Economic integration in North America †NAFTA Essay

States undergo a lot of challenges and face dilemma in the current globalization era. Globalization has led to the integration of various world economies and this requires openness to the economy of the world, serving the interests of the nations, and competition for relative advantages at national level as international capitalism demands. The evolution of the global economy in the west in the late 1980s and 1990 aroused the desire for competitive advantage among regional trading blocs in the area of trade, finance, manufacturing and technology and this also led to the birth of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (Ciccantell, 2001). NAFTA was formed in 1994 as part of the economic integrationist revival of the period and it marked a significant shift of the U. S. trade policy (Pastor, 2004). NAFTA incorporates the economies of three countries-the U. S. , and Canada in the north and Mexico in the south. According to Cavanagh and Anderson (2002) NAFTA is a complex set made up of trade and non-trade bargain issues which advance North America towards closer ties of economy. This essay gathers information from various economic literatures that discuss the NAFTA formation and implementation process. The central idea is the paradox in which a least developed country, Mexico forms a treaty with the world’s most advanced economies in North America. This relationship is of tremendous interest to economic scholars and observers. Circumstances that led to the formation of NAFTA in the 1994 are evaluated in this essay as well as factors that almost hindered the implementation of the treaty. The essay further evaluates the benefits that NAFTA has on the participating economies. This will be followed by a discussion of the challenges that the implementation of the treaty faces. Possible solutions to overcome the challenges are recommended. An Economic Integration Perspective International economics involves the integration of the economic practices of various countries within a global scale. Economists have described various dimensions of international economic integration and these include trade liberalization in goods, direct foreign investment, trade in services, liberalization of capital flows, free labor movement, environmental protection rules, a World Trade Organization’s (WTO) -managed rule-based system for trade in goods and services, and established intellectual property and patent rules (Ciccantell, 2001). Theoretically, countries can meet these dimensions without resorting to a regionalism model. However, in practical sense, countries meet to regionalize more for political than economic reasons as a way of dealing with the globalization challenge (Fox, 2004). Contrary to this, some scholars recommend that market-orientation factors should be the main drivers of economic integration in the current globalization era (Funk, Elder, Yao & Vibhakar, 2006). Although already established, some economists view NAFTA as an on-going process in which the end product is not yet confirmed. The future of regionalization is mostly determined by domestic and regional factors as opposed to globalization although regional and global forces are responsible for driving North America into closer economic ties. Carranza (2002) asserts that the future of NAFTA depends on the policy makers’ deliberate act as this will determine whether NAFTA will resolve into an institutional deficit or develop into a deeper integration. Circumstances that could have hindered the formation of NAFTA Mexico, which was to be part of the North American economic integration, had first opposed an allied relationship with the northern colossus because of a negative historical experience (Skonieczny, 2006). Mexico had lost almost half of its territory in the 1846 to 1848 Mexican-American war (De la Balze, 2001; Skonieczny, 2006). Secondly, Mexico strived to maintain an independent foreign policy, which sought closer alliances with the South and Central America and the Caribbean (Skonieczny, 2006). According to Carranza (2002), it is still a puzzle as to why Mexico later decided to form an economic partnership with the North America countries from a very weak position. The country also paid a very high domestic political price by agreeing to join the NAFTA. However, the economic situation in Mexico and the labor market was deteriorating, and the political situation was unstable after a negative eventful election in the 1988 (Philip, 2008). The government also featured corrupt and authoritarian episodes. Inflation was hitting the country at a high rate, economic growth was stagnant and living standards were poor. Additionally, Mexico had a significant amount of national debt that was un-payable. Trade liberalization seemed the most political consequential (Faber, 2007). On the other and, there was a looming fear in the US that the economic integration would lead to loss of jobs in the US while in the South there were cries for revolution (Pastor, 2004). Nevertheless, Mexico was eager to access the larger U. S. market despite the observers’ opinion that the U. S. is unlikely to abide by the trade accord (Castaneda, 2008). U. S. had been known of having a poor record in international treaties implementation and its previous treatment towards Mexico in issues like immigration policies left a doubt on Mexico as to whether the country would be left out of the agreement implementation despite their being one (King, 2005). The Central America and Caribbean countries that were allied to Mexico feared that there could be an erosion of the already existing trade preferences if the NAFTA was formed (Baker, 2008). The countries faced the dilemma between free trade in the open regionalism and protectionism. Furthermore critics viewed the formation of NAFTA as a state-led project although the members denounced the classical state intervention mechanisms in bid to soften the globalization effect. The Founding of NAFTA The formation of NAFTA was considered inevitable because of the market and trade conditions in the globalization period that necessitated an economic integration (Baker, 2008). However, the formation process was not smooth-sailing because of the various uncertainties that occurred in the wake of well developed countries wanting to merge their economies with the less developed ones. This was evident in the negotiation process in which there was asymmetry of both political and economic powers and Mexico lacked a non-agreement alternative. The formation of NAFTA also lacked the accompaniment of institutionalization and there lacks a common governance unto which NAFTA can be identified. In Northern America, the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations in the 1990s was progressing slowly and thus this made the regional integration an attractive option (Carranza, 2002). The formation of NAFTA started as a unique regional economic integration process between a less developed country, Mexico in this case; and two industrial powers- the U. S. and Canada (Davidson, 2008). This was the first economic agreement on a regional basis to include various forms of integration. Some of the integrated economic activities cited in most literatures include foreign investments, financial services, government procurement and intellectual property rights. On the contrary, the Uruguay Round global trade negotiations did not feature all of these revival strategies. The U. S. presented NAFTA as a trade liberalization model in the western hemisphere in the early 1990s as a way of continental regionalism. On the other hand, the Latin American countries were not ready to embrace this model because of the doubt they had on the U. S. intention of seeing the agreement through the future. It was easier for the U. S. to control the agenda if the negotiation was on a regional rather than a multilateral level (Hufbauer& Yee, 2003). This would enhance more of the country’s economic, political and institutional perspectives in comparison to the rest of the world. It was paradoxical that the economically successful U. S wanted a free trade agreement with the less developed Mexico. Carranza (2002) asserts that the U. S agreed to negotiate with Mexico about the free trade on condition that Mexico did not invoke any exclusion of key areas such as the area of oil that is sovereign sensitive. On the other hand, Mexico did not have any vital concession to base its negotiations in the status of a developing country. Nevertheless, despite this unequal negotiation ability, Philip (2008) highlights the irony by showing that the process was presented as a negotiation of the equals. NAFTA’s goals, objectives and economic models NAFTA is a trade treaty which aims to eliminate custom duties on transaction between the U. S, Canada and Mexico. NAFTA has formed the world’s largest free trade zone whereby around 406 million people produce more than 11 billion U. S dollars worth of products (Page, 2002). The agreement which establishes NAFTA entails that the U. S, Canada, and Mexico pursue certain common objectives. Trade in services has been liberalized and government procurement markets including construction and services procurement markets have been opened through the NAFTA. Therefore, through the agreement it is illegal for the parties to discriminate between the domestic and foreign producers in the government markets, investments and trading of services (Adikson, Zimmerman, 2004; Diep, 2008). NAFTA’s objectives therefore include eliminating custom barriers and enhancing cross-border trade in products and services (Vaughan, 2004). The treaty is also to guarantee conditions of equitable competition in the free trade area. The treaty strives to improve trilateral cooperation so as to extend the benefits of the agreement. One of the main goals of NAFTA was the need to increase the flows of trade and investment in North America. Consequently, the agreement has succeeded in increasing Mexico’s and Canada’s trade dependence on the U. S. NAFTA also incorporated the less developed Mexico, in order to give the country a chance to prosper by joining the North America economies (Flores & Lankshear, 2000). NAFTA is a widely researched economic phenomenon that occurs as economists try to understand the three NAFTA’s economies models. The gravity model has been used to explain the trade flows as the function of the importer and exporter market size a well as the distance between the two. Funk, et al. (2006) asserts that any extraordinary flows can be accredited to free trade agreements only after the market size and importer-exporter distances have been accounted for in the trade flow process. This has led to some economists showing that NAFTA generally does not have a significant effect on bilateral trade flows although it has the impact on the net trade creating. Benefits of NAFTA to the US, Mexico and Canada The implementation of NAFTA inspired the economists to measure the treaty’s effect on the three NAFTA economies-U. S, Mexico and Canada (Funk et al. , 2006). The North America economic integration was seen as one that would be of benefit to the participating countries. Mexico would have a chance to gain access to the larger U. S. market while the U. S. also searched for new foreign investment opportunities in the country (Carranza, 2002). Proponents of NAFTA view the agreement as detailed and comprehensive and have constantly given the accord praise for showing that less developed countries like Mexico can accept new rules in international politics in this globalization era and thus improve their situation. On the other hand, critics assert that NAFTA lacks basic safeguards to protect the people who are excluded from liberalized trade and investment benefits considering that almost over half of the Mexican population lives below the poverty line (Baker, 2008; Serra, & Espinosa, 2002). The critics further argue that NAFTA is just a mere element of a larger problem; that is, globalization has a disintegrating effect on a mixed economy and the people’s social contract. On a moderate view, critics agree that formation of NAFTA was not a bad idea at all but without regional governance and regional institutions, the agreement remains unfulfilled (Pastor, 2004). Hufbauer and Yee (2003) cites NAFTA as an exemplary agreement for a new or an open regionalism that opens a whole range of novel issues which are designed to prepare the less developed countries of Latin America and Caribbean for the globalization challenge. The issue of why the U. S pulled Mexico into the North integration is very controversial although the positivists assert that the U. S government has a very strong interest in the political and economic stability of Mexico (Skonieczny, 2001). Mexico was able to attract a considerable ratio of foreign direct investment in the 1990s as a result of NAFTA’s negotiations. The predicted economic breakdown of Mexico in the early 1990s never lived to happen as the country underwent economic transformation. Philip (2008) asserts that NAFTA is responsible for the economic and political stability in Mexico. NAFTA has given this chance to Mexico through encouraging trade and investment opportunities. The social progress of the country is also underway and NAFTA aims to eradicate the high poverty levels in most of Mexico’s dwellings. NAFTA also provided the hope for Mexico to transform its worsening economic condition and urban challenges in the City of Mexico (Stracke, 2003). The Mexican government adopted the policies of democratization and free trade policies amidst controversies with the aim of preventing the country from an economic breakdown. Currently, Mexico could not be as developed as the U. S. and Canada for that matter but looking way back in the 1990s to early 200s, it can be said that the country has become macro-economically stable (Philips, 2008). Mexico is among the richest Latin America countries in terms of per capita and has more than twice export per head as compared to Brazil. Exports of manufactured goods from Mexico to the U. S contribute to around 25 percent of Mexico’s gross domestic product and the market is even more liberalized than it was in the years ago. Another benefit of NAFTA to the Mexican economy includes the checking of inflation (Stern, 2007). Although inflation occurs at some instances it does not reach three digits as in the 1990s but securely maintained at single digits. Other areas of the economy that have improved with the economic integration include the education system. The number of Mexicans with degrees from influential world universities has increased and expected to rise. The condition in the Mexican universities has also improved as better preparation of lectures takes place and a fairer democratic environment ensures that there is a stable learning environment. Mexico’s rapturous population growth also slowed down with the implementation of NAFTA as most of the population started migrating North in search for better living conditions. A slower population growth enhances strategic planning and development of the country. However, as much as the evidence of economic transformation is noticeable in Mexico, the economic growth rate is disappointingly low. Philip (2008) and Stern (2007) states that the measurement of economy is determined by oligopolies and specifically Pemex, the state-owned petroleum company in Mexico’s case. Mexico continues to suffer from severe social and urban problems such as high poverty rates, organized crime, drug trafficking, and corruption among others (Stern, 2007). As much as these are domestic problems, it is impossible to separate them from Mexico’s membership to NAFTA because domestic institutions also influence the direction of negotiations in the association (Carranza, 2002). Philip (2008) argues that the U. S is also benefiting from NAFTA because the treaty has enabled the existence of a politically and economically conducive environment that Mexico now offers as compared to the times before the treaty. Flores and Lankshear (2000) assert that the developed North America countries in the treaty could benefit from Mexico’s low wage cuts in the labor force. Mexico large population of semi-skilled workers would provide cheaper and abundant labor for the national and transnational companies that seek low wage work. However, Flores & Lankshear (2000) argue that this dependence on a low wage economy undermines the development of a well educated, Challenges in NAFTA The major challenges facing the NAFTA involve the lack of regional governance, asymmetry negotiations, lack of a stabilized relationship between the North and South American countries and lack of common market policies and common currency. Forces of market and trade integration pushed the economies of the U. S and Mexico together but there was little institutional change that took place to reflect the real degree of economic integration among the countries (Adikson, & Zimmerman, 2004). Economic integration in the north occurred without an established regional institution or governance. It is believed that it will be difficult for the North America decision makers to effectively respond to fluidity, competitiveness, and complexity of the world economy without a form of regional convergence. Lack of regional governance also indicates a lack of a permanent mechanism for consultation among the three governments (Heron, 2002). This proves difficult especially in cases which the countries have to deal with other common challenges like drug peddling and immigration and this sometimes push for a bilateral involvement, for instance between the U. S and Mexico. The lack of common or institutionalized NAFTA governance has led to the in dependent pursuance of other third party treaties by Mexico and Canada (Heron, 2002). NAFTA also promised to create regional barriers to the outsiders so that the insiders would receive relative gains as far as trade and other economic gains are concerned (Flores & Lankshear, 2000). However, Cavanagh and Anderson (2002) argue that NAFTA simply assumed that this would take place magically enabling the people to benefit from the free market policies, and that the three governments-U. S. , Canada, and Mexico-would resolve older and newer problems naturally. However, through the condition in Mexico, it is certain that the agreement has not brought much change to the living standards of the individuals. The country’s record is extremely mixed concerning the free trade policy and the country is yet to unanimously agree on the agreement (Carlsen, 2006). Mexico has not gained the privileges that were promised if the country joined the North America relationship. Mexico did not gain a greater place in the Northern-dominated international institutions such as the International Monetary fund (IMF) or the World Bank. Mexico remains poor and less developed despite being part of the supposedly economic rejuvenator-NAFTA. NAFTA’s negotiations did not consider the economic and development asymmetries between Mexico and the U. S and this also contributed to the exclusion of majority of Mexican population from the free trade benefits (Cox, 2008). NAFTA was supposed to give Mexico a chance to prosper through joining the Northern club. However, the moment Mexico decided to start negotiations with the U. S for a free trade agreement, it was found that Mexico still needed to make other sweeping concessions in order to gain access to the U. S market. Mexico presented an overstaffed and underperforming institutions, an opposite of the North America countries which have the most performing institutions (Flores & Lankshear, 2000). Mexico was forced to make the bigger compromises and adjustments because after all, it was the weaker party. This also shows that majority of the decisions were made by the tremendous powers in the agreement-the U. S, and Canada. This can be proved from an economic angle in which the GDP of the U. S alone forms 90 percent of the total North America economy (Carranza, 2004). It is unrealistic that during negotiations, Mexico would be expected to steer the decision-making process into finality. How does Mexico and Canada establish strategies on how to access the U. S’ over 8 trillion dollar market when all the 2 countries can offer is 250 and 500 billion dollars markets respectively? The Mexican experience has proved that the Southern countries cannot necessarily experience economic development with social justice through seeking alliances with the U. S even in this globalization era. Mexico also undergoes a painful adjustment process because being part of NAFTA; it is forced to compete openly with the far more advanced economies of the North America countries (Cavanagh & Anderson, 2002). NAFTA if implemented strategically can have a voice in the global trade talks. However, the lack of a common governing in institution hinders this representation because it would appear as though one country or the other is representing its own views rather than that of NAFTA. Cavanagh and Anderson (2002) argue that the failure of NAFTA to meet its alleged expectations can be blamed on the current economic conditions. The marketplace is globalized and thus highly mobile employers gain more power to suppress workers who fight for a fair gain of their benefits. However, this remains unchallenged because such firms ally with governments who in turn are desperate for foreign investment. This leads to the suppression of the hoist’s nation’s labor force through low wages and poor working conditions. The unfortunate side is that the agency that is set up under the labor side agreement of NAFTA has proved incapable of holding governments and corporations accountable for violating the rights of workers (Cavanagh & Anderson, 2002). There have been alleged complaints of worker’s rights violations in all of the three NAFTA economies but other than a bit of public exposure, not much justice has been yielded. Lack of common governance is to blame for the loose policy of ensuring that all the parties in the agreement benefit positively. There is also a looming fear that a future Mexican leadership could decide to pull out of the NAFTA’s agreement because of the country’s inconsistent views on NAFTA and the lack of institutionalized rules for the agreement. Recommendations NAFTA took place amidst controversies especially from part of Mexico’s population and the South and Central America countries. Moreover, a supranational institution and an ideal NAFTA identity are lacking. This poses a danger to the stability of the economic integration of the North American countries. North America needs to tackle the gaps in the North-South relationships and also increase aggregate wealth. One way of doing this is through enhancing regional governance through the use of common currency for the member states. However Cavanagh and Anderson (2002) assert that the issue of establishing a common currency can lead to further controversies. First of all, the U. S. and Mexico are not in the same currency zones as compared to the likeability of the U. S. and Canada. This will negatively alienate Mexico further. Still on the issue of a common currency, Carranza (2002) argues that it is certain that the U. S public opinion would not support a monetary union between U. S. and the two countries. The U. S needs to come to terms with having neighboring countries with difficulties in tackling money integration issues and the de facto dollarization of the economy of Mexico. This should also be accompanied with the building of appropriate institutions that would realistically introduce North America as a community of nations. The NAFTA countries need to establish a regional governance system that would ensure that all the member population is fairly treated without prejudice (Carlsen, 2006). Social justice should be enhanced within the NAFTA economies and the established policies should fairly uplift the standards of all the countries (Anderson, 2003). Rather than using the large semi-skilled Mexico’s labor force for cheap, low-wage labor, there should be policies or strategies in which NAFTA can contribute to the establishment of better education and vocational training systems (Ma del Rosio, Camen, & Humberto, 2007). The criticism directed at the treaty will subside if it is observed that the member states are striving to raise the standards and conditions of one another rather than using each other for selfish gains. Conclusion This essay has comprehensively discussed the factors pertaining to the formation and implementation of NAFTA. The North America economic integration awakened the interest of many economic researchers and observers because of the coming together of powerful North America economies and a southern least developed economy. Although the reason for such a relationship was met with criticism and a lot of controversies, proponents viewed it as an opportunity for Mexico to improve its political, economical and social environment. The U. S the most developed North America country viewed the relationship as an opportunity to expand its globalization boundaries as well as create a stable economic and political condition for trade in the region. However, critics believe that it is for the best interest of the U. S while Mexico risks the chance of being sidelined. Nevertheless, Mexico has recorded an economic transformation and it is believed that if policy makers implement some strategic measures in the treaty, then Mexico stands a greater chance of becoming a developed nation. This has provided the U. S with a stable political and economic environment without which the security of the U. S may have been at stake. NAFTA faces various challenges but the lack of regional governance is seen as the source of most of the challenges. NAFTA lacks international identity in contribution of international trade discussions. Additionally, treaty are known to be created where all the participants have an almost equal bargaining power even though they will not be dealing with exchange of similar products or services. However, in this case, the negotiations take an asymmetry approach because Mexico is in a compromised state in which its position does not allow it to challenge the decisions of the U. S. , the most developed economy. As a result, the negotiations are based, on an unequal level. NAFTA leaders especially from the North need to understand the gap between the north and south populations and provide democratic decisions that will be best appreciated by both sides. Economic integration is significant in this global era in which market and trade forces have pushed for market liberalization conditions. List of References Adikson, R. , Zimmerman, L. 2004. â€Å"Retail trade on the US Mexico order during the NAFTA implementation era,† Growth & Change, vol. 35(1): 77-89. Anderson, S. 2003. â€Å"The equity factor and free trade,† World Policy Journal, vol. 20(3): 45-51. Baker, L. 2008. â€Å"Local food networks and maize agrodiversity conservation: Two case studies from Mexico,† Local Environment, vol. 13(3): 235-251. Carlsen, L. 2006. â€Å"Armoring NAFTA: the battleground for Mexico’s future,† NACLA Report on the Americas, vol. 41(5): 17-22 Carranza, M. 2002. â€Å"Neighbors or partners? : NAFTA and the politics of regional economic integration in North America,† Latin American Politics and Society, 44(2): 141-158. Castaneda, J. 2008. â€Å"Morning in Latin America,† Foreign Affairs, 87(5): 126-139 Cavanagh, J. , & Anderson, S. 2002. â€Å"Happily ever NAFTA,† Foreign Policy (132): Cavanagh, J & Anderson, S. 2002. Nice theories, sad realities,† Foreign Policy, (132): 62 Ciccantell, P. 2001. â€Å"NAFTA and the reconstruction of U. S. hegemony: The raw materials foundations of economic competitiveness,† Canadian Journal of Sociology, vol. 26(1):57-87. Cox, R. 2008. â€Å"Transnational capital, the U. S state and Latin American trade agreements,† Third World Quarterly, vol. 29(8): 1527-1544. Davidson, M. 2008. â€Å"On the outskirts of form: Cosmopoetics in the shadow of NAFTA,† Textual Practice. 22(4): 733-756 De la Balze, F. 2001. â€Å"Finding allies in the back yard,† Foreign Affairs, vol. 80(4): 7-12. Diep, K. 2008. â€Å"Wavering amigos,† Harvard International Review, vol. 30(1): 9-10 Faber, B. 2007. â€Å"Towards the spatial patterns of sectoral adjustments to trade liberalization: the case of NAFTA in Mexico,† Growth and Change, vol. 38(4): 567-594.

Boys Don’t Cry Analysis Essay

Boys Don’t Cry Analysis Brandon was deffinately a very confused person, but yet seemed to have everything under control most of the time. This is the only reason that she was ever eve able to trick everyone into thinking she was a he. Brandon was able to apply most of the male social norms to her every day life, for example: Drinking and driving, neither of the women were asked to drive after they had been drinking, it was the least drunk male that drove them all, and that illegal social norm is usually attributed to males only. Brandon committed many deviant acts through out the movie, some illegal, and others just kind of weird. An illegal deviant act was her stealing cars, a non illegal deviant act was her trying to drink like a real man, when there was no doubt in her mind that she would be able to. Because deviance refers to socially disapproved behavior, which is basically what Brandon did through out the movie. The normative view of sexuality is one of scorn and hatred; Tom and Jon had normative views of sexuality. They did not understand it, therefore they did not like it, and it’s as easy as that. While on the other hand the reactivate view of sexuality has a much more broad and opened mine about the subject. Lana was a reactivate when it came to sexuality, she understood what Brandon was feeling for her, and no matter what the consequences were, and she would live with them. The normative view of sexuality is definitely the perspective that best applies to sexual identity. That is really kind of what sexual identity is any way, how you as a human want to look, feel, and act. The medicalization of deviance in this movie ran ramped; almost everyone had some sort of problem that could be considered an illness. With Tom, Jon, Lena, and her mom, it was drugs and alcohol. For Brandon, it was her sexual identity problem, she just did not comprehend that she was a female, and has to live with it. Medicalization of deviance, and conflict theory go hand in hand, because all medical model does is create conflict, right? It is just like our justice system out there, the number of poor people getting arrested in the United States out numbers the more wealthy and respected by three times. Should that be telling us something about how we are running this country. That is the same reason for all of the characters in the  movie; they drink, swear, steal, and lie, basically because that is the way that they like to live in the lower classes of society. I would have to say that what Brandon has is not a result of bad parenting, but rather a medical deviance problem. I am sure that Brandon’s upbringings were not great by any means, but it did not turn Brandon into what she had become. So basically what I believe is that, yes parents do need to show their children both rewards and punishment, but in moderation, but neither of those will help that much when it is as bad as Brandon’s case There were many examples of Brandon conforming to male roles through out the movie; some were pulled off better than others. One that she did pull off quite well was her ability to sexually please a woman with out her knowing that Brandon actually had no penis. Another male role she played well was her ability to slip little messages in to conversations or situations that would back up her manliness. Like getting in a fight at the bar, or waiting at the door until the girl had gotten in to make sure she was ok, or the suggestion of Brandon having a baby of her own, but while still keeping the masculinity in the subject. One of the hardest challenges that Brandon faced was riding the truck; she took a tremendous beating for a woman and shook it off like a man would do. When you know she hurt much worse than she showed, because that would not be very manly to show your pain. So in conclusion I would have to say that any woman that could pull off being a man for that long with out even her closest friends knowing about it for that long of a time period is a very strong willed person, and maybe deserves to live as a man, or what ever she wishes to be.

Value Chain in Domino’s Pizza

1. OVERVIEW Domino’s Pizza is the No. 1 Pizza Delivery Company in the world and the undisputed pizza delivery expert. The Company has a unique business and operation model and is a pioneer in the fast food industry. Since 1960, Domino’s Pizza has successfully expanded from 3 outlets in the United State to 9,350 stores operating in seventy countries. Domino’s operation in Malaysia and overseas uses the franchise model. The parent company, Domino’s Pizza LLC is head quartered in Michigan, United State of America. It maintains overall control on the sourcing and supplying of raw materials to the master franchises and enforces quality of the service and products sold. Founded in 1960, Domino's Pizza is the recognized world leader in pizza delivery operating a network of company-owned and franchise-owned stores in the United States and international markets. Domino's Pizza's Vision illustrates a company of exceptional people on a mission to be the best pizza delivery company in the world. 2. HISTORY The legend of Domino’s Pizza dates back to December, 1960 with the purchase of a small pizza shop in Ypsilanti, Michigan by brothers Tom and Jim Monaghan. The brothers bought the restaurant from friend Dominick DeVarti for USD500 cash and assuming the stores USD8,000 debt (Dicke, 1992). Neither Tom nor Jim had the intention of making the restaurant business their career, but rather saw the opportunity as a part-time venture to help cover the cost of their studies at the nearby University of Michigan. By June the store was earning a profitable USD400 a week but briskly fell off when students at the University went home for summer. Faced with the prospect of a slow phase, Jim sold Tom his half of the business in.. Domino’s One Brand -Putting People First -Demanding Integrity -Striving for Customer Loyalty -Delivering with Smart Hustle ; Positive Energy -Winning by Improving Results Everyday Making pizza since 1960†¦ Like most corporate success stories, Domino's started out small – with just one store in 1960. However, in 1978 the 200th Domino's store opened, and things really began to cook. By 1983 there were 1,000 Domino's stores and 5,000 in 1989. Today, there are nearly 10,000 stores – including more than 5,000 outside the United States. Sure, it took more than 50 years to get here, but the trip was well worth it. Feel free to take the journey yourself. Order a hot, Domino's Pizza for delivery to your door and make your family's dinner the best they have ever had. 1960s1960 * Tom Monaghan and his brother, James, purchase â€Å"DomiNick's,† a pizza store in Ypsilanti, Mich. Monaghan borrowed $500 to buy the store. >>>>1961 * James Monaghan trades his half of the business to Tom for a Volkswagen Beetle. 1965 * Tom Monaghan, the sole owner of company, renames the business â€Å"Domino's Pizza, Inc. 1967 * The first Domino's Pizza franchise store opens in Ypsilanti, Mich. 1968 * Company headquarters and commissary are destroyed by fire. The first Domino's store outside of Michigan opens in Burlington, Vt. |   | | 1970s1975 * Amstar Corp. , maker of Domino Sugar, institutes a trademark infringement lawsuit against Domino's Pizza. 1978 * The 200th Domino's store opens. |   | | 1980s1980 * Federal court rules Do mino's Pizza did not infringe on the Domino Sugar trademark. 1983 * Domino's first international store opens in Winnipeg, Canada. * The 1,000th Domino's store opens. gt;;;; * The first Domino's store opens on the Australian continent, in Queensland, Australia. 1985 * Domino's opens 954 units, for a total of 2,841, making Domino's the fastest-growing pizza company in the country. * The first Domino's store opens in the United Kingdom, in Luton, England. * The first Domino's store opens on the continent of Asia, in Minato, Japan. 1988 * The first Domino's store opens on the South American continent, in Bogota, Colombia. 1989 * Pan Pizza, the company's first new product, is introduced. * Domino's opens its 5,000th tore. |   |   | 1990s1990 * Domino's Pizza signs its 1,000th franchise. 1992 * Domino's rolls out bread sticks, the company's first national nonpizza menu item. 1993 * Thin Crust pizza is rolled out nationwide. * The company discontinues the 30-minute guarantee and re-emp hasizes the Total Satisfaction Guarantee: If for any reason you are dissatisfied with your Domino's Pizza dining experience, we will remake your pizza or refund your money. 1994 * Buffalo Wings are rolled out in all U. S. stores. 1995 * Domino's Pizza International opens its 1,000th store. First store opens on African continent, in Cairo, Egypt. >>>>1996 * Domino's launches its website (www. dominos. com). * Domino's rolls out flavored crusts, for limited-time-only promotions, nationally for the first time in company history. * The company reaches record sales of $2. 8 billion system-wide in 1996. 1997 * Domino's Pizza opens its 1,500th store outside the United States, opening seven stores in one day on five continents simultaneously. * Domino's Pizza launches a campaign to update the company logo and store interiors with brighter colors and a newer look. 998 * Domino's launches another industry innovation, Domino's HeatWave ®, a hot bag using patented technology that keeps pizza oven-hot to the customer's door. ;;;; * Domino's Pizza opens its 6,000th store in San Francisco, Calif. in April. * Domino's Pizza founder, Tom Monaghan, announces his retirement to pursue other interests, and gives up ownership of the company to Bain Capital Inc. 1999 * David A. Brandon is named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Domino's Pizza. * The company announces record results for 1999, with worldwide sales exceeding $3. 6 billion. Revenues increased 4. 4% over 1998. |   |   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  | 2000s2000 * Domino's Pizza International opens its 2,000th store outside the United States. * Domino's Pizza celebrates 40 years of innovation and delivering pizza to homes around the world. During the past four decades, Domino's has paved the way for businesses involved in food delivery, employing practices that have set the standard in the industry. * Domino's Pizza announces record results for 2000. Worldwide sales exceed $3. 54 billion. Revenues increased 5. 3% over 1999. 001 * Domino's introduces Cinna Stix ®, a new permanent dessert item, to its menu. * Domino's launches â€Å"Get the Door. It's Domino's. † advertising campaign. * Domino's 7,000th store opens in Brooklyn, N. Y. ;;;; * Domino's launches two-year national partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation ®Ã‚  of America. * Domino's stores in New York City and Washington, D. C. , provide more than 12,000 pizzas to relief workers following the September 11 tragedy. Domino's establishes a team member matching funds program to financially assist the American Red Cross and donates $350,000 to the Disaster Relief Effort. Domino's Pizza International division establishes Domino's first regional resource center with the majority stake purchase of the franchise in the Netherlands, setting the stage for expansion on the European continent. * Domino's pizza announces record results for 2001. Worldwide sales exceed $3. 78 billion. Revenues increased 6. 8 percent over 2000. 2002 * In February 2002, Domino's Pizza acquired 82 franchised stores in the Phoenix, Ariz. , market, making it the largest store acquisition in the company's history. In August 2002, Domino's kicked delivery up a notch with the introduction of Domino's Pizza Buffalo Chicken Kickersâ„ ¢ and marked the creation of a whole new surprising categ ory – premium chicken delivered right to the door! 2003 * Domino's announces an exciting multi-year partnership by becoming the â€Å"Official Pizza of NASCAR. † * Domino's is named Chain of the Year by Pizza Today magazine, a leading pizza trade publication. * Domino's combines two culinary classics – pizza and Philadelphia Cheese Steak – to create   Domino's Philly Cheese Steak Pizza. 004 * Domino's launches Domino's Cheesy Dotsâ„ ¢, delicious round balls of dough covered in a blend of zesty melted cheeses. * Domino's becomes an associate sponsor for the Drive for Diversity program, a minority driver development program designed to provide a steady pipeline of well-trained and supported minority drivers for the NASCAR circuit. * Domino's Pizza Inc. , the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, becomes a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in July 2004, under the new ticker symbol DPZ. * Domino's announces a three-year p artnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. St. Jude was selected as Domino's â€Å"charity of choice† by franchisees and team members. >>>>2005 * Domino’s Pizza celebrates the completion of the three-year renovation of its World Resource Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. The renovation marks the first major improvement to the company’s world headquarters since Domino’s founder Tom Monaghan opened the sprawling Domino’s Farms office complex. * Domino’s Pizza Australia opens its 400th store in Aspley, Brisbane. * Domino’s Pizza in the United Kingdom celebrates the opening of its 400th store in Wadsley Bridge, Sheffield. Domino’s raises $1. 2 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during its second annual â€Å"Thanks and Giving† campaign. * Domino’s Pizza efforts worldwide raise $220,000 to support southeast Asia tsunami relief efforts. * Domino’s Pizza launches its American Classic Cheeseburger Pizza in co njunction with its appearance as a featured task on the NBC hit reality show, â€Å"The Apprentice. †2006 * Domino’s celebrates the opening of its 8,000th store with simultaneous celebrations of the opening of its 5,000th U. S. store in Huntley, Ill. , and its 3,000th international store in Panama City, Panama. gt;>>> * Domino's indefinitely extends its relationship with St. Jude as its national charitable partner. Domino's raises $1. 34 million for St. Jude during its third annual â€Å"Thanks and Giving† campaign. * Domino’s Pizza introduces Brownie Squares — warm, delicious, bite-sized brownies delivered with a fudge dipping sauce. 2007 * Domino’s introduces OREO ®Ã‚  Dessert Pizza—a thin dessert-style crust that’s layered with vanilla sauce and covered with OREO ®Ã‚  cookie crumbles and then topped with sweet icing. * Domino’s introduces its Veterans and Delivering the Dream franchising programs. Domino’s rolls out online and mobile ordering. >>>> * Domino’s is ranked in the Top 10 for the ninth time in Entrepreneur magazine’s annual listing of great franchise opportunities. 2008 * Domino’s becomes the largest sandwich delivery company overnight when it launches a line of oven baked sandwiches. * Domino's launches a food delivery industry first: Domino's Trackerâ„ ¢. This revolutionary technology allows Domino's Pizza customers to follow the progress of their order online, from the time they click the â€Å"Place Order† button (or hang up the telephone), until the order is delivered. 009 * Domino’s introduces American Legends, a line of premium pizzas featuring toppings such as roasted red peppers, spinach and feta cheese. * Domino’s introduced Breadbowl Pasta and Chocolate Lava Crunch Cakes. * At year’s end, Domino’s scraps its 49-year-old pizza recipe and launches its â€Å"new and inspired pizza† with an unusual adv ertising campaign. ;;;;|   |   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  | 2010s2010 * Bain Capital sells its interests in Domino's Pizza. * In March, Domino’s Pizza opens its 9,000th store worldwide, with dual celebrations in New Delhi, India and New Orleans, La. gt;>>> * Domino's raises $2. 7 million during the 7th annual St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ®Ã‚  Thanks and Giving ®Ã‚  campaign, marking the largest single charitable donation in the company's 50-year history. * Domino’s Pizza celebrates its 50th anniversary in December. 2011 * Pizza Today Magazine names Domino's its â€Å"Chain of the Year† for the second straight year – making the company a three-time overall winner, and the first pizza delivery company to receive the honor in back-to-back years. Domino's continues to revamp its menu, launching a new recipe for Buffalo Wings and Boneless Chicken, a ne w line of Domino's Artisanâ„ ¢Ã‚  Pizzas using premium ingredients and two new bread sides – Stuffed Cheesy Bread and Parmesan Bread Bites. * Patrick Doyle is named No. 1 Best CEO of 2011 by CNBC. * Domino's Pizza is recognized as the Official Pizza of the NCAA ®Ã‚  and Official Pizza of NCAA ®Ã‚  March Madness ®. The partnership lasts from 2011-2013. 2012 * Domino's debuts its ordering app for Android phones. This, in addition to its existing iPhone app which debuted in 2011, offers a Domino's mobile ordering app to more than 80 percent of smartphones. * Domino's Pizza debuts its mobile ordering technology to Amazon's Kindle Fire by launching the Domino's Pizza app into the Amazon Appstore for Android. This marks the company's first appearance in the Amazon Appstore for Android and the company's first Android tablet app. * In August, Domino's launched its â€Å"Ultimate Delivery Vehicle† design competition – a campaign as unique as anything in its 52-year history. Pizza lovers and car enthusiasts were asked to help Domino's revolutionize the pizza industry by contributing to the design of the Ultimate Delivery Vehicle – something Domino's fans and customers could see as part of the delivery experience in the future. Stay tuned! * Domino's unveiled its new logo and ‘Pizza Theater' store design†¦marking a significant change in the customer experience at Domino's! ;;;; * Domino's debuted the biggest product launch since the redesign of its core hand-tossed pizza, launching its Handmade Pan Pizza in September. Made from fresh, never-frozen dough, the terrific product marked Domino's entry into the Pan Pizza scene in a big way! |   |   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  | Domino's 101: Basic Facts PIZZA, PRODUCT & MENU: * 85%  of the items on Domino's menu are new since 2008. * There are more than  34 million ways  to create a single Domino's pizza. * 30 slices of pepperoni  go on a medium pepperoni pizza (40 slices for a large peperoni pizza). * Pepperoni is the most popular U. S. pizza topping, followed by mushrooms, sausage, ham and green peppers. * Breadsticks were the first national nonpizza menu item offered at Domino's, in 1992. Domino's World's Fastest Pizza Maker Pali Grewal can make three large pizzas in just 39. 17 seconds. STORE ; FRANCHISE OWNER FACTS: * Domino's is  95% franchise-owned. * Domino's has about  1,100 independent franchise owners  in the U. S. * More than 90% started their careers as drivers or assistant managers. * Domino's delivery experts cover 1 0 million miles each week  in the U. S. alone. INTERNATIONAL & GLOBAL FACTS: * Domino's delivers more than  1 million pizzas a day  worldwide. * Domino's operates  10,040 stores in over 70 countries  around the world. * More than half of Domino's sales now come from outside the U. S. * 2011 global retail sales: $6. 9 billion ($3. 4 domestic, $3. 5 international). * Domino's International has experienced  18 consecutive years of positive same store sales  growth (Q4 2011). * Domino's currently holds the #1 pizza delivery market position in 21 markets, including 7 of our 10 largest: Mexico, U. K. , Australia, India, France, South Korea and Turkey. * Domino's largest markets are the following (by number of stores):   | †¢ U. S. – 4,509†¢ U. K. /Ireland – 719†¢ Mexico – 585†¢ Australia – 458| †¢ India – 515†¢ South Korea – 367†¢ Canada – 366†¢ Turkey – 259| †¢ Japan – 232†¢ France – 09†¢ Taiwan – 140| BUSIEST DAYS FOR DELIVERY: * Domino's sells more than 11 million pizza slices on  Super Bowl Sunday, nearly 80% more than a typical Sunday. * Super Bowl is followed by  Halloween, New Year's Eve/Day  and  Thanksgiving Eve. TECHNOLOGY & ONLINE: * Domino's is consistently one of the top five companies  in terms of online transactions, behind companies such as Amazon and Apple. * 80% of smartphones  are covered with the ordering app (iPhone and Android). * 30% of Domino's orders  are taken online in the U. S. * 30 Domino's international markets  feature online ordering. Corporate Profile Founded as a single store in 1960, Domino’s Pizza today stands as the recognized world leader in pizza delivery. From the beginning, we have been dedicated to the best of service, quality products and delivery excellence. Domino's Pizza Corporate FactsEach day, more than 1 million customers enjoy hot, delicious Domino’s Pizza products on every inhabited continent on Earth, because we operate over   10,000 stores in more than 70 countries; each and every store dedicated to our  focus of providing great-tasting pizza – whether it be delivered directly to your door or available for carryout. We pioneered the pizza delivery business back in 1960, and our total system sells more than 400 million pizzas worldwide every year. Great Name Brand Recognition Domino’s Pizza is recognized as a Megabrand by Advertising Age magazine, and has been named â€Å"Chain of the Year† by Pizza Today, the leading publication of the pizza industry, three times – including back to back wins, the first ever company to do so, in 2010 and 2011. Strong Teamwork Domino’s Pizza Inc. s leadership, team members and franchisees aspire to achieve our collective vision of being Team Members and Franchisees on a mission to be the best pizza delivery company in the world. We operate through a set of Guiding Principles founded on integrity and putting people first (our shareholders, customers, suppliers and employees) – which serve as our compass as we manage our business. Our Products Domino’s Pizza offers Classic Hand Tossed, Crunchy Thin Crust, Artisan and Handma de Pan pizzas, with a wide variety of toppings. Additional menu items include  Stuffed Cheesy Bread, Buffalo Wings & Boneless Chicken, Chocolate Lava Crunch Cakes and Cinna Stix ®. We also proudly serve icy cold Coca-Cola ®Ã‚  products. Domino’s has recently expanded its menu significantly to also include Domino’s American Legendsâ„ ¢ specialty pizzas, Oven Baked Sandwiches and BreadBowl Pastasâ„ ¢. In late 2009, Domino’s debuted its Inspired New Pizza – a permanent change to its core hand-tossed product, reinvented from the crust up with new sauce, cheese and garlic-seasoned crust. Innovating the Pizza Delivery Business Throughout our history, in addition to pioneering the concept of efficient delivery of made-to-order pizzas, we have been part of innovations that have made significant impact on the pizza and delivery industries. Here’s a look at some of our innovative thinking: * Domino's HeatWave ®Ã‚  Hot Bag Domino’s HeatWave hot bags were introduced in 1998 to keep pizzas oven-hot during normal delivery. Originally, each hot bag contained a patented heating mechanism charged by plugging into an electric outlet at the store. The outer material of the bag is made with water-repellent nylon, which replaced the less sturdy vinyl material previously used. Domino’s has continued to innovate and evolve the technology, removing the electric cord and heating each bag via an induction heating system. The latest edition of Domino’s HeatWave bags relies solely on a patented insulation system that keeps pizzas both hot and crisp – completely eliminating the need for electricity. * A better box Domino's was the innovator behind the sturdy, corrugated pizza box, which keeps moisture from weakening the box, while preventing cheese from sticking to the top during delivery. Car-top sign – in 3-D! Today, it's hard to miss pizza delivery cars — thanks to Domino's Pizza. Domino's invented the 3-D car-top sign, which is currently used by a variety of industries, including taxis and driving schools. Taking innovation a step further – in 2012, Domino’s launched its â€Å"Ultima te Delivery Vehicle† campaign, asking consumers and car enthusiasts to help design a pizza delivery vehicle in hopes of revolutionizing the industry! * Spoodle This saucing tool combines the best features of a spoon and a ladle, cutting down the time spent saucing a pizza. The Spoodle was introduced at the 1985 World's Fastest Pizza Maker competition by the eventual winner, Jeff Goddard. * Domino’s Online Ordering – Pizza Tracker and Pizza Builder Domino’s launched online ordering in 2007, and in 2008 revolutionized the customer experience by launching its innovative Pizza Builder and Domino’s Tracker. Pizza Builder allows customers to see their pizza come to life on the computer screen, as toppings and crust styles are selected in real time. Domino’s Tracker allows customers to follow the progress of the order, from the time it’s placed until customers receive it. The experience has seen various looks, themes and interactive opportunities since its debut. While the Pizza Builder has since been mimicked by other pizza companies, we remain the only company offering the unique, engaging ordering experience of Domino’s Tracker. These innovations and others have helped us get better at what we love to do most: deliver great pizza to your door, efficiently and enthusiastically! Strong Distribution System To allow Domino's stores to concentrate on making and delivering pizzas, Domino's developed a central distribution and dough manufacturing system. This relieves stores from long hours making dough, grating cheese and preparing toppings. Today, Domino’s Supply Chain Services (SCS) provides high quality dough and ingredients nationwide, keeping the company's pizza consistently delicious. In fact, through its network of 16 domestic distribution centers, SCS regularly supplies the nearly 5,000 U. S. pizza stores with more than 240 products. Other pizza and fast food companies in the U. S. have adopted this same system. | Success Factors * Domino's is a powerful global brand. â€Å"Mega Brand† as defined by Advertising Age * Significant, ongoing investments in advertising result in broad consumer awareness * We are the #1 pizza delivery company in the U. S. * Largest share of pizza delivery channel and continued innovation†¦reinforced by our well-known tagline, â€Å"Oh Yes We Did! † * We have a large and growing international presence. * Operate in over 70 countries and with more than 10,000 stores worldwi de * #1 or #2 market share position in most of our top 10 markets * We have a strong and proven business model with superior returns. Strong unit economics: focused on efficient operating model; moderate cost to open; solid cash-on-cash returns * Franchisees have succeeded and have high renewal rates because the business model works forming solid partnerships * Voluntarily purchase from company supply chain system * Geographically diverse franchise base with no significant concentrations * Return on assets higher than the quick-serve restaurant peer average * We operate a profitable, value-added supply chain system. * Ensures quality and consistency Leverages purchasing power * Enhances franchisee partnerships through 50% profit sharing * Allows stores to focus on sales and service * Our leadership team has a track record of success. * Delivered strong results since 1999 change of control Our Commitment to Diversity Domino's commitment to diversity is based on creating a unified and inclusive environment that respects and celebrates the uniqueness of our exceptional people who invest their time, talents and energies while striving to make our company the best pizza delivery company in the world. With more than 10,000 stores around the globe, our stores are as diverse as the communities they serve. Diversity Mission Statement Domino's Pizza is committed to an inclusive culture which values the contributions of our customers, team members, suppliers, and neighbors. Our Team Domino’s Pizza is proud of its heritage of helping pizza makers and pizza takers become independent business owners. Some of the most successful Domino’s franchisees began their career as delivery experts, customer service representatives, or pizza makers in their own communities. Corporate Careers Our corporate offices are full of exceptional people supporting those team members and allowing them to stay focused on the task at hand. Domino's office personnel support our nearly 600 corporate-owned stores, a system of 5,000+ domestic franchise-owned stores and an international franchise base that operates more than 5,000 stores in approximately 70 markets. We also manage our own distribution business, a rarity in the quick service restaurant industry. We have marketers and lawyers. Accountants and communicators. Trainers and lease negotiators. International business consultants and human resource representatives. Safety specialists and product developers. There's many more dramatically different roles to fill, but they all have one thing in common: Domino's Pizza people are fiercely proud of who we are and what we do. If you have those same traits, we'd love to have you on our team. As a company, we have plenty of growing left to do and many successes to celebrate. Come grow and celebrate with us. Corporate Benefits and Perks World Resource Center – Ann Arbor, Michigan A 200,000 square foot modern World Resource Center includes 27 conference and meeting rooms, updated research and development labs and gift store. The centerpiece is the spacious Welcome Center, which surrounds a four-story glass staircase and a Domino’s Pizza store at the base. The office is minutes from downtown Ann Arbor, and less than 30 minutes from Detroit’s Metropolitan Airport. Domino’s Pizza is located in a scenic rural setting in a building known as the Prairie House at Domino’s Farms Office Park, and whose external architecture was inspired by the works of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Located in suburban Ann Arbor, this landmark facility offers a unique and architecturally significant building, surrounded by pastures, cultivated farmland, and wildlife habitat. The following on-site amenities are available to Domino’s team members at the World Resource Center: 1. Dining Facility 2. Free Fitness Center membership 3. Post Office 4. Deli/Sundry Shop 5. Dry Cleaner 6. Bookstore 7. Credit Union 8. Art Gallery 9. Hair, nail and massage salons 10. Petting Farm 11. Free Parking Benefits Domino’s pizza recognizes the best way to achieve success is to first ensure the satisfaction of its team members. Treating team members exceptionally well is just one way we are committed to putting our people first. Domino’s is proud to provide a fair and comprehensive rewards package. Below are just a few of the generous benefits available to Domino’s team members. * Competitive salaries * Medical, dental and vision coverage * Prescription drug benefit * Wellness benefits * Health Savings Account (HSA) * Flexible Spending Accounts * Long and short-term disability * Team Achievement Dividend (performance bonus) * Partners Foundation (team member assistance) * Above-average paid holiday program * 401(k) matching program * Employee stock purchase discount plan * Company-paid life insurance * Supplemental and dependent life insurance * Tuition Reimbursement National corporate discounts * Legal services * Adoption assistance Corporate Training Programs Domino's Pizza Prep School For those team members not in stores every day and night, it is critical that they know how their role supports those who are and have a solid understanding of what happens in the store. This is so important to our business that we developed â€Å"Domino's Pizza Prep School† for o ur World Resource Center team members to give them store operations knowledge. This program earned Domino's a â€Å"Stevie† from the American Business Awards. HR Development Program The development program in the Domino’s People First department is a unique opportunity for early career human resource professionals to complete a defined career development plan, gaining knowledge and experience in all capacities of the field. Domino’s Pizza is committed to the development of the participants and has purposely selected positions that support their progression with the expectation that we are investing in the future leaders of the department. The program is only successful if the participant is equally committed to their development and responsibilities. We expect candidates to get as much as they can from each rotation and willingly support the company’s objectives, no matter where the position is located. Each participant is required to complete three rotations. Two of the rotations will be in a core assignment that all participants must complete, and the third will be one of the additional assignments. Core Assignments: * Shared Services (Ann Arbor, Mich. ) * Primary point of contact for 12,000 corporate team members for PeopleFirst-related issues. * Support team member requests by executing PeopleFirst policies and procedures and initiating recommended improvements. Maintain team members’ electronic records. * Communicate and support PeopleFirst programs Marketplace (corporate market): * Support team members in resolving employee relations issues * Coordinate staffing and retention initiatives Additional Assignments: * Franchise/Employee Relations * Compensation * Benefits * Training & Implementation Program * Learn ing & Development * Human Resource Information Systems DPZ University From first line supervision to leadership development, DPZ University provides the classes and career paths necessary to become successful. Domino's has a strong promotion from within culture and provides the necessary development to prepare individuals for future opportunities. Partnering with world-class organizations like Harvard Business School, Ninth House: The Leadership Development Company, Franklin-Covey, and others offer learning and development to achieve our vision of â€Å"Exceptional franchisees and team members on a mission to be the best pizza delivery company in the world. † Accounting/Finance Program Our cash and general ledger accountant positions are the gateway to opportunity at Domino’s Pizza. In this position, you will be responsible for: * Performing financial reviews at mid-period and final stages of the period closing cycle. * Communication with internal customers on outstanding accounting issues, problems, or concerns. * Acting as a resource to internal customers on financial statements. * Reviewing and analyzing accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory and payroll activity. * Preparing weekly estimates for distribution centers. * Analyzing and posting weekly corporate sales data. * Auditing weekly corporate store paperwork. Researching Corporate sales, food, and labor variance by comparing actual data to Domino’s Pulse, our point of sales system. * Assisting the accounting center management or other internal customers with analysis of financial impact on certain projects. Supply Chain Careers From our nationwide network of 17 supply chain centers, Domino's Pizza Supply Chain strives to fulfill its mission of supporting more than 5,000 U. S. Domino's Pi zza stores by providing them with more than 200 different products. 365  Million Pounds Of Dough Last Year Supply Chain is also responsible for producing the dough used to make our pizzas. Each dough production team member is trained and certified in the art and science of dough production to ensure a top quality product. Teamwork is the Key Ingredient From our warehouse and customer service team members to our commercial delivery and service drivers to our management team, Domino's Pizza Supply Chain provides the foundation of support for our franchisees. This cooperation and teamwork is a proven system that has made Domino's Pizza the world leader in pizza delivery. Supply Chain Training Programs The Supply Chain Centers responsible for dough production, warehouse and store delivery provides numerous training programs to acquire the skills necessary to be proficient including dough certification classes to ensure product quality, forklift certification, and numerous safety and defensive driving classes. Training provided in the following areas: * Facility Safety Organization (IPP) * Physical Hazards associated with job * Chemical Hazards * Safety guards built into machines equipment * Administrative controls in effect * Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) * Emergency Action Plans * Accident Investigation process Blood borne pathogen safety training * Electrical safety training * Personal protective equipment training * Back injury prevention training * Safety course Supply Chain Benefits and Perks Domino’s pizza recognizes the best way to achieve success is to first ensure the satisfaction of its team members. Treating team members exceptionally well is just one way we are committed to putting our people first. Domino’s is proud to provide a fair and comprehensive rewards package. Below are just a few of the generous benefits available to Domino’s Supply Chain team members. * Annual performance-based bonus * Quality equipment * Paperless logging Regular schedules * Single and team runs * Competitive medical and dental package * 401(k) savings plan with company match * Life insurance * Educational assistance * Employee stock purchase plan What We Do In Supply Chain From our nationwide network of 16 Supply Chain Centers, Domino's Pizza Supply Chain strives to fulfill its mission of supporting more than 5,000 U. S. Domino's Pizza stores by providing them with more than 200 different products. Supply Chain Management Management positions at Domino's Pizza Supply Chain Centers offer you the opportunity to join a world-class company with: * A competitive salary. An excellent benefits package. * Opportunity for career growth. Our team lead ers are involved in all facets of our business. The work is a combination of administrative and operational responsibilities performed throughout the Supply Chain Center. The best candidates are strong yet thoughtful leaders who have the ability to respect their team members and mentor them onto greater career development. If you care about the people who work for you and have the desire to encourage and assist in their career growth, you're the type of leader we look for. What Types of Management Positions Are Available? Our General Manager Development Program is an excellent start to acquiring skills and learning the fundamentals of business operations. In addition to several requirements, it is necessary to work successfully in a team leader position (minimum of six months) to apply for the program. The program is customized for each individual and focuses on the following areas. Food Production Preparing and mixing fresh pizza dough is the responsibility of a production team member. The production team is the secret behind the great-tasting Domino’s Pizza consumers turn to when they’re hungry. If you have the desire to create a top-quality food product every day, then our production department is for you. Commercial Delivery and Service Drivers We look for team members with a commitment to safety and excellent customer service to be part of our Delivery ; Service team. Delivery ; Service drivers will drive a truck over an established route to deliver products to Domino’s Pizza stores. When you take the wheel for Domino’s Pizza Supply Chain, you are the face of our company to our customers. You’re interaction with the stores is crucial to our success. Many drivers build lasting relationships with customers in the fun and supportive family environment of Domino’s Pizza. Warehouse Our warehouse team members ensure that our customers receive each and every product they order, every time they order it. As a warehouse team member, your main responsibility will be to load, unload and move materials within or near the Supply Chain Center. You’re the one who makes it happen for us every day and you are an important piece of who we are. Customer Service As a Customer Service Representative (CSR), you are responsible for taking incoming orders from stores using a telephone and computer. A CSR talks with our customers regularly, taking their orders and solving concerns and problems. Our customers look to you for answers and direction. Your professional customer service expertise is essential to keeping our stores happy. What Qualifications Do I Need? These professional level positions at Supply Chain Centers require: * Strong team leadership skills. * Three years of experience in managing multi-function operations (preferably in transportation or supply chain). * A bachelor's degree in a related field. * A willingness to relocate.

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Teen-age pregnancy - Research Paper Example Nowadays, percentage of the high school males and females that have sexual intercourse is 48 and 45 respectively (CDC cited in Klein). These factors could be alleviated with the ready access to free condoms through schools and other agencies. For a lot of African American girls, the academic career culminates in the teenage pregnancy. Most parents don’t educate their daughters further after she becomes pregnant. The pregnant teenagers invite the wrath of the family and incur societal insult and embarrassment. Many countries have very strict rules in place regarding the division of responsibility of teenage pregnancy between the teenage boy and the girl that have had sexual intercourse. In most of the cases, the boy has to assume the role of financial provider for the family. Teenage sexual intercourse exposes both sexual partners to a lot of health risks. More than 9 million of the total 19 million cases of the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that surface on the yearly basis occur in people that are aged between 15 and 24 years (â€Å"Teenage pregnancy†). These STIs include but are not limited to Syphilis, Chlamydia and HIV. â€Å"Nationwide, 12.7% of students had been tested for HIV, not counting tests done when donating blood† (CDC 23). Teenage pregnancy often causes unfavorable outcomes for the baby. Health of the fetus is fundamentally dependent upon the health of the mother. In addition to the natural immaturity of the body, several internal and external factors also play an important role in the undernourishment of the girl and the fetus. Such factors include but are not limited to embarrassment, anxiety, poverty and lack of responsibility. Many of the babies born in the teenage pregnancy have a low birth weight. â€Å"11.7 percent of 15-year-old mothers had a low-birthweight baby in 2006; 18,403 babies were born to girls this age, with 2,153 of low birthweight† (Martin et al). Most teenage mothers want to have the

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Planning in Ireland. Does Planning Ensures Economic Growth - Essay Example The city Dublin, founded as a Viking settlement, the city has been Ireland's primary city for most of the island's history since medieval times. Today, it is an economic, administrative and cultural centre for the island of Ireland, and has one of the fastest growing populations of any European capital city. The economic boom years have led to a sharp increase in construction, which is now also a major employer, especially for immigrants. Redevelopment is taking place in large projects such as Dublin Docklands, Spencer Dock and others, transforming once run-down industrial areas in the city centre. This would have not been possible if there had not been strategic planning with visionary economic ambitions. Hence, the supreme justification of planning lies with its expected output. Otherwise no economy would accomplish its strategic design based on the available resources and its management. In the 1920s and early 1930s, the Republic of Ireland pursued a low-tax, low-spending, non-interventionist approach under the government of W. T. Cosgrave and Cumann na nGaedhael, focused mainly on agriculture, livestock farming being of primary importance. The only notable expense the government went to during this time was for the rural electrification scheme, which saw 5,000,000 being spent constructing the Ardnacrusha hydroelectric power station on the river Shannon. During this period, 97% of trade was done with Britain. This government favored free trade. However, this proved inadequate after the Wall Street Crash of 1929. Ireland, as we know, is the third largest island in Europe and the twentieth largest island in the world. Politically, the Republic of Ireland covers five sixths of the island, with Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, covering the remainder in the northeast. According to Government census carried out in 2007 the population of the island is slightly under six million with almost 4.25 million in the Republic of Ireland, 1.7 million in Greater Dublin and an estimated 1.75 million in Northern Ireland, 0.6 million in Greater Belfast. This is a significant increase from a modern historical low in the 1960s, but still much lower than the peak population of over 8 million in the early 19th century, prior to the Great Famine. In 1932, Eamonn De Valera's Fianna Fil party defeated Cosgrave's party with a solid majority. De Valera's policy was of economic nationalism, a belief in self-sufficiency, and attempted industrialization. The economic war resulted in widespread hardship for Irish farming, which was the backbone of the economy, and which relied on exports to English cities for a market. The tariffs resulted in price increases for many essential manufactured goods, and an increase in the cost of living. High unemployment in richer English speaking countries made emigration from Ireland less of an option, decreasing wages. Northern I reland experienced a boom during World War II, as a result of demand for its principal industries, shipbuilding and linen making, and got a lot of support from the British government thereafter. Purpose built industrial estates was developed in most large towns. Rural Electrification, the division of large estates, and agricultural scientific education resulted in dramatic increases in agricultural output in the 1960s. In 1972, secondary level education was made free and compulsory. The Republic applied to join the European

Omnivore's dilemma Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Omnivore's dilemma - Essay Example However, the subject encompassing this model is controversial. Indeed, the practice has raised concerns that demand critical examination (Duram 123). Commercialized farming has destructed and polluted surroundings the consequences that the environment has suffered out of our wicked practices, which alter genuine farming. Therefore, there is need of restructuring the trend meaning that persons need to shun consuming non-organics and adopt organics to conserve the remains and prevent further harm. (Preserve the remaining non-organics to safeguard the environment) Efforts to non-organic farming initiated with introduction of chemicals in the practice to fight pests and weeds. The procedure reduced crops infestations substantially and successfully addressed the challenge of weeds. However, the practice has led to introduction of toxic residuals in the crops. Subsequently, the method engaged the use of sewage sludge as a fertilizer. This idea appeared sustainable since the approach provided a method of utilizing human waste for fertilizer production. As such, cheaper fertilizers were accessible hence the productivity augmented (Harper & Aikaterini 288). However, studies have identified that residues from some of these fertilizers have detrimental effects on human health. Later advancements in the non-organic scheme led to introduction of technologies that incorporated hormones and antibiotics in farming procedures (Duram 145). The use of hormones meant hurrying crops and animals growth rate, an aspect that boosted productivity. Indeed, antibiot ics provide superb food preservation schemes. However, consuming antibiotic-preserved products meant introducing agents into our systems (Lockie 318). This is detrimental since antibiotics lead to resistances hence weakening the defense system. Recently, non-organic procedures have adopted a plan of irradiating products to eliminate any agents

Henrik Ibsens A Dolls House Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Henrik Ibsens A Dolls House - Assignment Example However, there is no direct reference to A Doll's House in the obituary material. In the Wikipedia entry, only one statement directly refers to the play. However, these two last sources could still be useful as relevant, though indirect materials to aid a student doing a research paper on A Doll's House to shed light on how influences and Ibsen's life background contributed to his writing of the particular play in study. According to the Britannica article on Henrik Ibsen, the "proper voice" of the Norwegian playwright came with the writing of A Doll's House in 1879 (par. 10). In the succeeding three paragraphs of the article, the characters, the plot, the technique used by Ibsen as well as the reaction of audiences towards the play are discussed (par. 11-13). Paragraph 11 tells about the characters and the plot of the play - Torvald Helmer and his wife Nora, with their three children and how a secret of Nora would unravel that would pave the way for revealing the true character of the people in the play.

International Business Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

International Business - Research Paper Example In those assembly lines and distribution centers the cars get manufactured and prepared before being dispatched to their destined markets and customers. Each of those countries has more than one motor vehicle brand and each of those brands significantly contributes to the economic development and status of its mother country. The presence of constant market for the automotive industry is a very fundamental element in establishing efficient and effective economic performance and in ensuring that the companies continue thriving in this fast changing and extremely competitive industry. Major Markets/ Importers China imports the highest units of cars annually, which is estimated at 2,206,929.0 units of automobile vehicles (Williams and Donnelly 2012, p.21). Germany also imports 19,640 cars, 215 trucks and 8,152 parts which make the total of 28,007 units. Additionally, Japanese imports 29,977 cars, 580 trucks and 15, 242 parts and this makes the total of 45, 799 units of automobile vehicl es imported annually (Williams and Donnelly 2012, p. 28). On the other end of the spectrum, China seems to be one of the best auto bazaars in the world. Generally speaking, China has the highest population growth around the world with an estimated current population of about 1.4 Billion people; and for this simple fact they potentially can well be the major market for any company that wants to pursue international and global quest. China does not only have a huge population size but their economy is growing at the highest rate than any other country or region around the world; hence it is an attractive market to many multinational companies (Hilmersson and Jansson, 2012). China has a favorable environment and a relatively stable political structure, which is also good for businesses because those are simply enabling factors that contribute to carrying out effective and streamlined business activities. Furthermore, in 2011, China accounted for 4.6 percent of the worldwide car export destinations as close to 850,000 vehicles were shipped to China then (Gokmen and Ozturk 2012, p.85). This is due to China’s growth rate which jumped upto 7.8 percent becoming the highest rate anywhere around the world, not only that but this rate was expected to grow even further to an astonishing 8.2 percent by 2013 (Thornton 2013, p.9). These numbers give an insight on the opportunities abundant within the Chinese market for ABC Ltd to potentially capitalize on. References Chung, Ji Y. (2011). The National Innovation System (NIS) and the automobile industry in South Korea. Fraunhofer ISI, Karlsruhe, p. 1-26.Retrieved on 9 May, 2013 from http://www.isi.fraunhofer.de/isi-media/docs/p/de/diskpap_innosysteme_policyanalyse/discussionpaper_29_2011.pdf?WSESSIONID=91190fa2a032a2f766f53940b84d4376 Thornton, G. Global Economy In 2013: Uncertainty Weighing On Growth, An Instinct for Growth, p.1-32. Retrieved on 9 May, 2013 from http://www.gtcayman.com/assets/global%20economy%20in%2020 13%20-%20final.pdf JAMA. (May 2010). The Motor Industry of Japan 2010. Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inch. Retrieved on 9 May, 2013 from http://www.jama-english.jp/publications/MIJ2010.pdf Williams, B.R & Donnelly, & J.M. (October 19, 2012). U.S. International Trade: Trends and Forecasts, Congressional Research Service, p.1-33 Retrieved on 9 May

Judicial Activism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Judicial Activism - Essay Example By interpreting, the judge is equipped with knowledge to decide what applies in a particular case. The decision must also be constitutional rather than a biased one. (Scalia, 1997)This is what is referred to as strict constructionism or strict constructivism. The judge must first acquire the meaning of a particular clause of the constitution then apply it in the ruling. The use of strict constructionism is recommended where the provisions of the constitution are unclear, ambiguous or absurd. On the other hand, one may view the constitution as a self-fulfilled set of guidelines to govern any ruling.in the event that there are no ambiguous or the clarity of the provisions is spot on, the judges are expected to strictly apply the exact meaning in the ruling. (Forte, 1972) One of the issues that arise with interpretation of the constitution by the judges is expansion of the laws through implications. Justice, reason and fairness may fail to materialise if the judges fail to restrain from expansion of the law through implication. Abortion has been one of the most contentious and sensitive issue over a period of time. Judicial involvement is rampant and the most publicly highlighted case is the Roe v.Wade case. The outcome of this case was the declaration of access abortion as being a fundamental right of any woman upon determination of foetal viability. (Craig, 1993) Consequently, the conditions determining foetal viability became very conflicting. Up to now, different states continue to set up rulings concerning abortion due to their own definition of the term â€Å"foetal viability†. For instance, the Supreme Court is under intense pressure to rethink about the legal conditions as to when an abortion can be performed. Various petitions have been raised by different states prompting the judicial system to re-evaluate its position as expressed in the Roe vs. Wade case. In this case,

1.Critically examine assessment and interventions for a specific Essay

1.Critically examine assessment and interventions for a specific client group (dual diagnosis) presenting with alcohol or drug misuse - Essay Example The slightly modified term â€Å"co-occurring substance misuse and mental health problems† refers more specifically to the observation that these co-occurring substance use and mental issues are frequently associated with the misuse of drugs and alcohol in ways that may complicate and contribute to psychological illness. In this context, the term â€Å"substance misuse† refers to the use of illegal drugs, the illicit use of prescription drugs and/or the excessive use of alcohol. When substance misuse and mental health problems co-occur in the same individual, this is termed a â€Å"dual diagnosis† or â€Å"co-morbidity†, although it should be noted that these two terms may apply more generally to any two conditions existing simultaneously in the same individual. The increased awareness of the co-existence of mental health and substance abuse issues in clients seeking or requiring psychological treatment represents an acknowledgement that mental health issues may have complex, multi-faceted origins that require individualized approaches to treatment and recovery (Drake & Wallach, 2000). It has also drawn attention that many individuals who are substance abusers are not simply guilty of criminal or excessive behaviours, but may abuse drugs or alcohol in the context of undiagnosed or untreated mental illness (Brems et al., 2006). The purpose of this essay is to explore some of the current assessment and therapeutic approaches to the treatment of clients presenting with this type of dual diagnosis, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and brief interventions. Cognitive behavioural therapy is a therapeutic approach that is based on the premise that psychological issues are the product of aberrant thought processes and associated behaviours (Mueser et al., 2005). The goal of this approach is

International Trade and Finance Speech Essay Example for Free

International Trade and Finance Speech Essay This speech delivered by the Speaker of the House to a group of reporters surrounding the topics of international trade, foreign exchange rates, import surplus and how they each impact different constituencies. It will also explain why the government would not be able to restrict importation of goods from China, or if wanted to impose tariffs. The Economy and international Trade The United States was once the highest exporter in all the world. Today, the United States has a negative balance of trade, because of the fact that we now import more goods than we export goods. An example of an import would be oil. The oil that we have imported impacts our businesses and our consumers by making gasoline and other oil derivatives more expensive. This makes prices increase because consumers will have to pay for goods from the fact that the cost of driving will go up. This is a major reason why the government is trying to encourage the development of alternate forms of energy such as coal or natural gas. The goods that the United States imports are not always negative. American consumers have benefited greatly from the imports such as electronics or apparel that is made mostly in Asia. The cost of production for these goods are lower in China and most other Asian countries, making it much cheaper for Americans to buy these types of goods that are being manufactured overseas. The reality of international trade is that production will naturally shift to places where goods can be manufactured more efficiently and at a lower price. What the United States has to focus on is developing new technologies and products of higher quality. With a focus based on innovation and quality instead of labor costs. International trade has an impact on the country’s GDP, the financial markets, and importantly university students. The GDP of the United States becomes stronger when we export goods more than we import goods. If negative trade balances become consistent it can lead to deficits, which will in turn cause the government to borrow more. If the government borrows more this will have an impact on the financial markets which could in time make it more costly for the United States to cover all its deficits. We need to promote our exports in order to help the GDP and make our country more impressive to investors. A healthier economy will create enough employment for those needed, especially university graduates that will be trained for the field. The quotas and tariffs regarding the government’s choices has a direct impact on our trade and the relations that we have with other countries. Reducing tariffs and participating in free trade agreements helps our export businesses. This is a reason why our government has in the past worked for establishing trade agreements with countries as South Korea, Panama, and Colombia. When a free trade agreement takes place the trading partners will erase their quotas or tariffs against products from America, this makes it easier for us to send our products to those countries. Trade is a two way engagement, where both are finding a way to benefit, with consumers benefiting as well and our exports getting higher. Foreign exchange rates are the rates of one type of currency converted to another. Such as the rate for exchange between American dollars and Japan’s Yen which is 76 Yen per dollar. Some currencies are fixed with others. The rates of floating currency is determined by the supply and demand. An example is if the European demand for the dollar increases, the supply and demand relationship between them will cause the price to increase of the dollar in relation to the euro. There are many factors that affect exchange rates that include interest rates, unemployment, political instability, inflation, and GDP. When our GDP becomes higher and our exports become level with our imports, the stronger our currency will be and we will have a better overall financial health. There are some people that believe in protectionist policies that include restricting goods that are coming in from China and several other countries, including imposing tariffs that would increase costs for purchasing of goods in the United States. This kind of policy would be populist and fueled with the good intentions of trying to protect our American jobs, its actual consequences would be an elevating trade war with an opposite effect. History proves that when governments have attempted to restrict trade and enforced protectionist measures, other countries will attempt to retaliate and adopt similar policies. An example is the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which broke records by increasing tariffs on 25,000 goods which had an end effect of reducing imports and exports by 50% as trade partners began with similar style tariffs. This will translate into more unemployment as companies that will export their goods will see a drastic demand drop. Restricting imports from China woul d bring drastic measures from the Chinese government, and our companies would struggle as they would be unable to export goods to that part of the world. References Colander, D. C. (2010). Macroeconomics (8th Ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill/Irwin International Trade, ISSN 0020-7810, 2011, Volume 45, Issue 1, p. 79 The Journal of Economics, ISSN 0895-3309, 2007, Volume 21, Issue 3, p. 105 Foreign Policy, ISSN 0015-7228, 11/2003, Issue 139, p. 20 The American Foreign Trade, ISSN 0002-8282, 12/1928, Volume 18, Issue 4, pp. 706 713

Billy Elliot Film Summary

Billy Elliot Film Summary The background of the film Billy Elliot was set in the context of the 1984 Miners Strike in England, where both Billy s father and older brother were miners participating in the strike. In the history of England, this was an important event for the governing party of England at that time, the Conservative Party led by Margaret Thatcher. The event set a strong political and ideological standing for the United Kingdom (UK) with regards to the ideas accepted by the people today. The 1984 Miners Strike was an intense period for the miners, who made up a significant proportion of the working class in England at that time. The reason behind the strike was the intended shutting down of twenty coal mines by the government, which would in turn result in the massive loss of jobs by as many as twenty thousand people. This led to the uproar by the miners in opposition to such a decision. Billy s family was heavily involved in this strike, with his brother Tony as the union leader. Essentially, this was somewhat a symbolism of a class struggle because such a decision affected mainly the working class only in terms of employment. In the film, Mr. Wilkinson, the husband of Billy s ballet teacher, was a figure representing the upper middle class with a rather cynical attitude towards the lower middle class i.e. the miners as well as the strike. Similarly, at the end of Billy s audition and interview together with Billy s father, the panel of judges, a representation of t he upper class, offered his father a patronizing and perhaps sarcastic, good luck with the strike (Blandford, 2007). Despite all the heavy-hearted circumstances Billy and his family were going through, the beginning of the film, together with the dancing along the way, was a surprisingly light-hearted scene. With upbeat rock music playing, Billy s jumping revealed a certain uncontained and unrestrained soul that seemed free. As the story developed however, the contradiction was the fact that Billy s life, at the age of 11, was hardly so. This somewhat likened to the period after the French Revolution, stepping into the Romantic Ages, where light-hearted, happy and fun ballets, often fairytales, were seen as a form of escapism from the harsh reality of people s lives. In another segment of the film, when Billy s father finds him dancing on Christmas night at the gymnasium with his friend, instead of succumbing to his father s objections, Billy bursts into a powerful segment of dancing, which was strong, uplifted, together with jumps and turns. This was almost like an open confrontation between Billy and his father, except not verbally. That dance segment portrayed a two-sided representation of Billy s emotions, one of frustration, with the circumstances and with not being able to dance fr eely, and at the same time, one that seemed to help him express what he could not through words, his love for dance. This was shown through his movements which were heavier and more grounded than when he was dancing to I love to boogie , his inspiration for the audition piece. Though there were jumps in the sequence, they were executed with a strong intention of frustration and desired release from being bound to his father s expectations of carrying on family traditions as a boxer and objections of being a ballet dancer. The unwillingness of Billy s father also revealed something intriguing about the situation, in relation to the political climate at that time. The governing party of England at that time was the Conservative Party, led by Margaret Thatcher. The ideology that followed with such a leadership was conservatism. Conservatism is a political and social ideology that promotes the maintenance of traditional institutions as well as to limit change, or at its best, allow minimal and gradual change in society. This ideology could be seen to have set its roots in the lives of the characters in the film. The strike was an obvious resistance to a significant impending change, the closing down of 20 coal mines and causing the massive loss of jobs. This philosophical idea also had its social impacts on the characters in the story. One of the core reasons for the objection of Billy s father to him dancing was the notion that male dancers were poofs , or simply put, homosexual. Billy s friend Michael w as such a representation, who began showing signs of cross-dressing and homosexuality at a young age. However, the important thing to note was that Michael was not a dancer, placing an immediate call to relook this so-called social phenomenon. This phenomenon, or rather, broad generalization of male dancers, had painted a negative image of males doing this art form and coming back to the ideology of conservatism, Billy s father was simply not ready for a change in mindset about such a phenomenon that had already been etched in his mind. The influence of Fred Astaire was another aspect that had an impact on the choreography of Billy Elliot s dance segments in the film. Rock was the main genre of music popular at that time but Billy Elliot was influenced more by Fred Astaire, who was popular among Billy s mother and grandmother s generation. Fred Astaire was a broadway dancer and choreographer. Though there were no details about how Billy Elliot knew how to tap dance, in many segments where he was dancing, whether out of frustration, happiness or the desire for freedom, his steps incorporated a certain jazzy and broadway style to it. The film, Billy Elliot, was put in the context of many issues that would have surrounded someone who lived in a middle class family, even more so if they were miners and involved the 1984 Miners Strike. The governing party of England at that time played an important role in shaping the mindset of people with the ideology of conservatism, the social and cultural influences revealed its impact on Billy Elliot s dancing as a young boy and ultimately, Billy was motivated by a desire for freedom, breaking away from social norms and standing out as an individual. All of these ideas displayed in Billy s behaviour were formed and passed on from predecessors such as Aristotle, who believed in a society open to ideas and disagreements, as well as John Locke, who was an important figure in the history of freedom. It is through the embodiment of such ideas through the characters in the film, including Billy s father, his brother and even his ballet teacher s family, that gives us a glimpse of th e life and thoughts of those living during the Miners Strike.