New Schools New Education New People

High school education system in the United States is considered inefficient by just about everybody – explanations why it is so may differ from person to person, but the idea is that our schools don’t do their job right. Yet despite doom and gloom in most predictions, there are patches of sunlight – primarily in the form of so-called charter schools. Charter schools come as a result of two-decade-long experiment aimed at further reformation of education system nationwide. So far their number is limited, but in some places, like Washington, D.C., they account for almost half of total number of students – quite enough to tell how this entire thing is doing. And it is doing extremely well. In Washington D.C. charter school students consistently show higher test scores than students in other city schools. They are more likely to successfully finish school, get admitted into college and graduate from it. So what’s so special about charter schools? What are they? Charter schools were created nationwide in 1991 as an alternative to the failing public education system, with a special emphasis on helping children coming from the poorest, especially Black and Hispanic, neighborhoods. The idea is to give low income parents opportunities, very similar to those, open to their more affluent counterparts who often move to a better neighborhood or send their children to a private school to ensure better education. Instead of being forced to go to a school in their own district, charter school students may attend a school of their choice, irrespectively of its location. The main difference a charter school has from a public one is that it doesn’t have an overarching authority looking over its shoulder and dictating its every move. They are still publicly funded, but in most respects are run independently from the local public school system. They make their own decisions concerning hiring and dismissing staff, greater freedom in organizing their curricula and, what’s probably most important – they are much more likely to be shut down completely if students fail to enroll in them or don’t show considerable results after studying there for a while. In other words, despite being publicly funded, they operate to a much greater extent on the free market basis. They have motivation to compete and succeed; they have a relatively free hand in choosing ways to do so and are not stifled by regulations. As a result, they show a great and diverse choice of specializations. Hands-on learning, language immersion learning, specializations in foster and juvenile care – if there is demand for it, you are likely to find a charter school catering for the needs of this particular group of students. It is, in other words, a direct opposite of the overarching unification we see in American educational system in general. It is hard to say if the rest of the system is going to follow suit, or if charter schools remain an interesting but localized experiment in schooling. However, if it is accepted on a larger scale, we will probably see something fascinating happening in our high school system in the years to come.

The Social Work Profession And Career Interests - 1946 Words

Master Integrative Assignment Introduction My perspective about the social work profession and career interests have been evolving and gaining more depth since I entered the MSW program. I would like to contribute to the betterment of the lives of the disadvantaged or marginalized individuals, and I am confident that graduating from the UTSA MSW program will enable me to apply my knowledge to culturally competent practice. It was my career in teaching that directed me through the years of my professional experience toward social work. Currently, my areas of interest are in school social work and gerontology. I can also envision myself having an active role within a hospital or clinic working with people to address their needs. Advanced Methods: Groups Group membership is natural to human life because being a member of the society means belonging to numerous groups. The classroom turned into a safe place for voicing our own dilemmas, and there was always room for conversation and discussion of controversial issues, for instance, related to the current national and global events, as well as pertaining to more ethical issues, such as what kind of icebreakers should be used in social work practice with groups. Classroom experience also provided a safe environment for use of a role play and psychodrama to rehearse different scenarios applicable to real-life situations, such as applying for job or internship. During discussions, we continued to learn from each other, giveShow MoreRelatedThe Development Of A Social Work1527 Words   |  7 Pagesdevelopment of your interest in social work. Please discuss any volunteer or paid experiences in human services, community work, or other experiences that contributed to your choice of social work as a profession. 1. My interest in social work began with taking a semester off of school during my undergraduate career. I was given the opportunity to live and work in Puerto Rico. This season away from classes allowed me time to search for a career and a major that would best fit my interests, values, andRead MoreMy Career Path And Career Essay1228 Words   |  5 PagesO*Net Interest Profiler The question â€Å"What do you want to be when you grow up?† meant so many things throughout middle childhood, adolescence, and was even relevant in adulthood. My interests varied from law, to education, and even construction for a period. It took most of my lifetime and lived experiences, up until very recently, to actually figure out, make a decision, and follow through, with my true occupational goals. This paper will examine my current career path and goals. It will investigateRead MoreThe Profession Of Social Work1290 Words   |  6 PagesOne of the main purposes of my interest in the profession of social work is to gain the knowledge and skill set to effectively help, counsel, and accordingly, provide services for all individuals so that their problems and needs are met. The profession of social work can be rigorous, yet it is a rewarding career that I am ready and willing to engage in. With the career being very diverse, it allows me to devote to my community in a num ber of ways from working in mental health to provide adequateRead MoreTime Waits For No One And I Desire1430 Words   |  6 Pageslong lasting social change in each and every individual or family I come in contact with, being their voice, advocacy, intervention, and treatment. In order to actualize this vision my short range goal is to gain acceptance within Walden University Masters of Social Work advancing standing program. Acceptance into the program will give me the education needed to better help each individual I come in contact with. The advance standing program in social work will facilitate my graduate career and makeRead MoreCareer Goals : My Career Essay1393 Words   |  6 PagesAs a student of psychology, my career assessments test showed me many options for my career goal path. For starters, my career interest profile results are broken into six main categories which are: social, artistic, investigative, enterprising, realistic, and conventional. According to my resul ts, my career matches are as followed: preschool, primary, secondary, and special education teacher. I am 28% social, 22% artistic, 17% investigative, 11% enterprising, 10% realistic, and 9% realistic. AccordingRead MoreComparing The Eq I And The Strong Interest Inventory Assessments1733 Words   |  7 Pagesand the Strong Interest Inventory assessments. EQ-i stands for emotional quotient inventory. The EQ-i was developed to assess emotion and social intelligence of people. Taking the EQ-i assessment helps many people determine what their strengths when dealing with things pertaining to stress, work ethic, and emotions that will affect the way they act and their success in the working world. The Strong Interest Inventory is used in career assessment. It gives insight on a person’s interests, so that theyRead MoreA Study On Child And Family Development Essay1530 Words   |  7 Pagesto the social work field with various different career opportunities (Child and Family Develo pment | Academics | Western Michigan University, n.d.). The ultimate goal of obtaining this degree and working in the social work field is to help improve the quality of life of individuals and their families within a dynamic community. The profession of a Social Worker originated in the 19th century. With the demise of the feudalism, the rising level of poverty was seen as a menace to the social orderRead MoreMy Interest On Social Work1226 Words   |  5 Pages My interest in social work began with taking a semester off of school during my undergraduate career. I was given the opportunity to live and work in Puerto Rico. This season away from classes allowed me time to contemplate a career and a major that would best fit my interests, values, and skills. I felt that social work was the only major that adequately reflected this. After returning to school to begin my social work classes, my interest in the field began to develop more fully. The followingRead MoreSocial Work Essay1360 Words   |  6 PagesThe social work profession as I understand essentially concerns the desire to help those in need of resources, services, and counsel. I consider the social work profession to be a passion-driven and providing career. I understand social work to be a profession providing helpful resources to those who seek assistance from others in various aspects, along with those who do not but can benefit. Being a social work professional means to me p roviding services only obtainable by professionals to thoseRead MorePersonal Career Analysis : Social Worker Essay1063 Words   |  5 PagesPersonal Career Analysis: Social worker The world is full of social injustices. Human beings are faced with these injustices every day. Some people have it harder than others. A few social injustices humans face are poverty and economic disparity, discrimination, oppression, racism, and even more unfairness. This is where the profession of Social Work is essential. The reason of Social work is to promote the well-being of humans and the community. This field interests me because I want to help

Animal Dissection Free Essays

Animal Dissection: No Longer Cutting Edge American Politics 115-01 Dr. Griffith Chelsea Morrison April 24, 2012 The use of animals in science that results in harm or death has traditionally played an integral role in education. Many thousands of animals have been killed worldwide during attempts to teach practical skills or to demonstrate scientific principles which have, in many cases, been established for decades. We will write a custom essay sample on Animal Dissection or any similar topic only for you Order Now Anatomy and experimental physiology started to be practiced around 300 B. C. Notable scientists like Aristotle, Vesalius and Gale conducted countless scientific studies with the dissection of animals almost every day. If the law permitted, human cadavers were also dissected, but the use of animals in vivisection and dissection was generally less mired in ethical or religious concerns. Like today, animals were dissected not only to learn more about them, but also as surrogates for humans. Though animal and human dissections were used to educate medical students, artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who wanted to learn to illustrate their subjects with better accuracy, also conducted dissections (Knight). They were also performed simply to illustrate the contents of ancient scientific texts. Later the 1500s, Andreas Vesalius, the founder of modern human anatomy, thought that dissection should be used to correctly teach students about anatomy instead of using illustrations in books, as well as to gain new knowledge (Knight). From this, Vesalius set the foundation for dissection as a teaching and research tool. In the early 1900s, the dissection of animals became more common in biology classes (Knight). Frog dissection was established in college level courses and eventually was taught in high schools. Around 1915, frogs became commercially available for use in education and by the 1920s, many high school classes considered frog dissection routine. A wider variety of animal dissection in high school became widespread after the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS). The BSCS was a federally-funded initiative in the 1960’s to create a science curriculum for elementary and high school students (Gilmore). Also as a result, more high schools offered advanced biology courses with the dissection of cats, minks, and fetal pigs, and even live animals. In 1998, it was estimated that animal dissection occurred in 75-80% of pre-college level biology classes (Gilmore). Most prevalently today, dissection of such animals is now in college anatomy courses. In fact, each year, an estimated 20 million animals – around 170 or more different species – are used in the U. S. in all areas of education and grade level (Capaldo). In most countries, veterinary students learn surgery through surgical practice on healthy animals and then killed afterwards by the students. It’s these practices that are controversial in veterinary school in concern for animals being harmed. But since harm accrues from any pain or discomfort associated with such procedures, and it disrupts of the animals’ normal life, the dissections are harmful. With student being exposed to the vast amount of animal dissection worldwide, students are exhibiting an opinion being forced on them with no options to oppose dissection. Under the stress of forced dissection, education is also is disheartened. When forced to use animals in ways the student objects to, the student is traumatized and invariably learns less (Capaldo). But there are other options to animal dissection like â€Å"computer simulations, high quality videos, ‘ethically-sourced cadavers,’ such as from animals euthanized for medical reasons, preserved specimens, models and surgical simulators, non-invasive self-experimentation, and supervised clinical experiences†(Knight). Such options have been studied and proven to over and over to benefit both schools, educators and students. In a 2007 study, â€Å"twenty nine papers in which live animal dissection didn’t occur illustrated additional benefits of humane teaching methods in veterinary education† (PETA). These benefits include time and cost savings, enhanced potential for customisation and repeatability of the learning exercise, increased student confidence and satisfaction, increased compliance with animal use legislation, elimination of objections to the use of purpose-killed animals, and integration of clinical perspectives and ethics early in the curriculum. This evidence demonstrates that educators can best serve their students and animals, while minimising financial and time burdens, by introducing humane teaching methods that are not reliant on harmful animal use. Classroom dissection desensitizes students to the sanctity of life. Research has shown that a significant number of students at every educational level are uncomfortable with the use of animals in dissection and experimentation (PETA). Studies also suggest that exposing young people to animal dissection as ‘science’ can foster a callousness toward animals and nature and even dissuade some from pursuing careers in science. (Wadman) Students simply do not need to cut up animals to understand basic anatomy and physiology. In contradicting, students who plan to go into a medical field can do better to study humans in a controlled and supervised setting, examine human cadavers, or use any of the many non-animal learning methods available, such as those provided by computer models and sophisticated simulators. The simulation-based education would more accurately reflect what students will encounter when they get to medical school. This is in consideration that more than 90% of U. S. medical schools have abandoned the use of animals in their standard curricula (Wadman). Yet, despite the benefits, from 1986 to 2007, many academics remain opposed to the use of humane teaching methods (AAVS). I think more students haven’t stood up for their rights to not dissect because they do not even know where the animals are coming from and the process that occur. Pound seizure is a term that not many people are familiar with unless they are against humane animal dissection. Any animal shelter or pound that is located in a state that has a pound-seizure law, must turn over animals who are not claimed within a about five days, to laboratories that ask for them. These animals are then used in animal dissection or experiments and usually the healthiest animals are used for dissection. This presents an uncomfortable situation for families when they learn this because if their cat should run away and is not found for a week, chances are the cat has gone through pound seizure and since it’s a healthy house cat, their child might see her cat in the next dissection lab. Education institutions know this very well and support it because pound seizure provides an inexpensive and easy source of animals and allows educators to continue using animals instead of switching to better and humane alternatives that may require a financial outlay. For example, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center had bought cats for decades from a local animal shelter. They paid fifteen dollars for each cat and used the cats in cruel and deadly medical training exercises and dissections. Cats used had tubes lodged down their throats and needles stabbed into their chests, even though sophisticated simulators were available (City of Odessa). However, after PETA sprang a campaign that uncovered the school’s relationship with the shelter, the school stopped buying animals from the shelter and ended the use of animals in their courses (Hartman). More controversy is spiked from claims that the best educational learning is solely attributable to dissection on animals (Animal-Dissection); this is simply not true. An article published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine  evaluated the claims and concluded that it was not supported by any evidence (PETA). In fact, most animal dissections are not relevant to human health, don’t add meaningfully to medical advances, and many are done out of sheer curiosity and don’t even hold promise for curing illnesses. People are only under the misapprehension because the media, experimenters, universities and lobbying groups exaggerate the potential of animal dissection to lead to be the only way to learn and how they have helped in past medical advances- as in centuries ago with Galen, which is irrelevant with today’s technology-. In the last presidential election, 2012 midterms and most recent republican primaries, no laws or acts were implemented against animal dissection in education. The obvious reason is because the public is not concerned with the issue and is not being properly informed. In a 2009, a survey of opinions was conducted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) to a general public of 2,000 adults. The poll reviled that â€Å"59% of the people thought regulations on animal research are not serious at all of an issue and only 27% said it’s a very serious issue†(PRCPP). However, past progress has been made, but it’s minimal. The following states have laws safeguarding students’ rights to choose humane alternatives over dissection without being penalized: Florida, California, Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, Illinois, Virginia, Oregon, New Jersey and Vermont. Currently, student-choice legislation is pending in Connecticut. In Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts and New Mexico the Board of Education have policies, and Louisiana passed a state resolution in 1992. Numerous schools and school boards have also independently enacted student-choice policies because of student-run campaigns. This information relates to Bill of Rights that is frequently discussed in class and what we have learned about one of its ten parts; the freedom of religion, speech, press, right of assembly, petition. PETA itself is a non-profit government organization that despite many people who disagree with their beliefs, still releases revolutionary and controversial articles such as this one because of its right to freedom of speech and press. Hundreds of large, infamous companies have been fined millions, given a bad reputation, and shut down like PLRS because of PETA. I am sure many large research companies that use animal testing, zoo’s, food industry CEO’s and others would like PETA to keep their mouths shut and silence their undercover workers so they can stop sweating through late night anxiety attacks about whether PETA will catch them red handed next. But, because PETA’s work is protected under the Bill of Rights, their beautiful, righteous, revolutionary, jaw-dropping and god-like work can continue to save millions of animals’ lives. I am for the new virtual dissections because of its significantly better educational attributes and it prevents innocent animals from being victims of companies trying to make a quick profit. I would improve animal dissection in education by implementing a law that requires all education institutions to provide students with an option to dissect real animals or do the virtual dissection. In addition, the optional agreement must provide each student with a list of both the positive and negative facts about each option because not many students will know why they should choose one option over the other. This shows both a lack of awareness and education of the severity of animal experimentation. In order to allow the student to form their own opinion, they must be given the correct facts about both options. Plus, PETA provides a wonderful service that allows you to create your own leaflet (brochure) advocating an issue your concerned about so I would   start a campaign urging local high school students not to dissect animals, create leaflets for the students or download or  order PETA’s anti-dissection leaflets and then expand to my college. This issue greatly impacts my life now and in the future. Currently, I dissected a fetal pig last week and was told my juniors who are also majoring in biology, that I must also dissect a cat and human cadaver. I understand the person who died did not die for the purpose of being dissected and willing donated their body to science, unlike animals. If I had been informed of where the fetal pigs came from and if there was a virtual option available, I would have definitely chosen the virtual option. Therefore, I am comfortable dissecting the cadaver but not the cat or any other future animals for dissection. How to cite Animal Dissection, Papers

Management And Decision Making Process †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Management And Decision Making Process. Answer: Introduction Management of employees, organizational culture, structure and policies is an important part of every business. Change is the only constant in any organization and for the growth and development of the business, it is imperative to adopt and embrace changes as and when they are required. I work in a startup which makes mobile applications for corporates. Our firm is relatively small and currently employees only 75 people. The biggest problem faced in the business is that of communication and decision making. Since the organization is at its beginning phase, everyone associated with the business has a high sense of ownership and hence takes part in the decision making process of the firm. This is causing various problems like conflicts in communication and delayed decision making Problem Statement Delayed decision making and increased conflicts due to flat organizational structure. Framework for analysis A flat organization structure is being adopted by various organizations especially startups. However such a structure works effectively for a smaller organization where the number of employees are relatively less. For an organization of 75 people, a flat structure creates conflicts, delayed decision making and slowed processes. The proposed solution would be to divide the entire organization in different departments with one department head. The departmentalization would include a marketing department, sales department, IT department, HR department, Accounts and Finance department andcustomer relationship management department. All the employees could be divided as per their qualifications and work expertise. Departments with under ten members (like accounts department and HR department) would have one department head while other departments would have 2 department heads. The remaining structure would still remain flat. There are various advantages associated with such a structure. Faster decision making Decision making would be much faster as the department heads would discuss matters with their team members and finally reach a decision for their department. Faster decision making would enhance the overall productivity of the business. Increased coordination Coordination would increase because instead of collaborating with 75 people, now 6 departments would require collaboration with each other. This would surely be a lot simpler process than before. Increased coordination within departments would lead to better customer service and efficient delivery. Less conflicts When people communicate within their departments, the number of conflicts would also reduce. An entirely flat structure also makes it difficult for an organization to manage conflicts. However, now it would be the responsibility of the department heads to handle conflicts of their team effectively. Clear direction When teams are divided in departments, it would be easy to provide a single direction for the entire department. The department heads would be the final decision makers and would be responsible for effectively delegating responsibility within their department. Conclusion A flat organizational structure has various benefits like improved sense of ownership and transparency in communication. However, in our firm, such a structure has more cons than pros. Therefore, it is recommended to divide the firm in departments to enhance communication and improve decision-making process.

Is Your Favorite Writer an Undercover Ghostwriter - The Writers For Hire

IS YOUR FAVORITE WRITER AN UNDERCOVER GHOSTWRITER? If you grew up in the late 1980’s or early 1990’s, you are almost certainly familiar with the insanely popular teen book series The Baby-Sitters Club. But, did you know that the books in that series were not all written by Ann M. Martin (who is credited as the author on all of the books)? It turns out that many of The Baby-Sitters Club books were actually written by Peter Lerangis. Lerangis, who is known for his young adult novels such as The 39 Clues series as well as the critically acclaimed historical fiction, Smiler’s Bones, also did some ghostwriting for another popular 80’s teen series: Sweet Valley High. It may seem strange that a well accomplished author would ghostwrite books under someone else’s name, but Peter Lerangis is definitely not the only one to have done so. In fact, this great article from Mental Floss reveals 6 well-known authors who have ghostwritten books for other people. From Harry Houdini’s famous ghostwriter, to books secretly written by Raymond Benson (best known for his 12 James Bond novels), you are sure to find some surprises among this list. You may also find yourself wondering how you never suspected that the adventures of your favorite teen girls were actually written by grown men.

Genetics Essays - Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioethics

Genetics Essays - Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioethics Genetics Genetics Genetics should be used to improve humans. Genetic alterations would be the most important thing to humans. If you genetically alter a retarded person, you could make them normal. It would cost a lot of money to be genetically altered, but the parents would gladly pay any price to see their child as an acceptable member of society. If you genetically altered a man to be smart when he was an embryo, he could end up inventing a time machine that could change the course of the world. He could end up creating a cure for cancer or AIDS or some other deadly disease. A drawback to that would be that he could take over the world and conquer all with his knowledge. Gene alterations can have very good results. They can prevent diseases like Down syndrome. They can redesign defective organisms, prevent heart problems, and prevent people from being deformed. Gene alterations can also change a person from being a boy or a girl when they are embryos. They can determine if someone is handsome or ugly, tall or short, heavy or thin, and even shoe size. These are all of the reasons that I think genetic alterations should be used to improve humans. After reading or skimming through this essay, you should be able to state your own feelings about genetic alterations. Do you think that genetic alterations should be used to improve humans? Bibliography Encarta 99 Encyclopedia

Food Borne Diseases Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Food Borne Diseases - Lab Report Example It should be noted that even though meat differs in terms of composition and mode of production, the infestation from microorganisms occurs in a similar manner. Meat which has gone bad is characterized by the odor of the gas it produces and an irritating taste. Raw ham is infested by microorganisms which include gram-negative bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts. After the ham was pasteurized, the number of the bacteria reduced. High-care treatment causes preference towards the lactic acid bacteria and enterobacteriaceae. After slicing and covering, the refrigerated ham harbors cornobacteria, leuconostocs, and thermosphacta. What Are The Concentrations Of Microorganisms In Ready-To-Eat Luncheon Meat? In ready to eat tumbled meat that has not been preserved or treated, the bacterial concentration is 4.8 log (cfu g (-1)). After the high care treatment, however, the concentration decreases to 2 log (cfu g (-1)). The concentration after packing and decreasing fall significantly as the microorganisms are inactivated and they do not reproduce any more. In case there is no preservation, the meat reaches the spoilage point after a short time. What Concentration Of Bacteria Can Be Consumed Without Causing Illness? As highlighted in the above mentioned case, the concentration of bacteria that have not gone past the spoilage point is safe for consumption. ... Refrigeration causes inactivation of microorganisms. However, after the temperatures are raised, the microorganisms grow faster. How Is Food Poisoning Defined? Food poisoning is defined as flu like illness typically characterized by vomiting and diarrhea. It is caused by ingestion of contaminated food. The food contains mainly monocytogens, Vibrio vulnificus, and Norwalk virus. The following is a brief overview on how each of the above named microorganisms causes food poisoning. The Norwalk virus is responsible for more than two thirds of food poisoning that happens in the world. They are the fastest spreading microorganisms in contaminated food. They contaminate the whole tainted food in a day or two and causes stomach upsets if consumed (Food 2009). The leading cause of bacterial food poisoning is Campylobacter jejuni. They usually affect undercooked contaminated poultry meat. A drop of soup from such poultry meat is enough to make a grown adult sick. In 2 to5 days, the symptoms start kicking in with cramping of the abdomen, diarrhea, and vomiting. In such a case, however, the diarrhea is bloody and the victim suffers a fever. Though salmonella does not cause a lot of food poisoning, most of food related deaths in the world are caused by the bacteria. These deaths, however, affect old people with a weak immune system. An expectant mother is, however, in danger from the salmonella because of the risk associated with pregnancy due to compromised immunity and can lead to stillbirth (Food 2009). How does storage affect meat quality and safety? All meat should be stored below 400 F to preven t the development of bacterial pathogens on its surface. This is usually how meat is stored. Chilling is the most advantageous method of storing meat.

First Degree Murder Defenses Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

First Degree Murder Defenses - Assignment Example As per the US state law, murders are claimed to be 1st degree, if the following criteria are fulfilled. The basic elements of this form of murder are â€Å"willfulness, deliberation, and premeditation†. The â€Å"1st-degree murder† in some states of the US is considered as applicable for ‘felony murder rule’. This implies that if any accidental death occurs due to the reason of some violent felonies, such as burglary, abuse, kidnapping,  and robbery, it is also regarded as 1st-degree murder. With reference to the provided case, Kim is convicted of the murder, which was accidental in nature. However, the alleged surrendered herself to the police after she identified and realized the death of Michael Thomas (Thomson Routers, 2014). Contextually, defenses are sub-categorized into two forms ― first, the defendant should have submitted justification that he/she had not committed the crime of murder intentionally and second, is he/she should have condemned the crime. To justify their actions regarding the suspect of murder, victims usually use the subsection laws of self-defense and defense to other individuals (Thomson Routers, 2014). As per the US state of law, ‘1st-degree murder’ is a severe offense, which can result in unforgiving punishment. The degree of punishment may, however, vary in different states due to rudiments of crime and ways of defense. The degree of sentences to condemned murderer also depends upon the state law, decision of the court and strict legal rules who determines the concerned facts about the case. Again, the punishment of the victims of the 1st-degree murder may also vary as per the evidence and justification provided on the basis of sub law of self-defense and defense to others (2Thomson Routers, 2014). As per the case statement, Kim Johnson was charged with ‘1st degree murder’ for the killing of Michael Thomas. She claimed for self-defense and defense to others as well. She argued with justification that as per the law of self-defense, Michael Thomas would have entered the premises by seeking her permission.

Urban services (waste collection and cleaning) and waste treatment Thesis

Urban services (waste collection and cleaning) and waste treatment activities Globally (focus in Europe) - Thesis Example ries do not differ much as to their wastes disposal priorities, but Europe is more advanced in treatment because of experimentation and implementation of technologies. Landfills would remain a problem because of scarce resources and need for area developments. Outlook and trends of the waste industry is good as revenues of the players in the industry are encouraging. Waste disposal is one of the urgent environmental problems facing regions all over the world. The over consumption of resources and creation of non-biodegradable materials such as plastics, Styrofoam and chemicals are creating a mounting problem of waste disposal. People are gaining the notoriety of producing excessive wastes and dumping them as garbage on landfills and oceans. Garbage such as nuclear wastes, plastics, fast food wastes and electronic products are samples of harmful materials that can affect the health of man in particular and of the environment in general. However these wastes became a business opportunity and opened up avenues for new industries, i.e. the urban services and waste treatment, an interesting topic for discussion. This study intends to investigate the urban services and waste management activities in Europe., and in U.S. Specifically, study seeks to describe the practices done within the industry and identify the challenges and opportunities the industry face. This work would be of special concern to those who wanted to gain information on the economic opportunities of the waste disposal. This research will use observational research method wherein the researcher will study a phenomenon without interfering. Observation method is used in behavioral studies, social sciences and anthropology, and is useful when ethics is a problem. Existing literatures and researches on the subject will be used as secondary source since access to primary source is not possible. Web definition of waste management is â€Å"The  collection,  transportation, and  

Procter Gamble Company Merger Case Study

Procter Gamble Company Merger Case Study The project deals with the analysis of mergers and acquisitions in an FMCG sector. Products which have a quick turnover, and relatively low cost are known as Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). FMCG products are those that get replaced within a year. A merger is the combining of two or more companies, generally by offering the stockholders of one company securities in the acquiring company in exchange for the surrender of their stock. This project deals with the merger of Procter Gamble and Gillette, acquisition of Balsaras hygiene and home product by Dabur and Acquisition of Nihar brand from HLL by Marico. The methodology deals with the various ways in which the data for this project was collected. Due to the limited scope of information and time constraints, secondary and not primary data sources has been used including journals, articles, reference sites, etc. The project guide proved very vital in the successful completion of my report. The next section deals with the individual introduction of both companies involved in the process of merger. It further includes the different terms of the merger and various synergies created through the merger. Furthermore the next section deals with scenario after the merger and analysis of financial statements of acquiring company post merger. Building a brand from scratch in the FMCG space can be quite an expensive exercise. Mature categories such as personal care or household products are already dominated by one or two strong incumbents and wresting market share away from them is quite a challenge. With growth rates in markets such as skin care, hair care and household products suddenly moving into high gear, companies also cannot afford to lose time on the trial-and-error method that usually accompanies new launches. Given this scenario, domestic players seem to view brand acquisitions and mergers as the quickest way to step into new categories and acquire a well-rounded product basket, without squandering their surpluses on brand-building expenses. Market shares apart, many of the buyouts have been motivated by the need to acquire better distribution reach whether within India or overseas. Introduction I. MERGER A merger is the combining of two or more companies, generally by offering the stockholders of one company securities in the acquiring company in exchange for the surrender of their stock. A merger occurs when two or more companies combines and the resulting firm maintains the identity of one of the firms. One or more companies may merge with an existing company or they may merge to form a new company. Usually the assets and liabilities of the smaller firms are merged into those of larger firms. Merger may take two forms- Merger through absorption Merger through consolidation. Absorption: Absorption is a combination of two or more companies into an existing company. All companies except one lose their identity in a merger through absorption. Consolidation: A consolidation is a combination if two or more combines into a new company. In this form of merger all companies are legally dissolved and a new entity is created. In consolidation the acquired company transfers its assets, liabilities and share of the acquiring company for cash or exchange of assets. II. ACQUISITION A fundamental characteristic of merger is that the acquiring company takes over the ownership of other companies and combines their operations with its own operations. An acquisition may be defined as an act of acquiring effective control by one company over the assets or management of another company without any combination of companies. III. TAKEOVER A takeover may also be defined as obtaining control over management of a company by another company.Merger of Procter Gamble Company and Gillette CompanyAbout the merging companies: Procter Gamble Procter Gamble Company is asoap opera. PG was named 2008 Advertiser of the Year by Cannes International Advertising Festival. Effective July 1, 2007, the companys operations are categorized into three Global Business Units with each Global Business Unit divided into Business Segments according to the companys March 2009 earnings release. Beauty Care Beauty segment Grooming segment Household Care Baby Care and Family Care segment Fabric Care and Home Care segment Health and Well-Being Health Care segment Snacks, Coffee, and Pet Care segment PG has gone into an aggressive mode. It has launched two new variants on 2nd Dec 2009, one in the detergent segment, which is called Tide Naturals and also another one in skin care segment under the Olay brand. Gillette Company The Gillette Company is a globally focused consumer products marketer that seeks competitive advantage in quality, value-added personal care and personal use products. It is the world leader in the mens grooming product category as well as in certain womens grooming products. Although more than half of company profits are still derived from shaving equipmentthe area in which the company startedGillette has also attained the top spots worldwide in writing instruments (Paper Mate, Parker, and Waterman brands) and correction products (Liquid Paper), toothbrushes and other oral care products (Oral-B), and alkaline batteries (Duracell products, which generate almost one-fourth of company profits). Gillette maintains 64 manufacturing facilities in 27 countries, and its products are sold in more than 200 countries and territories, with more than 60 percent of sales occurring outside the United States. The Merger: On October 1, 2005, Procter Gamble finalized its purchase of The Gillette Company. As a result of this merger, the Gillette Company no longer exists. Its last day of market trading symbol G on theOral-B, among others, which have also been maintained by PG. The Terms of the Merger: Date of merger: The merger came into effect from July 1st, 2007. The new company formed : The Gillette Companys assets were initially incorporated into a PG unit known internally as Global Gillette. In July 2007, Global Gillette was dissolved and incorporated into Procter Gambles other two main divisions, Procter Gamble Beauty and Procter Gamble Household Care. Gillettes brands and products were divided between the two accordingly. The Share Swap Ratio : Under the deal announced, Procter Gamble will pay 0.975 share of its common stock for each share of Gillette common stock. On Wall Street, shares in Gillette closed up nearly 13%, while PG slid 2.1% after the announcement. The Management: Gillettes chief executive James Kilts is to join the board of the merged company, becoming PG vice chairman, while PG chief executive A.G. Lafley will remain chief executive of the merged company. Examining the merger: Type of merger: Procter Gamble being number one in consumer products went into acquiring and merging with other companies like, Germanys Wella AG hair care line in 2003 and it also acquired Clairol for its hair-care lines and Iams Co. for its pet foods. The merger in question; between Procter Gamble and Gillette is thus a merger where the acquiring company is expanding in size of operations and also product offerings. This is thus a horizontal merger. Operational Synergies of the merger: The merger of the two companies will create the worlds largest consumer products conglomerate. Both companies are strong, diversified companies, so one wonders what uncaptured synergies there could be here. PG is adept at taking innovations from one product and transferring it to another product, so there may be opportunities to improve existing Gillette products. In addition, the companies are stating that the merger will give them more negotiating power with the most powerful buyer of consumer products. The deal would give the company even more control over shelf space at the nations retailers and grocers, real estate that is at a premium. Executives at the companies said they believe theyll both be able to grow faster together than separately, with PG opening doors for Gillette in markets such as China and Japan while Gillette bringing PG some product segments that are growing faster than the companys overall current portfolio of products.The merger will make PG the worlds biggest household goods maker, pushing Unilever into second place Financial Synergies: The merger would create a company with revenues of more than Rs.2700 billion that would have even greater clout against mass-market retailers like Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which have been pressuring consumer product suppliers to keep costs low. Because of expectations from the deal, PG raised the annual revenue growth outlook to 5 to 7 percent, rather than its earlier target of 4 to 6 percent. The companies said they expected cost savings and synergies of about Rs.630 billion to Rs.720 billion US over three years. PG and Gillettes combined market capitalization of about Rs 8325 billion US, would be by far the largest in the FMCG sector. HR Synergies: As part of the cost-cutting that would follow the deal, the merger would result in the elimination of about 6,000 jobs, or 4 percent of the combined work force of about 140,000. It said most of the cuts would come from eliminating management overlaps and consolidation of business support functions. Gillettes chief executive James Kilts is to join the board of the merged company, becoming PG vice chairman, while PG chief executive A.G. Lafley will remain chief executive of the merged company. Scenario Post Merger: Procter Gamble is the worlds largest producer of household and personal products by revenue, with its products reaching 4 billion people worldwide and its product line includes 23 brands across beauty, healthcare, and food including Tide detergent, Pampers diapers, and Gillette razors, that generate over $1 billion in revenue annually, with the companys total revenue at Rs.3555 billion in 2009.In 2005, PG expanded its portfolio to include razors and blades as well as batteries with its acquisition of the Gillette Company.The companys 2010 first quarter net income fell 1% to Rs.148.95 billion (Rs.46.35 per share) as higher prices offset lower sales volumes and foreign exchange effects, beating analyst expectations of Rs.43.65 per share. Revenue fell 6% to Rs.891.45 billion, though organic sales rose 2%. One of the key areas of growth for the company is in emerging markets worldwide. Sales in developing nations have increased steadily from 20% of total revenue in 2002 to 32% in 2009.PG already owns large and growing market share in countries includingglobal economic downturn, PG has announced it will focus its growth strategy on emerging markets, opening almost all of its 20 new manufacturing facilities outside its established markets. Procter Gamble attempts to maintain its competitive edge by focusing on product innovation. To this end, PG spends almost twice as much on research and development spending Rs.90 billion in 2009 as its closest competitor, Unilever, spent about Rs.58.5 billion USD in 2008.Through itsConnect + Developinitiative, PG looks to bring in new product ideas from outside the company. Connect + Develop has led to the development of 42% of new PG products in recent years. In fiscal 2009, PGs Net sales fell 3% to Rs.3555 billion driven by a 3% decline in unit volume and a 4% decline in net sales from the rising US dollar. Organic sales, a closely watched figure which excludes the impact of acquisitions, divestitures, andforeign exchange, increased 2%, which is below its target organic sales range of 4-6%.Earnings for fiscal 2009 increased 11% to Rs.603 billion. In July 2009, CEO A.G. Lafley stepped down from his post after 29 years with Proctor Gamble.He was succeeded by current COO Bob McDonald.The company expects sales to be up 0 to 3% in fiscal 2010,with sales back up in the fall of 2009, fed by price cuts, new products, and value-focused promotions. PG divides its business into three Global Business Units (GBUs) that develop and produce products and its corporate group which handles the operation and administration of the company. Beauty (33% of 2009 sales, 36% of 2009 net income): The Beauty GBU includes all hair and skin products, medications, razors, electric shavers, and batteries. This business unit includes several product lines acquired when the PG bought consumer products company Gillette in 2005. Proctor Gambles global market share in blades and razors is 70%, primarily centered on its Mach3, Fusion, Venus, and Gillette brands.In June 2009, PG further expanded its mens grooming business with the acquisition of the high-end shaving company The Art of Shaving and the mens skin care line Zirh. Health and Well-Being (21% of 2009 sales, 24% of 2009 net income): The Health and Well-Being GBU provide oral care, feminine health, pharmaceuticals, snacks, coffee, and pet care products. In oral care, the company has the number two market share position at 20% globally.In potato chips, the companys Pringles brand holds a market share of approximately 10%. Household Care (46.8% of 2009 sales, 43% of 2009 net income): The Household Care GBU manufactures a wide range of products from laundry detergent to diapers. The companys baby care market share in 2008 was 29%. Business Growth and Divestitures Folgers Sale On June 4, 2008, PG sold its Folgers coffee unit toJ.M. Smucker Companyfor Rs.132.75 billion.As part of the deal, PG shareholders will receive a 53.5 percent stake in Smuckers and the company will assume Rs.15750 million of Folgers debt. Gillette Acquisition Procter Gamble acquired Gillette in 2005 for over Rs.2250 billion in its largest acquisition to date. In 2004, the last full year before the acquisition, Gillette generated over Rs.450 billion in sales, about Rs.270 billion of which came from razors and Duracell and Braun products and the remainder sourced from the Oral-B brand, which was moved into the Health Well-Being segment. A key piece of the acquisition beyond Gillettes product lines was its distribution network and supply chain. Gillettes distribution network and supply chain in emerging markets had been extremely successful for Gillette and, once acquired, has worked to complement PGs own distribution network. Sale of Pharmaceutical Unit In 2009 PG sold its pharmaceutical unit to Warner Chilcott Plc for Rs.139.5 billion in cash.The company expects to book a 43 cent per share earnings boost in Q2 of fiscal 2010 as a result of the sale.The deal allows PG to focus on its personal care, beauty, and household product divisions. In 2006, the company started winding down its discover-phase pharmaceutical products in favor of licensing late-stage compounds, and announced in 2008 it would exit the drug industry entirely. PG 2008 Net sales by Geographic Region(Post merger) PG has a well-established market presence in developed countries such as the United States and Western Europe and is looking to its presence in emerging markets. In fiscal 2009, 32% of total net sales came from developing nations,a figure that has increased steadily from 2002 when sales in developing nations accounted for only about 20% of total revenue (approximately Rs.360 billion). In China and Russia, PGs market share has been consistently increasing in the past five years as Procter Gamble has put an increased emphasis on establishing its products in those markets. In 2008, the companys distribution network reached 800 million people in China and 80% of the population in Russia. PG has created products designed specifically to target developing nations. The average Mexican spends about Rs.9000 a year on PG products, Chinese per-capita spending is only about Rs.135 and India per-capita spending Rs.45.Increasing sales in China and India to the levels in Mexico would add Rs.1800 billion in sales to the companys overall revenue. Research Development focuses both inside and outside the company In 2009, PG spent approximately Rs.91.8 billion on Research Development, nearly Rs.45 billion more than its closest competitor, Unilever.The two most important factors in PGs innovation process are its practice of consumer demand research and its Connect and Develop RD structure. First, when entering new markets, PG sets up in-home visits with consumers in order to fully understand the needs and desires consumers have for household and personal products. This way, PG gets directly to its customers and is able to cater to their needs. PG also incorporates consumers input into the RD process through its Connect and Develop initiative. Through Connect and Develop PG has an online interface set up where people can submit product ideas and provide input on topics that PG places on the web-portal. PG staff then sorts through the ideas and work with the most promising ones. This process is not responsible for the entire RD that PG does, but approximately 42% of new products in the last sev eral years were influenced by or originated from Connect and Develop. Tide Stain Release, a stain-removing detergent released in July 2009, has garnered 10% market share in the US as of November 2009.The Bounce Dryer Bar, an automatic laundry freshener released in August 2009, has captured 7% of the North American fabric sheet market as of November 2009. Commodity Prices A diversified consumer products manufacturer, PG depends heavily on a wide basket of global commodities for manufacturing its goods, the prices for which have risen nearly 50% since 2002. Nearly half of the companys cost of goods is directly related to commodity goods. The company has increased prices due to higher costs of oil and other raw materials. In its conference call, the company stated that it expected raw material costs to increase Rs.135 billion in 2009.The company has raised prices on Cascade dishwashing detergent, Iams pet food, and Gillette razors to counter the increasing cost of oil in the first half of 2008.PG instituted broad price adjustments in Q1 2010 to close widening price gaps in several businessesincluding North American laundry, tissue, andtowel, and several Eastern European markets. Competition Procter Gamble provides the broadest and biggest portfolio of products in the household and personal care industry with 24 billion-dollar brands. PG generates 43% more revenue than its closest competitor,LOreal, and Reckitt Benckiser. Here are somekey factsabout the two firms. Cincinnati-based Procter Gamble was established in 1837 and made its name selling soap and candles to U.S. government soldiers during the civil war. Boston-based Gillette spends around Rs.2700 million annually on advertising. In May the razor-maker paid a reported 40 million pounds (Rs.3393 million) to sign international soccer star David Beckham to a three-year deal as its global face. Procter Gamble employs a workforce of 110,000 worldwide and has a market capitalization of Rs.6345 billion. Gillette employs 29,400 employees worldwide and has a market capitalization of Rs.2025 billion. Gillettes profit beat market expectations last October after Hurricane Ivan spurred the buying of Duracell batteries. Limitations: Due to lack of data the financial statements analysis of Procter Gamble was not carried out. Conclusion Thus the acquisition and integration of Gillette was the largest and most successful in the history of Procter Gamble. PG acquired Gillette, which is best known for its shaving products, in 2005 for Rs.2565 billion. The merger between Procter Gamble and Gillette is a horizontal merger where the acquiring company is expanding in size of operations and also product offerings. The merger created various synergies like financial, operation and human resource synergies. After the merger Procter Gamble integrated systems in 26 countries, spanning five geographic regions, representing about 20% of sales. Gillette is a catalyst that makes PG a better brand-builder and a stronger innovation leader. There is no doubt that PG and Gillette are stronger together than alone, and both the companies together can deliver accelerated growth targets over the balance of the decade. Acquisition of Balsarashygiene and home product by Dabur About the merging companies: Dabur Company Dabur India Limitedis the fourth largest FMCG Company in India and Dabur had a turnover of approximately Rs.2,834 Crore Market Capitalisation of over Rs 10,000 Crore, with brands like Dabur Amla, Dabur Chyawanprash, Vatika, Hajmola and Real. The company has kept an eye on new generations of customers with a range of products that cater to a modern lifestyle, while managing not to alienate earlier generations of loyal customers. Dabur has global presence in 50 countries; products are available in the markets of Middle East, South-East Asia, Africa, the European Union andAmerica. Dabur is an investor friendly brand as its financial performance shows. The companys growth rate rose from 10% to 40%. The expected growth rate for two years was two-fold. Theres a great sense of responsibility for investors funds on view. This is a direct extension of Daburs philosophy of taking care of its constituents and it adds to the sense of trust for the brand overall. The company, through Dabur Pharma Ltd. does toxicology tests and markets ayurvedic medicines in a scientific manner. They have researched new medicines which will find use in O.T. all over the country therein opening a new market. Dabur Foods, a subsidiary of Dabur India is expecting to grow at 25%. Its brands of juices, namely, Real and Active, together make it the market leader in the Fruit Juice Category. Dabur Ranked AmongIndias Most Trusted Brands of 2007 By Economic Times-Brand Equity. Products of Dabur Ø Under health care products it has brands like Hajmola, Pudin Hara, Dabur Chyawanprash, Glucose D, Dabur Lal tail,etc. Ø In home care range consist of product like Odinil,Odomos,odopic,etc. Ø Under personal care range it has product like Vatika,Gulabri,Dabur Red Toothpaste,etc. Ø In food range it has brands like Real Active ,HOMMADE-range of ready made pastes, soups, coconut milk tomato puree Ø Dabur has guar gum plant,a natural gum used in foods industrial applications. Ø Dabur also produces ayurvedic medicines. Balsara Company The Balsara Group manufactures and markets its products, in India and Internationally. The Group has a domestic annual sales turnover of Indian Rs. 2 billion, and a rapidly growing international sales turnover of Indian Rs. 350 million. The Group is professionally managed, with manufacturing, sales, distribution and administrative facilities located throughout India, in addition to its international operations. In the Indian market, 60% of the Balsara Groups sales turnover of Indian Rs. 2 billion comes from Personal Hygiene Products (Promise, Babool and Meswak oral care ranges) and 40% is derived from Household Products (Odomos insect repellents, Odonil Air Fresheners, Sani Fresh toilet cleaners and Odopic dish washing products). Balsara has a wide national sales and distribution system that makes products available in 10, 54,000 retail outlets. The system is supported by a distribution network of 4 Zonal Offices, 13 Branches, 24 Regional Warehouses, and 1700 Distributors in 1500 towns. The mission of the Balsara Group of Companies is to be a leading provider of superior quality personal and household products, ingredients and packaging materials to consumers and customers on the Indian sub-continent and throughout the world. The Acquisition: On January 27, 2005 Dabur India today announced the acquisition of Balsara Hygeine and Home Care businesses for Rs. 143 crores and said it would look at more buyouts to capitalise on the consolidation in the sector. The company board of Dabur approved the acquisition of controlling stake in three Balsara group companies Balsara Hygiene Products, Balsara Home Products and Besta Cosmectics. With the acquisition of the Rs. 143-crore Balsara Group in an all cash deal, Dabur India will have oral care brands such as Promise, Babool, Meswak; mosquito repellents such as Odomos and household products such as Odonil and Odopic under its fold. Dabur India will acquire the entire promoters stake in the three companies 99.4 per cent in Balsara Hygiene, 100 per cent in Balsara Home Products and 97.9 per cent in Besta Cosmetics. The Terms of the Acquisition: Date of the acquisition: The merger came into effect from 1st April 2006. The new company formed : According to the deal Dabur will take full control of Balsaras entire brand portfolio which consists of oral care brands like Promise, Babool, Meswak; mosquito repellants like Odomos and household products like Odonil, Odopic. The deal also includes takeover of Balsaras operations consisting of three manufacturing facilities at Kanpur, Silvassa and Baddi and about 600 employees. Dabur India will also acquire the entire promoters stake in the three companies 99.4 per cent in Balsara Hygiene, 100 per cent in Balsara Home Products and 97.9 per cent in Besta Cosmetics. The Share Swap Ratio : Under the deal announced, Dabur India Ltd will acquire Balsaras hygiene and home product businesses in an Rs 143 crore all-cash deal. While Rs 120 crore will be funded through internal accruals, the balance Rs 23 crore will be raised through debt. Examining the Acquisition: Type of merger: The Rs 1,300-crore fast-moving consumer goods major Dabur India acquired Mum Procter Gamble Company Merger Case Study Procter Gamble Company Merger Case Study The project deals with the analysis of mergers and acquisitions in an FMCG sector. Products which have a quick turnover, and relatively low cost are known as Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). FMCG products are those that get replaced within a year. A merger is the combining of two or more companies, generally by offering the stockholders of one company securities in the acquiring company in exchange for the surrender of their stock. This project deals with the merger of Procter Gamble and Gillette, acquisition of Balsaras hygiene and home product by Dabur and Acquisition of Nihar brand from HLL by Marico. The methodology deals with the various ways in which the data for this project was collected. Due to the limited scope of information and time constraints, secondary and not primary data sources has been used including journals, articles, reference sites, etc. The project guide proved very vital in the successful completion of my report. The next section deals with the individual introduction of both companies involved in the process of merger. It further includes the different terms of the merger and various synergies created through the merger. Furthermore the next section deals with scenario after the merger and analysis of financial statements of acquiring company post merger. Building a brand from scratch in the FMCG space can be quite an expensive exercise. Mature categories such as personal care or household products are already dominated by one or two strong incumbents and wresting market share away from them is quite a challenge. With growth rates in markets such as skin care, hair care and household products suddenly moving into high gear, companies also cannot afford to lose time on the trial-and-error method that usually accompanies new launches. Given this scenario, domestic players seem to view brand acquisitions and mergers as the quickest way to step into new categories and acquire a well-rounded product basket, without squandering their surpluses on brand-building expenses. Market shares apart, many of the buyouts have been motivated by the need to acquire better distribution reach whether within India or overseas. Introduction I. MERGER A merger is the combining of two or more companies, generally by offering the stockholders of one company securities in the acquiring company in exchange for the surrender of their stock. A merger occurs when two or more companies combines and the resulting firm maintains the identity of one of the firms. One or more companies may merge with an existing company or they may merge to form a new company. Usually the assets and liabilities of the smaller firms are merged into those of larger firms. Merger may take two forms- Merger through absorption Merger through consolidation. Absorption: Absorption is a combination of two or more companies into an existing company. All companies except one lose their identity in a merger through absorption. Consolidation: A consolidation is a combination if two or more combines into a new company. In this form of merger all companies are legally dissolved and a new entity is created. In consolidation the acquired company transfers its assets, liabilities and share of the acquiring company for cash or exchange of assets. II. ACQUISITION A fundamental characteristic of merger is that the acquiring company takes over the ownership of other companies and combines their operations with its own operations. An acquisition may be defined as an act of acquiring effective control by one company over the assets or management of another company without any combination of companies. III. TAKEOVER A takeover may also be defined as obtaining control over management of a company by another company.Merger of Procter Gamble Company and Gillette CompanyAbout the merging companies: Procter Gamble Procter Gamble Company is asoap opera. PG was named 2008 Advertiser of the Year by Cannes International Advertising Festival. Effective July 1, 2007, the companys operations are categorized into three Global Business Units with each Global Business Unit divided into Business Segments according to the companys March 2009 earnings release. Beauty Care Beauty segment Grooming segment Household Care Baby Care and Family Care segment Fabric Care and Home Care segment Health and Well-Being Health Care segment Snacks, Coffee, and Pet Care segment PG has gone into an aggressive mode. It has launched two new variants on 2nd Dec 2009, one in the detergent segment, which is called Tide Naturals and also another one in skin care segment under the Olay brand. Gillette Company The Gillette Company is a globally focused consumer products marketer that seeks competitive advantage in quality, value-added personal care and personal use products. It is the world leader in the mens grooming product category as well as in certain womens grooming products. Although more than half of company profits are still derived from shaving equipmentthe area in which the company startedGillette has also attained the top spots worldwide in writing instruments (Paper Mate, Parker, and Waterman brands) and correction products (Liquid Paper), toothbrushes and other oral care products (Oral-B), and alkaline batteries (Duracell products, which generate almost one-fourth of company profits). Gillette maintains 64 manufacturing facilities in 27 countries, and its products are sold in more than 200 countries and territories, with more than 60 percent of sales occurring outside the United States. The Merger: On October 1, 2005, Procter Gamble finalized its purchase of The Gillette Company. As a result of this merger, the Gillette Company no longer exists. Its last day of market trading symbol G on theOral-B, among others, which have also been maintained by PG. The Terms of the Merger: Date of merger: The merger came into effect from July 1st, 2007. The new company formed : The Gillette Companys assets were initially incorporated into a PG unit known internally as Global Gillette. In July 2007, Global Gillette was dissolved and incorporated into Procter Gambles other two main divisions, Procter Gamble Beauty and Procter Gamble Household Care. Gillettes brands and products were divided between the two accordingly. The Share Swap Ratio : Under the deal announced, Procter Gamble will pay 0.975 share of its common stock for each share of Gillette common stock. On Wall Street, shares in Gillette closed up nearly 13%, while PG slid 2.1% after the announcement. The Management: Gillettes chief executive James Kilts is to join the board of the merged company, becoming PG vice chairman, while PG chief executive A.G. Lafley will remain chief executive of the merged company. Examining the merger: Type of merger: Procter Gamble being number one in consumer products went into acquiring and merging with other companies like, Germanys Wella AG hair care line in 2003 and it also acquired Clairol for its hair-care lines and Iams Co. for its pet foods. The merger in question; between Procter Gamble and Gillette is thus a merger where the acquiring company is expanding in size of operations and also product offerings. This is thus a horizontal merger. Operational Synergies of the merger: The merger of the two companies will create the worlds largest consumer products conglomerate. Both companies are strong, diversified companies, so one wonders what uncaptured synergies there could be here. PG is adept at taking innovations from one product and transferring it to another product, so there may be opportunities to improve existing Gillette products. In addition, the companies are stating that the merger will give them more negotiating power with the most powerful buyer of consumer products. The deal would give the company even more control over shelf space at the nations retailers and grocers, real estate that is at a premium. Executives at the companies said they believe theyll both be able to grow faster together than separately, with PG opening doors for Gillette in markets such as China and Japan while Gillette bringing PG some product segments that are growing faster than the companys overall current portfolio of products.The merger will make PG the worlds biggest household goods maker, pushing Unilever into second place Financial Synergies: The merger would create a company with revenues of more than Rs.2700 billion that would have even greater clout against mass-market retailers like Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which have been pressuring consumer product suppliers to keep costs low. Because of expectations from the deal, PG raised the annual revenue growth outlook to 5 to 7 percent, rather than its earlier target of 4 to 6 percent. The companies said they expected cost savings and synergies of about Rs.630 billion to Rs.720 billion US over three years. PG and Gillettes combined market capitalization of about Rs 8325 billion US, would be by far the largest in the FMCG sector. HR Synergies: As part of the cost-cutting that would follow the deal, the merger would result in the elimination of about 6,000 jobs, or 4 percent of the combined work force of about 140,000. It said most of the cuts would come from eliminating management overlaps and consolidation of business support functions. Gillettes chief executive James Kilts is to join the board of the merged company, becoming PG vice chairman, while PG chief executive A.G. Lafley will remain chief executive of the merged company. Scenario Post Merger: Procter Gamble is the worlds largest producer of household and personal products by revenue, with its products reaching 4 billion people worldwide and its product line includes 23 brands across beauty, healthcare, and food including Tide detergent, Pampers diapers, and Gillette razors, that generate over $1 billion in revenue annually, with the companys total revenue at Rs.3555 billion in 2009.In 2005, PG expanded its portfolio to include razors and blades as well as batteries with its acquisition of the Gillette Company.The companys 2010 first quarter net income fell 1% to Rs.148.95 billion (Rs.46.35 per share) as higher prices offset lower sales volumes and foreign exchange effects, beating analyst expectations of Rs.43.65 per share. Revenue fell 6% to Rs.891.45 billion, though organic sales rose 2%. One of the key areas of growth for the company is in emerging markets worldwide. Sales in developing nations have increased steadily from 20% of total revenue in 2002 to 32% in 2009.PG already owns large and growing market share in countries includingglobal economic downturn, PG has announced it will focus its growth strategy on emerging markets, opening almost all of its 20 new manufacturing facilities outside its established markets. Procter Gamble attempts to maintain its competitive edge by focusing on product innovation. To this end, PG spends almost twice as much on research and development spending Rs.90 billion in 2009 as its closest competitor, Unilever, spent about Rs.58.5 billion USD in 2008.Through itsConnect + Developinitiative, PG looks to bring in new product ideas from outside the company. Connect + Develop has led to the development of 42% of new PG products in recent years. In fiscal 2009, PGs Net sales fell 3% to Rs.3555 billion driven by a 3% decline in unit volume and a 4% decline in net sales from the rising US dollar. Organic sales, a closely watched figure which excludes the impact of acquisitions, divestitures, andforeign exchange, increased 2%, which is below its target organic sales range of 4-6%.Earnings for fiscal 2009 increased 11% to Rs.603 billion. In July 2009, CEO A.G. Lafley stepped down from his post after 29 years with Proctor Gamble.He was succeeded by current COO Bob McDonald.The company expects sales to be up 0 to 3% in fiscal 2010,with sales back up in the fall of 2009, fed by price cuts, new products, and value-focused promotions. PG divides its business into three Global Business Units (GBUs) that develop and produce products and its corporate group which handles the operation and administration of the company. Beauty (33% of 2009 sales, 36% of 2009 net income): The Beauty GBU includes all hair and skin products, medications, razors, electric shavers, and batteries. This business unit includes several product lines acquired when the PG bought consumer products company Gillette in 2005. Proctor Gambles global market share in blades and razors is 70%, primarily centered on its Mach3, Fusion, Venus, and Gillette brands.In June 2009, PG further expanded its mens grooming business with the acquisition of the high-end shaving company The Art of Shaving and the mens skin care line Zirh. Health and Well-Being (21% of 2009 sales, 24% of 2009 net income): The Health and Well-Being GBU provide oral care, feminine health, pharmaceuticals, snacks, coffee, and pet care products. In oral care, the company has the number two market share position at 20% globally.In potato chips, the companys Pringles brand holds a market share of approximately 10%. Household Care (46.8% of 2009 sales, 43% of 2009 net income): The Household Care GBU manufactures a wide range of products from laundry detergent to diapers. The companys baby care market share in 2008 was 29%. Business Growth and Divestitures Folgers Sale On June 4, 2008, PG sold its Folgers coffee unit toJ.M. Smucker Companyfor Rs.132.75 billion.As part of the deal, PG shareholders will receive a 53.5 percent stake in Smuckers and the company will assume Rs.15750 million of Folgers debt. Gillette Acquisition Procter Gamble acquired Gillette in 2005 for over Rs.2250 billion in its largest acquisition to date. In 2004, the last full year before the acquisition, Gillette generated over Rs.450 billion in sales, about Rs.270 billion of which came from razors and Duracell and Braun products and the remainder sourced from the Oral-B brand, which was moved into the Health Well-Being segment. A key piece of the acquisition beyond Gillettes product lines was its distribution network and supply chain. Gillettes distribution network and supply chain in emerging markets had been extremely successful for Gillette and, once acquired, has worked to complement PGs own distribution network. Sale of Pharmaceutical Unit In 2009 PG sold its pharmaceutical unit to Warner Chilcott Plc for Rs.139.5 billion in cash.The company expects to book a 43 cent per share earnings boost in Q2 of fiscal 2010 as a result of the sale.The deal allows PG to focus on its personal care, beauty, and household product divisions. In 2006, the company started winding down its discover-phase pharmaceutical products in favor of licensing late-stage compounds, and announced in 2008 it would exit the drug industry entirely. PG 2008 Net sales by Geographic Region(Post merger) PG has a well-established market presence in developed countries such as the United States and Western Europe and is looking to its presence in emerging markets. In fiscal 2009, 32% of total net sales came from developing nations,a figure that has increased steadily from 2002 when sales in developing nations accounted for only about 20% of total revenue (approximately Rs.360 billion). In China and Russia, PGs market share has been consistently increasing in the past five years as Procter Gamble has put an increased emphasis on establishing its products in those markets. In 2008, the companys distribution network reached 800 million people in China and 80% of the population in Russia. PG has created products designed specifically to target developing nations. The average Mexican spends about Rs.9000 a year on PG products, Chinese per-capita spending is only about Rs.135 and India per-capita spending Rs.45.Increasing sales in China and India to the levels in Mexico would add Rs.1800 billion in sales to the companys overall revenue. Research Development focuses both inside and outside the company In 2009, PG spent approximately Rs.91.8 billion on Research Development, nearly Rs.45 billion more than its closest competitor, Unilever.The two most important factors in PGs innovation process are its practice of consumer demand research and its Connect and Develop RD structure. First, when entering new markets, PG sets up in-home visits with consumers in order to fully understand the needs and desires consumers have for household and personal products. This way, PG gets directly to its customers and is able to cater to their needs. PG also incorporates consumers input into the RD process through its Connect and Develop initiative. Through Connect and Develop PG has an online interface set up where people can submit product ideas and provide input on topics that PG places on the web-portal. PG staff then sorts through the ideas and work with the most promising ones. This process is not responsible for the entire RD that PG does, but approximately 42% of new products in the last sev eral years were influenced by or originated from Connect and Develop. Tide Stain Release, a stain-removing detergent released in July 2009, has garnered 10% market share in the US as of November 2009.The Bounce Dryer Bar, an automatic laundry freshener released in August 2009, has captured 7% of the North American fabric sheet market as of November 2009. Commodity Prices A diversified consumer products manufacturer, PG depends heavily on a wide basket of global commodities for manufacturing its goods, the prices for which have risen nearly 50% since 2002. Nearly half of the companys cost of goods is directly related to commodity goods. The company has increased prices due to higher costs of oil and other raw materials. In its conference call, the company stated that it expected raw material costs to increase Rs.135 billion in 2009.The company has raised prices on Cascade dishwashing detergent, Iams pet food, and Gillette razors to counter the increasing cost of oil in the first half of 2008.PG instituted broad price adjustments in Q1 2010 to close widening price gaps in several businessesincluding North American laundry, tissue, andtowel, and several Eastern European markets. Competition Procter Gamble provides the broadest and biggest portfolio of products in the household and personal care industry with 24 billion-dollar brands. PG generates 43% more revenue than its closest competitor,LOreal, and Reckitt Benckiser. Here are somekey factsabout the two firms. Cincinnati-based Procter Gamble was established in 1837 and made its name selling soap and candles to U.S. government soldiers during the civil war. Boston-based Gillette spends around Rs.2700 million annually on advertising. In May the razor-maker paid a reported 40 million pounds (Rs.3393 million) to sign international soccer star David Beckham to a three-year deal as its global face. Procter Gamble employs a workforce of 110,000 worldwide and has a market capitalization of Rs.6345 billion. Gillette employs 29,400 employees worldwide and has a market capitalization of Rs.2025 billion. Gillettes profit beat market expectations last October after Hurricane Ivan spurred the buying of Duracell batteries. Limitations: Due to lack of data the financial statements analysis of Procter Gamble was not carried out. Conclusion Thus the acquisition and integration of Gillette was the largest and most successful in the history of Procter Gamble. PG acquired Gillette, which is best known for its shaving products, in 2005 for Rs.2565 billion. The merger between Procter Gamble and Gillette is a horizontal merger where the acquiring company is expanding in size of operations and also product offerings. The merger created various synergies like financial, operation and human resource synergies. After the merger Procter Gamble integrated systems in 26 countries, spanning five geographic regions, representing about 20% of sales. Gillette is a catalyst that makes PG a better brand-builder and a stronger innovation leader. There is no doubt that PG and Gillette are stronger together than alone, and both the companies together can deliver accelerated growth targets over the balance of the decade. Acquisition of Balsarashygiene and home product by Dabur About the merging companies: Dabur Company Dabur India Limitedis the fourth largest FMCG Company in India and Dabur had a turnover of approximately Rs.2,834 Crore Market Capitalisation of over Rs 10,000 Crore, with brands like Dabur Amla, Dabur Chyawanprash, Vatika, Hajmola and Real. The company has kept an eye on new generations of customers with a range of products that cater to a modern lifestyle, while managing not to alienate earlier generations of loyal customers. Dabur has global presence in 50 countries; products are available in the markets of Middle East, South-East Asia, Africa, the European Union andAmerica. Dabur is an investor friendly brand as its financial performance shows. The companys growth rate rose from 10% to 40%. The expected growth rate for two years was two-fold. Theres a great sense of responsibility for investors funds on view. This is a direct extension of Daburs philosophy of taking care of its constituents and it adds to the sense of trust for the brand overall. The company, through Dabur Pharma Ltd. does toxicology tests and markets ayurvedic medicines in a scientific manner. They have researched new medicines which will find use in O.T. all over the country therein opening a new market. Dabur Foods, a subsidiary of Dabur India is expecting to grow at 25%. Its brands of juices, namely, Real and Active, together make it the market leader in the Fruit Juice Category. Dabur Ranked AmongIndias Most Trusted Brands of 2007 By Economic Times-Brand Equity. Products of Dabur Ø Under health care products it has brands like Hajmola, Pudin Hara, Dabur Chyawanprash, Glucose D, Dabur Lal tail,etc. Ø In home care range consist of product like Odinil,Odomos,odopic,etc. Ø Under personal care range it has product like Vatika,Gulabri,Dabur Red Toothpaste,etc. Ø In food range it has brands like Real Active ,HOMMADE-range of ready made pastes, soups, coconut milk tomato puree Ø Dabur has guar gum plant,a natural gum used in foods industrial applications. Ø Dabur also produces ayurvedic medicines. Balsara Company The Balsara Group manufactures and markets its products, in India and Internationally. The Group has a domestic annual sales turnover of Indian Rs. 2 billion, and a rapidly growing international sales turnover of Indian Rs. 350 million. The Group is professionally managed, with manufacturing, sales, distribution and administrative facilities located throughout India, in addition to its international operations. In the Indian market, 60% of the Balsara Groups sales turnover of Indian Rs. 2 billion comes from Personal Hygiene Products (Promise, Babool and Meswak oral care ranges) and 40% is derived from Household Products (Odomos insect repellents, Odonil Air Fresheners, Sani Fresh toilet cleaners and Odopic dish washing products). Balsara has a wide national sales and distribution system that makes products available in 10, 54,000 retail outlets. The system is supported by a distribution network of 4 Zonal Offices, 13 Branches, 24 Regional Warehouses, and 1700 Distributors in 1500 towns. The mission of the Balsara Group of Companies is to be a leading provider of superior quality personal and household products, ingredients and packaging materials to consumers and customers on the Indian sub-continent and throughout the world. The Acquisition: On January 27, 2005 Dabur India today announced the acquisition of Balsara Hygeine and Home Care businesses for Rs. 143 crores and said it would look at more buyouts to capitalise on the consolidation in the sector. The company board of Dabur approved the acquisition of controlling stake in three Balsara group companies Balsara Hygiene Products, Balsara Home Products and Besta Cosmectics. With the acquisition of the Rs. 143-crore Balsara Group in an all cash deal, Dabur India will have oral care brands such as Promise, Babool, Meswak; mosquito repellents such as Odomos and household products such as Odonil and Odopic under its fold. Dabur India will acquire the entire promoters stake in the three companies 99.4 per cent in Balsara Hygiene, 100 per cent in Balsara Home Products and 97.9 per cent in Besta Cosmetics. The Terms of the Acquisition: Date of the acquisition: The merger came into effect from 1st April 2006. The new company formed : According to the deal Dabur will take full control of Balsaras entire brand portfolio which consists of oral care brands like Promise, Babool, Meswak; mosquito repellants like Odomos and household products like Odonil, Odopic. The deal also includes takeover of Balsaras operations consisting of three manufacturing facilities at Kanpur, Silvassa and Baddi and about 600 employees. Dabur India will also acquire the entire promoters stake in the three companies 99.4 per cent in Balsara Hygiene, 100 per cent in Balsara Home Products and 97.9 per cent in Besta Cosmetics. The Share Swap Ratio : Under the deal announced, Dabur India Ltd will acquire Balsaras hygiene and home product businesses in an Rs 143 crore all-cash deal. While Rs 120 crore will be funded through internal accruals, the balance Rs 23 crore will be raised through debt. Examining the Acquisition: Type of merger: The Rs 1,300-crore fast-moving consumer goods major Dabur India acquired Mum

Individual Freedom in Melvilles Bartleby, the Scrivener Essay

Individual Freedom in Melville's Bartleby, the Scrivener What motivates you to go to work everyday? What motivates you to dress the way you do? What motivates you to be reasonable when it comes to normal requests? Ah, the ultimate question in need of an answer: Who determines what is reasonable and normal, and should we not determine these matters for ourselves? Chaos would result, you say, if every individual were granted that freedom. Yet, we all do have that freedom, and Herman Melville (1819-1891) through the interpretation of a man who prefers to follow his own path in "Bartleby, the Scrivener", subjectively conveys the mental anguish he experienced as a writer and man when the literary world attempted to steal that freedom. Dear Bartleby was a harmless man with a demeanor that was capable of disarming many. From the onset of Melville's story, it becomes quite apparent that Bartleby is a man who prefers not to do what society wishes of him. He prefers not to honor any request from his employer that would make him deviate from what he prefers to be doing. Bartleby's employer quickly realized that, "there was something about Bartleby that not only strangely disarmed me, but in a wonderful manner touched and disconcerted me" (2236). Bartleby gave no argument nor tried to justify denying his employers request. He would simply state, I would prefer not to. His only motive was to do as he preferred. Bartleby's employer found this expression of freedom very strange. Where did this man come from who has the audacity to break the pattern of normalcy that we all follow? He who will not "comply with my request-a request made according to common usage and common sense...(2337). However, what was "common" for others was not comm... ...rican equals" (2292). Melville was not alive to witness this revival. Due to his resolve to retain his literary freedom, he was able to attain everlasting literary success that resounds from his own realm of reasonable and normal. As for myself, I would prefer not to disclose any motivational reasoning for my own preferences; less I confuse even further those who still cannot understand my denying "normal and reasonable" request. "If I were to regulate the writings of my mind- I would never write". Works Cited * Melville, Herman. "Bartleby, the Scrivener." The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Ed. Nina Baym. 6th ed. Vol.B. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2003. 2290-2337 * Edwards, Jonathan. "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Ed. Nina Baym. 6th ed. Vol.A. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2003. 503

To Diet or Not to Diet

> When we hear the word dieting, we immediately think of losing weight, counting calories, avoiding fast food and other stereotype characteristics. But dieting is a word that enfolds a larger group of people, than only the ones that want to lose weight. The definition says a diet is a special course of food to which a person is restricted, either for weight control or for medical reasons. For whatever reason a diet is followed, when can we conclude it is or isn’t recommended to follow a diet? Only a small group of people are restricted to following a diet. Also consider reading: Role of Chemistry in Domestic Activities ProjectIt’s not the people we think of first, the ones who need to lose weight, but it’s the ones who need it for medical reasons or elite sports incentives. For all rest, people like you and me, it is rather a question if we really need a diet with restrictive prescriptions. Why not just learn how to maintain healthy habits and live by them like a so called easy lifetime diet? Dieting requires behavioral changes that are not easy to adopt or maintain in the long run. A dieting plan with a balanced intake of foods may reduce your risks for chronic diseases.On the other hand, if you do not plan carefully, dieting may increase your risk of nutritional deficiencies. It is recommended to consult your doctor before embarking upon any diet plan. When a diet is for medical reasons, the medical benefits are determinative for executing the diet. But what about personal reasons? The biggest benefit of dieting is that you can lose weight, especially when you also engage in physical activity. There’s a large amount of possible diet programs on the market.These diet plans may be effective in helping you lose weight in the short-term and lose even more weight in the long-term when you increase your adherence to the diet. But why engage in a prescriptive way of eating, if you can do it easily with just eating healthy and make that your way of living without over-thinking what and when you should eat? Having healthy food habits without being in some calorie-counting diet, can improve your physical health, particularly when you consume a balanced diet of foods, allowing you to obtain adequate amounts of essential nutrients.A healthy diet plan emphasizes whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, beans, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, eggs, fish, poultry and lean meat; it also minimizes sodium, added sugars, cholesterol, saturated fats and trans fats. Weight loss from maint aining healthy eat habits is associated with reduced risks of chronic conditions and diseases that include obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and cancer. It may also enhance your mental health and improve your self-esteem. And it works in the long term as it becomes your daily routine and at some point, you don’t even think about it anymore.The hard part about whether a diet or just eating healthy, is changing your eating behavior. At first, you may feel excited about the prospect of looking thinner and may adhere to the plan wholeheartedly. Over time, though, you may be tempted to eat the high-calorie foods you were used to eating before the diet. You may simply find the diet plan too restrictive to adhere to every day. Low rates of weight loss success are due to inability to adhere to dieting strategies in the long-term and that sustained adherence to reducing calories and increasing exercise is effective for establishing self-set dieting goals.T hat’s why a diet should be avoided. You might not have spectacular results in the short run, but in the long run you don’t find yourself struggling with just living the healthy life. Not only the fact you have to live by prescriptions, dieting may also cause medical problems. It can increase your risk of gallstones as rapid weight loss can result in a high probability of gallstone formation; they can occur even when prevention strategies are implemented. So called crash diets, is when energy intake is restricted by very low intake of energy, mostly by cutting down carbohydrates and fats, to lose weight quickly.The weight loss will occur, but other causes are the jojo effect (these diets can’t be maintained for a large period and as the body went into sleep mode with mostly loss of water, it tends to put on more weight after the diet), shortening in required nutrients, lack of energy and sleeping disorders. Automatically less bodily activity is done, what causes the breakdown of muscle tissue. In the long term, these diets only work against the goal of losing weight. Diets with smaller or no energy intake restriction and only a restriction of carbohydrates, cause a great weight loss as well but aren’t without danger either.Examples are the Atkins and South Beach diet. These diets contain a lot of saturated fat, what can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Because of the longer term, shortening of certain essential nutrients can occur. Dieting requires behavioral changes that are not easy to adopt or maintain in the long run. A dieting plan with a balanced intake of foods may reduce your risks for chronic diseases. On the other hand, if you do not plan carefully, dieting may increase your risk of nutritional deficiencies. It is recommended to consult your doctor before embarking upon any diet plan.As it might feel like a diet at start, weight control and other physical appearance incentives come automatically by just eating healthy, havi ng enough sleep and performing regularly in physical activity. It is about changing behavior and approach your goal judiciously – not jumping into some diet that offers you a quick solution for your primary goal, along with secondary consequences that may harm you more in the long run. Sources My education as a bachelor in nutrition and dietetics. http://webmd. com http://www. oxforddictionaries. com http//www. livestrong. com

Art in Fashion Essays

Art in Fashion Essays Art in Fashion Essay Art in Fashion Essay What is fashion? Is it art? Is it high art? In the world of fashion and art today, this is a contested question. Many art critics do not see fashion as an equal to the fine arts such as painting and sculpture. Critics have made remarks that fashion design should be â€Å"under the heading of vanity for its intent is of no inner value† (Miller 25-40). Edmund Burke and Immanuel Kant both said that fashion is a form of imitation. Burke held that it is a â€Å"kind of imitation that is from a social need of conformity†, while Kant says that it is a form of vanity (Miller 25-40). Sanda Miller, the author of Fashion as Art; Is Fashion Art? , states that â€Å"a work of art in the classificatory sense is 1. an artefact, 2. a set of the aspects of which has been conferred upon it the status of candidate for appreciation by some person or persons acting on behalf of a certain institution (the art world) (Miller 25-40). Marcel Duchamp used everyday objects as art in an unusual way. Noel Carroll asked questions such as â€Å"must all art emerge from a pre-existing network of social relations? Does it appear to be informative? Does it depend upon stretching the notions of social institutions, social practices, and social relationships beyond the breaking point? (Miller 25-40). Miller at one point states that the issue is one of intention versus function. â€Å"The study of clothes from a historical perspective is an even more recent endeavor and, therefore, it has not yet acquired a status equal to that of the fine arts; this may well have something to do with the perceived lower status of craft. Nevertheless, the historical study of clothes is inextricably linked to and dependent on that of visual art for a simple reason: their perishable nature† (Miller 25-40). â€Å"The entry of fashion exhibitions into high art settings where fashion is normally not displayed, such as Giorgio Armani designs at the Guggenheim, has caused much heated debate from art critics† (Palmer 121-126). â€Å"Fashion exhibitions and their reviews offer a bridge for crossing these perceived boundaries as they combine new scholarship with artifact study† (Palmer 121-126). Along with the catwalk show and the retail store, the museum has become an increasingly important site for fashion. In recent years, fashion exhibitions have been held for the first time at venues as different as the Guggenheim Museum, the Imperial War Museum, and the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Musee de la Mode, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Some of these fashion exhibitions â€Å"have attracted up to 500,000 visitors and brought in millions of dollars of sponsorship money, as well as reams of publicity, not all of it positive† (Steele 7-30). Two fashion exhibitions in New York, for example, were described, respectively, as an egregious paid advertisement and a fawning trifle that resembles a fancy showroom (Steele 7-30). Partiality, distress and distrust still surround fashion within many museums. This sometimes â€Å"takes the form of fashion being tolerated as a form of entertainment which will pull the crowds, with no acknowledgment of the serious contribution it also makes to the educational role of the museum (Steele 7-30). To some extent, the hostility towards fashion in the museum, especially the art museum, â€Å"replicates the traditionally low status of fashion within academia, but it is also related to disagreements between academics and curators, as well as by conflicts about the role of the museum in contemporary society and about fashion as an aspect of popular culture† (Steele 7-30). Fashion finds similarities in known art forms. Compare architecture and fashion; Architecture reached an artistic status very early on, it did not have the sole role of being functional. It is questionable as to why fashion has not reached the same status that architecture has. Relate fashion and time-based work such as photography and film; one is a token and one is a type. One individual put forth the idea that a reason for the lack of seriousness attributed to fashion is that fashion has predominantly been a female art and society in the past was predominantly patriarchal. â€Å"Arguments against have ranged from the fickle nature of fashion and its impermanence to its functional nature, and so on The arguments for are to do with the visual loveliness of clothes, which cannot be disputed† (Miller 25-40). If one were to sit down and compare an art form such as traditional drawing and fashion design, they would surely find a high amount of similarities. Fashion design is very much about the details and the process involved in turning out the final product as well. Some details are used to distinguish things such as social class, like in the French Revolution. â€Å"When a fashion outfit includes a new detail, it is the detail that leads fashion into the future† (Black 499-510). Details in fashion can give the consumer a certain feeling, contributing to whether or not they see they item as in trend and whether or not to buy it. Fashion design begins its roots with a sketch. The sketch is more than just a random drawing. It is â€Å"the most critical step of the fashion-design process, as everythingfrom concept to constructiondepends on its ability to realistically convey an imagined vision† (Malafronte 46-59). It is a crucial part of the design process. Fashion designers should be and are now more commonly trained in the fundamentals of drawing as it is so crucial to succeeding in the competitive world of fashion. At Parson’s School of Design, for example, â€Å"students are trained in a similar fashion as fine artists, taking numerous drawing courses and regularly drawing from the live model† (Malafronte 46-59). That training is beneficial to a fashion designers ability to understand color and proper aspects of design. In fashion, â€Å"a sketch must not only be aesthetically pleasing but also proportionally accurate† (Malafronte 46-59). Fashion designer Chris Benz says, â€Å"Drawing is the major catalyst for my creative process. First, I start thinking about the season I am designing for and meld that idea with some inspiration I have at the timeif its fall, then I think about the fabrics, weight, and textures I am feeling for the silhouette. In my little Smythson sketchbook, I do sketches of ideas and thoughts that will be fleshed out later in the process† (Malafronte 46-59). Something puzzling to a large portion of the fashion industry is the fact that performance art is considered high art to the masses, while this is still contested for fashion. Countless museums have recently started displaying performance art. Part of what changed is that some visual artists have come to see performance as a natural extension of their overall artistic practice, which may also embrace painting, video and installations (Rush 331-341). Two examples of extreme performance artists are William Pope. L and Paul McCarthy. Both artists, in addition to Geoffrey Hendricks and Patty Chang, have had performances at the Sculpture Center in New York. The performances, categorized as extreme performance art, often include strange bodily actions. Patty Chang, for example, does not see her pieces as political acts, she sees them as sculptures. â€Å"Many performance artists incorporate costume into their work as yet another extension of media boundaries† (Rush 331-341). One particular artist, Claude Cahun, was doing performance art in the 1930s, however, the photos weren’t discovered to be performance art pieces until the 1990s. â€Å"Lesbian, Jew, lovers with her half-sister, the artist Suzanne Malherbe, self-portraitist, provocateur, Cahun made a career of photographing herself in costumes that allowed for multiple identities† (Rush 331-341). Claude Wampler created a performance piece that held the intention of toying with time. â€Å"Performance art, usually time-based, becomes timeless in the realm of cyberspace†¦Performance art, which some critics trace to the virulent gestures used by Jackson Pollock in making his paintings, has radically influenced all forms of contemporary art, from video art to conceptual art to multimedia installations. It has placed the person and the body of the artist center-stage, and allowed a sense of self-mocking and playfulness to infiltrate a field often bent on the rigors of form and function† (Rush 331-341). Performance pieces and fashion shows display an extraordinary amount of similarities. Fashion shows are in fact performances. According to The Greatest Show on Earth: A Look at Contemporary Fashion Shows and Their Relationship to Performance Art, there are multiple types of performances involved in fashion exhibitions. The first is a spectacle. There are four main components of the spectacle show that can be manipulated by the designer to great effect. These are the type of model, the location, the theme, and the finale. (Duggan 243-270) Spectacle fashion shows are more like a theatre performance without a solid plot; they still have the goal of marketing a product. Alexander McQueen and Gianni Versace were some of the first designers to shock the fashion world and the press with their unconventional methods of fashion performance and shows. Spectacles also focus more on themes than the average fashion show. A theme can be very abstracted or it can be blatant, lending to the overall environment of the show. Spectacles also focus very much on the finales of the shows. The finales are generally supposed to shock the audience or make a memorable impression in some way. The spectacle shows place the designers in a combination celebrity and artist status. They develop a reputation through their performance pieces. (Duggan 243-270). Next is substance shows. The next subject the article addresses is science fashion. Science fashion focuses on the materials and construction of the garments, as well as the technology behind making the fashion. The incorporation of process in science designers shows and techniques reflects the importance of experimentation (Duggan 243-270). Watanabe and Miyake are two predominant science designers. Miyake searches for new interpretations of fabric and ways to transform the construction. As a result, he has earned a name in the art world. (Duggan 243-270). Structure design, the next type of fashion show, focuses on just that: the structure of the clothing. The shows are seen as a necessary evil and are as basic as possible so as not to take attention away from the construction of the actual garments. The structure designer finds three-dimensional form to be most representative of ideas (Duggan 243-270). Margiela and Rei Kawakubo are the discussed structure designers. Margielas patrons consider their purchases to be more akin to art collecting than to shopping sprees (Duggan 243-270). Not only do these designers focus on structure and construction, they also focus on deconstruction in certain cases. The final design type is statement. Statement designers create environments and presentations that reflect confrontational ideas and messages (Duggan 243-270). A large emphasis is placed on how the clothes are perceived. Some statement designers are Susan Cianciolo, Miguel Adrover and Elena Bajo. Often times, statement design shows are controversial and incorporate aspects or even garments of other more mainstream designers. Statement designers are not so much concerned with offending or scaring the audience that would be the buyers or press. Statement designers are more concerned with getting their point across, even if that means making a few sacrifices. (Duggan 243-270). A particular artist that can be meshed into multiple artistic fields is Robert Kushner. His career shows us that a fine artist is a fine artist, no matter what type of art they are interested in at the time. Robert Kushner is best known for his style as a painter. However, he dealt with performance and fashion for a short time earlier in his career. Kushners years of working off the wall and on the figure coincided with the development of conceptually based performance art in the 1970s (Morris and Meyers-Kingsley 311-330). He began his art career in the 1960s, where the article body begins, with the stance that the idea of a project was more important than the object or project itself. The 60s were largely surrounded by counter culture and conceptual art, giving Kushner inspiration for his fashion inspired performance art. The Black Power movement had an influence on Kushner as well as Amy Goldin, a New York critic and painter. Goldin became Kushners intellectual ally, encouraging his burgeoning interest in writing about art, and acting as a sounding board for the ideas he would develop about his own work (Morris and Meyers-Kingsley 311-330). He incorporated his ability to crochet as a child into his conceptual pieces later in his life. He saw crocheting as a sort of gender-role reversal. He received a negative backfire to the crocheting during his days as a student at USCS. He described the pieces as neo-tribal frou frou (Morris and Meyers-Kingsley 311-330). The idea that a free-flowing interpretation of gender roles could be produced simply by swapping and intermeshing gender signifiers was very important to Kushners development. Just as the activity of crocheting became a sly, yet powerfully charged indictment of stereotypes and gender roles, Kushners costumes would become a site for questioning, spoofing and critiquing the cultural signifiers of clothing and body decoration†¦Kushner was interested in creating a dialogue by seduction rather than confrontation or didacticism. As his costumes developed, the artist increasingly reacted against what he perceived as the dour and pedantic nature of Conceptual Art (Morris and Meyers-Kingsley 311-330). Kushner spent the summer of 1970 in New York where he first attempted to combine sculpture, clothing, and performance. He began working with clothing and curiosity led him to try new things with the structural elements of clothing. When he decided to document his items, he went in a non-traditional direction and shot the pictures in a way that resembled a fashion show and photo shoot. Kushner rebelled against many other performance artists of his time by not being confrontational with his work. His costumes, as he called his pieces, were also different from many conceptual pieces of the time. They were fun and witty, something the conceptual world was not used to. During his shows, he announced the pieces as odd names that often times had societal or historical references, forcing the audience to associate the pieces with certain meanings. In 1972, Kushner introduced a new medium to his art. He began working with food as a material to make costumes. In multiple shows, he invited the audience to eat the food off of the models. In 1973 Kushner entered a new phase of his career that featured the influence of haute couture on his costume works and a consolidation of his performative aesthetic practice (Morris and Meyers-Kingsley 311-330). He became greatly influenced by Balenciaga and Poiret, presenting a line, the Winter and Spring Line, of costumes made in homage to Balenciaga. He then went on to create the New York Hat Line, a line of hats, and the Persian Line, a line that incorporated painted fabrics. Both before and after the performance the costumes were displayed on the walls of the gallery as paintings. I liked the idea that this painting, which hung on the wall and had its own internal order, could come off the wall and become a swirling, moving form' (Morris and Meyers-Kingsley 311-330). If there were ever a single fashion designer to be categorized as producing fine art, it would be Alexander McQueen. McQueen was known for his theatrical shows that were both personal and emotional. It says something about McQueen that the Gala is holding an exhibition in honor of him so soon after his death. McQueen first gained recognition with his graduation collection inspired by Jack the Ripper. â€Å"With breathtaking speed, McQueen was welcomed into the fashion establishment† (Givhan 36-41). McQueen was different from other designers in many ways. â€Å"Sometimes, McQueen would rip apart his own work, reusing the fabric for the next collection. He came of age during a recession and was never a snob about materials, happily incorporating mussel shells plucked from the refuse of a local restaurant and straw beach mats spied during a holiday at the shore† (Givhan 36-41). McQueen came from a working class family and never succumbed to the posh world of fashion that surrounded him. â€Å"His clothes reflected a cold realism about lifes unfairness, its cruelties, and inevitable end. And his audiences were drawn to the beauty that emerged from that angst† (Givhan 121-126). â€Å"McQueen offered a clear-eyed vision of the harshness of life that, perhaps, only the working pooror those from truly meager circumstancesare honest enough to acknowledge† (Givhan 121-126). Museums today are beginning to show fashion as contemporary art. An example is the sister design team, Kate and Laura Mulleavy, behind Rodarte. The sisters werent trained in fashion design, however they have the ability to create fashion lines that rival others. They identify with their pieces as art objects (Fensom 62-71). Unlike most others, Rodarte create their pieces as sculpture to be supported by the body, rather than being made to fit the body. Some of their runway shows have been engineered to appeal to the art and museum sense rather than the fashion sense. It was created so that viewers could see the pieces as sculptures in the round. In addition, The Gala held an exhibition, Savage Beauty, celebrating Alexander McQueen’s career and contribution to fashion and the avant-garde. The show, a tribute to McQueen, includes work from his entire career. It also addresses some of the designers inspirations and influences, for example the Romanticism movement. The production, which took place at the Met, attempted to mirror the over-the-top and artistic environments that McQueen created for his shows (Fensom 62-71). The exhibition was one of the most famous and heavily trafficked in the museums history. Alexander McQueen’s designs were unique, they â€Å"weren’t clothes that influenced the wardrobes of ordinary people† (Givhan 52-54). Similar to Robert Kushner, Sonia Delauney, predominantly a painter, explored the world of fashion and had an exhibition in the National Design Museum: Color Moves: Art Fashion. The garments are extensions of her painting (Fensom 62-71). Delauneys presentation is different from that of what most museum-goers are used to seeing. The exhibition In Fashion: High Style also combines art and fashion. The show presents fashions past, present and future by exhibiting pieces from the museums extensive archives, garments on loan from todays top designers and design houses, and creations by up and coming students at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York (Fensom 62-71). The inspiration for the exhibition came from the museums discovery of garments from as far back as the 17th century. The exhibition also received influence from Christian Siriano and Project Runway, developing a contest aspect of the show. Is the art world using fashion as a way to get more bodies into museums? Or is it that, in the words of Virginia Woolf, nothing thicker than a knife blade separates the visionaries of fashion and art, and thus finally designers are taking their rightful place in museum galleries? (Fensom 62-71). â€Å"We can regard clothes then in two ways: from the point of view of their functional aspect we evaluate them according to those superlative qualities that enable them to fulfill their multiple functions of keeping us warm, giving us erotic appeal, adorning us, etc. , but we can equally regard them as beautiful objects of aesthetic contemplation by disregarding the concept under which they fall and therefore ignoring their functional dimension. They could be (as indeed they are) objects of admiration in a museum† (Miller 25-40).