Sunday, January 26, 2020

Coffee Marketing in Mana Woreda

Coffee Marketing in Mana Woreda 4.5.1. Market Places Market is an important factor that affects household decision-making in agricultural activities. Access to markets is a distance measured in kilometers to reach the nearest market. The study revealed the infrastructure in Mana woreda is generally satisfactory. There is an availability of market places near to villages with easy road access and proximity to larger towns. This has assisted farmers to reduce their transport cost and enlarge their market surplus and margins. The access has further supported to increase coffee production by the farming households. According to the survey result, it is confirmed that the average distance from the main road is at about 2km and from a rather close average distance from the main village market is at about 3.7 Km. Sample households are also located at a distance of 4.2km from cooperatives. The main market center is in Yebbu town, which is the woreda capital. 4.5.2. Market Participants Coffee passes through several stages before it reaches the ultimate consumers. These stages are local collection station, processing, storage, transportation and grading, exporting and domestic distribution. Both governmental and private enterprises are participating in collecting, processing, wholesaling and exporting activities (Elias, 2005). This study identified different coffee market participants in the exchange functions between farmers and final consumers. The major coffee market participants in the study area include coffee farm households, local collectors, wholesalers (suppliers) and Cooperatives. Coffee growers are the primary actors who cultivate and supply coffee to the market. They do not have adequate, reliable and timely market information than traders which forced them to sell their produce at low selling price. Local collectors are farmers or part time traders in assembly markets who collect coffee from farmers in village markets for the purpose of reselling it to wholesalers and consumers in the main market center. They use their financial resources and local knowledge to collect a bulk of coffee from the surrounding area. Wholesalers are known for purchase of coffee in a large amount with better financial and information capacity. They purchase coffee either directly from farmers or local collectors. They distribute large amount of coffee to the regional market (Jimma) and to terminal markets (Addis Ababa). Service Cooperatives (primary societies) made up of different local peasant associations play an important role in organizing farmers. They own washing stations a nd warehouses. They purchase coffee from the farmers and distribute to unions. 4.5.3. Marketing Channels Generally, four marketing channels were identified in the study area where coffee was passing from producers to consumers. The first channel was passing coffee from producers via coffee primary cooperatives to export through secondary cooperatives (Unions). In the second channel producers sold dried coffee to collectors who were selling to primary cooperatives to be exported directly through the Union. The third channel is a principal marketing channel with larger number of marketing agents through which sun dried coffee is passed from the coffee growers to coffee collectors and dry processed coffee is passed from coffee wholesalers to export market. In the last channel, coffee growers sell their coffee to wholesalers to export through exporters. The coffee marketing channels of the study area can be sketched like this: Therefore, the structure of coffee marketing system in the study area was characterized by the presence of individual coffee farmers to the production side and coffee primary cooperatives, local collectors and wholesalers (suppliers) to the marketing side. The Oromia Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative Union and private exporters were the members of the coffee marketing structure outside the study area. 4.5.4. Place and Price of Coffee Sale As the starting point for the distribution of coffee from producer to final consumer, farm respondents were asked where they were selling their different forms of coffee. According to the sample respondents, the major market places for selling both red cherry and sun-dried coffee were the nearest local markets for collectors, primary cooperative associations and Yebbu town (main market center of the woreda) for wholesalers and other marketing agents. With respect to whom the sample farm households are selling their coffee among the different marketing agents (intermediaries), they responded differently with regard to red cherry and sun-dried coffee. Farmers sell their coffee in the form of red cherry during harvesting and in sun-dried form after storing for some months. For the red cherry coffee, the majority (about 72.3%) of the farm household were sold to the Cooperatives. The remaining 19.2% and 8.6% were sold to Local collectors and Wholesalers respectively. Local collectors purchase the bulk of coffee in the case of sun dried (70.8%) from farm households where as the remaining 22% and 7.2% of sun-dried coffee bought by coffee wholesalers and cooperatives respectively. As indicated in the above table 4.10, from the total production of coffee, the sample farm respondents are producing more of sun-dried coffee (63%) than that of red cherry (37%). The red cherry coffee will be sold immediately after harvesting mostly for cooperatives which have washing stations and hand pulpers. According to the survey result, the principal cost of the farmers was cost of transporting coffee to the market followed by labor cost. Regarding with price, there is a difference in the price between red cherry and sun-dried coffee. The price of sun-dried coffee was higher than that of red cherry. All of the sample farm respondents in the study area reported that the average price for red cherry was nearly 6 Birr/kg during the last harvest season whereas for sun-dried coffee the mean price was 24.4 Birr/kg. But the prices of both types of coffee were fluctuating from time to time. Farmers sell their coffee for cooperatives as well as local traders. They preferred to sell their coffee to cooperatives because most of the sample farm households are members of the cooperatives and the prices of cooperatives for red cherry and sun-dried coffee were better than the other local traders. But, cooperatives were not active participants in the early and late seasons and favored to buy red cherry. During this time farmers were forced to sell their coffee (especially sun-dried) to local traders at a lower price due to limited bargaining power. According to the survey result, the sample respondents replied that there is no uniform coffee price at the market place. The reason for difference in the price of coffee was color difference (2.6%), quality difference (89.7%) and Farmer’s negotiating capacity (8.7%). Prices were exclusively determined by traders negotiating with farmers during time of transaction. Majority of farmers responded that they were price takers. Price setters were mostly local traders (81.7%) and only 18.3% of the farmers were in a position to decide on coffee price. Regarding with the terms of payment, 76.2 percent of the respondents stated that they were selling their coffee on cash basis and received the price as soon as they sold. According to the survey result, 71.3 percent of the respondents replied that the trend of coffee market is apparently decreasing across time. The reason behind this is the fluctuation and volatility of coffee price. Hence, the benefits earned from the production of coffee are significantly deteriorating because of the declining prices of coffee in the market.

Friday, January 17, 2020

Human Resources Functions at Next Essay

Introduction: Next is one of the UK’s largest fashion and home retailers. Their ongoing success is built upon a passion for the Next brand that is shared by the whole organisation. This involves a commitment to providing excellent product in well run stores and through an attractive Directory. Head Office Located in an award-winning complex near Leicester, their Head Office in Enderby is home to a multi-skilled population. There you’ll find a comprehensive infrastructure including Product, Sales and Marketing, Finance, IT and HR teams. Stores At Next they have over 340 stores spread throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. Over 20,000 people work in these stores which are heavily supported by their Head Office and a network of warehouses. These stores range from stand-alone units to much larger flagship stores offering the full Next range. Next Directory The Next Directory provides a facility for people to shop from home and has over I million customers and 1,000 employees. The Next Directory customer services call centre is situated at two sites close to Leicester City Centre. Warehouses Next warehouses are among the most modem in Europe and employ around 2,200 people. Located principally in West York and distribute stock to stores and Directory customers right across the United Kingdom and Ireland. E1 * Human Resources Planning: At Next they undertake human resource planning to determine a course of action which helps them to function more efficiently by having the right labour, in the right place, at the right time and cost. This requires accurate forecasting: organisations need to forecast their manpower needs, both in terms of the number of employees needed and the types of skills and qualities required. It is also important for them to monitor and assess the productivity of the existing and available workforce and recognise the impact of technological change on the way in which jobs are carried out. Human resource planning at Next takes place over different time frames, though for simplicity they can consider is two time horizons: there is planning to meet short-term needs and planning to satisfy long-term intentions. Short-term plans are referred to as tactical plans and usually contain precise, detailed, measurable objectives. Short-term planning is carried out at lower levels in an organisation like Next, at middle manager and supervisor levels. Long-term plans are not as detailed or measured as short-term plans. The longer the time horizon of the plan, the less certain managers can be about outcomes. They are usually made at higher levels of management Long-term plans are also known as strategic plans. Next has to plan carefully to ensure they have the right number of suitable employees for their needs. To do this Next need a good understanding of the labour market in the areas where they operate. Next need to be able to consider the effects of the following labour market factors for human resources planning in a business: * Employment trends * Skills shortages * Competition for employees * Availability of labour (internal and external; to the business). HR palnning also involves looking at how labour is organised within the business. You need to understand the need for businesses to take account of a arrange of factors when making decisions about their internal staffing. Such factors include: * Labour turnover (stability index, Wastage rate) * Sickness and accident rates * Age, skills and training * Succession. You need to know how to use statistics to analyse these factors when appropriate. * Recruitment and Selection: Next’s human resource planning team also needs to be able to identify and analyse the factors influencing and shaping the labour markets from which the organisation recruits staff to satisfy its manpower needs. Human resource specialists have to work in Next within these labour markets to acquire sufficient resources to meet the productive needs of the organisation. At Next Head Office you’ll find an environment, where each employee’s personnel contribution is encouraged. They believe strongly that, although qualifications can give you a head start, its initiative and self determination is what makes all the difference. This is why they don’t always insist on degree qualifications. If you can show that you have good experience and great potential in a relevant discipline, you’ll be considered. People do well at Next and seize the opportunities presented to them. This is why they look for motivated graduates with drive, commercial acumen and a passion for fashion. Individuals who will thrive in an open and creative environment where teamwork is valued. It is a fast-paced environment and it can be demanding. But the people that work there at Next take real pride in their work, and it’s their commitment that has made them what they are today. In return, they offer generous rewards and bonuses. For e.g. Staff Shop access and cut price clothing. Not to mention training and development. Businesses such as Next recruit staff for a variety of reasons. The reasons for why and how they recruit staff are: * The growth of the business * Changing job roles withtin the business * Filling vacancies created by resignation, retirement, dismissal * Temperorary staff holidays * Internal promotion The recruitment process can be very costly, in terms of resources devoted to the recruitment process and costs associated with recruiting poorly performing staff, due to the lack of motivation. It is important therefore to accurately select the right candidates for the interview or you could lose the right one before even the first process. Next are often straight to he point and make it very clear about the requirements of the job and about the person they are looking for. The way in which they do this is through: * The preparation of personal specifications and job descriptions * Carefully planning how, where and when to advertise * Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of job applications curriculum vitae and letters of application * Shortlisitng candidates. * Training and Development: To join Next as a Trainee Buyer, you’ll need either a fashion/clothing/textile/design related degree or HND. They prefer relevant retail experience with strong evidence of fashion awareness. For Trainee Merchandisers, you’ll need a business related or numerically biased degree/FIND or relevant retail experience as a Trainee Fabric Technologist or Trainee Garment Technologist, you’ll also need a relevant degree or an HND in textiles, fashion or clothing design. It is important to have these qualifications due to the demanding customers Next have. Computers have become an integral part of modem day life and are becoming increasingly important as teaching and training tools. In the work place and many other educational institutes computers and networks have become commonplace. This allows companies such as Next and educational establishments to utilise many possible computer training and education techniques. Today the use of computer based training and education covers a very broad spectrum of uses. Many companies now use computers in staff training and education. Computers are used as both a resource to present information and as a tool to develop practical expertise in staff. Computers can be used as a resource to present information because of presentation programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint. This presentation package can be used for basic training such as an employee induction; the presentation could give information about the company and what the employees will be doing. Computers can also be used as tools because they can help develop employees practical skills e.g. an employee who would be working with the companies database would probably be trained on a â€Å"dummy database† this would allow the employee to build up practical skills. Among the many benefits of computer-based training the major benefit to an employer is the reduced cost. As they do not have to send people away on courses which mean they don’t have to pay for travel or accommodation. So the investment in a suitable training scheme often pays for itself, as the computers are already available. The only drawback is that the computer based training courses can be impersonal and the employee may have to be a computer literate to do the course. One of the other advantages is that staff can train when they like at there own desks on the computer. The downside to this is that they are being taught by a computer, which cannot explain to the employee what they did wrong when they make a mistake, although some training packages may be able to do this to an extent. The major benefit to the people being trained close to Next is the convenience as they do not have to travel away and can learn in there own time. They can also get immediate feedback on how well they are doing. The only real disadvantage to using computer-based training is the impersonal touch of being taught by a computer. * Performance Management: A need to manage the performance of its employee’s effectively if Next is to remain competitive. This means that they must use effective management control exercised at both individual and organisational level. A range of processes and techniques need to be in place which allow individual employees to know how well they are doing and for managers to be able to monitor how well their subordinates are performing. At Next they monitor their employees whilst they are working. For e.g. they monitor your call with a customer if you are working in the directory and they observe you when you are serving customers on the shop floor. They do this because they wish to maintain the high standards people think they are at and their value in the market would increase.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

embryonic stem cell research Essay - 679 Words

Running Head: EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH Page 1 Carmelita Coto July 22, 2014 Embryonic Stem Cell Research PHI310 Stevens-Henager College EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH Page 2 Embryonic Stem Cell Research Embryonic stem cell reasearch has a longstanding debate history. The 70s focused on research that involved fetuses in utero. The 80s shifted to research of transplantation of fetal tissue into adults with serious medical conditions such as diabetes, Parkinsons, and spinal cord injuries. The latest saga involves using cells from days-old spare embryos that are created in infertility treatment process and all are considered unethical and unmoral issues.†¦show more content†¦After this Congress created legislation codifying into federal law guidelines and then proposed by the NIH review panel. Recent debate concerns using cells in the process of infertility treatments. Scientists are most eager to work with them because they can generate all kinds of tissues a body may need and help repair damaged and diseased organs. This could offer hope to millions who have many medical disorders. But antiabortion activists argue against this type of research. EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH Page 4 In 2001 the Bush administration took office and many expected to move quickly toward stem cell research but President Bush directed DHHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson to review this issue. The policy sat in limbo and NIH cancelled the first meeting with the review committee. The support began building among antiabortion Republicans and let to Sens. Connie Mack and Thurmond announced their support for the research.Then Sen. Orrin G. Hatch announces his support and he was against it before. Interestingly politics always is involved. So in the meantime some states not willing to wait for policy sorted out on a federal level and those states are New Jersey and California. New Jersey put forth $11.5 million on budget for stem cell research. California is voting on a budget initiative in November to have similarShow MoreRelatedEmbryonic Of Stem Cell Research Essay1576 Words   |  7 PagesEmbryonic Stem Cell Research Francois Rabelais, the famous Renaissance humanist, once said, â€Å"Science without conscience is the death of the soul† (Rabelais, Francois). Since the late 1960’s, this has been the stance for opponents of embryonic stem cell research. This is saying, if we are willing to take a fertilized embryo and kill it before it has even had time to develop, where is our conscience, our heart? We consider this form of stem cell research to be immoral and unethical. ScientistsRead MoreEmbryonic Of Stem Cell Research942 Words   |  4 PagesEmbryonic Stem Cell is when you have to destroy the egg inside, thus rendering that egg to become a human. The Stem Cell is put into a petri dish where it will be cultured and feed nutrients (Bethesda). The Stem Cell is almost like a blank code, It can replenish a part of the body that is hurt or has a disease (Bigloo). Stem cells can be programed any where in the body to fix the issue. When the stem cell divides it will keep pro ducing till the part of the body is back to normal (Bethesda). StemRead MoreThe Debate Of Embryonic Stem Cell Research1292 Words   |  6 PagesEmbryonic stem cells research is the most debated type of stem cell research. The moral standings of embryonic stem cell research have been debated since the research started. The side against the research claims that it is wrong to value one’s life above another and that the elimination of the most basic form of life is murder. While the side supporting the research claims that the research could bring about the cure for many types of diseases and help save the lives of millions. Embryonic stemRead MoreThe Debate Of Embryonic Stem Cell Research1460 Words   |  6 Pages I believe that embryonic stem cell research should be allowed in the United States. From previous encounters with the topic I have learned that the many benefits that can come from stem cell research are without a doubt astounding and unimaginable. There are simpl y endless possibilities that can arise if the research was allowed to be conducted. From giving back vision to rebuilding tissue, any advance in stem cell research would be beneficial to the medical world. With the help that the advancesRead MoreEmbryonic Stem Cell Research Essay710 Words   |  3 PagesResearch on stem embryonic stem cells We live in a world where genetic sciences have gone beyond laws, and past the imagination. We have come to a point where we don’t know anymore what is right, and what is wrong. We have to decide. In fact, studies are made on embryonic stem cells that for now have the purpose to better our overall health. 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The debates lies in whether or not it is helping or hindering society, as the procedure involves the manipulation of a human embryo. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are derived from a week old human embryo (blastocyst), often developed from unused in vitro fertilised eggs. They are pluripotent, meaning they are capable of undergoing directed differentiation andRead MoreHuman Embryonic Stem Cell Research1625 Words   |  7 PagesProduction and the Scientific and Therapeutic Use of Human Embryonic Stem Cells, the Pontifical Academy for Life presents the field of stem cell research with a statement regarding the official Roman Catholic position on the moral aspects of acquiring and using human embryonic stem cells.  They have declared that it is not morally legitimate to produce or use human embryos as a source of stem cells, nor is it acceptable to use stem cells from cell lines already established. Thus, bringing up the conflictingRead More Embryonic Stem Cell Research Essay1451 Words   |  6 Pagestechnology has allowed for a new understanding of stem cells and further developments in research. The use of stem ce lls in regenerative medicine may hold significant benefits for those suffering from degenerative diseases. To avail such advancements in stem cell research could see the alleviation or complete cure of afflictions that take the lives of millions worldwide each year. (McLaren, 2001) A stem cell 1 is able differentiate into any somatic cell found in the human body, including those identicalRead MoreHuman Embryonic Stem Cell Research2490 Words   |  10 PagesFederal Government to fund stem cell research through the National Institute of Health. There are various types of stem cells, but the policy issue mainly covers human embryonic stem cells. This policy revokes President George W. 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Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Essay about Social Stratification - 1554 Words

In Australian society, many people agree that the socio-economic class that you are born into will determine the life chances you ultimately have for the rest of your life. Australian society is highly based upon the concept of social stratification which â€Å"refers to the division of the population of a society into strata arranged in a hierarchy† (Aspin, Lois J., 1996: page 39) Sociologists study the social world through paradigms, which are theoretical frameworks such as functionalism and conflict theory. The way that they view society is through these paradigms in which they evaluate the life chances that individuals get throughout their life. Life chances are defined as â€Å"the chances an individual has in sharing in the economic, social†¦show more content†¦Although most Australian households are able to experience the wide range of choices over housing when making decisions about the cost of living, savings and investment, there are many low income househo lds where renting is the only affordable option. â€Å"In 2009-10, 37 percent of men and 34 percent of women aged fifteen years and over living in low income households experienced rental stress.† (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2013). Those considered to be under rental stress, pay more than thirty percent of their gross income towards rent. Conflict Theorists argue that individuals and groups of social classes within society have differing amounts of material and non-material items, such as the homes and the land in which they live. They argue that those who have power within society use this power to exploit groups lower than them, including those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Power can be defined as â€Å"the superior or inferior access an individual has to influence and authority† (Aspin, Lois J., 1996: page 38). In regards to this use of power, conflict theorists would claim that the relationship is unequal and favours those who own their own homes and does not give those who have paid their housing expenses for many years, any right or economic interest with the property. It argues that this is the result of the strong-rich exploiting the poor-weak of society. Thus,Show MoreRelatedStratification, Stratification And Social Structure Essay1413 Words   |  6 PagesIn our daily social life, when people meeting together whether with a stranger or a friend, they are likely to classify others by a certain category of characteristics consciously or unconsciously. 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There are two commonly known theories when it comes to social stratification, the functional theory, and the conflict theory. The functionalist believes that stratification is needed for society to enhance stabilityRead MoreThe Concept Of Social Stratification893 Words   |  4 PagesThe concept of social stratification is quite complex. It involves categorizing a person into socioeconomic levels based upon one’s profession, wealth, social status, and perceived power. Such a stratification makes up a social hierarchy, which involves placing groups of people in a higher standing than another group, with fewer people being included into the ‘higher’ classes. These concepts were not always apparent, only developing as result of human influence. Using Sumer and Uruk as examples,Read MoreThe Origin of Social Stratification5566 Words   |  23 PagesINTRODUCTION Social stratification is rigid subdivision of society into a hierarchy of layers, differentiated on the basis of power, prestige and wealth. It is the hierarchical arrangement of people in a society. Stratification is common in the animal kingdom on the basis of power and gender and some form of stratification has probably always existed among humans. With the development of food and other surpluses resulting from technological advances in agriculture and manufacturing, some peopleRead MoreSystems of Social Stratification2682 Words   |  11 Pagessystems of social stratification. The main aim of this essay is to compare and contrast these systems as well as indicating their advantages and disadvantages to development. The essay begins with defining the key terms which include comparing, contrasting and development. It further goes on to define as well as explain social stratification itself, the caste, the class and the colour-bar systems respectively. The essay further talks about the advantages and disadvantages of these systems of social stratificationRead MoreSocial Stratification1429 Words   |  6 PagesIreland The social stratification in Ireland today is undefined. During the Celtic Tiger it was perceived that Ireland as a whole was very wealthy and many people were classed as ‘wealthy’ or ‘upper class’. However since the recession hit the social status regarding the wealth of the country has deteriorated. It appears now that a larger number of the population are working or middle class and only a minority group remain in the upper classes of society. The growing unemployment rate has forced many