10 Things Hiring Managers Wish You Knew When Applying For Jobs

10 Things Hiring Managers Wish You Knew When Applying For Jobs There is a lot of advice about how to interview out there. But the people we should really be asking for advice about the interview process are the people who conduct those interviews- the hiring managers. Here are the 10 things hiring managers wish you knew. Make their jobs easy, and you just might get the job.1. Be early, but not too earlyWhatever you do, do not be late. That said, if you show up 30-45 minutes early, you could really distract or annoy the hiring manager, who might have better things to do and not want to interview you on the fly. If you end up at the office with this much time to spare, grab a coffee or do some last minute prep on your own before going in. Aim to be 10-15 minutes early. Most hiring managers agree that is the sweet spot.2. Don’t apply unqualifiedIf you don’t meet 85% or more of what the job description says they’re looking for, don’t bother interviewing. The hiring manager will just feel like you are wasting his time. Mak e sure you meet the minimum requirements (and that you go a few steps beyond as well) before going in for an interview. You don’t have to be perfect or overqualified, just not obviously underqualified.3. Do your homeworkToo many applicants head into the interview room without doing research into the company, their potential manager, or their role in the industry at large. Don’t fall victim to this laziness.Do your homework! Look up specifics! Familiarize yourself with the company’s workings, their numbers, and their day-to-day operations. This will impress the interviewer and give you plenty of topics about which to converse. Don’t go in the room until you feel comfortable reciting in one sentence what the company does and why. Internalize the narrative and tailor your answers to emphasize how well you understand what they are looking for.4. Treat it like a first dateInterviews can be a bit like speed dating, and that’s okay. It’s your chanc e to see whether the company would be a good fit for you, and their chance to see whether you’d be a good fit for their culture. Chances are, if you got the interview, you’re already a technical fit given your qualifications and experience. You’re in the room to get to know each other. Treat it like a date; don’t talk too much about yourself. Ask questions. Listen. Be respectful, but also make sure to show off your best traits.5. Bring questionsPart of doing your homework is coming armed with questions. You will be asked. Make sure you don’t get caught without a good one. Think of what you’re curious about that you weren’t able to find online or on the company’s website. When in doubt, ask about some of the specifics for the position you’d be filling, or potential growth opportunities within the company.6. Lead with your software skillsBefore you even show up for the interview, you need to convince the hiring manager tha t you have the skills necessary to be qualified in the first place. If you don’t already have a list of all the software programs in which you are proficient, put that in immediately. If they see that you’re a rockstar with the one program they use most, you’re almost guaranteed to get an interview.7. Don’t lieIf you lie, either on your resume or during the interview, you will almost certainly get caught. Resumes and references are checked. Fluffing yourself up a little is a human tendency; a little spin on your accomplishments in one position might be justified. Just don’t bend the actual truth. And be prepared to prove yourself.8. Say thank youThere is no excuse for not sending an immediate, handwritten thank you note. Or at very least, a thank you email.9.  Be patientNothing is likely to get you bumped out of the running more than constantly badgering the hiring manager about when the decision will be made. Ask for a timeframe for decision-mak ing when you’re in the room, then don’t make a peep until a day or two beyond that. A short, respectful follow-up email will do. And if you don’t hear back? You didn’t get the job.10. Know that hiring managers are people tooPut yourself in your hiring manager’s shoes for a second. They see dozens of people. It’s your job to make their job easier, and to make yourself memorable. It’s also your job to ask the questions you need answered; don’t just assume this information will be handed to you.Imagine meeting with a person who has been looking at three hundred similar resumes for the same position. Try to dazzle them. They’ll thank you for it, even if you don’t get this particular job. And it’s a great skill to learn for next time.

The Utilitarian Argument of Capitalism Essays

The Utilitarian Argument of Capitalism Essays The Utilitarian Argument of Capitalism Paper The Utilitarian Argument of Capitalism Paper The use of government intervention is a widely disputed phenomenon. Government intervention In an otherwise free market refers to a somewhat mixed economy. In this economy, government Intervention takes place even though the majority of the market is capitalist. This paper aims to explore the utilitarian argument of capitalism and discuss whether government intervention in an otherwise free market leads to inefficiencies on utilitarian grounds. Capitalism refers to a profit or market system (Shaw, 2008; Gray, 2011). In this system, economic catchy is private and operates with the goal of making a profit (Shaw, 2008). According to Shaw (2008). This activity Includes all businesses. Production, distribution, banking and manufacturing, to name but a few. The government only takes responsibility for national expenses such as health care and education and does not enforce any quotas on private business production levels (Shaw, 2008). This means that in a purely capitalist system, there is no government intervention and a free market exists. Basally and Jones (1993) describe this as a market based, customer-driven economy (p. 2). Capitalism has many key features of which four are most important. These include companies, profit motives, competition and private property (Shaw, 2008). In a capitalist system, companies can exist and act as separate legal entities (Gray, 2011; Shaw, 2008). Being a legal entity means that the company has legal rights and obligations and may be tried In a court of law (Shaw, 2008). The employees, shareholders and stakeholders of a particular company are viewed as being separate from the company even though they may work wealth the company or have a say in how it is run. The second feature of a capitalist system is that a companys main motive is to make as much money as possible and thereby maximize its profit (Shaw, 2008). Gray (2011) states that the capitalist system assumes that profit is a result of productivity. This in turn means that having a profit motive encourages workers and employees to be more productive. Competition, the third feature, can be seen as a regulator In the capitalist system; a company who sells poor quality products at exorbitant prices will not receive as much business as a company who sells high quality products at lower costs (Shaw, 2008). The company who has poor products and high prices will therefore be forced to better their products and lower their prices in order to achieve their goal of profit mastication. The fourth key feature is private property. A capitalist system requires that the tangible and intangible means of production, distribution, capital and economic catchy are privately owned (Shaw, 2008). Any profits arising from these means will be that of the owners. Adam Smith, when discussing the political economy of trade, noticed that when individuals were faced with unfamiliar business partners and foreign legal systems, hey would prefer to invest in domestic rather than foreign trade (Wight, 2006). Consequently, their home country would gain in investment, which would increase employment Ana production, amongst toner things. I Nils phenomenon lea to ten invisible hand argument: when people pursue their own interests, they will ultimately, without aiming to do so, create the greatest utility for the greatest number of people (Shaw, 2008). This concept of the invisible hand can be used as a proxy for the utilitarian argument of capitalism. Smith (1776) (as cited in Shaw, 2008) illustrates his concept by stating that it is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest (p. 130). According to Shaw (2008), the free and unrestrained market that exists under capitalism is more efficient and productive than any other system. This may be because in a free and unrestrained market an individual has the freedom to pursue his interests without any government restriction. One may then argue that government intervention may move some people away from the realization of their own self-interest. Through this reasoning, it can be said that government policies and regulations would not necessarily lead to the greatest amount of efficiency. Smith (1776) (as cited in Shaw, 2008) suggests that the removal of government policies and regulations on various resources such as raw materials, markets and labor would lead to the greatest amount of efficiency in a system. Shaw (2008) reasons that if consumers were freely allowed to choose what they bought and suppliers were freely allowed to choose what they sold and how they produced it, there would be no need for government intervention. The law of supply and demand would regulate the market and it would reach equilibrium. The law of supply and demand proposes that in the same way competition keeps an individual from becoming a ruthless profiteer (p. 131), it would be in an individuals best interest to sell an adequate amount of goods at fair prices (Shaw, 2008). Since China opened up its socialist economy to free market activities in 1978, it has experienced large benefits in many aspects (Presley, 2011). Expansion in the Chinese economy has led to decreased poverty, increased stability and a better standard of fife (Presley, 2011). From 1978 to 2011, Chinas Gross Domestic Profit has increased from $216 billion dollars to $5. 8 trillion dollars, the share of world economy has increased from 1. 8% to 9. 5% and the annual per income capita has increased from $266 to $4300 (Presley, 2011). This example proves that free market activities can in many ways create a greater good for a greater number of people. The utilitarian argument that Adam Smith puts forward assumes that people are self- interested, rational beings who are fully aware of the diverse range, price structure, laity and differences and similarities of the products available in the market (Shaw, 2008). In reality, large companies use tactics to manipulate the consumer and thereby reach their profit objectives (Shaw, 2008). Therefore, even with aid, it would be difficult for a consumer to make the rational, self-interested choices that Adam Smith assumes we as consumers are able to make. Capitalism requires perfect competition. For tons to occur, all Monolinguals Walton ten system must take market prices as parameters that they cannot control or change (Dobbin, 1991). This, however, is not the case in todays market. Dobbin (1991) suggests that market prices are not impersonal data (p. 7) but the result of decisions and negotiations between companies and individuals. Depending on the amount of power a company has, they could control their prices on their own or collude with other firms to set prices at profit maximizing levels. This means that many companies practice predatory pricing and create monopolies and oligopolies (Winfield, 2011). The lowest possible economic cost to society is therefore not being obtained, which in urn means that the system is not socially efficient and does not create the greatest good for the greatest number of people (Winfield, 2011). John Keynes challenged Adam Smith by opposing the idea that the law of supply and demand regulates the market (Dobbin, 1991). As mentioned previously, Shaw (2008) reasons that if consumers were freely allowed to choose what they bought, and there would be no need for government intervention. Keynes, however, realized that demand determines the amount a business supplies, as a business will only produce what it expects others will buy (Investigated, 2011). Keynes suggests that government intervention through fiscal and monetary policy should be used to control demand, which would enable full employment and levels of supply to be determined (Investigated, 2011). The utilitarian view of capitalism requires information symmetry. Information asymmetry occurs when the producer has more superior knowledge of the product than the consumer does (Investigated, 2011). This problem is illustrated in George Croakers Market for Lemons; sellers of poor quality goods and services have incentive to market their products as though they are of higher quality and better tankard to maximize their profit objectives (Investigated, 2011). This does not lead to price equilibrium. Instead, the distrust in the system may result in a no-trade equilibrium, which can lead to entire market failures. This is known as adverse selection (Investigated, 2011). Moral hazards are also caused by information asymmetry as people are more likely to take risks (Winfield, 2011). When individuals are exposed to poor quality goods, possible market failures, distrust and moral hazards, the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people is not created. Government intervention can be used to control externalities. Externalities are costs or benefits borne by someone other than the producer or consumer (Winfield, 2011). External costs such as carbon dioxide emissions, pollution, psychological effects and harmful medical effects do not create the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Firms may not consider these social costs and supply too many products. This does not result in equal supply and demand (Winfield, 2011). One of the major criticisms of capitalism is the blatant economic inequality that exalts In many capitalist isosceles ( BIBB). Monolinguals In tense isosceles are not born with equal opportunities and the utilitarian argument for capitalism is challenged on this basis. Some proponents of capitalism have claimed that government intervention is the cause of inequality, but Shaw (2008) contends that these arguments have been disproved by both history and economic theory. To avoid the poverty and inequality that capitalism creates, it has been suggested that some form of government intervention should be used. Critics however argue that because of the capitalist economic and political frameworks this would probably not be possible (Shaw, 2008). Another viewpoint is that inequality can be outweighed if living standards are increasing due to a capitalist system (Shaw, 2008). This is a subjective viewpoint which is both difficult to measure and more favored by people who are advantaged and happy with their current economic situation (Shaw, 2008). Recent events have illustrated that the global financial crisis may have been caused by the move away from Keynesian economics in 1979 to a free operation of the market (Sumo, 2009). This meant that government intervention was kept minimal during this time. In an attempt to rescue economies and prevent complete market allure, governments have resorted to large fiscal stimulus plans. Sumo (2009) states that governments, such the United States of America, have had fiscal stimuli as large as $878 billion in an attempt to rescue the economy. This example illustrates that government intervention may be needed to create efficiency in an economy. As discussed throughout this paper, the utilitarian argument for capitalism states that the greatest good for the greatest number of people will be achieved through the concept of an invisible hand leading the market to social efficiency and equilibrium.

Roles of Heinrich Schliemann in Trojan War and Modern Archaeology Essay

Roles of Heinrich Schliemann in Trojan War and Modern Archaeology - Essay Example However, due to his determination and enthusiasm, he made many significant discoveries. Heinrich never attended university, but was a self-made person whose believe in historical reality of the myths about the Trojan War transformed the nature of his believes. Having harnessed huge amounts of wealth from gold rush in California as well dining with the president, this great man travelled the world a lot. His conversance with thirteen good languages acted as an added advantage in his work. With this zeal and passion for archeology, Heinrich presented a fictional place called the Trojan empire, which remained fictional until he discovered it. His work provided a base of archeology since he wrote and left documentaries. Upon reading Iliad and Odyssey both written by Homer, Heinrich with the help of these readings, found the ruins of Troy. This paper will seek to establish and discuss his roles in the Trojan War in conjunction with the modern archeology (Nickel 56). Backgrounds that broug ht Schliemann to antiquity The steps of Ulysses Studies document that, Heinrich’s retirement date ranges between 1858 and 1863. This period is significant according to this paper since he handed tools down in order to concentrate in his wish for finding Troy. In the midst of 1860s, Heinrich enrolled at the Sorbonne and focused on faculty of Antiquity and Oriental Language in Paris in order to further his knowledge. His archaeological part of life commences in Small Island in the Ionian Sea called Ithaca where this was of capital importance in Homeric myth. Many writers put down this place believing that it was Ulysses’ dwelling location prior and after Heinrich’s Trojan adventures (Wood 75). In spite of the idea that the existing landscape holds no record of how Homer described this place, Heinrich’s claims show that he found some significant sites from the Odyssey in this location. His retirement acted as part of the backgrounds that brought Heinrich to antiquity. Hisarlik Since he seemed a different man who could not settle for calmness and enjoyment and live an eventless life, Heinrich disserted retirement and the short-lived Ithaca satisfaction and intensified his search for more archeological discoveries. At this point, he joined forces with Frank Calvert who had prior excavations from the Hissarlik site. Having seen Charles McLaren’s identity of 1822, Heinrich became sure that this was the Troy’s former location. Backing his claim are tourists Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great who already expressed belief that this place was the Trojan’s War site (Wood 101). This is because, besides being located alongside both of the Dardanelles and Aegean Sea, this place depicted close resemblance to the description given by Homer. His cognitive deposition with finding Troy was also part of the type of background that led to his antiquity. The Priam’s treasure After they fell out, Heinrich’s counterpart Calvert argued that, the former’s claim regarding discovering Troy could be just mere hopes and imagination as opposed to either scientific or historical facts. However, filled with suspense Heinrich disregarded such arguments and continued to dig and take every single discovery or finding as proof that he actually did excavate Paris city. For example, when he discovered some precious artifacts including a stack of gold in May 1873, he alleged that it was the treasure

Reading and answer questions 7 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Reading and answer questions 7 - Assignment Example In the developing world, the media has been instrumental in channeling the pervasive social and political disparities, as seen in the Indonesian case. The ban of press influence in the 1990s was a political move directed towards incapacitating the medias role in addressing the formidable autocratic system that was paralyzing the sectors of the economy (49). The media was a conduit addressing massive corruption, impunity, and aggression to the media apparatus by the system, in an effort to suppress their growing authority. The importance of press goes beyond a conduit of information or a catalyst for action (54). The media retains a central role in preserving and writing history; in the contemporary world, the journalists are faced with channeling information that has led to revolutions that have corrected social and political ills, as seen in Indonesia after the ban on Tempo newspaper (57). The press is a particular kind of history agent: it has led to several special moments in Malaysia, the Arab world (the recent Arab Revolution), and the political tectonic shifts in the U.K. (Secessionist Politics) that has revolutionized modern politics. Currently, the historical role has been fossilized in the names of newspapers like Times Newspapers, Voice of People, and People’s Thought, among many other globally (58). The juxtaposition of the Danish Cartoon and the Indonesian press evolution sprouts several questions about the authority of the press, and whether it is morally justifiable for the government to stem its operations. The Danish cartoon was seen as an insult to the Islamic religion, and in effect spawned widespread protests among the believers. However, the cartoonist and the media house had a different opinion: the imagery was a manifestation of freedom of expression (59). The scene breeds the question: why was the media defense so evasive and persuasive to the European audience and not others? The imagery

Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Journal - Essay Example Despite years have passed since the Cold War ended, the hidden ambivalence and suspicions between the two world powers remain. The Russian conflict in Chechnya has been denounced vocally by the US, while its president, former KGB officer Vladimir Putin, has been viewed with suspicion due to his hard-hand methods. However, the world being under the threat of global terrorism, the United States would be willing to overlook those matters for much more pressing concerns. Given Russia's cooperation so far in the U.S. war in Afghanistan, including its sharing intelligence about al-Qaeda and the Taliban, Bush is apt to comply (James Carney, Our New Best Friend, time.com). Russian support to the American global war against terrorism would be looked with both the Russians and the Americans looking at the advantages of such agreements. The Americans gain better assets in their campaign while the Russians gain better favor and image in the eyes of the Western world. Source cited Carney, J. â₠¬Å"Our New Best Friend?† Time Magazine. 12 Nov 2012. Web. 27 May 2002. World Politics Journal Entry 2 Issue: Military Intervention In the year 2008, the Georgian-South Ossetian War broke-out with Georgian forces breaking through the South Ossetian border while the two regions exchanged fierce artillery firing. The involvement of Russia in this conflict caught the world’s attention more closely. For one, South Ossetia is considered to be one of the sub-republics of the Russian Federation. Any attack on a territory under the Russian Federation would lead to a very forceful reprisal. This, unfortunately, happened to the Georgians who faced a terrific defeat by Russian forces. A year afterwards, ready, and waiting. Georgia and Russia have traded increasingly belligerent accusations against the other as the anniversary of last year's five-day war has approached in recent weeks; these soldiers, sent by Moscow to guard the breakaway republic of South Ossetia, are on the front line of that war of words (John Wendle, A Year After War, S.Ossetia More Dependent on Russia, time.com). As the region of South Ossetia still reels and remembers from the attack made by the Georgians, it is only logical for South Ossetia to look on to Russia for aid. The Russians also see this as a matter and opportunity that they cannot let slide. It has been the goal of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and also noticed by the rest of the world powers, to expand Russian influence towards the territories it once held during the Cold War. This could be seen as Russia’s attempt to restore its Cold War era status as a superpower in par with its Western rivals such as the United States. Source Cited Wendle, J. â€Å"A Year After War, S.Ossetia More Dependent on Russia†. Time Magazine. 12 Nov 2012. Web. 10 Aug 2009. World Politics Journal 3 Issue: Military Rearmament During the Cold War, the United States considered the former Soviet Russia as such a powerful force to reckon with that it led to a full-scale arms race. By the end of the Cold War, however, Russia lost due to not having the sufficient economy to support its staggering military expenditure. It did not help either that the first administration of the Russian Federation under the late President Boris Yeltsin was rampant with corruption and inflation. The Russian military at this time was at a point of slow decline. Come the term of the new Russian leader Vl

Recommendations Report for the Monsanto Company Analysis of Social responsibility

Recommendations Report for the Monsanto Company Analysis of Social responsibility The increases of food production in a growing globalize demand with limitations of natural resources and global climate change has become a huge problem in every part of the world. Monsanto believes they have an answer to this problem: Grow more food with fewer seeds. This provides the necessary balance to double the worlds food production by 2050, which is what the United Nations predicts, will be necessary. This could be the solution to resolving the worlds food needs in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner. Biotechnology could be used to support an agricultural system based on the principles of ecology, stability, and sustainability. It appears to offer the necessary means to diminish the environmental pressure of industrial agriculture. Monsantos involvement in Keystone Alliance Project for sustainable agriculture is a step ahead to achieve long term, permanent improvement in sustainable agriculture production. Monsanto and other companies joined together to bring a solution for improving the ability to feed future generations. Despite Monsantos advances in biotechnology, corporate social programs and alliances the company has done little to change consumer opinions of the company and the acceptance of the GMOs. Examples of this are a marketing strategy that ties Roundup to Monsantos genetically engineered products. Monsantos opposition to seed saving by farmers, followed by a heavy enforcement of intellectual property rights and an opposition to the labeling regulations of genetically engineered crops. Monsanto thinks it will stigmatize the product and possibly raise more consumer concerns. Yet Monsantos objection to food labeling raises a conflict with the very notion that GMOs would eventually be more desirable than traditional crops. As a result, not only did Monsantos actions hold back its growth potential, they also hurt present day markets by eventually undermining public confidence. Monsanto has not demonstrated a willingness to listen to these concerns. From a sustainability perspective, its biotech based strategy does not address poverty and food access issues. It fails to differentiate between the developed and developing worlds. This calls into question the sincerity of its feed the world mission. Genetically engineered western commodity crops were Monsantos first products, which were completely inappropriate for developing countries. Introduction Today consumers are very aware with what companies are selling, promoting and marketing. Whats more, in todays information rich society most consumers are aware of how corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs can  impact the bottom line.   As a result of this social awareness and a down economy, companies are starting to prove the value of their products and services to consumers. One of the main reasons of CSR awareness was the  proliferation of social media tools that result in an increased consumer activism. Consumers are now rapidly sharing online to both praise and attack companies. As a result, firms started a new trend where they are looking to effectively communicate and rally stakeholders around their shared values. Monsanto, the world leader on sustainable agriculture has been working and implementing a development on corporate social responsibility. Implementing biotechnology to aid hunger and malnutrition world problems, as well as programs like Baechell-Borlaug International Program, the Keystone Alliance for sustainable agriculture, the Mississippi River Basin, and voluntarism on the communities where business operates.  [1]   But despite all of its technological advances, programs and implementations Monsanto is under the gun on a number of different issues. The public has not responded positively to Monsantos efforts; fail to provide reliable information and proof safety for consumer acceptance to support GM food. Many activists questioned the firms use of science saying it creates foods that threaten the health of both people and the planet, and the use of intellectual property laws to squeeze every last penny out of the worlds poor. Also Monsanto has not show willingness to listen to this environmental and health concerns. To gain publics trust Monsanto has to improve their business integrity, ethics, and be more transparent and truthful about the scientific information on the biotechnological products to give the consumer confidence of GM foods. Also the company needs to change position from being opposed to labeling foods that are GMOs. Strengths Overview Biotechnology Monsantos biotechnology appears to offer the necessary means to diminish the environmental pressure of industrial agriculture. The use of herbicides, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs can be significantly decreased, and the ability to grow crops in poor-quality soils and drought areas could prevent deforestation and the alteration of sensitive lands to agriculture. Monsantos biotechnological sustainability, offers a way to improve the ecological efficiency of agriculture by reducing inputs (herbicides, pesticides) and increasing resource efficiency.  [2]  Yet, the environment is but one consideration in the transition to sustainable agriculture. And although biotechnology may indeed prove to be a necessary tool for achieving agricultural sustainability, by no means is it sufficient. Robert Shapiros (Ex-Monsantos CEO) strategy was based on the belief that biotechnology and the life sciences were the solution to resolving the worlds food needs in an environmentally and soci ally sustainable manner.  [3]   Commitment to Sustainable Yield The increase of food production in a growing globalized demand with limitations of natural resources and global climate change is the companys commitment to sustainability. The companys three strategies to meet these challenges are: 1) By the year 2050 the need for more food production will have to double to meet the demands of a growing population. The Companys commitment is to produce more yields by helping farmers to double their crops by 2030.  [4]   2) Reduction of agricultural resource by one third per unit of output by 2030.The Companys seeds products are design to require less water, land and energy resources to conserve more resources by minimizing soil loss and greenhouse emissions. 3) Improve farmers lives and income growth through modern biotechnological agricultural technology. Beachell-Bourlaug International Scholars Program The objective of this program is to educate rice and wheat plant breeders who can serve as future agricultural leaders. The yields of wheat and rice have grown at a compound rate of about 0.8 percent over the past decade and the population has grown about 1.25 during the same period. Monsanto has come up with this program to overcome these challenges and to meet the growing demand of food. The Company pledged 10 million dollars to improve yields in these crops as part of the Companys commitment to sustainability agriculture. The program provides full support to students seeking a PhD in rice or wheat plant breeding. The program includes tuition, insurance, research fees and travel.  [5]   The Mississippi River Basin This initiative is focused on reducing nutrient and sediment movement into the United States largest river system, the Mississippi River. For this project, Monsanto is partnering with The Nature Conservancy, the Iowa Soybean Association, Delta Wildlife and National Audubon Society. The company has committed more than $ 5 million to this conservation project for the Mississippi River and agricultural landscapes, in which farmers can produce higher yield crops, fiber and fuel in ways that further preserve water quality as well as support diverse and abundant wildlife populations.  [6]   In the future, crop producers are expected to have additional on farm tools that can enhance their environmental stewardship efforts. And this project is one of many contributing to this end. Field to Market: The Keystone Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture With experts saying that we have to double food production by 2050 to meet the needs of a population projected to grow to 9 billion, the world has two choices: we need to either make each acre of farmland twice as productive, or use twice as many acres. Option two inevitably requires deforestation which can lead to habitat loss and many other environmental problems. Monsanto got involved in Keystone Alliance Project for sustainable agriculture, a nonprofit organization along with 30 other organizations, including food companies and Environmental Non-government, Private and International Organizations committed to achieve long term, permanent improvement in sustainable agriculture production. Monsanto and these other companies joined together to bring a solution for improving the ability to feed future generations. This is to be done by increasing agricultural production while decreasing environmental impact.  [7]   Investing in Communities Monsanto established the Monsanto Fund in 1964 as the charitable division of the company. It states that our philanthropic goal has been to bridge the gap between peoples needs and their available resources. We want to help people realize their dreams, and hopefully inspire them to enroll others in their vision.  [8]   Monsantos commitment to give back to communities where business is operated has been done through the creation of the Monsanto Fund which has awarded $13.9 million in grants for nutrition, education, environmental and community programs. Monsanto has awarded United Way with $ 1.1 million. Monsanto has also Monsanto Fund Matching Gifts Program. This program gives permanent Monsanto employees and active members of the Monsanto Board of Directors an opportunity to join Monsanto Funds support of not-for-profit institutions.  [9]   Monsantos philanthropic activities are meant to not only improve its image, but also provide key relationships. It understands better than anyone that relationships, partnerships and network are the key for success of the company. Weaknesses Overview Consumer Acceptance Many factors point to believe that Monsantos head position in the biotechnological industry race is going to collapse along with the publics support for GMOs. Financially, Monsanto has depleted a considerable amount of resources during its acquisition phase and has accumulated significant debt. Its designation as a biotech firm and the increased dependency on Roundup is forcing the company to rapid sales growth of its biotech products, perhaps too rapid for the publics comfort. With the growing disapproval, started in part by the mad cow disease alert and the subsequent doubts of regulatory bodies, raised doubt about the possibility of continued consumer acceptance. Monsantos choice of electing to pursue biotech products first, has contributed little to consumer acceptance of the GMOs; there is no perceptible benefit for the consumer. Also its marketing strategy at best, are only tolerated by the farmers. In addition, the environmental and human health concerns seemed suitable, and M onsanto has not demonstrated a willingness to listen to these concerns. From a sustainability perspective, its biotech based strategy do not address poverty and food access issues and fails to differentiate between the developed and developing worlds, therefore calling into question the sincerity of its feed the world mission.  [10]  Genetically engineered western commodity crops were Monsantos first products, crops wholly inappropriate for developing countries. Food Labeling Monsanto fears that GMO labeling would stigmatize the product and possibly raise additional consumer concerns, consequently preventing or slowing acceptance of GMOs technologies. Yet Monsantos objection to labeling is in conflict with the very notion that GMOs would eventually be more desirable than traditional crops. Once GMOs products entered the market, farmers would attract additional value only if an infrastructure existed for segregating GMOs crops and preserving their identity throughout the supply chain. From a midterm perspective (3-5 years), it would have been advantageous for Monsanto to support labeling requirements and to facilitate creation of an identity preserving infrastructure. As a result, not only did Monsantos actions hold back its growth potential, they also injured present day markets by ultimately undermining public confidence.  [11]   One- Size-Fits-All Strategy Although Monsanto declared an intention to meet the worlds food and fiber needs, its initial GMOs technologies is directed to western markets and commodity crops. There are many inconsistencies with Monsantos planning as a one-size-fits-all strategy with respect to developed and the developing countries. For example rice, sweet potatoes, cassava, and yams were the principal crops of developing countries, not corn, cotton, and soybeans.  [12]  In addition, Monsantos patenting of life forms and intellectual property right protection policy is seen by some as indignation to the thousand year old cultural and seed saving traditions of many of the developing countries. Developing countries, a majority of whose populations participated in the agricultural sector, often at a minimal level, more and more are looking upon Monsanto and other multinational agricultural firms as profit motivated corporate entities whose products would displace the small holder farmer  [13]  . The rapid consolidation of the seed sector, the integration of the agricultural supply chain, and the patenting of genetic inventions by Monsanto reinforced the notion of corporate domination. Consequently, by failing to differentiate between the needs of the minimal level economies to those already mature. Monsanto is hurting its global sustainability campaign and is alienating many in the developing countries. In the end, Monsanto overpromised and under delivered on its global sustainability vision, a fact that is not going unnoticed by NGOs and consumers worldwide. Recommendations Consumer Strategy When people are not treated with fairness and honesty and respect for their right to make their own decisions, there is little risk communication can do to keep them (the public) from raising hell regardless of the extent of the hazard.  [14]   Talking to the public is not the problem; listening to the public is. Monsanto essentially views the opposition as arising from consumer ignorance and, consequently, the attempt to diminish it with a supposedly effective advertising campaign, is failing miserably. Monsanto is doing little to understand the concerns of consumers upset by GMOs concerns and skeptical of science-based declarations of safety. The company does not address cultural sensitivities toward food and farmland. In the end, Monsantos relentless persistence on scientific data and ignore public perceptions is provoking even further outrage. An approach that Monsanto should follow is a process called Six Sigma which begins with listening to public to determine the strongest quality issues on Monsantos products and how that can be changed to benefit the consumer and the company yielding more profit. Following this approach, everyone wins. Consumers will benefit from safe and better products while feeling that their needs are being taken seriously and their business is valued. Monsanto would be happy because their products will gain from new innovation and improved value. Also, the company will gain loyalty and credibility through this social responsibility. The object of this system is to gain a deep understanding of consumers, in order to give them what they want. All the advertising and marketing in the world wont make up for failures on these key strategic elements. This can also be applied on the human resources policies that must support this customer focus: if the company wants happy customers, first get a content staff. Transparency Replacing secrecy and protection of proprietary information, for transparency and stakeholder commitment will likely hold the keys to success in the future. Transparency basically means taking the firewall down and reveal everything about the products from research, biological and chemical technological process and tests so that consumers can be better informed and make decisions about the products they consume. It will also lead to integrity of the company. Basically sharing information openly will welcome ideas and innovations from every angle. By analytically measuring and reporting the sustainability, Monsanto will engage everyone from employees to consumers to critics in the process of building a truthfully sustainable company. But unfortunately Monsantos checkered history as a chemical manufacturer offers the public little assurance about the accuracy and validity of the company pronouncements. The company manufactured virtually all the PCBs in the United States until they were finally banned in 1976, and taxpayers are still shelling out to clean up PCB-riddled waste sites. Monsanto also manufactured Agent Orange, which is linked to cancer and reproductive problems in Vietnam War vets. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Monsanto is a potentially responsible party.  [15]   Better Strategies Model Monsanto needs to create a balance multi modal strategy to succeed in the development of sustainability. The four strategy process is: rational, symbolic, transactive, and generative. The symbolic mode involves managements creation of a convincing vision and clear corporate responsibilities mission. The rational mode relies heavily on strategic planning and reporting systems: For example corporate responsibilities and accountability based on performance. The transactive mode is based on interaction and learning; its center is communication across organizational boundaries. And the generative mode depends on organizational members is the entrepreneurial behavior. Sustainable development became a core aspect of Shapiros vision, and the strategy making process came to be dominated by the symbolic mode. Monsanto needs to build up and set up a balanced multimodal strategy-making process. The symbolic mode dominates all others. A better balance of strategic processes may help the company avoid the problems it has encountered in the past. Open connection between the rational mode and the symbolic vision of sustainability might have overcome some of Monsantos problems of inconsistency. Conclusions: Monsantos biotechnology may be the solution for the necessary means to diminish the environmental pressure of industrial agriculture. But even that biotechnology may indeed prove to be a necessary tool for achieving agricultural sustainability by no means is sufficient. Even Monsanto has taken the rights steps to be socially responsible. By increasing sustainability yield, developing ecological and educational programs, aid and tools for farmers and the participation in communities. Regardless of these efforts the company still has a lot to work on, like being more conscious about the consumers, transparency and business strategies.

Animal Experimentation and Research Essay -- Ethics Morals Essays Pape

Animal Experimentation and Research In the basement of the psychology department here, a poster hangs on the wall; on it is a picture of two white lab rats and a caption that reads, ?They?ve saved more lives than 911.? This poster hangs on the wall of the room where I performed brain surgery on a rat. Many people would be morally opposed to this and any other form of animal research and experimentation and feel that it should be banned. This heated debate has been going on for centuries with each side possessing strong arguments. A central argument to this debate is whether or not animals are moral patients, with feelings anId the ability to suffer, and if we as humans are entitled to use them as means. Many people feel that we have made great medical advancements that would not have been possible without the use of animals. Alternatively, some feel that despite the medical advancements made, the use of animals remains an unethical practice. I feel that animal experimentation has the capacity to be very benefici al to medical research. However, scientists should try to prevent as much suffering as possible. Likewise, it would be a good idea to prohibit unnecessary testing and experimentation, especially with the recent development of many alternatives. Despite mounting controversy, many people still find animal experimentation to be a moral and correct practice. A widely accepted thought of some philosophers is that animals are not morally equal to us; therefore, we do not have to treat them as such (Fox, 3). Furthermore, according to Michael Allen Fox, author of The Case for Animal Experimentation, ?animals fail to meet the conditions specified for full membership in the moral community and likewise fail to... ...on, this issue will be able to be solved and a general understanding and agreement can arise. Works Cited ï ¿ ½ Birke, Lynda and Michael, Mike. ?Ethics and Animal Rights Extend Beyond UK Law.? Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy Spring: 35-38 ï ¿ ½ Fox, Michael Allen. The Case for Animal Experimentation. Berkley: University of California Press, 1986. ï ¿ ½ Langley, Gill, ed.. Animal Experimentation The Consensus Changes. New York: Chapman and Hall, 1989. ï ¿ ½ Mench, Joy. ?Animal Research Arouses Passion, Sparks.? Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy Spring 1996: 5-15. ï ¿ ½ Rachels, James. The Elements of Moral Philosophy. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003. ï ¿ ½ ?Rights from Wrongs.? The Environmental Magazine. March/April. 2008: 26-33. ï ¿ ½ Singer, Peter. Practical Ethics. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1999.