Analysis of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Essay Example for Free

Analysis of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Essay Introduction Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (GMCR), a leader in specialty coffee and coffee makers, was founded in 1981 by Bob Stiller (Green Mountain Coffee Roasters [GMCR], n. d.). From a small cafà © to a company listed on NASDAQ and then to a company with more than $2.6 billion net sales revenue by Sep 24 2011 (GMCR, 2011), GMCR enjoyed great financial successes. Besides, it has been recognized consistently as a socially responsible company. Key Factors in GRMC’s Success After studying GMCR case, several key points are identified which together contribute to the success of GMCR as both corporation and corporate citizen. First, GMCR convenes members from all parts of its system for important company activities. In many companies, most of the staff in the lowest level of organizational structure are excluded from company activities. But representatives from GMCR’s whole system get together in its annual summit meetings (Mary 2008). The get together is useful in helping its participants better understand their importance within the organization and realize they can do more to better serve the system. People from all parts of GMCR also go to training programs (Mary 2008). These programs are a platform for staff to learn necessary knowledge with which they can better serve the customers. Including members from all parts of the system gives them a sense of personal involvement which encourages them to align their own interest with that of company. When employees feel that they are truly part of the organization, they tend to internalize the needs of the company rather than just treat their jobs as externally imposed obligations. They may also find their job meaningful and pleasant, have a stronger feeling of belonging and eventually are likely to work harder and exhibit increased labor productivity. In a nutshell, Bob Stiller makes all members truly participate in his venture and sparkles their potentials to better serve GMCR. Bob Stiller also take employees from different parts of the company to coffee farms(Mary 2008). Therefore employees can have personal experience about coffee farming which may increase their awareness and attention. For example, roasters may learn that lots of hard working is needed to harvest organic coffee bean and hence may pay more attention when roasting coffee bean which cause less waste of bean. Second, GMCR’s decision making process is based on the interest of all stakeholders rather than the company itself. For example, GMCR works to add social value by engaging in education programs for the children from farming families and communities (Mary 2008). Assisting these children builds stronger relations between GMCR and its farming families. GMCR also provides interest free financial resources to the farmers (Mary 2008), which eventually results in smooth supply of high quality bean. By taking all members’ interest into account, Bob Stiller builds a strong, desirable and sustainable network with all members within the system, which in turn supports the growth of GMCR. Third, GMCR has committed to organic coffee and creates social value by offering a much healthier lifestyle. Besides, GMCR’s success sets an example for other companies want to join organic market. GMCR improves environment by protecting coffee farm from the bad impact of chemicals and assuring the future generations a viable farm (Mary 2008). It is difficult for farm owners to keep coffee trees alive as long as possible (Mary 2008) and the support from GMCR makes it possible. Therefore farmers are able to make a living out of coffee beans, and more importantly, they have a higher satisfaction because they can preserve and pass the farm to their future generations(Mary 2008). GMCR’s partnership with its farmers not only guarantees a smooth bean supply but also increases farmers’ spiritual wealth and again strengthens their relations. For trade-off problems, Bob Stiller always adhere to â€Å"future thinking† (Collins Porras, 2002), making decisions based on long term benefits for the whole interconnected system rather than GMCR itself. Besides, Bob Stiller has committed to creating wealth which not only incorporates financial value but anything brings value to the whole system and the whole society. References Collins, J., and Porras, J. I. (2002). Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies. New York: Harper Business Essentials. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. (n. d.). Corporate review. Available at http://www.gmcr.com/about-GMCR.html, accessed August 24, 2012. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. (2011). Consolidated Statements of Operations. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. Form 10-K. Available at

Free College Essays - The Last Act of Richard III :: Richard II Richard III Essays

The Last Act of Richard III In Shakespeare's play Richard III, the main character Richard is developed as an actor - to the degree of morbidity. Richard is forever putting on an act, and playing the part that he thinks will most please whomever he shares the stage with at a given moment. Not that to please is his ultimate goal, it is just a means to get what he wants--which is the tempting role of the king. His acts are from the start plentiful, and for some time almost surprisingly effective. To Clarence he plays the Loving and Concerned Brother. His counterfeit fools Clarence into a state of trust that is stunning to the spectator, who knows that the events which make Richard exclaim "We are not safe, Clarence, we are not safe!" (I.i.70) are in fact Richard's own doing. Alone with his audience, Richard plays the part of the Self-confident Villain. The audience serves a function not unlike that of a mirror, only it mirrors character traits rather than looks. He introduces himself as the actor who cannot play the role of lover (i.e. be good) satisfactorily, so he chooses to play the villain (i.e. be bad) instead. The notion that this is a choice, as well as his use of the word play rather than be, underline the fact that to him this is all acting. In front of the audience--his mirror and thus a second self--Richard toys around with the conviction that he can do anything he sets his mind to through the means of his acting abilities. He leaves his audience speechless by going through with the overly ambitious task he sets up. He tells us that he will marry Warwick's youngest daughter, and the next thing you know, he has pulled it off. Whether Anne falls for Richard's sex appeal or his rhetoric is moot, yet she does fall. Richard himself seem s credulous at her giving in so easily; "Was ever woman in this humour woo'd? / Was ever woman in this humour won?" (I.ii.232-233) He talks as if it were a sign that his repulsiveness must in some way appear attractive to her, although the way he expresses this makes me doubt his seriousness. Perhaps this is an attempt at sharing a joke with his audience, his feeling being that as it cannot possibly be his looks she has fallen for, it must be his words.

Nike and Human Rights Essay

1. What ethical issues faced by MNCs in their treatment of foreign workers could bring allegations of misconduct in their operations? †¢Ethical issues may include the violation of fundamental human rights of ‘sweatshop’ workers such as freedom, speech and discrimination. The treatment of their workers could be deemed ‘unethical’ by media who construe this view to consumers. Such allegations can and will have damaging effects with Nike having been taken to court already in the past. 2. Would the use of third-party independent contractors insulate MNCs from being attacked? Would that practice offer MNCs a good defensive shield against charges of abuse of â€Å"their employees†? †¢Not necessarily, as Nike will be using labour which is just managed by another party. They would just be shifting the blame of abusing â€Å"their employees† to hiring someone else’s. The connection of the brand to any unethical labour will still be damaging regardless of whether they are directly related or not. 3. Do you think that statements by companies that describe good social and moral conduct in the treatment of their workers are part of the image those companies create and therefore are part of their advertising message? Do consumers judge companies and base their buying decision on their perceptions of corporate behaviour and values? Is the historic â€Å"made in† question (e.g., â€Å"Made in the USA†) now being replaced by a â€Å"made by† inquiry (e.g., â€Å"Made by Company X† or â€Å"Made for Company X by Company Y†)? †¢I think that good social and moral conduct is an inaugural part of the advertising and marketing message of any brand. In these times more consumers are moving to seek ethically sourced products (such as fair trade coffee), this includes worker conditions and perceptions the consumer may have of the company’s corporate activities. The ‘made in’ question is not necessarily being replaced by ‘made by’ it is more likely that both questions are beginning to be asked in conjunction with one another. 4. Given the principles noted in the case, how can companies comment on their positive actions to promote human rights so that consumers will think well of them? Would you propose that a company (a) do nothing, (b) construct a corporate code of ethics, (c) align itself with some of the universal covenants or compacts prepared by international agencies? †¢It would be wise for Nike to develop a corporate code of ethics to help foster what is seen as acceptable standards within the company and its operations. It would also be beneficial to comply with international practice standards. 5. What does Nike’s continued financial success, in spite of the lawsuit, suggest about consumers’ reactions to negative publicity? Have American media and NGOs exaggerated the impact of a firm’s labour practices and corporate social responsibility on its sales? How should managers of an MNC respond to such negative publicity? †¢Nike’s continued success suggests that consumers may not be as deterred by negative publicity as it has been suggested. Nike still remains one of the biggest global brands today and perhaps the value of the label is stronger than damaging publicity. American media and NGOs may have sensationalised the impact of CSR on sales to some extent, although it is deemed important by some consumers, it seems that demand for Nike good remains strong regardless as many are more swayed by celebrity endorsements than working conditions. Managers of MNCs should respond to unfavourable publicity fixing the exposed issue, undertaking community outreach programs, and implementing pre-emptive measures to ensure that bad publicity will not be an issue in the future.

Explain how act 1 scene 1 prepares the audience for the actions that follow

Act 1 scene 1 main purpose is to introduce the themes in the play, preparing the reader for the conflict between the contrasting outlooks of the characters. In the first scene we see the friendship groups between the characters also showing the potential ‘lovers' from this initial description, Finding out who is friends with who can also give us explanations to who is going to defend each other and who may want to maliciously trick each other. Shakespeare also shows opposing traits between many characters, even between family members. Hero is polite, quiet, respectful, and gentle, whereas Beatrice is feisty, cynical, witty, and sharp. Similarly there is a contrast between Don John who has evil and deceptive intentions, and his opposite, Don Pedro, who is a loyal and noble person. Don John ‘the bastard' and his vile comrades contrast with Don Pedro the noble prince and his heroic friends. The difference in the brothers' standing in society is mirrored in their personalities. In the first scene, we see an apparent reconciliation between Don John and Don Pedro but the jealous and malicious instincts of Don John can not hide themselves for too long â€Å"I can not hide what I am†, he confesses â€Å"I am a plain dealing villain†. It is ironic how frank Don John is about his character, as many of the protagonists deceive each other, and in Beatrice and Benedict's case they trick even themselves into believing â€Å"I love none†. Deception is a recurrent theme, not only this play but also many of Shakespeare's plays. You can read also Audience Adaptation Paper Hero is a conventional, â€Å"modest young lady†, different in both appearance and personality to her cousin Beatrice. Hero conforms to the patriarchal society of Messina, obeying her father unquestioningly, and behaving demurely, like a woman ‘should'. Beatrice is older than Hero, yet unlike her cousin she is unwilling to conform. Feisty and assertive, Beatrice engages in intelligent wordplay, a ‘merry war' with her male superior, Benedick, referring to him as â€Å"signor mountanto† a fencing term symbolic of the battle of words and wills the two share. Though their insults are biting, their ability to maintain such clever, interconnected sparring seems to illustrate the existence of a strong bond between them. The audience is prepared for the great contrasts in behaviour between the two women from the start of the play, and begins to expect a resolution involving the ‘taming' of Beatrice. We can also assume by Benedick`s description of Beatrice that he does in fact find her more attractive then we first thought and he ‘accidently' reveals he is attracted to Beatrice in comparison to that of Hero, she â€Å"exceeds in beauty†. This is also Benedick showing rudely how â€Å"I do not like (Hero)†. Beatrice and Benedick are perhaps Shakespeare's most famously witty characters; neither lets the other say anything without countering it with a pun or criticism. First impressions of Benedick are of loyalty to his friends, but also of arrogance and he sounds on the outset like a misogynist, proclaiming â€Å"I am loved of all ladies† but â€Å"truly I love none†. As the scene progresses we get small inclinations that maybe he does love someone, â€Å"her cousin exceed her as much in beauty†, showing he finds Beatrice attractive. He engages with Beatrice in a competition to outwit, outsmart, and out-insult the other. As with many of Shakespeare plays we can presume this ‘merry war' is hiding their true feelings. From first impressions we see he is constantly performs for the benefit of others, and indulges in witty banter with many to express his feelings. Claudio from the beginning seems deeply attracted to Hero, showing a romantic outlook with â€Å"soft and delicate desires†. Unfortunately, his fickle and suspicious nature makes him quick to believe evil rumours, and he is hasty to despair and take revenge. He appears to love Hero, but the opinion of others changes his mind so we have to question if this relationship is genuine. It is also strange for us to see his love so quickly in the first scene, as he first notices â€Å"the sweetest lady I ever looked upon†. Don Pedro insists on wooing Hero for Claudio himself, whilst masked, rather than allowing Claudio to profess his love to Hero first, â€Å"I will assume thy part in some disguise†: this is the first introduction to the recurrent theme of appearance and reality.

Mexico and America; Ethnic Groups and Discrimination

Mexico and America; Ethnic Groups and Discrimination Free Online Research Papers Mexicans immigrated to the United States back in the 1800’s (Stanford, 2006). In 1848 the United States took over a part of Mexico which is not the Southwest (which is where I’m from, The Rio Grande Valley). Hispanics living in these areas were Mexican citizens before the acquisition. The United States even went into agreements with Mexico to have Mexicans work in the United States. Mexicans were treated with cruelty, while working the agricultural fields for years. The United States made several agreements with Mexico to have the Mexicans come to work in the US while American soldiers were fighting in the world wars. The labor shortage that the United States went through was reason enough to have Mexicans migrate to the United States as laborers. The United States found there was a need to have Mexicans come fill in for the labor shortage but they were no longer needed during the depression of the US. Not only were Hispanics send back to Mexico, but Mexican-Ame ricans were sent back as well because they were no longer needed. My culture has suffered from prejudice and several other discriminations such as the dual labor market, redlining, affirmative action and reverse discrimination. Mexicans suffered from the dual labor market even though employment was offered to Mexicans during the shortage of labor that the United States was going through, no safety was provided to the workers. No insurance was available for the laborers either. The United States was prejudice towards Mexicans because as soon as there was no need for their labor services they were sent back to their country. Everyone who was brought to the United States to work including the Mexican-Americans, who were citizens of the United States, was sent back to Mexico. Why were the first colonists not sent back too? Mexicans used to live in what is now the Southwest before it became part of the United States. Not only was my culture robbed from their rightful land but no benefits were given to them while assisting the United States with their shortage. Have you ever heard the phrase, â€Å"Everything is bigger in Texas.†? Texas is the largest state in the United States. The majority of residents in Texas are Mexicans. Mexican Americans are not the minority in the state anymore and discrimination occurs in several hidden ways. We have come a long way and diversity is practiced throughout the work place. It will continue as long as society continues to compare ethnic groups. Yes we are all different, and we should be proud of who we are, but are we all not human? Redlining used to happen and is still happening. â€Å"Mexicans will not be able to purchase their own homes much less be the owner of a new vehicle.† This type of comments is patterns of discrimination that Mexican-Americans have faced at one time or another. I, myself, have encountered this type of discrimination several times before. Rather it is at school or at work. I drive up in a new vehicle and I have heard people make comments about how it cannot be mine! The affirmative action took place when the minority groups were given the opportunity to get jobs (Schaefer, 2006). Although in Texas and in some other states Mexican Americans are not the minority, the ethnic group overall is still a minority; therefore the group has faced and endured the affirmative action. Presently there is still some social inequality and reverse discrimination is something that I have faced. Some places exist where they will not hire someone if they do not know how to speak Spanish even though English is the main language at the work place. They can easily get away with it because they report that the language is needed to conduct the business and this is accepted by the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. With this in mind there will always be hidden ways discrimination will present itself. The world seems to have improved throughout the years but there will always be a certain someone who did not learn from the mistakes. Mexican-Americans are not the only minority in this country and all other minorities have faced some sort of discrimination as well. This has always been a touchy subject, why can’t people get along with each other? I think it’s about time we all tried! The world would be a better place if we learn to accept each other’s differences and learn to appreciate each other, and understand that we are all equal. ? References: Schaefer, Richard. (2006). Racial and Ethnic Groups. [Axia College Custom Edition e-text]. , : Prentice-Hall. Retrieved August 29, 2008, from Axia College, ETH 125 Cultural Diversity Web site. Stanford, E. (2006). Interracial America. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center Detroit: Greenhaven Press. Retrieved February 15, 2008 from Gale. Apollo Library. http://find.galegroup.com/ips/start.do?prodId=IPS www.ask.com. (2008). Hispanics in America. Retrieved August 29, 2008, from www.ask.com Google. (2008). Hispanics in America. Retrieved August 29, 2008, from www.google.com Research Papers on Mexico and America; Ethnic Groups and DiscriminationThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NicePersonal Experience with Teen Pregnancy19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropeBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XTwilight of the UAWPETSTEL analysis of IndiaMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into Asia

Supply Chain Management Issues in Boeing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Supply Chain Management Issues in Boeing - Essay Example This has also put all other stakeholders into serious problems. This paper presents an analysis of the supply chain of Boeing in the context of various facets of the management of the supply chain by the company. In response to A 380 airliner from its arch rival Boeing Corporation embarked on the manufacture of 'Boeing787 Dreamliner' a light weight model with seating capacity of 210 to 296 passengers. "The 787 Dreamliner is a family of new airplanes that promises to bring big-jet comfort and economics to the mid-size market. The Boeing 787 incorporates advanced materials, systems and engines to provide a 20% improvement in fuel performance on a per-passenger basis. The 787-8 Dreamliner will carry 210 to 250 passengers about 7,650 to 8,200 nautical miles and the 787-9 will carry 250 to 290 passengers about 8,000 to 8,500 nautical miles (Boeing Commercial Aerospace). The first delivery was scheduled for May 2008 which now has been pushed as far as the second quarter of 2009. With firm orders worth $ 144 billion the company has found serious issues with its global supply chain as a result of which the company has postponed the delivery of the airliner a number of times causing serious concerns to the major airlines that have placed orders with Boeing for this aircrafts. The production process of making the new aircraft with new light weight composite materials in itself is a challenge for the company. In addition the company has made drastic changes in its supply chain which eventually has hit the progress in the manufacture and delivery of Dreamliner. The way in which the company has organized its supply chain for 787 manufacturing has put a complicated way in which the supply chain partnering firms share risks and profits from the airliner. This implies that the financial burden will be put up and down on the firms in the chain as every company would like to protect their own financial interest. This would necessarily result in chaos in the short-term and considerable delays in the completion of the manufacture of the product which will make everyone in the line suffer. The real issue is Boeing attempted to use what appears to be an automotive product like production pr ocess in which all the parts and components in a pre-fabricated form are brought the assembly line. This has necessitated sections of the aircraft to be flown out of far off locations in Japan, Italy, South Carolina and Kansas to be assembled in Washington within a short time of as much as three days. Apart from this there are various other supply chain issues being faced by the company which are explored by this paper. Boeing and Supplier Quality Management Manufacture of Boeing 787 Dreamliner represents a complete shift in the manufacturing philosophy of Boeing Corporation as the company

Education by Postcode Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Education by Postcode - Essay Example (58) Hence as a result, the modern society's realization of the fact that education is indeed a vital part of human development, it could not be denied that experts on the matter never stop finding better ways to assist human individuals [both young and old] to realize their capabilities and the opportunities available for them to learn more and be able to have better use of their time as well as to have better future ahead of them. It could be noted education then is drawn even closer to the learners so as to assure that the said individuals would not loose their interest in the matter simply because of the not being able to handle the matter considerably for certain reasons. (Vandergrift, 1992, 58, 59) In some faraway places, say for example distant areas that are found around the suburbs, universities and other he facilities for learning are at times absent in the area. Hence, as a result, only a few among those living in such areas are able to get access to the most effective educati on that they deserve. To be able to cater to these students, the experts found better systems of learning that would be most effective for the learning of the said individuals. ... Most of these educational forms take place through the Internet. Botelho (2004) describes the matter as a process that involves high tech gadgets as means of connection between instructors and students which include a hooked up video conferencing may best be used in this course of learning thus virtually connecting the learner to the instructor's care. (Internet) It is undeniable that through the said process, students are given the chance to learn normally even though they are not physically present in class. (EET, 2007, Internet) The said process is still classified as part of the postcode system of education because the process still involves snail-mailing the results of exams, provision of some school materials (such as books and other materials of the same kind) that the students may need for learning. Through this, the student would have soothing tangible out of the system that he or she chooses to learn from. Vandergrift (1992) further adds that education, as known is very much significant for the human society as this is viewed and considered as the most efficient and effective means for personal and social development among human individuals. (58) The concept of education entitles an individual, if properly trained and utilized the essential ability to progress for personal sustenance and economic survival. This is considered as one of the most important realm in one's life that must be achieved by each and everyone in the society. In addition, education can be used by the society as a whole to developed productive and capable citizens for fueling the progress of the humanity. Thus, education indeed is important. In the present