Senseo Creating Competitiveness through an International Alliance

Introduction For the last one decade, Senseo has been an important contributor to the coffee appliances business. The company breakthrough in coffee pod machine has enabled consumers to make quality coffee faster than before (Hollensen, 2010, p.140). Small size and ease of use from Senseo system helps in making the necessary coffee cup. Many households today rely on Senseo automated coffee pod machine.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Senseo: Creating Competitiveness through an International Alliance specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The company highlights the coffee pod machine and coffee pods as the ensuing unique value adds in the current global market. These are products that can rapidly obtain, analyze and take action on real-time data inputs. For the products such as coffee pods, Senseo is a market leader in many European countries while it also serves other foreign markets in America continent. The unce rtainties associated with each market are different and part of the Senseo story. The constant adaptation of products and business strategies are defining features of Senseo as a business. This is an important accomplishment of the firm especially when it comes to international expansion. The stiff competition in the global coffee market suggests the need for strategic entry into foreign markets in order to increase the market share (Hollensen, 2010, p.142). Beginning with the development of the patented coffee machine and brewing process in 2001 and extending to Senseo one-of-a-kind coffee ponds, international marketing initiatives have been considered by Senseo as the key to business success. The international alliance between Philips and Douwe Egberts is not just incremental gain but performance gain of an order of magnitude. Concurrently, Senseo has long invested in international market expansion which is another imperative part of this case. Senseo is the result of the partners hip between electronics expert Philips and coffee roaster Douwe Egberts both of which have a degree of autonomy (Hollensen, 2010, p.139). Royal Philips Electronics is based in Netherlands while Douwe Egberts is based in Denmark.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Both of these firms have expanded internationally with substantial brand recognition across the world. This case study is focused on the competitive advantage created through this alliance and the spirit of expansion is reflected in the performance of Senseo in presence of determined competitors. Global market environment The global coffee products market is becoming increasingly saturated. This is because of the increasing number of companies which are venturing into the industry. One of the factors that are contributing to this rapid growth is the increasing distribution of me-too products. This section gives a comprehensive of the coffee products market environment through PEST analysis. PEST analysis Political factors In order for Senseo to operate in the international market, it went through an important strategic alliance. This process of partnering exposed the company to various political factors across different economies. Government stability is a major factor that affects the company business. According to Cavusgil et al (2009), firms intending to enter new market encounter country risks including political risk which refers to the stability of the target country government. Expansion to these markets put the company under these political risks. The success of Senseo in many European countries can be attributed to the political stability of these countries. Thus the firm should reconsider this issue when entering emerging markets in future. In addition, governmental trade laws and regulation are key factors influencing Senseo international business. Between 2001 and 2007, the compa ny success was accelerated by the patented pod machine (Hollensen, 2010, p.141). However, the ccompany has to cope with new environments where such laws do not apply. There are also different intellectual property rights within these environments though Senseo can take the advantage of the alliance as the basis to mitigate any risk associated. Export laws affect the business in that Douwe Egberts has to abide with such legal requirements when exporting the coffee used to make coffee pods.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Senseo: Creating Competitiveness through an International Alliance specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Economic The potential markets for Senseo products include the developed and emerging markets. In fact, the economic situation in the European countries where the company operates in terms of monetary issues is a major factor that drives Senseo. The economic trends in home countries of the par tners have also impacted on the business significantly. For instance, it has been reported that one third of the Dutch households own a Senseo machine and the number is expected to increase (Hollensen, 2010, p.140). This is partly because the country is economically stable and individual income is relatively high. Moreover, the fact that Senseo is operating in emerging markets such as the Chinese market suggests the influence of economic factors in these economies. According to Fedorova and Vaihekoski (2009), the major sources of risks in emerging markets are market segmentation and fluctuations in exchange rates (p.6). Single serve brewing concept is expected to impact most developing markets where disposable income has not reached sustainable level (Hollensen, 2010, p.138). Therefore, the economic growth in these markets will be a key driver of Senseo business in future. Socio-cultural factors International business are affected by changes in social environment either positively o r negatively (Baron, 2005, p.207). Senseo operates in several markets with varying social and cultural preferences. Cavusgil et al (2009) connote that cross cultural risk is a key challenge for internationalizing firms. The fact that European consumers have a special attachment to coffee is a major drive for success in the industry. Coffee is consumed daily by all members in a typical European family. Essentially, the international growth of Senseo can be directly related to increasing demand of a faster way to make a cup of coffee. Furthermore, the population has been increasing throughout the decade leading to increase in coffee consumption (De Mooij, 2010, p.71). The new generation is looking for the easiest and convenient lifestyle thus embracing new technologies with both hands. For Senseo and other coffee pod machine marketers, this group forms the largest segment.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Indeed, the typical owner of such a machine is 40 years or below suggesting the significance of the younger generations (Hollensen, 2010, p.140). Therefore, it appears that the high birth rates in potential markets are a factor that can influence the industry as long as it meets the expected lifestyle standards. Technological factors In the last one decade the world has experienced massive technological developments. These changes have been part of the success factors for Senseo. Senseo coffee pod machine is a technological breakthrough that has built consumer intimacy. The company has also sort to differentiate the products through the adoption of new technologies for their products as reflected in the new model machine. Competitors such as Nestle and Melitta Unternehmensgruppe Bents KG have continued to introduce new machines with added technological features. Thus, the competition is somehow based on the technological capability of individual firms. Strategic fit analysis The mar ket environment indicates that Senseo is faced by a number of opportunities and challenges. For instance, the analysis shows that there is a high probability of the company experiencing an increment in the intensity of competition. On the other hand, economic stability and growth coupled with social trends represents an opportunity for Senseo to increase market share and profitability. The high rate of technological innovation presents an opportunity for Senseo to improve the competitive advantage through production of faster and high quality coffee pod machines. However, this is achieved when the company focuses on the core competencies and strengths to exploit the emerging opportunities while converting the weaknesses into strengths (Spence Kale, 2011). Core competencies According to Hitt, Ireland and Hoskisson (2011), firms’ core competencies refer to the capabilities that form the accruing source of competitive advantage (p.82). Johnson, Scholes and Whittington (2008) ar e of the opinion that for a company capability to be considered as a core competency, it should be inimitable, unique, non-substitutable and valuable (p.4). In all operations, Senseo has managed to create a number of core competencies. First, Senseo has developed strong brands that have successfully penetrated the international market. The company has achieved this by forming a strategic business alliance with two important firms. The strong brand is accompanied by the strong brands of individual companies that form the alliance. As noted, creating an overall identity that transparently links coffee and appliance as part of single system and building consumer intimacy around this was the crucial building block to success (Hollensen, 2010, p.140). Secondly, Senseo has built a strong management team to suit the internationalization strategy. As Cavusgil et al (2008) noted the fundamental challenge facing the organizations entering international markets is centered on solving manageria l problems in these markets (p.5). Thus, the success of the company is directly connected to good management. Furthermore, the key people involved in managing such an alliance must have the personal skills to make it a success. SWOT analysis Strength To survive in the international market, it is vital to build a competitive advantage (Harrison John, 2009, p.61). Among the ways through which a firm can achieve this is by improving important strengths. In business operations Senseo has developed a strong brand image due to the effectiveness in designing and producing high quality coffee pod machines. The company has invested heavily on RD such that they produce new products ahead of market competitors. With characteristics of a strategic asset-seeking investment, Senseo has been able to promote long-term goals by reaping the advantages of the two partners (Dunning Lundan, 2008, p.73). The implementation of effective technology enables the company to produce high quality products. Th is satisfies the needs and wants of the consumers in the target markets especially those in European and American countries. Weaknesses The major weakness for Senseo is the narrowed focus on Eastern Europe markets. Cavusgil et al (2009) highlight the importance of market research before a firm decides to enter foreign market. But, Senseo demonstrates failure in this respect as their target market is primarily European countries while other countries could promise better performance. In addition, Senseo has very few products in their portfolio which suggests limited market segments. Coffee appliances are many and the company should attempt to widen the product portfolio and probably enhance their competitive advantage. Opportunities The social changes being experienced in many countries present an opportunity to Senseo. For instance, the growth in population presents an opportunity for the company to increase the current customer base. In addition, the economic growth in some countri es is an opening to new markets. Emerging markets are said to offer greater market development opportunities than those in developed countries but with the offer of higher returns comes higher risks (Cavusgil et al, 2008). The high rate of technological innovation also presents an opportunity for Senseo to enhance global competitiveness. This arises from the fact that the company will be able to develop high quality coffee pod machines (Economist Intelligence Unit Limited, 2009, p.10). Threats Senseo faces intense competition from other multinational companies such as Nestle, Melitta, Tchibo and Aldi (Varga, 2010, p.5). The future success of the firm is threatened by the fact that these companies are also diversifying their products. Therefore, consumer bargaining power in international markets is increasing due to the wide range of products available for them. In addition, Senseo is threatened by low-cost followers from china who must enter the industry in future (Tsui Lau, 2002). In as much as the firm differentiates through the alliance, the low cost followers will never be discouraged as long as new technologies are in place. There could be the fear of the followers developing cheap coffee pod machines that consumers would consider to be better. More interesting is that the followers begin by entering the emerging markets on their way up while Senseo approach these markets from the top. Therefore, the firm is threatened by saturated markets in those emerging markets if the foreign investment comes at a later stage. Creating international competitiveness through core competences Product development has been a long-term priority for Senseo. When the company focused on coffee products to support market entry it needed to create value to customer through innovation and high quality products. In 2001 the company developed the first coffee pod machine that was geared towards the use of coffee pods produced by Douwe Egberts (Hollensen, 2010, p.140). As the machi ne was patented, Senseo was able to increase the market share due to the high demand of the product. Indeed, the company was able to sell more than 15 million coffee machines and more than 8 billion coffee pods in the first seven years (Hollensen, 2010, p.140). According to Uppsala model, the company gradually increased and intensified activities in neighboring markets as the demand increased. By mid-2007 it was estimated that the company sold over five million coffee pod machines in Germany. Currently, Senseo business depends on innovation as patents were revoked in many market environments. Competitors keep on bringing new products into the market thus forcing the company to heavily invest on RD. In 2007 the company launched a new model-the Senseo New Generation-with novel mechanism to accommodate larger cups and new features including insufficient water indicators, larger water reservoir and options allowing users to adjust water quantity (Hollensen, 2010, p.142). This breakthrou gh is a result of the strategic alliance that enables the company to control the development of both coffee pod machines and the coffee pods. The success of a strategic alliance depends on the benefits perceived by each partner especially if their brands are already recognized. In this regard, Senseo had to leverage the equity in the partnering brands in order to give credibility to the new brand (Hollensen, 2010, p.141). While competition may lead to adverse factors like reduced prices of the products, a partnership can succeed by relying on mutual performance (Wallace, 2001, p.859). For instance, when the prices of coffee pod machines went below production costs Senseo continues to succeed as the losses in machine sales are compensated by the profits from coffee sales. Internationalization Hollensen (2010) identifies three models that can define how organizations enter foreign markets namely network, transaction cost and Uppsala models. These models may depend on factors like the type of business; the nature of target markets; the position of the firm in terms of resources; and the corporation motive to include others. Network model is where the supplier develops a good relationship with the buyer and internationalizes in order to service the customer better from another location while depending on resources controlled by other firms. Transaction cost theory is when a firm enters a foreign market and creates activities internally instead of outsourcing especially through exports or foreign direct investment (Dunning Lundan, 2008, p.70). Uppsala model is about how firms gradually increase and intensify their activities in foreign markets by first gaining experience from home markets before proceeding to international markets. From the analysis of Senseo case study, it is evident that the entry strategy to foreign markets can be explained through Uppsala model. The initial market for the firm was the Scandinavian countries where the partners came from. As the demand for coffee pod machines increased in the neighboring markets of France and Germany, the firm would enter the markets. This is reflected in the market being concentrated within the Western part of Europe. Certainly, the single serve brewing concept has proved successful in Europe and the trend is still in the early stages in the U.S. and is yet to impact on developing countries (Hollensen 2010, p.138). In this respect, it would be worth to suggest that transaction cost model for internationalization would serve Senseo business better. This is because the company is well established and has vast resources that can be used to extend assumed business in other potential markets through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). According to Cavusgil et al (2008), the fundamental challenge facing the firms entering international markets centers on solving managerial problems in these markets (p.5). But Senseo managers have proved to be competent enough such that they can be able to make eff ective decisions about how to mitigate the risks associated with Internationalization. In addition, there are many opportunities in the markets that the company is slack in operation. The American market is the largest in terms of coffee consumption while the Asian emerging markets have opportunities related to economic growth. As Dunning and Lundan (2008) connote, the company should engage market-seeking investment in order to exploit new market besides sustaining the existing one (p.70). In fact, competition in coffee pods machines is concentrated in European countries and moving away from these markets would suggest low competition. Therefore, Senseo should consider entering the emerging markets such as China, India and Brazil. While the developed markets are threatened by saturation, the emerging markets lack branded firms that offer coffee pod machines as well as the coffee pods and capsules. References Baron, D. 2005. Business and the surrounding environment. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Vol. 13 (1), pp. 205-208. Cavusgil, S. T., Knight, G., Riesenberger, J. 2008. International business. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Cavusgil, S. T., Knight, G., Riesenberger, J. Yaprak, A. 2009. Conducting market research for international business. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. De Mooij, M. 2010. Consumer Behavior and Culture: Consequences for Global Marketing and Advertising. Thousands Oak, CA: SAGE. Dunning, J. H. Lundan, S. M. 2008. Multinational enterprises and the global economy. London, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing. Economist Intelligence Unit Limited. 2009. Unlocking innovation in China: An economist intelligence unit report. Available at:Â  http://www.finfacts.ie/biz10/EIU-Innovation_China-Cisco.pdf . Fedorova, E. Vaihekoski, M. 2009. Global and local Sources of risk in eastern European emerging stock markets. Journal of Economics and Finance, Vol.59 (1), pp.1-19. Harrison, J. S. John, C. H. 2009. Foundations in Strategic Man agement. Florence, KY: Cengage Learning. Hitt, M., Ireland, D., Hoskisson, R. 2011.Strategic management: Competitiveness and globalization Concepts. Mason: South Western Cengage Learning. Hollensen S. 2010. Global Marketing: A decision oriented approach. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Johnson, G., Scholes, K. Whittington, R. 2008. Exploring corporate strategy: Text cases. New York: FT/Financial Times. Spence, M., Kale, S. 2011. Optimizing the internal value chain: Principles and practices. Journal of Management Organization, Vol. 14 (2), pp. 193-206. Tsui, A., Lau, C. 2002. The management of enterprises on the People’s Republic of China. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers Group. Varga, M. 2010. Analyzing the Australian fashion industry according to Porter’s five forces. New York, NY: GRIN Verlag. Wallace, P. D. 2001. Encyclopedia of Ecommerce. New Delhi, India: Sarup Sons. This case study on Senseo: Creating Competitiveness through an International Alliance was written and submitted by user Abrielle Anthony to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Sufism Mysticism in Islamic Religion Essay

Sufism Mysticism in Islamic Religion Essay Islamic Mysticism Essay Example Islamic Mysticism Essay Example The term Islamic Mysticism can be defined as the consciousness that is in harmony with the reality. Islamic mysticism is commonly referred to as Sufism in the Islamic world (Nicholson, 1963). The origin of the term Sufism can be derived from the Arabic word Sufi, which means wool. The word sufi was applied to Muslim mystics and ascetics because they wore clothes that were made out of wool (Ahmed, 2008). Sufism also referred to as the Islamic mysticism deals the unique and special powers that are contained in the Holy Book of Qur’an. Sufism can be described as a philosophical approach that strives to portray a condition in which a person unifies with the nature and feels accordant with God. It is vital to understand that a Sufi strives to unite his personal will with God (Weismann, 2011). The term Sufism represents a new dimension in the Islamic religious way of life. Various Muslim clerics, lawyers, and theologians have viewed this particular aspect with much skepticism and suspicion in the recent past (Ahmed, 2008). Their key concern is that some of the Sufism characteristics and statements occasionally appear or feel blasphemous. The source of this skepticism is that Sufism propels a person into feeling completely close with God such that they at one point in time lose their personal identity and ultimately act as God in the process. Also importantly, the goal of Sufi is to absorb completely an individual into God through following a series of religious practices that lead to higher levels of the ecstatic state. It is every Sufi’s aspiration to elevate to such conditions in which they have a direct communication with God. The Sufi History The fundamental scope of this particular essay is to evaluate the Sufism dimension critically in the Muslim religion. The essay will assess the origin of Sufism mysticism and the spread of the Islam religion. Also importantly, the paper will confer with the Sufi teaching, making a comparison with those of Muhammad Ghazi Arabi ideas and concepts. Islamic mysticism can be traced as early as the eighth century. The three principal regions that were associated directly with the Islamic mysticism were central Asia, Mesopotamia, and North Africa. The fundamental orders that emerged from these particular areas were rifa ‘yeah, kbrawiyyah, suhrawardiyyah, and qadiriyyah. All these Sufi orders were founded in the twelfth century and spread beyond the three principal regions (Ohlander, 2010). Sufism was spread to Egypt, Syria, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and part of the sub- Saharan region in West Africa. Later on, the Islamic mysticism was spread to Turkey and the central Asia region. It happened in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The Characteristics of Sufism or Islamic Mysticism The al-basri, al-adawiyaa, and other orders attracted various followers who shared some of the common ideas that they had learned from those particular cultures and regions. These individuals, in turn, attracted new students or disciples of their own. Through this, the ideas of absolute devotion and asceticism to God spread through the Islamic community, culture, as well as faith. One of the fundamental characteristics of the Islamic mysticism is that there is nothing more vital than the Gods Presence in the world. The Sufis saw that the life they led was a journey in which they had to seek continuously and consistently the direct relation and experience with God. Most of them fundamentally believed that the best way to see God’s experience and attract Him into one’s life was to read consistently and continuously the Koran and Hadith. In addition to that, most of them practiced praying as often as possible. In short, the best way to experience God was to live the simple and disciplined life of a staunch and devout Muslim. However, other orders of Sufis disagreed with this particular position. They felt that, despite always praying, studying the Koran, and performing other regular Muslim duties were of the essence to lead a religious life, and these particular things were not enough. The second characteristic of the Islamic mysticism is that all Muslims should seek direct and emotional experience from God. The Sufis developed fundamental ideas and rituals, which they practiced in informal study groups in homes and mosques. As early as the tenth century, most Sufi centers had been established. A Sufi master was put in charge and acted as a teacher and leader. Later on, some of the students and followers would go on to become teachers and leaders in the Sufi centers. By the end of the twelfth century, Sufi centers would be found in almost all major cities and rural towns throughout the North and West Africa regions as well as the Middle East and Central Asia regions. These centers included schools, hostels and mosques, where most students would find a place to eat and sleep. Arabi’s Teaching and Concepts Ibn Arabi is considered an enigmatic figure in the medieval Sufi culture and tradition. In addition to that, he is considered a controversial exponent of the Islamic mysticism teaching that is also referred to as the unity of being. Ibn Arabi perception and beliefs of the Sufism requires a careful analysis of the concept of Islamic mysticism. Ibn Arabi thinking and teaching area encompassed with God, the human kind and cosmos. All these dimensions are incorporated together through a set of viewpoints. Ibn Arabi work comprises of various types of upward, outward, downward and inward immensity until there is a broad comprehension of all the three realities (Knysh, 1999). Ibn Arabi words are fluid and constantly changing. His world can be defined in literal terms as imaginary. Everything that he discusses is more of an illusion or image that is vague in the eyes of a new reader. In addition to that, Ibn Arabi’s sensibility and resonances portray shamanic viewpoint. For an individual who seeks to understand the concepts and teachings of Ibn Arabi, he or she will be faced with immense mystery and miracles. In addition, they will meet shape-shifting and shamanic teachings that go back and forth across doors where the world does not touch. I will focus here on Ibn Arabi mystical ideas, concepts and teachings as discussed in his book and include the following: The Divine Reality Concept Ibn Arabi teaching is concerned with what is referred to as the divine reality and the individual experience of it. Ibn Arabi communicates to his students that an individual is a part of the system that strives to be in accordance with the Lord and that all people should translate to definitive works that glorify the Lord. The Concept of Origination of the World from Mercy Ibn Arabi teaches that the world originated from the absolute mercy and one day to mercy shall the world return. He emphasizes that any wretchedness and pain is temporary. Ibn Arabi mentions in various places that the Throne of God has four fundamental pillars and that it is held aloft by four bearers in this world and that as the world progresses they shall become eight bearers. Each of these bearers supports the throne, which is indeed the entire universe or what is defined as the kingdom of Allah. The throne bearers are known as the archangels, and some of the prophets are in human forms. The throne bearing is considered part of the honorable jobs. Ibn Arabi declares that he has been honored by Allah to be one of the supreme bearers of a pillar. The pillar he holds is the pillar of treasury and mercy. Ibn Arabi declares that Allah has made him merciful despite all his knowledge of suffering and hardship. Due to this factor, Ibn Arabi teaches that the world originated from mercy and pity the world shall return (Arberry, 1950). The Unification or Tawhid Concept Ibn Arabi teaches the basis of universality, the oneness of the self-existing one and unique essence and the one and only infinite existence. Ibn Arabi introduces the concept of tawhid. Arabi teaches that there is only one being and that that there is no other being other than the one and only being that is self-subsistent. Ibn Arabi and his followers believe that tawhid is not just a matter of understanding the meaning of the term. He emphasizes on following the act and progressing towards the fulfillment of such actions and knowledge to a state of union. Tawhid teaches individuals the concept of unique or absolute existent (Baldick, 1989). The Realms of Responsibility in Ibn Arabia’s Teaching Arabi teaches the concept of taklif that is a term that is used to denote all the total of all the religious duties and obligations that an individual has towards God. God has willingly imposed upon his servants. Throughout his teaching, Ibn Arabi refers to his fellow believers as Mukallafun, which, when translated, means those who have been burdened with the command. Arabi teaches his students that the divine command comes to an end when the believer dies or when all his veils have been lifted or have turned out to be true (Baldick, 1989). The Concept of Tuliba Arabi teaches his followers that the world is held responsible by God for his strict observance of what he refers to as his due. Arabi teaches his followers that God acts as the great governor who is responsible to his superiors for the proper behaviors, morals and well-being of all his subjects. He teaches that all the human beings are answerable to God for their actions. He also states that God plays a fundamental role in keeping all his members from committing acts that might contradict the divine law. He teaches that if any true believer of God fails to restrain himself or herself from committing illegal acts, then God shall abandon him and forfeit his position as a believer (Schimmel, 1975). Therefore, people should always seek to follow the will of God at all times. In addition, Arabi states that believers should carefully weigh their actions on a given scale of divine law in order to achieve certain aspects of divine equilibrium. Arabi teaches his followers that their lives are continuous tests of their ability to remain faithful to God. He emphasizes that the believers can always rely on the guidance of the divine law in order to achieve the salutary equilibrium between the personal dispositions and the divine commands given to the followers by God. Arabi believes that it is the duty of each follower to carry the burden of taklif (Baldick, 1989). The Concept of Haqq Arabi translates the concept of truth to his followers. He reveals that all created things have their truth and that this particular truth has a normative dimension. This particular nature makes various demands for each and expects that we should treat appropriately every created being. The creation as a whole makes what is known as a claim to each, establishing duties and obligations to each. Through this particular arena, God tests each by giving them various tasks to accomplish (Schimmel, 1975). The concept of Sufism and Islamic mysticism is at the core of the Muslim religion. However, there exists so many fundamental inconsistencies with the teachings of Ibn Arabi such that an individual may not get a clear understanding of the teaching. Arabi teaching stands in one particular tradition while at the same time strives to offer other differing perspectives of a number of other valid and invalid religious concepts. The work of Ibn Arabi does not have the unqualified approval of all Sufis. Many Sufi masters hinder their students from studying the works of Ibn Arabi for the fear of misuse and misunderstanding. Moreover, people should understand that just like any other religious teachings, Sufism strives to unite people but not cause conflicts and misunderstanding. Lastly, Sufism focuses on the heart, mind and the body, developing an infinite capacity to plumb the world consciousness and guide individuals towards self-understanding of God because most people are ignorant of the existence of God. Some do not believe that God exists, hence Sufism should be encouraged to aid people understand who God is to them.

Management Information Systems Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

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1- Robert Adam and William Chamber were two of the most prolific - Essay Example Adam travelled there in 1754, getting valuable knowledge of classical literature and draughtsmanship. He was tutored by two prominent personalities in the field of architecture – Giovanni Battista Piranese of Italy and Charles-Louis Clerisseau of France.5 Chambers too (like Adam) studied architecture and draughtsmanship under French architect Charles-Louis Clerisseau. While in Italy, Chambers did an extensive tour and examination of the Roman ruins and the works of noted Italian architects, especially Palladio.6 A major difference between the two great architects was their style. Both are looked upon as experts in neoclassical style of architecture, or ‘new’ classical style, so called because it represented a revival of classic forms of architecture that both men studied at length in France and Italy.7 While Chambers embodied the essential characteristics of high fashion tastes of his time,8 Adam created his own unique style, which was built on the style of those times.9 As a result of several trips to China, Chambers was deeply captivated by Chinese designs, returning to England with a large number of drawings of Chinese buildings and gardens. While his architectural works did reflect his knowledge and learning of neoclassical architecture (as a result of his visits to France and Italy), his fascination for Chinese designs was distinctly apparent in his later architectural works. Chambers favoured bold exteriors that reflected a blend of Roman, Florentine, Genoese and Venetian styles. He did not favour any startling mannerisms, preferring to place his style somewhere between the laborious, impressive style of Vanbrugh and the lighter, more pure style of Adam. Experts are of the opinion that the outlook of Chambers was more continental and international as compared to Adam.10 One of the only two (the other being Somerset House) famous architectural works of Chambers contains a distinct Chinese design flavour – Kew Gardens (1757

Ethics of Wikileaks

Ethics of Wikileaks Ethical Dilemma Introduction The present research paper is based on the wikileaks ethical dilemma wherein the moral and ethical substance was derogated. The paper focussed on the key aspects of ethical dilemma and what are the dire consequences of the same. Ethics implies knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do (Potter Stewart). The quote explains the position of ethics in an individual’s life. It explains what a person ought to do and how far he is right in doing so. The individual in their life should always differentiate his actions with the degree of rightness in it. The individual should have a sense of knowledge whether he is doing the said activity in the right manner or not. It’s not compulsion for one professional that what he ought to do is the right thing to be done. There may be situations where a professional may be seek to do something wrong as per his orders and that situation will pose ethical dilemma on him, whether to follow the orders for the mere will of completing the tasks or whether be ethical and judge the situations from others point of view. This is true that whenever we are seeking any ethical situations, it is important to step into the shoes of the com mon person or the person on the other side and then do the act. This always explains us whether the same actions done by others would cause us the same outcome as we are doing so. (Cohen, 2004) Julian Assange the founder of Wikileaks launched the website on 2006 in Iceland; Assange had three friends/colleagues namely Kristinn Hrafnsson, Joseph Farrell and Sarah Harrison along with her. Harrfnsson who was also related to Sunshine production was carrying on the business. With strength of around 800 non paid reporters, the company operates as a non-profit organization worldwide. The company is involved in publishing secret and insight news to the public of the nation. The reason for the same is that the public should be aware of what is happening in their country and what the government is trying to do for the people in reality. Wikileaks has affected the rights of the government in a good manner. The company shows a transparency of news to the public due to which the government is hampered in support manner. Some people on reading the truth and news about the government leave support on the voting rights and are against the government. In the essay below we shall discuss with certain examples how the votes of the government are affected and the legality of wiki leaks from the government point of view and what the overall impact is. The news and transparency of wiki leaks harm the government and support as it is seen that In Kenya during elections in2007 wiki leaks had exposed a government scam of $3,000,000,000 where the scam had resulted to increase in the disease malaria which resulted in 20% death of children below 5 years and after the scam was exposed the news had turned around about 10% of the votes against the government. The two issues involved are: they should have proper and unhampered information on what the governments are trying to do The information which is a clear part of the business of the government must be properly protected so that it allows discussion and helps in proper and good judgments. There is a certain exception where, just to consider that the government is trying to do a secret project and someone from the wiki leak discovers the same, and the project is such that it may cause some significant losses of life. Hence this information sharing with the public shall be totally defensible as it may also be possible that it’s a major sting operation and the full information has not being obtained by the whistle blower. As for publishing the information may save several lives, but if there has been no whistle blowing or like no harm has been prevented. And the information has been actually created and fixed in such manner to against the public for the government. Or even on a worse consideration the operation or project was actually such to put a strategic operation to actually save certain lives of the people and the information could be a compromised leak and may even back fire. SO this manner it harms a lot to the government and it might not prove to be healt hy hence wiki leaks should work in a more refined manner or along with the government so that the support for both are equally mutual. Talking about the liberal rights to the best of my understanding is that the wiki leaks has no authority and permission from the government of the country or any official agreement through which they shall be allowed to share these information to the public or aware the public of the government secret projects of the government. At the same time since every person has rights to freedom and speech it is not anywhere breaking the law and wiki leaks or Assange has also got high support from the reporters and also the general public because via wiki leaks they get to know about news which they shall know or have authority to know being the citizen of that country. Talking about liberal value, then transparency is not only the liberal value but there are other factors also. Value of legitimacy- people who have some public interest should definitely have democratic mandate or some accountability. Legality is another liberal value- the actions that affect others should have some basis in la w. In a liberal society transparency is very important. Privacy to be the third liberal value- in case of the human affairs the people should have the conduct some communication on the basis of confidentiality. If there is no confidence then there shall be no flow of any useful information. Counting on the overall impact is that wiki leaks is at the verge and has public for and against both for them. Though it proves to be very useful and helpful for the general public at the same time it is very harmful or may cause to be very harmful for the government of the country. Wikileaks cal also proves to be a national threat to the country it may harm the peace and harmony of particular countries and their relationships. If Wikileaks had revealed the fact of the US government that the They spent about $300 billion on the war with Afghanistan which was the money of the US taxpayers citizens then the public might react in a negative manner to the government and the other harm would also be that Taliban had been proven stronger than the war of 2001 then this information leak may have resulted to loose credibility of the military troops and the Taliban would have rallied more troops and the war would have been a disaster. So the support of Wikileaks is strong but the overall impact is neutral as there is some information that has to be confidential and wiki leaks may work with the government is such a manner that it shall not hamper the peace and harmony of the country in a negative manner. Ethics when explained is divided into two halves. The first being the descriptive ethics and the other being the prescriptive ethics. The former explains the descriptive behaviours in the ethics whereas the latter explains the normative ethics that is based on the principles of ethics. The descriptive ethics explains about the position of the individual to have a look at the society, their culture, their practices, and might force them to see such number of things as average, height, weight, and other things. These are the things that differentiate people from each other. The above essay we see the liberal rights of wiki leaks as they only not need to count on the liberal part but also on accountability as it is important to have some information as private and confidential, thought the wiki leaks has support from lot of organisations and the general public. The essay also states how the government is affected for votes and election due to the news of wiki leaks and how it may benefit or harm the elections of the country. Wikileaks may continue doing the work as it is not a crime but the legal aspects shall have to be taken into consideration. References US Government Officials Admit That They Lied About Actual Impact Of Wikileaks To Bolster Legal Effort | Techdirt. (n.d.). RetrievedOctober31, 2013, from http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20110119/14280012733/us-government-officials-admit-that-they-lied-about-actual-impact-wikileaks-to-bolster-legal-effort.shtml The Wikileaks Party vs The Pirate Party | Election Watch 2013. (n.d.). RetrievedOctober31, 2013, from http://2013electionwatch.com.au/analysis/wikileaks-party-vs-pirate-party Wikileaks release has more benefits than drawbacks. (n.d.). RetrievedOctober31, 2013, from http://alleghenycampus.com/2010/10/28/wikileaks-spread-truth/ WikiLeaks growing impact – This Just In CNN.com Blogs. (n.d.). RetrievedOctober31, 2013, from http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/29/what-is-wikileaks-2/

mission statement analysis :: essays research papers

Analysis Of Mission Statements By Group V-(Sankalp) Anupam Jha(51/04) Rahul Jhamb(53/04) Gitartha Bhuyan(57/04) Bikash Tewari Munesh Shyam  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   FMS Mission Academic excellence and leadership in university based management education in India through high quality teaching, research, case development, innovative courses and pedagogy of learning. FMS’s vision is to provide world class management education in India through high quality teaching, research, innovative courses & state of the art pedagogy tools. To create leaders for the future that will take India to new heights. To be seen as an institute whose students have sound principles and ethics in them. Components  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Score 1. Customers  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 2. Products/Services  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3 3. Geographic Markets  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3 4. Technology  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2 5. Concern for Survival  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2 6. Philosophy  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 7. Public Image  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 8. Employees  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 9. Distinctive Competence  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 Average Score  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1.66 IMI,delhi Mission IMI, India provides a world-class, internationally oriented management education with a difference in content, delivery, focus, presence and students. Components  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Score 1. Customers  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 2. Products/Services  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3 3. Geographic Markets  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2 4. Technology  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2 5. Concern for Survival  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 6. Philosophy  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 7. Public Image  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 8. Employees  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 9. Distinctive Competence  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2 Average Score  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1.55 IIM Ahemadabad Mission IIMA's mission is to help India and other developing countries improve their managerial practices both in the private and in the public sectors, and adopt superior public policies. It seeks to do this through producing risk-taking leader-managers who will pioneer new managerial practices and set new standards; through producing teachers and researchers who will generate new ideas of International significance; and through purposeful consulting aimed at helping client organizations scale new heights. Components  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Score 1. Customers  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 2. Products/Services  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2 3. Geographic Markets  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2 4. Technology  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 5. Concern for Survival  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3 6. Philosophy  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 7. Public Image  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2 8. Employees  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2 9. Distinctive Competence  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2 Average Score  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1.77 LBSIM, delhi Mission To develop a center of excellence for value based management and information technology, education and research comparable with the best in the world through continous learning, societal responsiveness and strategic partnership with the industry. Components  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Score 1. Customers  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 2. Products/Services  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3 3. Geographic Markets  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 4. Technology  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 5. Concern for Survival  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3 6. Philosophy  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2 7. Public Image  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2 8. Employees  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 9. Distinctive Competence  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 Average Score  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1.66 IIFT, Delhi Mission To globally strengthen, sustain and professionalise business knowledge through creative research and teaching and learning and by integrating with organisations, institutions and universities both within and beyond national boundary.