Balanced Scorecard Essay Example for Free

Balanced Scorecard Essay A balanced scorecard is very helpful to any organization and should be viewed as a very important document throughout the company. Wal-Mart has developed a scorecard so that their customers can see what goals that the company wants to achieve and also how to achieve those goals. If you look at the scorecard on a regular basis, then you will know exactly how your company is running and what areas you need to work on. Wal-Mart wants everyone to know where to look at their scorecard and how to achieve the goals that they feel will make them even more successful. Wal-Mart also expects that every employee should follow this scorecard to guarantee they are doing the right things to make the company grow even faster and stronger than they already are (Balanced Scorecard Basics, 2014). The financial part is a very important part to Wal-Mart. With this part being successful you will be able to pay all the employees the right amount and also pay all the bills so that the company can make more money and keep thriving in the world today. Also with the financials down, the shareholders will see an increase in the amount of what the shares are selling for and that lets them know what they are making for owning those shares in the company. A competitive position is a major key within a huge retail chain like Wal-Mart. They are number one compared to other store chains similar to them. They continue building stores all over the world while a lot of the competitors keep shutting their stores down. Staying atop of this list is what makes Wal-Mart the leader in general merchandising stores (Wal-Mart Stores, 2013). Another major area of a balanced scorecard is how the customers see what Wal-Mart is doing. This is the most important part other than the  financials but work hand in hand with the financials. If the customers see Wal-Mart as a bad company then they will not buy the items that Wal-Mart is selling and then Wal-Mart will not be able to afford their bills and payroll and eventually have to close down. If they see Wal-Mart as a great place to shop then they will tell everyone that they know to shop there and that will make the revenue rise and make more profit for the company so that they can become even more successful in the future. The customers perspective always pays a big role in any company, if you keep them happy, then the will spend more money and time and energy with your company instead of your competitors (Balanced Scorecard Basics, 2014). Innovation is what you need to do to improve the company and learn how to grow and become a stronger economy. Wal-Mart is trying to be innovative in how they get their ads out to the general public. They are starting to email adds out to individuals emails letting their customers know of great deals and opportunities that are coming up in the local stores (Balanced Scorecard Basics, 2014). They are also developing an app for the smart phones of today with the deals and specials going on within the company. They are trying to get their products and service out in the community. Last but not least are the internal methods. They look at areas they think they will excel in and also the areas that will not excel so much at. The areas that Wal-Mart plans to excel at are usually the electronics. They look at other ideas to help them excel even more than usually and develop a plan to implement how to excel further in these areas. The Ares that are weak, they look for reasons that they are weak and how can they implement a plan to make those areas excel in also. When they can get all the areas in the store to excel greatly then they will become very successful and continue to grow beyond measure. This paper has demonstrated how a strategic plan of a balanced scorecard can help any company grow to a different standard. With these scorecard in effect and followed out completely then any company will succeed in everything that they want to do and become very successful. References Wal-Mart Stores. (2013, November 6). Retrieved March 31, 2014, from Forbes. Balanced Scorecard Basics. (2014). Retrieved March 31, 2014, from Balanced Scorecard INstitute: https://balancedscorecard.org/Resources/AbouttheBalancedScorecard/tabid/55/Default.aspx

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William Shakespeare's "Sonnet 18" has been a remarkably famous love poem from the time it was written. This sonnet is pure exaggeration of Shakespeare's feelings towards his beloved and his beauty and is expressed through various language techniques and strong language. It has a powerful theme of love and immortalization of the subject in this sonnet. The sonnet begins with rhetorical question where the poet uses a metaphor to ask "shall I compare thee to a summers day?" the rhetorical question directs the attention of the reader. The effect of the metaphor, shows how the poet thought of comparing the subject to a summers day, but then rejects the comparison because the poet feels much strongly about the beloved to compare him to something with as flawed as summer. The readers can interpret through the language and form that the poet is obviously in love with the subject as he continuously deteriorates summer to prove the perfectness of his beloved. The tone of the poem dramatically changes in the third quatrain. The poet no longer compares his beloved to a summers day, instead he signifies the importance of his beauty and youth. The poet metaphorically says "but thy eternal summer shall not fade". Summer can never be eternal, but the metaphor expresses the poets feelings towards the subject by saying that the subject shall be eternally beautiful. The beloved is eternalized further, as the poet says " When in eternal lines to time thou growest", immortalizing his love within the lines of this sonnet. The sonnet is also concluded by a metaphorical rhyming couplet. "So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee" evidently shows that the sonnet is meant to preserve the beauty of the youn... ... be seen that powerful and concentrated language was used several times in both poems. The language techniques such as imagery, personification, and metaphors which create an image for the reader and give them an understanding about the poem. They also express the poets intentions and feelings about their love for their loved ones. Shakespeare's "sonnet 18" used various language techniques and strong language to exaggerate the comparison of his beloved to a summers day and also sustain his beauty. "Funeral Blues" by W H Auden, also uses strong language and literary devices to create a visual and aural imagery for the reader. The use of the powerful and concentrated language and literary devices, in poetry allows readers to sympathize with the poet understand love being expressed in an intricate way. Hence, it can be seen that poetry is the perfect vehicle for love.

Capital punishment in the Islamic Republic of Iran

In recent years, many Muslims have come to accept the notion of democracy but there is a variety of opinion as to its precise meaning. They have sought to delineate Islamic forms of democracy, or popular political participation, seeking to provide an Islamic rationale whose legitimacy finds its roots in tradition. The Islamification of democracy has been based on a modern process of reinterpretation of the traditional Islamic concepts of political deliberation or consultation, community consensus, and personal interpretation or reinterpretation to support notions of parliamentary democracy; this also extends to include representative elections, and religious reform. Islamic organizations such as the Muslim Brotherhoods in Egypt and Jordan, Algeria’s Islamic Salvation Front, Indonesia’s Muhammadiya and Nahdatual Ulama ostensibly have advocated the principle of democratic elections and, have participated in parliamentary elections (Common Dreams NewsCenter, 2005) As with the interpretation of Islam, notions of democracy and the structuring of administration of justice take on different forms in different Muslim countries with different experience. Throughout the Islamic world, governments have adopted varying degrees of self-representation in response to unique historical circumstances. Turkey, for example, is a parliamentary, secular democracy. Indonesia is one of the world's largest republics, but an uncertain one as the nation still struggles to evolve a representative political system after decades of repressive authoritarian rule. Iraq is currently a case study in nation-building in the aftermath of the dictatorial regime of Saddam Hussein and Iran is a theocratic republic with a growing democratic reform movement. Whilst many Islamic states have moved closer to democracy, the aforementioned groups and States along with several other Islamic States, particularly in the Middle East, advocate the death penalty as a capital punishment for many different types of crimes. It has been claimed that Iran’s execution rate is second in the world only to that of China. However, this assertion has also been variously dismissed by the regime as exaggeration of the facts (Gelbart, 2010). Nevertheless, the death penalty is legal and permitted for certain crimes in Iran. Capital punishment can be administered for the crimes such as treason, rape, sodomy, terrorism, murder, the trafficking of drugs, paedophilia, kidnap and armed robbery (FIDH, 2011). The present Iranian regime has been a subject of controversy and stringent criticism in the West for some time now. The current central disputes focus predominantly around the research and manufacture of nuclear weapons although it has also received controversy for its policy on execution and capital punishment, perhaps the most controversial occurring over the execution of those under 18, considered by law as not yet adult (minors). These State-legitimised executions have been raised as issues because they directly violate the Convention of the Rights of the Child, a treaty signed by Iran which protects children from execution (EMINE, 2012). Iran has attempted to defray these allegations by claiming dispensation in these cases (and some others) because certain sections of the Convention have been deemed incompatible with ‘Islamic jurisprudence’ (DN. SE, 2008). The Iranian regime has also received criticism for the alleged use of stoning as a means of exacting the death penalty, although these allegations have been denied by the Iranian judiciary as Western propaganda, along with the allegations of the execution of minors (BBC NEWS, 2005). In February 2012 a new penal code was adopted by Iran which officially legislated against the administration of the death penalty to minors (those under the age of 18) and those of who are subject to diminished mental development. In some rare instances the death penalty can still be applied to minors who commit murder between the ages of 15 and 18 years old but only if the judge is completely confident that the crime was entirely and absolutely premeditated and that the perpetrators in question are as mentally developed as adults (Bozorgmehr, 2010). The issue of Iranian executions carried out against minors has also been a salient point in the campaigns of numerous human rights groups. These groups claim that in spite of Iran’s signing on the Convention on the Rights of the Child they are actually the largest executor of minors in the world. This may be due to the disparity of definition regarding children in Iran. The Islamic Penal Code (Article 49) defines a child in Iran, as stipulated by Islamic law, as ‘someone who has not reached the age of bulugh (puberty)’ (Human Rights Watch, 2008). This discrepancy may be due to Iran’s use of the lunar Islamic calendar for the determination of criminal responsibility, as opposed to the standard solar calendar, which is longer. This means that in some cases a criminal who faced the death penalty Iran would be tired as an18 year old in accordance with Islamic years but only be 17 years old in the Western standard solar calendar (O’Toole, 2007). As Marx (1843) famously asserted ‘Religion is the opium of the masses’. Throughout all history, religion has played the starring role in much of human conflict, with philosophical, political, sociological, as well as physical repercussions. Most of religions profess and share positive life philosophies and values, although it is commonly recognised that some religious entities and States have used their power to realise crimes against humanity. Some religious regimes have also used the respective doctrine of their associated religions, to carry out perceivably draconian brutality against their people, be it for political disagreement or legal dissent. It is difficult to foresee how Islamic societies can realise their tremendous potential without genuine political reform. Evidently, it is not Islam that is the greatest obstacle to serious democratisation and reform against the death penalty. On the contrary, the most important impediment is the continuing resistance of established political regimes, whose leaders espouse the language of democracy but rarely permit political liberalisation beyond that which they can orchestrate and control. Mona Yacoubian (Gelbart, 2010) makes a persuasive case for greater international involvement in urging the Iranian government toward greater reform. The key to the success of democratisation and reformation of the death penalty in Islamic societies is imposition of more freedom, expanding freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom of thought, and freedom to form independent organisations. The process may be long and slow but it must be real, sustainable, and measures should be taken to prevent the reversal of it. History shows that many governments in the Muslim world have become adept at promising democratic reforms only to fail on their promises ad deliver more oppression. In this regard, the international community needs to exert sustained pressure on the existing governments to sue for liberalisation, democratisation and extension of civil liberties: only through such routes can true societal freedom be attained. Real and genuine reforms are needed; liberal and moderate voices cannot be heard in an environment of fear and repression. The United States and European countries should stop implicitly and explicitly supporting all Middle Eastern dictatorships and oppressive regimes (rather than just those who operate in accordance with their political machinations); this they should do in the name of stability and to promote peace and strengthen the voices of liberal Islam, rather than propagating sometimes spurious propaganda in order to exercise military power and at the same time undermining their own arguments. Muslim countries must also gain experience with democratic institutions and practices. Nonetheless, the success to the development of democracy will necessarily be dependent on the success of the citizens to ultimately resolve their inner crisis, but this situation in turn will always be hampered unless the general unrest and political instability either plateaus or resolves of its own volition.

The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 - 1581 Words

In the United States, almost every employee is to protected under federal employment and anti-discrimination laws. These laws make it unlawful to discriminate against a variety of groups that have historically been subjugated to unfair treatment. The major federal anti-discrimination law is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law prevents discrimination on the basis of race/color, sex, religion, or national origin. It also prohibits retaliation against an employee for asserting their rights under the law and applies to all term and conditions of employment, including hiring, firing, promotion, compensation, and assignment decisions. Additionally, the equal pay act mandates that men and women must receive the same pay if they perform the same work. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act prohibits discrimination against those who are 40 years or older. For individuals with a disability, the Americans with Disabilities Act protects them from discrimination and also provide s additional requirements, such as reasonable accommodations. In addition to these federal laws, state laws vary greatly in terms of accommodations in the workplace and the protection they provide to employees. These laws may vary greatly from state to state and many extend similar protections to groups that are not covered by federal laws. These rules place significant regulations on how employers can make decisions on hiring and other terms of employment but many factors affect this complexShow MoreRelatedCivil Rights Act of 19641840 Words   |  8 PagesBefore the Civil Rights Act of 1964, segregation in the United States was commonly practiced in many of the Southern and Border States. This segregation while supposed to be separate but equal, was hardly that. Blacks in the South were discriminated against repeatedly while laws did nothing to protect their individual rights. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ridded the nation of this legal segregation and cleared a path towards eq uality and integration. The passage of this Act, while forever alteringRead More Civil Rights Act of 1964 Essay1338 Words   |  6 Pages The Civil Rights Act of 1964 resulted from one of the most controversial House and Senate debates in history. It was also the biggest piece of civil rights legislation ever passed. The bill actually evolved from previous civil rights bills in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. The bill passed through both houses finally on July 2, 1964 and was signed into law at 6:55 P.M. EST by President Lyndon Johnson. The act was originally drawn up in 1962 under President Kennedy before his assassinationRead MoreEssay on Civil Rights Act of 19646131 Words   |  25 PagesThe Civil Rights Act of 1964 Danielle Endler Human Resources 4050, Spring 2013 Semester Professor David Penkrot May 3, 2013 The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is considered by some to be one of the most important laws in American history. (The Most Important Cases, Speeches, Laws Documents in American History) This Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964 and it is a â€Å"comprehensive federal statute aimed at reducing discrimination in public accommodations and employmentRead MoreThe Civil Rights Act Of 1964879 Words   |  4 PagesPresident John F. Kennedy s New Frontier programs, Johnson wanted to expand civil rights and wage war on poverty. More than fifty years later, the effects of the Great Society on American life can still be felt. Civil rights fell under the scope of Johnson s Great Society programs. 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Understanding that concept leadsRead MoreThe Civil Rights Act Of 1964848 Words   |  4 PagesVII, Civil Rights Act of 1964, followed by a brief description of person al experiences involving discrimination, and concluding with a reflection as to how the American workforce is protected by law. The writing will cover any ethically related issues, personal thoughts and ideas, and illustrations of how the law pertains directly to personal events, as well as provide direct links to any and all reference material covered under the purpose of this writing. Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964 TheRead MoreThe Civil Rights Act Of 19641702 Words   |  7 Pagessubject to, and the subject of, discrimination. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 originally did not include gender in the bill’s wording. Were it not for a backhanded comment made in jest by a backward congressman, women would not have been afforded equal rights protection in employment (Freeman, 1991; 2004). 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(Tiona/Claire) Equality for African Americans has made remarkable progress since the approval of the Civil Rights Act, but discrimination continues. A significant step towards racial equality was the Civil Rights Act of 1964, proposed by John F. Kennedy. This act brought an end to segregation in public facilities such as buses, restaurants, hotels, and places of entertainment. It also banned employment discrimination on the termsRead MoreThe Civil Right Act Of 19641072 Words   |  5 PagesTitle VII of the Civil Right Act of 1964, and both under the Disparate Treatment and Disparate Impact. Dunlap feels that he has been discriminated during the interview process. The district court concluded that TVAs subjective hiring process permitted racial bias against the plaintiff and other black job applicants. Tennessee Valley Authorities was found guilty of discrimination against the plaintiff. The Title Vii of the Civil Right Act of 1964 enforces the constitutional right to vote, to confer