Collective bargaining Essay Example

Collective bargaining Essay A labor union is an association of workers formed for the primary objective of influencing the employers decisions and policies concerning employment conditions. In the event that demands of employees are not met by management, employees turn to the labor union for assistance. Labor isolation Labor relations are governed by a number of legislations. Said legislation provides among other things the following: 1 ) Procedure for union elections 2) Requirement for employers to bargain with a union 3) Defines and prohibits certain unfair labor practices on the part of the employer that might discourage fair bargaining) Controls for improper practices 5) Rights of union member 6) Government-regulated system of collective bargaining COLLECTIVE BARGAINING G Collective bargaining is a social process. It requires negotiations between representatives of management and labor to accomplish in writing an agreement covering terms and conditions of employment. Collective bargaining is aimed at working toward the attainment of new equilibrium between two social forces and to make easier the maintenance of the established equilibrium. Notwithstanding the difficulties to be met, elective bargaining is an effective practice to preserve labor-management autonomy in a free and democratic society. Collective bargaining is a continuous process. Although negotiations take place only periodically, after the contract is signed, a number of parts of the bargaining process remain to be performed. We will write a custom essay sample on Collective bargaining specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Collective bargaining specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Collective bargaining specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Stipulations contained in the contract must be communicated to managers, employees and other union officers. Meanwhile, both parties keep watching for flaws in their contract so that they can introduce amendments at the succeeding negotiations. They furthermore study local industry-wide and nationwide labor relations developments to see how their own contract may, in some ways, be affected. Collective bargaining is a flexible, give and take process, it, therefore, requires both careful preparations and skilful maneuvering with flexibility. Negative attitudes bring about a wrong emotional tone in bargaining sessions. Planning for Negotiations Management must first look into the state of its labor relations because each forthcoming bargaining will be contingent on what has gone before that. This will help the management determine if they will be antagonistic or cooperative. Management should also consider the possible attitude it would face across the bargaining table. Trouble existing within the union may spill over the bargaining sessions. Top management should appoint a bargaining team and work with it in developing the basic bargaining strategy and an effective bargaining plan. Participation by supervisors and middle managers should be encouraged by top management in planning for negotiations. They are the people who are actually posted on the provisions of the contract and are well-informed on the strong and weak points contained therein. Bargaining Tactics The following are the three (3) tactics commonly used by bargainers to make their bargaining more effective: 1) A recess Whenever negotiators become fatigue or when members of a bargaining committee desire to discuss some important points privately, they request a recess. This allow the parties to return to the conference table with united front, after reconsidering their position and after gathering more information to back up their stand. ) Delay of Deliberation When negotiations are stalled on troublesome issues they request that the matter be tabled and taken up in subsequent meetings. They expect that the situation or the negotiating atmosphere will change to enable them to more easily resolve the issue under consideration. 3) Counterproposal Alternative solutions to problems are presented by negotiating parties. Usually the union does most of the asking. Management, on the other hand tries to reduce whatever may reverse the one-way relationship and grab the initiation of ideas away from the union negotiators. Mediation and Contract Settlement In the event that an agreement cannot be reached, the union may stage a strike or a mediator brought to the negotiating table by one of the parties or by the government. The mediator must be an outside specialist who is unbiased, emotionally stable and with a wide experience. He must be able to present fresh viewpoints, not previously considered, in settlement of the issues under consideration. He serves as a confidential intermediary for both parties. When an agreement is reached, it should be put into writing as clearly and to the point, as much as possible. Unless most readers can understand it, it will not be of benefit. The contract is written to stabilize relationships so that the use of legal terminologies should be minimized. After the signing of the contract, the next Step is to communicate it to those who are to work under its rules, in accordance with it stipulations. GRIEVANCE SYSTEMS A grievance system is a formal system through which disputes over working rules are expressed, processed and judged in an organization. It provides a means by which all edged wrongs may be justifiably resolved among an organizations members. What is grievance? Grievance is defined as any real or imagined feeling of personal injustice that an employee has about the employment relationship. In some unionized organizations, a grievance is taken to mean any protested violation of the labor agreement. A person harboring dissatisfaction may present a grievance with for himself and/or for others. A person may file a grievance with the grievance system formally. If stated informally, it is at times referred to only as a complaint or a gripe. Grievance Rates The grievance rate is stated in terms of the number of written cases in a erred. Grievance rate is usually 5 to 20. A low rate is not necessarily desirable because it may manifest a suppression of grievances. Grievances are developed by all employees of all types and at all levels. Ways to reduce grievance: 1) Effective contract administration- Fair, open and prompt adjudication of problems that arise tends to lessen misunderstanding underlying many grievances. 2) Participative management- Whenever employees participate in decision-making regarding working conditions, they have fewer reasons to file grievances about them. Benefits of Grievance System ) Helps make employees problems known 2) Encourage solution of problems before they become serious 3) Helps prevent future problems 4) Gives employees emotional release for their dissatisfactions 5) Helps establish and maintain a working relationship in the group 6) Provides a check and balance on arbitrary management actions Grievance Procedures 1) Employee (the grievance) discusses grievance with the supervisor 2) Employee presents grievance in writing to the supervisor 3) Steward present grievance to department head 4) Union present grievance to general manager 5) Grievance is submitted to impartial arbiter It is important that a grievance be processed within a short span of time and that, delays should be avoided. Delays in action prevent immediate settlement, which may be misunderstood by the grievance. A supervisor who delays acting a grievance in effect strengthens the grievances cause and gives the impression that the impression that the supervisor sees the soundness of the grievance which he is afraid to face. Arbitration If the grievance is not settled at the organizations hierarchical level, either labor or management may submit the case to arbitration, for a final and ending decision by a third party or parties. The arbitrators decisions govern only until the next collective bargaining negotiation. The interpretation of what the existing contract means is referred to as grievance arbitration. Arbitration to establish new contract terms is referred to as contract arbitration. The former leads to grievance settlement, whereas the latter replaces collective bargaining agreement. Benefits of Arbitrators in Arbitration 1) Arbitrators are outsiders who bring a fresh perspective. 2) Arbitrators are not emotionally involved in the dispute ) They can render a decision that usually is enforceable in the courts.

The Dynamics of Flirting essays

The Dynamics of Flirting essays The 21st century has revolutionized the way we interact with others and view the world; technology made it is easier to communicate, network, and even flirt with others. Computers transformed themselves into becoming the new cupid via instant messaging, chat-rooms and online dating in which flirting is easier in these spaces. Also the rise of social networking sites even made it possible to find a significant other; for example, my friend met his current girlfriend of six months through Facebook. However, there are still remnants of traditional flirting in the sense where we still meet people who attracts us at common locations, such as a bar or party. Both offline and online flirting have similar goals of starting and following a sexual and/or romantic relationship with other people; but simultaneously, they have different approaches in meeting new people. With the use of my interview, I am going to analyze the male and female perspective of flirting online and offline and the many opportunities and restrictions that correspond with flirting. Although the ways we flirt have changed dramatically, ideas of gender has not: both in the past and present, men seek physical attractiveness in a partner whereas women seek financial stability. Additionally, I will further examine the double standard of gender and how it stagnantly remains unaffected in todays society and its effect on how one approach and flirts with another. There are many opportunities in flirting online as well offline in which they have similar attitudes and tactics when talking to others. Flirting often involves an erotic energy between two people escalated by alcohol, music, attractive people, and sexy outfits (Hamilton Armstrong 605). Both my male and female interviewees (Ages 21) agree on the parallels of flirting to see where the dating potential lies and decide how far the romantic and sexual relationship goes. Fl...

Inflation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Inflation - Essay Example There have been cases around the globe known as hyperinflation. Though there is no official definition for it, it is generally accepted as a 50% annual inflation rate. Ecuador suffered through a 96% inflation rate in 2000 ("Background Note: Ecuador"). This was caused by a weak economy, massive debt from El Nino in 1998, and a floating currency. The president was ousted in Jan. 2000 and caused a 75% spike in a one-month period. The new government restructured the debt, privatized state owned industries, and tied the currency to the US dollar. The following years saw lower rates and it had dropped to 1.9% in 2004 ("Background Note: Ecuador"). The war and economic hardships in the former Yugoslavia resulted in inflation rates in the period 1971-91 of 69 percent, with hyperinflation of more than 50 percent per month in 1989 (Hanke). According to experts, Slobodan Milosevic triggered the hyperinflation by granting $1.8 billion in unauthorized credits to Serbian-owned enterprises (Hanke). It was only brought under control when the war ended and a new government was installed. Though the UAE and Dubai have not seen these rates of inflation, it has been on the rise in recent years. It was 2.8% in 2002 and is estimated to hit 20% in 2006. That was up from 10.5% in 2005 ("United Arab Emirates"). The rate was 3.2% and 4.6% in 2003-2004.

Business Strategy and the Role of Information for the Organization Term Paper

Business Strategy and the Role of Information for the Organization - Term Paper Example Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes (2003) argue that the mission statement of the organization is the element that reflects upon the core strategies of the organization itself. This makes it clear that the mission statement is the critical element for the successful evaluation of the existing strategies in an organization. In light of the aforementioned arguments, the mission statement for the organization under scrutiny is presented below. From the mission statement, it is clear that the Office of the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitors office are predominantly involved in accomplishing effectiveness in legal services provided to the customers through gaining efficiency in performance. The mission statement also reveals that the quality of service is the critical element for the organization in both the external and internal customers scenario as mentioned in the strategy statement of the Office of the Attorney General. From the review of the strategy statement of the Offic e of the Attorney general, it is clear that the organization is not only striving to accomplish effective customer service through improving quality but also increasingly focusing upon the development of the human resource as well as the overall organization status in the public. The presence of the Management Advisory Committee in the organization as the monitor 'to ensure that all key strategic, business and management decisions for the Office are discussed collectively before any relevant issues are further developed in a partnership approach involving management, unions, and staff', further justifies that the strategic positioning of the organization   as argued by Richard Lynch (2003) is the key to effectiveness in performance within the organization.   

The Topic is Post Merger Integration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Topic is Post Merger Integration - Essay Example A merger can be seen as the coming together of two or more firms of fairly the same size following a joint decision to form an entirely new firm, sharing power equally. (Gustafsson and Hukkanen, 2002; Randeniya and Roivas, 2004). Three types of mergers can be identified: vertical integration where two firm engaged in different stages of production of the same good/service come together, horizontal mergers where two firms at the same stage of production come together and conglomerates where two firms producing unrelated goods/services come together (Gustafsson and Hukkanen, 2002; Randeniya and Roivas, 2004). Vertical can further be split into forward vertical and backward vertical mergers.(Gustafsson and Hukkanen, 2002). A merger may occur to achieve the following results. An acquisition on the other hand is a union of two firms in one of them survives while the other goes out of existence. (Gustafsson and Hukkanen, 2002). In certain occasions, the absorbed company may retain its individual identity if it is an important strategic element, for example, when Ford acquired Volvo, Volvo was still allowed to keep its brand name.(Randeniya and Roivas, 2004). ... (Gustafsson and Hukkanen, 2002; Karin and Elisabet, 2006). The distinction between mergers and acquisitions can viewed from three angles, viz: The strategic reason or purpose underlying the decision; Whether it is a friendly or hostile consolidation; The degree of integration between the firms. (Gustafsson and Hukkanen, 2002) Generally speaking, the motives for mergers and acquisitions can be broadly divided into two, viz, the financial and non-value maximizing reasons. The financial reason: This deals with the financial value of the firm as a whole and looks at aspects such as increasing overall performance and creating shareholder value. (Risberg, 2006). This is due to the gains of synergy and overcoming of information asymmetry which might have been existing in the stand alone firms. (Risberg, 2006). Also, the firm's inability to fund certain marginally profitable projects as stand alone institutions is a motivating financial factor behind mergers. There is also the non-value-maximising marginally based motive behind mergers. This arises mainly due to the manager's desires to increase power, sales or growth. This reason is also known as personal or strategic reasons. (Risberg, 2006). In a merger, the newly formed firm has a completely new name while in an acquisition, the absorbed firm may retain its name, though management is handled by the acquiring firm. (Randeniya and Roivas, 2004). Other remote reasons for mergers of acquisitions are psychological motives which is mainly fear. Thus, we find a situation where firms come together or acquire others or due to the fear of being acquired by other larger more efficient firms. (Risberg, 2006). Again, as firms grow old, they become rigid and more

Relationship Between VO2 Max And Gender Physical Education Essay

Relationship Between VO2 Max And Gender Physical Education Essay Within the exercise world the most widely accepted measure of cardiovascular fitness is VO2 max. Also known as maximal oxygen uptake, VO2 max is defined by Albernethy et al (1996) as the maximum amount of oxygen than can be absorbed and transported to working tissues for use within the body. This literature also states that athletes with a high VO2 max are typically know to be endurance athletes whereas athletes with a lower VO2 max are classified as either power or sprint athletes. Whilst relationship between types of exercise and VO2 max are clearly defined, the relationship between VO2 max and gender is still a topic which is widely debated within the exercise world. After reviewing literature from Martin et al (1991), Rowland et al (2000) and Suth (2005) it is evident that males have a higher VO2 max than that of females, regardless of age. Despite this, all articles indicate that body composition and cardiac size are both major determinants of VO2 max. Rowland et al (2000) found that in adolescents, VO2 max is higher in males in both absolute terms and relative to body mass. Interestingly, at the age of 18 males have a 75% greater VO2 max when expressed as an absolute value as opposed to a 25-30% higher VO2 max relative to body mass (Rowland et al, 2000). As we venture into adulthood, females are said to have a body fat content which is 1.7 times greater than males and as a result there is a noteworthy gender difference in VO2 max when looking at absolute values (Suth, 2005). However, when looking at VO2 max relative to lean body mass the differences between genders are reduced by almost 50%. In the study conducted by Martin et al (1991) groups of sedentary and trained men and women were tested for VO2 max. The result yielded from the experiment indicate that males had a greater VO2 max both relative to body mass and when compared to the study groups. The aim of the current study was to conduct a two submaximal cardiovascular fitness tests on a sample of mixed gender university students in order to examine the relationship between VO2 max and gender. Two submaximal fitness tests, namely the Astrand-Ryhming step test and YMCA Protocol test were used in order to obtain the results and perform the analysis between genders. Method Subjects The study consisted of a total 83 participants, who were recruited from the faculty of human movement studies during laboratory sessions, which included 42 males and 41 females. Each of the participants was required to complete two fitness tests which aimed at determining their maximal oxygen uptake or VO2 max. Prior to undertaking the fitness tests each participant recorded their gender, age, height and weight by means of classification and analysis upon the tests completion. This data, represented as mean  ± standard deviation (SD), is as follows. Males (42) mean  ± SD: Age 19.07  ± 3.85 yrs, Height 181.39  ± 6.36 cm, Weight 76.88  ± 8.87 kg. Females (41) mean  ± SD: Age 18.28  ± 1.73 yrs, Height 181.39  ± 6.36 cm, Weight 60.05  ± 6.93 kg. In addition the participants were grouped into groups of 2-3, along with recording their 85% HR max for testing purposes. Testing Protocols Prior to the conduction of the Astrand-Ryhming step test and YMCA Protocol test, various conditions of testing were followed in order to ensure the same standard and validity of testing between groups. It was expressed that participants were to have not participated in heavy exercise nor have had and stimulants or heavy means in the four hours prior to testing. Also it was mentioned that participants were to be well hydrated and wearing clothing and footwear appropriate for physical activity. Finally, it must be noted that in ideal circumstances, temperature and humidity levels should be standardised. Astrand-Ryhming step test: For this test participants were required to set up steps at specific heights of both 40cm (males) and 33cm (females). In order to complete the test correctly the subjects had to step up and down on the platform at a rate of 22.5 complete ascents and descents per minute. This translated to a 4count on a metronome set at 90 beats per minute (bpm). Each participant was required to step for 6 minutes with their heart rate (HR) being recorded at the end of each minute. It was expressed that the test was not to exceed 10 minutes and the test be stopped if the HR exceed 85% HR max. The test was deemed completed when the difference between the final two values was less than 6 bpm. Upon completion of the test the Astrand-Ryhming nomogram was used to estimate the participants VO2 max. YMCA Protocol test: For this particular test, participants were required to cycle for multiple intervals of three minutes according to a modified guide which was based on the participants HR. In order to ensure that the bike was at a comfortable height, students had to adjust the height of the cycle ergometer so that the knee was slightly flexed at the bottom of the downstroke. At the beginning of the test the student was required to pedal at 50 revolutions per minute (rpm) by means of warm up. The first workload on the ergometer was set at 25 watts (W) which the participant cycled for three minutes with their HR being recorded for the last 15 seconds of the 2nd and 3rd minutes. After the first three minutes had been completed the HR from the 2nd and 3rd minutes was analysed to determine the work-rate (WR) category for the remainder of the test, ensuring that the HR for this period differed by no more than 6. The participant then had to continue riding moving to subsequent WR after every three minutes u ntil the successive HR differed by no more than 6 bpm. The test was concluded when the participant had at least two WR with corresponding steady state heart rates between 110 bpm and 85% HR max. Data Collection Procedures The data collection process for the Astrand-Ryhming step test required participants to record their HR at 1 minute intervals until the steady state had been reached and the test completed. This raw data was used in correlation with both the participants weight and Astrand-Ryhming Nomogram to find their Raw VO2 max (L.min). For the YMCA Protocol test a chart was used whereby HR was plotted against WR. Firstly a horizontal line was drawn where the subjects age-predicted HR max lies. Secondly the HR from the last minute of each of the last two WR was plotted against the corresponding WR. Next a straight line is drawn joining these two values as well as intersecting the line of the subjects age-predicted HR max. From this point a vertical line was drawn downwards which intersected the work-rate and VO2 scales below the horizontal axis consequently determining the subjects VO2 levels (L.min). Data Analysis Procedures For the Astrand-Ryhming step test, the subjects age determined VO2 max was predicted by using the age correlation factor table which was located in the age correction factor for determination of predicted VO2 max table and multiplying it by the Raw VO2 max levels. Further analysis was conducted by converting this value from L.min to ml.kg.min in order express VO2 max relative to body mass. Like the analysis procedure for the Astrand-Ryhming step test, the relative body mass VO2 max was also determined for the YMCA Protocol test. This method differed from the Astrand-Ryhming step test as the age correction table was not used; instead age was incorporated into the graph for plotting HR against WR. Results After completion of the two sub-maximal fitness tests it was evident from the tests that males (49.09  ± 11.48) as a whole group recorded a higher VO2 max level in the YMCA Protocol Test as opposed to females (46.42  ± 11.81). Despite this, when analysing results for the Astrand-Ryhming step test it was discovered that as an entire cohort, females (48.26  ± 10.51) recorded an average higher VO2 max than their male (47.66  ± 8.04) counterparts. In addition, it is evident that males (H: 181.39  ± 6.36 cm, W: 76.88  ± 8.87 kg) have a higher average height and weight as opposed to women (H: 164.34  ± 26.94 cm, W: 60.05  ± 6.93 kg). Figure 1 refers to the average group VO2 max between males and females for both sub-maximal fitness tests. Based on this figure it is evident that males have a higher mean value for both tests than women. Conversely, women have a greater spread of data for the Astrand-Ryhming step test as opposed to men, as well as having higher maximum values for the YMCA Protocol Test. Males seem to have a fairly even spread of data for both tests, which correlates to their higher average VO2 max in the YMCA Protocol Test. Table 1: Average ( ± SD) values for males and females age, height (cm), weight (kg) and VO2 max (ml.kg.min) Age Weight (kg) Height (m) YMCA Protocol Test (ml.kg.min) Astrand-Ryhming step test (ml.kg.min) Males 19.07  ± 3.85 76.88  ± 8.87 181.39  ± 6.36 49.09  ± 11.48 47.66  ± 8.04 Females 18.28  ± 1.73 60.05  ± 6.93 164.34  ± 26.94 46.42  ± 11.81 48.26  ± 10.51 Figure 1: Box plot of average VO2 max between males and females for both sub-maximal fitness tests Discussion The gender differences of VO2 max for the study somewhat reflects the observations and results recorded in previous literature. Previous studies on gender research have indicated that males have a higher VO2 max than that of females, in both absolute terms and relative to body mass (Rowland et al, 2000). It was found that after the completion of the current study that this research was only partly confirmed as males were found to have a higher VO2 max in the YMCA Protocol Test, whilst females recorded a higher VO2 max in the Astrand-Ryhming step test. It is believed that differences in body composition are the main contributing factor as to why VO2 max levels differ between genders. When analysing height and weight components between males (H: 181.39  ± 6.36 cm, W: 76.88  ± 8.87 kg) and females (H: 164.34  ± 26.94 cm, W: 60.05  ± 6.93 kg), it was evident that males were on average significantly larger than females. This correlates with research conducted by Rowland et al (2000) which states that majority of males can produce a higher VO2 max due to the fact they are anatomically bigger. As a result of their larger size it is known that males have larger chest cavities and consequently larger lungs, which equates to them having a larger lung capacity and consequent VO2 max levels. This evidence is closely associated with the results produced from the YMCA Protocol Test as males (49.09  ± 11.48) produced a considerably higher VO2 max than that of females (46.42  ± 11.81). Evidently body composition is not the only determinant of VO2 max as personal fitness levels and training background may also play a major part in VO2 max levels (Suth, 2005). In addition to this, personal motivation could have also contributed to the overall results from the tests. Suth (2005) revealed that there is a high correlation between personal fitness, training background and VO2 max regardless of gender. Consequently, regardless of body composition or gender, a person who participates regularly in moderate to vigorous physical activity will have a higher VO2 max than that of a sedentary individual. With the selected sample being human movement studies students, who all have an interest in sport, it is likely that majority of participants would engage in physical activity resulting in them having above average fitness levels. Whilst training background and prior fitness levels were not extensively measured prior to the test is may be assumed that this concept is a possible e xplanation for the females (48.26  ± 10.51) recording a marginally higher VO2 max than males (47.66  ± 8.04) in the Astrand-Ryhming step test. Key limitations to this study could have had a direct correlation to the results which were recorded from the study. Mainly the fact that the two sub-maximal fitness tests were performed directly after each other could have had a direct bearing on the results. This is because following the first test, depending on how exhausting it was, the subject could have been pre-fatigued and possibly performing below their optimal performance levels consequently producing a lower VO2 max level. Another limitation to the study is the fact that training background and fitness levels were not extensively analysed prior to the studies conduction. This is particularly evident as all of the studies participants, as they are a part of the faculty of human movement studies, would be assumed to have above average VO2 max levels consequently not providing much difference between males and females. Conversely, if participants of this study were compared against a group of sedentary individuals different r esults outlining differences between fitness levels and genders could be expected. Similarly, it would be expected that the VO2 max results for the second test would be lower than the first due to fatigue. Looking forward to the future, ensuring that all participants perform each test in the same order, or possibly on different days, will mean that the results obtained from the tests will project the optimal efforts of the participants. Conversely, a downfall to this would be that it would take more time to obtain results from the two tests. Also, another idea is to groups participants according to body mass and/or height in order to determine whether maximal oxygen uptake is governed by gender or body composition.

Serious Errors within Rene Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy :: Philosophy Religion Essays

Serious Errors within Rene Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy One of Rene Descartes’ major culminations in Meditations on First Philosophy is â€Å"I must finally conclude that this proposition, I am, I exist, is necessarily true whenever it is put forward by me or conceived in my mind† (Descartes:17). This statement can be explicated by examining Descartes’ Cartesian method of doubt and his subsequent discovery of basic truths. Even though I do believe that Descartes concludes with a statement that is accurate: cogito ergo sum, there are areas of his proof that are susceptible to defamation. These objections discover serious error with Descartes’ method used in determining the aforementioned conclusion. In the first meditation, Descartes makes a conscious decision to search for â€Å"in each of them [his opinions] at least some reason for doubt†(12). Descartes rejects anything and everything that can be doubted and quests for something that is undeniably certain. The foundation of his doubt is that his opinions are largely established by his senses, yet â€Å"from time to time I [Descartes] have found that the senses deceive, and it is prudent never to trust completely those who have deceived us even once†(12). First, Descartes establishes that error is possible, employing the example of the straight stick that appears bent when partially submerged in water, as mentioned in the Sixth Replies (64-65). Secondly, he proves that at any given time he could be deceived, such is the case with realistic dreams. Further, Descartes is able to doubt absolutely everything since it cannot be ruled out that â€Å"some malicious demon †¦ has employed all his energies in or der to deceive me† (15). The malicious demon not only causes Descartes to doubt God, but also sends him â€Å"unexpectedly into a deep whirlpool which tumbles me around so that I can neither stand on the bottom or swim on the top†(16). Descartes has reached the point where he must begin to rebuild by searching for certainty. In the second meditation, Descartes is searching for an Archimedian point on which to seed a pearl of certainty. By doubting everything in his first meditation, Descartes consequently doubts his own existence. It is here that a certainty is unearthed: â€Å"If I convinced myself of something then I certainly existed†(17). However, Descartes â€Å"does not deduce existence from thought by means of syllogism, but recognizes it as something self-evident by a simple intuition of the mind,† or in other words, by natural light (Second Replies:68).

Mis Paper on Movie Industry

One hotly contested and highly competitive industry is the movie rental business. You can rent videos from local video rental stores, you can order pay-per-view from the comfort of your own home, and you can rent videos from the Web at such sites as NetFlix. Using Porter's Five Forces Model, evaluate the relative attractiveness of entering the movie rental business. Is buyer power low or high? Is supplier power low or high? Which substitute products and services are perceived as threats? Can new entrants easily enter the market? What are the barriers to entry? What is the level of rivalry among existing competitors? What is your overall view of the movie rental business? Is it a good or bad industry to enter? Why? The model I will be using to evaluate the relative attractiveness of entering the movie rental business is Redbox that have become a leader in kiosk DVD rentals with low prices and ease of renting movies. Buying power is low in this market because there is only a few distributors and the each are selling the same movies so the price they pay is relativity the same for each customer with very little price difference. The price of movies has gone up on the newer types of DVD’s ( blu-ray) but it has gone up for everyone, but the volume of movies sold by Redbox offsets that increase. The bargaining power of the customers determines the pressure customers put on a particular market. Redbox’s business model considers this in the following ways:Â   Customers generally do not buy large volumes of the product. There are only a few operators in the industry. The fixed cost by suppliers is high, but this applies to competitors as well. There is really no legal substitute for the product. Customers are price-sensitive, but Redbox provides the product cheaper then all of its competitors. Customers can not produce the product. The product is of strategically importance – entertainment. The threat of alternative products does not exist. It is only the distribution of the product that has alternative modes. The customer gets the same brand of the same quality with Redbox as with any other seller in the industry. Close customer relations do exist, but not in the conventional sense; however, it exist through customer service and online. There is no notable difference in the price for performance – except the ease of obtaining Redbox’s products. Redbox’s business model deals with the different pressures of new entrants in the following ways:Â   Competition would have to develop an enterprise of significant size to be considered a threat. The have secured many of the prize locations for their kiosk (Wal-Mart, McDonald’s, Walgreen’s). A company would be hard press to find better locations to compete on the same level as redbox. Considering the volume of hardware, software and personnel; the initial cost to competitors would be very high. The machines are extremely expensive plus having the software and personnel to run them. Existing competitors, (Blockbusters) though experienced, are not prepared to compete in a kiosk rental capacity. But they are moving in that direction Blockbuster as an example has said it will close some of it stores and put in kiosks instead, called Blockbuster Express. The loyalty in this industry is to the product, not the distributor. Existing competitors will have to completely reinvent their business to compete in that Market. Most competitors’ strategies are out-dated and are playing catch up to redbox’s business model, The product is the same between competitors; it is Redbox’s kiosks presence that makes it more attractive. The market growth is constant. Rivalry among competitors is very high and they are always looking for more ways to bring the customer to them and away from the competition, they use advertising, promotions, and price cuts to get customers to use them. Redbox has done a good job of competing by using the low price of its product verses it competition. Before redbox an average rental was between 3 and 4 dollars for one or two nights. With redbox lowering the price to one dollar a night and using the convenience of an atm style platform it set the competitors scrambling to match that price point. I have a different view of the movie industry then most I feel because of the situation I am in as owning my own store for the last ten years. When I first started out we only had vhs tapes and they were very expansive to buy for rental which was offset by the fact that you could not buy new release at Wal-Mart for 30 to 45 days so the customer had to rent from you. With the invention of the dvd the studios began selling to Wal-Mart on the same day it came out at the video store, so now customers could buy it instead of renting it of course the price came down but so did the profits. Then with redbox entering the market the total price point changed. The dollar price point does not leave much room for profit unless there is a large turnover. The small mom and pop stores are hard pressed to compete in this market because they can not buy in volume or sell as many products to make it affordable. If I was starting my business today I would not open a brick and mortar store I would try to get into the kiosk market. But I would do it in a way that would be unique. I would go to smaller markets with less competition and sell my product at a higher price then redbox but cheaper then the brick and motor stores. Works Cited http://www. slashfilm. com/2009/09/16/blockbuster-may-close-20-of-locations-is-the-chains-future-kiosk-only

Essay Hunger Games 5 Grade Report

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