Nike and International Labor Practice Essay

Problem Identification Established in the early 70’s Nike, Inc., based in Beaverton, Oregon, USA faced a severe stream of criticism and experienced growing problems concerning their plants and employee treatment, mainly in Indonesia and Vietnam in 1988. Rising demand for Nike products, which almost doubled within a short period of time, led the company and its 350+ subcontractors to raise the production level. Series of labor problems and abuse such as cheap labor wages, poor working conditions, health and safety issues and underage workers exploitation, were the main issues Nike had to deal with. Furthermore, Nike, Inc. had to deal with managing the diversity of cultures and language barriers had to be overcome, while still be able to produce the high-quality product Nike is famous for. Throughout the 1990’s Phil Knight, CEO of Nike, Inc. and the company itself lost their superb corporate image in the eye of the world and it became an international incident. Causes of Problem After establishing a name in the world, Phil Knight, decided to manufacture Nike’s apparel in South Korea and Taiwan, and by 1982 already 86% of Nike’s sneakers came from these two countries. Realizing that Asian countries like Indonesia, Vietnam and China provide cheaper labor cost, better government support and higher profit, Nike moved their production lines there, with Indonesia becoming an important location. In 1991, the daily minimum wage was barely $1 in Indonesia, compared to a typical daily wage of $24.40 in South Korea and a US hourly wage of about $8 in athletic shoe manufacturing. Even that the Indonesian government raised the minimum wage from 2,100 Rupiah ($1.00/day) to 2,500 Rupiah ($1.25/day), the new wage was still underneath the workers’ living expenses. In 1992, these issues went outside of Indonesia and even hit Washington D.C., when President Clinton introduced the task force Apparel Industry Partnership (AIP) to develop and control labor st andards for foreign factories. Although Nike was the first one to join, they had trouble convincing people that everything went right in their plants in Asia. Ernst & Young was being hired to control and audit the factories, but soon voices became loud, that there was not a really  objective view at the problems, since Nike was paying them. It hit the peak in 1997/ 1998, when TV shows, newspapers and even a movie (The Big One) were talking about the bad conditions within Nike’s factories in Asia and publicly challenged Phil Knight to change the way workers were treated, compensated and how underage workers were employed. Adidas, Reebok and New Balance took advantage of Nike’s down slope and gained in competitive advantage. This led to diminishing sales number, earnings fell 69%, and for the first time in 13 years Nike, Inc. had a loss at the end of the year 1998. Alternatives 1.Government regulation of Nike Advantages: a)Local Government would have a closer look onto what is happening in its own country and with their people b)US Government could also have a closer look onto what Nike is doing abroad and would be able to intervene any illegal activity from the motherland c)Both governments would work closer together and it would open doors for other US companies to invest in the foreign country Disadvantages: a)As indicated in the case, some governments just see the money that is brought into the country, regardless what is happening within the company, or better said to its people. b)Ties between the US government and the foreign country might not be the best, due to political tensions, and makes it therefore tougher to work together. 2.Improve employee’s working and living standards Advantages: a)†A happy employee is a better worker† – improve the employees living standard by raising his wage, giving him more benefits (health insurance, vacation time), lessen his working hours, etc. b)Equal Opportunity – give chances to workers to move up the company ladder, and not only bring outside people in. Furthermore, adjust worker’s compensation, working hours and labor conditions to human standards. c)Extensive training and development for managers – All managers should learn foreign country’s language, living habits and adapt to culture. Training the workers on the job will also help to overcome workforce diversity and make the workplace a better place to be. Disadvantages: a)The changes will take time and will be cost effective. b)Adapt to western working habits, might be a huge change for Asian workforce and might not be adapted well 3.Documentation and Inspection Advantages: a)Factories will be supervised, by either the local government or organizations b)Inspections will lead to better working conditions c)Workers will have someone to talk to and will not be left alone Disadvantages: a)Again, organizations might be paid by Nike and not report the whole truth b)Reports from workers might be left alone and not brought up to people in charge Best Alternative The best alternative for Nike, Inc. is to undertake all three alternatives simultaneously. In order to gain back the market share and competitive advantage, their global view has to strengthen. They started off very well by implementing some of the above-mentioned ideas. These alternatives will just help them to become a stronger player in this fast growing and very competitive business world. Implementation Steps The actions, that Nike, Inc. should take are as followed: First they should work on getting their name back into the right spotlight, by implementing the alternatives. The governments will be more than willing to help them and since Nike is recognized all over the world, even the local governments/ countries are keen on keeping them in their country and employ their citizens. This might even bring countries like the USA and Indonesia closer together and more companies from the US will be ready to go to Indonesia and produce there. Secondly, the workers’ benefits, life standard and work habits are the most important of all of the alternatives. Nike, Inc. should invest most of their research and development in this field, since the wages are still not as they should be. An idea would be to start raising the wages to at least the country’s standard, so that people can live off their earnings a normal life. Nike started successfully the implementation of programs that involved increasing the workers’ living standard in the developing world, but still the compensation of the worker is the main problem that needs to be taken on right away. Secure working places, no lay-offs and safe working environments should be steps that must be taken immediately, only then we can see the difference and make a worker a happy  and productive employee. Last but not least, Nike should be watched, inspected and documented upon. It will not only help the factories in Vietnam or Indonesia, but also the company itself. Once outside organizations tell Nike where they need to improve on and do it after being told, then the company will also get into the positive spotlight, which will resume in higher sales and more profit. Nike will then be again the strongest contender in supporting and sponsoring universities, pro athletes and teams and most important a company that everybody wants to work for, regardless where.

Ken Kesey-The Alienated Hero essays

Ken Kesey-The Alienated Hero essays Ken Kesey creates one of Americas most famous alienated heroes in his work One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest. Keseys alienated hero, Randle Patrick McMurphy, is a wild red-haired American of Irish heritage. McMurphy is a lazy, rowdy fighter. He also gambles constantly and has been prosecuted on the charges of the statutory rape of a 9 year old. A character with many flaws, McMurphy is not the likely character for heroics, but it is his rebellious lack of authority that makes him the perfect hero for Keseys story. Transferred from a work camp to a psychiatric ward, McMurphy is the only patient sane enough to fight the tyrannical, oppressive Nurse Ratched and her staff. To understand McMurphys role as an alienated or anti-hero, the term must be clearly defined. The Living Webster Encyclopedia Dictionary defines a hero as a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength. A hero is a character that the reader is intended to fully embrace due to the characters selflessness and moral values. The Wikipedia Encyclopedia defines an anti-hero as a character that has some of the personality flaws and ultimate fortune traditionally assigned to villains but nonetheless also have the heroic qualities or intentions to gain the sympathy of the readers. In other words, the anti-hero or alienated hero is the unlikely hero. These flawed heroes are similar to the heroes seen in comic books. Comic book heroes often have troubled pasts or justify their means by the end. McMurphy certainly has a checkered past, after being discharged from the military, and spending time in prison. His distrust of societys values helps carve out his status as an outsider. An alienated hero often moves from one failure to the next and usually in the end reach the fate of a villain, failure. Jay Gatsby is comparable to McMurphy. Both come from checkered pasts, and fight for som...

Without Seeing The Dawn essays

Without Seeing The Dawn essays The story starts by describing the main character, Carding. At age eighteen, he had been fully grown as a very strong man. As the only son of Juan Suerte, he helps his father plow the land that they are tending to form their landlord Don Diego. As they lived in one of the suburbs of Iloilo, a barrio named Manhayang in the town of Santa Barbara. They lived a simple life, pasture the carabao and plow the land. Carding as a young lad usually goes out to the river and the field with his cousin Gondong along with their friends Polo, Ruben, Poncing, Isko and Intong. During that old times, the sons are the ones who help their fathers toil the land because farming is their main source of income. While the women stays at home doing household chores along with their daughters. Carding is a favored suitor of Lucia aka Lucing. Lucing is the beautiful daughter of Teniente Paul, the barangay chief of Manhayang. Lucia holds the beauty title as Ms. Barangay Fiesta. Many young men admire s Lucia, but Carding won her heart. One night, Carding talked to his father about getting married. At first his father disagreed because Tatay Juan, wants Carding to finish his studies. But since Carding changed his mind, Tata Juan supported his decision. He wants to marry Lucia, so they planned to ask for Lucias hand with the help of other advocates, Manong Marcelo the school teacher and Inday Picat the fat old maid who were once a school teacher also. So one night they went to Teniente Pauls house so as to discuss about the wedding. At first Teniente Paul is hesitant to decide. If he is going to let Lucia marry Carding or not. But since Tatay Juan and Carding are willing to agree in the terms and condition of Teniente Paul, the wedding will push through. If Teneinte Paul doesnt allow Lucia to marry him, he will carry away Lucia just to prove his unconditional love. The agreement was, Carding will build a house seven meteres ...

Managing HR Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Managing HR - Essay Example The researcher states that in order to select the best practice for recruiting new employees, the company gave an insight to all possible options and the costs involved. With the advent of the internet, and its deep impact on the human resourcing, companies have already been relying upon the computers to access and utilize a number of advantages, recruitment being one of them. Tracking of resumes, job applications, new job postings etc., has all been made much easier than before with the help of online recruitment methods. In spite of a number of employers using the traditional methods of newspaper ads, referencing within the industry, search agencies and personal recommendations, e-recruitment can easily integrate with all these HR services and offer much better results. Another part of the essay aims to explore the various methods that can be utilized by the company in order to reduce the absence of employees. Absenteeism can be defined as the unscheduled absence of employee / empl oyees from work and the cause of absence may range from personal to professional reasons – like illness, family issues, problems at office etc. managing employee absence has become one of the most challenging tasks for the companies across the globe. While there exists no particular approach for absenteeism management, the managers are required to address the issues and causes, and subsequently suggest solutions to employees to reduce their leaves and also increase work efficiency, such as counseling as the best method possible.

Discuss NEEDS & RIGHTS pilicy themes in relation to apractice Essay

Discuss NEEDS & RIGHTS pilicy themes in relation to apractice setting(FAMILIES AND CHILDREN CONTACT CENTRE) - Essay Example A social policy should thus provide a child centred model to enable the social workers working with families and children provide services without any difficult. This would also empower children to navigate through the family change using a holistic systematic approach Alcock et al.2007). The changing nature of family life and children demands that policies should be flexible to adapt to these changing circumstances. Needs and rights themes in policies are very important in relation to working with families and children. There is need for collective social response to address these issues. Needs and rights policy themes if well formulated can regulate how families and children in need of the social care can be assisted (Spicker 2008). In working with families I have realized that children are in dire need of achieving their rights and meeting their needs. This can only be done with a policy that focuses on the rights and needs of children in question (Barnett & Hustedt, 2005). In my engagement with the families and children, I found out that many children suffer from sexual abuse, physical abuse, serious willful neglect that affects them mentally. This includes failure to provide for them the necessities of life or where a child witnesses violence resulting in or having the potential to result to serious injury to a family member or even death. The child protection protocol states that such instances should be reported to the policy for investigation but have found out that in many instances these cases are not investigated and if investigated the government do not take any action (Dickens, 2010). There should be a policy to address these issues affecting children and families. The policy available does not address fully the issues that we experience at the contact centre. Many of the issues are tricky and hence demand a harmonious consideration of the issues and provide the necessary support but this can only be possible the social policy will be in place to a ddresses the needs and rights of the families and children involved. Most children need social support from other people to survive and this support with a well established framework will enable them to avoid stress. Social support should be the major theoretical framework of the policies that are formulated. For children at risk, accessible and positive social support can play a vital role in addressing their needs and rights (Barnett & Hustedt, 2005). Children and families we work with have needs and rights that are fundamental and if timely interventions are not taken, these rights and needs would not be realized. Working with families and children one realizes that in spite of the challenges that most of them go through, they have survived and are capable of leading a successful live. Therefore one of the needs and rights of the families and children undergoing difficulties should be entrenched in policies because their rights have to be protected despite the challenges. While w orking with children and families at the contact centre I realized that children in separated families have a higher chance of encountering many problems in life. For instance, most perform poorly in school, they are usually in need of medical attention and need help in most of other areas to ensure they attain their full potential. We work with parents to support them through the changes that

Opinions of Experts in the Search for Knowledge Research Paper

Opinions of Experts in the Search for Knowledge - Research Paper Example his is where the expert and the ordinary individuals diverge, in the way they form their opinion, then acquire and interpret knowledge. Who is an Expert? According to Christine Hogan (2000), â€Å"an expert is a person with a high level of intelligence, skills or knowledge in a particular sphere, reinforced by publicity and honors by others, by research and publications† (57). A more complicated definition was posited by Kurz-Milcke and Gigerenzer (2004), who stressed that an expert is a social figure in the distribution of knowledge – those who, in comparison to most, not only have more knowledge but also are able to manage knowledge transfers (42). The authors further explained that an expert can only become an expert by way of his or her performances wherein he or she translates and integrates knowledge into popular meaning systems (42). And so, a learned person who has merely acquired knowledge but has not displayed or demonstrated his learning cannot be considered one. Society will not accord him or her the status of an expert unless work or several works were published that would support his being so. No one can claim such title or role without the explicit consent of many individuals, institutions, and organizations. It is, hence, easy, based on the previous two definitions, to identify whether one is interacting with an expert. An expert is someone who has previous knowledge or expertise on the subject and also he or she is known to have demonstrated those characteristics, one who built his reputation, translating it into status and recognition from the society he belongs. An individual will know that he is talking with an expert if that person speaks authoritatively, especially basing from his specialized skills and experiences in addition to the credibility he has earned in the society. The society reinforces this with recognition since its institutions value performance and contributions to the continuing search for knowledge. The above definitions also reveal an important variable - why an expert’s opinion is valuable and this is demonstrated in several areas of knowledge.

Swot B&B Ice Cream Essay Example for Free

Swot BB Ice Cream Essay SWOT analysis is a very useful technique for understanding internal and external environment of the business based on its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. SWOT analysis on Ben and Jerry’s, we can see the secrets of its success and what are areas for growth. Strengths: 1. Ben and Jerry’s has a well-funded and large-scale parent company. 2. Ben and Jerry’s has a good reputation of the high-quality products. 3. Ben and Jerry’s has the various and innovative products. 4. Ben and Jerry’s is a powerful brand with the high market share. 5. Ben and Jerry’s has a well-known social responsibility and environmentalism. 6. Ben and Jerry’s ensures employee satisfaction. Weaknesses: 1. Less media advertisement investment. 2. Life cycle of single flavor is short. 3. High price. Opportunities: 1. Ben and Jerry’s can keep on developing new products. 2. Ben and Jerry’s can make its ice cream more convenient to buy. 3. Ben and Jerry’s can enter the Chinese market. 4. Ben and Jerry’s can cooperate with other brands. Threats: 1. Food safety. 2. The price of raw material. 3. The raise of human health awareness. 4. Already existed competitors and new competitors. Ben and Jerrys Ice Cream is best known as a premium ice cream brand and it has 800 franchises and 5800 eating locations in 28 countries around the world. Annual sales revenue for Ben and Jerry’s exceeds $132 million. (Statistic Brain, 2012) There is no doubting, Ben and Jerry’s is one of the best companies in the dessert market. Ben and Jerrys were bought over by an Anglo–Dutch multinational consumer goods company Unilever in 2000. As a world’s third-largest consumer goods company and the world’s largest maker of ice cream, Unilever not only has provided the sufficient funds and vast global market for Ben and Jerry’s, but also has offered organizational management mode and scientific management method. By virtue of good resources, Ben and Jerry’s can strengthen market, enlarge brand, perfect management and get more profit. If you do eat Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, you have to admit that Ben Jerrys is more flavorful compare with other cheaper brands of ice cream. It is because Ben and Jerry’s ice cream contain higher percentage of butterfat and it is made with high quality vanilla, nuts, chocolate, fruits and flavorings. In addition, all Ben Jerrys ice cream is made by non-genetically modified ingredients, like organic milk and organic eggs. Not all consumers can distinguish the difference of coco between West Africa and South Asia, but almost everyone knows choose organic means choose health. And high quality of raw materials can insure the tasty and healthy of Ben and Jerry’s products. Quality is the eternal subject of companies. Only good products can retain the consumers, help business win the competitive advantage from strong market competition. Meanwhile, in order to meet different people’s needs, Ben and Jerry’s has already developed over 100 flavors of products including ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet and ice cream novelty products and the new flavors of ice cream is developing ceaselessly. They are using special characteristics to distinguish the difference types of ice cream. For example, low sugar, and low fat ice cream have special color effects on their packages, they can attract people who are serious about weight. And some ice cream packages with different Disney’s characters for attracting more children. Ben and Jerry’s strengthens advertising to make more people who never eat Ben and Jerry’s taste their most popular products named Cookie Dough and Chocolate Fudge Brownie, because without first attempt, there is no customer loyalty. These marketing tools not only convenient consumers to choice and remember, but also expand the range of target market. In addition, Ben and Jerry’s has a strong brand name. It is a stable and successful company with high market share. According to west European deserts market research, Ben and Jerry’s has the largest share of the luxury ice cream market was 39.1% (IRI convenience sales, 2008). High market share help Ben and Jerry’s take the initiative. Ben and Jerry’s has been working on charity and environmental protection. This is the key difference above other brands. Ben and Jerry’s not only put much money into public every year, but also promise to produce eco-packaging. Their foundation awards about $1.8 million annually and charity events beyond count. Advertisement is the most effective way to inform and persuade the consumers and charity is the best advertisement, it has longer term efficacy than media advertisement. The employees are major wealth of the business. Ben and Jerry’s through different ways to encourage their staffs, such as high salaries, Ben Jerrys livable wage benchmark was $15.34/h in 2011 and far above the USA minimum wage was $7.25/hr. (BJ USA homepage, 2011) Besides, extra premiums, staff health programs and community garden all can improve the employees empower and motivate. Employee satisfaction is a factor of Ben and Jerry’s success as well. To sum up, business success not accidental and lucky, large parent company, good reputation, innovative products, powerful brand name, high social responsibility and employee satisfaction are the causes of Ben and Jerry’s success. But there are no excellent companies, Ben and Jerry’s is no exception. Firstly, as a profit making organization, Ben and Jerry’s puts more money into charity rather than media advertisement. Charity is good, but less advertisement investment against Ben and Jerry’s expanding corporate recognition. Secondly, Ben and Jerrys has some flavors that had taken off shelves quickly. Keeping fresh is fine, but every new product used large resources before they launch in the market. Too short life cycle of product will lead to resources waste. Thirdly, in Tesco, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream’s price is  £0.90/100ml, but most of other brands’ prices are  £0.20- £0.40/100ml. The high price will close the door on many consumers. Ben and Jerry’s has many opportunities of producing, such as it can develop more flavors and increase the life cycle of some products. They also can build a few flavors only belong to Ben and Jerry’s. Just like when consumers hear Big MAC, they associate McDonald’s. And different sizes and shapes of ice cream also can attract more consumers, such as super size ice cream tub or ice cream bar, because now Ben and Jerry’s only has two sizes of ice cream tub (500ml and 150ml). And healthier products are necessary, fat free or sugar free all the good choices. Ben and Jerry’s still do not have a list of gluten-free flavors, so they can fill this gap. The opportunities of market is that make their ice cream vending machine go into more Cafà ©s, schools, railway stations and cinemas. It is convenience for people who need to replenish energy and just greedy. At the same time, Ben and Jerry’s can expand new markets, such as Asia market and Africa market. Some professionals say that the scale of Chinese ice cream market has more than  £30 millions and expect the luxury ice cream share of 20%-30%. Haagen Dazs has entered the Chinese high-end ice cream market early, its success shows large market demand in developing countries. Ben and Jerry’s should catch this business opportunity. In addition, Ben and jerry’s can produce different products according to the different cultural. Fox example, the consumers can buy fried bread stick and meat congee in Chinese KFC. So Ben and Jerry’s can launch the ice cream moon cake to meet Chinese consumers’ tastes. Forthemore, Cooperation is also a good choice, and this cooperation can be different sectors, like cooperate with AMC Theatres, and the consumers only can buy Ben and Jerry’s ice cream at AMC Cinemas. And they also can cooperate with clothing brands and print their unique cow images on limited edition clothing. This is a good way of advertising as well. Of course, Ben and Jerry’s can cooperate with food companies, like Cadbury, to produce â€Å"Cadbury Jerry’s† chocolate ice cream. Powerful combination will be easier for win-win. Preventing accidents before they occur is necessary. Food is related to human health, so from raw materials to production, every stage exist risk. Such as, raw material pollution, unqualified food additives and unclean food processing. Every single detail can decide the quality of products. And with the price of cattle feeds is raising will lead to the price of milk up, so Ben and Jerry’s has to cost more on raw milk. Meanwhile, more and more people focus on health, the frozen foods will suffer winter. Obviously, Haagen Dazs is an arch rival and it has more market share around the world. At the same time, the new competitors can appear at any time. In conclusion, in view of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream long-term development, Ben and Jerry’s should match strengths to opportunities, convert weaknesses into strengths and convert threats into opportunities. And then it will get more successful in the future.