Mattel and Toy Safety Essay Example for Free

Mattel and Toy Safety Essay For the better part of 30 years now, corporate executives have struggled with the issue of the firms responsibility to its society. Early on it was argued by some that the corporations sole responsibility was to provide a maximum financial return to shareholders. It became quickly apparent to everyone, however, that this pursuit of financial gain had to take place within the laws of the land. Though social activist groups and others throughout the 1960s advocated a broader notion of corporate responsibility, it was not until the significant social legislation of the early 1970s that this message became indelibly clear as a result of the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These new governmental bodies established that national public policy now officially recognized the environment, employees, and consumers to be significant and legitimate stakeholders of business. From that time on, corporate executives have had to wrestle with how they balance their commitments to the corporations owners with their obligations to an ever-broadening group of stakeholders who claim both legal and ethical rights. A. B. Carroll, (1991). In this paper I will discuss the issue of toy safety in reference to Mattel, Inc. , one of the world’s leading toy makers. Mattel had ordered a series of recalls of children’s playthings that had been found to be coated with lead paint. The toy recalls had alarmed parents and consumer activists, as well as the toy industry, retailers who marketed their products, and product safety regulators. I will address the following circumstances that involved Mattel and their safety issues. Do I believe that Mattel acted in a socially responsible and ethical manner with regard to the safety of its toys? Why or why not? What should or could Mattel have done differently, if anything? Who or what do I believe was responsible for the fact that children were exposed to potentially dangerous toys and why? What is the best way to ensure the safety of children’s toys? In responding, I will consider how the following groups would answer this question: government regulators (in the U. S. and China); consumer advocates, the toy industry, children’s product retailers; and standard-setting organizations. What might explain the differences in their point of view? What do you think is the best way for society to protect children from harmful toys? Specifically, what are the appropriate roles for various stakeholders in this process? Mattel Corporation is the largest toy company in the world, a publicly traded organization with a market capitalization of over $6. 5 billion, employing approximately 36,000 people worldwide in 42 countries. Their products are sold in 150 nations In the summer of 2007, Mattel suffered a major product recall incident. The first recall was the result of vendor failure in China where traces of lead paint were discovered on 83 different products. This led to a recall of 1. 5 million items worldwide. The products contained levels of lead paint that failed the products’ specification. Mattel even announced that a significant portion of the toys were recalled because of a design flaw and not substandard manufacturing. Mattel requires the factories it contracts with to use paint and other materials provided by certified suppliers. Mattel executives said they did not know if the contract manufacturer substituted paint from a noncertified supplier or if a certified supplier caused the problem. I believe that Mattel acted in a socially responsible and ethical manner with regard to the safety of its toys. During this crisis, Mattel contacted their chief suppliers and asked them to pull the recalled products from the shelf. I think this was the appropriate thing to do in this case. First things first, pulling the product and afterwards warning the public of their finding so we could get the lead painted toys out of the hands of our kids. Then getting down to the problem, trying to figure out where they went wrong to correct the problem. I do believe that this incident could have been avoided, but it was handled in a perfectly responsible and ethical manner. Some of the things that I think Mattel could have done differently from the beginning were to lay out rules and regulations for all of its external vendors and their subcontractors that were cutting corners to save money and time. Some of these subcontractors chose to violate the rules and use paint that was coated with lead, which went against Mattel’s rules. Perhaps if Mattel would have ran periodical checks with the suppliers and subcontractors the lead paint could have been caught before the toys went out. Although it was unintended, Mattel is the responsible one for the fact that children were exposed to potentially dangerous toys. According to the case study and given factors, Mattel has always held a reputation of being a good corporate citizen and their intentions were never something like this to happen. But because Mattel fail to follow up on their guidelines and set rules with vendors and subcontractors to assure they too were complying within guidelines, it all falls back on the originating organization itself. Mattel Inc.  CEO, Robert Ekert reported that the company could have done a better job overseeing the subcontractors in China which produce more than 21 million toys that were recalled. Federal regulators and toy manufacturers have spotted loose Chinese standards spotty US enforcement which contributed too many calls regarding the recalls of Chinese-made toys, food and other products regarding health threats. Ekert made an attempt to bring down public outcry by going to the Senate Appropriations subcommittee to seek to test the safety of Chinese-made products within their own laboratories that are certified within their own company. Magyck, S. 2011). Upon my reading and research the best way to ensure the safety of children’s toys is through the U. S. toy safety standards and regulations. Toy safety standards are shaped by a variety of considerations, including research on child development, dynamic safety testing, and risk analysis. The primary safety standards for the U. S. toy industry are the mandatory federal standard (Code of Federal Regulations, Commercial Practices 16 [16CFR]) and the toy industry has also developed and adheres to voluntary standards (ASTM F963-03 Standard Consumer Safety Specification on Toy Safety). In addition to adhering to the federal requirements and additional self-imposed safety measures, the toy industry has initiated reassurance testing to affirm the safety of the toys already on the shelves. At the same time, the toy industry is developing a new, mandatory testing protocol by accredited laboratories in conjunction with the well-respected American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The U. S. toy industry understands the concerns many parents have about the safety of toys on the market and is encouraging the U. S.  Congress to pass comprehensive legislation on consumer product safety. The toy industry is also providing additional resources to inform consumers and parents and provide useful tools through this site and through partnerships with independent consumer organizations. The toy industry is also working with health and safety experts to provide parents and consumers with practical tips and relevant information. In the U. S. , the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is the independent federal agency that oversees the safety of toys and other consumer products. Nearly 50% of the CPSCs resources ($66 million annually) are used towards the agencys work on toys and other childrens products. The CPSC enforces the U. S. requirements for toy safety and, along with the manufacturer or distributor, issues product recalls as needed. Toy Industry Association (2011). I believe the best way for society to protect children from harmful toys is to follow along the lines, the eight steps that the Consumers Union proposed to help safeguard the health and safety of American consumers from the onslaught of unsafe Chinese-produced consumer products and foods.

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Week 3: Discussion 1 – Conceptual System Design Colorado Technical University CS672: Systems Engineering Methods Pooja Kattimani Instructor: Professor John King January 20, 2014 Conceptual System Design 1. In accomplishing needs analysis in response to given deficiency, what type of information you would include? Describe the process that you would use in developing necessary information? Information required to accomplish needs analysis in response to given deficiency is statement of problem presented in specific quantitative and qualitative terms and with enough detail to justify progressing to next step. Problem statement must reflect true customer requirements Information necessary for accomplishing needs analysis is developed using the team approach process. Team approach is involving of customers, consumers, producers, suppliers as appropriate in order to identify the problem and define WHATs first. The objective of team approach process is to establish effective communication between all the parties involved in the team approach process. Among all parties involved in...

Dry Leaves as Sand Substitute for Blocks

Caraga State University Cabadbaran Campus Cabadbaran City Dry Leaves as Sand Substitute for Blocks Submitted by: Dime Rose Diola Jerzeld Villalon Lyka Lou Arogancia Natasha Anne Payot Adviser: Prof. Nathalie Daminar Chapter 1 The Problem Background of the Study A leaf is a lateral photosynthetic appendage of the stem of a plant, commonly broad, flat, thin and of a green color. Leaves (plural) are the â€Å"food factories of plants, the sites where most of the plant’s energy is produced [1]. There are leaves that provide a protective service when a plant is under attack.Leaves may also serve as a storage sites or help obtain food for a plant [2]. For plants, as defense, leaves protect them from enemies such as animals, diseases, and environmental extremes through specific defense mechanism [3]. The most important contributions leaves make to our planet’s ecosystem are through their processing of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Oxygen, though a waste product of photosynthesis is essential to plant, animal, and human survival. As leaves break down carbon dioxide and release oxygen, they also help determine global climate patterns [4].On the other side, a block is a molded rectangular brick of clay or sand enclosed in a molder and hardened for long hours and used as a building and paving material. Bricks were often used for reasons of speed and economy [5]. The researchers aimed to make dry leaves into use not only by preserving it and use as decorations but by making it as one of the main component for concrete blocks. Also, to support the RA 9003 or known as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act for implement. Objectives of the StudyThis study primarily aims to make dry leaves as one of the main component in making concrete blocks to lessen dry leaves in the surroundings since some of us burned dry leaves which disrupt our ecosystem by creating harmful gases through smoke. Since the depletion of the ozone layer is coming to its worst, the researchers fi nd some way to control this problem and to have temporary solution that will lead to a permanent solution on how to lessen dry leaves without burning it or by causing some harm both to the planet and to the people.And to support the waste management campaign in the country. Significance of the Study This study which aimed to find out if the dry leaves can be one of the main components in making blocks is significant to different sectors for various reasons: * Serves as an eye-opener for those who have problems regarding on how to reduce dry leaves in their community/area. * Provides durable and economical product. * Helps in controlling ecological waste. * Provide information to citizens with respect of continuous burning of dry leaves that destroys the planet or causing global warming. * Serve s motivating factor for home owners, construction workers and construction materials manufacturers to strengthen their capabilities for developing blocks and other processes to maximize the u se of dry leaves in the society. Furthermore, the outcome of the study will provide empirical information to policy makers in Ecological Solid Waste Management (RA 9003). Dry leaves are usually burned down elsewhere and eventually produce hazardous gases in the air. Conducting this experiment does not only support RA 9003 but it also opens an avenue to develop technology in bricks in the community.Likewise, this provides all people an opportunity to enjoy living in a clear, clean and hazard-free environment. Scope and Limitation Creating dry leaves as one of the component for concrete blocks is the main concern of this research. This study is limited only in using dry leaves, cement, water and a little use of small stones and if the study is a success, it can be use in constructing buildings. Review of the Related Literature The oldest discovered blocks, originally made from shaped mud and dating to before 7500 B.C and were found at  Tell Aswad, Egypt. The first sun-dry blocks wer e made in Mesopotamia (what is now Iraq), in the ancient city of  Ur  in about 4000  BC, although the arch used for drying the blocks was not actually found. Other examples of civilizations that used mud brick include the  ancient Egyptians  and the Indus[6]. In Europe, blocks were often used for reasons of speed and economy, even in areas where stone was available. The buildings of the Industrial Revolution in Britain were largely constructed of block and timber due to the demand created [7].In  pre-modern China, brick-making or block-making was the job of a lowly and unskilled artisan, but a kiln master was respected as a step above the former [8]. Bricks of concrete with sand aggregate can be made using a simple machine, and a basic assembly line method. A conveyor belt adds the mixture to a machine, which pours a measured amount of concrete into a form. The form is vibrated to remove bubbles. The form is then raised to reveal the wet bricks, spaced out on a plywood s heet. A small elevator then stacks these palettes, after which a forklift operator moves them to the brickyard for drying.Definition of Terms carbon dioxide- a colorless, odorless incombustible gas somewhat heavier than air. In photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water are absorbed by plants, which synthesize certain carbohydrates and release oxygen into the air. oxygen- odorless, colorless, tasteless, gaseous chemical element that occurs free in the atmosphere. photosynthesis- the production of organic substances, chiefly sugars, from carbon dioxide and water occurring in green plant cells supplied with enough light to allow chlorophyll to aid in the transformation of the radiant energy into a chemical form. zone layer- an atmospheric layer within the atmosphere absorbing ultraviolet radiation and preventing some heat loss from the earth. climate change- is a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather  patterns over periods ranging from decades to mi llions of years. kiln- a furnace or oven for drying, burning or baking something as bricks, grain or pottery. Chapter 2 Research Methodology Research Design The researchers will use experimental method wherein the study focuses on the acceptability of the said topic.Several data were gathered before coming up with a procedure. Research Instruments Materials used in the study: * Brick molder * Cement * Dry Leaves * Water * Shovel Procedure: 1. Pulverize the gathered dry leaves. 2. Mix the pulverized dry leaves, 3 cups cement and 2 cups water. 3. Using a shovel mix thoroughly then put in a block molder. 4. Shape mixed substance. 5. Wait for the block to dry. Research Locale The study was conducted at one of the researcher’s home in Brgy. 12, Cabadbaran City. The place is complete with materials that are use in the study.

Native American Women - 1150 Words

Native Americans more than any other group in the country fare considerably worse based on social and economic indicators. They suffer high poverty rates, low life expectancy, and higher than usual rates of illness. Alcoholism and suicide rates are especially rampant within the reservations. One of the most devastating programs, with concerns which are still felt today, was the systematic removal of native lands and children. Native Americans were forced off their lands to undesirable lands, slowly falling more dependent on federal government assistance and food distributions. Then slowly children were taken from their kin and placed in government funded church ran boarding schools, where they were disciplined for speaking their languages or practicing their native traditions. But let’s look at the traditions of the Native American woman. Historically Native American women are an honorable figure. They cook, clean, weaved and care for their families. Once they were settled in the land they would work together with their brothers and sisters under the leadership of their head mother. Although the male and female roles were different for each tribe, most societies were matrilineal, of or based on kinship with the mother or the female line. The women were responsible for all of the household duties: regardless of whether they were strenuous or not. The Native American’s lives began to shift with the arrival of the Europeans. In 1607 when the â€Å"White Man† stayed on the NativesShow MoreRelatedBlack Women And Native American Women984 Words   |  4 PagesBlack women and Native American women have been oppressed for many years throughout history. They were enslaved and were essentially objectified by white men. Today in the media black women are seen as interesting individuals who are hypersexualized or pr omiscuous. 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