...Media that depicts an instance of intercultural communication can give a good insight in other cultures and their values. By analyzing my media selection, I will describe the preferred personality and the relationship between humans and nature in Germany. At first I will give a brief description of each topic and then I will illustrate how the particular pictures are regarding to it. I tried to find appropriate pictures on the web that describe the topics best. The first three pictures refer to the preferred personality. There are three different kinds of personality. Those are “doing”, “growing” and “being” orientation. “Doing” orientation, which is the most common one in the United States and also in Germany, emphasizes productivity. The “growing” orientation emphasizes spiritual growth. This orientation is not really widespread, merely in some Asian cultures. The third solution emphasizes “being” and stresses on who you are. In my opinion, this is an important part of German culture as well. Germans are stereotypically hard-working, productive and efficient. Germany is well known for its car companies like Mercedes, BMW and Volkswagen. The first picture shows people working on an assembly line in a Porsche plant. Porsche is part of the Volkswagen group, as well as Audi, MAN, Bentley, Bugatti, Ducati, Lamborghini, Seat and Škoda. In 2012, it produced the third-largest number of motor vehicles of any company in the world, behind General Motors and Toyota. This picture is...
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...SHORT CASE 3: STREETCAR 1. Do you think it’s possible to use and apply an idea like Streetcar in Pakistan? What would be the problems/challenges to overcome? Well, yes it is possible but it depends on the market they are targeting on. Like in Pakistan most of the people are middle class families who cannot afford to drive a car so for them this scheme does not create any difference for them. Secondly, it would be an expensive deal for Pakistani market because as per petrol prices are rising day by day and as the crime rate are increasing and car snatching is so common that no company would take risk to invest in Pakistani market. 2. How would this idea compete with the traditional car rental industry? Unlike traditional car rental industries, it eliminates the long lines and frustration at the rental-car office, and gives its members the grab-and-go convenience of renting a vehicle 24 hours a day, paying only for only as long as needed, and usually with little advance reservation notice. And with no fuel, insurance or maintenance costs, Street Car has become a great option for drivers with minimal transportation needs, and those with no interest in the price and parking headaches of vehicle ownership. It also provides ease and convenience, which are the greatest advantages of car sharing, behind the obvious financial savings. Unlike a traditional rental-car office, Streetcars clients climb behind the wheel and drive off the parking lot in seconds with no lines...
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...Sustainable Companies Sustainable development is a concept that looks to meet “the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (Lawrence & Weber, 2011, p. 223). Weyerhaeuser and The Stow Company are two companies that are known for their production of sustainable products and their commitment to social responsibility. Weyerhaeuser has been in the business of making wood products for over 100 years. During this time, their commitment to the sustainability of the environment has been unwavering. Weyerhaeuser has always been concerned with the sustainability of the forests that they log and as environmental concerns have arisen and technological advances have been made, they have adapted their sustainability goals to include such things as a 10 percent reduction of waste water discharge, a 40 percent reduction of emissions, a 20 percent energy efficiency improvements in their facilities, a 10 percent reduction in solid waste, and a supplier code of ethics (Progress towards sustainability, 2011). Weyerhaeuser’s efforts to improve their social responsibility commitments has helped them to increase their net sales, revenues, and net earnings despite the housing market slump over the past 5 years (Financial results, 2011). Weyerhaeuser’s vision and mission statement is “to release the potential in trees to solve important problems for people and the planet. We do this through strong leadership, unwavering values,...
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...Why the government should Subsidize Organic Farming Organic farming is a farming method focused on advancing environmental and ecosystem benefits, as opposed to the external output in farming. It promotes the health of the ecosystem, biodiversity, and the soil biological activity. Government subsidies farmer receive are aimed at promoting healthy and beneficial and responsible farming. To understand why it is crucial for the government to subsidize organic farming, it is good to evaluate the benefits that accrue from organic farming. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the gains achievable if the government was to subsidize organic farming. One of the focuses of most governments is the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG). A UN framework for climate change is now a key focus for most governments. One way of achieving this is the subsidizing farmers to do organic farming. The aim of doing that is that, by the use of organic farming methods, the increase in greenhouse gases reduces. The essence of this is to reduce the number of energy intensive farming that have a negative impact on farming. In addition, using less energy intensive methods means more saving on the inputs and additional benefits to the farmers. This is important since, over the years, the gains and benefits for farming have reduced. That is because, of among other things, bad weather, and scares of public health. Therefore, promoting a method that will directly benefits the farmer and the environment should...
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...Max Altschuler ENVD 3115 Professor Marcel S. de Lange December 8, 2013 Earthship Design, Materials, and Sustainability Earthship design is a movement initiated by Michael Reynolds. Earthship Biotecture is a method of architecture and design that incorporates recycled materials, earthen materials, and renewable energy sources into a sustainable and self-sufficient home. The purpose of this according to Michael Reynolds it to achieve energy independence, sustainable housing, and relieve the burdens of stress on the environment from conventional building methods while keeping cost minimal. Utilizing waste and earthen materials, Michael was able to construct comfortable living, beautiful architectural design, and self-sufficiency with sustainable technologies. In achieving low cost construction methods, as little as $20 a square foot, a new way of living can be imagined in which utilities, mortgages, and sustenance cost are reduced. This reduction in expenses provide for the availability of greater opportunities due to decreased economic constraints, but furthermore provides a cost effective and sustainable method for supplying homes for those stricken with poverty. The purpose of this writing is to discus some of the materials and methods required and the various components that work together to create a dynamic self-sufficient home. The first concept discussed is the principle of thermal mass to maintain a constant temperature. Houses are built with south facing...
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...MM110 Assignment 1 Market anaylsis of organic wines in australia xiangyun Dai, SID:220113354 MM110 Assignment 1 Market anaylsis of organic wines in australia xiangyun Dai, SID:220113354 2013 2013 Unit coordinator: Fredy-Roberto Organic Wines Organic wines are made from wine grapes produced under organic agricultural practices, as defined by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture movements as the ‘production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions’ with its core principle in achieving high yields without artificial fertilizers and pesticides (IFOAM, 2008). With over 11 million certified hectares of land, the Organic agricultural industry in Australia has received rapid growth in the recent years due to the trend to a more ‘healthy, and environmentally responsible’ consumer culture and a willingness to pay more for their values (Remaud, 2008). In the following years the industry is expect to continue to receive respectable double digit growth. The recent growth in organic produces has translated well into the growing market for organic wine (107% growth during 2010-2012) and it is expected to continue into the future (Mascitelli, 2012). While the average consumer are not so willing to pay the premium for the ‘organic’ label on their wine, research have found that a significant cluster (~14%) of Australians are willing to pay up to a 9% premium...
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...Green HR: The Ultimate Change Management Tool for Sustainability Green HRM involves the use of HRM policies to promote the sustainable use of resources within business organizations and, more generally, promote the cause of environmentalism. Green initiatives within HRM are increasing as a result of mounting concern over global warming and the adverse effect of much business activity on the natural environment. The kinds of action taken within green HRM initiatives includes:- 1. Educating employees about climate change and other environmental issues 2. Reduce commuting - promoting and incentivizing more sustainable means of travel to work (e.g. car sharing or Ride Sharing or Car Pooling, Bicycle to work, public transport) 3. Auditing employee benefits to eliminate those that are environmentally damaging (e.g. unnecessary provision of a high powered company car). 4. Job Sharing 5. Reducing business travel - Using the internet or teleconferencing to cut down on business travel 6. Recycling 7. Going paperless - Encourage e-mailing 8. Some green HRM initiatives also make use of employee volunteering to support environmental charities and projects and to develop green initiatives at work. 9. Conducting an energy audit 10. Buying green - buying recycled, refurbished, or used products. Many companies currently have the following green programs in place: SoftChoice from Canada. SoftChoice has a public transportation policy. If...
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...Nature-based tourism involves traveling for recreational purposes. Ecotourism, on the other hand involves traveling to undisturbed natural site for conservation and education which are also known as ecological, environmental, nature, green, sustainable tourism. Ecotourism, short form for Ecological Tourism, is defined as “purposeful travel that creates an understanding of cultural and natural history, while safeguarding the integrity of the ecosystem and producing economic benefits that encourage conservation.” Using case studies, this paper demonstrates the positives and negatives of ecotourism and the implications for the future. Ecotourism, deemed as a tool for sustainability and development, is growing at an increasing rate. With education as a primary goal, ecotourism can teach both tourists and local people the value of environment and culture and help develop a nature-conscience lifestyle. Ecotourism brings employment benefits to often previously disadvantaged rural populations. The expansion of ecotourism has undeniably boosted Nepal’s overall economic development with tourism revenues. For example, in the Langtang Ecotourism Project, established in 1996, describes the Nepalese women effort in proactively developed sustainable tourism management. Using a community-based planning approach, they chose to use kerosene instead of wood for cooking. The kerosene depot was established which helped generate money. The profit is then used for tree planting and reviving...
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...SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Student Name: Student Number: Instructor: Class: Date: The concept of Sustainable development has in the recent past, raised concerns in all aspects of day to day living. Consequently, over the years a number of definitions and connotations have been associated with this concept, so as to apply it in different professional settings. Particularly, different professions have adopted various codes of ethical; conduct centered on sustainable development. Accordingly individuals working in various sectors constantly seek to adhere to these codes of conduct within their mandates. The engineering sector is one such area where the concept of sustainable development is regarded as a key tenet guiding ethical conduct among engineers. This paper traces the history of the concept of sustainable development and how it is practically incorporated into the engineering profession. Further, this paper examines the current Engineers’ Code of Ethics and how it addresses the issue of sustainable development. There have been various definitions regarding the concept of sustainable development. However, all these definitions revolve around the concept of need and limitation. The all time famous definition was one brought forward by the world Commission on Environment and Development in 1987 that termed sustainable development as, ”development that satisfies present needs without undermining the ability of future generations to satisfy their own needs.”. This definition...
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...http://www.fastcodesign.com/1670148/a-green-desk-powered-by-the-person-sitting-at-it#1 The article I have chosen is “A Green Desk Powered By The Person Sitting At It”. Eddi Tornberg is the inventor of this desk that uses the potted plants, heat, and motion from your body to create energy to power the desk but it still has a long ways to go. The prototype only creates enough energy to power a small laptop for a short amount of time. The carpet has a special element in it that creates energy when you walk or roll on it. The chair has a special film that captures energy from the metal heating up while you are sitting at the desk. The plants in the area around the desk somehow serve as a microbial fuel cell. As of right now all the elements that make up the desk are very simple design and appear to not be very practicable for the common user. There are cords running from the chair, flowerpot, and rug to the desk. These cords transport the energy created, to the desk, which are accumulated and converted into usable energy. The desk has three outlets to plug into your devices. Mr. Tornberg hopes that one day he will get his prototype to have it mass marketed and make it part of our day to day living standard. He hopes that a major furniture building company will pick up on what he is doing and start mass producing furniture that can help our electrical needs in the future. My personal opinion is that green energy is coming. As our...
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...“Sustainable Development—World economies need to wake up” World reached the mark of seven billion people. It forgets its weight over its head. Earth with menial resources, sustaining the life of human being. Man on the other hand forgetting these menial resources over using it leaving future generations in risk. The consciousness of conserving the environment had its root from Earth summit, Rio de janerio Brazil (3 June to 14 June 1992).This session opened great debate in all the participated nations. Within Very short span in every country a buzz word entered in the society. The word is sustainable ideologies/development ideas. Sustainable development in simple terms can be called a development strategy where present generation needs are fulfilled by not compromising for future generations. Sustainable development ties together concern for the carrying capacity of natural systems with the social challenges facing humanity. Ecologists have pointed to The Limits to Growth, and presented the alternative of a "steady state economy" in order to address environmental concerns. Every International conference talks more about sustainable development but does very less in action. Present Scenario of Climate change. Both Geo thermal Institutes of the world One in (Nalgonda ) India and other in U.S.A have confirmed the global temperature has raised to 1*C. The International Energy Agency (IEA)’s data is regarded as gold standard in emissions and energy. This...
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...Part A Company Q does not currently have a positive attitude toward social responsibility. They recently closed several stores in higher crime areas. This has eliminated job positions that were held by residents of the area and taken away revenue from the community itself. This is not being socially responsible. The company just started offering a limited selection of health and organic foods despite that the demand from customers has been there for years. They have also made the decision to not donate day old food to the local shelters, opting instead to waste the food by throwing it away. Company Q needs to make several changes in their company behavior in order to become more socially responsible. Part B Company Q closed down several stores in a high crime area due to negative profits. Instead of closing these store locations Company Q should have made a comprehensive evaluation of the business to determine why they weren’t making a profit. This would have allowed them to determine what the issues were, find a way to fix them and turn the stores profitable. Being that the locations are in a high crime area, was there a large amount of theft resulting in the loss of product and income? Were the products and corresponding prices tailored to the surrounding community? For instance, selling higher priced items with brand names versus lower priced generic items in a low income community is going to result in low sales. Part of being socially responsible is being...
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...I.D. no.________ College_______ Gender_______ Age_____ 1. What Mode of Transportation do you use going to school? A. Car B. Train C. Bus D. Jeep E. Others (specify) _______________ 2. How long is your trip going to school? _______ (min) 3. How much do you spend for your transportation weekly? _______ (pesos) 4. Are you satisfied with your current transportation? ___Yes ___No 5. What mode of transportation do you prefer? A. Car B. Train C. Bus D. Jeep E. Others 6. How many cars do your family own? _______ 7. Do you know how to drive? ___Yes ___No 8. How many can drive in your family? Z___________________ 9. Does your family hire a driver? ___Yes ___No 10. How many drivers do you have? (Skip if none) ___________________ Rate from 1 for strongly disagree, 2 for disagree, 3 for neutral, 4 for agree and 5 for strongly agree ______ 11. Using a car is the best mode of transportation ______ 12. Public transportation is for the poor ______ 13. Waiting in traffic is better than waiting for a train/jeep/bus ______ 14. Knowing how to drive is a privilege ______ 15. Someone who uses a car going to school is considered rich ______ 16. Riding in a train is more practical than riding a car ______ 17. Riding a jeep is better than riding in a train ______ 18. Driving is more tiring than standing in a train ______ 19. I am satisfied with my mode of transportation ______ 20. I would use a bike going to...
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...decline” (“Sustainable Development Strategies”, 2009). Sustainability means the balance of three things which are steady business, society and friendly environment. In other words, businesses must show crucial responsibility in terms of environmental impacts and social responsibilities. Consequently, businesses must utilize natural resources carefully, and the economic growth and employment rate of businesses must be increased (“Understanding Sustainability”, n.d.). Therefore, sustainability is an aim of businesses. The Triple Bottom Line or TBL is a significant tool advocating sustainability goals. The concept of TBL emphasizes three things, which are healthy communities (people), clean environment (planet) and stable profitability (profit) (“Slaper & Hall”, n.d.). In contrast with the past, many businesses, nonprofit organizations and government entities tend to follow this guideline. Home Depot is one of the best examples of companies which are following the TBL standard. Home Depot is the world biggest home improvement retailer (“Did You Know”, n.d.). The company was established by Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank in 1978. The first two stores opened on June 22, 1979, in Atlanta, Georgia. Today, Home Depot has approximately 2,200 branches around the United States. There are 40,000 diverse kinds of home improvement products, appliances, garden supplies and building materials (“Stores, Products, and Services”, n.d.). Additionally, Home Depot gives precedence to sustainable development...
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...Sustainability Media Journal 111857253 Xuxu Miao The concept of sustainable development spread first into the mainstream in the 1980s. These years, driven by internal and external factors, many corporations are beginning to integrate sustainability into their business models to gain competitive advantage in today’s market. This essay will introduce what forces the corporation to become sustainable and what corporation can do to achieve sustainability while listing an example of an ideal corporation in this term. Both of the external and internal drivers accelerate transformation towards sustainability for corporation. The worsening environment in China is prominent power for moving to sustainability currently. The push to clean up the country's air, land and water has forced company to transform its developing model. Though China has become the world's second- largest economy, it is still in the lower part of the world's industry chain and has a lot of industries with excessive energy consumption and high pollution. Due to social and economic factors, Hebei provincial government in January this year has banned approvals of new steel, cement, glass and nonferrous metal plants-these industries are both environment killers and economic drivers in Hebin (Jin Haixing 2014). It can be seen that these industries have to change their way of operation, which can add the most value with the least use of resources and pollution. Meanwhile, increasing public awareness of sustainability...
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