Impact of economic recession on British manufacturing - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 9 Words: 2613 Downloads: 9 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Economics Essay Type Analytical essay Did you like this example? Introduction Economy is the study of choice making by customers, business managers and government officials to attain their goals, given their scarce resources, in this era of globalization economy used to analyze real world development and productivity through interaction of buyers and sellers and cross border movement of goods, services, technology and capital. This movement caused by globalization and technology advancement in RD increased the number of MNE manufacturing which I am going to analyze in this assignment through PEST and strategic growth (Ansoff Matrix) in a case of British Manufacturing. Economic recession is slowdown of general economic activity over a period of time, this situation brings many effects in microeconomic and macroeconomic, as microeconomic deals with demand and supply and macroeconomic indicate variation in production as measured by gross domestic product (GDP)  [1]  , employment, investment spending, capacity utilisation, household incomes, business p rofit and inflation.  [2] . Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Impact of economic recession on British manufacturing" essay for you Create order Impact of economic recession People become jobless due to shut down of many firms Strong firms start getting down fall in profit data Creditors fail to pay Value of crucial merchandise increase rapidly No savings as people start to use their money for liquidity due to redundancy. Country gross domestic product data will start diminishing. Economic recession in British British, is the 6th largest country in the world in both Gross domestic product (GDP)  [3]  and Purchasing power parity (PPP)  [4]  , but due to many economic recession British face huge unemployment, GDP fell to 5.9% , most Banks reached stage of bankruptcy and affect many other sectors including investment firm. Multinational enterprise is a firm which has a worldwide approach to markets and production or a firm which operates in more than one county. (Daniels et al, 2009, pg 64) Advantages of Multinational enterprises It creates jobs and brings development through taxes. It improves BOP since they bring money to invest. It also acts as one of globalization motive through international integration of capital, technology, goods and people. Effect of MNEs to host country It creates unskilled labour and kills innovation through introduction of new technology Sometime they can have high influence to country economy and government operations as they operate in very large scales. Contribution of Multinational enterprises in British economy British economic growth depends in all sectors but secondary sector (Manufacturing) plays a vital role in British trade liberalization since colonial era, in this era of globalization British firms depends much on increasing investment (going global) be multinational enterprise and applying of new technology so as to be more innovative and cost efficiency. Example BLMC, Virgin, AstraZeneca, Vodafone and Tesco etc Diagram 1. Drivers of going global International Strategies Market Drivers ~ Similar customer needs ~ Global Customers ~ Transferable marketing Government Drivers ~ Trade policies ~ Technical Standards ~ Host government policies Competitive Drivers ~ Interdependence between countries ~ Competitors global strategies Johnson et al, pp. 297 Adapted from Yip (2003) Cost Drivers ~ Scale Economies ~ Country-specific differences ~ Favourable logistics Environment scans for British MNEs through PEST framework. PEST stands for Political, Economic, Social and Technological analysis which used to scan business environment through strategic management  [5]  so as to reduce uncertainty, minimise risk and deal with change. These variables are likely to influence organization demand, supply and its external costs. Diagram 2. Business environment scan Environmental Scan                /  External Analysis       Internal Analysis /                             Macroenvironment Microenvironment /    P.E.S.T. Political factor This is the major factor which affects MNEs operations in their foreign investment where by company has to focus on rules and regulations of the host countries. Also in British labour union has more power in all sectors but manufacturer are highly affected as their main stakeholders, to avoid these pressure group British MNEs continual to invest in labour intensive country like Africa, India and china. Taxation went down due to low productivity in recession period but European Union (EU) made a great contribution in British MNEs quick recover as is estimated to be the largest market accounting 23% of global sale, especially after further extension of EU zone. A new administrative rule was made to favour the members such as free trade flow and remove some of tariffs. As economy affect all sectors in the country, British economic recession of 2007-2008 played an immense role in changing political ruler (party in power) from Labour to Conservatives part, this also creates cha nge in investment, migration rules and business barrier (Hill, 2002) Economic factor Economic factor concern with demand, cost, prices and profits, one of the most influential elements on the economy is high unemployment levels, inflation and change in GDP. Economic recession which hit British so many times since 19th century made MNEs to suffer bankrupts and other firms were total close down, this is because firms are still highly dependent on local market as primary their primary source of growth and expansion example Tesco. Creditors failed to pay their loans which made banks to be in a danger of bankrupts like HSBC. In Recently recession of 2007-2008 British interest rate slash to 0.5%, GDP fell to 4.7%  [6]  and value of GBP fall all over the world which was major indicator of fall in country economy. Social factors The living standards of people dependent on wages and salaries are more affected by recessions than those who rely on fixed income or welfare benefit. The loss of a job in British create negative impact on the stability of families as people did not have money to support their families well being. Life standard of people change and moved toward one stop shopping, which drive chain of supermarket like Mark Spence, Tesco etc who are also manufacture to add value on their products and service through business mix. The type of goods and service demand by consumers is a function of their social conditioning and their consequent altitudes and beliefs. Consumers are becoming more aware of health issues, and their attitude towards foods are constantly changing, one example a Tesco which adapt product mix so as to accommodate an increase demand for organic product, the company was also the first to allow customer to pay in cheques and cash at the checkout. British improve Tax coll ection so as to finance government expenditure such as provision of credit to business or budget for social welfare, because by improving standard of living this will encourage citizen to work hard for economic development. Technology factors Rapidly growth in technology in this era of globalization helps British MNEs to run in low cost and increase flexibility. Invention of digital machines in western countries helped British MNEs to be more innovative like self check out machine in supermarkets example Tesco which speed up shopping process. Also due to high capital which firm spent in RD British MNEs benefit much in technology advancement as it creates new operation opportunities such as new marketing mix channel, new purchases environment e-business and low the cost of RD tools, where by firm can do primary feasibility study through e-data before do a survey in a target market. Example: Jaguar in e-business sees appendices 2 Environmental scanning helped British MNEs to face economic trend (world economic crunch and recession) by continual investment as well as shaping the future of their investment by identifying the elements of growth and expansion of their manufacturing industries. The direction of grow in British MNEs through Ansoff Matrix. In this era of globalization, every firm wants to grow and increase market share, operation tend to emphasize on developing corporate strategy which orient and push market objectives, but pushing market objective especially in foreign countries become a big dilemma due to economic recession and world political imbalance. In executing these strategies British MNEs has to identify a method which can make them analyze whether to continue with an existing mode or find a new one, this choice is considered with a combination of forecast in development of market and products in Ansoff matrix. Ansoff matrix is a four strategy alternatives which can be applied to any business so as to grow or expand market with its competitive advantage without changing the corporate strategy  [7]  , this mode was first introduced by Professor Igo Ansoff after quitting Lockheed Electronic as vice president and joining Carnegie University where he wrote a book called corporate strategy. Strategy which British MNEs can execute in a period of recession Market penetration This strategy can be more beneficially in period of recession where by firm had no enough fund to continual invest in a business. But firm can increase market share through competitive pricing strategies, advertising, sales promotion and perhaps more resource dedicate to personal selling example Kellogg Company attempted to sell more cornflake to existing consumers by advertising the idea of eating Kellogg cornflake at any time of the day Also due to financial crisis which cause many people to lose their job pricing strategy can increase customers by convincing existing customer to use more and attract non users of the product. Product development This strategy may require the development of new competencies and requires the business to develop modified products which can appeal to existing markets As British MNEs went through financial crisis in a period of recession this strategy can be more useful as firm can do minor change in existing product or develop a new one which will appeal the same market. The reasons that justify the use of this strategy includes:- To utilize the excess production capacity To counter competitive entry And maintain the company reputation as a product innovator and exploit new technology which will protect overall market share  [8]  . This strategy also moves the company into in to the market again and toward customer that are currently not being catered for. Example: In Automotive industry Ford Focus tended to replace Ford Escort. Market development This is when firm develop it market by move beyond its immediate customer by exporting goods to overseas market or selling to a new market segment. This strategy also can be usefully to British MNEs in a period of recession as firms can only adjust its operation and cooperate strategy by improve product dimension or packing, increase distribution channels or move to a new geographic example Tesco lunch Babys wear in Sweden. Will the benefit of new technology off set investment in RD for IB in an era of Globalization? It is true that benefit new technology can off set investment in RD due to the following resource. Globalization refer as integration of world economies through the reduction of barriers to the movement of trade, capital, technology and people.( John D.D, et al, pg 2009) This movement has high influence in social culture force which led to change in preference and altitude of customers towards quality and price of product due to this situation and huge capital which firm invest in RD example: UK-GlaxoSmithKline spent GBP 3,708m in pharmaceuticals biotechnology RD, firms decide to add new technology to counterbalance research and rapidly change in business. Also new technology had tremendous impact on International Business through development of new information technology whereby new market opportunities are now emerging through e-business which supports innovation and become the source of strategic advantage example current sales performance of Jaguar through e-busine ss.(Currimbhoy, 2004) In traditional firms production and sales was highly supported by RD but due to technical advances of internet and digital machinery firm improve production in competitive market and meet environment regulatory requirement in a short time through links system such as KM, CRM and ERPs New technology also improves distribution channels examples web shop, banner or linking and searching engine which speed up distribution and receive customer feedback quick. The development of new business information technology help firm to integrate their operation through usage computer software such as CAD,3Ds and 2Ds, these softwares provides firms with input- tools for the purpose of stream lining design process, drafting, documentation and manufacturing process which traditional was done after research. After this designing softwares also new technology assist firm in review their product performance before spending money in production through prototype and get f eedback from customers through company website. Regardless of all the benefit mentioned above new technology can also bring tough competition between firms due to economic integration and sharing of operation systems. Recommendation As world economy becomes more dynamic due to globalization this accelerate the technology advancement worldwide also many firms gets difficulty to hold on their competitive edge. British MNE has to increase efforts to develop means of collecting data globally in order to provide clear and more comprehensive, timely picture of RD for their investment abroad. New technology can be a crucial element in globalization but its implementation can be a slow process due to the following reasons:- As Technology frequently change, management is subjected to a dilemma whether to invest in new technology or not due to high capital which they will invest on it. It increases cost of operation in organizations for staffs re-training so they can have correlation with new system. It increases competition among firms due to the low production cost and effectively distribution channels. Appendices IMF data on economic recession Statistically, evidence of economic recession shown by IMF economist who states that global economic shows growth of three percent or less in four periods since 1985 (1990-1993, 1998, 2001-2002 and 2008-2009.  [9] Example of Technology factor for British Manufacture MNE Every factors has effect on its implementing example: Ford group in selling Jaguar car invest more in e-business and become source of strategic advantage (Currimbhoy, 2004) but as it create better supply chain control, development of this business side is very costly and the management have to choose between investing in jaguar brand uplifting or investing in future development of e- business and other operational improvement.  [10] https://ec.europa.eu/invest-in-research/pdf/download_en/report_international.pdf Reference and Bibliography Text Books Saleemi N.A, revised and update, 2008, Economics Simplified: introduction, Saleemi publications Ltd, Nairobi-Kenya. ISBN: 9966-28-982-8 Johnson G, et al, Fundamentals of strategy: Industries and sectors, Pearson education, first published 2009. ISBN: 978-0-273-71310-4 Daniel J.D, et al, 12th edition, 2009, International Business: environment and operations, Pearson, Prentice Hall, ISBN no. 978-0-13-500112-7. Manuafacturing in British, a survey of factors affecting growth and performance a councils account of the major positive and negative influence, Industry system research, 3rd edition, 2003 Website https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_agent, https://www.novinite.com/art/perfin/multinational_business_finance.html, last retrieve 2nd June 2010, at 3:46 pm https://www.ivoryresearch.com/sample3.php, last retrieve 28th May 2010, at 6:18 pm https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/recession/4321675/UK-recession-its-official-but-will-it-be-the-worst.html, last retrieve 10th July 2010, 10: 15 am https://www.ehow.com/how_4561854_overcome-recession-economic-collapse-government.html#ixzz0s3VDsD8x, last retrieve 16th June 2010, at 7:40 pm https://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/47376,news-comment,news-politics,british-manufacturing-a-success-story,2#ixzz0svFxMR11, last retrieve 3rd July 2010, at 4:05 pm https://www.universityessays.com/example-essays/marketing/tesco-marketing-strategy.php, last retrieve 16th July 2010, last retrieves 07:20 pm https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7677436.stm, last retrieve 15th July 2010, at 08:50 am https://ayushveda.com/blogs/bu siness/ansoff-matrix-business-expansion-strategies/, last retrieve 15th July 2010, at 06:43 pm https://ivythesis.typepad.com/term_paper_topics/2008/02/ansoff-matrix-d.html July 20 2010, at 5:25 pm https://www.spiked-online.com/index.php/site/article/7018/ , last retrieve 22nd July 2010, 11:42 am https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_sector, last retrieve 25th July 2010, last retrieves 1:33 pm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manufacturing_in_the_United_Kingdom, last retrieve 25th July 2010, last retrieves 4:02 pm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Economic_sectors_and_income.JPG, last retrieve 25th July 2010, last retrieves 4:47 pm https://www.coursework4you.co.uk/essays-and-dissertations/pest-analysis.php last retrieve 26th July 2010, last retrieves 5:20 pm https://www.coursework4you.co.uk/essays-and-dissertations/ansoff-analysis.php, 3rd august 2010, 8: 34 https://www.ivoryresearch.com/sample5.php, last retrieve, 25th July 2010, last retrieves 4:47 pm

The Long Shadow Of Lincoln s Gettysburg Address - 1137 Words

Esmeralda Diaz Mrs. Anderson English III 9 April 2015 The Long Shadow of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president, he was born on February 12, 1809 and died April 15, 1865, he wrote a speech named the Gettysburg Address, it was a short quick speech he wrote on the spot, but it made a big impact. Lincoln abolished slavery he modernized the economy and strengthened the federal government. He lead the United States through its civil war, it was one of the bloodiest wars and constitutional and political crisis, â€Å" As many as 51,000 were dead, wounded, or missing after the bloodiest single battle in all of the United States history† (GETTYSBURG 9). After the decades of fights over slavery the United States was brought in to a war. The people saw Lincoln’s election as a â€Å"mortal threat to slavery, an institution central to their economy and way of life† (GETTYSBURG 9). They thought that Lincoln would change their way of living if the slaves were free like they would then be able to do the same things the â€Å"white† people did that they could never do before. Most of the white northerners wanted to preserve the Union, but of them did not care well at least at first, about ending slavery. Both the Union and the Confederacy feared defeat by the summer of 1836. The Gettysburg began when Lee spotted an opportunity to cripple the Union’s failing moral. This was the â€Å"Invasion of the North† (GETTYSBURG 9) his army from North of Virginia began moving,Show MoreRelatedGettysburg the Speech1357 Words   |  6 Pages[Date] The Gettysburg Address Introduction Gettysburg Address is one of the important dictations of values that provided much needed direction for the future leadership of the United States. It shaped the societal values and beliefs of the country. This assertion can be affirmed with the speech s enduring presence in the US culture. Notwithstanding its noticeable place cut into stone units on the south divider of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the Gettysburg Address is every nowRead MoreRhetorical Analysis of Martin Luther Kings I Have A Dream Speech810 Words   |  4 PagesLuther King’s speech was made after the March on Washington on August 28, 1963. He delivered the â€Å"I Have a dream† speech on the Lincoln Memorial steps. He verbalized this speech to millions of people blacks and whites. This is one of the greatest speeches because it has many elements like repetition, assonance and consonance, pathos, logos, and ethos. Repetition in M.L.K.’s Speech Martin Luther King uses a lot of repetition in his speech. They are scattered throughout but very close. One ofRead MoreAbraham Lincoln s President Of The United States1079 Words   |  5 PagesOn March 4, 1861, Abraham Lincoln took his first oath of office as President of the United States. On the East Portico of the new Capitol Building, Lincoln directed his voice not to the people in the crowd, but to the people of the seven states which had seceded from the Union just days before. He stood in the shadow of the Capitol’s half-finished dome, a symbol of the severe division within the nation. Mr. Lincoln would be met with great hardship and ambiguity throughout his two terms as presidentRead MoreEssay On The Gettysburg Address1582 Words   |  7 PagesIn 1863, President Abraham Lincoln stated, â€Å"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that â€Å"all men are c reated equal.† Lincoln believed slavery to be abhorrent. In 1863, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, announcing, â€Å"that all persons held as slaves† within the rebellious areas â€Å"are, and henceforward shall be free.† The Gettysburg Address and the Proclamation were steps toward a newRead MoreI Have A Dream Speech Summary1149 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"I have a dream† speech was written by American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. on August 28, 1963. It took place at the Washington D.C Civil Rights March, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. It is one of the widely known speeches that was given to point out the ongoing racism problem in the United States of America. This speech brought greater attention to the Civil Rights Movement which had been going for years and it is known as one of the famous orations in the history of US. TheRead MoreMartin Luther King Jr: I Have a Dream Speech Critique Essay1251 Words   |  6 Page ssteps of the Lincoln Memorial. He gave the rhetorical demands that racial justice no longer shall people be divided by race or religion. Although at the time it wasnt the case, it was a future vision that all people are created equal ( M.L.K.) The central Idea or purpose of his speech was and is to still educate, motivate, and persuade everyone to do away with segeration between whites and blacks one race to another.In preparing the speech King studied the Bible, Gettysburg Address, and the DeclarationRead MoreI Have A Dream Rhetorical Devices Essay1248 Words   |  5 PagesThe year 1963 is a year of civil unrest in the United States of America’s history. 1963 is the year in which Doctor Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech in the front of the Lincoln memorial in Washington, D. C. Dr. King’s â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech uses many rhetorical devices to enhance the effectiveness of his message which states his want for freedom and racial equality for African Americans. Three rhetorical devices stand out prominently: imagery, allusion, andRead MoreA Comparison of Letter From Birmingham City Jail and I Have a Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.1903 Words   |  8 Pages legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.. The use of antithesis works to accentuate his statement, and then, he not only states it as his own, but . . . agree[s] with St. Augustine that an unjust law is no law at all. Making this biblical reference not only proves that his views are shared by others, but that they were in the bible, shared by a saint. After much explanation and re-iterationRead MoreEssay on The Kings Dream1588 Words   |  7 PagesThe Civil Rights Movement in the 1950’s through 1960’s had many leaders, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcom X and many more. But King was the only one who stood out of the pack. His purpose was to have equality for all races, not just African Americans. King had addressed a speech that he had written and spoke of it at the Lincoln memorial in Washington D.C on August 28, 1963. In King’s â€Å"I Have a Dream† he motivated and touched not only African Americans but white folks as well inRead MoreAbraham Lincoln: Organizational Culture and Leadership5118 Words   |  21 PagesGroup Assignment Part I: Organizational Culture ‘Imperial College of Business Studies (ICBS)’ Part II: Leadership ‘Abraham Lincoln’ Introduction This report has been compiled as a group assignment under continuous assessments for BUS 4304 – ‘Organizational Culture and Leadership’, a subject which is followed during the Semester 1 of the 4th Academic Year for the Bachelor’s Degree – Business Administration (Special) offered by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. As per the guidelines

Job Satisfaction Impacts Productivity Levels

Question: Write about theJob Satisfaction Impacts Productivity Levels. Answer: Introduction The satisfaction of the employees in a firm affects their performance in a significant way. Its vital for the management to understand ways or retaining his employees via offering them satisfaction and required level of motivation (Christina G. Chi, 2009). The objectives and success depends on the job satisfaction of the employees, the result of this is improved productivity and better success for the firm. Its essential that a firm to be sensitive to the employees feelings, reasoning, and wishes to realise how to raise the staff dedication and commitment to their jobs. By following this guideline, the outputs of the firm can be improved and commitment re enforced. Boosting staff satisfaction is a very important factor for the entity. My research is to evaluate how job satisfaction impacts on the level of productivity. The research will be supported by a variety of human theories. the theories will illustrate the level to which the employees will be job satisfied (Rachel W.Y. Yee, 2008). A cause effect relationship exists between the job satisfaction and the productivity level. The job satisfaction is the cause while the productivity level is the effect. Analysis of Data Preceding data collection, in the process of data analysis wo variables were identified dependent and the independent variable (Christina G. Chi, 2009). The job satisfaction is the job satisfaction since it is the basis for the assumption while the dependent variable is the productivity level since its the outcome of the defined assumption making the job satisfaction the x axis and the productivity level the y-axis statistical analysis techniques were applied to gauge the job satisfaction and productivity level. Outcomes and Discussion The outcome of the analysis was that there exists an impact on the productivity level by the job satisfaction. The use of intrinsic rewards results to more job satisfaction among the higher job level workers while the use of extrinsic words raises the job satisfaction among the lower level workers. The top managers are more willing to improve their effort on their jobs as compared to professionals and other staff members. The level of experiences plays a role on the job satisfaction with more experienced workers more satisfied with their jobs (Kurt Matzler, 2007). Presence of financial rewards unequal promotional opportunities and rewards contributes to employees satisfaction, retention and attraction. The more job satisfied the workers are the higher their productivity level. The job satisfied employees have a better reputation. Conclusion and Recommendation The study is about satisfaction and productivity, the overall means for raising job satisfaction are based on considerations of workers compensation and investment systems in to the workers welfare objected system that ensures staff motivation is enhanced. As a result, the research study connecting the job satisfaction and the productivity level consists of a set of compensations that workers expects currently form their jobs. Apart from financial rewards the workers are increasingly rooting for diverse reward choices. Employers research are proving that employees are demanding more variety of rewards from the work place (Gerhart, 1990). Some will go to an extent of a portion level of base pay for other needs. The management should therefore recognise and implement reward strategies that are in line to the needs of the workers. This way they would be able to raise job satisfaction and result into improved productivity of employees. The managers as well as the employees should be made aware of the targets attached to the rewards so theta un intended and malice motives can be undermined in advance. References Christina G. Chi, D. G., 2009. Employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, and financial performance: An empirical examination.. International Journal of Hospitality Management , Volume 28. Christina G. Chi, D. G., 2009. Employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, and financial performance:An empirical examination.. International Journal of Hospitality Management, Volume 28, pp. 245-253. Gerhart, B. . M. G. T., 1990. Employee Compensation: Research and Practice. In Marvin D Dunnette . Leaetta M. Hough (Eds.), Handbook of industrial . organizational psychology. Palo Alto, CA: Dunnette . Leaetta M. Hough (Eds.), Handbook of industrial . organizational psychology.. 2nd ed. s.l.:Consulting Psychologists Press,. Kruse, D., 1991. Profit-sharing and Employment Variability: Microeconomic evidence on the Weitzman theory. Industrial and Labor Relations Review, Volume 44. Kurt Matzler, B. R., 2007. . Assessing asymmetric effects in the formation of employee satisfaction.. Tourism Management, Volume 28. Rachel W.Y. Yee, A. C. Y. T. E. C., 2008. The impact of employee satisfaction on quality and profitability in high-contact service industries.. Journal of Operations Management, Volume 26.

Gender Identity Paper free essay sample

This paper will attempt to discuss some of the effects hormones, biological, and environmental factors have on an individual’s sexuality. When a baby is born usually the first statement out of the doctor’s mouth is â€Å"it is a boy† or â€Å"it is a girl†. Society has traditionally believed one is born either male or female. If one is born male he is expected to be masculine, be attracted to women, and to pursue hobbies and behaviors considered to be manly. If one is born female she is expected to be feminine, to be attracted to men, and to pursue hobbies and behaviors considered to be feminine. Occasionally an individual may be born with nonconforming gender identity. What this means is an individual may be born with male or female genitalia but actually have interest and behaviors of the opposite sex. For individuals with this conflicting belief life may be extremely painful. Society deems one either male or female and has developed certain schemas for each gender. However one’s emotional gender identity may be contrary to what society has deemed the individual. A single sperm cell which fertilizes an ovum, or egg, is called a zygote. A zygote contains all the information essential for the normal growth of a complete adult organism in its natural environment (Pinel, 2009). The zygote contains 23 pairs of chromosomes; half from the producer of the sperm and half from the producer of the egg. The cells of females only have the X chromosome, the cells of males have X and Y chromosomes; this means the male is responsible for the sex of the zygote (Pinel, 2009). A male zygote will have X and Y chromosomes while a female zygote will have only X chromosomes. Males and females produce the same hormones, androgens and estrogens, in different amounts. Males produce more testosterone, which is the most common androgen, and females produce more estradiol, which is the most common estrogen. Around the sixth week of gestation the Y chromosome of the male triggers the Sry protein which causes the primordial gonad to develop into a testis; in the absence of the Sry protein the primordial gonads automatically develop into ovaries (Pinel, 2009). Throughout the gestation period various other hormones are released to prompt the development of male or female genitalia. On occasion if the embryo is exposed to conflicting hormones there may be genital abnormalities. With the advances in medical technology it is possible for expectant parents to identify the sex of their unborn child. Once sex has been determined parents begin purchasing gender specific clothes, toys, and nursery items. This innocent act of the expectant parents begins the gender identity of an unborn child (Eliza, 2011). Traditional families, a mother, a father, and one or more children, is fast becoming a rarity in today’s society. Modern families may consist of two mothers, two fathers, a single parent male or female, or perhaps a grandparent. The environment in which a child is reared has some bearing on his or her sexual preference. A child reared in a traditional family, by grandparents, or perhaps by a single heterosexual parent may be encouraged to participate in gender specific play and to conform to gender specific roles. These children may also be corrected or disciplined when engaging in play or behaviors perceived to be in conflict with his or her gender. Whereas a child reared in a homosexual environment may be allowed or encouraged to explore his or her emotions of sexuality. Homosexuality has become more prevalent in today’s society; this could be a result in society’s tolerance of homosexuality and laws passed to ensure the equal treatment of homosexuals. The author tends to believe society’s tolerance of homosexuality has encouraged more individuals to express their homosexual tendencies. In times of the ancient Greek homosexuality and bisexuality were considered natural and normal. The increase in the popularity of Christianity was one of the major factors which affected society’s view of homosexuality. Christians considered homosexuality a sin and condemned the practice of homosexuality. However, the increase in gay rights and the implementation of policies which force society to tolerate homosexuality, such as laws against discrimination, has changed the view of homosexuality. Society has taken the subject of homosexuality away from being a moral issue and turned it into a personal preference. Through the readings of this course it is the author’s belief homosexuality is both a matter of choice and also an issue of biological abnormalities. The case studies found within the text indicate a stronger correlation between hormones and sexual preference. The case of the Twin Who Lost His Penis indicated the individual’s sexuality was imprinted from early childhood. The loss of his penis and his being forced to be raised as a girl had no bearing on his male tendencies. Despite the fact he was forced to live like a girl he always â€Å"felt† like a boy. It is the opinion of the author biological factors plays a stronger role in determining ones sexuality. Environmental factors such as society’s view of homosexuality have also played an important role in the acceptance of such behavior. Through the ages society has dictated the types of behaviors and actions which are acceptable and â€Å"normal†. A generation ago smoking was acceptable and homosexuality was considered abnormal. Today’s society says smoking is unacceptable and homosexuality is normal. It is not the author’s intention to pass judgment only to direct attention to the changes society has made throughout history. One may only speculate what changes the future holds. References Eliza, A. D. , Maria, R. S. , amp; Amy, L. S. (2011). Childhood gender identity . . . disorder? developmental, cultural, and diagnostic concerns. Journal of Counseling and Development : JCD,  89(3), 360-366. Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com/docview/873035547? accountid=35812 Pinel, J. (2009). Biopsychology. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.