A South African Investment Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

A South African Investment Paper - Essay Example Therefore, the interfaith centre insisted that the companies should terminate their operations and leave South Africa, unless the then South African government ended apartheid, and enhanced human rights for the minority groups. This resolution occurred when Texaco and SoCal, the owners of Caltex, were planning to expand Caltex refinery plant in Milnerto, from 58,000 barrels per day to 108,000 barrels per day. This was an expansion that would cost Caltex $135 million, and as a result increasing the country’s refining capacity by 11%, (case study 4, N.d, p.9). Benefits The management was opposed to the interfaith centre resolution, which required them to abandon their business in South Africa due to ethical matters. Expansion of the Caltex firm would be associated with several economic advantages; first, the expansion plans would add up to 20% of annual returns on the initial investment, as a result, benefiting the country economically. The Caltex management also argued that wit h the expansion of the Caltex plant, the conditions of the blacks and the minority would be improved. The companies long adopted the 1977 Dr. Leon Sullivan principles, which included: i) Equal employment opportunities for all races ii) Equal pay for employees iii) Non- discrimination of races in terms of work facilities, and social life iv) Development of training programs that would prepare all workers for jobs v) The increasing of black workers in managerial positions vi) Improving the employee’s life quality, by fostering health facilities, transportation, school, and housing facilities, (case study 4, N.d, p10). Therefore, Caltex management believed that the expansion of the plant would bear more positive outcomes and foster equality and fairness within the organization. Despite the interfaith resolution, Caltex showed its commitment in improving its worker’s conditions, when it promoted 742 black employees into the former white-held jobs; 29 black employees were a lso moved into the white-collar job category. The management also advanced the worker’s wages by raising them above average, as it believed that the expansion of Caltex plant had all the interests of all the races considered. Needless say, if Caltex withdrew its operation from South Africa, many workers, regardless their race, would be left at a disadvantage, since their jobs would cease, hence becoming difficult for them to provide for their families. Therefore, the expansion of Caltex plant would be beneficial to the workers despite their race; however, the blacks would be mainly affected, because of the difficulties they face before attaining employment opportunities. Needless to say, the presence of these foreign companies had improved the wages of black workers, and therefore Caltex expansion is beneficial. Violation of Rights and Justice The expansion of the Caltex plant was faced with numerous critics from the Interfaith Center, who claimed that it violated the rights of blacks and other minority groups by abiding to the apartheid rules. Despite the companies abiding by the

FUNDAMENTALS OF E-BUSINESS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

FUNDAMENTALS OF E-BUSINESS - Essay Example The present study would analyse the website of Sina which is a news and media company that provides news and other related content on its website. The study would evaluate the brand with regards to the design structure and content as well as analysis of the branding strategy of the organization using the online channel. Apart from this aspects of social networking and mass customisation would also be included in the study. The study would analyse the website of the organization on the basis of all the above mentioned elements. This would also include analysis of the demerits as well as possible corrective measures or strategies. The study would end with a section that summarises the findings of the study and also puts forth set of plausible recommendations that would enable the firm to ensure sustainable competitive advantage in the market. Introduction The business environment prevailing in this world resembles a highly competitive market environment where business organizations are engaged in cut throat competition. Globalisation has also led to business organizations breaching geographical and political boundaries to reach out to new markets to leverage the potential of the opportunities of different markets. This has also enhanced the aspect of competition in the business markets as firms are essentially resorting to price war that has further intensified competition as the profit margins of the companies have been squeezed. In order to differentiate the products and services firms are essentially adopting different means to reach out to customers in an attempt to increase awareness and improve the brand image and positioning of their products and services among the minds of the target market audience. The advancement in internet technology has opened yet another channel for business organizations to showcase their products and services to a wide and large number of target market audiences. The immense reach and potential of this channel has made its one of the powerful channels for business organizations to showcase their products. The growing popularity of online social networking sites has also opened up greater opportunities for this channel. The present study would analyse the online communication channel of Sina which is a leading media house based in China. The study would evaluate the aspect of web design as well as it underlying concepts as well as branding, mass customisation and the aspect of social networking that affects the brand image of the organization. The study would also have a set of plausible recommendations for the organization that would enable it to maintain a roadmap of positive growth and sustainability in the business markets. Website Structure Design and Concepts In order to effectively leverage the opportunities of the online channel it is highly essential to have a website that has a good design and attractiveness so as to make an appeal among the members of the target audience. It is also essential to i nclude a suitable content for readers and visitors so as to create awareness of the website in the minds of the customers. Sina is a media company that larges uses the online channel for its business. The main areas of business include news and related contents, mobile service, online and community gaming as well as online shopping portal. The revenues of the firm mainly arise from advertising