School Discipline Essay Example for Free

School Discipline Essay Recently, in elementary and lower secondary schools, much effort has been made in Japan to accomplish the aims of moral education, by requiring separate scheduled hours for moral education. The purposes of moral education are shown in the following summary of general principles established in the Course of Study issued by the Ministry of Education. Moral education aims to develop a Japanese citizen who will never lose the consistent spirit of respect for his fellow man; who will realize this spirit at home, at school and in other actural life situations in the society of which he is a member; who strives for the creation of a culture rich in individuality and for the development of a democratic nation and society; and who is able to make a voluntary contribution to the peaceful international society. In order to attain this aim, the following contents is sought in moral instruction in elementary schools. 1) Contents mainly related to the fundamental patterns of behavior in daily life: to maintain safety and secure good health; to develop self-reliance; to observe good manners; to keep oneself neat; to improve the environment; to use things and money effectively; to recognize the value of time. 2) Contents mainly related to moral sentiment and moral judgement: to respect others personality; to control oneself and act according to ones beliefs; to act freely according to ones own judgement or wishes and on ones own responsibility; to be honest and sincere; to love justice and be courageous; to over come difficulties in order to accomplish right aims; to reflect on oneself, listen to the advice of others, and to act with deeper consideration; to act moderately, without selfishness; to behave always with alertness, courtesy and alacrity; to take good care of animals and plants; to have a pure mind. 3) Contents mainly concerned with the development of personality and a creative attitude toward life: to recognize ones own special ability, and try to strengthen it; to strive for the achievement of worthy purposes, and to set for oneself a high goal; to act rationally; to tr3r to improve life with original ideas; always to maintain a studious attitude, and try to pursue truth; to apply positively new ideas. 4) Contents mainly related to the concept that good manners and practical will are indispensable for the member of a nation or a society: to be kind to everybody and to care for the weak or unfortunate; to respect those who devote themselves to the service of others and to appreciate their work; to trust each other and to be friendly; to be fair and impartial to everybody; to be generous; to observe rules and promises; to differentiate between rights and duties; to appreciate labor; to protect public property and public morality; to love ones family; to love ones school; to love the nation with a pride as a Japanese; to understand correctly the people of all the world and cooperate in a friendly manner with them. The contents of moral education for lower secondary schools are almost the same as those for the elementary schools. However, in considering the stages of pupils development, the following objectives are added: To build an attitude of constructive criticism; to develop mutual under-standing and respect between the sexes; to promote open and pure friendship between the sexes; to promote love of truth; to lead pupils to consider what true happiness is and to seek it; to help pupils to enrich their own sentiments; to aid in understanding the inherited culture and to contribute to cultural improvement; to teach pupils to hold humanity in mind always; to train pupils to challenge evil with courage; and not have a narrow fellow-mindedness, but to act with consciousness of being a member of the large community. In upper secondary schools, ethics-civics created as a new subject in the social studies, is intended to develop students who know the human relations in the present society, understands humanity and pursues the ideal in the life of the world. Moral education is to be conducted from the broad point of view through all the activities of the school. Consequently, moral instruction is provided by combining properly various teaching methods, such as discussion, stories to1d by teachers, reading Of b00ks, audio-visual aids, dramatizing and non-classroom activities. In 1963, in order to aid in effectuating the new program of moral instruction, the Ministry of Education published Teachers Manual for Moral instruction and distributed it through the country to guide classroom teachers at each level in the preparation of their moral education hour. CHAPTER IMPROVEMENT OF CONTENT OF- EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENTOF ABILITY (2) Moral Education in Other Countries In most foreign countries, religion makes a valuable contribution to the moral spirit. In those countries studied, moral education is generally given to pupils through religious instruction in assigned religion classes. In several countries including the U. S. A. and France, religious instruction in public schools is prohibited. Whether the religious instruction in public school is conducted or not, moral and ethical education is given in many cases as a part of other subject, usually civics. In communist countries including the U. S. S. R., it is regarded as a purpose of education to build a citizen who can contribute to the maintenance of a socialist state. For this purpose, moral and ethical trainings given through all educational activities in the schools. Table 30 shows the extent of ofFerings in religious education in ele-mentary and secondary schools in the U. S. A. , the U. K. , and an extensivegroup of European countries. In 13 of the 17 countries listed in Table 30, religion is offered as a separate subject in almost all grades in public elementary and secondary schools. In 11 of the 17 countries, civics is taught in elementary school or secondary school or both. In France, civics at primary level is included in the subject known as education civique et morale. In the U. S. A. civics is usually taught in the 8th grade and upper grades of secondary schools. There is no instruction in separate moral education classes. It is taught through all subjects. Also, in the U. S. S. R. , moral education is not treated separately, but moral training of pupils is given through the whole curriculum. It is a characteristic feature of school education in the U. S. S. R. to provide child labor training at all levels. This labor training aims to give pupils moral training. Moreover, Rules for Pupils, which pupils elementary and secondary schools must obey, are specified by the Department of Education of the R. S. F. S. R. In Rules for Pupils, objectives of moral education are prescribed along with the school principles which pupils must observe. Civics teaching in each country aims to elevate moral sentiments, and to give pupils knowledge and understanding of government, economics and social problems necessary for citizenship. Moral education and civics in the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, France and Belgium are as follows: Federal Republic of Germany Basic principles of civic education in schools and universities were decided by the Conference of Lander Ministers of Education of 15 June 1950as follows: Civic education should awaken in pupils both a moral response and a determination to act as a responsible member of society. Italy The primary school syllabus published by the Ministry of Education in 1955 states that civics teaching is designed to give the child a general moral, religious and social training. It also emphasizes that religious instruction must enable the child to acquire basic habits of morality, civic and social behavior and hygiene at home, at school and in society; and to give the child a sense of personal responsibility and membership of a group. Regarding civic education courses in upper classes it is stated: love of ones country must be a natural extension of love of ones family, and the awareness of national values should be related to the ideal of international understanding. France. The syllabus in primary education published by the Ministry of Education in 1923 states that moral education must enable the child to grow up as a man with a balanced development of sentiment, intelligence, and conscience. It is also stated that moral instruction is to be designed not only to give the child moral spirit, but also to lead him to realize this spirit in daily life. In primary schools in France, the subject known as education civique et morale is taught as outlined below: 1st grade: Listening to stories (Fontaines fables, Hans Christian Andersons tales, etc. ) and to biographies of great men told by teachers. 2nd and 3rd grades: To accustom the child to acquire good habits through reading of book-lets followed by discussion, and discussion on school events. At third grade the same themes as those of second grade are dealt with more intensively 4th and 5th grades: To listen to narratives or discuss deeds of the individuta1 and social morality concerned with moderation, sincerity, simplicity, kindness, courage, and generosity. To give the child an understanding of the value of labor, a spirit of cooperation with others, observance of promises, understanding of other persons and appreciation of duties to ones family and ones nation. At fifth grade, the same themes as those of forth grade are dealt with more intensively. 6th8th grades: To provide the child consciousness and respect for man, character formation, main duties in life of the individual, at home and in society, and inculcate patriotism, justice and mutual assistance, respect for labor, organization of government and its activities, elementary knowledge of contracts and labor laws in daily life, elementary knowledge of the legislative, administrative and judicial systems, citizens rights and duties and international understanding. Belgium In the middle school of Belgium (3rd and 4th secondary years, age 14 to15), citizenship and patriotism are taught under the following themes: l) Citizens rights: advantages of the democratic and parliamentary system. The chief freedoms guaranteed by the Belgian Constitution. 2) The citizens duties: the ballot; obedience to the Law, military service; paying taxes; giving evidence in court. 3) Patriotism: the countrys prestige and its heritage; the dangers of misguided patriotism. 4) International understanding and a sense of the brotherhood of man. Aids for Civics Teaching in European Countries In a number of countries, separate textbooks are used. Audio-visual aids such as slides, films, radio broadcasts, television, etc. are also used. Table 30. Comparative Table Showing Extent of Offering Of Separate Classes in Religion and Civics Table 31. Teaching Aids for Civics Education in European Countries.

Marketing Analysis of Avon

Marketing Analysis of Avon David H. McConnell founded the company in 1886 at the age of 28 years old. He sold books door-to-door and distributed perfume to lure women to buy his books. His perfume was more popular than his books, so he then founded the California Perfume Company (CPC) in New York, New York in a 500-square-foot (46 m2) manufacturing and shipping office at 126 Chambers Street. As the corporation grew, he employed his first representative, Mrs. P.F.E. Albee. In 1897, McConnell built a small (3000 square foot) laboratory in Suffern, New York. In 1906, the West Coast office in San Francisco was destroyed in the Great Earthquake. In 1914 the first non-US office was opened in the Canadian province of Quebec. January 28, 1916, David H. McConnell and Alexander D. Henderson (businessman) in Suffern, New York  [2]  incorporated the California Perfume company. Sales attained $2 million by 1928 following five million units sold in North America. The company name was changed to Avon Products Inc. Octobe r 1939 which was taken public by 1954, sales reached $55 million, and the Avon Calling advertising campaign introduced. Avon Suffern Research and Development facility came into existence in 1971. With one million sales representatives, sales reached $3 million, presently; sales exceed $10 billion worldwide. The 100 million dollar Research and Development facility which house 300 research scientists on the original site in Suffern, New York was opened in 2005. Avon also has offices in Luzerne, Pennsylvania and Davenport, Iowa. Andrea Jung is the companys Chairman and CEO, who was selected to the position in 1999. As at December 2009, the company had approximately 41,000 employees  [3]   2.2 Company Profile 2.2.1 Organizational Structure The Office of the Chairman is responsible for identifying growth initiatives, incorporating global strategies, and apportioning resources to Avon units around the world. In addition, as part of the reorganization, the firms three International Regional headquarters were to be phased out, alternated by nine streamlined business units covering sales, marketing and distribution around the world. Profit and loss accountability rested with them. Managers of these units would report directly to the Office of the Chairman. Also reporting to the chairman are five global staff departments: Finance/legal Affairs, Human Resources, Corporate Affairs and Communications, Planning and Business Development, and a new department Global Product Management. Each department assumes worldwide responsibility for its function 2.2.2 Major Lines of Business Avon Products line includes skin care items, makeup, men and women perfume fragrances, and bath toiletries, hair care, personal care, hand and body care and sun care. Recognizable brand names included Skin-So-Soft, a product in the bath products area, which benefited from wide publicity concerning alternative uses; Moisture Therapy; and Imari fragrance. Newer products include Avon Color, an entirely new line of more than 350 shades of lip, eye, face, and nail colors. The product line assures customers that Avon has just the right shade for them and that their total look could be coordinated. Avon newest product Anew Perfecting Complex for Face, won the most successful skin care product in Avon history. Internationally, the companys product line is marketed primarily at moderate price points. The marketing strategy emphasized department store quality at discount store prices. Avon is the worlds largest manufacturer and distributor of fashion jewelry, and markets an extensive line of gifts and collectibles. A separate division, Giorgio Beverly Hills, manufactures and sells prestige fragrances. These brand name products are sold through major retail department stores, in boutiques, by mail order catalog and by other means. 2.3 Operating Strategies Avon Products Inc. is uniquely among major corporations, a womans company. The company sells products to, for and through women. The company understands women needs and preferences better than most. This understanding guides the basic business and influences the choice of new business opportunities. Avon need to become and are becoming, more customer-oriented and more market- driven. Each one of the 18 words in the vision statement has considerable meaning. The three most important elements, however, are the focus on women, on being global, and on the additional opportunities for Avon in self-fulfillment. Avon Products Inc. Principles To provide individuals with additional earning means to support well-being and happiness. To ensure families satisfaction from quality products To render outstanding service to customers in its helpfulness and courtesy; To acknowledge and reward employees and Representatives contributions. To distribute the dividend of growth and success with others; To meet social corporate responsibility; and To keep and treasure the hospitable Avon spirit. Source: Avon Representative Success Book 2.3 Operating Strategies 2.3.1 Mission Statement and Management Objectives Avon Products Inc. intends being the company that best understands meets and satisfies women needs globally. The International Beauty leading company intends to surpass competitors in quality, innovation, value and raising image to become women favorites Beauty Company worldwide by creating a unique portfolio of Beauty and related brands. The Womens quest for Buying Avon products will become home store for women, offering the convenience of multiple brands and channels, and providing a personal high touch shopping experience that helps create lifelong customer relationships. The Premier Direct Seller will expand the companys presence in direct selling and lead the reinvention of the channel, offering an entrepreneurial opportunity that delivers superior earnings, recognition, service and support, making it easy and rewarding to be affiliated with Avon and elevating the image of the industry. Avon products leadership edge is through passion for high standards, respect for diversity and commitment to create exceptional opportunities for professional growth so that associates can fulfill their highest potential. The companys philanthropic efforts aim at eliminating breast cancer and empowering women to be economic independent. As a way of creating wealth for shareholders, Avon seeks new growth opportunities and improving profitability, a socially responsible, ethical company that is noticed and imitated as a model of success. 2.3.2 Business Models and Strategies Avon Products, Inc., is one of the worlds largest direct selling organization and merchandiser of beauty and beauty related products. From corporate office in New York City, Avon markets product lines to women in 112 countries through 1.6 million active independent contractors (sales representatives) that receive a percentage commission for their sales but do not enjoy employment benefits, they sell primarily on a door-to-door basis. The idea behind the direct selling model is to eliminate the middle man (department and cosmetic stores) and get its products directly to consumers which will be able to cut costs and increase profits. November 2005, Avon products inaugurated an exhaustive turnaround plan to restore sustainable growth. The four-point turnaround plan includes: Committing to brand competitiveness by focusing research and development resources on product innovation and by increasing our advertising; Winning with commercial edge by more effectively utilizing pricing and promotion, expanding our Sales Leadership program and improving the attractiveness of our Representative earnings opportunity as needed; Elevating organizational effectiveness by redesigning our structure to eliminate layers of management in order to take full advantage of our global scale and size; and Transforming the cost structure so that our costs are aligned to our revenue growth and remain so. Source: 10-K (Feb 25, 2010) One of the goals of the 2005 Turn-around Plan was to increase the number of Representatives paid in 2007 when the company had 13% increase in net sales as a result of the increase in the number of Representatives Primarily, Avons revenues come from three main categories: 2009 2008 2007 2006 Beauty Products 72% 72% 70% 69% Fashion Products 17% 18% 18% 18% Home Products 11% 10% 12% 13% Source: http://www.wikinvest.com/stock/Avon_Products_(AVP) Beauty Products: Cosmetics, fragrances, and personal care. Fashion Products are Jewelry, watches, apparel and accessories. Home Products: Home products and decorative products. 2.4 SWOT Analysis 2.4.1 Strengths Presence in dynamic sector Strategic focus on emerging markets Diversification through acquisition Wide brand appeal Financial stability Strong brand image 2.4.2 Weaknesses Over reliance on Beauty Products (72%) Limited outlets for the customers Confusing promotions, out of date catalogs, unattractive packaging and customer complains of Avon image. Over reliance on Sales Representatives Products are not commonly found in store 2.4.3 Opportunities Geographic Growth: Enormous growth opportunities exist in countries with huge populations such as China, Indonesia and India. In Eastern Europe, management is excited about the potential in Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary. In the Pacific Rim area, countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos are targeted as market opportunities. Emerging and Developing Markets: In those markets, the retail infrastructure was undeveloped, especially in the interiors of those countries. The Avon representatives provide consumers with opportunities to buy a wide range of quality products at acceptable prices 2.4.4 Threats Avons dependence on the productivity and profitability of the representative direct-selling model exposes it to cost and litigation risks. It is likely that AVP will incur future costs through litigation and resolution of the lawsuit, which may include terms that would increase costs and decrease profits for Avon. Currency Fluctuation Risks as a result of much presence in global markets: Only 20% of the companys sales Revenue come from the United States while other countries contribute 80%, making the company very sensitive to currency fluctuations and the strength of the dollar. A weakening of the dollar against foreign currencies would allow Avon products to become more competitively priced in global markets, thus positively affecting sales revenue from foreign markets; however, a weak dollar would also mean higher costs for products manufactured overseas. 2.5 Core Competencies Over the last three years, Avon Products have been implementing its turnaround plan through various strategic initiatives, including: restructuring plan, product line simplification program (PLS), strategic sourcing initiative (SSI) and investment in advertising and sales representatives. Among other things the company does well are: Diversification through acquisition Distribution strategy and brand image High technology and innovation Economic Empowerment Philanthropy 3. Industry Analysis 3.1 Industry Definition, structure and major competitors The US personal care products industry includes about 800 companies with combined annual revenue of $50 billion. Major companies include Estee Lauder, Johnson Johnson, and Procter Gamble. The industry is concentrated: the 50 largest firms account for about 70 percent of industry revenue. There are 28,001 companies in this industry with the US personal income driving consumer demand for personal care products  [4]  . Company Sales Location The Protecter Gamble Company 78,938.00M Cincinnati, OH LOreal SA 25,041.73M Clichy, France Kimberly-Clark Corporation 19,115.00M Irving, TX Colgate-Palmolive Company 15,327.00M New York, NY Kao Corporation 12,777.13M Tokyo, Japan Source: http://www.hoovers.com/industry/personal-care-products/1192-1.html 3.2 Industry Growth and Profitability Market moves over the last two years have clearly been extraordinary. The forecast call for a continued, gradual recovery in demand from developed markets with emerging economies faring better. The personal and disposable personal incomes are the main drivers of this sector. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, July 2010, Personal income increased $30.0 billion, or 0.2 percent, and disposable personal income (DPI) increased $17.6 billion, or 0.2 percent, Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $44.1 billion, or 0.4 percent. Table 3.2 Personal and Disposable Personal Income 2010 June July Aug. Sept. Oct. (Percent change from preceding month) Personal income, current dollars 0.1 0.2 0.5 0.0 0.5 Disposable personal income: Current dollars 0.1 0.0 0.5 -0.1 0.4 Chained (2005) dollars 0.2 -0.2 0.3 -0.2 0.3 Personal consumption expenditures: Current dollars 0.0 0.5 0.5 0.3 0.4 Chained (2005) dollars 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.3 Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, US Department of Commerce. July, 2010 3.3 Pest Analysis of External Factors Affecting the Industry 3.31 Political Factors These include the form of government, role of government whether as a participator or a facilitator or a regulator, political stability and risk, consumer protection, employment law, election, competitive regulations, industry-specific regulations, environmental regulations, understanding cultural differences, government structures, governmental leadership, political trends, taxes, terrorism and war. Avon Products is majorly affected by government tax and industry specifications. Different countries have different regulations with taxes. Political and legal systems of different countries have important implications for Avon Products. Sometimes, the political system changes quickly, throwing the company into crisis and at other hand, it evolve more slowly. Countries Over 30 Hongkong 25.25 China 17.37 United Kingdom 25.69 United States 26.26 Singapore 25.24 Thailand 16.42 Norway 28.19 Canada 27.80 Japan 24.65 Russia 14.66 Source: http://www.euromoney.com/Article/2675660/Country-risk-September-2010-Full-results.html 3.3.2 Economic Factors In various countries, economic growth trends differs, government spending levels, taxation, disposable income, exchange rates, tariffs, inflation, job growth/unemployment, consumer confidence index, import/export ratios, and production levels. Avon has experienced fluctuating growth; its said to largely depend on economic conditions and disposable household income levels. A higher disposable income will definitely increase spending pattern. 3.3.3 Social Factors These include race, family size, age, gender, lifestyle changes, population shifts, education, trends, fads, diversity, immigration/emigration, health, living standards, housing trends, fashion, attitudes to work, leisure activities, occupations, and earning capacity. Since Avon major source of Revenue is on Beauty products which is mainly used by women, the company stands the chance of increasing revenue all things being equal. A higher taste or lifestyle to substitute products like Mary Kay may affect the company revenue. 3.3.4 Technological Factors These are factors that enable innovative and creative ideas that make Avon to compete and meet customers needs. These include Inventions, new discoveries, research, energy uses/sources/fuels, communications, rates of obsolescence, health (pharmaceutical, equipment, etc.), manufacturing advances, information technology, internet, transportation, bio-tech, genetics, agric-tech, waste removal/recycling, and so on, all these and many more need to be improved upon continually. As technology advances, there is need to ensure compliance and engage in more research in an attempt to increase the quality of the products. The company should keep the analysis of past developments separate from that of the present situation and future trends 3.4 Porters five forces of Analysis Competition 3.4.1 Threat of new Entrants: Low Being a household name for some years, the threat of new entrants can be said to be low. Consumers who are serviced in this industry tend to stick with long and experienced 3.4.2 Threat of Substitutes: High There are several substitutes to Avon products by its competitors in the market. A slight change or below standard can push customers to buy other products. 3.4.3 Bargaining Powers of supplier: Low 3.4.4 Bargaining Power of Customer: Low Customers who are mainly women often dont mind price(s) as long as they have value for money spent. Rather than customers fixing price, Avon does. 3.4.5 Rivalry among Competing Firms: High This is really high. Mary Kay among several others is in high competition with Avon. 3.5 Summary Bargaining power of buyers Low Competitive Rivalry within an Industry High Threat of Substitute Products High Threat of new Entry- Low Low Bargaining power of suppliers Low 4. Economic Outlook 4.1 Global Outlook The last three quarters have been impressive with the companys operating performance and its key credit measurements are improving. Avon is envisaged to continue to have conservative stances with its liquidity and share repurchases. Avon innovative ideas has earned its performance very well relative to its consumer products peer group and remains one of the best geographically positioned companies to gain from emerging market growth over the next several years. Avon is in the midst of a restructuring that includes cutting jobs and trimming overhead. It has concentrated on recruiting independent sellers, as well as broadening its assortment of less-expensive items, including products under $5, to drive sales. It is also growing sales in emerging markets. The recession affected the manufacturers of beauty products fairly well, due to large part to their vast product range. While demand for cosmetics stumbled some are considered essentials and were mostly resistant to the downturn. The economic recovery will push the industry back to steady growth, as improving disposable incomes allow consumers to spend more on nonessentials like makeup. Meanwhile, manufacturers will expand both their product lines and geographic reach to take advantage of new market opportunities  [5]  . 4.2 Regional Outlook Avon is on a course of action to deliver strong quarterly growth, although the US market is likely to prove the exclusion to regional growth in view of the tough conditions there. The worlds leading direct sales cosmetic company increased revenue by 8 per cent for the first quarter in dollar terms, while the continuing weakness of the dollar will mean that revenues will rise by 5 per cent in local currencies. Based on region, Avon revenue is projected to leap and operating profit forecast to be up. Internationally, Latin Americas revenue is projected to increase at a double-digit rate and operating profit forecast to grow in line with or slightly ahead of revenue, reflecting a strong performance in both the Brazil and Argentina markets. Europes revenue and operating profit are expected to increase in the ranges of 10 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively. Growth in this region is continuing to focus on the central and eastern European markets. Operating profit is expected to be more than 25% in the Asia Pacific region. 4.3 Local Outlook Avon overall growth is being driven by sales of beauty products, which are expected to increase more and more particularly the Anti-aging skincare Product. The company feels it is also a reflection of its successful new product launches and continuing commitment to invest significant resources to support its brand-building strategies. Also, the company expects increase number of active representative to positively impact on sales. 4.4 Summary There is strong growth and improving profitability as the global outlook becomes Stable from Negative. 5. Ten-year pro forma forecast 5.1 Underlying Assumptions Avon had $650 million Agreement with Silpada. The company designs is the worlds largest and fastest-growing sterling silver jewellery home party company which is expected to generate revenue from 2015  [6]  . Focus on emerging markets such as Brazil, China, Colombia, Russia, Turkey, and Venezuela, aiming for high market share and brand recognition in these markets. The only positive regional revenue growth the company had been in the Latin America and China at 5.6% and 0.7%  [7]  . For example, China re-licensed Avon for direct-selling, which allowed Avons revenues from China to increase rapidly from 2006 to 2008. The total revenue from China rose from $212 million in 2006 to $353 million in 2009  [8]  . Similar situations may arise in Avons other emerging market segments. Increased cost of production and Companies are also focused on controlling their operating margins in order to maximize their profits. While advertising and commodity costs have been rising, efficient production has been useful in reducing margins. A takeover Rumour by LOreal expand in emerging markets, particularly in Latin America  [9]   First quarter for the year ended March 31st, 2010.  [10]  Avons net income was $43 million, a 64% decrease from Q1 FY 2009 net income of $117 million. The decrease was mainly caused by AVPs effective tax rate being a 66.1% due to the devaluation of Venezuelan currency. Excluding this negative impact, net income was actually $144 million. Total revenue increased 14% to $2.5 billion. The number of active representatives grew by 6% as the recessionary environment attracted many unemployed people to Avons independent selling business strategy. Additionally, the companys Beauty segment grew by 14%. Avon had mixed sales results internationally, as it had a 2% sales decline in North America, a 22% sales increase in Latin America, a 31% sales decrease in China, a 28% sales increase in Eastern Europe, and a 23% sales increase in Western Europe and Africa. The company spent $96 million on advertising a 23% increase from the same quarter last year. Second quarter for the year ended 30th June, 2010, Q2 FY 2010.  [11]  The companys Net Income was $167.6 million more than double the year-ago quarter value of $82.9 million. Net sales rose 8% to $2.68 billion. Sales in all of the companys product categories increased with 16% growth in perfume and 12% growth in color cosmetics. Avon increased advertising in the quarter to $97 million, up 19% from the prior year quarter. The company increased advertising mainly in Latin America. Geographically, Avons revenue increased 16% in Latin America from strength in Brazil and Mexico. Sales in North America remained flat. Important to note is Other Income for the quarter in review shows a deficit of usd 100m.  [12]   Third quarter for the year ended September 30th, 2010 Avons net income increased 7% to $167 million. The higher costs are due to advertising and weak sales from markets like china and Brazil. Net Revenue increased 4% to $2.66 billion, compared to $2.56 billion in the prior year quarter. The company benefited from higher sales in Latin America (8% growth) and Western Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (11% growth). However, sales in North America remained stagnant with a 2% decline in growth and sales in China fell by 30% as Avon tries to transition away from retail stores in the region in favor of a direct selling method that it uses in its other markets. Advertising costs increased 36% as the company promoted its fragrances as well as its two new product categories hair and acne  [13]  .

Struggle for Dominance and Mastery in Jack Londons The Call of the Wil

Struggle for Dominance and Mastery in Jack London's The Call of the Wild Isn't it funny how life itself is not just a fight for survival, but more a fight for mastery? Some people are satisfied with just survival, but some strive to be the best they can be during their life. In the novel, The Call of the Wild (1903), by Jack London, the author demonstrates life's struggles for dominance while following the life of a magnificent dog named Buck. Buck was living a peaceful, laxadazical life on a California estate when he is stolen and taken to the Klondike region of Canada, due entirely to the discovery of gold. In a matter of days, Buck's life makes a 180 degree turn when he finds himself in the harsh weather of Canada pulling a sled day after day. All this time, Buck is in a life and death struggle for dominance. Once he finally meets a master of his equal, his life is almost perfect. As life throws its curves, Buck finds himself being pulled away from his equal owner, Jack London. When Jack is later killed by the Yeehat Indians, Buck has to go out on his own and continue his tre... Struggle for Dominance and Mastery in Jack London's The Call of the Wil Struggle for Dominance and Mastery in Jack London's The Call of the Wild Isn't it funny how life itself is not just a fight for survival, but more a fight for mastery? Some people are satisfied with just survival, but some strive to be the best they can be during their life. In the novel, The Call of the Wild (1903), by Jack London, the author demonstrates life's struggles for dominance while following the life of a magnificent dog named Buck. Buck was living a peaceful, laxadazical life on a California estate when he is stolen and taken to the Klondike region of Canada, due entirely to the discovery of gold. In a matter of days, Buck's life makes a 180 degree turn when he finds himself in the harsh weather of Canada pulling a sled day after day. All this time, Buck is in a life and death struggle for dominance. Once he finally meets a master of his equal, his life is almost perfect. As life throws its curves, Buck finds himself being pulled away from his equal owner, Jack London. When Jack is later killed by the Yeehat Indians, Buck has to go out on his own and continue his tre...

Essay --

Satire is a balanced combination of sarcasm, irony, humor, and rhetorical devices that all focus on mocking or ridiculing certain works. In â€Å"The War Prayer† by Mark Twain and â€Å"The Battle of the Ants† by Henry David Thoreau, both short works satire the glorification of war. In comparison, â€Å"The War Prayer† revolves around jingoism by displaying traces of shock, hyperbole and a juxtaposing tone; whereas â€Å"The Battle of the Ants† exhibits a historical background through sarcasm, verisimilitude, and a mock-heroic tone. â€Å"The War Prayer† by Mark Twain satirizes through jingoism, one satiric device is shown through shock: ‘I come from the Throne-bearing a message from Almighty God!’ (Twain 5. 53); as citizens listen in on a church service in a country that is going to war the soldiers are being granted triumph and safety by God’s messenger however a stranger interrupts and claims he is God’s messenger, Twain used outrageous details to startle and grab the reader’s attention showing a stranger demanding he is the messenger when instead someone else is, thus plotting a twist in the passage. Another satiric device that was used in Twain’s passage is hyperbole: â€Å"†¦in every breast burned the holy fire of patriotism†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Twain 5. 2); the exaggeration was given its purpose to give the readers the image of the â€Å"†¦time of great and exalting excitement† (Twain. 5. 1) that was happening in the unnamed town that was in the beginning of bloodshed. One more satirical device that was used in the â€Å"The War Prayer† is its juxtaposing tone; Twain contrasts the praising and celebratory tone to the bitter tone at the end of the passage. At the beginning of the passage the tone is described as giddy and enthralling: â€Å"The country was up in arms, the war was on, in ... ...nts] battle-cry was ‘Conquer or die.’†(Thoreau 3. 22). Thoreau uses level and elevated diction to persuade the reader that this crusade is not meaningless but glorifies the actual fierceness of warriors in combat, resembling actual wars. In conclusion, the satirical pieces discussed share common satirical techniques and differ in them as well. â€Å"The War Prayer† juggled around jingoism by using shock, hyperbole, and juxtaposing tone to give the passage multiple turnouts, resulting in a bathetic ending. â€Å"The Battle of the Ants† displayed its work through historical context using the satirical elements of sarcasm, verisimilitude, and a mock-heroic tone, thus resulting Thoreau’s pompous writing to mocking historians who glorify war with detailed notes. Both accomplish the glorification of war by portraying hyper-patriotism and elevated diction in unique ways as well.

Christian Philosophy on Death Essay

The Christian philosophy on death has long been that there is life after death. â€Å"Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.† (2 Corinthians 5: 8) We are supposed to take solace in the fact that while although our earthly body will be no more, our spirit or soul will move on into immortality. Since life after death seems like a simple enough concept, death should be no big deal, right? We should just view it as a step in becoming closer to God. While in theory, we should just take death in stride, even for those who wholeheartedly believe in life after death find it difficult to accept death. We find it difficult to visualize and conceptualize the afterlife and what our role will be in it. People cope with death differently. Some choose to combat it head on, others choose to simply ignore it all together. However most people fall somewhere in between those two extremes. â€Å"Dying person will use belief systems as the y have throughout there entire life-constructively, destructively, or not at all† This saying generally tends to hold true as one dies. All people cope with death differently however, by in large, most people go through some form of Kà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½bler-Ross model of grieving. The Kubler-Ross model contains five stages that people go through while contemplating their own death. The first stage is denial. In this stage the person grieving thinks that â€Å"This can’t be happening.† In the second stage, anger, the griever says, â€Å"Why me? It’s not fair?!† (either referring to God, oneself, or anybody perceived, rightly or wrongly, as â€Å"responsible†) The third stage is bargaining. In this stage, the dying person says, â€Å"I know its me but†¦Ã¢â‚¬  or â€Å"Please just let me live to see†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"The bargaining can be directed toward God which if the bargain is perceived as accepted can lead to a sense of hope or resignation, or anger, guilt, or fear if the bargain is perceived as denied†. The fourth stage is depression, which is arguably the hardest to go through. During the depression stage the dying person takes time to grieve his/her own death. The final stage is acceptance in which the dying person is â€Å"ready to go†. While not everyone goes through these stages in exactly this order, almost everyone goes through these stages in one form or another. They may experience the stages out of order, skip a stage, or even go through the cycle multiple times. There is also a belief that people have three spiritual needs of dying people: the search for the meaning of life, to die appropriately, and to find hope that extends beyond the grave. The search for the meaning of life takes on a higher priority when one is closer to death. â€Å"The knowledge of impeding death creates a crisis in which one reviews life in order to integrate one’s goals, values, and experiences. Without finding their life’s meaning one may feel that their life had no meaning. Another spiritual need is to die appropriately. â€Å"People want to die in ways consistent with their own self-identity.† Most people want to die a quick death surrounded by fantasy, however this is only the case for a lucky few. â€Å"People fear not so much the fact of death but more the process of dying.† The final spiritual need is to find hope in life after death. Life after death is an integral part of many faiths and religions. â€Å"We seek assurance in some way that our life, or what we left, will continue.† We all want some sort of life after death, because the thought of death being the ends of things can be an awful thing to think about. Oftentimes during class or discussions on death, I find myself questioning my own faith and trying to imagine what it would be like if I wasn’t on earth anymore. I guess to be more specific what it would be like if my mind or soul did not continue on in some way, shape, or form. The thought of the world around me going on without me often leads to a chilling feeling and a headache. I almost prefer just to shut down, effectively turning off my ears to the discussion around me. Doing that just seems easier than thinking of the what-ifs that the thought of no life after death means. I believe in God, that there is a life after death, and that my soul and mind will exist eternally. However, it is still hard for me to shake that feeling that comes with thinking about death. If I am getting these chilling feelings while thinking of death as a teenager, I can only imagine the thoughts running through peoples heads while they are on their deathbeds. While it is easy to dwell on the negatives that death presents, there are other ways to approach death. Some people handle death with much grace, accepting their fate and using the time allotted to them to try to make their last days count. No one exemplifies this more that Morrie Schwartz from Tuesdays with Morrie. Morrie rather than overly dwell on the fact that he was dying, chose to take the time he had left on earth to explain dying to the world. His advice such as â€Å"When you learn how to die, you learn how to live.† and â€Å"Love each other or perish.† are just two of the numerous tings that Morrie has tried to teach us. If we could all handle death as gracefully as Morrie did, death wouldn’t be nearly as big a deal to people. Morrie teaches us that there is a time to be three and a time to be sixty-three. Morrie tells us that death is just as much a fact of life as a birthday or getting married. Morrie sets a high standard for coping with a terminal illness. We can also look to the Bible to give us God’s take on death and life after death. The Catholic faith believes that no matter what there is life after death. Whether that life after death takes place in heaven or hell depends largely on how you live your life here on earth. â€Å"Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who†¦will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.† (Philippians 3: 20, 21) Through the belief in God and living according to his commandments we can attain a life after death. â€Å"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.† (1 Corinthians 15:51-57)

Mischievous and popular Essay

Puck also known as Robin Good Fellow plays an extremely entertaining part in Shakespeare’s â€Å"a midsummer’s night dream†. He is no ordinary character; he enjoys playing practical jokes on mortals. Oberon the King of fairies (also his master), seems to admire Puck because Puck keeps Oberon amused with his antics. In this essay, I will be focusing on Pucks character and how he is amusing, mischievous and popular. The following extract from a midsummer’s night dream is particularly appropriate because it describes how amusing Puck finds the events that proceed during the play. It also gives you an idea of what the events are. â€Å"And those things do best please me that befall preposterously†. During the play puck finds the events that take place astonishingly humorous. It shows that he finds the incident comical because in the text it quotes â€Å"those things do best please me†. Another example is that he finds the matter ridiculous, ludicrous and absurd. â€Å"†¦ that befall preposterously†. In addition Shakespeare portrays Puck as a mischievous spirit, â€Å"Mislead night wanderers laughing at their harm†. This suggests that Puck is childish yet naive. I think Puck has a limited understanding of the consequences of his jesters. This quote also indicates that Puck is not vile but in turn immature. â€Å"†¦ laughing at their harm†. When mortals are in danger, instead of helping them, he will make the situation direr. He is innocent minded. â€Å"Mislead night wanderers†¦ â€Å". Furthermore, although Puck is a servant of King Oberon, he is popular due to his cunningness and wit. This is shown in the text. â€Å"Or else you are that shrewd and knavish spirit called Robin Good Fellow†. This implies that Puck is enormously popular that he has his own nickname. Fairies have heard of him even though he doesn’t know them. His quality is so vibrant. In the quote, Puck is identified as shrewd because puck is crafty, astute and wise. He is also acknowledged as knavish, in other words an unprincipled servant. From the play we can tell that Puck is a mystical being. This should be represented in his clothes. In my opinion, I imagine Puck wearing enigmatic clothes such as a white sparkling garment with golden wings. It could also be represented in his speech. Shakespeare depicts Puck as a mischievous, amusing and popular character through his excellent choice of words. This gives a chance for the reader to empathize with the devious Puck.

The Problem With Government Issued Foreign Aid - 1844 Words

The Problem with Government Issued Foreign Aid It is widely held that the United States should give money to aid third world countries living in poverty because helping the less fortunate is a strong value in American culture. The U.S. has an interest in helping third world countries escape poverty and elevating them so they may contribute to the growing world-state. Therefore, America believes that sending a big fat check to the governments of these impoverished nations is the best way to help. However, all this gifted money does is create increased third world poverty by feeding corrupt governments and diminishing economic growth. This argument has been in the back of a lot of American’s mind for a while now, and people normally want one of three things. They want to decrease foreign aid, or they want to keep foreign aid the exact same, or they want to spend the same amount of money but distribute it different ways. The last viewpoint is what I want to focus on. Foreign aid needs to be changed into a more productive way for these developing countries to get out of poverty without corrupting their government or hurting their economic growth. Government issued foreign aid first started after the end of World War II when Secretary of State George Marshall sent money to European countries in order to help them rebuild. This assistance helped to strengthen European economies and also stabilize their countries. Then in 1961, President Kennedy signed the Foreign AssistanceShow MoreRelatedLack Of Funding For Education819 Words   |  4 Pagesschooling. User fees may be an important source of funding for individual schools. If school fees are eliminated but government budget allocations to schools are not increased, schools might not be able to make up for the reduced funding. Reduced funding can lead to a reduction in education quality. 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Criminal Law Theft Free Essay Example, 1000 words

In the case of Joyce v. DPP19 the defendant was prosecuted for theft of a passport because it had been dishonestly obtained. This would also apply in Ria’s case because she has dishonestly retained the manager’s card and Sonia’s card to make use of her PIN number and make purchases. The Courts have held that misappropriating the funds of others would amount to theft20 especially those who are vulnerable in some way, such as the elderly or naà ¯ve people who may be exploited by unscrupulous people. 21 The manner in which Ria has entered the manager’s office without his knowledge or permission and taken his card as well as the way in which she has retained Sonia’s card indicate that she has been dishonest and she may also be criminally liable under the Fraud Act of 2006, which has created a new offence of fraud. Under this Act, Ria could be held guilty of dishonestly abusing her position in appropriating the cards of the manager and Sonia, as well as gaining access to her pin number. 22 In order to establish that an abuse of position has taken place, it is necessary to show that the defendant (a) occupies a position where he or she is expected to safeguard the financial interests of another person but (b) abused that position (c) dishonestly (d) intending to profit from it. We will write a custom essay sample on Criminal Law Theft or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now An abuse of position can also occur through an omission. In Ria’s case, she is employed as a sales assistant and is required to exercise responsibility in maintaining the confidentiality of financial information pertaining to the customers. Even if she learned the pin code of the customer’s credit card, she was under an obligation not to misuse such information for her own benefit. In the case of R v Ghosh23 the Court held that in a case of dishonesty, the jury must first consider whether the action of the defendant was dishonest by the standards of a reasonable person and whether the defendant was aware that he or she was being dishonest. In this instance, Ria’s action in retaining Sonia’s card leads to an inference that she intended to make use of the pin number for her own benefit, but her merely retaining the card even in the long term, would not have constituted theft. 24 Similarly in the case of Easom25, it was held that a conditional intent to deprive another person of his or her property will not constitute theft. But in Ria’s case, the intent has been followed through with action. In the case of appropriation of Sonia’s card, she has used the pin number to make purchases for herself.