The topic is in details Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The topic is in details - Essay Example During disputes, each party has specific needs and wants. Conflict ensues because both differing parties do not agree about whose wants and needs takes precedence over the others’. Negotiation strives to create an environment where prioritization of interests can be achieved. In case prioritization fails, negotiation will help conflicting parties reach an agreement through balanced compromise of their respective interests. According to Smith (2000), such balanced compromise of interests creates fairness. However, conflicting parties may fail to agree because both sides may hold substantially different understanding and perspectives of fairness. An example of such a situation is seen in the ancient Melian-Athens conflict features in the Melian Dialogue by Thucydides. Prior to engaging in any negotiation or in understanding why two conflicting parties are engaging in a negotiation, it is appropriate to appraise the causative aspects of an underlying conflict. In addition, it is advisable to acknowledge the social, political and economic context in which conflicts and subsequent negotiations are taking place. Melian Dialogue by Thucydides covers events surrounding tribal conflicts in ancient Greece. Despite being a single empire, Greece was divided along its ethnic lines. Buckley (2010) said that there were two major divisions, the Athenians deriving its roots from the Ionians and the Spartans from the Dorian heritage. Sparta adopted an oligarchic political structure characterized by a few wealthy members of the society commanding and ruling the rest of the citizens. On the contrary, Athens was democratic and the wealthiest nation in Greece. In this case, both parties held contrary political, economic and social opinions which lead to growing tens ion between them. Sparta had allies, including Melos while Athens also had its allies. Increasing tension sparked a 10-year conflict marking the first phase of Peloponnesian war between Sparta and its allies

Describe some important features of the retail sector and provide some Essay

Describe some important features of the retail sector and provide some real world examples - Essay Example Conversely, small stores still survive in the retail business as a result of retaining customer base regardless of stiff competition from large or super stores (Scarborough, 2012). In a turn of events, most departmental stores worldwide seems to wane and this has forced such departmental stores to reposition themselves in the market (Lincoln & Lars, 2007). For instance, there are departmental stores that are now shifting to apparel stores from supplying consumers with general merchandise. In order to attract customers, retail stores are now focusing on offering customers discount. Offering discount is a key feature in the retail sector today, such discounts involves lowering prices of goods or offering money back guarantee to entice more customers. Examples of retail store engaging in offering customers discount include, the Wal-Mart (Lincoln, 2009). In the same industry, there are retailers who focus on one type of product category. This is a strategy meant to expand their grip in the market and gain competitive edge. Such retailers are also termed as, Category Killers and examples include Toy stores or Home Depot and are considered to have a larger market share with regard to product category. For instance, the Toys R U currently enjoy a market share of 20%. As a result of improvement in information technology, retailers are now capitalizing on this avenue to attract consumers. Direct marketing embraces strategies like direct mail and catalog marketing, and examples of stores relying on direct marketing include cosmetic stores (Dennis, 2009). Further, the retail industry is mainly influenced by demographic changes and as a result, the preference by consumers is shifting towards a demand for certain goods and services. This trend forces retailers worldwide to remain vigilant and adapt to the frequent changes in the retail market. With regard to mergers or acquisition, retail stores that dominate