SWOT analysis for Dixons Retail PLC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

SWOT analysis for Dixons Retail PLC - Essay Example This is because the aspect of globalization has increased competition in the market by leaps and bounds with organizations using various strategies including predatory pricing to capture markets and thwart off the competition in the market. It has therefore become very important for business organizations to analyse their internal environment so as to generate optimum advantage of the opportunities offered by the market. It also helps an organization to use its internal strengths and external opportunities in an attempt to take care of the weakness in its internal environment. One of the most common and useful tool to analyse the internal environment is the SWOT analysis. SWOT is an acronym that implies the Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats faced by an organization. The strengths and weaknesses come from the internal environment and the Opportunities and threats emerge from the external environment of an organization. The present study would analyse the business strategi es of Dixon Retail Plc especially its internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats so as to generate competitive advantage in the market. The analysis of the internal environment assumes significance as it determines the competitiveness of an organization in the market. Retail giant Dixon Plc is the largest electronic goods retailer across entire Europe. The company was incorporated in the year 1937 in the United Kingdom. Over this long period the company has made significant strides to emerge as the largest retailer in its industry segment with its network of stores spanning 13 nations across the length and breadth of Europe and providing employment options to approximately 38000 individuals. The company apart from Europe also has operations in 13 other nations. The total number of stores as on date is about 1200 with the company being the market leader in UK and four other nations. The company has a considerable number of brands under its umbrella that are extremely popular with the target market audience. The product categories available in its stores include electronic consumer durables like computers to cameras and other such devices offering a complete package for all electronic goods under one umbrella. The company has a bricks and clicks mod el of retailing under which it sells its products through physical stores as well as through the online channel. Dixon has a dedicated online web portal that helps it to provide e-commerce business channel and increase its market penetration and also offer greater convenience to the customers of the organization. The company is listed on the bourses of the London stock exchange where its stocks are actively traded. The immense size and growth of the company can be realised from the fact that it is now presently being listed under the prestigious FTSE 250 index making it one of the topmost companies of UK and Europe (Dixon Retail, 2011). The following sections would analyse the internal strengths, weaknesses of the organization along with an analysis of the external opportunities and threats using the SWOT analysis tool. Methodology   The research methodology used for conducting the SWOT analysis involves a mix of primary and secondary research techniques. The secondary research wo uld be carried out using a variety of data sources including books, journals as well as other sources of credibility. It would also include analysing the annual reports published by the company in order to get a better analysis of the internal environment. Only credible sources of information would be used for gathering information about the

Racial Discrimination in Criminal Justice System Essay

Racial Discrimination in Criminal Justice System - Essay Example The targeting of these groups by the police on the notion that they commit more crimes acts to deepen the alienation and hostility between the police and these communities. These complain of such groups not taken seriously not withstanding that they are a target of regular police hostility and violence. These kinds of racist behavior done trough the complete awareness and consideration by legislators on the history of racism, and the societal challenges brought about by racist treatment of people. The criminal justice system comprises of the courts, police and the correctional facilities. Discrimination usually occurs to individuals who belong to a group either marginalized or belonging to a group that with history of social stigmatization. These individuals have a higher likely hood of torture or undergoing human degrading treatment. The racial origins of a suspect form the basis of making decisions police arrests and police shootings. The race-based discrimination is the greatest c rime in the criminal justice system where the targeted individuals face more aggressive and punishments as compared to the total population. Looking at the United State of America, for example, the African Americans are a target of racial discrimination and face a much harsher punishment and treatment than the whites. Racial discrimination The aspect of racial profiling by the police brings out the vice of racial discrimination by the police. ... In trying to eradicate this practice, the police have tried to keep away from the habits the police force has recruited individuals from these communities into force in order to try and increase the confidence of these communities in the police force. The view among the public citizens is that the functioning of race as a basis of deciding on whom to stop and search is wrong. This position, however, challenged by a section especially in connection to terrorist attacks, and the use of race to form the basis of stop and search seems necessary. The effect of racial profiling is that the police do not get assistance by these communities’ especially in investigations and during community policing done by the police on these neighborhoods. Changes aimed at reducing racial disparity Although considerable efforts made to reduce instances of racial discrimination and increase trust in policing strategies among the communities the practice yet still exists. Scarman's recommendations The Scarman’s report of the Brixton disorders in 1981 extensively seen as of immense significance in development of practices of policing. The inquiry of the Scarman regarded additional necessity by the flare of rioting across the country in the same year. The fundamentally concern was about the failure by the police to deal with riots resulting from repressive policing methods, the failure of approval and the lack of capability in conflict resolution and public disorder. It is essential to note that much of the police reforms conducted during the 1980 s. In consideration to changes in discriminatory practices and policing, Scarman in concluding his report states that the allegations by a number of individuals who offered

Peyotism and the Native American Church Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Peyotism and the Native American Church - Essay Example Peyotism is, essentially, the ingestion of the Peyote, a psychoactive, small, spineless cactus, for religious purposes. Peyote is native to certain parts of Texas and Mexico, and the tribes that settled there have been reported to use it for a long time. There are Inquisition cases that dealt with peyote usage as early as 1614 (Stewart 1980:300). Though there are many prevailing theories about the exact route through which peyote use came to the Native American tribes that were not settled in the regions were this cactus grows, however, this much is clear that the tribes that practiced peyotism taught the practice to either those they had captured, or took the religious practice with them even when they were displaced from their original settlements. According to Stewart, it was the Lipan who were primary contributors to the course that led to the founding of the Peyote Religion in Oklahoma (1974:218), and La Barre agrees (49). Slowly, but surely, peyotism spread; it took on many asp ects of both traditional religious rituals of the Native Americans, along with amalgamating Christian themes within. La Barre states that as early as 1876, the Oto and the Sac were learning a Christianized version of Peyotism from the Tonkawa directly (as cited in Stewart 1974:216). Peyotism evolved and became what is now the Native American Church: a Christian church, with many Native American rituals. Just where the syncretism originated is not quite clear, but the fact remains that the members of this Church consider themselves to be practicing something that â€Å"incorporates distinctly Christian teaching and practices† (Feraca 2001:60). But the fact that most of their practices are frowned upon by the Catholics and the Protestants alike (La Barre 1960) for being incompatible with their practices clearly shows that there are some distinct native rituals that are practiced by this Church. Feraca maintains that at first glance, the paraphernalia used during Church meetings , both of the Half Moon and the Cross Fire sects, looks non-Christian (2001:61). The traditional beaded staff, the single-headed metal drum with three legs of the Cross Fire, and the peyote all are seemingly alien to Christianity, however, to Church goers they represent the walking staff of Christ, the three legs the Trinity, and the peyote itself is the host (ibid.). Similarly, the eagle, the turtle and the water bird symbols used by the Half Moon are considered to be the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit respectively (Ruby 2010:59). All these symbols, paraphernalia and rituals were part of the traditional religions of the tribes, but have now been amalgamated into a new form of Christianity that is practiced by the Natives almost exclusively. Emerson Spider, Sr., who was a Reverend of the Native American Church, when talking about this fusion put it so, â€Å"We are Indian people, and we still have some of our traditional ways†¦There are traditional things that we still have†¦because we grew up with them and we’re Indians† (1987:207). In his article about revitalization movements, Anthony Wallace states that revitalization movements take place when there is dissatisfaction amongst most of the population with the cultural

The power of language Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The power of language - Essay Example But writers have huge capacity to influence the outlook of people which can be used to bring about constructive changes in the social fabric. Construction of meaning In ‘Superman and Me’, Alexie has emphasized that language plays hugely critical role in the development of individuals. As an Indian, living in Washington, he was often confronted with the dual personalities of the people of his race. They were meek and unassuming in the company of Whites but otherwise exhibited their natural vivacious personality. The language was key barrier which made them hesitant in interacting with others. But writer had constructed his own language and meaning which was inspired by his passion for reading books. He has used words and language in way that defines his will to make his own space in the dissenting society. He constructed his own meaning by asserting that ‘The words inside a paragraph worked together for a common purpose’. He further clarifies that ‘Our reservation was a small paragraph within the United States’ thereby justifying his existence. Limitation of broken language Alexie has used language to understand social differences and says that ‘knowledge delighted me’. ... His success is testament of their misconceived ideas. He is now an inspiration for his race. ‘Many are writing their own poems, short stories and novels’ shows the ability to read and write English language has made Indians assert themselves as individuals. Amy Tan’s Mother Tongue is another very important article that showcases how language can overcome barriers of class, race and culture. She has used ‘all the englishes’ in her writing. This is interesting phrase because it displays the confidence of the writer to use vernacular English to communicate effectively with people whose mother tongue might not be English. The variation in English language has occurred because immigrant families have changed it to make it easy for them to use and communicate. She asserts that vernacular english ‘has become our language of intimacy’. In a foreign land, ‘the fractured language’ is ‘perfectly natural’ for immigrant to fe el comfortable. She has raised very pertinent issue of language and says that people who do not speak perfect English are deemed ‘limited’. But she also asserts that her writing has captured ‘what language ability tests can never reveal: her intent, her passion, her imagery, the rhythms of her speech and the nature of her thoughts’. The writer has shown that even ‘broken english’ has the power to communicate ideas. Conclusion Both the writers have used English as language for writing and communication. They have adopted the mainstream language to integrate as well as to understand the psychology of human relationship. The language is a means of communication and if the person is able to communicate in ‘broken english’, he has served his/her purpose: which is to transfer some idea or suggestion or

Community 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Community 2 - Essay Example It is important to acknowledge that resources are always. Otherwise, the available resources can be used to produce good services when used properly. The hospital under study has a number of critical issues. The approach given towards realizing solutions is important. The death of Mr. B could be controlled if the hospital could implement relevant policies. It is necessary to appreciate the existence of the hospital in the rural area. Accessibility to the nearest health center has been a challenge to many communities. The next issue is whether the rural hospitals have enough resources to handle tasks. Rural hospitals act as supplements for well established hospitals. For instance, the unit can only accommodate 60 beds. It only handles emergencies which should then be referred to big hospitals (Holzemer, 2012). Embracing quality leadership skills is helping in ensuring that the hospital operates successfully in order to avoid such as Mr. B’s. Despite the fact that the hospital is in a rural area, it could handle if proper it took proper measures into account. The hospital lacked adequate mechanism to diagnose Mr. B’s problem. It either failed to give him attention at first or was not responsible to handle him. Mr. B complained of severe pain to his leg. The initial results could not justify his feelings. The hospital did not give the patent a proper response to the pains that he was claiming about (Holzemer, 2012). Hospitals and emergency units would use the right mechanisms when responding to issues. The hospital culture can be blamed for worsening of the patient’s situation at the facility. Leadership quality functions to implement policies that enable an organization to produce efficient services. The management needs to apply the right skills in ensuring that the hospital meets the needs of the community. The case reveals that some problems are caused by patents. People should be in the forefront of caring for their lives. It is upon a

Is globalization a net benefit or disadvantage to the international Essay

Is globalization a net benefit or disadvantage to the international system - Essay Example 23), which is a symbol of unifying entities using selected ideologies. However, so many debates concerning the issues of whether globalization is of any benefits to the world or if it has negative impacts on international systems. So many arguments relate structural violence to globalization. In developed countries, such a situation helps them in overcoming most economic barriers (Guehenno: pp. 28). This notion has brought â€Å"westernization† because such countries have overpowered the international markets. In this case, structural violence disrupts peace globally. In return, such violence gives birth to disparity a catalyst to major conflicts. This could be the reason as to why there is widespread social polarization in the current international system. Through globalization, there is an evidence of imbalance in power in the international systems. Such imbalances lead to suspicions among countries, which in turn increase foreign policy costs and creating new kinds of threats (Baylis, Smith S. & Owens: pp. 110). The assumptions on threats are due to the change in global security. Already, the internet, intercontinental airlines, most media houses and international companies are among the pace setters in globalization. These global landmarks have led to interdependence. For this reason, countries are less concerned with the provision of security to other countries unless where they feel threatened. Nations with a common interest seem to gang up together with the aim of maximizing on the global nature by influencing most security matters. This, according to the arguments made by the Neo-Marxists, leads to inequality. A combination of all these issues revolving around structural violence results to global instability. The status of a nation in an international system is greatly affected by globalization. Through centralization, most states are under threat of losing monopoly

Internal Cash Control Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Internal Cash Control - Essay Example On the other hand, both the purchasing agent and treasurer issue check disbursements for expenses without each other’s accountability there is a likelihood of fraud taking place because only one person grants authority for payments. Q4.5 (b) memo indicating recommendations for improving company procedures From: Your NamesXXX To: Idaho Company Management Subject: Internal Cash Control Weaknesses Date: 23 April, 2012 With the existing gap in the internal cash control of the organization, there is a need to introduce internal control principles of cash management to increase accuracy in the flow of cash and close the gap that exist. Because of the lack of a safe place to keep the company checks, it is necessary to introduce a new safe file cabinet that is lockable with access by only the treasurer or the purchasing agent. In addition, cash registers to record the checks issued in order of the numbers in the checkbook should be introduced to avoid problems with numbering of checks issued and received (Kimmel, Weygandt & Kieso, 2011). Above all, different individuals should authorize, issue and verify checks so as to avoid fraud committed when issuing checks for expenses therefore, the treasurer and the purchasing agents should not be the only one’s authorizing, signing and issuing checks for expenses incurred. ... As a result, Guard Dog Company has managed to initiate the internal control principles in its purchases and payment. There are five principles of the cash disbursement including the establishment of responsibility in within cash disbursements as the designated personnel that include the treasurer, and assistant treasurer is authorized to handle checks (Kimmel, Weygandt & Kieso, 2011). In addition, there are different individuals including the treasurer and assistant treasurer who approve the payment of the expenses through checks as they hold them and stamp the invoices once paid. There is segregation of duties between purchasing agent, receiving department supervisor, treasurer and assistant treasurer because there is no approval of payment in checks without their authorization. Finally, Guard Dog Company has kept in place the physical, electronic and mechanical controls in place (Kimmel, Weygandt & Kieso, 2011). This is because, there is safe storage of checks in the safe whose par ticulars are limitedly held only by the treasurer and assistant treasurer and they use cash registers to register the issuance of the numbered checks that are used. In addition, the fact that the assistant chief accountant carries out the reconciling of checks ensures transparency. Q4-2A. Indicate the weaknesses in internal accounting control in the handling of collections. In the handling of church collections, several weaknesses exist in the procedures followed as the ushers who assist on a voluntary basis do not guarantee the fact that they cannot take some of the church collections. In addition, the head usher who counts the offering alone and works on a voluntary basis is also likely to commit fraud by taking some of the collections without anybody’s knowledge (Kimmel, Weygandt &