To what extent have Standard Charges improved the practice of planning Literature review

To what extent have Standard Charges improved the practice of planning obligations in the United Kingdom - Literature review Example The most common form of Standard Charge in relation to planning is the, so called, ‘roof-tax’, which is a tariff imposed ‘on development’ (Syms 2010, p.206). Despite the initial concerns regarding the role and the value of Standard Charges, it has been proved that the specific measure could help towards the improvement of planning obligations in Britain. The ways in which the above target is achieved are analytically explained in this paper; reference is made to the potential differentiation of Standard Charges from other, similar, approaches of planning obligations practice, such as the negotiated approach. 2. Critical review of planning obligations practice The framework of the planning obligations practice in Britain has been extensively examined in the literature; the contribution of these obligations in community development has been considered as one of the most important causes of this phenomenon. However, the emphasis on the planning obligations prac tice has been also related to various political interests, as analytically explained below. ... In accordance with Ratcliffe et al (2009) in their initial form, planning obligations were considered as ‘land-use/ amenity – related gains and social/ economic – related gains (Debenham et al. 1988 in Ratcliffe et al. 2009, p. 16). Another characteristic of planning obligations system in Britain is that the specific system is based ‘upon negotiation and bargaining’ (Ratcliffe et al 2009, p.16). It is assumed that planning obligations system is not fully standardized, but it can be rather transformed and customized in accordance with the needs of each particular case. In this context, flexibility is an additional characteristic of planning obligations system; it is this characteristic, which can result to problems for the effective operation of the specific system, a gap that is covered through Standard Charges, as they are analytically explained below. The planning obligations practice in Britain has to address a series of issues, the most important of which is the demand for increase of development across the country. In a report published by the House of Commons in 2006 reference is made to the need for urban development in the greater London area (House of Commons, 2006, p.198); furthermore, it is explained that the planning obligations practice could help the efforts of the London borough – and the Councils of the surrounding boroughs also – to support land development across London so that the housing needs of the local population to be covered. In the above context, it is made clear that the planning obligations system in London ‘should ensure that increases in value are captured and used to support infrastructure investment to maximize capacity and sustainability’ (House of Commons 2006, p.198).

The Body Shop and its Success Principles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

The Body Shop and its Success Principles - Essay Example Many of Roddick’s slogans are designed to foster a sense of honesty and integrity, such as her in-store environmentalism campaigns, discounted refill services for environmental protectionism, and her acknowledgment that The Body Shop products have no miracle cure reinforce dedication to ethical business practice. Concepts of caring and loving, more emotionally-driven attitudes in business concept and product variety, clearly indicate a target market of the female audience. This supersedes existing patriarchical business philosophy in the beauty industry in this female-driven business related to policy development, ad concept, and even product development. Understanding the feminine persona at the psychological level gives The Body Shop its competitive edge. The company devotes little cash to marketing and advertising, believing the concept and Roddick’s brash attitudes with the assistance of PR services is enough to satisfy profit objectives and gain visibility in their key market demographic segments; and sales success supports this as a worthwhile strategy. The ample volume of corporate social responsibility activities bring this business much more value publicly and coupled with a more horizontal hierarchy, The Body Shop has established a culture loyal and dedicated to bringing success to the business. The Body Shop believes that â€Å"true beauty comes from confidence, vitality and inner well-being† (thebodyshop.com, 2009, p.1). The use of imagery designed to build on women’s self-esteem was the founding philosophies that brought considerable growth for The Body Shop. However, franchising and global growth have changed the dynamics of the customer/service worker relationship and the family-friendly atmosphere that Roddick so treasured personally and brought her a considerable brand  following. This has too changed Roddick’s relationship with subordinates and franchisees from a mentor to that of a corporate-minded executive, something Roddick is unsatisfied with.