A Response on Social Inequality

? A Response on Social Inequality We live in a culturally diverse world. Age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic heritage and race are some of the diverse areas in society that are deemed significant. In spite of all these differences we tend to center ourselves around people who are similar to us; those who share the same biological and physical characteristics, same status and similar lifestyles. Because of this it is our human nature to be ethnocentric towards those who are different from us. This gives rise to discrimination which ultimately leads to social inequality. There are many areas in which people discriminate others. One of the most prominent ones is race; since it is easy to identify. Race is related to the distinct biological characteristics of  a person; skin color, hair color, eye shape, height ect. We can easily differentiate an African American from a white American. Another similar area to race is the ethnicity of a person. Ethnicity is the fact or state of belonging to a social group that has a common national or cultural tradition. For example some commonly recognized American ethnic groups include American Indians, Latinos, Chinese, African Americans, European Americans, etc. Discrimination and social inequality on the base of race and ethnicity go hand in hand and is seen all over the world. In the article â€Å"office work and the crack alternative† Philippe Bourgois shows how a group Puerto Rican immigrants in New Harlem face discrimination because of their race. They are deprived of jobs at work places and are stereotyped as lazy and good for nothing. Sex and gender is also another area where social inequality occurs. Gender is the state of being male or female etc. and sex is the category into which humans are divided on the basis of their reproductive functions. We see social inequality on sex and gender in almost all work places where the male usually gets better jobs and a better pay than females and we also see this social inequality in families where the male is the head of the family and holds an authoritative figure. This is mostly due to gender stereotypes. Some common gender stereotypes are that men are stronger, tougher, braver, and more intelligent thus he is given the authoritative role. Women on the other hand are stereotyped as more emotional, sensitive and soft spoken, and nurturing thus she is in charge of taking care of the household duties such as cooking, cleaning, raising the children. In Asian countries it is common to see the male as the â€Å"higher† gender while the woman is seen as lower than them. Caste and class is another area where you see social inequality based on discrimination. Caste is an economic categorization describing the status you are born into. Caste is an ascribed status; you have to stay in your caste from birth on, and it helps determine your job, place and value in society etc. Class is based on economic status; usually upon the income made. While people tend to stay in the class they are brought up in, it is possible to move up or down the class scale therefore it is an achieved status unlike in caste. These categorizations may reflect the attitudes of the people because it shows the importance people place on power and wealth in a society. In India the high castes are the Brahmins’. They inherit exclusive privileges from birth and are socially distinct while lower castes are deprived of their basic rights and are usually discriminated by the higher castes. In our present society we can see that people give more respect to those who are at a higher class than themselves; especially based on how much they earn. Social Inequality is seen in other areas of society too but it is more prevalent within the areas of race and ethnicity, sex and gender, and class and caste. Social inequality can only end if we become less ethnocentric towards those who are different from us and if we accept the social diversity in our world.

Discrimination against women

Discrimination against women is still a global social epidemic today. Is this true? Women work two-thirds of the world's working hours and produce half of the world's food, yet they only earn 10 per cent of the world's income and own less than 1 per cent of the world's property and only 12. 7 per cent of all parliamentary seats. These statistics show that women are still being discriminated throughout the globe and it is a wake-up call for everyone to the severity of this issue.Discrimination refers to the njust or prejudice treatment of different categories of people, in this case between female and male. A few areas where discrimination against women occurs globally are the dehumanising practices against women, women rape cases, and the glass ceiling in Jobs for women. One area in which women are discriminated is that there are dehumanising practices against women. Dehumanising practices are acts that deny the â€Å"humanness† of a person, it occurs discursively, symbolicall y or physically.Women are abused both verbally and physically in many parts of the world, such as India and Africa. In 28 countries, ranging from east to west, there are cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and it has absolutely no benefits for the women, and its main purpose is to deprive them of the pleasure of sex to ensure that they don't cheat on their husbands. However, FGM brings about harmful side effects to the women's bodies; which are bleeding and infections as well as complications to child- birth and all of which may lead to death.Women are the only one who undergoes this, men don't need to do such things as women are viewed to be the weaker sex and are to be controlled. Dehumanising practices causes nothing but harm to women who experience it, and it is still practiced in various parts of the world, mostly in developing countries, and as such serves to support the point that discrimination against women is still a global social epidemic today. Another area which d epicts that women are discriminated against is the numerous rape cases occurring throughout the world.Rape is defined as an instrument used by men to subjugate women, and as women are often seen as objects of desire, men desires them and uses rape to subjugate women. In India, rape and abuse of women is common, as the society is patriarchal. There are over 80,000 rape cases in India that are pending investigation, yet the police or the government have not made significant changes and efforts to resolve this problem. As seen from the above, there is evidence that people's mind- set does not change easily. In the past, gender discrimination was a common ccurrence throughout the world.Although most of the world have moved past gender discrimination, but there are still countries practicing gender discrimination, and it is not one or two, but big enough to make an impact on the world overall. Hence discrimination against women is still a global social epidemic today. One unseen source o f discrimination against women is that there are glass ceilings in jobs for women. Although most societies have moved past gender discrimination, but there is still differences in treatment between men and women, no matter how small n society, and it is mostly observed in workplaces.As the level of authority and power in workplaces and Jobs increase, it is observed that there are less and less women in these levels, only 12. 7 per cent of all parliamentary seats are claimed by unseen glass ceiling that is hindering them, discrimination still prevails even after a few decades of the â€Å"removal of gender discrimination†, Just that now it is more discreet and not that obvious. Hence, discrimination against women is still a global social epidemic today.

Death and Plots Essay

Margaret Atwood’s â€Å"Happy Endings† is sly, sophisticated, and delightful. With a coy ease that feels so natural, she threads her story along, revealing her characters, drawing the audience into something that isn’t at all what it appears. Slowly yet intensely, she reveals the principal of plot development that she is trying to deliver to her audience. Atwood begins with just fifteen puzzling words. She breaks the rules of conventional writing by using only three sentences for the paragraph, and addresses the reader directly â€Å"If you want a happy ending, try A.† Atwood’s â€Å"A.† comes off sounding like it should be so fulfilling and charming, yet there are persistent hints of boredom and dullness. â€Å"Worthwhile and remunerative,† â€Å"stimulating and challenging,† Atwood’s choice for words is so descriptive, and yet they sound so dull. John and Mary, the main characters, fall in love at first. There is no men tion of them loving each other ecstatically throughout their lives together, or of them loving each other with abandon, or even dying in each other’s loving arms. They fall in love, yet a â€Å"challenging sex life† is not something most people would associate with being in love; an exciting or satisfying sex life would be more like it. There is very little character exposition or plot development in choice â€Å"A.† It feels as though a trap is being set, yet the purpose or when it will spring closed remains unknown. The very first sentence of Atwood’s â€Å"B.†Ã‚  smacks the audience in the face: â€Å"Mary falls in love with John but John doesn’t fall in love with Mary.† This sentence brings a grimace along with it. Uh oh, here it comes, all the ugliness associated with loving someone who doesn’t love in return. John is selfish, lukewarm in manner, uses Mary for as much as he can get out of her, with as little cost to himself as possible, and it certainly doesn’t cost him very much. Meanwhile, Mary is putting forth as much effort as John will let her, yet all her efforts don’t produce the relationship she desires. Choice â€Å"B.† is full of exposition, revealing so much so fast about the reasons John and Mary do what they do makes the characters disg usting and disappointing. Atwood makes the implied predictability of humdrum choice â€Å"A.† seem so appealing in retrospect, that she returns the main characters to it. Only it isn’t John and Mary that live happy ever after in â€Å"B,† it is John and Madge in this scenario. In â€Å"C.† Atwood writes that John is older and married to Madge. Mary is younger, and this time Mary is the one who isn’t in love with John. Mary is in love with another man (James) who is her own age. John gets his heart broken this time, and purchases a weapon. Atwood informs her audience in a very matter-of-fact manner â€Å"this is the thin part of the plot, but it can be dealt with later.† John kills Mary, James, and himself. Again the plot winds up back at choice â€Å"A.† when Madge marries Fred and time marches on. Atwood is spreading the trap open even wider now in choice â€Å"D.† She changes the operating names of the protagonists to â€Å"Fred and Madge.† The language is becoming very matter-of-fact, with simple sentences stating what happened, not why it happened, and what the end result is. Of course, the end result remains choice â€Å"A.† In an almost badgering manner, Atwood continues killing her characters. In choice â€Å"E.† Fred dies first, tragically, but not emotionally, and then Mary dies, after she completes the story line of choice â€Å"A.† of course. Atwood addresses the audience directly again, making some suggestions as to how else the story could end, if so chosen. Atwood springs her carefully built trap closed. She throws sentences and ideas directly to her audience with abandon. â€Å"If you think this is all to bourgeois†¦Ã¢â‚¬  condescendingly communicating that no matter where the audience wants the story to go, or how many stops it makes on the way, every â€Å"authentic† story ends the same way. Atwood’s pace is fast, almost as if she’s literally standing in front of an audience, ranting the words out of  her own mouth. â€Å"You’ll have to face it†¦Don’t be deluded by any other endings, they’re all fake, deliberately fake†¦the only authentic ending is†¦Ã¢â‚¬  death. What a let down, what a disappointment, how anti-climatic is that? What is the point to the exercise Atwood just performed? But Atwood isn’t finished yet. The last two sentences of Atwood’s â€Å"Happy Endings† feel as though they were written especially for aspiring writers studying the elements of fiction. She takes all of the lessons, all of the rules, all of the structure, and simplifies it all down to two sentences. I couldn’t think of a better ending to an essay about plot if I tried. Atwood’s final two sentences to â€Å"Happy Endings† go like this: â€Å"That’s about all that can be said for plots, which anyway are just one thing after another, a what and a what and a what. Now try How and Why.† Works Cited Atwood, Margaret. â€Å"Happy endings.† Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama and Writing (1983): 485-491. Morgan E. Collier Professor Melinda Hernandez ENGL1302.20150120.428724 January 30th, 2015 Outline for Short Story Essay Essay Topic: Margaret Atwood’s application of the literary device â€Å"plot† I. Introduction Possible ideas for the introduction: Describe the author’s style of writing Set the stage for the reveal at the end Thesis Statement: Atwood reveals the principal of plot development that she is trying to deliver to her audience. II. Body A. Main Point: Margaret Atwood’s â€Å"Happy Endings† is an excellent example of successful plot formation. B. Examples: 1. Atwood’s sub-section titled â€Å"A.† is gives a foundation for the rest of the story 2. Sub-section’s â€Å"B.† and â€Å"C.† are full of character exposition, conflict, and rising action, leading to the climax at the end of â€Å"C.† 3. Sub-section â€Å"D.† and â€Å"E.† are falling action following the climax in â€Å"C.† 4. Sub-section â€Å"F.† contains Atwood’s resolution III. Conclusion Reworded Thesis: She takes all of the lessons, all of the rules, all of the structure, and simplifies it all down to two sentences†¦ â€Å"That’s about all that can be said for plots, which anyway are just one thing after another, a what and a what and a what. Now try How and Why.† Other Ideas to Conclude: None. Clincher Ideas: Quote from Atwood’s â€Å"Happy Endings:† â€Å"†¦Now try How and Why.†

Gustave Gefroys portrait Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Gustave Gefroys portrait - Essay Example His repressed activity is transferred to the complicated articulation of his books, the instruments of his profession. Indeed the arrangement of the books behind him, projecting and receding, tilted differently from shelf to shelf and ending in the open volumes below, seems more human than the man, reminding us of a long twisted body in classic counterpoise, like Michelangelo's Slave in the Louvre, a work that Czanne admired and drew. The paintings give an impression that the figure in the image is coming out of the image, as though the sunrays are falling on the hats or window, as though there is so much delight in the life of the one portrayed, as though some thing special is hidden in them. The freshness and the openness make us feel divine for a moment and we feel are we in the heaven where there is nothing but joy. One must have an artistic heart to understand the art. The paintings give a fleeting look of spontaneity and freshness in the developing the art. The image relies upon the art of impressionism when observed directly the work confines the ephemeral effects of light and color. The techniques developed by Renoir in the oil painting are highly skilled could only be noticed when the paint surface is closely examined and noticed. He imitated other artists like Renoir, with small parallel strokes of brush. It is also observed that he was fairly capable enough of painting landscapes but failed experimenting with them. His paintings were not only great but also pretty and whose work seems always to have been done in paradisiacal temperatures Reference Joseph Rishel. (n.d.). Masterpieces of Impressionism and Post- Impressionism: The Annenberg Collection. Retrieved 9 April 2007, from,

Environmental Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Environmental Analysis - Assignment Example It seems all of these are basic and generic strategies used by Toyota which is found from the theory of competitive advantage by Porter (1980). This only proves that Porter’s theory of competitive advantage still applies until today. Due to this competitive move that Toyota is trying to achieve, the company was able to cut cost while ensuring customers about its cutting-edge technology. With this move, Toyota will be able to cut cost for the price of its offerings but it is still to ensure customers with its standard quality products. Toyota has become the leading car manufacturer and producer in the world because of its quality line of offerings and cutting-edge technology. This remarkably was able to gain social acceptance. This is due to the fact that the society is eager to accept something new and in line with the age of technological revolution. However, the real threat behind this smooth social acceptance for the products manufactured by Toyota is actually on the fact t hat they are assets of the company. Toyota’s products are certainly its assets. However, recent world-wide recalls of products produced by Toyota have triggered social concerns. This particularly includes quality and safety issues. It was noted that in the year 2009, Toyota paid $10 million to four families in the UK who were killed from a runaway Lexus car due to faulty design (BBC News, 2010). Within 12 months up to November 2010, there were reported 229 products recalled in the UK due to health and safety issue, production and design flaw and other related quality issues which part of them were car products (BBC News, 2011). This only shows that the market in the UK is very determined to stand on the quality of offerings which might be difficult for Toyota to get through after it had suffered from issues on quality related matters. Considering that Toyota’s products are its assets in obtaining its target revenue, the incidence of quality problem has substantially tr iggered social concerns among buyers. This is due to the fact that in the UK alone, quality is tantamount to safety and value for the money invested on certain products. This can be clearly observed how the government had responded aggressively to product recalls as initiated by Toyota Motors. The problems affecting Toyota are not only focused on social issues but they also include highly political concerns. With the increasing concern on cutting-edge technology, government has brought forward the necessity to conduct thorough investigations on product quality and implementation of efficient technology. It is therefore clear in here that there is a strong link between political and technological concerns. On the part of Toyota Motors, there is a strong downside of technological exploration. However, on the part of the law, Toyota Corporation still has to face any noted violations as believed by the law to be beyond reasonably doubted. For the law, this is just to ensure social safet y and corporate responsibility. Thus, Toyota was fined particularly in the US for about $16.4 million, the highest so far in history due to legacy issue on car recalls in line with quality issues (BBC News, 2010). Another important aspect that needs to be understood is in line with environmental concerns. The emission of green house gases leads to global concern about the environment. In other countries for instance,

Knowledge-Sharing Tools Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Knowledge-Sharing Tools - Essay Example A blog may be run from individual diaries to aims of media programmes, political campaigns as well as corporations in addition to from one infrequent author to a big community of authors. Most blogs are interactive and facilitate visitors to write and leave comments resulting in a community of readers focused on the blog whereas others are not interactive (Pellen & Miller, 2013). There are several benefits associated with blogs. Thus, blogs can be used as a principal source of news since they are suitable for sharing particularly breaking news with a large online audience, immediate reporting of conferences and events. Thus event updates which go out to people are current and offer personal perspective. The other advantage of a blog is that it can be used for conversations and can be utilized as a springboard to debate as well as voice opinions (Pellen & Miller, 2013). By its very nature, a blog can act as an avenue for individuals to pause from conventional communication approaches that seem to match the organizational red tape (Hastings & Domegan, 2013).Blogs also allow the hearing of human voice via reviews, commentaries and interviews which have been written by real people on the basis of first-hand experience. Consequently a blog that is well-written usually bonds with readers on a personal level, implying that it is the personal voice of the blogger that is ‘heard’. The other benefit of a blog is for personal and project information management meaning that a blog can act as a daily digest of news and activities. A blog is a one-stop shop for one’s videos, photos, web links and documents (Guffey & Loewy, 2010). Lastly a blog is beneficial in the sense that it facilitates knowledge sharing since blogging dictates that writers offer adequate links to extra information and resources. Such information is distilled, selected as well as organized to assist in elucidating and improving the understanding of the

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

EPR - Essay Example The uniqueness of an ERP is that it can be implemented into large and small sized organizations alike. ERPs are divided into different modules like procurement, sales, marketing, etc. which makes it possible for an organization to implement only those modules that are descriptive of their business. Some of the widely known applications available off-the-shelf are my SAP by SAP, PeopleSoft by Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics by Microsoft and Sage ERP by Sage Group. Due to the popularity of 'free' technologies (paid by through advertisements), several open source ERP software are also available. ERPs have gained enormous popularity in the business world and are considered as a 'dream come true'. Thus by looking at the advantages it can be found out whether it is a good dream or not. (TechFaq, 2008) (Swartz and Orgill, 2001) A seller of cartons of steel nails gets an order through the customer service representative who forwards the request on the ERP system to the production department after checking all necessary customer information through the same ERP system. Procurement, Production and all other concerned departments see the same information and update it as its get completed. A route is created where the information is automatically sent to relevant departments who track it down till its completion and its sales to the customer through the Customer Relationship Management systems. The customer gets the carton of nails faster and with fewer errors while the company gets lower cost and tracking facility. Reality Check Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) appears to be a 'dream come true'. These commercial software packages promise the seamless integration of all the information flowing through a company. Mostly companies implement ERPs to try to integrate the financial and customer order information, standardize and improve organizational processes, reduce inventory and standardize HR information (Koch, 2008). However hidden costs such as training,

Research paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 8

Research paper - Essay Example The detective raid Irene’s home severally and even bribes her servants but no pictures were retrieved. In an eventuality, the princess family acquires the information concerning the scandal and calls off the wedding; hence, the king loses both the princess and Irene who eventually flees with his lawyer lover to America. During her departure to America, Irene sends Holmes a letter telling him how he foresaw his schemes in his detective mission and leaves her picture portrait to be given to the king. This paper will analyse the general overview of the short story and how femininity is portrayed as the main theme in the story. Analysis The short story contains four characters namely Walton, Holmes, the king and the only woman named Irene. However, the narrator brings out the woman Irene as the main character who takes the central point in the story. In this case, the author tried to bring out the contrast between the woman character and the expected woman character in the 19th ce ntury also referred to as the Victorian era. Unlike the usual Victorian woman perceived to be naive and submissive, the author brings out the character Irene in a different perspective (Doyle 11). To begin with, the author depicts the secretive nature of Irene because she secretly hid the much-wanted photo from everyone and eventually runs away secretly with his lover to another country. In addition, the author depicts Irene’s nature of instinct because somehow, she knew that the king was marrying a Scandinavian princess and more still, her instinct showed her that her precious picture portrait was needed; hence, she hid it. The other amazing fact about her instinct is that she knew that the king was planning for her arrest and that is why she run away in time with his lawyer lover to America. More so, Irene knew that Holmes would visit her home in an attempt to arrest her. On a more interesting note, she exactly knew that Holmes would come looking for the picture where he ha d previously seen it; hence, Irene kept a letter in the same place for Holmes to read and her portrait picture of the king to possess. However, Irene possesses the Victorian woman values because the author depicts how women valued their homes, children and other domestic valuables because in the 19th century, the woman was a homemaker who got married and took care of her home. Irene Adler portrays such a character by rushing home to hide her most valued items, the picture of her, and the king after she learned that the king needed the precious picture portrays (Doyle 11). Moreover, the author depicts how women of the Victorian era were victims of love because they had no authority over the male decisions in terms of love affairs. Irene, who is entangled in a past affair with the king, and uses the picture as the weapon to fight and protect her love right depict this weakness. Nevertheless, Irene Adler’s intelligence surpasses the few portrayed weaknesses, because prior to her instinctive and secretive nature, she goes ahead to show her intelligence by keeping the portrait of his former lover, as a weapon that will protect her from future steps that the king might take, which shows that she has strong intensions of controlling rather than destroying. Ideally, Irene Adler’s beauty and brains lays a platform for admiration. The admiration is in a puzzle concept because at the end of the story the

Focused Scenario Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Focused Scenario - Case Study Example Since the patient complaints of pain, history of present illness (HPI) should include the severity, onset and duration of the pain as well as aggravating and relieving factors. Any change in testicular size, irregular lumps, soreness or heaviness of the testes should also be asked. Any medication/s taken by the patient for the pain such as analgesics or antibiotics is also important. Past medical history (PMHx) should include any history of STD's, single or multiple infections, treatment and residual problems, if applicable as well as concomitant diseases like Diabetes Mellitus or for any neurologic or vascular impairment (Seidel, et.al, 2006). Relevant to ask in the Family History are infertilities in siblings, history of penile, prostate and testicular cancer and hernias (Siedel, et.al, 2006). Information as to the social history should also include past or present use of alcohol, drugs and cigarette. Since the patient rides a bike everyday and engages in physical sports (softball) , the use of protective gear on his genital area should be asked. The patient's sexual history should include the number of sexual partners, condom usage, sexual lifestyle (heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual) and questions as to any change in the frequency of sexual desire or activity and change in sexual response (e.g.

Personality disorders and eating disorders Essay

Personality disorders and eating disorders - Essay Example would have been very difficult for me even to accept the behavior of Aidan initially, but with time I would have also accepted the absurd behavior or sexual innuendoes of Aidan. Like Richard only, I would have also passed through a volley of comments sometimes discreet and sometimes open from my colleagues or seniors. At one side the pang of homophobia and on the other hand the teasing and threats of mismanagement regarding handling the case form the colleagues would have been a mental pressure and anxiety for me. I would have felt disgusted, lonely, and even distracted from my other jobs as the client used to show resentment for Richard’s divided attention. At some point of time my disgust would have reached its optimum point as it can happen in the case of any happily married man. The sense of isolation or when everybody around fails to interpret one’s activities is really more depressing and frustrating for a working married man as in this case the mental disgust cau ses misbalance in behavior which causes disturbances in both the domain-professional and personal. But like Richard only I would have also discussed the case with my staff and crew cause open communication helps in clearing up all the misunderstandings and doubts. It is obvious that Richard shares a special kind of sympathy with the patient which is a mark of a true nursing staff but really it is impossible to say whether it would have been possible for me like Richard to hold back patience and face the disgust of everyone around yet serve the ailing client who can be a trauma to any one and every one. Though tough but in this case dealing with Aidan in my own way and receiving comments and giving explanations for the way of treatment would have been hard for me to balance, but with endurance and patience I would have overcome it. Putting oneself in place of Aidan who is an acute patient of Personality Disorder is weirder but like Aida, I would also have tried to cling to Richard and my

Exotic animals as pets Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Exotic animals as pets - Essay Example Therefore, the issue needs to be demystified once and for all by understanding why the people who keep exotic animals as pets do so. I make out that this subject is fascinating and requires more research, because, there are a considerable number of people who spend their lives with long snakes, big cats, apes, non-human primates, bears, wolves, fish and other dangerous wild animals. These people keep these animals with them as companions, and mostly train them to become accustomed to staying with them. Many people may not understand this. On the other hand, there are people who are totally against the keeping of such exotic animals as pets, citing various dangers such as health concerns, cost issues, safety concerns and ethical concerns among others. They claim that exotic animals are not good pets because everything that they require is special, ranging from maintenance, diet, housing and attention. For this reason, there is a lot to learn concerning the rearing of exotic animals as pets. I have to understand the minds of those who keep exotic animals as pets and know how they manage to do it, or if they fail. I will clearly have to do a lot of research to understand the history of this problem, the history behind rearing exotic animals as pets, and the mindsets of those who rear exotic animals as pets, as well as those who are against the idea. I am researching this issue because, as a veterinary practitioner, I am likely to encounter many cases of clients bringing in exotic animals as pets to be treated and cared for. I am of the strong opinion that the issue should not be ignored, because, more and more people are embracing and keeping exotic animals as pets. People should, therefore, address the issue and know how to handle situations that may come up when rearing exotic animals as pets. The author of this book target veterinary technicians and keepers of exotic pets. The exotic animals that are most likely to be reared and

Works Cited Accomando Essay Example for Free

Works Cited Accomando Essay The antislavery campaign in the United States resulted in the emergence of the middle-class feminist movement. However, the latter did not include African-American women or white women of lower economic classes. The objectives of middle-class feminists were suffrage and social recognition for upper-class white women. Black women, on the other hand, first sought to be recognized as women. Already equal to African-American men socially within the slave community and in terms of the oppression they both suffered, African-American women challenged the institution of slavery and resisted sexual assaults of white men (Scott, n. pag. ). The lives of black female slaves proved to be harder than those of their male counterparts. Black female slaves were exploited for both their reproductive and productive capacities. Apart from performing strenuous manual labor and enduring abject living conditions, they were expected to replenish the slave population through pregnancy and childbirth. Furthermore, black female slaves experienced sexism and sexual abuse from their masters (Mankiller, 543). But the worst form of mistreatment that female African-American slaves received from their owners was probably the stereotype of the promiscuous black woman. In slavery-era America, white women were regarded as the models of self-control, self-respect, sexual purity and modesty. Black women, meanwhile, were often dismissed as innately licentious and desired sexual relations with white men. This misconception was used as a justification for the rape of female African-American slaves by their owners (Mankiller, 543). The labeling of black women as immoral has partial historical basis. Slaves were sold naked in order to show that they were healthy, capable of reproduction and docile (as seen through their whipping scars). Slaves likewise worked wearing scant clothing – black female slaves often worked with their dresses lifted up around their hips to prevent the hems from being stained with the water, dirt and mud in which they worked. In sharp contrast, whites, especially white women, were dressed in layers of clothing (Mankiller, 543). As a result, black women were initially excluded from the nineteenth-century women’s rights movement. Feminists during this era believed that black women should not be considered as women because they did not conform to the prevailing images of feminine virtue. Most black abolitionist women interpreted this philosophy as a means for feminists to have more time to pursue their cause. A feminist, after all, will no longer have the time to rail about gender inequality if she has to cook, clean her house or tend to her family’s farm – chores that are traditionally assigned to female African-American slaves (Dixon, 50). Sojourner Truth, an illiterate former slave, was one of those who insisted that black women have rights as well. An abolitionist and a champion of women’s rights in the nineteenth century, she opposed the nineteenth-century’s assumptions about womanhood. For Truth, women’s rights must apply to all women regardless of race. In her speech Aren’t I a Woman (1851), she used her body to further elaborate on these points. By detailing the difficult tasks that she performed unassisted as a slave, as well as the grief that she encountered when all of her 13 children were sold off to slavery, she argued that black women are also women. They are also oppressed like white women, but only on a worse level (Ritchie and Ronald, 144). Truth also challenged the traditional but overly-simplistic feminist analogies between marriage and slavery and between white wife and black slave. Truth argued that black and white women must use motherhood as a unifying factor in their struggle for gender equality. They will produce another generation of marginalized and exploited women if they allow race to prevent them from joining forces in order to attain their common goal (Accomando, 67). Black women are also women. The only reason they were not considered as such was because of the institution of slavery, which considered them as culturally stunted and morally loose. Thus, black women are entitled to the same rights that white women enjoy. Both of them suffered immensely in a patriarchal society. In fact, black women suffered more. Works Cited Accomando, Christina. â€Å"Demanding a Voice among the Pettifoggers: Sojourner Truth as Legal Actor. † MELUS 2003: 28. JSTOR. University of Arizona Library. 20 September 2008 http://www. jstor. org/stable/3595246. Dixon, Chris. Perfecting the Family: Antislavery Marriages in Nineteenth-Century America. Amherst: University of Massachusetts Press, 1997. Mankiller, Wilma Pearl. ed. The Reader’s Companion to US Women’s History. New York: Houghton Mifflin Books, 1999. Ritchie, Joy S. and Kate Ronald. Available Means: An Anthology of Women’s Rhetoric. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 2001. Scott, Eryn. â€Å"Differences and Intersections between Feminism in Africa and Feminism in the United States. † 18 November 1997. Columbia University. 20 September 2008 http://www. columbia. edu/cu/sister/Differences. html.

Dairy Industry Of Pakistan Marketing Essay

Dairy Industry Of Pakistan Marketing Essay The dairy industry of Pakistan is a very competitive industry and has huge potential. Unfortunately, dairy processors in Pakistan still have miles to cover before they can exploit full benefits of this industry. The milk production of the country has not been up to the mark and as a result the demand for dairy products outweighs the supply. Traditionally, people living in urban areas preferred to consume fresh milk delivered to their homes by Gawallas. However with the passage of time, as people became more and more health conscious there was a shift towards the consumption of UHT milk and its demand has been increasing ever since. In the UHT milk segment, firms like Nestle Pakistan Limited and Engro Foods Limited have emerged as leading market players. These firms with their bundle of financial resources have made huge investments in getting state of the art technology, manpower and strengthening their promotion efforts. Despite the fact that local dairy processing industries have b een able to match the quality standards of Nestle and Engro to a greater extent, these firms lack in their marketing efforts. Noon Pakistan Limited is one such firm which is being effected due to poor marketing efforts and has not been able to reap the benefits of the industry in which it operates. Noon Pakistan Limited is a venture of the Noon Family and has been marketing its products under the brand name of Nurpur. The firm enjoys market leadership in the category of butter. Initially when the firm launched its UHT milk the market response was good. However with the passage of time, the brand performance of Nurpur UHT milk has deteriorated due to mismanagement of marketing efforts. While management claims that they are able to sell whatever they produce, the market survey results prove that the prevailing performance of the brand has not been up to the mark. The firm relies on the selling concept which is a short term approach and little emphasis is being given to the concept of brand building. It is the need of the hour that Noon Pakistan Limited adopts a long term strategic approach if it wants to secure its position in the market for years to come. To study the issue being faced by Noon Pakistan Limited, a rigorous Literature review was conducted followed by interviews with employees of the firm, retailers and consumer surveys. Financial analysis and comparison with Nestle and Engro was done. Even though Noon Pakistan Limited does not match the financial strength of its competitors, there are many ways in which the firm can improve its position in the market. The first step in building strong brands is to ensure that the brand has a high salience. The brand should have top of the mind recall and recognition. Unfortunately the survey results analyzed using SPSS software proved that Nurpur milk is not the first brand which comes to the mind when a consumer wants to purchase UHT milk. Majority of the respondents could not even recall any advertisements of Nurpur milk. A major proportion of the respondents also highlighted the fact that Nurpur milk was occasionally short in the market. The results of the retailer interviews also prove that Noon Pakistan Limited has to improve its trade promotion schemes as majority of the retailers were not satisfied with current distribution practices of the company. The retailers highlighted the fact that the company should improve its promotion activities so that consumers start demanding Nurpur milk. Due to weak financial resources, Noon Pakistan Limited should utilize alternative strategies to maintain its position in the market. The firm needs to invest in consumer promotion activities like in store sampling and taste trials. The firm also needs to focus on its BTL activities in order to strengthen the perceptual positioning of the brand in consumer mind. The firm needs to revise its payment policies with retailers and start providing goods on a credit basis to those retailers who have a good reputation in the market. In short, Noon Pakistan Limited should revise its current practices and operations. The firm should let go its old concept of selling and instead focus on building the equity of its brands if it wants to strengthen its position in the market for the future. 2.INTRODUCTION The Noon Group The Noon Group of Companies is being managed by the Noon family. The group has qualified and experienced professionals. The Noon Group of Pakistan strives to improve its profitability and safeguard its stakeholders interest while maintaining highest quality standards and serving the community (About Us: Nurpur Foods, 2012). The Noon Group of Companies has various business ventures and Noon Pakistan Limited is one such profitable venture of the Group. Apart from Noon Pakistan Limited a brief description of the other business ventures are as follows:- 1. Noon Sugar Mills Limited This venture was incorporated in 1964 and manufactures white sugar. Initial crushing capacity was 1500 MT of sugarcane which has been increased to 4000 MT over the passage of time. In 1986 an alcohol distillery was setup to manufacture industrial alcohol. The total number of people employed is 683 and currently efforts are underway to increase the crushing capacity to 8000 MT/day (About Us: Nurpur Foods, 2012). 2. Pioneer Cement Limited Pioneer Cement Limited was incorporated in 1985 with a total investment of Rs.2660 million and production capacity of 630000 tons per annum. The plant is situated in Chenki, Khushab. The project was financed by a consortium of foreign lenders led by the Asian Development Bank. Efforts are underway for another line having a capacity of 6000 MT/day (About Us: Nurpur Foods, 2012). 3. Noon International Private Limited Noon International Private Limited is a trading company which was established in 1972. The company employs 43 people including a team of 15 professional sales engineers. This firm represents various international companies of repute in Pakistan and markets their equipment in the fields of textile, power generation, sugar, fertilizer, chemical, steel, cement, food and milling (About Us: Nurpur Foods, 2012). 4. Textile Technics Private Limited Incorporated in 2004 with a total investment of Rs 100 million, Textile Technics is a joint venture between M/S Blue Reed of Spain and Noon International Private Limited. The project has a production capacity of 22000 meters of reed per annum (About Us: Nurpur Foods, 2012). 5. Textile Services Textile Services was established in 1994 and provides services to over 200 customers of Sulzer Textile Projectile Weaving Machines. The company employs 32 people and provides training, technical service and spare parts for clients (About Us: Nurpur Foods, 2012). Noon Pakistan Limited Incorporated in 1966 with a total investment of 553 million, Noon Pakistan Limited produces various products namely Butter, Cheese, UHT milk, HCLF, Pasteurized milk, Flavored milk, Juices, Water, Desi ghee, Honey and Jam. Installed capacity of the plant is 72000 Liters/2 shifts and there are 700 employees. Noon Pakistan Limited has been marketing its products under the brand name of Nurpur. The plant is located in Bhalwal, Sargodha while the head office is situated in Lahore (About Us: Nurpur Foods, 2012). The company has not only built a strong reputation over the past years but has also been able to offer a strong product portfolio to its consumers. Noon Pakistan Limited believes in optimum utilization of resources in order to secure the interests of major stakeholders and fulfilling its obligation as a responsible corporate citizen by serving the community. The company also utilizes rigorous quality control procedures at all stages to ensure supply of quality products to consumers. This has allowed the firm to increase its turnover from Rs 311.7 million in 2004 to Rs 2436.41 million in 2011 (Company Profile: Nurpur Foods, 2012). The year 2011 was a challenging year for Noon Pakistan Limited. Energy Crisis, security situation coupled with devastating floods had exerted significant pressure on the economy and cost of living. Higher inflationary trends continued impacting their key products particularly related to fresh milk when shortages led to a cost increase of 16% compared to last year. Additionally, higher growth of their products led to severe filling capacity constraints and the market demand could not be met fully. Despite all these challenges, the management made serious efforts to achieve performance objectives by effective product mix, controlling fixed costs and locating new cheaper sources of raw material. Economic trends, prolonged gas and electricity outages, severe competition in selling brands and procurement of raw milk are not expected to ease out during the coming months. Due to reduced buying power, trend in the market is changing fast as consumers are looking for cheaper products in small packages. Therefore the management at Noon Pakistan Limited has made plans to reassess the market requirements and also further improve their production efficiency (Noon Pakistan Limited, 2011). Vision The vision statement of Noon Pakistan Limited is as follows:- Our vision at Nurpur is to be a transformative force in our community and world at large and to serve as a model of a sustainable business alternative that nurtures social and economic well being in an environmentally sensitive manner (Our Vision: Nurpur Foods, 2012). Mission The mission statement of Noon Pakistan Limited is as follows:- Nurpur is committed to supplying the consumer and customer with the finest, high quality products and to be a leading industry in healthy and nutritious products. Nurpur supports these goals with a corporate philosophy of adhering to the highest ethical conduct in all its business dealings, treatment of its employees, and social and environmental policies (Our Mission: Nurpur Foods, 2012). Core Values At Noon Pakistan Limited, consumers are at the forefront of everything they do. The core values of the company include the generation of Ideas that can be constantly challenged to develop next generation solutions, to conduct business openly and fairly while competing fiercely at the same time, to encourage teamwork with individual flairs, to set tough goals that can be challenged and beaten, to value preservation of the environment and ensure sustainability of organic agriculture, to value mutually supportive relationships among members of local and global communities (Core Values: Nurpur Foods, 2012). Awards and Certifications Noon Pakistan Limited has won many prestigious awards and certifications which are First dairy company in Pakistan to be certified under ISO 22000:2005, Brand of the year award (2006-07) in the category of Butter, Brand of the year award (2007-08) in category of Butter, Cheese and flavored milk and Brand of the year award (2008-09) in the category of Butter (Certifications: Nurpur Foods, 2012). Three years production snapshot PRODUCTION UNITS 2011 2010 2009 UHT Milk/Tea whitener Liters 30,940,079 20,385,290 16,246,333 UHT Flavored milk Liters 4,668,071 4,075,407 2,498,299 UHT Cream Liters 71,381 461,722 345,580 Butter Kilograms 986,335 1,011,925 862,622 Milk powder Kilograms 927,943 1,160,508 930,894 Cheese Kilograms 203,146 206,508 194,020 Ghee Kilograms 34,371 52,190 31,331 Pasteurized Milk Liters 4,911,778 2,663,294 1,806,733 Loose cream Liters 3,490 Jams and honey Kilograms 34,032 42,812 23,735 Juices Liters 4,421,399 10,341,160 10,402,443 Adapted from the Annual Report (Noon Pakistan Limited, 2011). The production snapshot over the years shows that the production of UHT milk/Tea whitener, UHT flavored milk and Pasteurized milk has increased from 2009-11 while the production of UHT cream, Butter, Milk Powder, Cheese, Ghee, Jams and Juices has decreased from 2009-11. Loose cream was discontinued in the year 2011. The focus of the firm remains on strengthening its position in the UHT milk segment. The Purchase Department To study the operations of the Purchase Department, two interviews were conducted with the Purchase Manager. The findings of the interviews have been utilized to describe the function of the Purchase Department. The purchase department is responsible for purchasing all materials required by the head office and plant other then milk which is purchased at the milk collection centre in Bhalwal. Materials which are purchased by the department range from ordinary items like office and plant stationary to complex materials like Flavors, Spare parts for plant equipment and transportation vehicles, Chemicals, Fuel and everything related to the manufacturing process, Logistics and day to day operations. Demand for requisition comes from the factory and approval has to be given by the Managing Director. The purchase department currently has 4-5 employees. The purchase department stays in coordination with the plant and suppliers through phone and email and as such no software is currently being used by the department. The department uses a manual system of keeping records and storing files. The purchase department always keeps 3 copies of requisitions and delivery challans. One copy is sent to the pla nt, one copy is maintained with the purchase department and one copy is kept by the Purchase Manager. The major suppliers of Noon Pakistan Limited are SMC, Sitara Chemicals , Jason Foods and Danisco. Everyone is involved in the purchase process including the General Manager, Purchase Manager and people from the plant. Payments to suppliers are made either on cash or credit through the head office. Credit terms depend on contacts and relations with suppliers and can range from 15 days up to a month. According to the Purchase Manager, Noon Pakistan Limited believes in maintaining healthy relations with Suppliers and this is one of the key strengths of the department. The primary reason given for this was that Juices and Milk factories in Pakistan have no second option since suppliers are limited and few. They have to purchase materials from the specified suppliers and bargaining power of suppliers is high in this regard. However if relations are good with suppliers not only do supplie rs cooperate but may also be lenient in terms of credit. In this regard price does not play a major issue but a greater issue is that of availability of materials from suppliers. The Purchase Manager also stated that in case of materials needed from local suppliers, the purchase department is given no time and purchase has to be made immediately. However when imported materials are required from foreign suppliers, the Purchase department is informed in advance as shipping takes time. There is no fixed pattern of purchases made throughout the year and it all depends on plant and market requirements. The quality of materials purchased is checked at the plant and if there are defects the merchandise is returned to the supplier. The Purchase Manager also stated that there is no HR department as such and the performance of the purchase department is monitored from the plant and by the Managing Director (Ashraf, 2012). DELIVERY CHALLAN Noon Pakistan Limited 1st Floor, Mustafa Centre, 45 F, Main Market, Gulberg Lahore Pakistan No._______ Date:_________ To, Manager, Noon Pakistan Limited, Bhalwal The following goods have been dispatched to you by Truck No_____________ SR# Description Qty. Amount Supplier Remarks Kindly Sign and Return Duplicate ____________________ _________________ Malik Mohammed Ashraf Bhalwal Store Source: Company Internal Documents NOON PAKISTAN LIMITED, BHALWAL DEMAND OF STORE TO BE PURCHASED DEMAND NO______ DATE____________ SR# Item Code Nomenclature Specification Name A/U Qty Required Stock in Hand Last Purchase Date Rate/Unit Amount Remarks ____________ _______________ Store Manager General Manager Source: Company Internal Documents The Marketing Department To study the operations of the Marketing Department of the firm, two interviews were conducted with the Marketing Manager. Marketing research activities are outsourced. The Marketing Department purchases monthly reports from different marketing research agencies like AC Nielson and Tetra Pak. In this way the marketing department stays in touch with the latest trends and competitor activities. The Marketing department comprises of one marketing manager and a brand manager. The Marketing Manager reports to the General Manager of Marketing and Sales while activities of the brand manager are monitored by the marketing manager. The brand manager is responsible for dealing with various agencies as all marketing research data and ATL as well as BTL activities are outsourced. Some of the agencies with which the marketing department works are SABB Marketing, Time and Space, Orient, HRK Communications, Aura Communications, TOPAZ Communications and ADZ Communications. These agencies prepare designs of print ads and commercials. The brand manager discusses the various designs with the Marketing Manager and after mak ing necessary amendments and recommendations approval is given to Marketing agencies. The Marketing Department does its planning in the beginning of the year in coordination with the Sales Department. A monthly, yearly and 5 year plan is made. The Marketing Department is consulted in all strategic decisions made at the corporate level. There is no fixed method for determining the budget allocated to the Marketing Department and it all depends on various factors like last years profitability and market performance of various brands available in the market. In 2012, three new brands by the name of Yogo Yogo, Dairy Rozana and Jalwa have been launched. The Marketing Strategy of Noon Pakistan Limited is Differentiation strategy. However the strategy to be adopted for each brand depends on the market performance and competitor activities. Since UHT milk is difficult to differentiate, the current strategy being adopted is to position it as a milk which is enriched with vitamins needed for healthy growth and development. The target market of UHT milk is Housewives and working females as well as males. Different SKUs are being used to target different Socio Economic Classes like the 1000ml pack is targeted for SEC-A while the 200ml and 250ml packs are targeted towards low income households. The main competitor brands of Nurpur Milk are Olpers, Milk Pak, Good Milk and Haleeb. The marketing department does not go for an offensive strategy because Nestle and Engro are huge giants with bundle of resources. Noon Pakistan Limited can be classified as an Analyzer because it is operating both in a stable and dynamic market. Another reason for not adopting an offensive strategy is that volumes are low. Importance is not given to gain shelf space because production volumes are so low and everything sells out due to high demand of UHT milk. Recently a new brand by the name of Dairy Rozana has been launched as a flanker brand to compete with the Dairy Omung of Engro. The main weak ness of the Marketing Department is that very little attention is being paid towards building brand equity. The department is focusing on increasing sales which is a short term approach rather than focusing on building their brands (Khan, 2012). Organizational Chart of the Marketing Department Source: Internal Company Documents The Brand Manager is responsible for dealing with various Marketing Agencies and reports to the Marketing Manager. The Marketing Manager reports to the General Manager of Sales and Marketing (Khan, 2012). The Sales Department Two interviews were conducted with the Sales Analyst of the firm to get insights regarding the operations of the Sales Department. The organizational structure of the Sales Department comprises of the General Manager of Sales and Marketing, National Sales Manager, Regional Sales Manager, Area Sales Manager, Field Managers and Sales Officers. The job description of the Field Manager and Sales Officer is the same but position of Field Manager is superior because those Sales Officers whose performance is consistently outstanding are made Field Managers. Territories have been assigned according to location and comprises of Central Zone, Southern Punjab zone and Northern zone which includes RWL/AJK, Hazara belt and Pakhtoon.K belt. Distribution is limited in Quetta and Multan because of heavy freight expenses. The process of forecasting yearly sales is that last years closing sales are doubled and the amount is set as the Sales Target for the next year. Sales Quotas are assigned to Salesmen depending on the Area and potential of salesman. Other factors which are taken into account while assigning quotas are the seaso nality issue because milk production and its demand fluctuates throughout the year. There are more than 280 distributors all over the country and each Sales Officer has to monitor and look after three to four distributors. The Sales department also relies on individual projections from the Sales Team when deciding upon monthly and quarterly targets. If a salesman is unable to achieve his target in the specified time, he has to achieve both, the remaining target as well as the target allocated in the next period. If targets are continuously not being achieved the Salesman is fired. The salesmen who achieve targets are awarded with bonuses and cash rewards. In order to motivate the sales team, a sales competition is held and winner of Sales Man of the Year is rewarded. Besides having a Sales competition, vacation trips are also planned to motivate the Sales Team. If targets set in the year 2012 are met, the entire Sales Team will go on a vacation to Dubai on the companys expenses. Noo n Pakistan Limited has also started exporting its products to countries like England, Kenya and Afghanistan. The documentation process to export products involves the Performa Invoice, E-Form Attestation, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin and Analysis Report (Butt, 2012). Organizational Chart of Sales Department Source: Company Internal Documents Product Portfolio and Price List Product Packing Unit/Ctn Retailer Margin Trade Price Consumer Price 1.UHT Milk Ctns Units Ctns Units 1000ml 12 6.09% 1018 84.83 1080 90 200ml 24 4.35% 391 16.29 408 17 250ml 27 5.97% 586 21.7 621 23 2.Chai mix Ctns Units Ctns Units 250ml 27 6.38% 533 19.74 567 21 200ml 24 5.97% 385 16.04 408 17 3.Butter KGs Units KGs Units 200gm 30 8.00% 463 92.6 500 100 100gm 60 12.70% 488 48.8 550 55 50gm 120 13.20% 530 26.5 600 30 20gm 300 13.20% 530 10.6 600 12 10gm 600 13.20% 530 5.3 600 6 1Kg white 20 11.80% 8500 425 9500 475 4.Cheese Ctns Units Ctns Units 200gm cottage 42 9.10% 6930 165 7560 180 200gm slice 36 16.10% 5580 155 6480 180 225gm chedder 40 14.90% 5920 148 6800 170 225gm spicy 40 14.90% 5920 148 6800 170 225gm mozarella 40 14.60% 6980 174.5 8000 200 450gm chedder 20 13.40% 6880 344 7800 390 450gm mozarella 20 13.60% 8800 440 10000 500 1.8Kg mozarella 4 13.10% 5128 1282 5800 1450 1Kg slice 8 13.60% 5072 634 5760 720 1Kg slice (KFC) 8 13.60% 5072 634 5760 720 2Kg Chedder 4 12.10% 3924 981 4400 1100 5.Cream P/Tray Units P/Tray Units 250ml 27 4.20% 1200 44.44 1250 46.3 6.Pasteurized milk P/Tray Liters P/Tray Liters 1000ml 10 11.70% 600 60 670 67 500ml 20 13.30% 600 30 680 34 7.Flavored milk Ctns Units Ctns Units 250ml 12 13.30% 233 19.42 264 22 200ml 12 12.10% 214 17.83 240 20 8.Pure juices Ctns Units Ctns Units Apple 1000ml 12 6.10% 792 66 840 70 Guava 1000ml 12 6.10% 792 66 840 70 Orange 1000ml 12 7.10% 840 70 900 75 Pineapple 1000ml 12 6.10% 792 66 840 70 Mango 1000ml 12 6.10% 792 66 840 70 Apple 200ml 24 11.80% 322 13.42 360 15 Orange 200ml 24 11.80% 322 13.42 360 15 Mango 200ml 24 15.40% 312 13 360 15 9.Yogo yogo Ctns Units Ctns Units 200ml 12 8.70% 276 23 300 25 10.Desi Ghee Ctns Units Ctns Units 1Kg 6 7.50% 2232 372 2400 400 11.Jams 1.5Kg Units 1.5Kg Units Strawberry 15gm 600 14.30% 385 3.85 440 4.4 Apple 15gm 600 14.30% 385 3.85 440 4.4 Marmalade 15gm 600 14.30% 385 3.85 440 4.4 Honey 15gm 600 14.30% 385 3.85 440 4.4 12.Dairy Rozana 1.5Kg Units 1.5Kg Units 1000ml 12 6.12% 735 61.25 780 65 250ml 27 6.11% 458 16.96 486 18 13.JALWA Ctns Units Ctns Units 250ml 27 6.21% 483 17.89 513 19 200ml 24 5.88% 340 14.17 360 15 Source: Company Internal Documents Marketing Mix of Nurpur UHT milk Nurpur UHT milk has been positioned as a milk which is enriched with vitamins needed for healthy growth and development (Khan, 2012). The milk is packed in Tetra Aseptic Packaging which allows long lasting storage and shelf space. Currently three SKUs are available in the market which are 200ml, 250ml and 1000ml. Initially the pricing policy adopted for Nurpur milk was market penetration pricing, which means prices were low compared to competing brands. Recently the pricing policy has been changed and now the pricing policy is competitive pricing policy as shown :- Product Packing Unit/Ctn Retailer Margin Trade Price Consumer Price 1.UHT MILK Ctns Units Ctns Units 1000ml 12 6.09% 1018 84.83 1080 90 200ml 24 4.35% 391 16.29 408 17 250ml 27 5.97% 586 21.7 621 23 Source: Company Internal Documents Due to low volumes produced the company has adopted the policy of selective distribution. The company offers various discounts to retailers to push their products into the market (Khan, 2012). The indirect distribution channel being used is shown below:- Source: Company Internal Documents Due to limited marketing budgets, the marketing department has to promote most of the products through Below The Line(BTL) activitie

Cultural Studies Essays Culture Food and Eating

Cultural Studies Essays Culture Food and Eating Culture, Food and Eating It has been argued that changes inwhat has been cooked, when, where and by whom are a function of other featureswithin the food economy and will have considerable social, economic and healthconsequences. (LangCaraher, 20010) This essay will discuss the changein relation to culture, food and eating by firstly acknowledging that food, cookingand eating have traditionally been seen principally as the womans role insociety. As this is of high significance in examining the consequences ofchange, it will therefore be examined from the assumption that our society isbuilt upon a patriarchal system which underpins our culture to this presentday. In addition through the yearsmodernity has brought about change in production and consumption which has rapidlytransformed the way in which we approach food and eating. Technology has takena great leap forward in how we cook and eat food. Globalisation has allowed forfood to be shipped around the planet at whim and for food trends to travelacross the world. Traditions are changing as people move from country tocountry bringing food from different cultures into the home and marketplace. In all cultures food is imbued withmeaning, it is a currency in society. Food can nourish, entertain and givepleasure. It can also be a source of political conflict for example governmenthealth warnings or arguments around vegetarianism. Not enough food causesextreme problems and at the other end of the scale too much food can be fatal. Someof these issues will be considered when examining the issues around change insocietys approach to food. The Extent of Change in Relationto Cooking In the past cooking and buying offood were traditionally seen as the womans role and what was eaten wasdictated by the seasonal food available and the amount of money people had tospend on food. In assessing the extent of change it could be identified as the physicaland social aspect. Miller and McHoul (1998,p.33) proposethat the physical covers geography, seasons, and economics and that the socialcovers religion, custom, class, health education, advertising, age, gender, andrace. They also recognise the importance of the physiological, which deals withgenes, allergies, diets, needs, and biochemical reaction. In the past thiswould have been seen as the sphere of experts but in our information rich,self obsessed society this could be a significant factor in cultural changetowards food and cooking and is one that cannot be overlooked. Cooking skills were customarilypassed on through families usually from mothers to daughters. In the past themen were the breadwinners while the women stayed at home and looked after thehome, a patriarchal concept modelled on the aspiring middle classes of thetime. Although times have changed and most women now work, the notion that foodand cooking are the womans domain still prevails. This has an effect on what haschanged or is changing in food matters. Tansey and Worsley (1995, p.144) acknowledgethat most of the burden of domestic work still falls on women. The fact thatthey go to work and do the housework is having remarkable effects on the foodindustry. It has created opportunities for them to produce what Tansey andWorsley describe as labour-saving and ego-protecting products. This has ledto a change in shopping, cooking and eating that would have been unimaginable ageneration ago. Availability of food from all overthe world combined with new ways of cooking has altered the way in which weconsume our food. Refrigeration, freezing and microwaving are examples ofpractical ways in which shopping and cooking has changed. Globalisation has madea large contribution, one aspect relevant to this assessment is a post-modernphenomenon termed McDonaldization by George Ritzer in 1996 which has causedmuch debate. Concerns that mass culture is creating a homogenous world whereeverything will become levelled out is deliberated by many theorists of postmodern culture. But at what point do individualschange their behaviour and attitudes to food? Miller and McHoul (1998,p.33) gosome way towards identifying what could be central to how change takes place inwhat, why, where and by whom food is cooked. They suggest that food stands atthe gateway of nature and culture and involves choice at the point where the biologicalgiven hunger meets and becomes indistinguishable from a cultural marker appetite. There are many ways in which appetite can be influenced in todayssociety which will in turn have a bearing on the key forces driving change. Someof these will be looked at in the next section. Key forces driving change With responsibility for everydaycooking taken by women for almost eighty per cent of the time compared withtwenty-five per cent of men (LangCaraher 2001, p.9), it is no surprisethat the food industry target women. Marketing of food products can be seen asone of the key forces driving change in the way in which we cook and eat. Therange of advertisements bombarding us can feature anything from foodingredients, ready made convenience foods, to fast food outlets andrestaurants. As consumers we are offered a staggering choice to satisfy ourappetites. One of the reasons women are seenas so important to the marketers is that they are seen as both consumers andproducers. Rather than simple consumer demand, Lury (1996, p.44) suggests thatthere are a number of different cycles of production and consumption involvedbefore final enjoyment of a meal. She comments Consumer demand can thus beseen as to be mediated by the state and/or the social relations of thehousehold or domestic mode of production This highlights the fact that foodis not a simple commodity with a one way relationship between production andconsumption. It could be argued that, particularly with food, it cannot beassumed that consumers are passive and that consumption can be taken forgranted even though we clearly will always need food. Rather it emphasises thefact that consumption itself is a socially organised set of practices. Lury illustrates this with a quotefrom Appadurai: Demand emerges as a function ofa variety of social practices and classifications, rather than a mysteriousemanation of human needs, a mechanical response to social manipulation (as inone model of the effects of advertising in our own society), or the narrowingdown of a universal and voracious desire for objects to whatever happens to beavailable. Critics of the food industry mayargue that we are being socially manipulated by being force fed over-processedfoods which are bad for our health. However, it must be recognised that theindustry has grown in response to social change such as new working patterns,the rise of single households, and a highly stressed society eating on thehoof. With more single households and families not eating together the foodindustry has provided us with ready made meals to suit our lifestyles. Nevertheless there are many issuessurrounding the food industry which have given cause for concern. The way inwhich food and ingredients are manufactured has resulted in worries aboutimbalance in world economies with cheap food from around the world. Healthscares such as BSE and salmonella in the food chain, fats and additives causingobesity and diabetes are just some of the current arguments. Lang and Caraher(p.10) contend thatfrom the available evidence .. large food retailers are not just respondingto a cultural change, but are using market levers to suit their own agendaswith little thought for longer-term public health outcomes. It has nowbecome so apparent that there is a crisis regarding health, and childrenshealth in particular, that the government has launched a variety of campaignsto persuade the public to eat healthily. This also includes putting pressure onmanufacturers. It could be maintained that given the shocking statistics onhealth, the State is destined to become a key force for driving change in thefuture. The Significance of Change As already identified, concernsover the health of the nation is one of the biggest issues in society at themoment. It has been said that if this trend continues we are the firstgeneration where parents are expected to outlive their children. While cookingis purported to be on the decline for younger people, it is argued that as anation we know more about diet and nutrition than ever before. If the number oftelevision programmes and magazines on food and health can be taken as evidenceof this it would seem it is true. It is clear that our relationshipwith food has changed drastically in recent years, and can be argued that it isa post-modern problem, one of the most visible areas being the explosion of thediet industry. An article in the Observer Food Magazine (March 2005, p.17)considers the latest trend in dieting and why we feel the need to follow adiet. One theory is that it is the sheer abundance of food has changed us intoa nation of nearly 13 million diet addicts. Dr Andrew Hill, senior lecturer inbehavioural studies contends: It is only in the lastmicro-second of human evolution that we have become surrounded by a sea ofcalories. Weve become international, non-seasonal feeders and for anincreasing proportion of people, this represents a challenge. We simply donthave the psychological controls to cope. Our biological system is tilted infavour of over-consumption This and other issues around foodhave brought it into the public eye and inevitably become a matter ofgovernment policy. Tansey and Worsley (p.214) point to five areas with whichthe conventional economic approach to policy concerns itself; efficiency,growth, stability, sustainability, equity. They demonstrate how important foodpolicy is with a quote from John McInerney: Food is an exceptionallypolitical commodity the idea of there being a COLLECTIVE wellbeing inaddition to an individual one will lead to an array of policy actions designedto protect or foster the interests of the weak and vulnerable, referee theinteractions both within and between groups all along the food chain, insulateone group from the actions of others, and redistribute the benefits to achievea more equitable pattern than the market system can manage on its own. With health at the top of thepolitical agenda for any government it could be anticipated that policy willchange the way we approach food. While the government lobbies the food industryand bombards us with the latest health campaign they could expect some results.But when it comes back down to individuals who will implement this in the home?Yet again the burden will fall on the shoulders of women as Guardians of thefamilys health. Conclusion There are many factors involved inthe change in our attitude to food, cooking and eating, of which only a fewhave been discussed in this essay. One thing that remains constant is that westill view our society through the lens of patriarchy therefore, whetherconsciously or unconsciously rely on gender stereotypes of the mother as thenurturer. While this is still largely true the last twenty or thirty years haveproved that the feminist ideals of women being able to have it all has notlived up to its promise. Women have had to rely on a flourishing food industryto help them cope with the domestic load as well as going to work outside thehome. While this has been celebrated by many women as releasing them from thekitchen and allowing them to have a career of their own, it becomes clear thatsociety has not been able to offer any real alternative to womens unpaid workin the home. The concern we have at present withfood, health, and eating has evolved as a consequence of new social patterns,globalisation, marketing, industry and state policy. As a society we must askourselves whether culturally we still put the responsibility for these issuesat the feet of women on the basic level that as the nurturers they areletting down their families. If that is so it then it is not until eachindividual takes responsibility for their own approach to food that things willchange for the better. BIBLIOGRAPHY Miller, T McHoul, A 1998, PopularCulture and Everyday Life Tansey, G Worsley, T 1995, TheFood System, a Guide Lang, T Caraher M, 2001, IsThere a Culinary Skills Transition? Data and debate from the UK about changes in cooking culture, Journal of the HEIA, Vol 8, No 2, 2001 Lury, Celia 1996, ConsumerCulture Observer Food Magazine, March 2005,Do the Science, The Observer 13/3/05

Achieving Honor as a Woman of Deh Koh Essay -- Reflection Paper Essays

Achieving Honor as a Woman of Deh Koh To many Westerners, the overall plight of females in Iran appears tenuous. It is illegal for females above the age of 9 to appear in public with out their heads veiled and bodies entirely covered. Women cannot serve in certain occupations, such as the military. It is difficult for a married woman to divorce her spouse, yet for men the right to divorce is unquestioned and done with ease. Married women in Iran who wish to leave the country for any reason must first obtain the permission of their husbands.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Despite their many restrictions, females in Iran are anything but fragile. Iranian women are proud, strong, and work at changing the society they live in. In Erika Friedl's book, Women of Deh Koh, Lives In An Iranian Village, she shows the ...

Albert Einstein Essay -- biographies biography bio

Education "The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education" -Albert Einstein Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879 in Germany to a Jewish couple. While having initial complications with a misshapen head during child birth, he grew normally. However it was commented by Albert Einstein's relatives that he was a little slow. Einstein's lack of intelligent was shown by his late age of learning how to speak. His first formal education (besides the private education he received before school) was at a Catholic school in Munich . This institution was short-lived because of Einstein's taste and disagreements with the professor. He left the school and Ulm Germans and moved to Milan . While in Milan , Einstein wanted to continue his primary education, and in 1895 took his entrance exam to ETH in Zurich . His scores were not sufficient enough to allow him to enter the primary school, instead he went to a community school in the nearby city of Aarau . In 1896 he received his school certificate and enrolled ETH with intentions in becoming a mathematics or physics teacher. Einstein got average marks while in ETH and received his diploma in 1900, is GPA was 4.6 out of 6.0. Einstein eagerly applied to numerous Universities, looking for an assistantship but was denied to all of them. While looking for a school for higher education, Einstein gave up his German citizenship and applied for a Swiss one instead. He was given Swiss citizenship in 1901. Einstein was desperate for work, for a year he was a teacher at a Technical High School in Winterthur and a private school in Schaffhausen, and soon afterward he moved to the Switzerland capital, Bern . Work was till difficult to find in Switzerland and Einstien found him... ...cation would be the photoelectric sensor which is in almost every department store. Although there are not many practical applications for the theory of relativity there are many uses in the scientific world including black holes and planetary motion. But one day, there might be a way to use relativity for time travel. References: Sites: 1) Josef Kuppet. "Einstien". 2004. 2) Amy Sanogo."Albert Einstein Quotesh".Zur Elektrodynamik bewegter Korper, 2003. 3) American Institute of Physics. "Image Impact".1996. 4) Albert Einstein. 2004 kmhigginson. Books: 5) A. Einstein. Principle of Relativity.1924. "ON THE ELECTRODYNAMICSOF MOVING BODIES". Dover Publications

Antigone Foils Creon

In the play Antigone we learn about a stubborn character named Creon who is the ruler of Thebes. This ruler goes on many power trips through out the play, which end up leading to his demise. Antigone, sister of the former king Polyneices sees Creon as a man with to much power who is making poor decisions and acting against the Gods. In a face-to-face confrontation, Antigone does not back down from the powerful leader, and tells him that what he is doing is wrong. Creon, who still has too much pride, banishes her into a cave where she would be left to die. Only later does Creon realize that what she was saying was correct. He tries to fix all the mistakes he has made but is too late. Antigone is the foil to Creon because she brings out fear and many character trait flaws in the Kings personality. Creon has a major lapse in judgment when he decides to bury Antigone in a cave to die. She tells him that she does not care because she was honoring her brother. â€Å"Why the delay? There is nothing that you can say that I should wish to hear, as nothing I say can weigh with you†¦.† (Sophocles 500-7) At first, it does not seem that Creon feels bad about doing this. Later he understands that he was wrong and regrets his decisions. Antigone has a big affect on this change of heart from Creon because she truly believed  she was in the right. By believing this she forces Creon to finally notice that he was wrong, and reverses his decisions. Antigone’s suicide effects Creon as a character immensely. It is her suicide that causes Heamon to stab himself. â€Å"Who is dead, and by what hand? Heamon is dead, slain by his own father. His father? His own hand. His father‘s act it was that drove him to it.† (1171-77 Sophocles) This later also leads to Eurydice’s suicide at the end of the play. Through Antigone’s actions, Creon is extremely effected. As a character, these events change the way Creon thinks about what he has done. â€Å"There is no man can bear this guilt but I. It is true, I killed him. Lead me away, away. I live no longer† (1323-29 Sophocles) Antigone convinces Creon that he is not a God, and that going against the Gods is a bad idea. â€Å"Yes. That order did not come from God. Justice, that dwells with the Gods below, knows no such law†¦.†(Sophocles 450-69) Antigone fights with all she has, and finally brings Creon to the realization that what he has done was wrong. When Creon realizes that Polyneices body is unburied, and that he has not given a proper burial to the 5 chieftains, he recognizes that this will upset anger the Gods considerably. She helps him realize his fault by having a reckless attitude, this shows Creon that she will not go down without a fight. She makes one last plea to the Gods by attempting to put a curse on him. I believe this scares Creon later and is one of the main reasons why he tries to reverse the decisions he’s made in the end. Creon gives the harsh penalty of not burying the dead Polyneices which is the ultimate punishment. Antigone’s plea to show Creon that what he has done is wrong is ery evident at this point. â€Å"So to my grave, My bridal-bower, my everlasting prison, I go those many of my kinsmen who dwell in the mansion†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Sophocles 892-919) Antigone believes that the God, along with her brother would be proud of what she has done. At first, Creon is to stubborn to listen to what she is saying. He later realizes that many of the things she said were right. Antigone’s influence on Creon’s mind ultimately cause a change of heart. Without her this would not have happened. Without Antigone, Creon’s fears and character flaws would not have been exposed. Creon’s stubborn attitude and unwillingness to listen to others is his ultimate downfall. If he would have took Antigone’s advice earlier, there is a chance he would not have lost everything that was important to him.

Pico and Shakespeare Revolutionists of the Renaissance Essay

The Renaissance, a time of smashing find and strong passion for thought and system of logic contained two distinct writers. Pico de Mirandola and William Shakespeare wrote two major works of literature. The Oration on the lordliness of adult male, written by Pico explains the Renaissance views of military man beings achievement and freewill to accomplish tasks without the overhaul of the church. A very famous contactwright, William Shakespeare overly talked approximately these same Renaissance ideals in many of his plays. One famous play that uses dramatic language to explain religious, philosophical, and flush feminist ideas is critical point.Hamlet, a tragedy, is just about a Prince who prefers to key outk r crimsonge on his uncle King Claudius. King Claudius is suspected of cleanup Hamlets father the homunculuser(prenominal) King and since his death has stolen his thr unitary and unify his wife. After being told this, Prince Hamlet goes unrestrained and his nonplus and Claudius worry about him. Hamlet then tells a woman to reefer a convent because of her sexual appetite (Shakespeare set I ikon I). Prince Hamlet in addition exhibits some sexist qualities when he says, Frailty, thy call in is woman(Shakespeare Act I Scene II ). He says this because he believes that his mother is unfaithful and assnot be intimate with a single man during her emotional statetime. This is why she betrayed her deep husband the King. Hamlet concludes that not alone is his mother frail but in fact all women in his intellection are frail and fall to relish and temptations.In Picos work, he writes about how mint should be able to presuppose for themselves. Pico does agree with some of the churchs ideals of how human beings have a great capacity for intellectual achievement. He in like manner believes that humans have the right to make the path of animals or the path of angels. However, he believed that since humans had such a heights intellectua l capacity, then they could crystalise their aver decisions and fire to the status of paradisely being. Therefore, he believed that the church was not the center of attention, or else humanity was. He writes, Mans place in the universe is someplace between the beasts and the angels, but, because of the divine image pose in him, there are no limits to what man can accomplish(Pico Della Mirandola 37). This shows that Pico was strongly bringd by the Renaissance ideals of individuality, creativity, and reason. During this time, many people believed that they had the situation to choose their journeys.They believed that we have the power to use thought and reason to hit decisions. From these ideas, one can see the influence Pico had on Renaissance philosophers. Hamlet to a fault had these same ideals of self-reflection, individuality, and reason. It says in Act II, What a piece of work is a man, how awful in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form and moving how express a nd admirable, in action how like an angel, in savvy how like a god The steady of the knowledge domain, the paragon of animalsand yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust? Man delights not menor woman neither, though by your smiling you seem to say so(Shakespeare Act II Scene II).throughout the entire play Hamlet struggles with self-doubt and hatred, he talks about how respl determinationent the creation of man is. However, he himself cannot see anything that inspires him. Also in his famous To Be or Not to Be soliloquy in Act III, he questions whether his bearing is worth living or not. By this time in the story, Hamlet has gone through a rather crowing amount of suffering his girlfri residuum has move suicide, he has murdered two men, and his uncle is trying to kill him because he fears him will reveal that he is in fact the murderer. In his run-in he declares the world as a harsh and terrible place alter with sorrow.He questions whether he sine qua nons to exist in this world he states that to sleep is to end the miseries that humans have to endure. This relates to the ideas of individuality and self-expression from the Renaissance. However, if one was to have such beliefs, then comes thoughts of solitariness and faith in God begins to diminish. It is express that in many cases Renaissance philosophers and artists confront and battled states of depressions and many chose suicide at the end of their tough lives. It wasnt for the fact that they were lonely but their ideas were not widely reliable (Kuntz 2011). Shakespeares take on the world is that humans are free to make their protest decisions and choose their own paths in sustenance. However, with that comes a lot of trouble and tear down though these renaissance ideas seemed so corroboratory and gave hope, they also brought a lot of complications.However, Pico offers a opposite, more positive take on humankind. He also states that We have make you a creature neither of heaven nor of earth, neither mortal nor immortal, in put together that you may, as the free and proud shaping machine of your own being, fashion yourself in the form you may prefer. It will be in your power to descend to the lower, brutish forms of life you will be able, through your own decision, to raising again to the superior orders whose life is divine(Pico Della Mirandola 72).This shows that, Pico understands that mankind is not considered animal-like or angelic. He exclaims that as a human you have the right to be whoever you want to be, and accomplish whatever you strive to achieve. However, he states that these freewill decisions will still be judged by the sphere. The path you take could be descending to the lower, the path of deception and hell. However, on the same token, you have the power to rise again and become holy and safe again after falling to the depths. This is an idea that was very common during the Renaissance. The idea that we could choose amongst the many paths of life with our powers of reason, but the heavens will ultimately judge us regardless.To conclude, these two writers Pico and Shakespeare both wrote about different ideas. Shakespeare portrayed Renaissance ideas of thought, reason, and decision-making through drama. However, Pico had a more optimistic view that even though we had the power to decide, we still cant take that power for granted. These two writers did have one thing in common in all of their writings they focused on the fact that humankind itself is the most powerful thing in existence. They believed that humankind had the power of reason and thought, and by using this power they can elevate to higher statuses.Works CitedGiovanni Pico Della Mirandola, Conte. Columbia electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition, (2011) Kuntz, Marion Leathers. Pico Della Mirandola New Essays. Renaissance every quarter 61.3 (2008) 916-918. Academic Search Premier. Web. 4 Dec. 2012. N.p. Regnery publication Inc., 1996. Print.Shakespeare, William . Hamlet. N.p. Sterling Signature, 2012. Print Pico de Mirandola, Giovanni. Oration on the Dignity of Man. Trans. Robert Gapongiri.

Futures contract

A formal treatment of this issue is provided by Easily, OHara, and Carnivals (1998), who allow the participation of inform traders in the choice trade to be intractable endogenously in an equilibrium framework. In their model, apprised investors choose to a pooling quill? allot in both the plectron and the germinate market? In barium? When the leverage implicit in resources is large, when the liquidity in the rail line market is low, or when the boilers suit fraction of playscious traders is high. Our chief(prenominal) empiric answer directly tests whether the decline and survival of the fittest market argon in he pooling equilibrium of Easily, OHara, and Carnivals (1998). employ selection trades that are initiated by buyers to open new positions, we form put- vociferation ratios to study the visitability of plectrum employment for prospective railway line p sieve movements. We picture predictability that is strong in both magnitude and statistical signifi toi lettece. For our 1990 through and through 2001 sample period, persuades with positive picking targets (I. E. , those with last quintile put-call ratios) outperform those with negative option signals (I. E. , those with highest quintile put-call ratios) by over 40 basis points per daytime and 1% per eek on a risk- go undered basis.When the stock returns are tracked for several weeks, the take of predictability gradually dies out, indicating that the randomness contained in the option volume eventually gets embodied into the underlie stock scathes. Although our main experimental subject clearly documents that there is cognizant duty in the option market, it does not needfully imply that there is any market inefficiency, because the option volume used in not our main test? Which is initiated by buyers to open new positions? Is state-supportedly patent. Indeed, info-based models e. , smoothen and Milord (1985) Easily, OHara, and Carnivals (1998) imply that prices adjus t at erstwhile to the reality development contained in the calling sue but whitethorn adjust slowly to the private information feature by communicate traders. As a terminus, the predictability captured in our main test may well correspond to the mathematical process of stock prices gradually adjusting to the private comp unrivallednt of information in option art. Motivated by the differing theoretical predictions about the speed at which prices adjust to common versus private information, we look the predictability of publicly errors nonpublic discernible option volume. For Journal that 25, example, July 2002,the Wholesaler reported theChicago circuit board excerptions was anomalous activity options shares Whet, pharmaceuticals investigating trading in Madison, which tactical based increase trading volume earlier NJ, giant superintendences month. Option occurred before release a presidency bathe study peptic days American Medical Association authenticated a heightene d abreast risk cheek cancer, coronary of the who disease, strokes, bloodspots women had benefiting Whiteys hormone-replacement drug years. Preemptor some 872 innovation Delimitation Following earlier empirical studies in this area e. . , Easily, OHara, and Carnivals (1998) Chain, Chunk, and pillowcase (2002), we use the Lee and Ready (1991) algorithmic program to back out buyer-initiated put and call option volume from publicly observable trade and quote records from the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CUBE). We find that the terminusing publicly observable option signals are able to predict stock returns for only the next one or two trade days. Moreover, the stock prices subsequently reverse which raises the question of whether the predictability from the public signal is a manifestation of rice pressure rather than apprised trading.In a abbreviate analysis which includes both the public and the nonpublic signals, the nonpublic signal has the corresponding pattern of informa tion-based predict? Ability as when it is used alone, but there is no predictability at all from the public signal. This condition of findings underscores the important distinction between public and nonpublic signals and their respective roles in price disco genuinely. Further, the weak predictability exhibited by the public signal suggests that the economic source of our main result is valuable private information in the option volume rather than an inefficiency crossways the stock and option market.Central to all information-based models is the roles of sensible and un communicate traders. In particular, the concentration of informed traders is a key variable in such models with important implications for the innovativeness of trading volume. Using the thole variable proposed by Easily, Kefir, and OHara (1997) and Easily, Heavier, and OHara (2002) as a measure of the prevalence of informed traders, we investigate how the predictability from option volume varies crosswise unde rlying stocks with efferent concentrations of informed traders.We find a higher train of predictability from the option signals of stocks with a higher prevalence of informed traders. 2 Although the theoretical models define informed and uninformed trap? Deer rigorously in terms of information dance orchestras, we can speculate outside of the models about who the informed and uninformed traders might be. Our info set is unique in that in rise to power to recording whether the initiator of volume is a buyer or a trafficker opening or closing a position, it also identifies the investor class of the initiator. We find that option signals from investors who trade through full-service brokerage houses sack brokerage houses.Given that the option volume from felicities brokerages includes that from parry funds, this result is hardly surprising. It is interesting, however, that the option signals from libertine proprietary traders contain no information at all about future stock pri ce Given stocks PIN little could driven the that be stocks, result higher artistically by fact there higher from stocks. Show that is notches. Len this signals smaller predictability option PIN result frame size. Intact controlling after particular, 73 studies n 3 2006 movements.In the framework of the information-based models, this result suggests market primarily for hedging purposes. Finally, a unique feature of the MultiMate stock and option setting is the availability of securities with differing leverage. Black (1975) asseverate that leverage is the key variable which determines whether informed investors choose to trade in the option market, and Easily, OHara, and Carnivals (1998) demonstrated that under a ingrained set of assumptions this is indeed the case. Motivated by these considerations, we investigate how the predictability documented n our main test varies across option con? Races with differing degrees of leverage. We find that option signals constructed from d eep out-of-the-money (TOM) options, which are highly leveraged contracts, exhibit the greatest level of predictability, whereas the signals from contracts with low leverage provide very little, if any, predictability. 3 The rest of the article is nonionized as follows. In component 1, we synthesise the existing theory literature and empirical findings and develop empirical preciseations. We detail the data in Section 2, present the results in Section 3, and conclude in Section . 1.Option Volume and Stock Prices 1. 1 theory The theoretical motivation for our study is provided by the voluminous literature that addresses the issue of how information gets incorporated into addition prices. In this subsection, we canvass the theoretical literature with a boil down on insights that are directly applicable for our empirical study. In particular, we concentrate on the linkage between information literary genre? Dated by the trading process and the information on the underlying asset value, the role of public versus private information, and the process of price adjustment. 4The issue of how information gets incorporated into asset prices is central to all information-based models. Although specific modeling approaches differ, information gets incorporated into protective covering prices as a result of the trading behavior of informed and uninformed traders. In the sequential trade model of reflect and Milord (1985),