Department Of Media And Communication - 2242 Words

DEPARTMENT OF MEDIA COMMUNICATION MA (Fashion Journalism) A RESEARCH PROPOSAL BY: Full names: ROHAIZATUL AZHAR B AB RAHIM Student no: ABR 14439179 Postal address: 23B ARCHEL ROAD, W14 9QJ Telephone number: +44 747 826 0640 E-mail: r.abrahim1@arts.ac.uk Date of submission: January 30, 2015 This submissions contains two (02) parts: Unveiling the Hijabista: When Faith meets Fashion Evaluation of ‘The Roles of Media in Influencing Women Wearing Hijab: An Analysis’ by Zulkifli Abd. Latiff and Fatin Nur Sofia Zainol Alam Part 1: Unveiling The Hijabista - When Faith Meets Fashion 0.0 Introduction The Merriam-Webster dictionary (2015) defines hijab as the ‘traditional covering for the hair and neck that is worn by Muslim†¦show more content†¦Assisted by the socio-technological developments caused by new (mobile) communication technologies (Blommaert and Varis 2015), these influencers have started a sartorial movement that brings together two seemingly opposing ideas in order to create an indigenous identity. Known as Hijabista, a term coined by Jerome Taylor in The Independent newspaper (2010), they are defined as â€Å"a trendy set of up-and-coming Muslim women† (Taylor 2010) who dresses fashionably while still conforming to the code as prescribed by Islam through the donning of hijab. Being a Hijabista can therefore be seen as a sartorial technology of the self (Foucault 1988) through recognisable emblematic values of fabrics, cuts, accessories and styles (Blommaert and Varis 2015). The emergence of the Hijabista stems from the modern Muslim women’s desire to assimilate into western civilisation and to show that they too are in on the game. The word Hijabista is a hybridisation of ‘Hijab’ and ’fashionista’; the latter being taken to mean ‘one who is a keen follower of trends and style’. Because the relationship between Islam and women’s fashion is a conflicting one, the global perception of the Hijab is one that is associated with oppression and failure to adapt to progress and modernity. However, in recent years, those in Muslim-majority nations have began showing how the hijab is in fact a symbol of freedom. This rise in the hijab-wearing community of Middle-Eastern countries, such as Kuwait and

Short Story The Lord Of Griffins King - 1280 Words

At the onset of her arrival, Alayna was greeted by the Lord of Griffin’s Stone. Jon, accordingly, offered her a formal greeting before taking her by the arm and sweeping her over towards their usual cohorts. The pair partook in the typical shallow conversation, Alayna had become accustomed to whilst at court. There was often much to do about nothing. She lacked a forbearance for gossip, unless she could use the gained information to her own advantage. Ordinarily, Jon lead the exchanges of their circle but he appeared distracted. His eyes flickered up towards the royal family where Rhaegar was seated along with his Queen Mother. Alayna caught him in the act several times. Her heart went out to her good friend. She knew one could not†¦show more content†¦A flash of golden hair obviated Alayna along the way. Sharp claw-like fingernails dug into the exposed skin of Alayna wrist as Cersei Lannister threaded her arm through Alayna’s. The woman from the Reach paled as she regarded the other woman. Dressed in a deep red silk gown, the lioness looked absolutely regal. Cersei belonged in court, to be admired and inspire. â€Å"It appears we are to be sisters soon.† Cersei remarked as a predatory look gleamed in her emerald eyes. Alayna attempeted to maintain an air of proclivity as she nodded and smiled, demurely, â€Å"I’m honored your lord father believes me to be a good match for your brother.† â€Å"The prospect pleases you?† Cersei inquired, her thin eyebrow raised in question. Alayna looked away and acknowledged, â€Å"It doesn’t displease me.† â€Å"You don’t want to be Lady of Casterly Rock?† Cersei seemed appalled by the notion that anyone wouldn’t desire to be a Lannister. â€Å"I never said that.† Alayna assured the other woman not wanting to offend her future good sister. She continued in an attempt to smooth things over, â€Å"I, merely, stated that I don’t feel anything about it just yet. To be honest, I’m still processing the news.† Cersei patted Alayna on the hand and her voice sickeningly sweet as she told her, â€Å"I wouldn’t worry too much about it if I were you.† â€Å"Excuse me?† Alayna questioned. She was aware of Cersei’sShow MoreRelatedGoal Movie Review10720 Words   |  43 Pagespossession: his football and a tattered picture of the World Cup. Working menial jobs while growing up in Los Angeles, Santiago’s (Kuno Becker) passion was playing football. Convincing his father that he could be an international football star was another story: â€Å"There are two types of people in this world,† declared the elder Munez, â€Å"People in big houses, and people like us who cut their lawns and wash their cars.† But when Brit Glen Foy (Stephen Dillane), an amiable former football player and sometime scout

The United States And Foreign Countries - 860 Words

In his 1796 Farewell Address, President George Washington warns against developing â€Å"permanent alliances† with foreign countries, arguing that this entanglement leads to unnecessary complication (Washington). Of course, Washington’s warning is somewhat grounded in the fact that the United States was a young country that could not handle excessive participation in foreign affairs. Nevertheless, it is important to pay some attention to Washington’s words. Since 1900, the United States has executed more than two hundred military interventions. Furthermore, sixteen of these are marked as â€Å"attempts at nation building† (Pei and Kasper 2003). Since 1900, the United States has taken on a habit of intervening in foreign countries with the intention of maintaining peace. However, as indicated by Pei and Kasper, success in improving these nations is rarely the case. Of the aforementioned sixteen efforts, democracy was preserved in only four cases. This low s uccess rate proves that building a nation is an inherently complicated – and difficult – process that should only be executed when the recipients truly want help. The concept of building a nation is much different from the concept of building a state. As Fukuyama mentions, many argue that creating a nation is an incredibly complicated process that â€Å"outsiders† simply cannot accomplish (Jan/Feb 2004). Building a nation requires some degree of national pride, which is not possible for foreigners to exhibit. Instead, what the UnitedShow MoreRelatedUnited States Laws And Foreign Countries Essay1356 Words   |  6 PagesBeing a country that just recently opened its door to the world, Myanmar is currently facing a lot of changes in transitioning from a closed economy to a rather open economy with alterations in power and command. The laws set by the previous junta are still in the process of being reviewed by the new government. As a result, some of the laws are revised and altered while some remain the same for now as sudden shifts in the way businesses work in the country can lead to complications in the economyRead MoreThe United Stat es Should Stop Sending Aid For Foreign Countries Essay1291 Words   |  6 Pagesthe same opinion that the United States should stop sending aid to foreign countries. In this essay my view is that the United States should stop sending aid to foreign countries. I will defend my view against poverty by discussing Garret Hardin and, James Shikwati views on poverty, and how the United States and other countries will benefit from not sending aid. Garret Hardin mentions environmentalists use the metaphor of Earth as a spaceship. People persuade countries, industries, and people toRead MoreThe United States Foreign Aid to Developing Countries: A Research Report1679 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction The United States is a land of enormous bounty, freedom, and opportunity. It is the worlds richest and most powerful nation. It is also an unusually altruistic nation, founded on the ideas of the Enlightenment: equality, opportunity, and universal-brotherhood. The U.S. is currently the worlds leader in foreign aid to developing countries. It gives foreign aid to such countries in order to promote political stability and economic prosperity, a natural interest for any global hegemonRead MoreHenry Kissinger : The United States Foreign Policy, Strategy, And Negotiations With Other Countries During The 20th Essay2162 Words   |  9 Pagesextraordinary figures in the United States foreign policy. Under the Nixon’s administration, Kissinger served as a National Security Advisor and then as a Secretary of State. He was one of the few American diplomats who has known China intimately. Based off of his personal recollections of the Chinese leaders during his visit as well as other historical records, Kissinger was able to investigate how the Chinese leaders approach diplomacy, strategy, and negotiations with other countries during the 20th centuryRead MoreHenry Kissinger : The United States Foreign Policy, Strategy, And Negotiations With Ot her Countries During The 20th Essay2156 Words   |  9 Pagesextraodinary figures in the United States foreign policy. Under the Nixon’s administration, Kissinger served as a National Security Advisor and then as a Secretary of State. He was one of the few American diplomats who has known China intimately. Based off of his personal recollections of the Chinese leaders during his visit as well as other historical records, Kissinger was able to investigate how the Chinese leaders approach diplomacy, strategy, and negotiations with other countries during the 20th centuryRead MoreThe United States And Foreign Affairs. Tate Tankersley.1740 Words   |  7 PagesThe United States and Foreign Affairs Tate Tankersley Ms. Scannell English IV Honors December 20, 2016 The United States of America’s economy and military is far too involved in foreign affairs. Foreign affairs are policies of a government in dealing with other countries or with activities overseas, government offices or departments. The United States has always been involved in Foreign affairs since its creation. Although foreign affairs are vital for the sake of the United States ofRead MoreThe First President Of The United States Essay1454 Words   |  6 PagesRevolutionary War, the United States wanted to implant a strong relationship with Britain and also with France. Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, helped settle hostility with Britain and with France. By doing so, he helped to negotiate the Louisiana Purchase, started trading more with other countries, and also made it easier for immigrants to become citizens. What Thomas Jefferson was trying to do was to improve foreign relationships and establish a foreign policy. It isRead MoreEssay about President Bush And Us Foreign Policy1683 Words   |  7 PagesThe United States election in 2000 raised a debate between democrat and republican and in the end the American people chose a new leader Mr. George w. Bush. President Bush clearly defined foreign policy objectives and goals. I have seen and hear our dear President Bush foreign policy after September 11. Following this, Bush has established its top priorities in foreign policy. He claims that an acts in the government to improve the international community through negotiation and cooperation. LikewiseRead MoreUnited States s Income Tax Treaties Essay1347 Words   |  6 PagesThe United States has income tax treaties with a number of foreign countries. Under these treaties, residents (not necessarily citizens) of foreign countries are taxed at a reduced rate, or are exempt from U.S. income taxes on certain items of income they receive from sources within the United States (IRS, 2015). These reduced rates and exemptions vary among countries and specific items of income. The US has bilateral income tax treaties with many global trading partners. Under the terms of thoseRead MoreThe United States Foreign Policy1667 Words   |  7 PagesAs Kelly Anderson’s Foreign Policy Analyst, the following memo will address three areas of the United States’ foreign policy. The U.S. has gone through may transition when it comes to its foreign policy. The United States has been an isolationist, neutralist, and internationalist country from the year it was founded to now. The executive branch and the president apply their power to influence and change the nation’s foreign policy. There are specific departments within the Executive Office of the

Is Hiv Infection A Universally Fatal Diagnosis - 1335 Words

Shardae Murphy Mrs. Williams Advanced Writing 29 March 2017 HIV Is HIV infection a universally fatal diagnosis? â€Å"A small percentage of people with HIV infection have been observed to possess immune systems that keep the virus at bay for at least 10 years, and some for more than 35 years,† Dr. Levy writes.† (Elsevier) The diagnosis of HIV was once a death sentence, but there is no proof that survivors or people who did not get affected can live a normal, average day life without any complications. Most importantly, one can learn about ways to stop the disease and infection by closely examining and studying these people who have survived without HIV or have delayed the infection (Elsevier). It has been spreading†¦show more content†¦The disease is still spreading at a fast, uncontrollable rate (Gedatus 6). There are many ways that the disease can be contracted. HIV is not passed in the air or by touching someone because it does not survive well outside the body. People get can only get it through behaviors or activities that contain blood, semen, or vaginal secretions. Most cases are spread by sexual contact but that is not the only way the disease is acquired. It can also be spread through intravenous drug use, tattooing and body piercing, blood transfusions, and medical accidents. Pregnant women can give the virus to their babies during the virus. It can also be passed through breast milk (Gedatus 12). The disease is not really the problem; it is the obtaining and spreading of the disease. While HIV affects individuals differently, the most common effects deal with the personal, emotional, and mental state of mind. In 1992, HIV infection became the leading cause of death among young men and the third leading killer of young women (Byers 43). HIV attacks the most important cells of the immune system. They are the white blood cells, which help the body fight off infections from bacteria or viruses. Shortly after people are infected, they start to feel symptoms like swollen neck glands, night shivering and sweating, achy body, and a slight fever (Curran 38). â€Å"Babies who catch HIV from their mothers often get sick very early in their lives and usually die before their tenth birthday (CurranShow MoreRelatedHuman Immunodefinciency Virus (HIV) Essay1108 Words   |  5 PagesImmunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Just the mere thought of finding out or the possibility of being HIV positive can make a person stress and begin to question themselves. â€Å"How do I tell my family?† â€Å"How can I build a family now?† â€Å"What will my new partner will think of me?† That is only the tip of the iceberg of the physical, mental and emotional torments of the person’s life. Where did HIV come from? Scientists believe that a type of chimpanzee in West Africa was the source of HIV infection in humans. TheyRead MoreHiv Introduction10077 Words   |  41 PagesHIV From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaJump to: navigation, search AIDS virus redirects here. For the computer virus, see AIDS (computer virus). For the village, see Hiv (village). For the administrative subdivision, see Hiv Rural District. HIV Classification and external resources Diagram of HIV ICD-10 B20-B24 ICD-9 042-044 OMIM 609423 MedlinePlus 000602 eMedicine article/783434 MeSH D006678 Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus (a member of the retrovirus family) thatRead MoreHiv/Aids Summary of Research Study8804 Words   |  36 PagesCHAPTER I THE PROBLEM Introduction Infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) results in destruction of the body’s host defenses and immune system leading to the condition called Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV-AIDS is one of the world’s greatest public health crises. For many years, because of lack of understanding and effective treatment, it is now considered a rapidly progressing fatal disease. HIV infection in humans is considered pandemic by the World HealthRead MoreHsm 542 Week 12 Discussion Essay45410 Words   |  182 Pagescondition progressed to this extent.Steps I would take to avoid intentional tort:1) Avoiding negligence and taking each condition of the patients seriously.2) Good collaboration between the workforces.3) Avoiding delay in check up, investigations and diagnosis.4) Monitoring of patient’s vital signs and recording them.5) Taking corrective measures for the patient’s condition immediately.6) Well-informed non-medical staff.(From: Geo rge Pozgar) | | | | | RE: Intentional tort | Professor Hijazi |Read MoreOcd - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment131367 Words   |  526 Pagesbefore they can utilize this treatment approach effectively in the clinical setting. To this end, the book adopts an applied science perspective that continues throughout even the practice-oriented chapters. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the diagnosis, psychopathology, and phenomenology of OCD. Chapter 2 focuses on the most recent psychological research on the nature and persistence of obsessions, compulsions, and neutralization responses. Chapter 3 presents the behavioral theory and treatmentRead MoreBhopal Gas Disaster84210 Words   |  337 Pagesenvironmental concerns are addressed) for disposal at their expense. This, the TSC felt, would be the only fair, ethical, proper, legal and desirable way of taking care of a problem, for the following reasons: * This step would be compatible with the universally accepted principle that in such cases the respon sibility for waste disposal must lie with those who generate the waste. * When Dow acquired Union Carbide, it acquired all its assets and liabilities. * Precedence exists where India has exported hazardous

Hard Work Free Essays

Hard work  will not guarantee you success. Let me explain – the hardest working athletes are not the ones making the most money. The most talented ones in any sport are not often described as being â€Å"hard working† The person who is putting in 12 hour days, sweating and plodding along? Getting the job done and earning very little reward? Do people get promoted within the organization on work ethic alone? Isn’t usually because they know someone, have a natural knack for something, have more â€Å"education†, or were just in the right place at the right time? I’m not saying that  hard work  goes unnoticed. We will write a custom essay sample on Hard Work or any similar topic only for you Order Now Coaches, managers, leaders – they often go out of their way to acknowledge and praise hard-workers. They are held up as examples to the others and given momentary spotlights, but in the end, it’s not the attribute that brings success. I have seen a lot of hard-working people get treated unfairly over my career in all avenues of life. The person that quietly goes about their business and bothers no one is rarely acknowledged. The person who has a knack for doing a lot of things well is â€Å"too valuable† to move to higher positions of authority. Hard working people are often not vocal enough to â€Å"too their own horn† and get noticed, so they are not noticed (they believe their work speaks for itself). How many people do you know that are the fall guy to get stuff done? If no one else wants to do it, we know the guy or gal we can count on to get ‘er done, right? Am I wrong? So what value is â€Å"working hard†, and why should we work hard, or expect those we lead work hard as well if there isn’t a visible payoff? Well, there’s 2 things here I want to say. Number 1 – as a leader, if you have people in your organization that work hard – make sure you acknowledge them and take a deep, accurate look at how you treat them. Are you taking advantage of them? More importantly – you, the hard-worker. Why should you work hard? Do you work hard for a reward (pay, promotion, or prestige)? Should you work hard for these things? What about for self-pride? I’m talking ego – I’m talking good pride. I’m talking about sleeping well at night, knowing that whether you work for someone else, or work for yourself, you can take pride in putting forth an ffort today that made you, your oganization, and others you served better. I think there’s much value in hard work, and I believe that kind of pride in working hard reflects our creator. But be careful, don’t try and equate hard work and being busy as one thing. I’ve seen plenty of people that are masters at being busy doing nothing, appea ring to work hard, and leveraging that to try and get ahead. That shows very little self-pride as well. So work hard, get satisfaction from doing a good job. Take pride in what you do. Just don’t ask your work to be the catalyst for pushing you to higher levels of success – that is asking too much of something so simple. Thoughts on hard work? Hard Work CAN Kill You Hard work never killed anyone. (Proverbial) Overworking can be seriously damaging to your health. Stress and long hours heart problems, increased susceptibility to infection, fatigue disorders like CFS/ME†¦ and even suicide. We live in a world where we often feel pushed to  do  more. You might be under pressure from your peers, your parents, or society in general. You might well have internalized these influences – and you may believe that to be â€Å"successful†, you need to have a high-flying career or a huge salary. Ultimately, though, you won’t be able to enjoy the fruits of your hard work if you ruin your health in the process. Working hard isn’t always a good thing. It can actually end up being selfish and destructive, if: * Your long hours cause problems for your family * You’re short-tempered with colleagues or employees * You make mistakes because you’ve been working too hard You lose your sense of perspective, and let work take over your life How to Keep Work in Perspective Recognize the importance of other things – like friends, family, hobbies, sufficient rest and relaxation†¦ If you’re working hard in the hopes of retiring early, ease up on work and enjoy your  whole life a little more – instead of hoping for a few golden years at the end of it. If you’re working hard to buy more things for your kids, ask yourself whether it’s really more money that they need – or your presence. If you’re working hard because you feel that you â€Å"should† – then remember that this is  your life, and it’s up to you to decide how to live it. * * How to cite Hard Work, Papers

Purchasing Operations and Management †Free Samples to Students

Question: Discuss about the Purchasing Operations and Management. Answer: Introduction The retail market is very competitive and dynamic and requires quite a lot of business muscle to stay afloat. Many retail giants are on the brink of collapse; case in point is the Nakumatt supermarkets that were once a household name in the Kenyan and East African market at large. Empty shelves are now a typical picture associated with this once giant retailer in the region. This essay will focus on the aspects to increase efficiency of doing retail business. The three main issues to be discussed will include supplier selection criteria, ICT for purchasing operations and purchasing cost analysis. Recommendations will be made on the best practices surrounding these three issues. This essay will focus on another giant retailer; Walmart supermarkets that are a household name in America and a global brand in some respect. Walmart stores deal in a variety of products including household goods for example utensils, furniture, electrical appliances and fresh food and fruits. Almost all kind of goods will be available in these stores. Walmart is a global brand and hence its business implications are felt in the global economy (Gereffi, 2009). The market is distributed from the Americas to Asia (South Korea and Japan) and across Europe (Germany). Competitors in the market include KMart Super Centre, Supervalu Inc, Croger among many more. Many of the competitors are also targeting the global market. Most of the goals and strategies of Walmart are focused on sustainable profitability. These strategies are aimed at maximizing profitability but at the same time factor in social and environmental responsibilities (Cohen, 2017). Supplier Selection Criteria Supplier selection and monitoring of their performance is key to efficient business operation. Devising the best supplier selection method and evaluating the performance of the supplier goes a long way to ensure benefits of the goods purchased are felt later in the chain as cost effectiveness, quality, dynamicity and creativity (Nair, 2015). Being a retail entity, Walmart seeks to maximize profit on their varied products while maintaining a low cost on their products compared to its peers in the market. Maintaining competitive prices for its products will help it have an edge on the customer base and hence boosting the sales. There has to be an understanding between the supplier and the client to purchase products at the cheapest and most favorable prices ever. This will enable the client to develop a competitive price structure in the market. In his study, Sen postulates that decisions to be made on coming up with the ideal supplier are very challenging and include inadequate information, imperfect choices and more qualitative methods applied (Sen, 2008). Over the last 30 years, a lot of academic research has been undertaken to devise a consistent approach in choosing an ideal supplier. Data mining methods, problem establishment methods, multi-criteria decision aid and mathematical programming are some of the methods to be applied in supplier selection discussed by Sen. The following phases are consistent with most supplier selection strategy (Sen, 2008): Defining the problem Establishing a method Assessing suitability of qualified suppliers Choosing the most preferred supplier Measuring endurance of a supplier in most cases is dependent on quality of the products, price, service and delivery. From an analysis of the literature by academicians in this field, qualitative and quantitative supplier selection framework will be preferred here. In this method, two algorithms are applied to select the supplier. As discussed in detail by Sen, the following pointers are key according to Sen (2008); Establishment of a cross-functional group. This is because the supplier selection affects many other activities and decision makers in the team. It includes production strategy teams, cash flow controllers, and inventory managers, among others. Therefore a consensus should be sought. Data mining to come up with varied supplier selection methods. This will help to come up with new and more efficient strategies. Arrange the selection methods into a preferred flow Calculation of percentage and relative importance degrees for the main and subclasses Importance is then sought for buyer-supplier integration steps The first algorithm is applied to establish total rating of transformation to higher integration level The buyer-supplier integration is then calculated using the second algorithm These listed steps can be practically applied to search for an ideal supplier among competing supplier candidates. The level of integration is key in this method to establish both qualitative and quantitative selection of ideal suppliers. Qualitative and quantitative attributes to be selected on include reliability, technology, cost effectiveness, high quality, and quality service among others. This method has been shown to work in the retail market and recommendation is hereby made to apply it in the Walmart case to gauge its feasibility and tolerance (Sen, 2008). ICT for Purchasing Operations With the dramatic shift of the global patterns towards embracing ICT over the past few decades, discussing ICT integration in purchasing operations becomes vital. ICT has become an important function of our lives and many people world over are computer literate. Emergence of online shopping platforms adds concrete to this course (Grillitsch, 2013). People can now access preferred goods and services of debatably the same best quality from the comfort of their homes and from the click of a button. These developments are worth marveling to and their implications to the market are strongly felt. The competitive bar has been raised much higher and the earlier retailers incorporate ICT in their services, the better for their competitive muscle. For a retail giant like Walmart, it is arguably almost compulsory to embrace ICT in its purchasing operations and even retail operations. Looking at the immensely large number of suppliers handled by this retailer necessitates ICT incorporation (Grillitsch, 2013). For better record keeping and inventory management, paper work is not even an option. However, incorporation of ICT in purchasing operations is a diametric factor. This is because it cuts across the supplier and the buyer. Therefore the operations have to be on both sides. This would not easily prove a challenge also because most of the Walmart suppliers are big brands that you expect have integrated ICT in their operations. This section will however discuss selected factors in implementing ICT in purchasing operations. Some of these factors include cost of ICT infrastructure and ICT implementation, retailer vision and goals and staff ICT skills (Francis, 2017). The cost of ICT infrastructure is a hindering factor towards full incorporation of ICT in purchasing. Incorporation of ICT has been shown to cut costs on manpower as one individual can operate the computer and do a number of transactions at the same time. The same way the suppliers can be found on the internet much easily compared to the past where websites were not available. However the entire cost of acquisition of the tools to ensure full operationalization are quite expensive (Francis, 2017). These costs include hardware appliances, software, upgrades and maintenance and development costs. Investing in ICT can also be viewed as not a primary objective of a retailer thus making the decision makers hesitant in going full out on this venture. I t is imperative that a balance be struck between the business goals of a retailer and the economic realities. Retailer vision and goals are also vital to the implementation of ICT in purchasing. Studies have shown that many institutions had actually purchased the necessary equipment and facilities to enable ICT operations but have not yet implemented them effectively because of a lack of a proper plan and vision (Francis 2017). This scenario can be avoided by striking a balance between the business goals and economic realities as stated above. To also realize the actuality of integrating ICT in purchase will also need the decision makers to own the policy individually. A foundation has to be lain first to ensure smooth transition into the purchasing operations using ICT. Such will include ensuring that the staffs have the necessary training and qualifications to enable successful operations. Adopting ICT for purchasing operations will also enable employment of persons with disability that is not usually a norm in this sector (Giannoumis, 2015). This is because automation of the sector operations makes it easier for people with such limitations. This will contribute to trying to achieve striking a balance between the social and business responsibilities of Walmart. The implications towards achieving an all equal society will go a long way in building the reputation of the Walmart brand. As a result, its competitiveness in the market will be enhanced. To be on the right side of history also calls for Walmart to fully appreciate the 21st century developments which include the robust ICT sector. History will judge the retailer on the basis of such actions as this (Grillitsch, 2013). A lot of innovations currently also emanate from the ICT sector and to be placed in a better position to enjoy such benefits, Walmart has to embrace ICT in its purchasing. Innovative minds could also rise through the ranks within the employees that can be able to provide breakthroughs in the difficulties of implementing this venture. The most important thing is for the decision makers to embrace this initiative. Rice suggests that reputable retailers such as Walmart in the European market needs to keep its goals in tandem with the goals of the European commission that seek to improve the level of accessibility in mainstream ICT services using the public procurement laws and performance standards ( Rice, 2015). Such legislation will require a full operational shift in the use of ICT for purchasing. This will also go a long way in enabling access to procurement ICT services to people with disabilities. In a nutshell, it has been shown in this section that the hurdles faced in achieving full operationalization of purchasing using ICT are not supposed to derail implementation of the same. This is because the benefits of this achievement outweigh the costs. Efficiency that comes with implementing ICT for purchasing is so real and cost effective (Mukhopadhyay, 2016). ICT for purchasing operations is thus fully recommended. Purchasing Cost Analysis Purchasing costs for any business entity keen on making profit like Walmart need to be optimized. The optimization aims at enabling purchases to be made at the most affordable or lowest prices. When goods are purchased from the suppliers at the lowest possible prices, they will be retailed at competitive prices in the retail shelves (Anderson, 2016). This will go a long way in ensuring that Walmart is competitive enough to outmuscle its peers in the market. Such an arrangement is in tandem with the goal of Walmart of achieving an all-day low price for its products. However this task is not easy to accomplish due to its multifactorial nature. To achieve the above goals, the purchasers and suppliers need to develop and understanding that is honest and would allow both parties to make profit from the business without aggrieving either of the parties. Another important aspect of this discussion would be create a competition between the suppliers of a purchaser such that the suppliers strive to offer the best deal to the purchaser (Anderson, 2016). The best deal would be in terms of the lowest prices from the same goods offered by the different suppliers. When this is achieved, the purchaser would go with the best deal and establish a partnership with the supplier. The supplier also needs to be assured of their job security (Gupta, 2011). Assuring the suppliers long term contracts based on performance is a motivation to them and will go a long way in creating a rapport between the parties. This can be accomplished through structured and consistent discussions between the parties to achieve the best business goals while keeping a close eye on the market trends. Also an evaluation needs to be consistently done of the suppliers of the purchaser to ensure that the trends in the market are catered for. It is important that the business incorporates creativity and dynamism in this current competitive market. Consistent consultations with the supplier on these issues will anyhow be key in achieving this goal. PCM Inc that is a marketer of technological products in its report emphasizes the need for retailers not to allow themselves to be left behind in the market trends (PCM, 2015). Having robust data mining departments can also help keep tabs on the market needs and trends. Evaluation of the supplier also need to be done to establish if the supplier will be able to meet the needs of the retailer effectively and especially in the high seasons. A balance must also be struck in the high and low seasons. Once the above discussed factors are implemented, it becomes easy to achieve the ultimate goal of lowering the purchasing costs (Mehlawat, 2013). T his will of course increase competitiveness of the retailers products. Its competitive muscle will also be enhanced in the market. Conclusion Decision makers in such reputable retailers as Walmart are faced with multiple hard decisions to make on a daily basis. Most of these decisions are strategic and very key to the business objectives of these entities. In a nutshell supplier selection has been discussed and recommended basing on the qualitative and quantitative model details to which have been availed. ICT for purchasing operations has also been strongly recommended to increase efficiency and cost effectiveness. Finally the purchasing cost analysis factors have been discussed with the aim of achieving the lowest prices for purchased good. This will go a long way in establishing lowest all day prices for Walmart products in the market. References Anderson, I., Groce, F., McMullan, D., Wallshein, C. (2016). DoD ESI Historical Purchase Prices Database: An Unprecedented Tool for Software Buyers and Cost Analysts. Armed Forces Comptroller, 61(1), 22-27. Advanced Placement Source, EBSCOhost, viewedSeptember 23, 2017 Cohen, B., Muoz, P. (2017). Entering Conscious Consumer Markets: Toward A New Generation Of Sustainability Strategies. California Management Review, 59(4), 23-48. doi:10.1177/0008125617722792.Advanced Placement Source, EBSCOhost, viewedSeptember 23, 2017 Francis, N. N., Ngugi, M., Kinzi, J. (2017). Influence of selected factors on the implementation of information and communication technology policy in public secondary schools in Naivasha Sub-county, Kenya. International Journal Of Education Development Using Information Communication Technology, 13(2), 70-86. 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