The racist media of America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The racist media of America - Essay Example This is really a big problem not only for the society but also for its future because racism affects every aspects of life. To understand why media always portray African Americans unfairly it is important to understand where this racism came from in the media. Live shows were very popular in American entertainment when there was no film and television long back ago. In 1920s stage shows was the main source of entertainment in America. During that period comedy shows are very popular and mockery of other races by the stage actors is very popular among the white audiences. Generally the white stage performers make the African Americans victims of their degrading jokes. During that period the most famous comedy show was the minstrel show. The minstrel show was started by in 1830s by the white actor, Thomas Dartmouth Rice. He copied the song-and-dance idea from the young African Americans artists who used to perform on the street. In this show the lead actor used to perform the role of "Daddy Rice" after blackened his face with burnt cork. He used to perform "Jump Jim Crow" while wearing tattered clothes. After few years, Edwin P. Christie, a white businessman, marketed the entire show which made the minstrel show more famous. After the laws were changed, the African Americans also performed in the show, but they too had to paint their face black for the show. There were several titles for minstrel shows. These shows are completely based on the stereotypes of African American cultures. Generally these shows are based on lazy African Americans who used to spoke poor English. Often white actors used to perform in a stupid way and audience used to laug h at them. The motion picture was started after the Thomas Edison invented the Kinetoscope 1889 and after the invention of cinema whites again started portraying the African Americans unfairly for their entertainment. The first full length feature film "The Epic Birth of a Nation" was released in America in 1915 in which Klu Klux Klan was portrayed as true American hero whereas blacks were portrayed as inferior and brutal to whites. In this way, the first movie which was made in America shows the brutal racism against the African Americans. In the early days of Hollywood there were many African American actors but almost all of them are portrayed as inferior and stupid servants with low level of intelligence. The minstrel image from the early days of the film and television of America still continue to haunt the media of this country. Men in Black and Rush Hour are the highest grossing films starring African American actors. In the movie Rush Hour Chris Tucker acts as an incompetent joker from the beginning till the end. Chris Tucker is now the highest paid African American actor in Hollywood. He collects over $20 million a movie. In Hollywood there are also serious actors such as Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington who do not perform minstrel roles like Chris Tucker, and both Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington are not highly paid as him. In Men in Black, Wills Smith had performed weird minstrel role and acted like a joker in the whole movie and handles the tiny gun incompetently. In America media plays an important role to guide the thoughts and mind of the people.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Essay Essay Example for Free

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Essay Essay In the novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck faces many obstacles running away from his dad because he is accompanied by Jim, who is a run away nigger. While on their cruise they encounter a â€Å"duke† and a â€Å"king,† who only seem to bring them even more trouble, and later Huck meets his long time friend Tom. Throughout the whole story Huck faces different inner arguments over how things should be done to overcome a problem. One of them is when Huck leaves to the little village around Pikesville with the duke. He later returns to the raft to take off but he notices that Jim is no where to be found. Huck finds a boy around the area and the boy explains that some guy named Phelps has found a run away nigger (which is Jim) and plans on returning it for the cash reward. Later Huck gets into a big fuss about if it’s best for him to tell Miss Watson about where Jim is located. Huck evaluates the situation and determines that if he does write to Miss Watson, Jim would benefit in the way that he would rather be a slave at home close to his family than become a slave at Pikesville; but Huck would also be relieved of his sin of doing something wicked from the beginning and not ending up in the everlasting fire but clearing his conscious to the point were God will forgive him. Huck is appealing to pathos by expressing his thoughts when he says, â€Å" I was letting on to give up sin, but away inside of me I was holding on to the biggest one of all. † (Pg.190) In this phrase Huck reveals that he knows that he was doing wrong all along and was willing to give it up but his sin was more within him. His conscious was telling him he must do the right thing aside from what he thought was fair. Though if he does tell Miss Watson where Jim there may be some consequences. First of all, Miss Watson may be mad at Jim for running away and end up selling him or she might keep him but everyone would despite him for what he did. Secondly, Jim described Huck as his only friend who had saved him from some white men by telling them about smallpox. This may cause the friendship to brake and hatred to arise between them. Lastly, Huck would be looked upon disgrace for helping a nigger run away from his owner. This side of Huck is appealing to ethos by expressing, â€Å"That’s just the way: a person does a low-down thing, and then he don’t want to take no consequences of it. Thinks as long as he can hide, it ain’t no disgrace. †(Pg. 189) This shows how Huck is credible by explaining that doing something wrong is nothing to be proud of and hiding it isn’t going to take the wrongness from it. The argument is effective because it is a very important situation in the novel. It’s a turning point on how the story takes Huck on â€Å"stealing† the nigger again. Huck then decides it is best to not tell Miss Watson but for him to take his own action on setting him free again. Even though Huck understands the other point of view he sees, he determines that it is much better to lay low and not tell anyone. The side of Huck that says he shouldn’t announce where Jim is been kept is been more rational because he explains how Jim and him wouldn’t benefit in the long run and just defame themselves. The effect over the argument is that Huck decides to find a plan to set free Jim for them to run away together once again. Another inner self argument is brought upon when the king and the duke put on a â€Å"show† to the little town in Arkansaw and get $465. This causes the uneasiness of Jim and Huck. Huck then tries to find a way to get rid of the duke and king and confess to the town’s people that they are frauds. Once again, Huck gets stuck on what would be the right way to tell on these guys. If Huck decides to tell on the duke/king he will leave happiness to the town’s people by not letting them be fooled any longer and getting them arrested for Huck and Jim to leave in peace. Huck could also steal the money from them and give it back to Mary Jane and leading them on to stay and try to get the remaining money for them not to leave empty handed as said in page 158, â€Å"They’ve got a good thing here, and they ain’t a-going to leave till they’ve played this family and this town for all they’re worth. † From this phrase we can see Huck appealing to logos because he is been critical to how the men are going to react if he would steal the money from them. In the controversy, if Huck decides to tell the doctor or Mary Jane about the situation the outcome may not be the best. If Huck tells the doctor the king or the duke could ask who told him and the doctor would blame Huck and the frauds would hate him for it and cause even more problems. Now if he were to tell Mary Jane the frauds would suspect something and leave with the money and even if Mary Jane asked for help Huck would be involved in this mess. Huck is in this hand, appealing to ethos when he says, â€Å"Her face would give them a hint, sure; they’ve got the money, and they’d slide right out and get away with it,† showing how it’s reasonable that when your about to get caught with something people tempt to run away to get away with things because they know it’s not right. The argument is effective because Huck is been reasonable by knowing that the best thing to do is to bust these thief’s and not cause more pain to the family of Mary Jane. Huck see’s both points of views in order to work things right; enough to get the frauds arrested and not causing himself any trouble. The effect of the argument is that he tells Mary Jane the truth and plans out a way for the duke/king to get caught and Jim and him to leave without no fault. Mark Twains overall argument is that society has based things from right and wrong, but sometimes what’s right may not always be right but wrong. It’s this Right vs. Wrong kind of theme, were right is wrong and wrong is right in some cases. For example, it is bad in Huck’s society to be friends with a Negro but it is right to be friends with Jim because race shouldn’t matter since we are all equal. Another example provided in the novel was when it was said to be right to turn in Jim to her owner, Miss Watson, but it is bad to do so because every man deserves to be free. In this novel Huck is been attacked with many issues such as racism, friendship, war, religion, equality, freedom, and determination. Every decision made was a struggle between Hucks mind on what was best to be done over a conflict.

The Necklace by Guy De Maupassant Essay -- Literary Review

â€Å"The Necklace† The late Irish poet Oscar Wilde once stated, "In the world, there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.† This quote accurately describes human nature to the extent that man is never fully satisfied with his current possessions. In fact, most people who rely on materialistic items for happiness are typically desolated and miserable. This story is based on an archaic view on women, where women have no caste or hierarchy. The people grade women based off their looks and beauty. Money â€Å"practically makes nobility† (Shmoop). It â€Å"enables the user to pay for the high life† (Shmoop) and confine the person with luxurious items known to man. Money controls the life of people, rather than vise versa, causing greed. Malthide, who is the wife of a minor clerk, has immense greed to live a sumptuous life. Malthide’s greed led to her destruction and turmoil, however her grief is what taught her an everlasting les son. The story opens with the description of how miserable Mathilde is. Maupassant describes her as â€Å"suffering constantly, feeling herself destined for all delicacies and luxuries† (Maupassant 4). Malthide is but â€Å"one of those pretty and charming woman, born, as if by an error of destiny, into a family of clerks and copyists† (Maupassant 4). â€Å"The reality of Malthide’s situation is that she is neither wealthy nor part of the social class of which she feels she is a deserving member of† (Sparknotes). Malthide feels like life cheated on her. She sits dreaming of silent rooms nicely decorated and her own private room, scented with perfume to have intimate â€Å"tete- a-tetes† with her closest friends. Then she is awakened, only to realize that she is in her own grim apartm... ... through life just the way it was before. She came from a simple life into a more miserable life. The greed and jealousy that she kept was a sin. One would not feel sympathy to her as she had it coming. Malthide’s greed brought a considerable amount of misery to them both, but in the end she learned a valuable lesson, where one should value themself, rather than what one possess. Works Cited Cummings, Michael J. â€Å"The Necklace.† Cummings Study Guide. Michael J. Cummings, 2010. Web. 24 February 2011. Maupassant, Guy De. â€Å"The Necklace.† Literature An Introduction to Reading and Writing. Ed. Edgar V. Roberts. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, 2008. 4-11. Print Shmoop. â€Å"The Necklace.† Shmoop. Shmoop University, n.d. Web. 24 February 2011. SparkNotes Editors. â€Å"SparkNote on The Necklace.† SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC. 2007. Web. 24 Feb. 2011. The Necklace by Guy De Maupassant Essay -- Literary Review â€Å"The Necklace† The late Irish poet Oscar Wilde once stated, "In the world, there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.† This quote accurately describes human nature to the extent that man is never fully satisfied with his current possessions. In fact, most people who rely on materialistic items for happiness are typically desolated and miserable. This story is based on an archaic view on women, where women have no caste or hierarchy. The people grade women based off their looks and beauty. Money â€Å"practically makes nobility† (Shmoop). It â€Å"enables the user to pay for the high life† (Shmoop) and confine the person with luxurious items known to man. Money controls the life of people, rather than vise versa, causing greed. Malthide, who is the wife of a minor clerk, has immense greed to live a sumptuous life. Malthide’s greed led to her destruction and turmoil, however her grief is what taught her an everlasting les son. The story opens with the description of how miserable Mathilde is. Maupassant describes her as â€Å"suffering constantly, feeling herself destined for all delicacies and luxuries† (Maupassant 4). Malthide is but â€Å"one of those pretty and charming woman, born, as if by an error of destiny, into a family of clerks and copyists† (Maupassant 4). â€Å"The reality of Malthide’s situation is that she is neither wealthy nor part of the social class of which she feels she is a deserving member of† (Sparknotes). Malthide feels like life cheated on her. She sits dreaming of silent rooms nicely decorated and her own private room, scented with perfume to have intimate â€Å"tete- a-tetes† with her closest friends. Then she is awakened, only to realize that she is in her own grim apartm... ... through life just the way it was before. She came from a simple life into a more miserable life. The greed and jealousy that she kept was a sin. One would not feel sympathy to her as she had it coming. Malthide’s greed brought a considerable amount of misery to them both, but in the end she learned a valuable lesson, where one should value themself, rather than what one possess. Works Cited Cummings, Michael J. â€Å"The Necklace.† Cummings Study Guide. Michael J. Cummings, 2010. Web. 24 February 2011. Maupassant, Guy De. â€Å"The Necklace.† Literature An Introduction to Reading and Writing. Ed. Edgar V. Roberts. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, 2008. 4-11. Print Shmoop. â€Å"The Necklace.† Shmoop. Shmoop University, n.d. Web. 24 February 2011. SparkNotes Editors. â€Å"SparkNote on The Necklace.† SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC. 2007. Web. 24 Feb. 2011.

Good Governance Essay

Good Governance has 8 major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law. It assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society. But there is one characteristic I like most, it is the Accountability. Accountability is a key requirement of good governance. Not only governmental institutions but also the private sector and civil society organizations must be accountable to the public and to their institutional stakeholders. Who is accountable to who varies depending on whether decisions or actions taken are internal or external to an organization or institution. In general an organization or an institution is accountable to those who will be affected by its decisions or actions. Accountability cannot be enforced without transparency and the rule of law. Maybe some of you will ask why is accountability important to Governance? It is because it evaluates the ongoing effectiveness of public officials or public bodies ensures that they are performing to their full potential, providing value for money in the provision of public services, instilling confidence in the government and being responsive to the community they are meant to be serving. Being accountable is also being liable, responsible for every person that affects your decision. For example, me as a Student leader we are here to serve students, to fight for their rights. Therefore, we must consider first the sake of the students before we make a decision. Because when we took our positions there is a corresponding responsibility that we must face. Reproductive Health Bill informally known as the RH Bill, are proposed laws in the Republic of the Philippines aiming to guarantee universal access to methods of contraception, fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care. For sure you are wondering why this issue is in this essay, well I believe this issue is related on being accountable. Why? Did government even consider that our country is well known to be a religious country? That, in every time they use those contraceptives they are actually killing an innocent life? They always say that this is the only way to surpass, lessen poverty. But it’s actually wrong, do they consider the effect of this or should I say to they consider themselves accountable/liable for this? Corruption is definitely one of the problems seen by the citizen and the government as well. There have been lots of controversies relative to government officials being involved with money issues. The thing is that even though there are hearings and investigations, the truth never seems to come out–whether it’s positive or negative news. Poverty and employment would also be among the problems. There are more people that are going hungry. Government and Us are all accountable to it. Why? We as a citizen we can make a living among ourselves because at the end of the day we are still the driver of our own life. But, as a citizen we voted those who are on the position now because we believe that they will minimize our burdens. At the point that we elect them they are already accountable. But after they got what they want all their promises turn to trash. They do things without even considering us. In the end, nothings happen. Accountability or being accountable can be achieved by putting and doing all our jobs in our hearts. Yes, it’s hard but we chose to be in this place all we need to do is face it effectively and do the best we can for the better. Don’t be scared to commit mistakes because those are our experiences and lesson learned. Remember, think first before you make a decision.

Jewellery Sector in West Bengal

The main purpose of this study was to examine the migration profile of the workers in the Gold and Jewellery Sector of West Bengal and also to study the process of skill formation of the workers in this sector. The entire study was based on a primary survey conducted on a sample size of 60 individuals spread over 4 different regions of West Bengal – Sinthi, Bowbazar, Basirhat and DomJur. In the first part of my study, I examined the pattern of migration of the Jewellery artists in these areas. I also cited the existence of a large number of in-migrants, circular and return migrants in this ector.In the next part, I studied in details the process of skill formation of the workers and showed how the period of apprenticeship was crucial in the career of a jewellery artist. I also explained the wage vriation between the skilled, unskilled and semiskilled workers in Basirhat and also attempted to establish a link between skill, income and migration of the workers. In the last part of my analysis, I attempted give a comparative study analysis of these areas with respect to the nature of the migrant workers, conditions of work, income and pattern of migration.Acknowledgements I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the people who have been instrumental in the successful completion of this project. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Swati Ghosh, Department of Economics, Rabindra Bharati University, who was extremely helpful and offered invaluable assistance, support and guidance. Her willingness to motivate contributed tremendously to the succesful completion my project. Deepest gratitude is also due to Prof. Sukanata Saha without whose knowledge and assistance this study would not have been successful.To the Jewellery workers and shop-owners of Sinthi, Bow Bazaar, Basirhat and DomJur, I whole heartedly thank you for your kindness, co-operation and patience. Without your support, this project would not have materialized. I would like to exp ress my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Kaushik Mukherjee (Bowbazar), Mr. Subhash Sarkar ( Atoshi Jewellers, Basirhat ) for their valuable help and guidance during my survey. And last but not least, special thanks also to all my class-mates, for sharing the literature and providing invaluable assistance during the survey.

A Review of Antisocial Personality Disorder in Criminals essays

A Review of Antisocial Personality Disorder in Criminals essays A Review of Antisocial Personality Disorder in Criminals The Antisocial Personality is (APD) is a serious disorder that affects many males and cause a great threat to families, friends, and even complete strangers. Most personality disorders may cause an inconvenience to a persons family and friends, but usually harm themselves more than others. Antisocial Personality Disorder contrasts from other personality disorders because the defining trait is a predatory attitude toward other people (Smith, 1999). They have a chronic indifference to and violation of the rights of ones fellow human beings. (Alterman; Cacciola; McDermott; Mulholland; Newman; actions. These actions can range from stealing of everyday items to rate to murder. It is obvious that APD is a serious disorder with serious consequences. Criminologists need to have an understanding of APD as evidenced in the male offender. Antisocial Personality Disorder affects less than one percent of females and about three percent of males and usually occurs before age 15 (Smith, 1999). Most of these men are involved in some sort of criminal behavior. One heartwrenching characteristic of men with this disorder is that they show no remorse for their victims or anyone involved. Interpersonally, those with APD are gradoise, arrogant, callous, superficial, and manipulative (Alterman et al. 2000). Affectively, those with APD are short-tempered, unable to form strong emotional bonds with others, lacking empathy, guilt, or remorse (Smith 1999). Behaviorally, those with APD are irresponsive, impulsive, and prone to violate social and legal norms and expectations (Smith 1999). DSM III gives a list of criteria for the diagnosis of APD. These five points are as follows: 1. A history of illegal or socially disapproved activity beginning b...

Reaction to Ethan Frome essays

Reaction to Ethan Frome essays The movie begins in winter and Reverend Smith enters the town to serve the community of Starkfield. Eager to do gods work, this very ambitious preacher pities an old man and wishes to help him. The people of the town seem to become rigged and tightlipped whenever Reverend Smith ever brings him up. Mr. Smiths keeper Mrs. Crane explains to him that he has sinned and begins to tell him the story of Ethan Fromes misfortune. Its at this point in the movie when there is a flashback sequence that lasts for most of the remainder of the film. We find out that the old cripple was not always crippled. It seems curious to how he got this way. We also meet a new character, which is a distant cousin of Ethans. Zeena was sent to live with Ethan to help take care of his mother until the day of her death during the winter. Too cold to travel home, Zeena stays with Ethan. They eventually fall in love and get married. As time progresses, Zeenas health declines and she sends for a relative to come live with them until her health improves. Mattie Silver arrives to take care of her cousin and eventually caches the eye of Ethan. A strong sexual tension builds between the two and they eventually fall for one another. While attempting to maintain a discreet relationship, the towns people become displaced from Ethan and they become aware that the interaction between Ethan and Mattie is not normal. As Zeena returns from an out of town doctors visit for her illness, she is easily enraged and seems to be intuitive to the intermingling between Ethan and Mattie. Zeena sends for another family member to replace Mattie and it threatens the relationship that Ethan and Mattie have built. As Ethan is taking Mattie to the train station to leave the town, they decide to go sledding where on top of a hill they express their passion for each other. After several runs, Ethan places Mattie in the steering position and sh ...

Principal vs. Principle

Principal vs. Principle Principal vs. Principle Principal vs. Principle By Mark Nichol What’s the difference between principal and principle? The principle is of principal importance. Here’s the background for these close cousins, as well as related terms. Principal derives by way of French from the Latin term principalis, meaning â€Å"first in importance.† In English, it initially referred to a ruler, but the word also came to be associated with an amount of money on which interest is paid, because that sum is first in terms of priority and the interest (one hopes) is a relative small amount. Only about two hundred years ago did principal come to be associated with education; the principal, or first, teacher was often also head of the school, and â€Å"principal teacher† was simplified to principal. The word is still often used as an adjective, as in â€Å"principal violinist† or â€Å"principal consideration.† Principle, by contrast, though it was originally merely a spelling variant, came to mean â€Å"proposition or truth,† and later â€Å"law of nature† and â€Å"rule of conduct.† And, unlike principal, it does not serve as an adjective except in the form of principled. Prince and princess, and such derivatives as principality (princehood, or the country ruled by a prince), like principal and principle, ultimately stem from the Latin word princeps, meaning â€Å"first.† That’s why, although prince and princess usually refer to children of a monarch, prince itself is sometimes associated with someone primarily designated as a king (though no parallel relationship between queen and princess exists.) Princeps itself comes from primus, from which English has developed the words prime, primer (pronounced with a long i when referring to an explosive cap and as PRIM-er when referring to a schoolbook), primary, and primate. â€Å"Prima donna,† Italian for â€Å"first lady,† originally referred to the principal female singer in an opera; because of the association of such personages with outsized egos, the term was borrowed as a synonym for an arrogant, demanding person of either gender. (Its synonym, diva, is also Italian and means â€Å"goddess†; that word is related to divine.) Premier and premiere are related to principal and principle as well; they started out as adjectives meaning â€Å"first.† â€Å"Premier minister,† an alternative to â€Å"prime minister,† was shortened to premier to refer to the chief executive of a nation, and â€Å"premiere presentation† was truncated to premiere to denote a first performance. â€Å"The principal is your pal† is a venerable mnemonic that reminds us which spelling to use to refer to a person, but remember that, as mentioned above, principal can also refer to things such as funds. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:When to Use â€Å"That,† â€Å"Which,† and â€Å"Who†Best Websites to Learn EnglishEnglish Grammar 101: Sentences, Clauses and Phrases

Social & Community Development Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Social & Community Development Research - Essay Example The option of having alternative education programs for prospective delinquent children is something I admire. It was no difficult task choosing my area of research seeing that it has been aptly covered by Cox among other researchers. The research by this particular writer is a bonus for me as it provides a foundation stone for my future research interests. Perhaps the reason for my personal interest in this research area is because I lost an elder brother to jail for delinquency; something that could have been prevented early enough. While searching for this journal, I first developed a search strategy that was very useful in identifying this research. To start with, I first defined the topic that I wanted to cover, or rather my research interest. As stated earlier, my interest in research is in child delinquency. A practical solution to child delinquency is the establishment of alternative schools. In so doing, I came up with the keywords ‘child delinquency’ and ‘alternative schools’. To make my search more wide and varied, I included the keyword ‘assess*’. The asterisk at the end of the word assess was intentional to make the search pick up variations such as ‘assessed’ and ‘assessment’. Since the three concepts, assess, child delinquency and alternative schools are related I used the conjunction ‘and’ between them to ensure the search gave results that had all the three concepts. The work of Cox particularly interested me because of the number of reviews that it had attracted (Conley, 2002, pp. 142). Moreover, the researcher has been involved in other remarkable researches. In particular, his assessment of delinquency related outcomes of alternative education programs stood out because it covered the same field that I was venturing in. The fact that Cox has published those many times (Korn, 1991, pp. 75) makes him an ideal reference point in doing my future research. The main

Economic Growth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Economic Growth - Essay Example The economic growth of Singapore is not that strong and sustaining. This is because, Singapore’s population is growing at a slow rate that the current economic plan cannot sustain. The available productive population is not enough to produce goods and services that can support the large old and unproductive population. More to that is Singapore had is limited in terms of land availability and has limited supply of water. This makes it hard to sustain its economy as a lot revenue earned is spend in purchasing this resources rather than developing the economy of that nation (Abeysinghe & Choy, 7). However, it has to be concluded that, though Singapore’s economic growth has not attained a level in which it can be referred to us strong and sustaining, its economy has grown tremendously since 2013. The Economic Development Board of Singapore is committed to achieve better and better investment strategies every year while striving to generate jobs for citizens of Singapore. In order for Singapore to grow economically, it should focus on ensuring that it records a high level of GDP and GNI. This is because these are the indicators of performance of a nation. Therefore, in order for Singapore to increase its GDP per capita. This is well attained by ensuring that Singaporeans are advised to consume the locally produced commodities. Consumption of foreign commodities should be limited since purchase involving such commodities lead to loss of local income. Moreover, Singaporeans should be encouraged to make investments. Investments are a way of ensuring that the local currency circulates appropriately within the economy and therefore reduces the imbalance between the poor and the rich (Koh, 2). In addition to that, government of Singapore is advised to increases its expenditure in generating job opportunities and establishment of social amenities like hospitals, schools, road networks, that will

Gardasil a new vaccine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Gardasil a new vaccine - Essay Example al Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) president Barbara Loe Fisher, pre-licensure trials of gardasil have not been disclosed neither by the FDA nor Merck. They did not reveal the truth and made it appear that the whole procedure has been safety. Far from the knowledge of the consumers, gardasil contains aluminum adjuvant that has potential health risk. Merck neither the FDA revealed that the aluminum content of Gardasil is 225 mcg. Researches show the unfavorable effects of aluminum with respect to health (Redhead K. et al. 1992). It has been determined that aluminum adjuvant produces the high risk of aluminum to enter the brain. Other than that there were serious adverse reactions such as headache, gastroenteritis, arthritis, appendicitis etc. that also manifested to gardasil recipients during the clinical trials. Loe Fisher told that, â€Å"Merck and the FDA have not been completely honest with the people,† which is the right impression. Health-wise, it is still very doubtful for gardasil to be considered a complete vaccine. Though Merck promises that gardasil can prevent four strain of HPV, it only works to about 70 percent of humanpapillomavirus. Those who will be vaccinated by gardasil will just be protected to that 70 percent of HPV and remain unprotected to that 30 percent more. Gardasil will not work to patient who already has HPV which implies that it can not be used as a treatment to the presence of HPV, too early to say that it is already a complete and effective vaccine. Another is that the said immunization has been tested to women with ages ranging from 9-26 years old. We should not be ignorant that based on the current researches, according to experts (Main Cancer Registry, 2006), data shows that incident rates of HPV related cervical cancer is lower during the bracket ages lower than 30. Cervical cancer is at higher risk at the age of thirty above. The period by which the research has been conducted and the number of respondents used is not

The link between psychology and resistance to change Essay

The link between psychology and resistance to change - Essay Example Resistance to organizational change mainly comes from the people within the organization. This has been described as â€Å"psychological and organizational response† that comes from the attitude of people irrespective of the nature of change (Bovey & Hede, 2001). There are various reasons that have been identified which contribute to resistance to change on the part of employees. The most common factors that have been identified as contributing factors fuelling resistance are inadequate involvement of employees in the change management, ineffective process of communication and inadequate knowledge about change. The biggest manifestation of resistance to change occurs through expression of grievances, lower efficiency, aggressive attitude towards higher management and reduction of output of the organization. In order to understand the concept of resistance to change it is important to understand organizational change. Organizational change can be defined as an adaptation to the changing environment with an objective of improving the performance. There are two broad types of organizational change which can occur the first one can be defined as first order change and the second one is strategic or revolutionary change. In the former one the basic framework of the organization remains unaltered but in the second one the basic framework changes. The earliest mention of resistance was noticed in the article published by Lewin (1947cited in Gravenhorst, 2003) and the subsequent works published in the concept of group dynamics. The works of Coch and French (1948cited in Gravenhorst, 2003) had introduced the idea of resistance to organizational change but instead of properly shedding light on the concept they had rather introduced it as a motivational problem. The works of Watson (1969) had ide ntified that there are multiple stages in which the employees express their resistance to change. The first stage is characterized by

Sportswear Market Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Sportswear Market - Assignment Example This consumer demand has led to companies like ours, which exclusively cater to this segment of society, sell the sports product like hot cakes because sportswear has rapidly turned into an ever-growing and lucrative market. The youth form a majority of the total buyers of these products. Parry, 2004 has rightly stated that "There has been a significant change in the sports market over recent years driven by a number of key factors, including the high-profile media coverage of sport, the huge marketing budgets of the global brands and the increasing fashion appeal of sports clothing." Keeping in mind this global scenario I would like to bring to your notice that it is the best time to launch a product like our casual footwear. We are bound to be successful if we do the proper planning by using appropriate planning tools in order to develop our marketing objectives and strategies successfully. According to Ideas factory, "Market research pundits estimate that only 20% of all sports footwear will be used for the purpose intended, with the majority being flaunted as casual, fashion or even collector's items." Even fashion giants are trying to lure the local as well as international market segment with their sportswear products. It has rightly been mentioned by the Ideasfactory website that, "The trend has persisted since the mid-1990s when Jil Sander took a shine to Puma's King football boots and had them modified for the catwalk." Hence being a company that spealizes in sportswear, we have 100% potential to shine in the casual footwear for youth market. Only one thing that we should concentrate on is that today's market especially youth; not only get motivated by the comfort quotient but the fashion quotient too. So we have to belong to the fashion pack to avoid any bumpy ride in future. Use of planning tools Our company can make use of the following planning tools to be able to develop its marketing objectives and strategies to reach out to its target market. Boston Consulting Group's Product Portfolio Analysis: It is one of the best product portfolio analysis methods. According to this we have to first classify our 'Strategic Business Unit' (SBU) - our new product; the casual footwear on the following dimensions. 1.Relative market share (horizontal axis) - through this we will be able to derive the strength of our product in the market. 2. Market growth rate (vertical axis) - through this we will be able to judge the market attractiveness quotient. If we divide the matrix into four areas we will get four categories of SBU's from which we can choose the category of SBU our new product belongs to. These four areas have been named in the following ways: Stars: those products that are strong in the market in comparison to their competing brands. They need great investments because they are considered high growth ventures. Cash Cows: these products have low growth rate but their market share is very high. As they are well established and successful, they don't need much investment. But they need to be managed rigorously so that the profit continues, so that company can use this profit for heavy investments required by the 'star' category of products. Question Marks: The products that come under this category have low market share but they operate in markets that see higher growths.

The Islamic Center Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Islamic Center - Case Study Example onnecting facility and thus before establishing other facilities such as schools, the board must ensure that the community derives maximum utility from the gym. Therefore, in addition to the volunteers, the gym requires some permanent staff, to oversee its operations. This can be ensured by educating the community about their obligation to pay the required fees, and then using the fees to financially motivate the permanent employees. IC is advantaged to have a lot of professional in the board and thus with each member working on the new strategy (Cropf, Kohler, and Loutzenhiser 71), the community will be made to support its operation and thus avoid chaos in the long run without reducing the board members working hours in their other professions. The gym is a uniting factor in addition to being a recreational facility. For this reason, everyone needs to feel involved in its management, operation and maintenance. Notably, the vandalism was motivated by lack of proper and timely communication rather than change of events (Cropf, Kohler, and Loutzenhiser 70). Therefore, the ad hoc committee is obligated to advice the board on the importance of properly communicating to the community on any changes. Secondly, the community should also be encouraged to understand the main objectives of the gym. Holding several meetings to educate the gym members, especially Muslims on the importance of unity can adversely reduce chaos from the members. These meetings would also increase the member’s desire to volunteer as trainers. Moreover, the gym should remain well maintained, with staff that ensures that resources are well utilized to reduce costs. The gym was made to benefit the whole community, and members should be made aware of that. By using the Muslim teachings of brotherhood, members can be encouraged to help better the community they live and mostly for future generations. The most demotivating factor is lack of financial benefit in dedicating time

Sportswear Market Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Sportswear Market - Assignment Example This consumer demand has led to companies like ours, which exclusively cater to this segment of society, sell the sports product like hot cakes because sportswear has rapidly turned into an ever-growing and lucrative market. The youth form a majority of the total buyers of these products. Parry, 2004 has rightly stated that "There has been a significant change in the sports market over recent years driven by a number of key factors, including the high-profile media coverage of sport, the huge marketing budgets of the global brands and the increasing fashion appeal of sports clothing." Keeping in mind this global scenario I would like to bring to your notice that it is the best time to launch a product like our casual footwear. We are bound to be successful if we do the proper planning by using appropriate planning tools in order to develop our marketing objectives and strategies successfully. According to Ideas factory, "Market research pundits estimate that only 20% of all sports footwear will be used for the purpose intended, with the majority being flaunted as casual, fashion or even collector's items." Even fashion giants are trying to lure the local as well as international market segment with their sportswear products. It has rightly been mentioned by the Ideasfactory website that, "The trend has persisted since the mid-1990s when Jil Sander took a shine to Puma's King football boots and had them modified for the catwalk." Hence being a company that spealizes in sportswear, we have 100% potential to shine in the casual footwear for youth market. Only one thing that we should concentrate on is that today's market especially youth; not only get motivated by the comfort quotient but the fashion quotient too. So we have to belong to the fashion pack to avoid any bumpy ride in future. Use of planning tools Our company can make use of the following planning tools to be able to develop its marketing objectives and strategies to reach out to its target market. Boston Consulting Group's Product Portfolio Analysis: It is one of the best product portfolio analysis methods. According to this we have to first classify our 'Strategic Business Unit' (SBU) - our new product; the casual footwear on the following dimensions. 1.Relative market share (horizontal axis) - through this we will be able to derive the strength of our product in the market. 2. Market growth rate (vertical axis) - through this we will be able to judge the market attractiveness quotient. If we divide the matrix into four areas we will get four categories of SBU's from which we can choose the category of SBU our new product belongs to. These four areas have been named in the following ways: Stars: those products that are strong in the market in comparison to their competing brands. They need great investments because they are considered high growth ventures. Cash Cows: these products have low growth rate but their market share is very high. As they are well established and successful, they don't need much investment. But they need to be managed rigorously so that the profit continues, so that company can use this profit for heavy investments required by the 'star' category of products. Question Marks: The products that come under this category have low market share but they operate in markets that see higher growths.

SWOT analysis is deeply flawed and should not be applied as a modern Essay - 1

SWOT analysis is deeply flawed and should not be applied as a modern marketing tool - Essay Example These include evaluating the progress of the existing strategy (Aaker, 2001, p.18). Evaluation should be done from a qualitative perspective such evaluation of completeness, internal consistency, rationale and the suitability. More so, quantities point of view should be put into consideration including the strategic and financial outcomes for the strategy (Sanchez and Heene, 2010, p.11). With stronger company’s overall performance, there is no need for changes. Secondly, the evaluation is important because company’s competitive capabilities and the core competencies are identified. The capabilities which are most logical lay a foundation for company’s achievement (Aaker, 2001, p.19). The most strategic competences are competitive rare and hard to imitate or to find substitute. Previously, a good strategy to size up company’s resource strength was the SWOT analysis. It is powerful in determining the company’s strengths and competitive deficiencies, opportunities and other external threats empowering its future (Thompson, Strickland and Gamble, 2010, p.10). However, recent investigation has pointed out some weakness in SWOT analysis. Despite the longevity and extensive use of the analysis in firms and classrooms, SWOT analysis has been shown to yield misleading consequences that some of the authors have advised scrapping it (Smith, 2006, p.2). DOE analyzes the firms system resulting to better information when surveying internal and external nexus (Valentin, 2005 p.54). The paper addresses the intrinsic worth of SWOT analysis framework. SWOT analysis is a criteria used to define business internal context in terms of strength, weakness, opportunities and threats. It provides strategic insight of a business to fragment facts and figures for effective planning. Such superior and strategic approach enhances competitive advantage to a firm (Smith, 2006, p.4; Valentin 2005, p 53). Organization strengths include all the skills

President Nixon & Jumpology Essay Example for Free

President Nixon Jumpology Essay One of the other novel contributions was the series of jump pictures where his clients, including the likes of President Nixon, Marilyn Monroe, Duke and Duchess of Winsor jumped for him. Halsman always believed that the jumps revealed more realistically the latent idiosyncrasies of the personality of his clients. (Merryman, 2002) The ideation of this particular pictorial genre had, of course, its offshoot in Halsman’s photography of the animated antics of many of the noted comedians like Sid Caesar, Bob Hope, Groucho Marx who were captured in his film. Halsman could readily realize that, contrasted with their more traditional portraits, the characters came out in full life and vigor when they jumped. To quote Halsman When you ask a person to jump, his attention is mostly directed toward the act of jumping and the mask falls so that the real person appears. (Halsman, 1986) Incidentally his published book [1959] titled â€Å"Philippe Halsman Jump book† is replete with 178 photographs of numerous â€Å"celebrities jumpers†, interwoven with hilarious discussion on jumpology. (Halsman, 1986) [linnilabelled. wordpress. com/2007/10/06/philippe-halsman-the-father-of-jumpology/] [http://astadnik. file. wordpress. com/2008/04/bb2. jpg] Halsman’s jumpology created a genre in photography which moved and inspired a lot of people, professional and otherwise. Philippe Halsman Fritz Gruber (Writer) and the Crew Jumping on Set profile. myspace. com/index. cfm? fuseaction=user In 1958, to recognise his contribution Halsman was included in Popular Photographys Worlds Ten Greatest Photographers along with Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Ansel Adams, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Ernst Haas, Yousuf Karsh, Gjon Mili, and Eugene Smith. American Society of Magazine Photographers gave him the Life Achievement in Photography Award in 1975. Halsman believed that his career matured and his art came to fruition in his adopted country, America. He thus made America, the subject of his works in myriad ways. One review noted Halsman’s unsanctimonious and immensely intense portrayal of American bounce. When we look back in time at the works and contribution of Philippe Halsman, we see the discovery or even invention of a nation as seen by an artist through the lens of his camera which took into account not only imagination but also the psychology of the country and its people. His images form a vivid portrayal of prosperous American of the mid 20th century. In that respect his adopted country became his creation.

Animals and Man Essay -- Analysis, G.W. Leibniz

G.W. Leibniz asserts that humans are superior to all other creatures. Admittedly, Leibniz’s ideas on this matter are somewhat ambiguous, making it difficult to ascertain his exact position. In some instances within the Discourse on Metaphysics, he appears to hold that animals do not have souls. On other occasions, however, he seems to express beliefs to the contrary. For example, Leibniz first expresses doubt about souls of animals when he questions â€Å"if they [animals] have any [souls]† (Leibniz, 11). In another example, on the contrary, he hints that â€Å"the souls †¦ of other bodies are entirely different from intelligent souls† (12). This gives the impression that both other bodies and humans (â€Å"intelligent souls†) have souls albeit different to some degree. Later, however, Leibniz definitively remarks â€Å"that animals have souls† (37). In The Monadology, any remaining uncertainty vanishes. Here, he first mentions that â €Å"nature has given heightened perceptions to animals, from the care she has taken to furnish them organs †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (71). Then, a few words later Leibniz vows to explain â€Å"how what occurs in the soul represents what occurs in the organs† (71). What he implies with this passage is that animals, just like humans, have souls which are influenced and impacted by sensory perceptions. Then, in XXVI of The Monadology, he explains that â€Å"[m]emory provides a kind of sequence in souls, which imitates reason, but which must be distinguished from it† (71). Leibniz continues, providing an example of a dog remembering abuse with a stick to suggest that animals have some form of memory or perception. As a result of the memories of abuse and a recollection of the pain, the dog flees when presented with a stick. In arguing as much, Lei... ...ecies. Since humans cannot catch prey, without the use of tools or weaponry, as efficiently as a lion, the lion could then be deemed superior. Reframing what supposedly makes man superior out of an anthropocentric view hopefully elucidate the idea that no trait makes any being superior over any other. I agree with Leibniz that a mind created in the image of God should, indeed, â€Å"act with knowledge in imitation of the divine nature† (39). This includes acting as moral agents to consider the good and inherent worth of all beings. After all, in many respects, animals and man are very similar. But, assuming human superiority is an abuse of our unique position as moral agents of God. Moreover, if we believe God has infinite and perfect virtues who acts in a divine nature, then it seems that such an omnibenevolent being would not value any creature over any other.

Comparison of Colonies :: American America History

Comparison of Colonies There were various reasons why the American Colonies were established. The three most important themes of English colonization of America were religion, economics, and government. The most important reasons for colonization were to seek refuge, religious freedom, and economic opportunity. To a lesser degree, the colonists sought to establish a stable and progressive government. Many colonies were founded for religious purposes. While religion was involved with all of the colonies, Massachusetts, New Haven, Maryland, and Pennsylvania were established exclusively for religious purposes. Massachusetts's inhabitants were Puritans who believed in predestination and the ideal that God is perfect. Many Puritans in England were persecuted for their nihilist beliefs in England because they felt that the Church of England, led by the Kind, did not enforce a literal enough interpretation of the Bible. Persecution punishment included jail and even execution. To seek refuge, they separated to go to Holland because of its proximity, lower cost, and safer passage. However, their lives in Holland were much different than that of England. The Separatists did not rebel against but rather preferred the English culture. They did not want their children to be raised Dutch. Also, they felt that Holland was too liberal. Although they enjoyed the freedom of religion, they decided to leave for America. Pilgrims, or sojourners, left for America on The Mayflower and landed in Cape Cod in 1626. They had missed their destination, Jamestown. Although the climate was extremely rocky, they did n ot want to move south because of their Puritan beliefs. They thought that everything was predestined, and that they must have landed on this rocky place for a reason. They moved slightly north to Plymouth Rock in order to survive more comfortably. Also because of their Puritan beliefs, they had good relations with the Native Americans. Their pacifist nature led the Indians to help with their crops. In thanks, the Pilgrims celebrated the first thanksgiving in 1621. A second group of Puritans in England, the Massachusetts Bay Company, came to Massachusetts for more economically motivated purposes due to their non-minimalist beliefs. New Haven and Connecticut were two other colonies founded exclusively for Religious purposes. Many of the Separatists in Massachusetts felt that the religion was too liberal inside of the colony. They felt that the beliefs were not being enforced enough and that the people were not living through literal interpretations of the Bible. These Separatists further separated themselves from Massachusetts and formed a new colony, New Haven.

21st Century Education Essay

We want stronger relationships with their teachers, with each other and with their communities locally, provincially, nationally and globally We want teachers to know how we learn, to take into account what we understand and what we misunderstand and use this knowledge as a starting place to guide our continued learning. We want to be able to work with others in the classroom, online and in our community. We want to be able to pick up our information anywhere, anytime We want indepth learning. We need feedback in time to help us learn and in time do something about it. This literary masterpiece has the best description of the students/learners of the 21st century. They have so many conditions and aspirations with regards to their learning process. This will also help the teachers of the 21st century to be ready and bear with these conditions of the leaners. TREATING MY STUDENTS I treat each of my students equally, giving them a chance to take responsibility for their own learning, express themselves, and learn at their own pace. I also encourage them to do collaboratively that can promote not only teamwork, but also healthy competition. I believe my biggest innovation is giving students a chance to show their abilities and to work in collaboration in a technology-integrated and cultural learning environment. I will also consider their individual learning styles. The following are some tips that should be consider in treating our students in a nice and good way. Let students choose their rewards. Create a list of acceptable rewards for excellent performance, either for individual students or the class as a whole, and let your students communally decide how they want to be rewarded. This will help make sure that the reward is an actual incentive, rather than just something you’ve pushed on them that doesn’t motivate them to work harder. Don’t see failure, see opportunity. When a student has made a mistake, don’t portray it that way. Don’t see it as a failure and don’t let them see it as a failure. Show them that it is a learning experience, a way for them to see how incorrect results are achieved. Let them try again and gently show them how to do it correctly. Remember, don’t say â€Å"wrong†. Say â€Å"close† or â€Å"good try†. Remember that a skill learned through trial and error will be much stronger than one which a student may simply get right on accident or through m eans they don’t fully understand. Make them feel unique and needed. Acknowledge and appreciate each student individually, for the qualities which make them unique and wonderful human beings. Encourage those qualities. You should also make each student feel like they have something to offer and contribute. This will raise their confidence and help them to find their proper path in life. Recognize their efforts. Even if students make only occasional, small efforts, those efforts need to be acknowledged and appreciated. Tell them when they’ve done a good job, individually, and mean it. Don’t be patronizing, be appreciative. If they’ve worked particularly hard, reward them. Give respect. It is extremely important to respect your students. It doesn’t matter if they’re graduate students working on a doctoral thesis or kindergartners: treat them like intelligent, capable human beings. Respect that they have ideas, emotions, and lives that extend beyond your classroom. Treat them with dignity and they will extend the same t o you. TEACHING MY STUDENTS â€Å"One can’t believe impossible things.† â€Å"I daresay you haven’t had much practice,† said the Queen. â€Å"When I was your age I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.† Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Your Assignment, Should You Choose to Accept It . . . Like Alice, many educators, policy makers and even the general public respond resoundingly with â€Å"That’s impossible!† when challenged to adopt a new paradigm of education for the 21st century. Most people today adhere to a paradigm of education that is strictly 19th century. But, like the Queen, a growing number of educators are believing in and accomplishing â€Å"the impossible†. Scott McLeod, in his blog, Dangerously Irrelevant, recently reminded us of a line from Mission Impossible, and we must apply that challenge to all of society. â€Å"Your assignment, should you choose to accept it† is to take education truly into the 21st century. It is not enough to say that we are already living there. Technically it is the 21st century, but our schools are not there, and our challenge now is to reinvent schools for the 21st century – for the sake of our children, our students and the welfare of our world. Making such a paradigm shift is not easy. After all, when any of us thinks of education, we usually think of what we knew as school – the way it has always been. That is how parents, policy makers, politicians and many students think of school. But we have to make the paradigm shift to 21st century education. So what is 21st century education? It is bold. It breaks the mold. It is flexible, creative, challenging, and complex. It addresses a rapidly changing world filled with fantastic new problems as well as exciting new possibilities. Fortunately, there is a growing body of research supporting an increasing number of 21st century schools. We have living proof, inspiring examples to follow, in schools across the United States. These schools vary, but are united in the fundamentals of 21st century education – see Critical Attributes of 21st Century Education and Multiple Literacies for the 21st Century. Scott McLeod has issued the challenge of creating a plan to get us from â€Å"here† to â€Å"there†. I feel that its about time that someone address’s the issues that face many students in the 21st century. The 21st century is a great place; a dynamic place that is evolving to the point where no one can predict what the world will be like in the years to come. Technology drives our planet and everyday we are getting closer and closer to finding the solutions to many of life’s problems. Society itself is changing in the sense that there is no longer one road to success. The opportunities that are out there make it possible for the everyday individual to make a difference in his community with nothing more than the laptop in his book back and the diligence to make his dreams possible. The success of these individuals is largely due to the connectivity and will of the everyday man. The Internet is an open network where people share information that they feel would make life easier, information that would break down the walls that stand in our way. The issue being with all this information and students in the 21st century is that we are still living in the good old days. Our schools train us to pass but not to excel. Things like funding prevent schools from exploring fields that are revolutionizing our world. Our students are the ones who pay the price for living in a world that believes we can live in a world that ignores the changes being made. That in good time our students will learn to adapt to the changes and handle it all on their own. But that isn’t the case. We are fighting two battles that are constantly racing to the top: one that promotes the simple life and the other that promotes change. Both sides have their pros and both sides have their cons. But something needs to be done. We have to find a way to teach our students the fundamentals while preparing them for a world that is driven by technology. Purpose and collaboration is all it will take to provide our students with the direction needed to be successf ul in the 21st century. It’s hard to believe but experiences is key to teaching students in the 21st century. As adults we can understand what these students are going through. We know what it feels like to be a student at that age and the adversities they face. Therefore wouldn’t it make more sense to teach these students not to make the same mistakes we made as students. To teach them how to confront the challenges we once faced and what to do differently when that time comes. But in a world where money restricts what we are able to accomplish, it seems almost impossible to do this. Funding prevents the everyday school from promoting classes in fields that are revolutionizing our world. Funding stops our schools from having up to date materials. And funding is what will cripple the world we live in. An efficient solution must be found that eliminate the dollar sign that stands in the way of these schools, in the way of these students. Technology is one solution to this problem. The main purpose of technology is to invent something that provides a new or better way of doing something; something that is cost efficient and provides room for expansion. These are the tools we should be equipping our students with. It would provide them with the same education they are getting from the textbooks they are so used to. The books will continue to exist but will no longer be the only resource our students are exposed to. The logic behind teaching students with technology in the 21st century is that technology appeals more to students in a world driven by technology. The average student knows what a computer is, is part of a social network of some sort, and has used technology to help them do something in their everyday lives. It would thus make perfect sense to use what they use so much as a teaching tool. Technology isn’t just entertaining; it’s also educational. Hundreds of tutorials are out there and everyday new and better programs are being created. The people themselves who make these programs made them with the sole purpose of provide an easier, better way of doing something. They are inventors, engineers, and they’re also teachers. They’re people who saw a problem and found a solution. These are the type of people we should be motivating our students to be like. We should be teaching our student not to accept things the way they are but the way they should be. Purpose is another crucial element when it comes to teaching students in the 21st century. The tools being used will have no effect if there is no purpose behind their use. Teaching in the 21st century is thus a dynamic process. There isn’t a simple answer in terms of how to teach in the 21st century. It requires creativity and resourcefulness not found in the simple lifestyle we are teaching our students to live in. The purpose behind teaching in the 21st century would be to find easier, more dynamic ways of teaching students with higher goals and expectations. Motivating students to be the best they can be and showing them how to work towards that goal. That things such as money, fear, and doubts shouldn’t be the reason to do the minimum but should instead remind us that as a student in the 21st century you should be well rounded and resourceful; ready to take whatever life throws at you. As a student in the 21st century you have to remember that you do not stand alone; that collaboration is a key and very powerful element in this idea of teaching students in the 21st century with technology. As a driving force the possibilities are endless. The community aspect and project-based learning that comes with teaching in the 21st century is what will provide the huge turnout in students who excel not only in the classroom, but also in life. Collaboration is what makes this window of opportunity possible. It teaches students how to work together and provides them with real world experience. Collaboration helps a student see that the life isn’t all about survival of the fittest but establishing connections and using the connectivity available to produce results and motivate change. This is what makes teaching in the 21st century with technology different from through the simple life and the belief that passing is more important than excelling. Neither idea is perfect. At the end of the day it all comes down to the students. The information we provide and the influence we are able to make is what will ultimately decide what our students are able to accomplish. The use of technology and the implication of 21st century skills in a world driven by technology is what open windows of opportunities to students all across the globe. Students in the 21st century are well aware of the adversities they face; so aware that they would fear taking a chance and pursing fields where they might not measure up. Our schools push this idea forward instead of persuading students to pursue these illustrious careers. What students in the 21st century need is direction and change. We need real world experience that proves to that there is a way and that accepting things the way they are is accepting defeat. If you want to see the future of education, don’t watch children in the average classroom. Watch children play a video game. You’ll see them engaged, excited, interacting, and learning—even if it’s only about how to get to the next level of the game. Because of their immersion in this computerized world, children absorb information differently from their parents. Instead of following information passively from beginning to end—as people tend to do with television shows, newspapers, and books—children interact with the new technologies. Schools now have an opportunity to apply the information technologies that are so effective outside the classroom for educational purposes. Taking advantage of these new technologies will require profound changes in the roles of teachers, students, and schools. Instead of being the repository of knowledge, teachers will be guides who help students to navigate through electronically accessible information. They will use the new technologies to build networks with each other, with parents and students, with academic and industrial experts, and with other professionals. Turning opportunity into reality requires four important changes: Industry must develop educational devices from comparatively low-price game hardware and software, thereby dramatically lowering the costs of educational technology. Communities and government should include technological change when setting the agenda for systemic change in education. Software-makers must tie the content of their products to quality information and to the national education standards as they are implemented. Teachers must receive extensive training in how to use emerging information technologies. Computers will not solve all the problems of education; many difficult issues will remain. But the new information technologies provide an unprecedented opportunity to reexamine how we educate our children.

Isolation in The Metamorphosis Essay

Franz Kafka’s short story â€Å"The Metamorphosis† centers on the theme of isolation. In the lead character’s transformation he experiences a deep isolation towards society now. What this isolation leads to is to a series of events, that cause Gregor’s isolation to grow. Eventually isolation leads to Gregor’s death. Isolation and its after effects are the central themes involved in the â€Å"The Metamorphosis. † Isolation is the state of an individual being separated from other individuals. Isolation involves both the mental state of an individual and the physical state of the individual. Further isolation also involves the individual’s belief versus societies’ believes. This paper will argue that Gregor’s transformation into a bug is a symbolic representation of one’s difficulty in accepting the isolation reality. The notion of the isolation is first realized in the author’s work in section . The reader can see that Gregor’s isolation started before the transformation occurred when Gregor mentions â€Å"That’s all I’d have to try with my boss; I’d be fired on the spot. Anyway, who knows if that wouldn’t be a very good thing for me. If I didn’t hold back for my parents’ sake, I would have quit long ago. † It is at this point that the reader realizes that Samsa was mentally isolated from the society he lived in before the transformation occurred. Gregor had wished to be free from work long before his transformation occurred, but society expected Gregor to work and to provide food for his family, something that Gregor didn’t want. Gregor’s isolation before the metamorphosis occurred was that he wanted freedom and society wanted him to work. By Gregor showing different believes than the rest of the society the reader realizes that Gregor was somehow already a loner even before the transformation occurred. The notion isolation also affects Gregor in section III. Some readers believe that Gregor Samsa’s experience is centered on Morality and Ethics. These people believe that Gregor is treated different because he is no longer a human in a physical state. However this notion limits the whole picture of why Gregor is treated differently. Gregor’s isolation towards society is true picture why he is treated differently. If the other notion of morality and ethics were to be chosen many aspects of â€Å"the Metamorphosis† would be lost. These lost would be would be the ability of the reader to see how isolation has both affected Gregor inside and outside. My notion of â€Å"the Metamorphosis† portrays events in the past that show Gregor’s isolation were morality and ethics notion lacks of. Many notions in the past have been presented to try to present what Kafka’s â€Å"The Metamorphosis really portrayed.

Democratic Party Essay

Running as the Speaker of the House for the Democratic Party, we will ensure children will be receiving their education from a strong and healthy school. The Michelle Obama fitness plan promotes a healthier lifestyle for children in school. Her campaign is called â€Å"Let’s Move† and she has a lot to offer to families. This campaign offers all of the necessities needed in order to make healthy choices. This campaign also promises healthier food choices in the nations schools along with affordable, attainable, healthy food in their communities. Her plan motivates kids to be active in and out of school. We will also promise that students learning will be tested differently. Instead of multiple choice tests, which some students do not perform well, we will have more hands on tests. These types of tests will determine the placement of classes for students. Running as the Speaker of the House for the Democratic Party, we will ensure children will be receiving their education from a strong and healthy school. The Michelle Obama fitness plan promotes a healthier lifestyle for children in school. Her campaign is called â€Å"Let’s Move† and she has a lot to offer to families. This campaign offers all of the necessities needed in order to make healthy choices. This campaign also promises healthier food choices in the nations schools along with affordable, attainable, healthy food in their communities. Her plan motivates kids to be active in and out of school. We will also promise that students learning will be tested differently. Instead of multiple choice tests, which some students do not perform well, we will have more hands on tests. These types of tests will determine the placement of classes for students. Running as the Speaker of the House for the Democratic Party, we will ensure children will be receiving their education from a strong and healthy school. The Michelle Obama fitness plan promotes a healthier lifestyle for children in school. Her campaign is called â€Å"Let’s Move† and she has a lot to offer to families. This campaign offers all of the necessities needed in order to make healthy choices. This campaign also promises healthier food choices in the nations schools along with affordable, attainable, healthy food in their communities. Her plan motivates kids to be active in and out of school. We will also promise that students learning will be tested differently. Instead of multiple choice tests, which some students do not perform well, we will have more hands on tests. These types of tests will determine the placement of classes for students. Running as the Speaker of the House for the Democratic Party, we will ensure children will be receiving their education from a strong and healthy school. The Michelle Obama fitness plan promotes a healthier lifestyle for children in school. Her campaign is called â€Å"Let’s Move† and she has a lot to offer to families. This campaign offers all of the necessities needed in order to make healthy choices. This campaign also promises healthier food choices in the nations schools along with affordable, attainable, healthy food in their communities. Her plan motivates kids to be active in and out of school. We will also promise that students learning will be tested differently. Instead of multiple choice tests, which some students do not perform well, we will have more hands on tests. These types of tests will determine the placement of classes for students. Running as the Speaker of the House for the Democratic Party, we will ensure children will be receiving their education from a strong and healthy school. The Michelle Obama fitness plan promotes a healthier lifestyle for children in school. Her campaign is called â€Å"Let’s Move† and she has a lot to offer to families. This campaign offers all of the necessities needed in order to make healthy choices. This campaign also promises healthier food choices in the nations schools along with affordable, attainable, healthy food in their communities. Her plan motivates kids to be active in and out of school. We will also promise that students learning will be tested differently. Instead of multiple choice tests, which some students do not perform well, we will have more hands on tests. These types of tests will determine the placement of classes for students. Running as the Speaker of the House for the Democratic Party, we will ensure children will be receiving their education from a strong and healthy school. The Michelle Obama fitness plan promotes a healthier lifestyle for children in school. Her campaign is called â€Å"Let’s Move† and she has a lot to offer to families. This campaign offers all of the necessities needed in order to make healthy choices. This campaign also promises healthier food choices in the nations schools along with affordable, attainable, healthy food in their communities. Her plan motivates kids to be active in and out of school. We will also promise that students learning will be tested differently. Instead of multiple choice tests, which some students do not perform well, we will have more hands on tests. These types of tests will determine the placement of classes for students. Running as the Speaker of the House for the Democratic Party, we will ensure children will be receiving their education from a strong and healthy school. The Michelle Obama fitness plan promotes a healthier lifestyle for children in school. Her campaign is called â€Å"Let’s Move† and she has a lot to offer to families. This campaign offers all of the necessities needed in order to make healthy choices. This campaign also promises healthier food choices in the nations schools along with affordable, attainable, healthy food in their communities. Her plan motivates kids to be active in and out of school. We will also promise that students learning will be tested differently. Instead of multiple choice tests, which some students do not perform well, we will have more hands on tests. These types of tests will determine the placement of classes for students.

The Evolution of Financial Reporting in Kuwait Essay

The Evolution of Financial Reporting in Kuwait - Essay Example In general, the Kuwaiti government decided to take a macroeconomic approach to regulation, i.e., to take an active, interventionist position and dictate rules and regulations to the private sector. This paternalistic, protective approach is known as Kafala (Sponsorship of the State). Thus, laws were passed that outlined the responsibilities of companies to provide regular financial reports and to establish the enforcement agencies in the government. Explicit authority was given to the Registrar of Companies in Kuwait to regulate accounting. The Registrar has developed the detailed administrative guidelines indicating how companies should file their annual reports. In this way, the Registrar can control the quality of domestic accounting. In addition, the government began taking steps to monitor the economy and had to have accurate financial data. At the same time, the regulations should allow enough flexibility in the choice of financial accounting to not only provide a level playing field but also encourage entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. Businesses soon learned the value of accurate financial data. In this regard, the importance of private sector associations and regulatory bodies in the establishment of standards cannot be overestimated. Eventually, as the private sector grows and matures, more and more responsibility for accounting practices will fall to the private associations as long as they remain within the framework of reporting rules proscribed by the law, by administrative pronouncement, and by practices developed by International Accounting Standards (IAS). These accounting associations are crucial in maintaining proper standards and will become even more important in the future. Financial reporting has evolved along two separate but parallel lines: Accounting Securities and the Stock Exchange. 4.2: Laws Affecting Accounting: The first law concerning accounting defines the qualifications needed to practice the profession and was passed in 1962. At first, the authority was given to the Ministry of Finance and Economy, but a few years later, it was passed to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry which now issues the licenses. Many of the articles in this law outline requirements: registrants must be of good moral character,

Youtube Time to Start Charging Users Case Study

Youtube Time to Start Charging Users - Case Study Example The move was experimental; first it offered five movies to help promote the Sundance Film Festival at a price of $3.99 for a 48 hour-viewing period. Under this plan, YouTube hoped to later allow producers to come up with their own prices to charge users (Elberse and Gupta). This was very much in line with the second revenue generation strategy fronted by Munster. The strategy sought to charge users for viewership similar to the way iTunes are operated, on subscription basis. However, like every new move, this strategy was laden with uncertainties mainly based on the users’ response to paying for a service that was initially free. Furthermore, such a move would need to come up with the category of users and content that would be charged. This is in line with the fact that not all material in YouTube would constitute value for money, a factor that would prompt YouTube to reevaluate its content (Hartley, Jean and Axel 410). Under this consideration, YouTube would have to establis h a completely new relationship with content owners who in this case would upload material based on commercial viability. In summary, getting this strategy to work would require decisions touching on users’ categories, content, and payment channels. The other strategy in monetizing YouTube’s content is charging users for uploading videos. Charging users to upload their videos would provide the resources required to meet he assortment of costs that come with running and maintaining YouTube. These costs which include cost of bandwidth, site maintenance, and storage costs represent a significant part of YouTube’s cost outlay, if this cost is offset fully or partly by users, YouTube would record significant profits (Elberse and...This is if the number of viewership and users are to be considered from a business perspective. At the moment, given the YouTube’s popularity three viable options have been considered as potential sources of YouTube’s revenues. The three are; a hybrid model where YouTube charges a portion of its users to upload their videos, charge users for downloading movies and lastly continue with the current strategy of depending on advertisement generated revenues. YouTube would have to establish a completely new relationship with content owners who in this case would upload material based on commercial viability. In summary, getting this strategy to work would require decisions touching on users’ categories, content, and payment channels. To augment their ad dollars, YouTube needs to constitute an able sales force as opposed to the current Google’s seller’s products. The other change YouTube has to enforce is shifting focus to sell individual shows and networks as opposed to the current focus on broad â€Å"audience† buys. These changes have been highlighted by YouTube programmers and very much represent the key changes likely to turnaround YouTube’s fortune. In conclusion, the best strategy remains focusing on advertisement revenue. This presents fewer risks and has great potential as well. This is given the fact that lesser entities have been able to augment their ad money and now generate much more revenue that YouTube. This underlines the fact that it is not the business that has a problem but the approach and the adopted model.

Response essay over 2 articles Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Response over 2 articles - Essay Example According to Hoye, â€Å"on several occasions the US supreme court has determined that state laws and practices have violated basic Americans liberties† (Maxwell et al 65). Although the law clearly stipulates different rights accorded to individuals that allow them to be off the government interference, there is a limit to it. It is the duty of the Supreme Court to interpret the law and determines the extent of violation. On several cases in Texas State, the Supreme Court was confronted with issues that would deny individuals their rights to liberty. First, in 2005, Thomas Van Orden brought a case against the state of Texas for allowing a six-foot by four-foot granite monument displaying the Ten Commandments on the grounds of a capital building. Orden felt that this is against the rights to religion given by the states by the first amendment. Despite a five against four votes, the judge ruled in favour of Texas State. The first amendment gives the right to freedom of worship a nd prohibits the government or a state from passing legislation that prefer one religion to another. This ruling means that the Supreme Court has the right to make a different interpretation from the rights given to the states. Secondly, an appealed case of Greg Johnson versus Texas State depicts how the Supreme Court can deny individuals the rights of expression. A law exists in the US that demands to honour the flag as a consecrated object. Tampering with the same means dishonour and desecration of the flag. In 1984 summer, in Dallas, Johnson who was leading other protesters burned the flag of US. The Supreme Court found him guilty of desecration of the flag and sentenced him for one year in prison with some fines. However, Texas criminal of court appeals overturned this ruling based on the first amendment that gives individuals rights to freedom of expression. Johnson’s conduct was expressive and thus protected by the first amendment and the fourteenth amendment. Again, th is depicts that Supreme Courts can make mistakes, which are subject to correction through appeals by other courts. Lastly, although Texas courts have the most appeals cases compared to other states, arguably, they rank top in the number of cases reported for capital punishments (Maxwell et al. 66). Apparently, this is fostered by poor politics in the state that undermines individualism and the rights of the citizens. The state seems to live in the old times when this was acceptable. Therefore, nobody questions the existence of Sam Houston sculpture that represents the capital regime. Additionally, privacy rights advocate for abortion of innocent children against the human rights Governor EJ Davis and His Legacy for Texas Gauging from past leaders, the type of leadership offered by various governments determines the support they get from their subjects. This paper will examine the government of E J Davis, different policies he passed to his subjects and the balance between personal l iberty and order. Many historians describe the government of Davis as the worst in Texas leadership history. Although, Davis was an honest, intelligent, and had a great vision for Texas, the type of people he chose to lead with were not equal to the task. Davis mistrusted the former Texas confederates who were bright enough to assist in his leadership. Davis used state power to enforce civil rights and political rights of former

Reading Response Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 5

Reading Response - Essay Example In fact, most writers are hardly sure if they are going to get enough stuff for the number of pages required. Lamott refers to a time when, through experience in the writing process, she â€Å"eventually let [herself] trust the process, sort of, more or less† (1). This is because, even being an experienced writer, she still has to begin by putting down really shitty first drafts. After refining the initial draft a second and third time, she is able to come up with excellent pieces. She still gets wary of what she puts down and still worries about whether her work is good enough. Lamott wariness is not personal but rather a common trait among all writers. Getting the right words and knowing how to begin the first paragraph for a piece of work is a challenge to all writers. For every writer, writing is a process that begins with no order but ultimately ends with excellence. Writing a first draft is more about the process because it is not well organized. It rather serves as a form of reference for a writer’s initial ideas that could be forgotten if not scribbled down. Most first drafts can only be understood by the writer. Therefore a second and third draft is crucial. A second draft is significant because it incorporates corrections and new leads. This gives the work some direction. A third draft is the accurate draft; a writer ensures that the words and flow of work is accurate by reviewing every detail. Lamott says that â€Å"almost all good writing begins with terrible efforts† (2). Every writer has to begin somewhere and this can only be done by putting down information and thoughts on paper. According to Lamott, not one of the great writers â€Å"sits down routinely feeling wildly enthusiastic and confident. Not one of them writes elegant first drafts† (1). As a writer, starting the first paragraph of a piece of work has always been a challenge. I get worried about the

Business strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words - 3

Business strategy - Essay Example has conceded to the popular consensus that there is room for the larger iPhone in the world. This case study features iPhone 6/6+ product of the Apple Inc. and takes deeper analysis its business unit about the company’s external environment, its competitive position, and the value-addition proponents. Porter (1985) asserts that there are three major categories of the generic strategies; cost leadership, differentiation, and focus. As for Apple Inc., the focused differentiation and cost leadership strategy are the best for the company in adapting to the competitive environment while implementing the value adding activities. The cost leadership strategy has been strongly pursued by the Apple Inc. in its continued efforts to ensuring successful competitiveness. The cost leadership strategy has enabled the company to be cost efficiency while ensuring sustainable development of the company. By pursuing cost the leadership strategy, the company has been able to determine the prices of its products and services at competitive prices. Nilsson and Rapp (2005) on the other hand states that when a company can sustain the profits above its expected income then the company can be termed as having gained the competitive advantage over its rivals. Apple Inc. Introduced the iPads to act as the more portable version of their range of the personal computers; an intermediate between the Smartphones and laptops. The introduction of the iPhone 6/6+ by Apple Inc. creates the impression of the company’s continued adoption of the differentiation strategy. Capon (2008) asserts that differentiation strategy is the clever way for the business in the establishment of the large market share owing to the fact that buyers perceive the quality of the services or products in regard to the price. Apple Inc. has made sure that its iPhone possess its line of the applications that can be bought directly installed on the phone. The company has ensured that the iPhone

Too Much Too Soon Essay Example for Free

Too Much Too Soon Essay The scenario is about Sara Patel; she has finished college and is working in a company called Maddison for three years. The first two years she had worked in sales department but now she is working as a sales trainer in the sales and development department. For a while everything was going smooth, all the people in the department liked her and there was an air of openness, until the department started expanding. The first problem that arose was allocation of funds to the different units in her department, employees were complaining about Sarah allocating more resources in her department. Secondly there were problems allocating funds to the local area head of different departments for the purposes to travel across Canada about training needs with managers and supervisors. As the department grew things started to lag behind and foul-ups started to occur; mixed up schedule, late reports and faulty budgets. The staff started complaining about lack of basic resources like pen and pencils to laptops and phones. It was also talked that she was an unqualified trainer as she was fresh out of college and hadn’t work anywhere else. She didn’t open up to new ideas and any suggestions from her staff instead she developed a conflicting relationship with them. Behavioral symptoms The environment at Maddison was one of warmth and openness when Sara started. As the time went by the air was of stress as the staff started battling over the budgets and resources; they were all being centered on Sara’s department. Also her behavior towards the staff changed, she became more direct with them and started telling them what to do, making them feel like kids. Sara’s unnecessary travelling was an example of misuse of departmental funds. The defensive attitude at the lunch meeting with the staff was a physical symptom of the problem. Operational symptoms The inefficiency in distributing the funds to the various departmental heads was the key operational mess-up. The late reports, messed up schedules and errors in the department’s budget every time, occurred as a result of the increased size of the department. Employees also complained about scarcity of basic stuff including pens, laptops and blackberries. She was wasting financial resources of the department on her useless travelling and unnecessary courses. She had five resignations at her desk at the same time from her functional heads that she gave excellent rating without even meeting, and now she has to explain it to the VP of Operations. Main issue A manager is someone who works with and through other people by coordinating their work activities to accomplish organizational goals. The manager should work effectively and efficiently, getting out the highest output with minimal input. Whereas in case of Maddison, Inc. the staff working under Sara complained of shortage of basic stuff like pen, laptops and blackberries. Manger should also have management skills like human, technical and conceptual. Technical skills refer to knowledge of the field in which he/she is working. Sara had no technical skills; she was an unqualified trainer as she was there fresh after university and had not work experience in her field. Human skills are the ability to work well with other people both individually and in a group. It refers to communicate, motivate, lead and inspire the staff. Sara had no human skills as her staff wanted her to step down at the lunch meeting. Conceptual skills involve the mental ability of a person to analyze and generate ideas in complex situation. These skills help managers to see the organization as a whole and understand the relationships among various departments, but Sara on the other hand didn’t look at the company as a unit but instead favored her department and helped it via different means. Planning and organizing are essential characteristics of a manager but Sara was unable to exhibit neither of those. She could neither plan nor organize her department due to which there were issues like messed up schedules and late reports. She couldn’t even organize the budgets because of which there were many arguments.

Fedex A Global Supply Chain Management Company Commerce Essay

Fedex A Global Supply Chain Management Company Commerce Essay FedEx is a global logistics and supply-chain management company Ng Farhoomand, 2002 that began operations in 1973 as an overnight package delivery company. Annual revenues exceed $20 billion and 24-48 hour delivery is available to well over 200 countries. In 2001, FedEx was named one of the top ten most admired corporations in America (Boyle, 2002). FedEx has been in the industry for quite a time now. It has built its system strong that from being an express delivery company it has been a supply-chain management company. With the help of innovation and introduction of internet by the year 1994, it has been evident that the services provided by FedEx have been better. Though it has tried to integrate the e-commerce system, the Company has been struggling to be more than an express delivery. The competitors for the express delivery industry have been growing but there have been reports that the transportation volume growth of FedEx was slowing down. Due to this instance, the FedEx has decided to make a re-organizing the structure hoping that it will help them through the betterment of their operations. FedEx started in the year 1973, and UPS, one of those that give services like FedEx, started in the year 1907. They did not compete with each other for the reason that they have different markets. The competition and rivalry between the two began in the year 1982. They competed on the market segment, quality of service, and pricing. The only solution they thought of was to cut cost without decreasing the quality of customer service. Because of this, they thought of having an organized logistics operation that will help reduce the ordering process. The three main trends that helped the growth of transportation and logistics industry are: the globalization of the businesses, advances in the information technology (IT) and the application of new technology to generate efficiencies in processing, and the increase in demand for more quality satisfaction of customers or clients. Speed has been one of the basis of customers to say that they have been provided with quality customer service. The advances brought by IT heightened globalization and made the operations fast, decrease costs, and gave quality service. Opportunities Threats The cost of infrastructure of express delivery companies are a barrier of entry to new comers FedEx leadership in global express delivery As long as the nature of our socioeconomic environment exists, there will always be a need for express delivery E-commerce is creating an increased need for express delivery Globalization offers opportunities for expansion Maintaining the infrastructure of an express delivery company is an exit barrier because of high fixed costs Capitol is acquired through the volume of sales, so the high fixed costs can hurt when times are slow Due to the nature of the industry, it is nearly impossible to become the clear industry leader The nature of the industry shows very low returns on invested capitol The E-tailing industry demands lower shipping rates and charges to pull customers from the retailing industries Major competitors: UPS, the airborne DHL Question One: The express transportation and logistics industry Federal Express was founded in 1971 as the big idea of charter airplane pilot Fred Smith. It launched its overnight air express business in 1973, and just 10 years later, it was the first U.S. company to top $1 billion in revenues in its first decade. Today, FedEx (its nickname, FedEx, officially became the company name in 2000) is the worlds largest express transportation company-almost 196,000 employees move more than 3 million items to more than 200 countries each business day, up from 110,000 workers and 2 million packages just five years ago! In 1990, FedEx became the first service company to win the Baldrige Award. Since then, the company has expanded its ground delivery business by purchasing both Parcel Direct (formerly a division of Quad/Graphics, now renamed FedEx SmartPost) and more than 1,100 Kinkos locations (now FedEx Kinkos Office and Print Centers) in 2004. The survival issue is prominent in the minds of quality leaders. FedExs Fred Smith compares the awakening to quality to a near-death experience. A lot of times its brought on by trauma. Leaders often embrace Total Quality Management because they see no alternative: improve or die. Whatever inspires them-the fear of failure, the promise of success, the achievement of other companies, the belief that there must be a better way to manage a company-triggers the leap of faith. Once they are on the quality path, the cultural changes they see all around them frequently breed a missionary zeal about the need for, and the benefits of, the quality improvement process. The first step for any company president, chairman, or CEO is committing himself or herself, as well as the company, to the process. Jamie Houghton took this step in 1983, shortly after he became Cornings chairman. Fred Smith and his top executives founded FedEx on the idea of providing the highest quality of service, then participated in quality training in the first year of the companys existence. At FedEx, Fred Smith has been directly involved in the development of every quality process and system the company has implemented. He founded the company on a belief that customers would value a timedefinite express delivery service, then used on-time delivery as the companys primary measure of performance. In the late 1980s, he helped develop a more comprehensive, proactive, customer-oriented measure of customer satisfaction and service quality: the Service Quality Index (SQI). As Smith said, We believe that service quality must be mathematically measured. The company tracks these 12 indicators daily, individually and in total, across its entire system. Each indicator is weighted: the greater the weight, the greater the impact on customer satisfaction. One of FedExs service goals is to reduce the totals of the SQI every year. Service is one of the companys three overall corporate objectives: People-Service-Profit. Every manager at FedEx, including Fred Smith and the senior executive staff, has annual benchmarks for each of these three corporate objectives. Smith sets his own personal objectives with input from the board of directors, and the process cascades through the organization from there. Managers are evaluated on how well they achieve their objectives. To develop and implement such broad measures and objectives, Smith and his staff had to understand the companys quality objectives, its customers needs, and the potential effectiveness of SQI as a measure and motivator. Many other service companies are still trying to figure out what to measure. Smith led the development of a measure that tells all FedEx employees, every day, exactly how they are doing on customer satisfaction and service quality. Active participation in the quality improvement process doesnt get any better than that. Good leaders know that having a customer focus is critical. At FedEx, each officer is assigned responsibility for the major customers in a sales district. Smith and his staff talk to customers continuously at the executive level to make sure their needs are being met. FedEx has three corporate goals: People-Service-Profit. As Smith summarizes, when people are placed first, they will provide the highest possible service, and profits will follow. The three corporate goals are translated into measurable objectives throughout the corporation. Progress on the people goal is determined by the Leadership Index, a statistical measurement of subordinates opinions of managements performance. Service is based on the Service Quality Indicators described earlier. The profit goal is a percentage of pretax margin, determined by the previous years financial results. Success in meeting the objectives for each area determines the annual bonuses for management and professionals. (The bonuses can account for up to 40 percent of these employees total compensation.) FedEx Corporation in the United States administers variety of advanced factors of production. These are managerial sophistication, logistics know-how, and physical infrastructure. Logistics is one of the main advanced factors which FedEx developed for managing its complex hubs. Physical infrastructure that FedEx uses is not only airports but also roads and ports. Additional distinctive competencies that FedEx have, also arise from firm-specific tangible and intangible resources, namely, FedExs hubs and package handling systems; its package tracking and customer support function and its logistics support. Again, the main barrier to imitate these firm-specific resources is the high cost associated with acquiring them. FedExs package tracking ad customer support functions as well as their logistic support are examples of the firms distinctive competencies as well. The barriers to imitate FedExs package tracking and customer support functions are based on the fact that FedEx was the initiator in establishing the first tracking applications website and providing each customer with a unique barcode to individualize each shipment. That allowed FedEx to gain proficiency at these systems and knowledge about the functional operations. FedExs strengths in logistics, operations, and technological innovation allow them to pursue a differentiation business level strategy. FedEx works to stand apart from its competitors by creating a level of service that is difficult for competitors to match. FedEx has clearly been identified as an innovator, but what they need to get across to their customers is that they provide a high level of quality service. FedEx charges higher prices for its services than many of its competitors in the industry. This is considered a premium that a customer pays for the quality of service FedEx provides. By differentiating their standard of quality from their competitors, FedEx lets their customers know that if they are willing to pay more, it will be worth it. FedEx is able to meet the needs of all these segments. They have spent an extraordinary amount of capitol developing their infrastructure, just so they can make the best promises to their customers. FedEx transports more than 3 million items to over 200 countries each day. Within each business unit are specific functional units that perform particular functions. The main functional units are logistics and operations for its transportation system. These units assure the coordination and smooth flow of FedExs deliveries. The end result is a high level of quality service. Their service includes customer responsiveness and innovations such as; its aircraft fleet, its hubs and package handling systems, package tracking, customer support functions, and logistics support. Not only does this help FedEx follow through with their promises, but in some ways that are superior to that of the competition. FedEx has transformed itself into an e-business by integrating physical and virtual infrastructures across information systems, business processes, and organizational bounds. FedExs experience in building an e-business shows how a company can successfully apply its information technology expertise in order to pioneer customercentric innovations with sweeping structural and strategic impacts. It also shows the role of outsourcing, which frees companies to concentrate on their core business. The value chain for FedEx Express can be seen as starting with the pick-up of the packages. FedEx employees gather the packages from various locations such as drop boxes, businesses and residences. Value is created for the customers by making package pick-ups possible just about anywhere or anytime. FedEx has a money back guarantee for those people whose packages do not arrive on time, therefore creating value by assuring timely delivery of the packages. After the packages are initially picked up, they must then be transported to a hub. The hub is a central location where packages are sorted according to their destinations. The packages will likely pass through many hands before reaching their final destination. The packages stay at the hub until they are picked up and shipped either by truck or plane. FedEx Supply Chain Services which synchronize the movement of goods for enhanced customer satisfaction. With all of this evident it can be said that FedEx segments its markets according to the needs of the customers and not by demographic regions. While FedEx is a very large company that occupies a large portion of market share in the express delivery sector as well as the ground sector we have concluded that FedEx does not so much possess distinctive competencies, as it has strong existing competencies that allow it to compete competitively with industry leader UPS. These competencies include a very timely customer response time, cutting-edge technology and innovation. With the fact that FedEx does not have a competitive advantage, or distinctive competencies, yet is still the largest express package delivery service there are many directives that could be followed to attain both. This is obviously a long-term goal, however it can be seen that the undertakings have already begun. Its most recent endeavor, characterized as a diversification from its usual product offering of actual shipment of goods, is the newer service offering of consultation. Labeled FedEx Trade Networks, this newest division of the FedEx offerings showcas es the companys vast competence of international shipping knowledge to an array of customers. These customers are provided value creation with the knowledge that can greatly increase efficiencys through the supply chain. FedEx Trade Networks offers a full range of international support services, including customs clearance, freight forwarding, Trade Customs Advisory Services (TCAS) and trade technology solutions. Question Two: Branding and business structure up until 19 January 2000 Another note is the horizontal integration that has recently been carried out by FedEx. Horizontal integration is a way of trying to increase the profitability of a company by reducing costs, increasing the value of a product offering, managing industry rivalrys, or increasing the bargaining power of a company. These economic benefits are usually the rewards of company mergers and acquisitions in an industry. Horizontal integration is predominately characterized by similar companies merging together or acquisitions sought by the industry leaders. The account of mergers and acquisitions for North American-based logistics companies appears dissimilar. North American logistics services sources seem to look for acquisitions that increase their position in existing markets, for instance, increasing domestic service routes and toting up critical mass to grasp the benefits of economies of scale. Nonetheless, the comparative strength of European automotive, chemical or other industries including global production and supply chains in opposition to their US counterparts make the necessity to create client interaction in Europe a must-have for US logistics suppliers. Given the competitive strong suit of the local European logistics assistance providers, one of the little options to increase market entry or share of market in this global scenery is to vigorously design and track acquisition tactics. This can be done in integration with a concentration on particular niche actions, where scale economies are not as critical. It can also be achieved by means of services where special resources are desired, for instance, oversized equipment or hazardous merchandise transportation. Project logistics companies, for instance, highlight an exclusive business model with core competencies in global freight transportation-a specific engineering knowledge and can get into a largely blue-chip client base-that make them essential service providers for their customers. By 1994 less than 20% of FedExs revenues came from documents, formerly the primary driver of revenues. The air express industry was in a period of constant flux as firms tried to understand where the next big push was going to originate. Fortunately for Smith, he had already gambled on logistics, a move that would begin to pay off during the next and last cycle of the study. From 1993 to 1996 sales grew from $7.8 billion to $10.3 billion. Decision-making was decentralized due to the disperse nature of domestic and international operations. Structure was divisional, but changes were being planned to reconfigure the organization during the next cycle. The most important strategic moves during this cycle were in the area of information processing, particularly customer information and tracking. Just as operations were centralized in 1978 to facilitate growth, the move toward a web-based business began in earnest in 1996 as FedEx became the first company to allow firms to process shipments on the Internet. Also by this time, FedEx was considered a global transportation company, not an airline. In 1998 Caliber Systems, Inc. was acquired by FedEx, which included the trucking operation, RPS. Roberts Express and Viking Express helped round out the full offering of services by FedEx in its attempt to become a one-stop shopping experience for supply chain needs. The company now offered complete interstate trucking service, long and short-haul air express service, and integrated logistics and warehouse solutions. Sales grew from $13.25 billion in 1997 to $19.629 billion in 2001. High fuel costs hurt profits during 1999, but the growth in Internet Business to Business (B to B) was exploding. Sales were also negatively impacted by the lack of identity between divisions with their own name, such as RPS and Viking, and operating units of FedEx. A major reorganization announced in January of 2000 by Fred Smith was designed to correct this problem. The FedEx Corporation would re-name each of its subsidiary companies, with the exception of the less-than-truckload firm operating in the Western U. S. known as Viking, beginning with the brand identity of FedEx. The following changes were made: Â · FedEx Express formerly Federal Express; Â · FedEx Ground formerly RPS; Â · FedEx Custom Critical formerly Roberts Express; Â · FedEx Logistics formerly Caliber Logistics; Â · FedEx Trade Networks (Ng Farhoomand, 2002). Each subsidiary adopted a different color for its logo, but several strategic moves were made to ensure integration of operations and cooperation between companies. Consolidation was achieved in the sales force so that each division was being represented to each customer, accounting invoices were consolidated to reflect one invoice and one customer account number, and all customer service claims information was consolidated. Once again, Fred Smith centralized some aspects of his vast company to facilitate growth and to take advantage of new opportunities. Again the analyzer strategy was implemented, as it had been for most of FedExs history, to stimulate constant service improvement and growth. By 2001 FedEx had close to 200,000 employees scattered across the globe. A new corporate complex was nearing completion in southeast Memphis in the community of Southwind, home to the St. Jude/FedEx Classic golf tournament. And, the top ten ranking in Fortunes Most Admired Corporations in America confirms the entrepreneurial and strategic management ability of Fred Smith. From 1984 to 1989 the company maintained a divisional structure, but it was augmented by the use of matrix personnel in the areas of finance, human resources, and maintenance. Decisions involving strategy, technology, advertising, and budgeting were centralized, yet authority for operations was decentralized. This was imperative for customer service given the extensive international orientation of the company by the late 1980s. Also, in 1989 FedEx hired its first general manager in history, Robert May, to head a new operation known as Business Logistics Services (BLS). From 1984 to 1989 the company maintained a divisional structure, but it was augmented by the use of matrix personnel in the areas of finance, human resources, and maintenance. Decisions involving strategy, technology, advertising, and budgeting were centralized, yet authority for operations was decentralized. This was imperative for customer service given the extensive international orientation of the company by the la te 1980s. Also, in 1989 FedEx hired its first general manager in history, Robert May, to head a new operation known as Business Logistics Services (BLS). From 1984 to 1989 the company maintained a divisional structure, but it was augmented by the use of matrix personnel in the areas of finance, human resources, and maintenance. Decisions involving strategy, technology, advertising, and budgeting were centralized, yet authority for operations was decentralized. This was imperative for customer service given the extensive international orientation of the company by the late 1980s. Also, in 1989 FedEx hired its first general manager in history, Robert May, to head a new operation known as Business Logistics Services (BLS). Question Three: Events leading up to the January 2000 reorganisation By the year ending 1999, 31st of May, Fedex had out-performed analyst expections and increased earnings by 28% compared to the previous year. But the company had a downturn during August 31, 1999. Due to increase in fuel prices, FedExs financial status was severely affected. Because of this, FedEx had forecasted that they full fiscal year may decrease below analyst expectations. BY the end of November 1999, the operating income dropped down by 10% of the previous year and the net income by 6%. As the increase in fuel price increase, operating income continue to decline. Because of the forecasted loss in income, the company re-think of their business strategy. As internet was introduced to the company, they utilized it to help them with the operations. First, it opened opportunities in re-engineering the supply chain. Second, the express transportation made businesses, such as FedEx, attain opportunities. In January 2000, FedEx had three major strategies. First, extending the FedEx brand to four subsidiary companies. Second, major re-organizations making it one point of access to sales, customer services, billing, and automation systems. Third, introducing to the market the low-cost home delivery. After the re-organization, the FedEx was helped through, first, single branding system which helped them establish their unique competitive advantage. Second, single and expanded sales force which helped them expand their market reaching the small and medium-sized businesses. Third, a single invoice and single account number from FedEx. Forth, streamlined customer automation systems to handle electronic transaction. Fifth, lone customer service which can help the consumers for their inquiries. With the re-organizations that happened, I think that it will help the company build a name that stands for quality, reliable, and fast service. It will help FedEx be more competitive now that the competition is growing. The number marketing is word of mouth, if FedEx can establish their three competencies, then word of mouth will be easily spread throughout others. It can help increase their market share and income. FedEx has been considered a top performer and a leader in its field almost from its inception. It regularly is included in Fortunes 100 Best Companies To Work For (Levering Moskowitz, 1998), Americas Most Admired Companies (Boyle, 2002), and Fortune 500. Yet, what is most impressive about Fred Smiths leadership and vision for FedEx is even though the company invented the air express industry, it has not clung too tightly to that coattail. As new opportunities have arisen, Smith has not hesitated to position his company to take advantage of those opportunities. Examples include pushing for larger weight limits from Congress, expanding operations internationally, leading the way in information processing, tracking and Internet applications, making key acquisitions, and reconfiguring his business to fit a new systems model for supply chain management.