable promises of the providers, their inability to respond to changing requirements have been mentioned as potential risks as well. Each of these concerns should be recognized carefully by organizations that intend to outsource their logistics function, otherwise contract logistics can be another issue to deal with, rather than a catalyst or improvement (Razzaque and Sheng, 1998). Third-Party Logistics 2.2.1 Concept of 3PL Third party logistics service has been described in a few ways, including outsourcing of one single service such as transportation, and outsourcing of a set of complicated processs (Vasiliauskas Barysiene, 2008). Generally, 3PL provide not only just separate warehouse or transport functions but also multiple, bundled services (Leahy et al., 1995). It is also worth mentioned that freight forwarders and shipping lines are included in broad definitions of the 3PL industry (Rao and Young, 1994). On the basis of above definitions, Leib et al. (1993) used the following definition: Third-party logistics involves the use of external companies to perform logistics functions that have traditionally been performed within an organization. The functions performed by the third party can encompass the entire logistics process or selected activities within that process. The authors refer to the 3PL as a new industry and growing business environment has more expectations on 3PL. The usage of 3PL has been considered as logistics alliances at strategic level. Bagchi and Virum (1996, p.193) have developed the following definitions: A logistics alliance indicates a close and long-term, relationship between a customer and a provider encompassing the delivery of a wide array of logistics needs. In a logistics alliance, the parties ideally consider each other as partners. They collaborate in understanding and defining the customers logistics need. Both partners participate in designing and developing logistics solutions and measuring performance. The goal of the relationship is to develop a win-win arrangement. Compared with the prior definition, which focuses on the logistics functional activities, the final one emphasizes the duration of the relationship between the logistics service provider and user, and also covers an extensive range of promising logistics services (Halldorsson Larsen, 2004). Many articles have disclosed that 3PL industry has progressed steadily for ages (Liu, 2008). 3PL providers started as a traditional transportation or warehousing service providers from 1980s. Nowadays, 3PL companies provide a variety services including basis logistics service as well as value added services. Main challenges to 3PL service providers As the 3PL industry has continued to evolve, the 3PL provider, sitting in the middle between the manufacturers or suppliers (the buyers of the 3PL service, known as shippers) and the end customers (the consumer of the products), will need to balance the dynamic pulls generated by upstream and downstream entities, and thus faces challenges are unique to its position. Financial issues Although 3PL providers should develop skills, improve competencies, and provide more value-added service so as to survive and expand business successfully in this flourishing market, the main challenge for them is how to obtain business and achieve acceptable financial performance. Maintain profits under price pressures from customers The economic crisis has caused serious situations for both 3PL users and providers -82 percent of shippers now are implementing cost-cutting strategies and 60 percents are reconsidering their supply chain and relationships with 3PLs accordingly (Capgemini Consulting et al, 2009). As a matter fact, economic factor is a strong motivation for outsourcing, of which cost reduction and cost saving are the main concerns. One of the most significant motivations for outsourcing logistics functions to third parties is their professional knowledge and valuable experience in logistics industry which are costly for their customers to have in-house (Byrne, 1993). However, the decision of employing 3PL providers is usually influenced by the evaluation of cost/service trade-offs (Selviaridis and Spring, 2007). Hence, no matter what strategic stances the logistics providers take, they have to keep upgrading and improving their operational potentialities in the business environment (Sum Teo, 1999). Meanwhile, as price competition is inevitable and most customers are also price sensitive at present, 3PL providers still need to be cost conscious to achieve higher margins, and to prevent themselves from being priced out of the market. Financial stability Many articles have placed emphasis on financial firmness as a critical essential for logistics providers (Bottani Rizzi, 2006). Based on the empirical survey conducted by Boyson et al. (1999) financial stability was ranked as the most significant selection criteria for choosing 3PL providers because it reduce the risk in relationship. A 3PL services provider with stable financial standing can not only better satisfy its clients and implement cost reduction through a dedicated resource, but also diminish risks for logistics partners (Bowersox Daugherty, 1990). Accordingly, Boyson et al. (1999) assert that firms prefer providers demonstrating outstanding customer service level with low price and possessing solid financial stability. Nevertheless, the financial tsunami which has weighted down the world economy has resulted in steep decreasing in logistics demand with no doubt. On the one hand, according to Li Fung Research Center (2009), the clients of the logistics enterprises asked for price cut and longer credit term, and it is difficult for them to collect the payments form clients during such hard times. Bad debts and financial losses will be easily incurred by any imprudent credit management. On the other hand, the confidence for the banks to lend had been damaged by the tsunami. Banks are now only willing to provide loans to selected enterprises or projects, which limits the financing options of the logistics enterprises (Li Fung Research Center, 2009). Clearly, it has always been important for 3PL providers to maintain a sound financial condition to survive in the recession as well as to rise superior to others in the market. Information technology (IT) Capability of information technology IT-based logistics services is considered as significant factor by 88% of shippers, but only less than half (42%) of the shippers are satisfied with the IT capableness of their providers (Capgemini Consulting et al, 2009). Accordingly, such IT capability gap result in a few difficulties for both shippers and 3PLs to collaborate in an adaptive supply chain (Capgemini Consulting et al, 2009). Information is one of the most important elements in logistics management (Cheong, 2004) and it is definitely essential to assist logistics process with effective IT (LaLonde and Masters, 1994). IT capability can be enhanced by employing advanced software, such as electronic data interchange (EDI) networking, enterprise resource planning environments, simulation software, vehicle routing packages, carrier loading optimization tools, etc. (Qureshi et al, 2008). Hardware also may be utilized to facilitate operations and to increase the production efficiency, including radio frequency devices, servers, bar code printers and scanners, global positioning system (GPS), networking and internet/intranet connections, satellite tracking devices, etc. (Qureshi et al, 2008). 3PL services providers which adopt tracking and tracing devices can grant better services to users with quick responsiveness (Rahman, 2004). According to Byrne (1993), the need of sophisticated information technology is impe rative for logistics management to link members like manufacturer, carrier and customer in the supply chain. Sauvage (2003) proposed that to fully satisfy the variety of customers demand, LSPs should continuously employ advanced information technologies in order to enhance their service performance. It is unlikely for a firm which is lagging in a technology to move to a position of leadership (Jennings, 2002). Security of information systems The sharing of so much information inevitably leads to security concerns. It can not be denied that logistics service providers usually still lose customers annually due to issues of trust in privacy and security, though they keep attracting new clients (Pattel Conners, 2008). One possible mentioned security issue is that when a 3PL provider has to serve several direct competitors, the information in relation to all of them should be kept confidential (Grover et al., 1994, p. 38; Lacity and Hirschheim, 1993a, p. 24). Other than cost, security and privacy are also considered as major concerns by many companies when outsourcing. Compatibility of information systems IT compatibility acts an essential role in logistics activities such as forecasting, order purchasing, inventory replenishment and life cycle management (Anand, 2010). According to Arshinder et al. (2007), the information system of the whole supply chain is expected to be compatible. A compatible information system means comprehensible data are quickly shared among the parties throughout the supply chain (Arshinder et al, 2007) while incompatibility will lead to costly and time consuming process because information, though can be shared as well, is rarely in synchronization. At present, it is difficult for information to seamlessly flow throughout the network as international logistics often includes some different transportation modes and carriers. Moreover, there are diverse IT systems in the different trading areas. For example, Europe adopts Administration, Commerce and Transportation (EDIFACT) standards for EDI systems while the US follows the standards of the American National Standards Institute (Rao Young, 1994). These difficulties in global supply chain have challenged 3PLs regarding how to capitalize the gap to provide a distinct competitive advantage. Reliability of information systems As one of the major industry focus in the global logistics market, the field of information systems paid special attention to user satisfaction as an important performance measure (Ives and Olson, 1984; Robey and Farrow, 1982). Bailey and Pearson (1983) have pointed out that reliability is one of the critical criteria of customer satisfaction. There could be many unknown increased reliability risk which result from two major sections of technology. One is that new technology innovations or adoptions of 3PL providers may have an unclear reliability performance. The other is that an existing technology may be applied to a new market with unknown increase failure rates (Collins, 2005). To fulfill the promised logistics service reliably and exactly, 3PL providers must identify and remove uncertainty involved with technology reliability performance. Human Resource (HR) Lack of expertise There is a tendency that firms desire to acquire the expertise from third-party logistics providers who possess particular local knowledge of customs and infrastructure of destination countries in such a growing global market (Razzaque Sheng, 1999). Although one of the drivers for companies to outsource is to acquire resources and logistics professionals (Selviaridis Spring, 2007), the results of the research conducted by Georgia Institute of Technology et al. (2009) show that many outsourcing users dont believe that 3PLs are in the capacity of strategic partners currently, 40% of shippers in the survey expect their 3PL service providers to continue focusing on execution, and a good many of them reckon that 3PL providers lack logistics expertise that would support users increasing outsourcing. Often-cited problems range from misunderstanding the demand of customers supply chain to inadequate professionals in given products and markets (Selviaridis Spring, 2007). In fact, customers are looking for 3PL providers that have expertise in multiple phases of the logistics process. An annual surveys of US 3PL firms indicates that company employee/expertise is regarded by CEOs as the most important asset of the company for business success in the competition, however those same CEOs also agree that currently the most critical problem facing 3PL companies as finding qualified people (Leib and Randall, 1996b). Different culture Almost all members in the supply chain, including third party, have their own company culture which is definitely different from each other (Babics, 2005). According to Pagell (2004), the capacity of how to harmonize its own internal culture with the external different cultures of its customers is one significant factor that 3PL providers should note in the integration of operational services in supply chains. Mckeon (1991) states that for both 3PL providers and their customers, understanding each others cultures and organizational structure is an essential factor to ensure a win-win outsourcing. Compatibility of culture and values is one of the keys to successful partnership which can result in long-term partnership (Qureshi et al, 2008). Culture conflicts often result in change orders, unexpected costs, and sometimes a negative impact on relationships (Kremic et al, 2006). In general, the ability of 3PL providers to understand the customer organizations culture is a basis for partnering. Inadequate education and training In order to remain competitive in the logistics market, 3PL providers have to be vigilant and agile to their customers needs, and continually seek to meet customer expectations as much as possible. Logistics executive should be aware that, due to rapid growth in the logistics industry, there could be a shortage of qualified logistics expertise (Yeung, 2006). Therefore, it is necessary for governments and educational services to allocate more resources, put logistics on formal curriculum, and provide more correlated training programs to fulfill the demand of the whole supply chain. The development of logistics, otherwise, might be constrained by lack of trained logistics personnel (Sum Teo, 1999). Ulengin and Uray (1999) indicate that in Turkey, senior management that is void of professional knowledge of logistics is the fundamental factor limiting the progress of logistics industry. Kerr (2005b) describes poor training as a black hole in China because neither the central government nor Chinas regulatory authorities do much to promote logistics training programs. Obviously, a firm with higher quality of human resources such as better education or training will have superior core competence in the market. Hence, it is imperative for 3PL service providers to offer more training programs to employees so that they can cope with competition in the future (Wang et al, 2006) Business Landscapes Globalization of 3PL market delivering service in new geographic regions The internationalization and globalization of 3PL providers has been boosted by the economies of scale and scope, by the internationalization and globalization of the competitors and by customer following i.e. the internationalization of manufacturing firms, which may demand that the service supplier provides a global network and/or global experience (Arvidsson, 1997, p.74). 3PL providers that take charge of their customers outsourced logistics function normally need to build up a logistics network to deal with the flow of the goods from the customers factory to the end customers (Cheong, 2004). In current global economic environment, manufacturing companies tend to establish partnerships with 3PL service providers and they desire to cooperate with some global freight forwarding companies (Lemoine et al, 2003). 3PL service providers with well-content characteristics, such as far geographical spread and wide range of services are popular among the shippers (Qureshi, 2007). As per Bottani and Rizzi (2006), companies favor the 3PL providers with wide range of advanced services more than those traditional ones which can offer mere single logistics functional service. However, supply chain requirement keep changing. Customer demand can change in spatial and temporal terms. In response to the shippers new requirement, 3PL service providers endeavor to extend service coverage geographically and to expand breadth of service so that they can fulfill the interest of their customers as an integrated logistics provider (Qureshi et al, 2008) Relationship with customers 3PL service providers are normally very concerned with the relationship with their customers because they attempt to establish a long-term one with the users (Cheong, 2004). Long-term customer relationships can enable 3PLs to provide more sophisticated services, reduce the risk of replacement, achieve more earnings, and avoid expense of developing new customer (Cahill, 2006). In addition, long-term relationship is built on the basis of mutual trust and sharing of risk and reward (Qureshi et al, 2008). Bothe shipper and 3PLs will benefit from such long-term relationship (Qureshi et al, 2008). Most of 3PL services users agree that logistics costs could decrease even more through strategic relationships with 3PL service providers. Langley et al. (2004) point out that the successful relationship with 3PL service providers will assist the users to achieve their major objective. Customer relationship management is necessary once a 3PL provider first establishes a relationship with a shipper. To keep customers satisfied and coming back, 3PL providers must demonstrate their capabilities and the value these capabilities provider to customers (Wisner et al, 2005). Third-party logistics service providers in China: China has become the most attractive country for more and more foreign investments, manufacturers, and retailers from all over the world, which results in the fast growth of the Chinese economy (Liu, 2008). Accordingly, the development of 3PL has been spurred in China and 3PL industry has achieved significant achievement. Currently, most logistics companies offer extensively various value-added services and have confidence in the continuous development of Chinas logistics industry. Many literatures have research the Chinese logistics area from diverse perspectives and some supply chain-related difficulties facing foreign 3PLs are identified. High transport cost It is not deniable that Chinese government has invested a lot in the logistics sector to improve traffic in recent years. However, poor transportation is still considered as one significant challenge for logistics industry in China, which may result in the increase in logistics cost and the decrease in company profits (Lau Zhang, 2006). Li Fung Research Center (2009) notes that the transportation occupies more than 50 percent of the total logistics cost in China, and undoubtedly the operation costs of 3PL service providers will still be ascending due to the price upswing of commodity and fuel. Another culprit is high local road tolls and other hefty transportation fees (Kerr, 2005b). Underdeveloped physical infrastructure Many MNCs find that it is difficult for them to implement coherent strategies in China because underdeveloped transportation system hinders their distribution and sourcing throughout the country (Speece and Yukiko, 1995). Although Chinas economy and industrial production have been developing rapidly, the current logistics system is loaded with new challenges as it can barely keep pace with the growth rate of economy (Carter et al, 1997). The undeveloped logistics infrastructure in China, including deficient highways, aged port facilities, and limited runways and airports, can hardly fulfill the growing logistics demand in the progress of new economy (Pollit, 1998). The insufficiencies of present distribution system have restricted foreign enterprises to immensely exploit the plenty opportunities in Chinas market (Goh and Ling, 2003). It is thus imperative that the distribution of products and services be supported by a reliable transportation system. The need for guanxi Literally, guanxi means relationship. It is noted that Chinese culture is quite distinct from Western culture in numerous aspects, including the way to conduct business (Jiang and Prater, 2003). Guanxi, which is an important concept for successful business in China, refer to relationship between people (Michailova and Worm, 2003). It suggests a conveyable, reciprocal, invisible and useful responsibility to dyadic personal relationships (Luo, 2000). It is not surprising that Chinese prefer to deal with people they know and trust. As Wang et al. (2003) indicated, guanxi which is created on the basis of mutually beneficial can lower risk as well as competition in business circles. Millington et al. (2006) also state that when looking for satisfying vendors, guanxi is more useful than other information from website, trade market or media. This implies that the knowledge and expertise to understand local circumstance and the communication skill with foreigners are absolutely necessary for establishment of a successful cooperation (Lightfoot and Almeida, 2007). Government regulation Kerr (2006) identifies that government regulation is still 3PL providers biggest challenge. The development of 3PL in China is obstructed by some barriers such as underdeveloped infrastructure and entrenched regulatory circumstance (Lau Zhang, 2006). In the meantime, various regulations set up by different provinces forcefully influence business activities so that the founding of national networks is hindered (Kerr, 2005). It also has made it difficult for 3PL providers in China to fully meet the requirements of their clients. Moreover, there are many regulations and rules for foreign 3PL providers who plan to enter China logistics market. According to Lai and Hsu (2007), foreign 3PL providers must apply for the class A license issued by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation (MOFTERC) if they plan to establish subsidiaries as international freight forwarders in China. A survey conducted by Li Fung Research Center (2009) also identifies that the regulations and policies associated with logistics industry are not unalterable because the government will supervise the execution and analyze the effect of the existing ones and then will formulate new ones accordingly to boost the growth of the industry. It is true that a number of government departments which are involved in policies related to logistics industry have impact on the rhythm of changing regulation (KPMG, 2008). Local 3PL providers Chinas local logistics providers have been growing rapidly because foreign firms are increasingly looking to source there. To contend with foreign logistics providers, domestic companies have to upgrade facilities and enhance their service level (KPMG, 2008). Jiang and Prata (2002) indicate that in contrast with foreign 3PL entrants, local players are always in the close association with local or central governments. For instance, Sinatrans is a state owned company and is the only 3PL service provider in China who can provide a nationwide logistics service with full license. The authors also mention that a number of local 3PL providers at regional level have their own special strength in specific areas or specific business. Some of them even look for individual connection built directly with government officials which may be valuable in their daily business. Literature review summary This section has reviewed the literature ranging from some fundamental definitions of outsourcing and 3PL, to challenges for 3PL industry globally and especially in China which represents the current situation foreign 3PL providers are facing in China. In table 2.1, we summarize the above referred articles in each of the focus challenges.