Karen Olsson’s Up Against Wal-Mart Essay

In â€Å"Up Against Wal-Mart† by Karen Olsson, she finds the truth about how Wal-Mart treats its customers and more importantly how the million dollar company treats its employees. In this essay, Olsson strongly believes that Wal-Mart keeps its stores understaffed and their employees overworked and underpaid, with minimal options for reasonable benefits. Olsson begins with an individual employee, Jennifer McLaughlin, who is a mother of one child, and is currently employed with Wal-Mart in Paris, Texas. She is a very hard worker and puts in a lot of effort every day. But she is not able to afford life, with the amount that the company pays her. Health insurance is too much to afford on her wage, so she has to rely on government assistance to give her child the things he needs. She is forced to work over time, is underpaid and also treated unfairly. According to Olsson, â€Å"On a given shift McLaughlin might man a register, hop on a mechanical lift to retrieve something from a high shelf, catch fish from a tank, run over to another department to help locate an item, restock the shelves, dust off the bike racks, or field questions about potting soil and lawn mowers† (607). In other words, Olsson points out that Wal-Mart does not hire enough workers and also overwork its employees. The other issue is the company Wal-Mart is not unionized. The workers at Wal-Mart have started to try to create a union. But a union at Wal-Mart was never formed due to the company’s anti-union group that created by Wal-Mart, which employees who voted for the union were fired. Olsson states that â€Å"Wal-Mart has responded to the union drive by trying to stop workers from organizing—sometimes in violation of federal labor law† (609). Here she proves that Wal-Mart is against the union and will do what it can to stop one from forming. This essay shows that Wal-Mart’s rapid growth rate and lack of change in fair treatment for its employees is only creating more insubstantial jobs for poor people. The topic of Olsson’s opinions about that Wal-Mart treats its employees badly can be approached from several different angles due to its complexity. Some people seem to think that Wal-Mart is bad for the poor people while others tend to consider that Wal-Mart actually helps the poor people. Upon a close examination of both sides of this issue, I have also developed my own point of view. Personally, I disagree with Olsson’s view that Wal-Mart is bad for poor people because she lacks for hearing opinions from both sides. One reason I cannot support the Olsson’s view is Wal-Mart’s â€Å"every day low price.† Wal-Mart’s low cost of goods saves its consumers billions per year. It not only presents job opportunities for poor families, but offers them discounts on food and necessities. Even though Wal-Mart employees are paid low wages, the low cost of food and other basics makes up for the low wages. For me, Wal-Mart in fact helps the lower income families in the world because their prices are more affordable. Wal-Mart’s prices are helping them purchase more food and basic necessities for their families than they would be able to purchase at other retail stores. Works Cited Olsson, Karen. â€Å"Up Against Wal-Mart.† They Say/I Say, with Readings. 2nd ed. Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein, and Russel Durst. New York: Norton, 2012. 606-619. Print.

Barbie Goes To China

The impact of the recent global financial crisis is vividly seen in the reaction that consumer brands and retail stores are having with regard to their survival. In Europe, the reaction has been drastic, with automobile manufacturers offering huge discounts and trade ins just to boost their sales. In the United States, manufacturers have slashed their prices and offered massive discounts. While there is nothing fundamentally wrong with reducing profit margins to increase or improve earnings, this could be a problem in the long run because it can result in a deterioration of the brand image.The conundrum that exists now is the decision that companies must make regarding improving expenses in the short term and brand image in the long run. The article entitled, Barbie Goes to China, provides and interesting take on this puzzle that companies are now facing. Using the example of Barbie, the authors cite the struggles that Mattel has had in the American market. It shows that there has be en a decline in Barbie sales because of the image that has been attached to the brand. There is no room for Barbie to change the way that she is perceived.This in turn affects the marketability of Barbie, especially in the United States market. Instead, what the article suggests is that the focus should be on maintaining the brand image. Citing the moves that other companies have done, the emphasis falls on being able to choose between sacrificing brand image and maintaining a profit. Several companies have decided to do a mix and offer discount sales for certain items while keeping other items full priced. In relation to Barbie and Mattel, there is a unique opportunity for the company to capitalize on the growing Chinese market and create a new brand image for itself.From a marketing standpoint, there are two important lessons that can be gleaned here. The first is that there is nothing wrong with trying to survive, particularly when the economic crisis has promised to be deep and widespread. In an effort to prevent a total loss, companies have capitalized on the public’s perception and reduced their prices while presumably offering the same quality goods they have always provided. In the same vein, they have tried to protect the image by putting less emphasis on the profit margins and more emphasis on their products.It is also in this part where the brand image that has been created is crucial because it could be detrimental to the brand in the long run. The second lesson to be learnt here is that there are other options. There are several layers of customers and the top tier and loyal customers are not averse to supporting their favorite brands. Top brands such as Mattel need to understand that during uncertain times the one thing that you can count on are the loyal customers. They are willing to overlook the overpriced goods as long as they get what they want. This is what brands need to take advantage of.While there is certain merit in these assert ions, it is wise not to forget the economic fundamentals that are applicable. It can be said that the loyal clientele will always be there but this is not always the case. The reaction is so much more different when one examines an inelastic good and one examines an elastic good. Demand can be inflexible to changes in income if the good is inelastic but it can flexible when it comes to elastic goods. When people need to decide between Barbies and Guccis and buying food or paying their mortgage payments, it is a whole different dynamic and the lessons embodied in this article may no longer hold.

Christ as sacrament of God Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Christ as sacrament of God - Essay Example He was called (Word) Son of God at birth (Heb. 1: 3-14). The heavenly angels worshipped him (Heb. 1: 6) This proves that Jesus is a God for only God can be worshipped. (Acts 10: 25,26). Jesus accepted his being God (Jn. 10: 29, 36). The Jews felt this as Blasphemy for they interpreted Jesus' claim as Son of God as making himself a God also. (Jn. 10: 30-33) Jesus said that he and the Father are one. Jesus showed good works being a sacrament of the Father God. Jesus is the old testament's Emmanuel and the Alpha and the Omega. Jesus is another Person in the Holy Trinity. Jesus was fully and concurrently both man and God. Christ is the head of the Mystical body, the Catholic Church( Vatican II). Jesus was the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. Jesus rules the things in heaven and on earth with his Glory. Jesus is the divine teacher(Lumen Gentium). According to Dulles, The true church (Political Society Model)was a community of men brought together by same Christian faith and sacraments (thru grace, hope and love) under leadership of pastors and the Pope. (Body of Christ model). In the Church as servant model, the church must help its members in solving daily problems of human life on earth.(Dulles). In Splendour of the Church (Lubac), the beautiful architectural wonders of the Catholic Churches in the Vatican and other Major historical sites, Catholic Universities all over the world were constructed to teach liberal arts and more importantly to spread christianity. (Lubac). In Gaudium at Spes. the modern church is now confronted with technological, financial advances like tv, cellphone, airplanes, a fast paced life and population explosion. Man pursued his goals making God and Christ aside. Most men abused their liberty and preferred to violate God's laws. Poverty forces man to feed his stomach first before obeying God's laws. The arts and sciences must be harnessed to help improve human life. War must be avoided thru building a community of nations. Not all those who say Lord, Lord will go to heaven They must obey God's commandments. In Mysterium Ecclesiae, The church is one and infallible. Catholics must esteem their common Christian heritage thru purification and renewal. The will of Christ must be fulfilled by following His teachings handed down thru the popes starting with Peter and the apostles. Infallibility of the church, that should not be falsified, includes the deposit of faith and those matters without which the deposit of faith should be preserved. Priests, alone, can build up the Body in the Holy Eucharist. In Church and Unity,The church cannot commit mistakes in its decisions.The trinity doctrine is based on tradition. The Protestants freed themselves from Catholic traditions and teachings and based their beliefs on the bible. Love should unite the Catholic Church with Protestants and othe r churches. The Catholic church dislikes the going away of the Protestants. In Decree and Ecumenism, restoration of the unity of Catholics is the main thrust of Second Vatican Council. In Church as a communion, the

English Contract Law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

English Contract Law - Case Study Example Invoice sent by the company included the note which stated that the terms of the contract shall be adhered according to the original quotation. As per the original quotations Gordon has clearly specified that the servers with latest processors and maximum storage capacities are to be delivered within one month of the order and also sent the payment under the contract with the specific instruction that 'contracting under my specification'. Therefore the company is under an obligation to deliver within one month and since the delivery is not made within a month there is a clear violation of the contract. In addition there is the violation of the contract specifications as to the quality of the servers also. Since the company has sent servers which did not meet the requirements of Gordon with respect to energy sufficiency and without latest processors the company has made a second violation of the contract. The company Dodgy has fulfilled only the maximum storage capabilities requirements of the servers. The failure on the part of the company to supply the servers with the required specifications gives rise to different remedies under the contract law to Gordon. ... In this instance Gordon is entitled to the right of withdrawing from the contract since he has expressly made his desire to procure servers with energy efficiency and latest processors. Therefore these terms of specifications to the servers become the terms of prime importance to the contract and the failure to meet these terms entail the cancellation of contract by Gordon. In an alternative situation if Gordon has not made specific request for the supply of servers with energy efficiency and latest processors, he cannot repudiate the contract as there will be a case of breach of warranty only. The issue that Gordon has specified the requirements and Dodgy has not fulfilled them has resulted in a breach of the condition and therefore has altered the nature of the contract. In addition the contract would be treated as void as it is made by misrepresentation. Dodgy has made misrepresentation about its products to Gordon and Gordon has ordered the supply in utmost good faith. Since by the supply of servers not meeting the specifications Gordon has been misled by the company and Gordon therefore is entitled to treat the contract void. An additional point to consider here is that the misrepresentation by the company as regards the quality of the product is not an innocent misrepresentation but one made with the specific intention of making Gordon believe that. It is unlawful on the part of Dodgy to enter into a contract with Gordon for the goods which the company may not be able to supply at all. Even though there are mistakes committed by both the parties with regard to the terms of the contract, the contract needs to be terminated as there is no identity of minds ('consensus ad

Eaarth book Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Eaarth book - Essay Example The author begins by exploring environmental problems in the current earth or changes that people have caused on the planet. Global warming is a direct consequence of human activity. However, people deal with the problem as a future problem instead of considering it as a modern problem. This makes them to lack seriousness or emphasis on the problem and possible solutions. The phenomenon has also contributed to the abnormalities and misplacement of priorities in the modern earth. For instance, it is only in the eaarth where people will import more oil than food. In addition, in eaarth the largest company deals with production of fossil fuels and manufacture of cars instead of food production (McKibben 25). The misplaced priorities are the determinant of our modern economies. The author argues that most countries are concerned with economic growth than the effects that environmental growth has on their economies. According to the author, the different methods used to measure economic growth are invalid. This is because the different measures of economic growth do not indicate the actual economic position of a country. For instance, measures of economic growth in a country do not capture the effect of economic activities on the environment. â€Å"Therefore, we need to re-define the term growth in our new planet† (McKibben 48). In the second chapter, the author combines scientific findings and political aspirations to create political economics. This indicates that people have left the responsibility of the environment to global politicians. According to the author’s argument, politicians cannot provide solutions by themselves. As wealthy countries such as the US plan for a n unlimited economic growth, poor nations are struggling with problems that have resulted from environmental degradation. This indicates that we are moving towards a dark future. These problems nullifies the claims that people in developed have over

Accounting Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Accounting Theory - Essay Example Researchers use various methods and techniques to collect data, which is then analysed to create knowledge (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2012). Knowledge in this research refers to accounting facts and skills that people acquire through experience or education (Easterby- Smith,Thorpe, Jackson & Lowe, 2008). The interest of researchers during study processes constitutes establishing whether beliefs are in agreement with the facts. This paper focuses on ascertaining that various phenomena in accounting are real and they have particular characteristics. We intend to help readers know that various accounting information presented to stakeholders by accountants is characterised by validity, relevance, and reliability. Knowledge acts as a tool through which researchers communicate accounting information to humans (Given, 2008); therefore, proper research is critical founded on effective research philosophy is critical in knowledge generation. We had two approaches from which we were to choose one approach for this study; these are positivism and phenomenology. The selected approach for this paper was phenomenology. Phenomenology is a style of thought or method of systematically reflecting on and studying the structures of consciousness and all phenomena appearing in acts of consciousness (Given, 2008). Phenomenology adopts an induction approach, which is critical in collecting qualitative data and some quantitative data for further supporting beliefs about the accounting profession. Using inductive reasoning, we moved from specific observations to broader generalisations and theories concerning business accounting. While using this approach, we made three assumptions; first, the world subjective and socially constructed. Therefore, it is through the existence of human beings that the world receives meaning. Through our research on petroleum companies, we gave meaning to the world concerning the performance of the selected companies during the period of

Chartered Portfolio Manager- Week 8 Discussion Post and Student Essay

Chartered Portfolio Manager- Week 8 Discussion Post and Student Responses - Essay Example This is to help standardize the type and content of messages posted by financial firms on social media and to eliminate fraudulent content (Flynn, 2012). Among the rules to be followed include ensuring that there is explanation of how a firm is using social media to advertise, ensuring that there is a record of all communication on social media, and ensuring that a firm is accountable for all messages posted on social media by their employees (Bahadur et al., 2012). After highlighting the importance of social media to individuals and firms, Roland should also add the limits that should be in place to ensure safe and efficient advertising of financial firms. I agree to the rest of the post where Roland analyses the advantages and functions of FINRA to businesses and their clients but I think that he should consider adding the risks of financial advisors to firms. When Kyrette explains what social media advertising is all about, he should also consider stating the risks associated with financial advisors. In addition to this, he should also consider adding information on what FINRA stands for, and its functions in advertising when he gives advantages of social media to professionals. Although Sherard’s gives a clear discussion on who financial advisors are and their main functions in a financial firm, Sherard should consider adding the rules and regulations put in place by FINRA. After highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of financial advertisers to firms, Sherard should give an opinion whether he recommends financial advisors to firms or