Soc101 Refection Paper. Department Of Economic Social

SOC101 REFECTION PAPER DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SOCIAL SCIENCES BRAC UNIVERSITY Submitted to: Meheri Tamanna Senior Lecturer BRAC University Submitted by: Group members: ID: 1. Arnisha Khandakar - 2. Ferdousi Rahman - 15201004 3. Tanzia Ahmed - 4. Jdgh 5. Dghd ‘Made in Bangladesh’ is an episode from the CBC TV series, ‘The Fifth Estate’ that attempts to investigate the tragic Rana Plaza accident. The crew led by Mark Kelley and ex-designer for Walmart, Sujit Sennik discovers a ledger pulled from the rubble that they use to piece together clues of how the supply chain for Canadian retailers work. From the information available, they figured out that the fast fashion industry was well-aware that they†¦show more content†¦In the race to the bottom, as Mark promptly points out, when price is a priority, workers’ safety is not. However, due to wide unemployment and lack of alternatives in Bangladesh, the workers are ready to work for wages that are next-to-nothing. These workers or proletariats, according to Karl Marx, who have nothing to offer but their labor, are boldly exploited by the bourgeoisie, the owners, to accumulate profits for themselves, disregarding the poor condition of the workers. It al so agrees with the conflict view that offshoring leads to further global inequality and the case in question clearly provides an empirical evidence for the argument. Barry however deserves appraisal because unlike his competitor giants, he cares about his workers, paying them three times the minimum wage and checking up on them every few months. In the document,when the CEO of Joe Fresh, Joe Mimran was interviewed about their responsibility in the Rana Plaza tragedy, he mentions how they can be a force of good for development of countries such as Bangladesh through their globalization scheme and shows little concern for the workers that died in the tragedy. He is also well-aware of the less stringent environmental standards in Bangladesh and how toxic pollutants from the factories are dumped into rivers – but again, he shows little concern for that. Although it is true that the garment industry has

Charlie Fish Free Essays

The wife did nothing. I would say that he is the protagonist in the story, because he is doing nothing wrong, the only thing he does is to think evil thoughts. The protagonist is usually the â€Å"good† guy in the story and the main character. We will write a custom essay sample on Charlie Fish or any similar topic only for you Order Now I wouldn’t say he is good, because he have intentions to kill his wife, but in the end it ‘s her who is the antagonist and let him die. D: Typical for the crime genre is that there often is a crime or someone who breaks the law. For example the woman in the story is breaking the law by not helping her husband, and as it says on the last line â€Å"l fall to the floor. My wife Just sits there, watching. † The main character is often a police officer(the good guy) or a criminal(the bad gay), in our story you could say the main character is both. He’s a bad guy inside, but â€Å"behave† on the outside. The tension also plays a major role and there is also often plot twist in the crime genre. In the story we as readers had an idea that he non will kill his wife, but in the end it is her who kills him, it’s called a plot twist and the tension is built up. I think It’s a good story, because the excitement Is built up and It does not end as expected. The author manages to build something up, although the story Is so short. Charlie Fish By Cannonaded â€Å"Death by Scrabble† by Charlie Fish is a story a husband and his wife. It’s the hottest angry at his wife, so angry that he would beat his wife to death. He is Just waiting for he right time. The words they put down on the board, begins to happen in reality. When he puts the word â€Å"QUAKE† down, and she thereafter put â€Å"DEATH†, it all starts to shake and the man gets a piece stuck in his throat, which he had hidden in his intentions to kill his wife, but in the end it’s her who is the antagonist and let him I think it’s a good story, because the excitement is built up and it does not end as expected. The author manages to build something up, although the story is so short. How to cite Charlie Fish, Papers

Contribution of the Small Business Sector to the Uk Economy free essay sample

What can be defined as a small business depends on various factors of which two are vital: the industry segment and market in which the business runs. There have been many attempts to define the small business. For example the Bolton Committee (1971) came to conclusion that there should be: †¢statistical definition the size is important factor (number of employees and annual turnover or value of assets), and †¢economic definition qualitative measure of small business. This is explained more in detail in the Table 1 and Table 2 on the next page. Table 1 – Bolton’s statistical definition of small business The Statistical definitions Manufacturing200 employees or less Construction, mining and quarrying25 employees or less Retail and miscellaneous servicesTurnover of ? 50 000 or less Motor tradesTurnover of ? 100 000 or less Wholesale TradesTurnover of ? 200 000 or less Road transport5 vehicles or less CateringAll excluding multiple and brewery managed houses Source: Deakins, D. and Freel, M. (2003) Entrepreneurship and small firms Table 2 – Bolton’s economic definition of small business The Economic definition Small firms are those which: 1. We will write a custom essay sample on Contribution of the Small Business Sector to the Uk Economy or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Have a relatively small share of their market place 2. Are managed by owners or part-owners in a personalised way, and not through the medium of formalised management structure 3. Are independent, in the sense of not being part of a large enterprise Source: Deakins, D. and Freel, M. (2003) Entrepreneurship and small firms European Commission (EC) considers any entity regardless of its legal form but engaged in economic activity to be an enterprise, Deakins and Freel (2003). To overcome issues around identifying a definition for small business in particular, EC has decided to use the phrase small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs), and it includes micro enterprise, small enterprise and medium enterprise altogether. To be classed as SME business must have less than 250 employees and must meet one of other two factors: †¢Annual revenue (turnover) must not exceed 50 million euro, or †¢Annual balance sheet total must not exceed 43 million euro. This is to ensure that all SMEs get fair treatment independent on the environment and type of the economy they operate in. More in detail the new definition from 2005 by European Union is explained in Table 3. Table 3 – EU SMEs definition Source: Storey, D. J. and Greene, F. J. (2010) Small Business and Entrepreneurship UK generally accepts the EU definition from 2005 and to be in line with it Euro values are converted to Sterling Pound. The Companies Act 2006 however, for the need of accounting requirements, has its own definition (sections 382 and 465), UCL (2012). According to this a medium size company has 250 employees or less, with turnover of ? 25. 9 million or less and balance sheet total of under ? 12. million, where as a small company has 50 members of staff or less, with annual turnover of ? 6. 5million or less and balance sheet total of no more than ? 3. 26 million. There is no mention of micro size business in this. There is also a definition that divides small and medium businesses relating to Value Added Taxation (VAT) registration, as every company must be registered for VAT if the y meet a threshold. This is a relative measure of business population as it is sensitive to changes of thresholds. For the UK it is currently at ? 77 000, the highest registration threshold in the EU, Seely (2012). Many other definitions of SMEs can be found as many different organisations and bodies in the UK come up with their own definitions to suit their purposes. Different countries also have their own definitions: in USA and Canada small business can have up to 500 employees, in Germany limit is 255 employees, while in Belgium it is 100 employees. Overall, everybody agrees that SMEs are companies whose employee headcount or annual turnover falls below certain threshold, as well as that it must be autonomous. In 1924 Census of Production data started being published periodically and this is considered to be the oldest reliable source of statistical information on SMEs. This data was very much imperfect mainly for the reason that it was referring only to the manufacturing sector, Storey and Green (2010). Earliest records show that 45 per cent of employment within the manufacturing segment was coming from small business establishments. In 1960s and 1970s it decreased to only 30 per cent. Reasons are of political nature. There was an evident dominance by large firms of the economy during the mid and late twentieth century. Large factories were the main suppliers of resources needed during and after World War 1 and World War 2 because of the fact that mass-production carries lower costs. In the 1960s there was a growth of socialism and labour party found it was easier to politically control larger businesses and nationalised industries than small ones, so there wasn’t much room for SMEs to develop in those circumstances, Carter and Jones-Evans (2012). For about two decades 60 per cent of manufacturing was covered by government committees running large business establishments. It was believed that large businesses were the future and that small companies will fade away with time. Things started to change a little bit when United Kingdom joined the European Community in 1973, as Government power was somewhat restricted by European policies. Big changes, however, started to happen with Thatcher’s Government (1979-1991), when previously nationalised industries were privatised again. It was the first Government in the UK to promote self-employment and, consequently, increase in self-employment was noted, Storey and Green (2010). Other reasons, apart from the political support, were big development of new technologies in 1980s, evolution of service sector and increase of competitiveness, which altogether contributed to the restructure in labour market and changes in business practice. The number of small and medium enterprises increased from 2. 3 million in 1979 to 4. 8 million at the beginning of 2012, Carter and Jones-Evans (2012). Although the Government doesn’t develop small businesses, entrepreneurs do, it has got a reflective effect on how they operate and their opportunities to rise and develop further. Carter and Jones-Evans (2012) mention three key magnitudes of government role: †¢Government acts as a regulator (standardizes legal forms, sets rules and limits as well as regulations of customer protection, licensing and environment related issues), †¢Government acts as economic agent (controls taxes, charges, debts and spends), †¢Government acts as strategic planner and promoter (offers grants, loans, support and guidance). USA was first to recognise the extent of the importance of SMEs and it is believed this is the exact reason for the higher development of their economy comparing to other parts of the world. UK and Europe are trying to follow footsteps of the USA and they are making efforts to encourage entrepreneurship. The first EU document that recognised entrepreneurship as the driver of the economy was The Green-Paper in 1984, ec. europa. eu (2012). Ever since there was a growing interest in this subject and it is becoming more of priority to ensure means and support for people willing to get involved as a way for unemployment to be reduced. Different policies are established to promote entrepreneurship. There are many established organisations in the current environment offering their services for this purpose throughout the UK. The major national financial package available to small businesses and offered by Government is the Small Firm Loan Guarantee Scheme (SFLGS), which was started in 1983 but became more significant in late 2000s. Enterprise Allowance Scheme and Business Start-up Scheme were also set up in 1980s, Carter and Jones-Evans (2012). UK Business Angels is another strong association of now days running in the UK that offers funds in early stages of setting-up a business through external third party investments. But obtaining funds isn’t the main concern that people who decide to set-up their own business have, as many surveys on SMEs revealed. They are more worried about the economic stability and this is what they want the Government to ensure, Storey (1994). Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) comes to place here, as their primary purpose is to create the best conditions for the growth of private sector, BIS (2012). General aim of Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) is to explore on the national level the extents of the connection between the economic growth and entrepreneurship. There are expressions of growing interest by GEM in the importance of women’s enterprise. The data from UK’s Annual Population and Labour Force Surveys is historical evidence that there has always been around half of self-employed women comparing to the number of self-employed man, Storey and Green (2010). Table 4 contains extracted cells from the Annual Population Survey published by Office for National Statistics, NOMISweb (2012), for the purpose of this report, relating to self-employment by gender. Table 4 – Self-employment by the gender, Annual Population Survey 2012, NOMISResource: NOMIS website, (2012) It shows that there is only 5. 6 per cent of self-employed women comparing to 13. per cent of men in 2012, which is even less than in past. This topic has received very little attention until the 1980s. Since then, more and more research is being done to try and understand the circumstances surrounding this matter, with the hope that it would produce results in a higher rate of start-ups by women. Another interesting fact is that even with all the effor ts that the Government is doing to educate and target young people to get involved, the proportion of over 45 year old self-employed people has increased instead, Storey and Green (2010). Table 5 shows that small and medium enterprises accounted for 99. 9 per cent of total 4. 8 million private businesses, while employing 59. 1per cent of people out of 23. 9 million in private sector and generating a turnover of ? 1 500 billion, which is about the half of the total private sector’s revenue (48. 8 per cent precisely). 99. 2 per cent of these businesses had less than 50 employees. It is very important to highlight that 74. 2 per cent of private companies had 0 employees and consisted of owner only (3. 6 million out of 4. 8 million businesses), White (2012). Self-employment is a massive factor and big opportunity for creating new jobs and more attention should be appointed to that direction. The private sector has increased by 38. 6 per cent coming up to its highest level since year 2000 when the comparable data started to be recorded. The number of SMEs in this period has increased by 38. 7 per cent giving them all the recognition for the improvement, while the number of large enterprises decreased by 10. 2 per cent for the same time. These figures prove the great role they have in the economy’s growth as they take most of the credit for the progress of the private sector, White (2012). Only 44. 7 per cent of businesses are registered for VAT, more than half aren’t as their turnover is less than ? 77 000 a year, Seely (2012). Disadvantages for SMEs are, because of their size, they have no influence on the environment and very much depend on it, which is why they are surrounded by a very high element of risk of market failure. On their own they can’t have an impact on the Government policies. They specialise on a high level in certain products or services and have a close connection with their customers, as they rest principally on local loyalty. Most often they are run by their owners who are more focused on a short term endurance and cash, so they must be able to be flexible and respond quickly to changes. Fees for setting-up a business are not little. On rare occasions they are funded by external equity, because of much higher interest rates they are required to pay comparing to large companies, so the most common funds used are owner’s savings and short term loans. Because of it, there is a general concern that their restricted means may slow down their expansion as they might have less contact with new technologies and innovations. Therefore, it becomes more and more Government’s priority to give them guidance and financial support. As mentioned earlier, there are many organisations in the UK offering this kind of service to encourage starting own business and reduce the unemployment to ensure economic, social and political security. SME’S BY THE REGIONS IN THE UK The entrepreneurship policy has got a large domain that incorporates activity at a few elevations of government, from local to national to international level, Huggins and Williams (2009). As a culture is seen to be a central role to development of local entrepreneurship, it isn’t a surprise that there are substantial differences in economic performance across regions within nations. The subnational level is an important dimension for SMEs in particular, because they are very neatly related to the local environment and the community, which they critically depend on. Different regions have different culture, therefore have different needs, as well as different resources, possibilities and opportunities. Space, place and local environment play a big part. This is where difference in regional and local business start-up rates and the rate of success of those businesses comes from. This is considered to be a positive factor as it encourages competition between the regions, and competitiveness is the important element for economy growth. Regions compete by achieving high levels of innovation and upgrading and developing new business ideas. Business population estimates (BPE) for the UK and regions, statistical release by BIS (2012), suggests that out of estimated 4. 8 million private sector businesses in the UK at the beginning of the year 2012, 86. per cent were in England (around 4. 2 million). Table 6 – Number of businesses in the UK private sector, by UK region and country, start of 2012 (figures representing thousands). Source: White, S. (2012) Business population estimates for the UK and regions 2012 The information presented in Table 6 has been extracted out of BPE 2012 and it shows that London alone had 806 000 businesses leading the way with 16. 7 per cent of total number in the UK. South East had the next largest number, accounting for 15. 7 per cent of total, while North East had the lowest share of businesses in England. Northern Ireland with 114 000 was at the bottom of UK’s league. A big variation of entrepreneurship on local levels is detectable. Interesting thing to mention, Storey and Green (2010) collected statistical data which shows that positions of mentioned regions were pretty much static over a 30 year period, with London always being at the top and the North East always at the bottom. One of the reasons for some locations gaining competitive advantage over others and growing at a faster rate is that not all locations manage to change in line with changes in the economy. Also, successful cities are more attractive for innovative people who are seeking for an opportunity, and this helps further growth of already developed region. Competitiveness varies depending on different drivers of growth, but it is seen to be the key for the entrepreneurship, Sautet and Kirzner (2006). SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS Although there is no a single definition used to describe them, the Small and Medium Enterprises in the UK are considered to be the ones with less than 250 employees. This report highlighted evident indications of enormous importance of SMEs to the UK’s economy through historical evidence and current facts from statistical data. They present 99. 9 per cent of total number of businesses in private sector, while employing nearly 60 per cent of private sector’s staff and taking nearly a half of its annual revenue at the same time. They can be fragile, as they are in more danger of market failure than large companies and very dependable on immediate environment, but that didn’t prevent their growth with numbers doubling over the past 30 years. They are drivers of the competition, innovation and the economy development and they are seen to be a solution for the growth of the economy and source of new job creation. Many factors were mentioned that affect SMEs in both good and bad ways, but overall the clear message is that they do need a lot of Government’s help. Many organisations and associations now days are available to ensure support and guidance they require, some of them are named earlier in the report. Local differences encourage competition between regions and this contributes to growth of the entrepreneurship. But there is uncertainty that comes from the economic instability day to day and high fees and charges they need to pay. As the way forward the Government should find a way to inspire more women and younger population in general to use their skills in a productive manner and start their own business, because there lays a big opportunity. It should also look in maybe changing some policies to reduce costs of starting-up businesses and find ways to release more resources and grants to make the process easier for people who have potential and want to do it, but simply can’t afford it.

Untitled Essay Research Paper In the Heart free essay sample

Untitled Essay, Research Paper In the Heart of Darkness, it is really easy to bury what is existent and what is civilized. The studs that Marlow negotiations approximately, to repair his boat, are really symbolic of his demand to go riveted to world. Marlow feels that he is stealing into savageness from what he sees around him. In the narrative, The Heart of Darkness, by Joseph Conrad, there is a all right line between civilisation and savageness and Marlow needs the studs to assist him happen himself in his ain psyche or where his ain world is. The tusk is another object that causes savageness. The people are seeking to happen this tusk, but they are merely acquiring themselves deeper into the Heart of Darkness, deeper into savageness, and further off from civilisation. Marlow is in the Hear of Darkness. Nothing in it is civilized. It is merely natural for a individual to get down turning towards savageness if he or she is surrounded by it. We will write a custom essay sample on Untitled Essay Research Paper In the Heart or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This is why Marlow speaks about the studs. He says, # 8220 ; What I truly wanted was studs, by Eden! Rivets. To acquire on with the work-to halt the hole. Studs I wanted. # 8221 ; He doesn # 8217 ; t really want studs for his boat. He wants studs for hello s life to maybe salvage whatever sanity he has left. The nightmares and the things he sees are making him lose touch with reality. Mr. Kurtz is a perfect example of losing touch with reality. He is insane from being in the Heart of Darkness. He is a very intelligent man, a â€Å"universal genius.† He is just no longer civilized. Marlow says, â€Å"and rivets were what really Mr. Kurtz wanted, if he had only known it.† If Mr. Kurtz had the rivets, he would have been able to leave the Heart of Darkness and escape from the savagery and insanity, which had taken over him later in the story. The ivory also causes savagery. Ivory symbolizes the only sanity that is in all the darkness. It causes people to kill animals and people just so they can have a sense of reality, but all it does is make them more savage. â€Å"The only real feeling was a desire to get appointed to a trading post where ivory was to be had.† Marlow has a desire to have some light in the middle of darkness. He has a desire for civilization. As one can see, the rivets and the ivory both cause savagery and insanity. These objects determine what side of that fine line Marlow stands in.

Managing Decisions Essay

Managing Decisions Essay Managing Decisions Essay Contents Explanation of the Business Proposal 2 Business Objectives 2 Market Analysis 2 Financial Viability 3 Competitor Analysis 3 Operational Aspects 4 Identification of the Factors Influencing the Viability of your Business Proposal 5 Influence Diagram 5 Analysis of the Decision Making Methods 6 Influence Diagram 6 Project Management and use of Project Plans 6 Financial Modelling 7 Sensitivity Analysis 7 Conclusion 8 Appendices 9 Explanation of the Business Proposal The business opportunity we chose was 'Monster Sandwich' - a small sandwich business operating from mobile trailers, targeting the local (Sheffield) student market, also providing drinks and snacks to complement the sandwiches we sell. We chose this idea due to the knowledge and experience the group shared in the small and medium business sector, we saw a gap in the market for mobile trading and we believed it would suit our style of operating and team work. We're all students living in Sheffield and visit cafà ©s and delis on a regular basis as well as purchasing meal deals from the local supermarkets. Business Objectives Our short term objectives include capturing a proportion of the student market in Sheffield and hopefully gain market share in Sheffield's sandwich market. This will include selling sandwiches in and around the city centre at the majority of student-orientated areas. Medium term objectives are to establish our business in the market and gain a loyal customer base across Sheffield and the main areas of operation including both Hallam and University campuses. Hopefully we will be able to cater for more exclusive events such as Tramlines in the summer, increasing our brand image. Long term objectives are to acquire another Van and expand the staff numbers, as well as competing heavily with the smaller cafà ©s for market share and operating in a number of new locations. Our staff base would have to increase if we acquired another van, this would allow us to exploit the locational advantage further, such as trading across 3 areas 12am-3am. Market Analysis Our target market will be the local student population, offering them a healthy and filling meal at a low price. We will have meal deals on daily as well as specials available for them. There are over 30,000 students in Sheffield and the main locations they visit are in and around the city centre as well as both Universities, so our mobile vans will be able to tap into the high level of potential demand. Also, as there is little loyalty from students towards businesses such as Sainsbury's or Subway we will be able to gain sales by just having the prime location at heavily demanded times; 9am lectures, 12pm-2pm, 4pm-6pm and 12am-3am. We will be positioned in the main areas across the two University campuses; City (Howard Street), Collegiate (Collegiate Crescent), University of Sheffield (Ranmoor and Endcliffe Student villages), as well as City Hall, West Street, Carver Street and outside Leadmill and Plug (Night clubs). This will be key to our business opportunity, as we will be in coordination with the students' daily routine and possibly, eating habits. Advertisement is crucial for all new businesses, particularly among students as they are bombarded with adverts for "new and improved" business ideas daily. We must stand out and have an immediate impact; advertise heavily to fresher's (First Years) as these are the easiest to influence as well as international students and other undergraduates. The more they are aware of the business, its prices, products and promotions, the more likely they will spread this information by word-of-mouth, which is an asset to any business. Financial Viability When looking at the financial viability of the business opportunity we all agreed to place  £5,000 of our own savings into Monster Sandwich, totalling  £20,000. Also, to secure a bank loan of  £5,000 each which would give us  £40,000 to start up the business across two

Juvenile crime prevention Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Juvenile crime prevention - Assignment Example LifeSkills ® Training is a classroom-based prevention program which is aimed at reducing the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and drugs by young people aged 11-18 (Crime Solutions, 2014). The program is appropriate for both genders. The content of the program meets the demands of white population only. The content of the program has several important aims. It promotes healthy lifestyle, teaches student social and personal skills which can be helpful and provides a good background for social resistance to unhealthy behavior. The program has 5 components which include self-improvement, coping with anxiety, decision-making, social skills training and cognitive components. Stress on these 5 components influences young people complexly. After the program cigarette, alcohol and drug use among students drops. They become aware about the consequences of their actions and can resist peer-pressure which is common in any community (Crime Solutions, 2014). The National Health Promotion Associat es   provides appropriate training for all people who want to participate in this program in their community.   Positive outcomes of the program make it very popular in different educational establishments for youth. These two programs are different in their content, target audience and strategies. LifeSkills ® increases awareness among youth and teaches them t make right choices in their lives. Both programs are proved to be effective in juvenile justice for crime and delinquency prevention (Crime Solutions, 2014).

Theories of White Collar Crime Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Theories of White Collar Crime - Essay Example Objectives of white-collar crime are considered as financial gain and organizational success. White-collar crime is committed by persons in high social positions who do so as part of their jobs. They do not involve violence and mostly are money related, and this may include embezzlement, business fraud, and bribery. The theory of conflict theory looks at the types of crime committed by two classes’ in the society. Members of the elite are more likely to commit such crimes as compared to the working class who are more likely o commit crimes like robbery, assault, and murder (Clinard, 2010). White-collar crimes are usually had to prosecute and catch and sometimes hard to identify. White-collar criminals use their power to avoid prosecution. People in power make rules and laws to benefit themselves. The conflict theory in relation to deviance when such people are accused of such crime they usually have the means and power to hire accountants ,lawyers, and people to help them avoid prosecution and may be referred to as deviant. The society itself believes that all laws are fair and are applied fairly, and, therefore, the society does not dwell on the fact that such laws can be unfairly applied, or it might be just. The differential association is a theory that deals with a white-collar crime that explains that behaviors are based on association and interaction with others. Edwin Sutherland proposed this theory (Friedrichs, 2009). This means that through interaction with other people learn values, motives and techniques that form criminal is behavior. It predicts that individuals can choose a criminal path when law abiding is lesser than law-breaking when it comes to rules. However, this theory fails to note that even with association and interaction people can be independent, individually motivated, and rational and, therefore, can avoid criminal behavior. The rational choice theory explains on both