Social justice Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Social justice - Assignment Example As such, social justice should ensure that every member in the society lives a fulfilling life. Social justice often occurs in the forms of various rights enjoyed by the people. A society should therefore have appropriate institutions to protect the rights of the people. Language is a fundamental tool that enhances social interactions. As such, language rights refer to the ability of the members of a society to use language freely in enhancing their communications. Every member in the society has a right to a language or two (Tania & Cornelius, 2008) (Page# 66 Lines# 117-119). Mother tongue is a primary language for example that everyone must use effectively by the virtue of existing in a society. The society has effective institutions that protect and progressively advance the growth of languages. From the family institution to schools among other similar institutions, people learn and perfect their skills in various languages thereby enhancing their communication skills. While able-bodied individuals enjoy expressive use of language, the deaf on the other hand remain marginalized and their language rights often ignored. Deaf people constitute a vulnerable minority group in the society. Most societies do not always consider and safeguard their language rights. The deaf communicate in signs and symbols. Deaf students therefore go to special schools where they learn how to communicate in their special languages. They therefore become proficient communicators but only with other deaf individuals. The able-bodied individuals in the society often do not strive to learn the sign language a feature that develops a primary incompatibility in communication thus communication breakdown. Deaf children born of deaf parents learn the language from their parents and therefore enjoy effective communication from early ages. In fact, such children develop faster than normal children born of deaf parents do

Islams Problems come from within Essay Example for Free

Islams Problems come from within Essay * Criticism of propaganda type which world leaders try to persuade the world this isnt about Islam * Rushdie argues that by giving examples how it is a) support of Bin Laden b) the Islamic together coming for the jihad c) the anti-Semitism blaming Jews for the September 11th issues etc. * Rushdie suggests a reasoning for the above written from fear of the west taking over there old-fashioned traditional way of life. * He emphasizing how it is about Islam : many political movements are now guided by radical Islamic organizations such as the revolutionary Shiite of Iran or the Taliban. * Rushdie continues by introducing a vital key point to his article. He criticizes such political groups for blaming outsiders for all the ills of Muslim societies. He then suggests that they are to accept responsibility of their problems and then they may be able to solve their problems by themselves. * Rushdie continues by showing how many Muslims are beginning to ask themselves such questions. He gives some specific examples of intellectuals of the Muslim world relating to that question. * He concludes by suggesting that the way to overcome the problem with terrorism today is by secularist-humanist principles which must be taken on by the Islam. In terms of what we have learned, we would have to say that Rushdie argument is valid. We can come to that conclusion by simply looking at his arguments; Rushdie doesnt introduce new information in his conclusions relating to an argument. If the question of validity refers to the fact that Islam is the topic related to the terror attacks in September, then the argument can well be valid to a certain extent. However, it would morally be wrong to blame a religion for this mass murdering, as we know that generalizing that all Muslims are murders, is wrong and invalid. Although, one could argue the majority of the arguments Rushdie makes, the way he wrote them they are valid. Rushdie presumably has a strong historical knowledge to support his articles arguments. However, I believe a great deal of emotions came in play while expressing himself. We must not forget that Rushdies experience with the Islamic, (in direct reference to the fact he was ordered to be killed by a major Islamic leader) hence a possible bias on the issue. I fully understand such a standpoint as that of Rushdie; I too, when am asked to support my countries actions in regard to the Palestinian terror attacks, tend to become emotional and very protective. Therefore I understand the pressure release Rushdie experiences while expressing himself. Therefore I can also say from experience that I do not think that in such a state Rushdie would exaggerate to a point of absurd.

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Participation of hyperglycemia in triggering the multiple oxidative stress pathways in the course of diabetes. AngII: angiotensin II; eNOS: endothelial nitric oxide synthase; Jac/STAT: janus kinase (Jac)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT); LDL: low density lipoprotein cholesterol; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; MetS: metabolic syndrome; NF-ÃŽ ºb: nuclear transcription factor ÃŽ ºb; †¢NO: nitric oxide; NOS: nitric oxide synthase; †¢O2−: superoxide anion radical; †¢OH: hydroxyl radical; ONOO−: peroxynitrite; PCKÃŽ ´: protein kinase C ÃŽ ´. Adapted from Johansen et al., 2005 The increased oxidative stress in subjects with type 2 diabetes is therefore a magnitude of several abnormalities, including hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia, each of which contributes to mitochondrial superoxide overproduction in endothelial cells of large and small vessels as well as the myocardium[15] COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES Whether diabetes occurs as a result of type 1, the early-onset and predominantly insulin-dependent form, or type 2, the late-onset... Essay -- Participation of hyperglycemia in triggering the multiple oxidative stress pathways in the course of diabetes. AngII: angiotensin II; eNOS: endothelial nitric oxide synthase; Jac/STAT: janus kinase (Jac)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT); LDL: low density lipoprotein cholesterol; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; MetS: metabolic syndrome; NF-ÃŽ ºb: nuclear transcription factor ÃŽ ºb; †¢NO: nitric oxide; NOS: nitric oxide synthase; †¢O2−: superoxide anion radical; †¢OH: hydroxyl radical; ONOO−: peroxynitrite; PCKÃŽ ´: protein kinase C ÃŽ ´. Adapted from Johansen et al., 2005 The increased oxidative stress in subjects with type 2 diabetes is therefore a magnitude of several abnormalities, including hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia, each of which contributes to mitochondrial superoxide overproduction in endothelial cells of large and small vessels as well as the myocardium[15] COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES Whether diabetes occurs as a result of type 1, the early-onset and predominantly insulin-dependent form, or type 2, the late-onset...

Globalization: Has it helped Muslim women to gain education? Essay

The definition of globalization is the integration of world economies into one through increased communication, technology and the elimination of the quota-system and other trade barriers resulting in a global market of buyers and sellers (Najam, Runnals, & Halle, 2006). Aim of Paper This paper will be discussing how actually globalization has contributed towards the improvement in the situation of Muslim women in seeking education. The historical evolution of the status of Women Ancient Practices Sons used to inherit their fathers’ wives and women-trade was always a profitable business for merchants all across the Roman Empire during the 15th and 16th centuries. Evolution and Today This change process took decades and today American and European countries can accurately declare that women living there are free from implied prejudice and partiality. Muslim Women’s status However the change process for Muslim women has not been either so complete or so swift. Even today there are several regions where the treatment of women is deeply rooted in ignorant beliefs and values. Globalization: Behind the scenes How Globalization helped? Globalization led to the creation of awareness, self-actualization and increased commitment and cooperation resulting in more schools, colleges and universities being built. Education Education, as a result of globalization, resulted in the reality crashing upon the heads of the people who were rooted earlier in ignorance and blind faith. Technology Technology has been one of the most important reasons behind the improvement of womens’ conditions in terms of education. Women confined to the four walls of houses have been able to benefit from the use of technology and gain education. Example of Malaysia Malaysia today boasts of a modernized society where women are empowered and enjoy equal status rights as men. Conclusion Globalization has been a major player in provoking the exposure of the false ideological practices of â€Å"Islamic† men who used religion as the tool to keep themselves one step further of women in all areas. The advent of media coverage and social groups’ involvement in the countries where Muslim women were forced into ignorance has led to education being spread to them. Bibliography Introduction Globalization is a process that has been inherent in the society ever since mankind began moving around in search of food on Earth. The realization that globalization is a major phenomenon that has brought about several changes in the lives of people was quite late. The reason behind this was also logical. Globalization in the past was not as accelerated as it has been since the past three to four decades. Things globalized at a much inflated rate during the post-1950s than they did before that (Najam, Runnals, & Halle, 2006). The definition of globalization is the integration of world economies into one through increased communication, technology and the elimination of the quota-system and other trade barriers resulting in a global market of buyers and sellers (Najam, Runnals, & Halle, 2006). Though the advantages and disadvantages of globalization are altogether another issue, one thing is certain: it has assisted Muslim women in breaking the vicious circle of false religious ideologies and helped them in gaining education. Though, most of the time, laws have been bent through interpretation loopholes in the religion to safeguard the interests of men and to maintain a level of supremacy over women. This practice has been challenged over the years by social activists and women rights campaigners but the cries have fallen on deaf years. Several incidents and events have occurred corroborating the fact that globalization has helped Muslim women in advancing towards knowledge and education (â€Å"Who Speaks for Islam? Who Speaks for the West? The Impact of Globalization on the Muslim World. †, 2006). This paper will be discussing how actually globalization has contributed towards the improvement in the situation of Muslim women in seeking education. The historical evolution of the status of Women Ancient Practices One of the most blatant truths of mankind is the fact that religious constraints and masculine dominance have always been dominant over women. From the times of the pre-historic man to the times of renaissance, women were always considered to be a kind of commodity to be owned by men and used as per their will. Sons used to inherit their fathers’ wives and women-trade was always a profitable business for merchants all across the Roman Empire during the 15th and 16th centuries. The United Kingdom too was no exception to the treatment (or rather lack of it) towards women; women were not allowed to vote or take part in the government till as late as the 18th century. However, things gradually began to change in the European countries and USA. People began to realize the equality of men and women and from there began the actualization movements to provide equal statuses to men and women and to eradicate gender discrimination. Evolution and Today Today in most developed nations, the concept of gender discrimination is smirked at, women enjoy the same legal status and rights as men and are entitled to the same treatment. This change process took decades and today American and European countries can accurately declare that women living there are free from implied prejudice and partiality (Muzaffar, 2009). Muslim Women’s Status However the change process for Muslim women has not been either so complete or so swift. Even today there are several regions where the treatment of women is deeply rooted in ignorant beliefs and values. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Iran, Iraq and Malaysia have the largest populations of Muslims in the world. The rights of women in these countries are highly influenced by Islam. Islamic principles and shariah law have been the foundations upon which the rights of men, women and society have been drafted. Globalization: Behind the scenes Religious ideologies and Islamic misinterpretations have long denied women their fundamental rights of education and independence in non-secular countries – examples include the tribal areas of Afghanistan; Pakistan; extremist areas in Kashmir, Central India and Gujrat; Saudi Arabia; Morocco and Kenya. On one pretext or the other men have used Islam as the sword (without realizing that Islam has no such injunctions) to cut short the rights of women in a modern world. How Globalization Helped? However globalization has been the silent factor providing empowerment to women across the globe and granting them access to education. Globalization changed the international alignment of businesses bringing about more foreign direct investment and joint collaborations. Women in states where Islam was cited as the keystone governing all their behavior and rights found that globalization resulted in exposure of the maltreatments against them. Media and foreign activists have initiated several campaigns in Afghanistan and Pakistan in the past decade (some of them being as a result of 9/11 influx). The revelation of the actual state of women in these troubled areas led to federal control and social activists’ involvements in these areas. These groups developed schools, colleges, abolished the previous customs and illicit practices in the shroud of religion and made sure that the sanctity of women was upheld (Muzaffar, 2009). The major role of globalization was the increased integration of regional economies which made dependency and mutuality inevitable for countries and regions within. Countries could no longer remain aloof of the international market as globalization brought them closer together in terms of social, economic, political and cultural dependence (Apple, Kenway, & Singh, 2005). The major hand of globalization in helping Muslim women develop education was the spread of education itself. Globalization led to the creation of awareness, self-actualization and increased commitment and cooperation resulting in more schools, colleges and universities being built. In countries like Malaysia and Pakistan, the number of universities grew with great pace over the past twenty years. Though the change in ideology and Islamic understanding was not visible in the tribal areas of Pakistan due to ignorance and lack of integration with federal rule, Malaysia today boasts of a modernized society where women are empowered and enjoy equal status rights as men. The illusion that Islam confines women to within the household was a widely held belief in such nations and is still today the chief limiting factor for the development of women in Pakistan’s tribal areas (Hassan, 2006). Education Education, as a result of globalization, resulted in the reality crashing upon the heads of the people who were rooted earlier in ignorance and blind faith. The â€Å"muftis† and sermon-givers of Islam who hardly possessed enough knowledge to save their own skins propagated misleading Islamic â€Å"fatwas† relating to the rights of women forcing them into confinement and imposing undue restrictions over them. However, globalization increased the synergy between different educated and learned men and women of Islam bringing about a correction of faith, ideas and beliefs. Thus, several hundred schools and colleges have been built for the education and counseling of women in rural Afghanistan and Pakistan. Women from backward areas have been able to move ahead with the advent of globalization through increased opportunities and exposure to people who are willing to work towards the uplift of women (Maisami, 2003). A secondary effect of globalization that helped women progress was the increased need for skilled labor and competition. Since the tariff system was done away with by the World Trade Organization (WTO) reforms, sellers found that overnight they had lost their competitive advantage – now buyers could select from an international market and choose the lowest prices without trade restrictions. This brought a desire for competition amongst the medium-sized sellers and growth amongst the large sellers. The small fishes could not do much as survival was a zero possibility for them. Thus, women were required to bring in expertise and newer ideas in some of the medium sized businesses in the developing nations. Fuelled by this demand, more and more women found opportunities knocking on their doors and calling them towards empowerment. Though there is not much literature available to support this phenomenon, I believe that my interaction with friends in Pakistan has given me a fair idea of the reality of this happening (Muzaffar, 2006). Evidence Technology has been one of the most important reasons behind the improvement of womens’ conditions in terms of education. Women confined to the four walls of houses have been able to benefit from the use of technology and gain education. Determination and courage leads to success – it has been so in the case for women who have broken their jinx and acquired education only through the use of Internet. These women have been the ones whose parents and husbands have not been extremists, thus allowing them the use of technologies such as the Internet. Otherwise, in 99% of the non-secular areas, technology is abhorred as much as Western contact and modernization (Hassan, 2006). Modernization, according to the extremists is â€Å"wearing jeans, using a mobile phone and speaking in English†. People with such mindsets have been severe impediments for their women in the path to acquiring education. Evidence Malaysian women are one of the most progressive sect of Muslim women across the globe. Their modesty or integrity has not changed – most women still follow the â€Å"hijab† which is customary to ensure modesty in women – however, their approach to life has transformed greatly. Working alongside men and performing chores which even today is thought of to be â€Å"a man’s job† in most backward Muslim regions, Malaysian women display the true sense of how globalization has assisted them in overpowering false Islamic ideologies built and propagated in the name of religion only to bring shame to it (Altwaijri, 2006). Conclusion Globalization has been a major player in provoking the exposure of the false ideological practices of â€Å"Islamic† men who used religion as the tool to keep themselves one step further of women in all areas. The advent of media coverage and social groups’ involvement in the countries where Muslim women were forced into ignorance has led to education being spread to them. The times of forced ignorance and support from misleading â€Å"mullahs† on the part of Muslim men trying to oppress women is now a matter of confinement to the areas which are still not much in contact with the rest of the world. Globalization has thereof been a major contributor to the ease with which Muslim women have been able to gain access to education. Without the advent of globalization, communication and technological barriers would have had kept Muslim women stagnant and at bay. It has been the increasing inter-mingling of international communities which has given Muslim women the opportunity to move ahead with the rest of the world. In conclusion, globalization forces will continue to provide more opportunities for Muslim women to gather education and break the barriers of religious idealism that have long kept their talent within the limits of their houses (Mirjana, 2006). Bibliography Altwaijri, Abdulaziz Othman. â€Å"The Islamic World and Globalization. † ISESCO. Org. 26 July 2008 . The above reference was quite relvant to the topic of how globalization affects the Islamic world. The basic effects were used and then the impact upon Muslim women was easier to build up upon. Hassan, R. (2006). Islam in the Area of Globalization. Globalization, modernity and identity ar fundamental issues in contemporary Islam and Islamic Studies. , 175-189. This article discusses the major issues and complexes that Muslim men hold against women so that their behavior has been very aggressive and has led to oppression of women. Maisami, Mona. â€Å"Islam and Globalization. † The Fountain. July-September 2003. 27 July 2008 Very helpful in documenting the issues that were removed through globalization. Discusses to a certain extent the women issues as well. Mirjana Radovi, M. (2006). The Perspective of Women’s Entrepreneurship in the Age of Globalization. Information Age Publishing , 3-14. This article was a snapshot of the whole document which provided the women issues and how globalization impacts women in gaining education. Muzaffar, Chandra. â€Å"Globalization and Religion: Some Reflections. † ReadingIslam. com. 29 June 2002. 9 May 2009 This article discusses the religious ideologies that have been cited as reasons for limiting the movement of women and keeping them from growing independent. Apple, M. W. ; Kenway, J. ; & Singh, M. (Eds. ). (2005). Globalizing Education: Policies, Pedagogies and Politics. New York: Peter Lang. The typical Muslim mentality regarding the independence and education of women is discussed in detail which helps in building up a nice conclusion. â€Å"Who Speaks for Islam? Who Speaks for the West? The Impact of Globalization on the Muslim World. † New York University’s Dialogues: Islamic World-U. S. -The West. 10-11 February 2006. 24 July 2008 . The most relevant article for this topic which provided the largest literature review on the topic.

Startegic Analysis (Sherwin Williams)

The Sherwin-Williams Company SHW (NYSE) Strategic Analysis ————————————————- SWOT ANALYSIS StrengthsWeaknesses Strong financial performanceHigh debt to equity ratio Wide product portfolioIncrease in current liabilities Strong market presence OpportunitiesThreats Global demand for coatings market Consolidation in chemical industry Opening new storesForeign exchange risks Strategic acquisitionEnvironmental regulations The Sherwin-Williams Company is viewed as one of the leading paint manufacturing and retailing companies in the US. Some of their key strengths are a strong market presence, wide product portfolio, and strong financial performance. Some major areas of concern are a high debt to equity ratio and increasing current liabilities. Going forward, the risks associated with foreign exchange risk, environmental regulations, and consolidation in chemical industry may impede its business growth. However, ample growth opportunities for the company are obtainable through strategic acquisition, opening new stores and increasing global market for coatings. Strengths: Strong financial performance FY2010 reflected an impressive financial performance for the company. They registered total revenue of US$7,776. 42 million in the FY2010, up 9. 62% on an annual basis from US$7,094. 25 million in the FY2009. The increase in revenue was principally due to the acquisition of two industrial wood finishes businesses(Sayerlack and Becker Acroma). These two acquisitions increased revenues for FY2010 by more than US$440 million. Also, their operating profit increased by 8. 82% from US$622. 82 million in the FY2009, to US$677. 78 million in the FY2010. Simultaneously, the company net income increase by 6. 11% to US$462. 49 million in the FY2010 from US$435. 5 million in the FY2009. Based on such strong financial performance, the company can aggressively pursue its growth and expansion plans. Wide product portfolio Having a broad business portfolio helps the company to serve the diverse needs of its customer base. Sherwin-Williams develops, produces, distributes and retails paints, coatings and related products. They also produce paints, stains, painting tools and equipments for a wide variety of customers such as residential and commercial builders, architectural and industrial painting contractors, property owners and managers. Their portfolio includes products for their Paint Stores group segment, Consumer Group segment, and the Global Finishes Group segment. In addition to its merchandise offerings, it also provides painting related services such as color sampling, wood finishing systems and services, inventory management and equipment repairs. This broad product portfolio has allowed them to obtain a higher market share and increase their revenues. Strong market presence A strong market position allows them to attract a huge customer base, ensuring strong top-line performance. Sherwin-Williams is one of leading manufacturers in the coating industry in the US. In Europe, their subsidiaries, Sayerlack and Becker Acroma are recognized as the leading coating companies. Another subsidiary, Pinturas Condor is the largest paint and coatings company in Ecuador. The company offers a wide portfolio of market leading brands such as Sherwin-Williams, ProMar, SuperPaint, A-100, Duron, PrepRite, Duration, Master Hide, ProClassic, Classic 99, MAB, Columbia and ExpressTech. Such a strong market presence of the company helps it to generate increased demand for its offerings, driving the revenue. Weaknesses: High debt to equity ratio This ratio may place the company in a risky position in paying off its high interests. Their debt to equity ratio was 70. 12 in the FY2010, which was much higher than Chemicals – Commodity industry’s average debt to equity ratio of 29. 91. The increased debt to equity ratio was due to 27. 79% annual increase in debt, from US$817. 61 million at the end of the FY2009 to US$1,044. 79 million at the end of the FY2010. This higher debt to equity ratio compared to the industry may indicate that the company’s poor ability to meet its obligations, which in turn may affect its business operations. Increase in current liabilities Substantial increase in current liabilities weakened the company’s liquidity position. Its current liabilities were US$2,063. 94 million at the end of FY2010, a 48. 09% increase compared to the previous year. However, its current assets recorded a marginal increase of 25. 07% – from US$1,770. 02 million at the end of FY2009 to US$2,213. 72 million at the end of FY2010. Following this, the company’s current ratio declined from 1. 27 at the end of the FY2009 to 1. 07 at the end of FY2010. A lower current ratio indicates that the company is in a weak financial position, and it may find it difficult to meet its day-to-day obligations. Opportunities: Global demand for coatings market The growing market for global coatings will certainly benefit the company. Market analysts expect the global coatings market to reach US$98. 69 billion by 2015. This expected increase is primarily due to economic activity, rapid industrialization, and increasing demand from automotive and construction sectors in developing countries. The Asian market is also forecast to increase at a compounded annual growth rate of 4. 2% through 2015. Being a manufacturer of paints and coatings, the company can tap this growing market. Opening new stores The company’s expansion plans of new stores will attract huge customer base. During the FY2010, the company’s Paint Group segment opened 49 new stores, of which 40 in the US, six in Canada, two in Trinidad and one in Jamaica. Also, during the FY2001, the company increased its total stores to 3,390 compared to 3,354 in the FY2009. For FY2011, the company is planning to open 50 to 60 new stores. This expansion plan will provide competitive edge over its peers in the industry. Strategic acquisition Their focus on expanding its global presence will provide further growth opportunities. As an example, the company acquired Becker Industrial Products AB in September 2010, one of the largest manufacturers of industrial wood coatings globally. Becker Acroma operates nine manufacturing facilities, 19 mixing sites and 13 technical centers around the world. This acquisition will allow them to expand its quality products and customer service while also strengthening its growing global platform to better serve customers around the world with outstanding technology, assets, and people. Strategic acquisitions such as this will enhance the company’s global expansion, ensuring top-line performance. Threats: Consolidation in chemical industry Merger and acquisition activities in the chemical industry could present a potential threat. The global chemical M&A deals are expected to be more active in 2011. In the first three quarters of 2010, total global chemical M&A transactions amounted to US$32 billion, which was higher than full year 2009 value of US$25. 4 billion. Sherwin-Williams may face competition from its peers, which are financially and operationally stronger, apart from becoming a target of such M&A deals. Foreign exchange risks Because they operate in many parts of the world, they are exposed to the fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Their business operations are conducted in many currencies worldwide. Significant part of its revenue is denominated in other currencies such as the Russian Ruble, Euro, Brazil Real, Chile peso, and Japan Yen, among others. Although the company has forward currency contracts, there can be no assurance that such hedging activities or measures will significantly limit the impact of movements in exchange rates on the company’s results of operations. As a result, a loss of US$3. 82 million and US$2. 84 million was reports in FY2010 and FY2009 respectively, due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. If the same scenario occurs, the company’s business and results of operations may be adversely affected. Environmental regulations These regulations may be affected by the environmental regulations governing the global chemical industry. REACH (Registration Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals) is an example of the stringent environmental regulations that are set to affect chemical producers. REACH regulates the products manufactured and marketed in Europe by mandating that all companies develop and submit dossiers containing datasets about their chemical products and detail their potential impact and risk on environment. This could be a challenge while launching a new product as it is a time-consuming and expensive process. It could also result in phasing out many existing chemicals from the market, which may be regarded as toxic and hazardous. REACH directly applies to over 30,000 different chemical substances that are produced or sold in Europe and its implementation is expected to cost European chemical industry about US$3 billion. Regulations for other countries are expected to follow the same model. Similar regulations have already been implemented in the US with the reform of Toxic Substances Control Act. Such stringent environmental regulations could affect both existing and new products for the company. KEY PERSONNEL Christopher M. Connor, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer Since 2000, ? Age 54 Mr. Connor has been the Chairman of the company, since 2000 and has also been the Chief Executive Officer since 1999. From 2005 to 2006, he served as the President of the company and was the vice chairman from 1999 to 2000. He served as the President, Paint Stores Group of Sherwin-Williams from 1997 to 1999. He is also a Director of Eaton Corporation and National City Corporation. John G. Morikis, Chief Operating Officer, President Since 2006, ? Age 47 Mr. Morikis has been the President and the Chief Operating Officer of the company, since 2006. Prior to this, he served as the President, Paint Stores Group from 1999 to 2006. He joined the company in December 1984. Sean P. Hennessy, Chief Financial Officer – Finance, Senior Vice President Since 2002, ? Age 53 Mr. Hennessy has been the Chief Financial Officer the company, since 2002. He has also been the Senior Vice President – Finance of the company, since August 2001. Mr. Hennessy joined the company in September 1984. CORPORATE CULTURE AND SOCIETAL EXPECTATIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES Corporate Culture Sherwin Williams has a positive corporate culture and through education assistance is willing to give its employees the skills to become what they would like to be. Additionally they have excellent training that is provided in a scheduled manner to make sure that everyone has the up to date information. They also have cutting edge technology that facilitates the sales process. Sherwin-Williams has been recognized among Fortune Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2005, 2006, and 2008. Seven core values drive their culture and guide Sherwin-Williams as a team and as a company. These values are Integrity, People, Service, Quality, Performance, Innovation and Growth. The company ensures that these values are reflected in their people, their products, and their business practices and relationships. They also provide opportunities for advancement. More than 90% of placements into managerial and professional positions in the Paint Stores Group come from within the company. Over 700 college recruits are hired every year into their Management/Sales Training Program and receive training in different divisions and functions. Sherwin-Williams is also well respected for their benefits package. Is considered one of the best in the business. Besides the common short-term benefits like health and dental insurance, they also offer benefits that grow over a lifetime. They offer: * Health ; Dental Insurance * Group Life ; Accidental Death ; Dismemberment Insurance * Supplemental Life Insurance * Voluntary Personal Accident Insurance Disability Insurance (Short ; Long-term) * Matching 401(k) and Pension Programs * Vacation and Holidays * Employee Discount Program * Tuition Aid * Adoption Assistance Societal Expectations Sherwin-Williams believes that it is their calling to manufacture and market innovative products while still operating a safe, clean and friendly workplace and observing the highest ethical standards in business. In 2009, they presented their first, Corporate Social Responsibility Report — a report that demonstrated the actions behind their beliefs. To them, Corporate Social Responsibility means to act in a way that reduces their impact on the world around us. They believe they have the most comprehensive line of environmentally responsible products. They also have a number of other brands sold around the world that seek to reduce their impact on the environment. Sherwin-Williams believes it’s important to participate in healthy discussions — and create action plans — with input from those around them. That is why they are actively engaged with government agencies and industry organizations that value sustainable practices as much as they do. Some of these agencies are: * U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Leaders Program * National Paint ; Coatings Association Coatings Care Program * CLEARCorps National Lead Extraction Program * EPA Smart Ways Fuel Efficient Transportation Program * U. S. Green Building Council * National Association of Home Builders — Green Building Council In July 2008, Sherwin-Williams launched EcoVision, an internal company-wide initiative that challenges every employee to look for and implement ways to reduce the company’s impact on the environment. The programs mission is to assist Sherwin-Williams to be recognized as a leader in the development of sustainable processes, product and activities that are profitable, preserve natural resources, and contribute to social improvement. Their contribution to social improvement has been demonstrated through The Sherwin-Williams Foundation. In 2007, the Foundation launched the Sherwin-Williams Grant, a $50,000 cash award given annually to a charity committed to either children’s health or educational programs that lead to economic independence.