Sustainability Defies Exact Definition And Achievability Business Essay - Free Essay Example

Viewed from economic aspects alone, sustainability can be defined in relation to an economy which is sustainable because of its dynamic efficiency and maximization of total welfare functions over a time frame (Stavins, et al, 2002). However, sustainability commonly concerns issues relating to society, environment or economy which three dimensions are perceived as to be mutually interdependent and not independent of one another (Omann, 2004, p. 68). Environmental sustainability accepts the premise that natural resources are expendable and can not be sustained forever (Dyllick and Hockerts, 1999). Environmental sustainability efforts include waste management and processes for recycling waste by production firms. Indeed, life support globally implies the need for regulating food, water, air, waste breakdown, soil fertility, and climate behavior. Economists like Pezzey (1989) and Solow (1993) aver that sustainability relates to the maintaining of a utility or welfare of a typical member of society. Economical sustainability is based on attempts to sustain financial viability or achieve optimum financial goals and is driven by the business attitude of businesses which implies the maximizing of shareholder or stakeholder value by firms (Doig, 1999). Firms can however attain both financial goals as well as larger social objectives (Duncan, 2002) while social sustainability implies a definition and need to achieve social capital (Putna m, 2000). Indeed, Putnam views social capital as being constituted of the various norms, principles, values, relationships, networks, etc. Gladwin, et al (1995, p. 2) even observe that organizations can become socially sustainable by internalizing social costs, foster democracy and also add to community value, while Dyllick and Hockerts (1999, p. 134) consider social sustainability as effective if it can help the various stakeholders to better understand social capital issues as well as align their aspirations with larger interests of society. Other research (Viederman, 1994) views sustainability as being a participatory process that both creates and follows a concept of community which can make effective use of all types of resources like human, natural, synthetic, human-scientific, technological, social, cultural, and so on. Achievable sustainability can thus be taken to mean the attainment of a social system for satisfying needs of the community at large, better protecting the en vironment, effecting and sustaining high levels of economic growth and assuring human development (Church, 2003). Sustainability involves the economy as well as the fundamental ecological and environmental systems and the broader social fabric containing the economy itself (Norton and Toman, 1997). Broadly speaking, sustainable development or sustainability is not only an ecologic-scientific concept that attempts to view it as delimiting the exploitation of nature or the environment, but more fundamentally is the formulation of the ethical ideal of equity as well as a balanced approach as between benefits and damages (Arnold, et al, 2001). Indeed, this ethic-normative view of sustainability represents the byword of the good and the right (Thielemann, 2004). Sustainability implies an ability to face uncertain events like hazards, sudden changes, innovations, etc. (Bruckmeier, p. 1389) while other research (Holling, 2001, p. 390) views sustainability as a continued game of trying and maintaining an adaptive ability. Sustainability thus defies an exact definition and essentially attempts to resolve problems like poverty, population explosion, wellbeing of humans, economic growth, industrialization and its unintended consequences, the destruction of the environment, climate change, depleting resources, a dis-embedded globalizing economy, etc. (Bruckmeier, 2009). Sustainability seems impossible to achieve, because it has a vague conceptual nature, such concepts are often disputed, involves complex problems that need to be resolved or addressed by changing social or economic structures and individual behavior (Bruckmeier, 2009). Sustainability also seems impossible to achieve in entirety, both due to its complex nature as well as the divergent approaches to defining and assessing it. Hence, while some sustainability objectives can be easily achieved, others need further control over extraneous factors of society and environment. Sustainability is in this sense an ab stract concept; humanity appears still to come terms with even some of the problems that endanger future generations. While sustainability is multifaceted and no single definition or assessment can serve all purposes, it encompasses two definite dimensions, viz. human and ecological. But, the very concept of sustainability is vague and a still-evolving theoretical construct. 3. Why sustainability is necessary Several authors have written upon sustainability and why it is needed. Their works differ in the way they view the problems facing the world and its life forms. However, broadly speaking, sustainability encompasses social, environmental and economic dimensions. Sustainability is necessary to resolve the problems caused by unplanned civilization growth and the diverse and unbalanced political, economic and social policies pursued by governments across the world. It is also a theoretical approach to address the problems caused by human interactions with nature over centuries of expansion of the human civilization. Spangenberg (2007, pp. 2-5) aptly summarizes the key problems facing human life and global ecology in one of his many background papers for sustainability conferences as being constituted of four key issues. One is the overuse of the environment and the consequent threat to the stability of systems supporting life itself. Another is the undervaluing of labor in different pa rts of the world as also the skewed distribution of incomes causing widening economic gap between haves and have-nots. A third is the way business enterprises follow a path of cost-cutting in tackling future problems though old strategies; new innovative strategies are ignored and old ones like mergers, restructuring, etc. are persisted with. The fourth and last is the crisis of legitimization caused by untrustworthy decision makers who can not ensure common good of society. Spangenberg also highlights several ways in which life on earth is threatened. Thus, according to him, there is massive degradation of marine resources that in turn impact fisheries, the threat to agricultural productivity due to deforestation and loss in fertility of the soil, the threat to human water supplies and utility of land for agriculture use due to depleting ground water levels and increasing ground water pollution, the loss of biodiversity due to massive felling of entire forests, the continuing loss in forest value, forest dieback and lake acidification, the danger to human health and decreased agricultural and marine produce owing to the phenomenally high rate of depletion of stratospheric ozone, the high economic costs caused by increasing temperature, increasingly unpredictable natural calamities, weather fluctuations and rainfall pattern changes which are again all caused by accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (2007, p. 2). One of the most comprehensive efforts at achieving sustainability is outlined by the INES (INES, 1996) which advocates the development of sustainability through protecting the integrity of the biosphere by practicing sustainable agriculture and forestry, preserving marine life and biodiversity, and by protecting nature via networks. It also advocates the efficient use of resources through social innovation, better resource allocation and efficient new technologies. The INES also emphasizes self-reliance, participatory democracy, fair tr ade, and peace and non-violence as being other essential features of sustainability. Obviously and as is commonly acknowledged, attempts to achieve sustainability seek to limit resource use so as to conserve renewable as well as non-renewable resources, reduce pollution of water, soil and air, control wastes through efficient recycling, control population, protect biodiversity in nature, establish democratic and social justice principles, implement basic human necessities and establish proper decision making systems, among others. However, sustainability is still only an effort at achieving ecological, economical and social objectives. It attempts to address issues like environmental pollution, economic sustainability of individuals, organizations and nations, as also seeks to attain social equity. In as much as sustainability concerns itself with improving and sustaining human life and its quality, it impacts a host of sectors like roads and transportation, environment, business pr ocesses, biodiversity, technology, industrial waste management, organizational strategy, and so on. Sustainability issues also relates to local, regional, national or global needs and aspirations. Local needs may or may not reflect global or national concerns; they may also indicate broader macro objectives of both governments and the global human community. Regional concerns may also often be perceived as being key decision making issues for successful sustainability achievement. However, global concerns encompassing environment, economy and society form a common ground on which all sustainability efforts, whether local, regional or national, are essentially based upon. Thus extant literature touches upon various sustainable concerns like land use sustainability, water use sustainability, natural resources sustainability, sustainability of special communities, sustainability or flora and fauna, sustainability of petroleum resources, and so on, although they reflect more of an ideal concept of sustainability achievement rather than a practically attainable concept. 4. Sustainability in organizations Earlier research (Friedman, 1970) point to a fundamental trade-off between a firms economic performance and its social engagement while it is commonly acknowledged that voluntarily engaging in social outcome may not hold sufficient or necessary incentives for a business firm to prefer such social engagement over its avowed policy of economic gratification. However, current ethical and social responsibility initiatives of modern firms belie this perception, although the adoption of social objectives may afford long term economic benefits to a firm. A business enterprise generally moves through six stages when it transforms itself towards sustainability (Dunphy, 2003). The first stage is that of rejection of negative impacts or the flouting of laws. The second stage is one of non-responsiveness of the firm to sustainability needs. Instead, during this phase, the firm follows a path of short-term profitability. However, in such a state, firm stand to lose their bearings in the alterin g market landscape and change management may often be too late in reversing declines. The next stage is that of compliance, when the firm builds upon its social and market reputation or brand as well as counters risks by following regulations and by respecting relevant laws. In the fourth stage, firms follow a path of operating and cost efficiency in the backdrop of its larger social objectives. In the penultimate or fifth stage of transformation, the firm follows a central policy of sustainability adoption and stresses on innovative processes, practices of systems. In the last or sixth stage, the firm tries to sustain itself. Such a sustainability objective transcends limiting and narrower economic considerations. Again, a firm also adopts suitable strategies for achieving such sustainability. Various scholars outline different strategies for achieving sustainability by a business enterprise. Thus, three traditional strategies for achieving sustainability are ecologically based and include an efficiency strategy, a sufficiency strategy and a consistency strategy (Huber, 1995). The efficiency strategy attempts to reduce material and energy consumption during production phase. A consistency strategy tries to maintain quality of output or products in a process. Such a strategy achieves quality and replaces existing noxious materials with naturally formed substances. Under the sufficiency strategy, the use of products by end-users or customers is optimized. Still other researchers mention four distinct types of sustainability strategies: a defensive strategy that minimizes risks, and is oriented towards society; an offensive transformative strategy that is also society oriented and tries to create new markets for society; the efficiency strategy is also defensive and oriented to the market since it focuses on improving productivity; the last type of strategy or innovative strategy is also an offensive one and attempts to achieve value additions for the customers in a sustainable market (Bieker and Dyllick, 2006). In addition to the three traditional strategies as outlined by Huber (1995), other research (Schaltegger Burritt, 2005) identifies four more competitive strategies with broader societal leanings. One is the sustainability market buffering strategy that attempts to define defensive business goals. This strategy views environmental and social concerns as threats to business and mainly tries to reduce existing legal regulations as well as prevent further ones from being formulated. The sustainability cost strategy is also environmentally and socially oriented, more of a compliance strategy and only attempts to fulfill the firms related obligations. The sustainability differentiation strategy recognizes that a firm needs to adopt suitable product or price differentiation in order for it to stay competitive and sustainable. The firm builds strategies via innovation, which afford it economical gains t and also builds up its brand value. The sustainability market development strategy tries and builds markets for the sustainable products of the firm. A firm following such a strategy tries to promote products sustainability, advocates stronger regulatory environment and also tries to change its approach towards business the customers (Schaltegger and Burritt, 2005). There is also a concept of corporate sustainability used frequently by organizational strategists. Thus some research points to such a corporate sustainability as being related to the sustainability as contributed by a corporation (Dentchev, 2004). Experts view two types of such corporate sustainability. One is the weak corporate sustainability which emphasizes that sustainable efforts should help creating total wealth that should not reduce with time (Atkinson, 2000). The total wealth is used to refer to the totality of social, economic and environmental value as created by corporations. Other experts view weak corporate sustainability as facilitating loss in environmental value to be compensated by social or economic values (Reinhardt, 2000), when the total value is stagnant or increasing; indeed, according to this view, weak corporate sustainability depicts a sustainable firm as being one that creates value when measuring costs and revenues at social opportunity costs (p. 30). Social costs can include private costs (e.g., capital and labor costs) and costs not directly reflected by market prices (p.27) Again, strong corporate sustainability means physical protection of absolute levels of natural assets implying that natural assets cater to complex ecological functions which are significant for maintaining and also such functions can not replace other assets (Atkinson, 2000). The weak sustainability concept depicts an economical concept of the sustainability discourse (Aguirre, 2002), whereas strong sustainability relates to environmental concerns. Again, others (e.g., Gladwin et al, 1995) view strong corporate sustainability a s being eco-centric. 5. Problems in achieving sustainability Several authors observe that sustainability considerations without including population control measures appear to render sustainability as a theoretical construct. Such authors view population control as a necessary precondition for ay sustainability strategy to succeed and also that, sustainability is just a fragile and simplistic theoretical construct when it emphasizes measures for managing land-use patterns and ideology while at the same time neglecting population increases (Wilson, 1995, p. 65). Again, Appleton observes succinctly that sustainability can be pursued in various ways, can even be achieved partially or to slight degrees, but can never be achieved definitely (2006, p.3-18). The reasons why sustainability is more theory than a practical proposition needs further explanation which this paper attempts to do. One theory has it that material resources are fast depleting on the earth and that sustainability or sustainable development can be achieved if maximum recycl ing of materials be possible or if materials being processed be limited in quantity over a specified time period. Thus, while economic growth is facilitated by increased use and consumption of resources, sustainability appears to succeed if the resources use is minimized. Bartlett observes that increased economic growth implies increased consumption of scarce non-renewable resources which goes against the basic sustainability principle (Bartlett, 2005, p. 27). Again he avers that population growth can not be sustained in a society and sustainability becomes more difficult of achievement, the larger the population (p. 35). Likewise, Spangenberg (2007, p. 15) too highlights how sustainability requires stakeholder integration, sharing of responsibilities and a need for a consensual approach to resolving problems, which in practice is quite difficult to achieve. Consensus also seems difficult to achieve due to differences in approach to adopting suitable measures for tackling the proble ms. Consensus also often fails with regard to facilitating better distribution of available resources since much of the same are the result of natures distribution and basically inequitable so as to hinder a unified approach to sustainability. Indeed, the achievement of sustainability requires the establishment of increased distributional justice as well as social care (Zeigler, 2003). Again, Spangenberg aptly observes that critical factors that can aid sustainability efforts to succeed include the adoption of innovative new processes, as also the political willingness to confront or withstand vested interests that threaten to disrupt unified and required sustainability goals (2007, p. 11). Several studies indicate multiple factors in modern organizations that serve to hinder the achievement of global sustainability. Since sustainability efforts involve rely on better and lesser use of energy and physical resources, use of recycling of resources and innovative new processes, meas ures for tackling pollution of water, soil and air by production firms, reducing income disparities and protecting and overall sustaining all the life forms on the planet, the role of business enterprises in the global sustainability effort assumes critical significance. However, there are several problems and drawbacks that plague business enterprises and which prevent the achievement of successful sustainability outcomes. Such drawbacks in firms encompass marketing, financial, etc. dimensions. Market awareness of sustainability and environmental issues are unequal amongst B2B, B2C and B2G sectors. Markets are also still price-denominated and there are few market incentives as yet to promote sustainable development. Environment policies need to be flexible and oriented towards the future. Embedded systems and traditional processes also render sustainability efforts difficult to attain. For effective change to occur so as to facilitate sustainable development, huge capital is also n ecessary. This too acts as a high barrier to suitable adoption of newer products or processes that can successfully align business practices with a global sustainability policy. There is also a lack of vision and commitment in senior management in organizations which also prevent a quicker adoption of sustainable practices within the organization. In a situation where change in organizational systems or practices require both high commitment and huge capital, lack of commitment and a sustained effort by stakeholders can not serve to achieve sustainability. Additionally, the management of enterprises often adopt short-term business oriented views rather realize and implement policies or processes for achieving larger goals of society. Again, a viable and uniform definition of sustainability is difficult to attain and underscores such basic differences which effectively prevents the adoption of a successful and consensual approach to resolving complex sustainability issues. Sustainabi lity is rendered all the more unachievable in as much as businesses are driven by self-interest and are obsessed by profit motive, governments tackle the problem in a disjointed manner, and individual decisions can impact the whole larger issue negatively. Also, governments all over the world technical, scientific, economic and social expertise to act upon key sustainability issues (Blackmore, 2001). Again, government regulators and law-enforcers often are corrupted and unwilling to implement key sustainability oriented policies. Hence, laws formulated to tackle sustainability issues and effected through the various treaties, constitutional provisions, and statutory rules and regulations are often not adhered to at local, regional or national levels; such laws are also not supported by adequate powers for effecting sanctions, monitoring or enforcement (Sunstein, 1997). Indeed, many authors argue for better accountability instead of pursuing sustainability, which appears to be an imp ossible dream (Barnhizer, 2006, p. 19). Elsewhere Barnhizer also avers that sustainability relating to the environmental, human rights and ecological aspect is unconnected with the actual human systems that are responsible for ensuring better economic growth and stable political order (2006, p. 17). Other research (Waldrop, 1992) also highlights another important aspect of human efforts to tackle sustainability issues; he says that narrow and short term objectives of those in political power across the world are mean that the political masters are unable to know in advance of the future catastrophes till the moment they occur by which time it is quite difficult and almost impossible to avoid the negative outcomes or significantly mitigated by any concerted political efforts. Several researchers (e.g., Yates, 1999) mention that most theoretical attempts to resolve sustainability problem issues are far removed from the reality of human systems as they exist. He avers that most such efforts at attaining sustainability emphasize changes to institutional systems and behavioral approaches of business which are very difficult to achieve, if at all they can be achieved in practicality. Also, even when such institutional or behavioral changes can be effected, there is a possibility of real crisis or collapse of systems to occur and which can effect to make political or other decision makers act in alignment with sustainability principles. Indeed, most attempts to tackle crisis also, when these do happen, are feeble and partial, necessitating critical support from governments as well as a mandated approach to regulating issues for successful sustainability achievement to occur. It is thus commonly a too little too late syndrome that negates all sustainability efforts to effectively tackle to any degree the negative consequences of such human-induced and highly degrading phenomenon of natural chaos or crisis (Yates, 1999). Barnhizer (2006, p. 18-22) too observes that problems in achieving sustainability have their roots in both natural as well as social systems. According to him, there is need to manage conflicting needs for providing social benefits, education, health care, pensions to the aged, and for alleviating poverty. Such a need entails availing massive funds in order to rectify wrongs that may have already been done to social, economic or environmental systems. Additional globalization and related problems like population growth, increasing transnational populations due to cross-border migration, the adoption of multicultural diversity, and a materialistic focus to life has changed human view of life and its quality. Urban locations are also increasingly becoming crowded as rural populations migrate to these places in search of better income levels, and coastal development needs massive investment, support infrastructure and supply sources. Also, increasing population, unbalanced distribution in population geographically and age demogra phics severely impact uniformity of adoption of similar sustainability measures all across the globe. Current economic systems are also more open, with information exchanges having facilitated the have-nots to better understand and aspire for what the haves possess in huge measure for rendering life of quality and comfort. Barnhizer therefore views such conditions as irreversible and such as to render a practical achievement of sustainability quite impossible and worth relegating to the refuse heap of history (2006, p. 21). He does acknowledge that some sustainability efforts can be successful in a limited way but can satisfy only a small finite population. However, he continues that local sustainability efforts cannot produce or be a part of a larger global or national effort at achieving sustainability. Again, he refers to organizational efforts at achieving sustainability over and above it profit goals as an impossible approach since business enterprises are only in existence to record more profits for its owners and shareholders. Relying on these profit-driven business enterprises for achieving nobler social goals as envisaged by sustainability advocates is both of lesser value and a predicator of non-achievement of larger sustainability outcomes (p. 41). More tellingly, he pinpoints the causes of the sorry state of sustainability achievement as the business systems and decisions made rather than on the decision makers themselves (p. 42). Elsewhere, he also avers that business enterprises run on investments and those who invest huge amounts of money want to get significant returns on their investments rather than on having their funds utilized for any social or long-term goals and this fact renders sustainable decision making quite irrelevant (p. 43). 6. A more optimistic view of sustainability The achievement of sustainability has been viewed with pessimism by many experts. The views of such experts go to support the view that sustainability is a mirage rather than actually achievable. The Brundtland Commission did not help matters any, although it still remains a defining agent for promoting global sustainability management, when it treated the population issue partially or not at all. Indeed, any attempt to tackle un-sustainability appears seriously lacking in effort as per the accounts of several eminent researchers and authors (e.g., Bartlett, 2005). Nonetheless, sustainability is actively promoted by governments and nations as well as rights groups and business organizations of repute. Thus, one hears of various sustainability initiatives like green technology, green supply chain, green architecture, green taxes, etc. Indeed, sustainability as an organizational vision and as followed by senior management in reputed organizations and business concerns is getting to b e quite common of occurrence. The achievement of actual sustainability hinges on the narrow or broad approach to sustainability that is envisioned by the management decision makers and the interactions of various organizational resources and the various stakeholders both internal and external, and some evident and some not at all evident- that constitute the complex organizational systems in modern firms. Often enough, management treats sustainability as a vision and ca not put it into concrete shape or direction. The traditional economic goals also hinder an active adoption of the sustainable goals envisioned by the management. However, many organizations have been somewhat successful in achieving objectives relating to sustainability within them. A global sustainability concept considers such operational or practical issues like focusing on social, economic and ecological growth, emphasis on social inter or intra generational equity, better integration of government policies, con tributing enhanced value to the environment, achieving responsibility of the global community, adopting a precautionary public policy, as also entail higher community participation in sustainable development. Advocates of sustainability preach a so-called triple bottom line that combines financial, social and environmental approaches. Successful sustainability achievement necessitates an approach laying equal emphasis on economic, social and environmental goals. However, in practice, this is often not achieved or achievable. Business organizations, for instance, are there to do business, and hence any notion of social sustainability is alien to firms following sound business principles of deriving optimum economic returns on capital employed. However, studies also indicate that, in the long term, one has to follow the triple bottom line approach for sustaining the very environment, economy and social structure in which business enterprisers operate. Achieving sustainability, therefo re, is more a critical need rather than an option to pursue or not to pursue. 7. Conclusion While sustainability or sustainable development is an idealized concept rather than has been practically achieved, it is also true that individuals, firms, societies, nations, governments, human rights advocates and the global community at large cannot remain immune to changes and evolving patterns in their social, financial, ecological and real-life environment. Emerging technologies as well as new streams of knowledge and innovation management are increasingly perceived as having the ability to solve many problem issues facing the human race, and not only in a limited environment that a business entity consists of. Indeed, business enterprises are only a small but significant part of a larger global community that can positively or negatively impact its environment; the intrinsic cause and consequence characteristic effect of nature can not be negated in the present or in the future by any means and perhaps, ultimately, the fight to assure as well as sustain human life and its qu ality for a finite or infinite period of time is dependant on the ways the various participants in the global community interact among themselves. Various regulatory or mandatory controls only serve to emphasize the fragile and fickle nature of humans; ideology is but the basic driver of all sustainability efforts that can well make practical efforts in the field a success. The real test for humans lies in the far or not so far future when, perhaps, everyone finds that it is already too late to reverse the final demise of humanity. At such time, the question of whether sustainability is a social construct and an impossible dream or if at all it can be practically achieved, would in all probability cease to have any meaning whatsoever.

The Layout of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey in The...

Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey can be found through the layout of The Epic of Gilgamesh. Steps from each of the major phases such as the departure, initiation, and return are steps in the epic. Gilgamesh‘s Hero’s journey begins with the call to adventure this is where Gilgamesh tells Enkidu that they are to fight the beast, Humbaba ( 110.131-136). The call which is refused takes place within Gilgamesh’s dreams that he will fail (117.50-60). The step is not very important due to the face that it is not an outright refusal, only subconscious thoughts. Supernatural appears in numerous forms throughout the epic, one being his mother is a goddess (106.268-270). The next imporatnat step listed is crossing of the first threshold. Gilgamesh and Enkidu leave the safe haven of Uruk and enter the forest (113.20-24) and begin their adventure together. When Enkidu’s dies, Gilgamesh enters the belly of the whale. That is the last of the steps of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. During the rest of the story, the steps change order and some are taken out completely. One could argue a valid statement for each of the steps, but some are more figurative rather than literal. The Odyssey the Epic Hero Cycle Odysseus is the King of Ithaca. He has been fighting in the Trojan War and helped the Greeks win the Trojan War. After winning the Trojan War he wants to get home and reclaim his kingdom and to see his wife and his son, Telemachus. While on his journey home Odysseus faces many

Implications Of Leadership And Ethics On Organizational...

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Conflicting Perspectives of the Ideal Family Essay

Task 1: ‘Functionalist accounts of the family underestimate the extent of conflict within families’. Discuss with reference to relevant sociological theories and examples. The Functionalist sociologist, Murdock (1949) defined the ‘family as a social group characterised by common residence, economic co-operation and reproduction’ (Sociology In Focus p62). He claimed it must include adults of both sexes of whom maintain a socially accepted sexual relationship, and own or adopted, of the sexually cohabiting adults. Murdocks definition is focuses on the Nuclear family stereotypically made up of a ‘two-generation family heterosexual couples with offspring’ (Moore, Chapman and Aiken p136). This definition of the family is popular†¦show more content†¦(2004),for example, conflict between husband and wife, child abuse and male dominance etc. They also pay less attention on the harmful effects the family may have on the wider society. 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The Lives of Emily and Charlotte Brontë - 2000 Words

Emily and Charlotte Brontà « retained exceptional novels throughout history. Their stories captivate the minds of readers alike, taking them to a world of dark, eerie hatred, and overcoming the obstacle faced with love and devotion. However, both sisters have diverse styles of writing. Charlotte Brontà « tends to use more humor through her works, while Emily Brontà « uses more satire along with a sardonic tone. T hey both come together to have somewhat similar themes, making the moral of the story mentally powerful. Charlotte Brontà «, the eldest in the family, had always been interested in writing. After her mother died, she was left to take care of her other four siblings. She was born on April 21, 1816 in Thornton, Yorkshire, England. She†¦show more content†¦One may say, that the theme would be: â€Å"No matter how many struggles one faces, in the end, someone will always be there to love a person, and cherish every moment they have together.† The author tries to epitomize that even though Jane struggled consequently through her entire life, in the end, she had someone to love. Jane herself realizes this in the end of the novel, stating that she never met anyone else who loved her in this quantity, and was willing to spend the rest of his life with her. Her life with Rochester had been pleasant after the ten years of their marriage, and she remembers that they both are equals in their relationship; one is not higher than the other. The author tries to prove that one should not give up hope, even in desperate times, and wait until something better comes along, and when it does, take it, and not let the chance go. The theme of love is stated throughout the novel. 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My Three Most Effective College Study Skills Free Essays

College life is a new start for me. I need to change my study skills to adapt the new period of studying. As a college student, I think developing effective study skills is an excellent way to ensure that I can fully enjoy my college life. We will write a custom essay sample on My Three Most Effective College Study Skills or any similar topic only for you Order Now First of all, making a schedule to confirm what things I need to do and put everything in order is a good way for me to improve the learning efficiency. I try to make an â€Å"everyday To-Do list† and mark important tasks on the calendar, such as preparing presentations, the deadline of essays, and the date of quizzes or examinations. It can help me know class and tasks clearly, and then I can arrange everything under control. When I complete a task, I’ll tick off it. A small tick always gives me a sense of achievement. Secondly, listening to lecturers carefully in class is the most essential way. I try to take notes to record something important and underline important points in class. And I think giving eye contacts to teachers is a good way to give feedbacks to teachers and help teacher know whether you’ve understood or not. Actually, previewing new knowledge before class can help me understand contents of the class better. Moreover, reviewing knowledge after class; it’s a good way to test whether I’ve grasped the knowledge or not. Last but not least, participating in extracurricular activities is an important way. There’re lots of different kinds of lectures in our college, some lectures can help me open up my mind and enlarge my knowledge, and some lectures can help me relax. And participating in the group work regularly is a good way to develop communication competence and find our own strength and weakness. Meanwhile, society club activities also are a part of the college life. In our leisure time, we can take part in activities to make more friends and relax ourselves. All in all, everyone may have their own way to study well and get higher grades. Anyway, I think these three ways are the most appropriate for me. Someone who knows how to learn efficiently is much better than someone who can get good grades. (366 words) How to cite My Three Most Effective College Study Skills, Essay examples

Construction Enterprise Architecture Management †MyAssignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about the Construction Enterprise Architecture Management. Answer: Introduction: In the current report, a client has approached to investigate Lufthansa Company with the help of PESTEL and Porters five forces framework. For this, a brief overview of the organisation has been carried out describing its mission, values, capabilities, locations and summary of stated performance. In addition, the strengths and weaknesses of Lufthansa have been dissected with the help of financial performance, product or service portfolio and core operations. Finally, the report sheds light on determining the attractiveness of the organisation along with suggesting whether to purchase or sell the shares of the organisation. Lufthansa is an aviation group having global operations in above 400 subsidiaries and associated organisations in Australia, Europe, UK and Asia. The organisation is segregated into five business segments that include the airline and airfreight services, passenger transportation areas, MRO, logistics along with IT services and catering (Lufthansa.com 2017). These segments play leading roles in their sectors and in few cases; they are even the global market leader. It is the largest European airline in terms of fleet size and the second largest airline in terms of passengers carried in 2016. In 2016, Lufthansa has an average of 124,306 members and the turnover of the organisation has been 31,660 million in the same year. As the organisation is involved in competing in the global airline industry, the business segments comprise of logistics, passenger business, overhaul and repair, information technology services and leisure travel. The core values of the organisation primarily include the following: Providing reliable services for air-cargo and passengers and seamless association with the partners enhances the volatile environment Growing profitability along with maintaining a healthy financial structure for enabling investment in developing business, products, fleet and people Commitment to sustainable development along with assuming ecological, social and civic responsibilities Exploiting the growth potential for developing value Adoption of activities in 2011, which would form the group into the Airline Powerhouse of Europe Competitiveness would receive a lasting boost Combination of financial strategy with sound foundations for financial flexibility Comprehensive and targeted analysis of the external environment of Lufthansa and its industry: In order to evaluate the external environment of Lufthansa, PESTEL analysis has been carried out, which is depicted as follows: There is deregulation in the global transport industries, which has helped the organisation in carrying out its business operations in an effective fashion (Albers et al. 2017). In addition, it obtains fuel subsidies from the German government and due to this, Lufthansa has managed to minimise its operating expenses in the home nation. However, it has failed to receive subsidies from the cross-border nations. As a result, the group has not succeeded in minimising its operational expenditures in those nations. However, the government is involved in fare range regulation along with apportioning usable routes for carriers to control the competition. For risk control, there is need for the governmental need to the tourists or immigrants. Moreover, there are few constraints in relation to adherence of the governmental policies. For instance, the UK government has passed a pledge to minimise carbon emissions by 60%, which is depicted in the UK Climate Change Bill. Furthermore, according to the EU Emission Trading Scheme, 1 kilogram of jet fuel is equivalent to 3.15 kilogram of carbon dioxide (Amir, Auzair and Amiruddin 2016). Thus, Lufthansa is compelled to reduce the utilisation of jet fuel in conducting its aviation-related operations. The first economic factor affecting the business operations of Lufthansa is the gross domestic production (GDP). This is because poor economy results in lower business travel. Most of the organisations in the airline industry reduce the costs on non-essential travel (Bergh et al. 2017). Hence, Lufthansa might need to modify the meetings to conference calls. The second factor includes the risk of inflation rate in EMEA/US, in which the tendency of the individuals would be low at the time of high rate of inflation in the nation. Another factor influencing the business operations of Lufthansa is the bilateral trade agreements in EMEA, and US as they enhance the travelling frequency of the businesspersons around the world. Finally, the rise in global prices has increased the overall operating expenses of Lufthansa. The figure below depicts the figure in relation to change in source of economic growth (Asia) and currency power (Euro v USD). The demographic change is one of the socio-cultural factors, in which the grey market development spends more on travelling and leisure. This is because of the changes in the preferences, lifestyles and fashions of the customers, since they need opportunities for visiting interesting, new and long haul destinations (Bromiley, Rau and McShane 2014). Along with this, the rising popularity of the holidays abroad has resulted in a boom for travelling demand. Moreover, there is a change in the perception of air travel in the minds of the consumers. This is because low cost revolution throughout Europe available to the greater public, There is rise in air travel, since the individuals not considering to travel by air now have the opportunity to travel. The growth of ageing population in Europe has considerable effect on the business income of Lufthansa, as these individuals have greater disposable income to spend. Finally, the greater number of commuters and the demand for lower cost carri ers depict change in attitude about the tour operators and travel agencies. As a result, this leads to image problems for the organisations providing greater service cost. With the rising advancements in technology, the direct customers in the global airline industry prefer worldwide access. The goal of Lufthansa is to regain the control of the customers. However, it is to be borne in mind that it is not possible for any organisation to own customers in the existing business environment (Carroll, Primo and Richter 2016). The airlines could leverage the same technology for gaining access to their wants and needs, the desired services and change based on willingness and paying ability despite the empowerment of the customers with the help of technology. The development of computer reservation systems has lead to competition in online travel agencies with improvement in site functionality and usability. In addition, there is flexibility in the booking process and the customers receive alerts or confirmations via SMS and e-mail. Finally, the convenient check-in on cell phone has helped the customers to look at the flight schedules and delays, if any. As identified above, the global governments are laying greater stress on the emission rate of carbon dioxide, due to which Lufthansa has reduced fuel burn and level of noise. For instance, Lufthansa has changed for its green house share contribution on flights, which are back and forth Europe. It has adopted environment friendly measures like use of proper equipment and donations to charitable institutions to increase its social responsibility. In addition, as the airports in Europe are located in metropolitan areas, such strategic location could provide convenience to the customers (Certo et al. 2016). Regulation regarding the level of carbon emission Changes in the employment laws, company laws, tax laws and their regulations in US, Australia and Europe Privatisation of the transport industry or traffic rights in Asian nations The competition laws in Australia have limited the travel fares of Lufthansa in its operating nations (Chen, Delmas and Lieberman 2015) The regulatory changes in EU, for instance, the enhanced call for better customer care have helped in reaching the consumers at a faster rate The regulatory changes in US, for example, the restrictions on gels and liquids past the screening checkpoints impact the customers of the mode of air transport in possession of such products (gels and liquids) The external environment of Lufthansa could be evaluated with the help of Porters five forces framework, which is represented briefly as follows: In terms of global competition, Lufthansa is the biggest in terms of revenue followed by AF-KLM and IAG. On the other hand, Vueling, Turkish and Norwegian Airlines are growing at a faster pace, while in terms of profit, Ryanair is the most profitable in 2016 (Peppard and Ward 2016). Along with this, Turkish and Finnair Airlines have recorded the greatest improvements of percentage point in their margins, while Alitalia, IAG and SAS have experienced an operating loss and decline in operating margin. Air-France KLM and Airberlin have made loss at the operational level; however, they experienced a narrow down of their loss margins. In addition, Lufthansa has entered into partnerships and equity investments by regions (Emirates). Furthermore, the Star Alliance Groups Lufthansa and Air China occupy the first two positions on routes between China and Europe. Thus, based on the above discussion, it could be stated that the threat of competition is medium in the global airline industry. As there is high start-up cost for entering into the global aviation industry, the capital requirement is high. In addition, the capacity of distribution channels is limited, as the existing organisations in the industry are competing to find a space for their products. The new entrants might find it difficult to obtain landing slots and gates at the major hubs. As a result, it might pose difficulties for the new entrants to form flight schedules at attractive times in a day (Eden and Ackermann 2013). The deregulated environment in USA and liberalised environment in Europe might lead to high-risk nature of the industry, which acts as a major impediment to the new entrants. Finally, the load factor has impact on revenue and it is highly vulnerable to economic slowdown (Frynas and Mellahi 2015). The main substitutes that might act as the competitors to the global aviation industry include high-speed train, boats and road. However, in case of long flights, there are no substitutes available in the global market. Despite this, the switching cost for the consumers to the substitute products is low, which might increase their propensity to substitute (Gamble and Thompson 2014). Finally, technologies like videoconferencing and telecommunications are substitutes to avoid visiting abroad nations through flights. However, the threat to substitutes is low. Bargaining power of the buyers: With the growing popularity of internet, there is increase in bargaining power of the purchasers. This is because it has increased the availability for a purchaser of a flight ticket to look for the cheapest fare available between various airlines. As a result, the air travel prices have become transparent and the market liberalisations coupled with lower cost of switching for the purchasers in the market has enabled in pushing down the air travel prices. The income of the consumers, tastes of the consumers, service quality, seasonal fluctuations and the availability of substitutes influence the price elasticity of the global aviation industry. However, the business travellers would maintain their levels of demand even at the time of increase in the air travel prices (Goetsch and Davis 2014). The short distance flights have experienced a dramatic fall in demand when prices rise because of the availability of substitutes. Hence, it could be inferred that the bargaining power of the bu yers in the global aviation industry is high. The fuel prices of aviation turbine comprise of around 80% of the overall operational costs of the airline industry. Moreover, due to the limited number of oil companies, the airlines hardly find any alternative (Grant et al. 2014). The labour like cabin crew, pilots, gate agents and ground personnel has bargaining power due to the labour agreements during industrial regulation leaving them with lower flexibility. This force remains an important influential dynamic in the successful performance of the sector. Along with this, there are only two main manufacturers for big commercial aircraft like Boeing and Airbus. If the airlines place large orders, it might take several years to be delivered. Thus, the bargaining power of the suppliers is high in the industry. Based on the above evaluation, the potential opportunities and challenges that would influence the business operations of Lufthansa include the following: The new lower cost platforms of Lufthansa provide immense growth options, as it has decided to transfer point-to-point European routes, which do not touch its hubs at Munich and Frankfurt to Germanwings. This would move into the long haul market operated on the part of Sun Express, which is a joint venture and Turkish Airlines is a part of this venture (Harrison and John 2013). In addition, the cultural change of Lufthansa is slow; however, it offers enough potential for the organisation. Although the business model of the organisation denotes that it is not sufficiently concentrated on placing its own house in order; however, the formation of new lower cost vehicles has provided some options in fighting with competition. The increasing competition from LCC poses a threat to the Lufthansa Group, since the rivals like Ryonair and Easy Jet are now involved in targeting the higher-level business travellers crucial to legacy airline profitability. Finally, the protectionist instincts of the airline group are the biggest threat to Lufthansa. In addition, the Gulf-based nations receive subsidy from the governments, which promote unfair competition. Such instinct poses a threat to Lufthansa, since it, since it denotes that the mindset is not yet right completely (Hill, Jones and Schilling 2014). Analysis of the capabilities of Lufthansa along with its key strengths and weaknesses: In the words of Drury (2013), profitability ratios are a group of financial metrics, which are used to evaluate the ability of a business in generating earnings in contrast to its expenditures and other pertinent costs spent during a specific timeframe. For most of these ratios, a higher value is always preferable, since it denotes better profitability position for the organisation. The following profitability ratios for Lufthansa have been taken into consideration for Lufthansa and they are depicted with the help of the following figure: Based on the above figure, it could be stated that the gross margin of Lufthansa has increased from 42.41% in 2014 to 44.97% in 2015 and the trend is inherent further to 45.96% in 2016. The primary reason behind such increase in gross margin is the increasing revenue from EU and Asia, while the cost of sales has started to fall in Australia and the Gulf Nations. In this context, Hubbard, Rice and Galvin (2014) remarked that increasing gross margin denotes better profitability position of the organisation before operational expenditures. Hence, in terms of gross margin, Lufthansa is enjoying a better profitable position in the global market. Along with this, another profitability ratio that has been taken into consideration is the net margin. As laid out by Jenkins and Williamson (2015), net margin is the percentage of profit that an organisation has earned after incurring operating expenses, financing costs and income tax expense. The higher the net margin, the better it is for the organisation. In case of Lufthansa, the net margin of the organisation has increased massively from 0.18% in 2014 to 5.30% in 2015 and it has increased further to 5.67% in 2016. The possible reason behind such increase is the massive increase in other income despite the operating loss suffered in 2015. Thus, in terms of net margin, Lufthansa is enjoying a better and profitable position in the global aviation industry. Furthermore, another profitability ratio that has been taken into consideration for evaluating the profitability position of Lufthansa is the return on capital employed (ROCE). In the words of Gans and Ryall (2017), ROCE depicts the percentage of profit each dollar of employed capital generates. In case of Lufthansa, ROCE has been negative both in 2014 and 2015; however, it has shifted towards the positive trend in 2016. The reason behind the negative ROCE in two years is due to operating loss from increased sales, general and administrative expenses. However, with the fall in such expenses in 2016, it has resulted in positive ROCE for Lufthansa and hence, it has generated sufficient amount with its invested capital. Thus, based on the above findings, it could be inferred that in terms of profitability position, Lufthansa is enjoying a better and favourable position in the global aviation industry. The liquidity ratios gauge the ability of an organisation to incur debt obligations and safety margin through the computation of metrics like current ratio and quick ratio. Comparing the past timeframes to the current operations allows the analysts to identify changes in the business (Lumley and Gergely 2015). The following liquidity ratios for Lufthansa have been taken into consideration for Lufthansa and they are depicted with the help of the following figure: According to the above figure, it could be observed that the current ratio of Lufthansa has increased from 0.75 in 2014 to 0.72 in 2015 and the increase is inherent further to 0.93 in 2016. However, the standard current ratio in the aviation industry is considered as 2 (Martin 2014). The possible reason behind such low ratio is the increase in account payables in contrast to cash availability of the organisation. As a result, the organisation has struggled to meet off its existing obligations with the available short-term asset base. On the other hand, quick ratio is similar to current ratio; however, it excludes inventories from current assets. The standard quick ratio in the global aviation industry is considered as 1 (Morden 2016). In this case, the quick ratio of the organisation has fallen from 0.69 in 2014 to 0.66 in 2015; however, it has increased to 0.85 in 2016. This denotes that the ratio is near the industrial standard, which signifies average liquidity position of the organisation in the market. The efficiency ratios are used typically to evaluate the way an organisation uses it assets and liabilities internally. These are used to gauge the short-term or current performance of the organisation (Potts and Ankrah 2014). The following efficiency ratios for Lufthansa have been taken into consideration for Lufthansa and they are depicted with the help of the following figure: The above figure clearly signifies that the payables turnover of Lufthansa has increased from 48.94 days in 2014 to 98.10 days in 2015 and it has increased further to 101.72 days in 2016. The higher the payables turnover in terms of days, the better it is for the organisation in retaining higher cash in hand (Morschett, Schramm-Klein and Zentes 2015). The brand image of the airline group in the global market has resulted in winning the trust and beliefs of the creditors, due to which the organisation has managed to extend its credit terms. On the other hand, the inventory turnover of Lufthansa has increased from 14.16 days in 2014 to 15.12 days in 2015 and the increase is inherent further in 2016 to 16.82 days in 2016. This denotes that there is slight fall in demand in the global market due to the presence of increasing number of competitors in the global market. However, based on the above evaluation, it could be stated that the organisation has stable efficiency position in the gl obal aviation industry. In the words of Rothaermel (2015), the solvency ratios are a key metric used to gauge the ability of an organisation to meet debt and other obligations. The following solvency ratios for Lufthansa have been taken into consideration for Lufthansa and they are depicted with the help of the following figure: In accordance with the above figure, it could be stated that Lufthansa has debt-to-equity ratio of 3.91 in 2014, which has fallen to 2.47 in 2015. The fall is inherent in 2016 to 2.36, which denotes that the airline group has focused massively on raising funds through debt instead of equity financing. On the other hand, the times interest earned ratio has increased massively in 2016, which signify that the organisation has adequate capability to meet its interest expense with the operating income. Thus, Lufthansa has increased debt burden questioning its solvency position; however, the operating income is greater. The strengths and weaknesses of Lufthansa in terms of its service portfolio and operations are depicted briefly as follows: Strengths: As it provides diversified range of operations, it is the leading aviation group in the global market It has formed sustainability and security program for driving sustainable growth The opening of new fleets and partnerships with other aviation group has increased the operating efficacy of the organisation Weaknesses: Employee strikes and disputes over wages influence business operations (Seuring and Goldbach 2013). The adaptation challenge to the staffs to the business evolution Evaluation of the current strategies of Lufthansa for long-term: Since the competition of LCC is for short haul, the competition in long haul sectors from the large three Gulf carriers like Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad and the star alliance power of Lufthansa, the Turkish Airlines would continue to stay. For instance, the Indian network of Lufthansa delivers significant feed through market via Frankfurt into the network of US however, the extensive India networks of Gulf-based airlines is obtaining an increasing share of this traffic via its own hubs. The national airlines within the organisation are operating as separate brands, each having its own fleet, labour structure and operations. The fuel prices of aviation turbine comprise of around 80% of the overall operational costs of the airline industry. Moreover, due to the limited number of oil companies, the airlines hardly find any alternative (Grant et al. 2014). The labour like cabin crew, pilots, gate agents and ground personnel has bargaining power due to the labour agreements during industrial regulation leaving them with lower flexibility. This force remains an important influential dynamic in the successful performance of the sector. Along with this, there are only two main manufacturers for big commercial aircraft like Boeing and Airbus. If the airlines place large orders, it might take several years to be delivered. Thus, the bargaining power of the suppliers is high in the industry. Conclusion: Based on the above evaluation, it could be stated that there is deregulation in the global transport industries, which has helped the organisation in carrying out its business operations in an effective fashion. In addition, it obtains fuel subsidies from the German government and due to this, Lufthansa has managed to minimise its operating expenses in the home nation. However, it has failed to receive subsidies from the cross-border nations. The increasing competition from LCC poses a threat to the Lufthansa Group, since the rivals like Ryonair and Easy Jet are now involved in targeting the higher-level business travellers crucial to legacy airline profitability. Finally, the protectionist instincts of the airline group are the biggest threat to Lufthansa. In addition, the Gulf-based nations receive subsidy from the governments, which promote unfair competition. In terms of profitability position, Lufthansa is enjoying a better and favourable position in the global aviation industry. However, there is slight fall in demand in the global market due to the presence of increasing number of competitors in the global market. Both the efficiency and solvency positions of the organisation are stable, which denote that the organisation is maintaining a competitive position in the global market. Lufthansa has increased debt burden questioning its solvency position; however, the operating income is greater. In addition, the opening of new fleets and partnerships with other aviation group has increased the operating efficacy of the organisation. Hence, based on the above evaluation, it is advisable to hold on to the shares of the organisation; however, purchase of the same is advisable after it minimises its debt burden. References: Albers, S., Baum, H., Auerbach, S. and Delfmann, W. eds., 2017. Strategic Management in the Aviation Industry. Taylor Francis. Amir, A., Auzair, S.M. and Amiruddin, R., 2016. Cost management, entrepreneurship and competitiveness of strategic priorities for small and medium enterprises.Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences,219, pp.84-90. 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