Marketing Plan Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marketing Plan - Research Paper Example Bearing in mind that there are other strategic competitors in this market such as Ring Central, MaxEmail has to adopt strategies that would give it a competitive advantage over its rivals. To accomplish this, Brumfitt, Barnes, Norris and Jones (2001) propose finding effective ways of addressing the competitive marketplace and supporting everyday operations. Customer targets According to Armstrong and Kotler (2003), only a fraction of the entire population in an area would buy the products from a firm. The task would therefore be to identify who these people are and then targeting the marketing efforts of the business towards them. This ensures that a business only deals with the target market that would be profitable. In the case of MaxEmail, the target market includes the 3 million users drawn from the government and business enterprises with whom it enters into contracts to provide communication. All marketing efforts would therefore be directed towards this target market. The limi ted marketing budget should be a reason for such a company to market to the 3 million users as it would be more efficient than generally marketing to the whole market. Customer segments In customer segmentation, an organization would identify different groups in the market based on their traits. There is more benefit in focusing marketing efforts on a group with similar characteristics, wants and needs that would be with a group comprising of undifferentiated people (Brumfitt et al., 2001). Customers could be segmented in various ways such as according to their demography, psychograph, geography and use. Focusing marketing efforts on a segment reduces expenses and increases revenue in an organization. There are a number of services and goods on offer at MaxEmail including fax machines and services such as fax on demand, fax broadcasting and spam checker (MaxEmail, 2012). It also provides internet services like photocopying. It would be necessary for the company to identify the vario us needs by the government, business enterprises and individuals then categorize its products in a similar fashion. This would see the firm serve each of these segments differently according to their needs and capabilities. Product position MaxEmail rides on the strength of its easy to use interface and voicemail services. The company has diversified its production to not only cover a range of fax machines but also various services that go hand in hand with this. This has been furthered by desirable customer service that gives it an edge over its rivals. Serving the government market gives it a competitive edge over its rival Ring Central which depends on individual buyers and businesses enterprises. Its lean stock makes management easy for the company. Nonetheless, the company’s products are perceived to be expensive as compared to what its rivals offer. Similarly, the products lack electronic signs which its rival Ring Central offers. The company thus faces threat from Ring Central especially now that its products are considered to be less expensive and largely diversified. Closely related to segmentation is product positioning. Product positioning entails the creation of a consistent, unique and recognized perception of customers on the general image of the organization and its products. The products or services provided by a company would be positioned based on the accompanying benefits, users, price, class, application and quality level (Armstrong &

Compare and contrast the two different Native American Groups before Term Paper

Compare and contrast the two different Native American Groups before white contact - Term Paper Example He was the first European to land here what later was called as the â€Å"Americas†. Later explorers also called the Native Americans â€Å"Indians† although they stayed nowhere near India. Experts say that around 20 to 50 million people were staying the Americas by 1492. Mayans and Aztecs lived in the area which is presently known as Mexico. In the north, (present Ohio), Hopewell civilization had already flourished before Columbus came. There were farmers, hunters, fishermen, traders, craftsmen all over the continent at that time. (Reynoldson, 2000, p. 4-6) The Native American Groups The Native American groups discussed here are the â€Å"Inuitâ€Å"and the â€Å"Nez Perce† groups. The Inuit Shelter, food and clothes The Inuit lived in the coldest terrain of the earth, i.e. the Arctic Circle. Their houses were made of driftwood or bones of whale. However, the Inuit who lived in the colder areas, built dome like snow houses during the winter months. They built these with huge blocks of snow and then cut out a doorway to enter in it. Around the snow walls, inside, a ledge of snow blocks was built which were covered by caribou furs to sit and sleep over those. All the insulations were done in such a manner that the temperature inside the house could be easily kept as high as 160C, particularly if cooking took place inside the house. A windowpane was made out of stretched intestines of seals to expel the stale air. The Inuit hunted seals almost round the year. During summer they could hunt from boats, when the seals would swim or were on ice. However, in winter, since the ice was easy to walk upon, hunting was easy. Seal hunting required sufficient skill and patience for hours. They used harpoon to kill the seals. Clothes were tailored by women to suit the harsh climate. (Reynoldson, 2000, p.12- 15) Social life By November, the water froze to ice in the Arctic, and it was a good time to travel with sledge pulled by dogs. Winter was the time to socialize. Inuits travelled to visit family and friends to spend time with them, sing and dance. Also, men who had hunted well and stored enough food for his family would take this time out for enjoyment. Those who didn’t have a fair hunting season would take their family to visit relatives to be fed. The sledges could be used till May. In autumn and spring they were used to hunt. Sledges were made out of various kind of materials as and when available like wood, bone or antler and even iron and mud. Twelve dogs could pull a sledge of half a ton weight through thirty two kilometers in about an hour. The dogs were very loyal and obedient to their masters. The owners kept their dogs around their homes throughout the year. They would also make skin boots for the dogs to prevent the entry of the salty water into their toes which if happened would be very painful once the water refroze. (Reynoldson, 2000, p.18-19) Marital life Men and women had their specific works to do. Women made clothes, processed the skin and flesh of animals hunted, cooked food, raise children and also took to fishing. Men were the food providers, hunters, made the tools and built houses. There was no marriage ceremony in their community. Any partner could come out of the relation anytime. However, if they had children they would try to be together. Spouse exchange was practiced among the Inuit.

Components of Effective Teamwork

Components of Effective Teamwork There are many components of effective teamwork such as communication, cohesiveness, commitment and collaboration among members to confronting problems directly, coordinating efforts, managing conflict and making decision via consensus, which requires some time compromisation (Heineman,1994). According to Zander,1994,team goal are desirable state of affair members intend to bring about through combined effort. A clear understanding of groups objective through well-articulated goals is the most common characteristic of successful team (Larson and LaFasto, 1996).The team member had never been together before the assignment given. The team established a common purpose that is decided to complete the given task with the allocated time. The team member was randomly selected and joined together, the members undergo the 5 stages Tuckman theory, accomplishing group assignment.In every team, there are team composition needed for a team to work well. According to Guzzo Dickson (1996), composi tion refer to the nature and attributes of team members.Whereas there are large and small groups or team within organization, the important point the composition of the groups or teams. According to Hackman, 1987 the effective team need members who have relevant expertise, interpersonal skills and moderate differences in their background. In a way, there is no point of including many people into a team or group if they do not have complementary relevant skills to contribute to teams goals. Other than that, in many group or team, what generally happen is that individual get appointed onto team where they feel they are wasting their time in the meeting rather than being a contributing member. Thus, it is imperative that a team has combination of the right mix of workforce, expertise right people skills. In discussion of the group assignment, there are different value embed in three main ethics in this group(Malays, Chinese and Indians) including non-assertive, good manners, cooperati on and harmony; trust and relationship building. These values will to some extent influence group norms and cohesiveness (Abdullah and Low, 2001). Apart from that, it is imperative that members understand their roles in their teams or groups. Roles are expected behavior pattern attributed to someone occupying a given position in a social unit (Robbin Judge, 2007).There are many roles that member that members can play within their team or group. According to Margerison and McCann (1990), there are nine roles commonly played by group. Robbin and Judge nine roles include Linker, Creator, Promoter, Assessor, Organizer, Producer, Controller, Maintainer and the Advisor. Each team role has particular strengths wan weakness which is essential for team member to identify themselves and more importantly they need to match the roles with their skills and preference for compensating each other weakness with their strength. Moreover, cohesiveness will bring about positive effect to satisfaction and communication. In teamwork context, it is important that all team members build cohesiveness through understanding and respects of each others roles and contribution trying to accomplish the group task and goals. People who are part of cohesiveness groups are more satisfied than are member of non-cohesive group(Hackman1992).Group cohesion also helps to reduce stress because members are supportive to each other .Effective team work have norms that support high quality performance and a level of group cohesiveness that provide social support to its members. Effective leaders are those who personal qualities enable them to articulate a vision for a given group. It is therefore important that the leader, by his [or her] behavior manifest a loyalty to the needs and aspiration of group members. These things must matter to him [or her] in ways that to view because such evidence of good faith sincere accessible serve to elicit greater acceptance of influence. ( Hollander,1964,pg231;). In addition, Hollander found that, In order the group to function as effectively as possible, the leader needs to be attuned to the need of followers, the perception and expectancies,(1995,pg75).In other words, when followers trust a leader, theyre willing to be subjected to the leader actions, for they are convinced that their rights and interest will not be neglected. Besides effective leadership, an affective membership is also important to achieve successful teamwork. Team membership performs its task then is better able to perform the next task assigned to it. The main reason in forming a team is to complete given task. Not only that, it is also helping maintain good social relations, promotes its members personal and professional development. Therefore, it is essential for member require the right type of people, good internal group process and understand team dynamic to work towards a common goal. This is the social relations, group maintenance, or viability aspect of teamwork (Sundstorm, 1990).For creating effective membership, there is necessary diversity of knowledge and skills. Management teams with members of different backgrounds are more innovative that homogenous team. (Guzzo and Dickson, 1996)

Young Goodman Brown Essay -- essays research papers

Young Goodman Brown" tells the tale of a young Puritan man drawn into a covenant with the Devil. Brown's illusions about the goodness of his society are crushed when he discovers that many of his fellow townspeople, including religious leaders and his wife, are attending a Black Mass. At the end of the story, it is not clear whether Brown's experience was nightmare or reality, but the results are nonetheless the same. Brown is unable to forgive the possibility of evil in his loved ones and as a result spends the rest of his life in desperate loneliness and gloom. Guilt vs. Innocence Hawthorne presents Young Goodman Brown's evening of diabolical revelry as the first and last fling with evil the inexperienced young man ever has. Early in the story, Brown says: "after this one nig...

The Droughtlander – Essay

Name: Abeir Wasim Teacher Name: Mr. Ferguson Course Code: ENG-2D1 Due Date: Friday, December 2nd, 2011 Carrie Mac’s novel The Droughtlanders, is about twin brothers Seth and Eli Maddox. They are Keylanders brought up within the privileged and protected Eastern Key. Keylanders, the boys are told, must keep within their walls to avoid the filth and disease spread by the Droughtlanders-those who struggle to survive on the parched land between the Keys. But when Eli is introduced to an underground rebel group, Triskelia lead by his own mother, his whole world falls apart.To find truth in all lies he has been told, he ventures out into the Droughtlands. Seth, on instinct, prepares to follow Eli and bring him back dead or alive, earning him glory and honour. Throughout the experiences in the Droughtlands, Eli and Seth Maddox change socially, mentally, and physically which leads to new self-recognition. Eli and Seth discover they both change socially through the course of their time in the Droughtlands. At first, Eli shows his disgust to the Droughlanders when he says to his own mother, â€Å"Aren`t you going to explain?Aren`t you going to report that you touched a Droughtlander? I saw you, Maman! You kissed her! † (10) After time in the Droughtlands Eli gets used to the people and realizes how bad they suffer because of them. He helps Nappo’s little brother Teal recover from the skin-eating sick and develops a close relationship with Zari. This proves how Eli’s attitude toward the Droughtlanders changes by the end of the novel. Eli portrays his anger at his mother just for touching a Droughtland woman. He does not even know why his mom is with one but demands a full explanation.When Eli is faced with leaving the Keys to find the rebel group Triskelia, he realizes how wrong his attitude was. Eli’s own lost sister, Sabine, is a Droughtlander. As he spends time in their land he discovers a new and more homely family. Before, Eli though t of them as objects worse than filth. Yet after new experiences his feelings for the Droughtlanders turn him against his own father, which pushes him to join the rebels. On the way to Triskelia Eli aids two Droughtland brothers dying of hunger and thirst. Eli helps them by providing water, which is very scarce, and allows them to accompany him on his journey to find Triskelia.Along with his rebellious behaviour, Eli finds himself talking to people that he never imagined, he even develops an interest in a Droughtland girl named Zari. Eli considered himself as a person open and kind to everyone. So because he changes socially with his experiences and meets the outsiders, it leads him to self-recognize himself as a person who is racist and does prejudges people. Seth having to confess his sins in front of Triskelia admits, â€Å"I bought my way onto the Droughtland regiment so that I could hunt down Eli myself. I raped six Droughtland women. I stole from many Droughtlanders, I donâ⠂¬â„¢t know how many.I resented the girl who saved my life. I thought she was beneath me. When I started to love her, I didn’t tell her and that was very, very wrong of me. †(314) Seth demonstrates how his social status was before he was out casted in the Droughtlands. He was able to buy his way in to the high military rank. Seth shows that he thought of himself as being better than everyone else. As a Keylander he was able to openly rape six Droughtland women. This passage also shows Seth’s relationship with his brother. He risks his own honour by buying his way into the military just to hunt Eli down by himself.As Seth admits his wrongs he starts to really recognize everything he did. Seth came to love Rosa, even though she was a Droughtlander. A month before he used Droughtlanders as target practice in training. This shows how the worth of them changed in his mind. Seth was someone to never regret what he did, especially what he did to a Droughtlander. His tim e in the Droughtlands changed his social feeling and how he expressed himself. Eli and Seth’s experiences in the Droughtlands changed the way they interacted with the Droughtlanders as well as the way they showed loyalty to their own land.You can only change the way you act or interact with other humans when you actually face them. Eli and Seth find this the hard way as they grew up learning that all Droughtlander were worthless. But, because of their want for the truth, that led them to change what they thought of their own people. Eli and Seth recognize that they themselves were wrong. It was because of their people the Droughtlands were even formed. Because of what they experienced in the Droughtlands, Eli and Seth change socially which leads them to self-recognize themselves as being completely different.Seth who thought himself to be courageous, heroic, and powerful learns when he is faced with reality outside the protection of his father and land, he is really scared an d has no real power. Seth and Eli change mentally due to their experiences in the Droughtlands. Riding in the wake of his regiment Seth â€Å"could not stop thinking about the girl and her baby. Were they lying dead on the dirt floor of the shabby hut? Had they died because of him? He hadn’t expected the Droughtland to be like this. He hadn’t expected that he’d care about them at all. What was happening to him? What was wrong with him?Was he even cut out for this at all? (167) Seth thinks back to what he was trained about, â€Å"These people were the enemy, or so he’d been taught. And his father was his hero. Right? And the Guard was the bastion of justice. But it just wasn’t that clear anymore. † (315) Before actually stepping into the Droughtlands, Seth has dreams of dominance and blood spill of Droughtlanders. After three days training in the Droughtlands, Seth realizes his mind is not giving in to what he is assigned to do. For him, bei ng a part of the Guards was honouring, now he considers it punishment from his father.Seth becomes confused as he battles with his mind trying to confirm to himself what he was taught by the Keylanders was right. It ends as a losing battle, the murder and cruelty he sees makes Seth question his once thought inevitable courage. This leads him to recognize the truth about his father and himself. He realizes what he knew about the Keys was all a lie and the truth was before him. Eli watches Seth cry in pain and confusion of what was going on, Eli forwardly says, â€Å"It’s all making sense now, isn’t it? And you didn’t believe me!Look at you, you stupid bull-headed†¦ Eli tried to remember Seth ever crying before, but he couldn’t. †(307-308) Eli again shows his new found confidence, â€Å"He’d worked hard to look like this. He wasn’t about to let Seth deflate him now. He steeled himself. Afraid I might beat you up now? †(329) Eli shows that he mentally changes with the comfort of new friends and newly found courage. Eli develops confidence that he never had before. At home, Seth could do anything he wished to Eli, hit him, or almost shoot him. Eli never had the mental strength to stand up for himself.He always thought of himself to be below Seth. With the challenges Eli faces in the Droughtlands he became confident of his ability to survive on his own. As Seth always saw Eli cry, now in reverse Eli was seeing Seth cry. Eli finds that Seth is nothing to be scared of; he develops strength in his mind to face him when he needs to. With the difficulties adjusting to the Droughtlands Seth and Eli find they change mentally. Eli becomes more confident in his abilities and does not allow Seth to further deflate him. Eli learns that only he can put himself below Seth.Seth changes mentally as he goes through states of confusion. He loses his own self-esteem because he realizes that Eli was right about their father . The time he spends as a Guard only confirms that he was in fact wrong to believe Keylanders were good. Due to the mental change Eli and Seth go through they find parts of themselves they never knew existed. Eli thought of himself as being small, powerless and without courage to face anything. But he proves himself wrong as he changes mentally which leads to the new self-discovery of him actually having bravery, intelligence and realization of the truth.Seth also has a moment of self- recognition; his mental change causes him to realize himself to be caring, considerate and conscious of unjustness to those around him. Before, with the structured set up of the Keylands, Seth thought good of his arrogance and believed it didn’t matter how others were treated. Eli and Seth change physically from the harsh environment of the Droughtlands. As the twin brothers get dressed for the final circus performance Seth stares at Eli’s image and says, â€Å"Where did you get those m uscles? † Eli reply’s â€Å"It’s all the circus stuff, probably. Go for it, Seth. Hit me with your scathing wit. Seth blankly reply’s, â€Å"No. I’m not†¦you don’t have to†¦it’s just that I have to admit, is you had bet me, before everything, that you’d ever be stronger than me, I would’ve bet everything I had that that would never happen. Now look at me. I’ve been scrawny ever since the sick. † (329) This shows how much the two characters change from the beginning of the book. Eli was always considered small no matter how much he resembled Seth who was muscular. With their time in the Droughtlands, Eli became strong as he trains for the circus. He unlocks his full potential without Seth agitating him constantly.Seth converts to become weak, non-muscular and scarred on his body because of the sick he faces. Eli, with his new physical body almost feels superior to Seth now because he knows that he is now stronger. Seth, on the other hand, accepts that he would lose to Eli in a fight. No matter how much Seth regrets this, he knows he cannot change the way he is now. Eli notices his change in appearance, â€Å"As far as looks went, his skin was tanned despite his efforts to stay out of the sun, the filth that went along with his daily life in the Droughtlands. His hair was still shorter than most Droughtlanders. † (127) While Rosa admires her skills in ealing Seth as a lifeminder she notices â€Å"Seth had been very muscular, never mind heavy, the day the Guard had left him behind. He’d since wasted away from the sick, and the wounds had ravaged his skin. He looked more like a Droughtlander now, or almost. His hair was still too short. † (207) As Eli finally meets up with Seth he has â€Å"another look†¦ He hardly looked like himself, the greasy hair, the scars, and the pale blue pallor of shock. †(302) The twins both notice how their physical a ppearance changes from their life in the Keys to the Droughtlands. Eli finds he can easily pass for a Droughtlander.With the limited access to water, filth stains him like a bad sun tan. Seth’s entire body changes as the sickness of the Droughtlands embodies him and leaves his skin bathed in scars. The once dashing and attractive Seth melts away like a body that decays. Besides the scars, Seth’s hair is drenched in grease and face still in shock of how he changed. Without the water that their own land stole they realize how unlucky the Droughtlanders were, and it was their fault. Without the luxuries of just bare necessities, Eli and Seth find the difference between themselves and the Droughtlanders is defined by one month of time.The twins both physically change in ways that they never could have bet on. Eli finds he changes for the better as he became physically stronger. Seth finds his arrogance is not of any help when he deals with hardship. He physically becomes w eaker than Eli, but learns to accept it. It is because of the challenges they faced in the Droughtlands that Eli and Seth changed physically. This also led them to self-recognize there true abilities and resistance. Eli thought he was physically weak but realized after working hard he had the ability to become strong and also realized his own appearance to be attracting.Seth discovers he is not as strong, muscular, and good looking as he thought he was. With the disease that he endures he finds he has the physical ability to barely survive. He recognizes his self-esteem has shrunk greatly due to his physical change. The Droughtlander novel shows how two ordinary kids can change so much from experience. Eli and Seth Maddox are proof of exactly that. They changed socially, mentally and physically as their journey in the Droughtlands continue. This leads them to recognize themselves to what they really are as either being stronger or weaker than the expected.The Keylanders and Droughtl anders are demonstrative examples of how countries like America and Afghanistan are in terms of power and order. Americans have power over countries like Afghanistan. They are very similar to the Keylanders as they have more access and provision of good health care, clean water and better education. While Afghanistan is more like the Droughtlanders who are lacking in those basic needs. It is clear that Carrie Mac meant to send a message of how these two societies resemble countries on our world today. How do two places both on Earth manage to bring such a gap of difference?

America’s War in Iraq Essay

War, as it is defined to be is a conflict amid two or more nations, which results in organized violence between each of their military units in order to gain national sovereignty. It is a â€Å"universal phenomena,† whose intensity is defined by those who wage it. War has been seen to exist in the world since prehistoric times, where first it was only small scale raiding, today it is pronounced as an exhibition of military power, whose magnitude is on a constant surplus as the technology grows and is lead by a more modernized warfare. However, I would define war as unimaginable suffering of innocent people who are forced to become its victims, with no fault lying at their own sides. It is the not the politicians and policy makers who have to suffer its magnitude and the phase of its aftermath but rather it’s the soldier, the children, the elderly, the woman who pay off their decisions through the sacrifice of their homes, their families and their lives. The results that it webs to achieve are never obtained, whereas it only brings torture, corrosion of souls of the soldiers, fear to the citizens, destruction of the environment, uncontrollable expense, while it takes the war struck country decades back from its present growth and development. What our leaders forget to explain is that how they would be able establish peace and prosperity upon a graveyard of innocent martyrs and the blood of innocents. Iraq similarly is another such story of violence, sacrifice and blood brutally shed. It was a continuation of the revenge of America after the airplane crashes in New York, marking the 9/11. The actions of someone else’s were paid off by the innocents, who after Afghanistan were targeted as the next victims, the first bombardment starting from Baghdad, on March 20, 2003; and continues till now. A report published by the Washington Post in 2006, estimates that according to the death counts made by American and Iraqi epidemiologists, over 650,000 citizens have died in Iraq in the 3 years period of time. This according to the count defined by George W. Bush in 2005 is about 9 times more, and 10 times more than the count of the British research group. And as to why this war was waged, many reasons could be linked to it. More importantly it was America’s war against terrorism and its search for Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). The US army is believed to have made over 300 inspections by now, but has unfortunately not been able to find any such weapons, and even if there was any existence of such weapons then the army would have used them against the army when they firs attacked, however it was a rather peaceful conquer of the entire country which was claimed by the politicians to be a major threat to their country and the war just a mere act of self defense. As a Canadian site in an article on â€Å"An introduction to the Iraq War† reports Hans Blix, the UN Chief Weapons Inspector to have said that â€Å"It is sort of fascinating that you can have 100 percent certainty about weapons of mass destruction and zero certainty of about where they are. †(Green, 2008) And even if the war was about the WMD then why is it still lingering when no proof of the weapons has been found? However if America claims that the war was initially waged in order to eliminate Iraq from its tyrannical ruler Saddam Hussain, who was captured more than 5 years ago, then why is the war still continuing. And even if it was to eliminate the dictatorship from the country, to remove unjust rulers then why is it that civilian areas are the targets of American bombardment, that innocent children are being killed, and the Us army is rather planting American flags in the Iraqi soils. What sort of liberation does their presidency talk about? Book Review An answer to all these queries is found in the book â€Å"Blind into Baghdad: America’s war in Iraq† written by James Fallow. Print and radio journalist, working for the Atlantic Monthly since years, James Fallow is also the author of seven more books. His more pronounced works revolve around military and its policies, making assumptions and then predicting the future of action, if they are to be taken up by the government. Similarly is this book Fallow had previously made predictions of the outcome of the war if it was brought up by America and what were the flaws and where the government lacked behind in this war. It is a compilation of basically five articles which he wrote for his magazine the Atlantic Monthly, which he later assembled in the form of a collected book which even won the National Magazine Award in 2005. Elaborated with an introduction and a foreword, the 5 articles which it contains are: The fifty-first state, blind into Baghdad, Bush’s lost year, Why Iraq has no army, and Will Iran be next? Fallow calls the entire Iraq war a big failure for the US, blaming it onto the policy implementers that is the few leaders handling the orders rather than the administration itself which handled the situation. He states in his book that, â€Å"The U. S. occupation of Iraq is a debacle not because the government did no planning but because a vast amount of expert planning was willfully ignored by the people in charge. The inside story of a historic failure. † (Fallow, 2006) The book clearly identifies the fact that immediately after the attacks of 9/11, (the very next day), plans were being towards attacking Iraq and abducting Saddam Hussain from his throne, and a year before the war the future of the country was decided with positions and posts within the â€Å"to be occupied country† already given out. However, hat is not known to the media is that the day of the starting and ending of the war were prefixed then already, plus seventeen working groups were formulated who were to take matters such as Oil and Energy, Legal Framework, infrastructure rebuilding of the country in hand with $5 million at their disposal. However, why it all remained to be secretive was because of the ongoing Afghanistan war which kept both the media and the people enough occupied to notice this planning. The war was estimated to cost around $50 to 60 billion which the military refused to later agree to, while a 135 item checklist of postwar duties was circulated among the army under the title â€Å"Mission Matrix. † James also raises the question as o why the government wasn’t able to plan into the future of the occupation, when no WMD were found, hadn’t the regime of Bush thought of what negative effects such an unplanned and reasonless terrorism would have upon the country’s international image and the party’s political position. He further points out the president’s attraction towards the action of bigger actions responsible for â€Å"American prestige, fortune, and lives,† which constantly ignored all the warnings predicted by the officials, how Donald Rumsfeld and Wolfowitz continued to ignore all these warning reports and put everything up on stake with the preceding of the war. The â€Å"Bush’s Lost Year,† talks about the postwar position of the US in Iraq, of how it further declined its status in Afghanistan and its stance over the â€Å"war on terror. † â€Å"Why Iraq has no army,† refutes the very reason of US’s invasion into Iraq which was to get held of the WMD, no matter the army wasn’t able to recover the imagined weapons but also failed its estimation to such a high level that Iraq was so defensively weak that it didn’t even hold an independent army of its own. While lastly in â€Å"Will Iran be next? † he highlights further predictions of Iran being the next potential target. He explains it through the analysis of experts and various interviews taken from soldiers, spies, and diplomats who further explain the effects of an Iranian war and reasons towards it. James Fallow, like many other elite journalists through his writing explicitly shows his opposition towards the Iraq war and openly describes it as US’s stance towards terrorism, â€Å"If [the United States] did not have to attack, then it should not go ahead, not simply because of the complications within Iraq itself but because the way a war would inevitably suck time, money, and attention from every other aspect of a ‘war on terrorism’. † On the other hand, no matter James’s writings show are an insight towards the situation of the US leaders and their incompetence towards the wars proceedings and planning, many journalists such as Michael Gordon and General Bernard E. Trainor, blame him for being less skeptic towards his work. It is believed that no matter he kept a strong view against the war he did not prove his point through facts and true research but merely based them upon anecdotes and assumptions, which made him a big candidate of the blame game. Conclusion War in Iraq as believed by many intellects could have been easily avoided, through the accepting the surrender of Saddam Hussain, sending search teams for armaments of Mass Destruction, international supervision of elections and even if a matter of oil, by signing a treaty with Iraq, not a drop of blood could have been lost, and even the objectives could have been attained. Thus war is not the only solution to political and economical issues, as at present the consequences can be seen of the war where today political parties are running for election the blame of Iraqi war holds grave consequences for the initial policy makers who so ever are responsible would not to be forgiven by the public in the end. References Fallows, J. (2006). Blind into Baghdad. America’s War in Iraq. New York: Vintage Books.Brown, D. October 11, 2006. Study Claims Iraq’s ‘Excess’ Death Toll Has Reached 655,000. Washington Post. Retrieved on November 2, 2008, from http://www. washingtonpost. com/wpdyn/content/article/2006/10/10/AR2006101001442. html Green, R. Introduction to the Iraq War Essays. Canadian Mind Products. Retrieved on November 2, 2008 from http://mindprod. com/politics/iraqintroduction. html .

What does Hou Hsiao

What does Hou Hsiao One of the foremost features of realist editing in cinema is directors’ utilization of particularly long takes, which are meant to ensure the spatio-temporal unity of the explored themes and motifs.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on What does Hou Hsiao-Hsien achieve through the use of the long takes in the film? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Apparently, by choosing in favor of long takes, as the integral element of realist movies’ spatio-temporal structure, directors are able to achieve a number of aesthetic objectives, such as ensuring the plausibility of movies’ semantic content, providing viewers with the in-depth insight into the workings of characters’ psyche, and allowing viewers to gain a better understanding of the explored themes and motifs’ significance. Moreover, according to Bazin, viewers’ exposure to the realistically edited movies, which feature an abundance o f long takes, helps them to address their innermost psychological anxieties, concerned with viewers’ strive to preserve the spatial three-dimensionality of existence.1 As it was noted by Nitzan, ‘The long deep-focused take, enhancing †¦ three-dimensionality of objects shot in close-up†¦ satisfies spectators’ craving for the mummification of being while positioning them in such a way that they could aesthetically experience the flowing passage of objective time’2 In this paper, I will aim to explore the validity of an earlier suggestion at length, while analyzing what appears to be the significance of utilization of long takes in Hou’s 2001 film Millennium mambo. The foremost aspect of how Hou went about providing the in-depth portrayal of film’s characters is the fact that, in Millennium mambo he refrained from emphasizing these characters’ singled-out psychological traits, while allowing viewers the liberty of interpreting t hem on their own, within the context of how the characters are being shown in the process of tackling life’s challenges. In its turn, this endows Millennium mambo with the spirit of intellectual honesty. After all, unlike what it is being the case with formalist/expressionist directors, in this particular movie Hou had made a point in treating audience’s members as such that are being fully capable of defining the semiotic significance of film’s themes and motifs, without a director needing to actively ‘assist’ them, in this respect. In its turn, this leaves very little doubt as to the fact that the specifics of Hou film’s editing are indeed being consistent with Bazin’s idea as to what accounts for the extent of a particular cinematographic work’s spatio-temporal unity, which according to this French movie-critic is being reflective of the extent of director’s willingness to treat viewers as ‘existential sovereigns ’, fully capable of relying on their own sense of rationale, when it comes to defining the essentials of film’s aesthetic/semiotic appeal.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This, of course, reveals Hou as a devotee of realist editing, concerned with the absence of ‘expressionist tricks’, such as back-in-time flashbacks, the presence of abstractionist close-ups, and the deliberately undermined integrity of film’s temporal spatiality. As Totaro pointed it out, ‘Expressive editing invents meaning through juxtaposition of the images†¦This is trickery; it removes the freedom on the part of the spectator†¦ If the scene has only one simple meaning why insult the audiences intelligence with needless and obvious close-ups? Contrarily, if the scene is complex why presuppose only one meaning?’3 Nevertheless, even though there are no traces of expressionist editing in Millennium mambo, in this film Huo did succeed with revealing the whole scope of characters’ psychological traits – mainly, by the mean of ensuring the spatio-temporal soundness of characters’ ‘in-action’ representation. For example, the beginning of the movie features a rather prolonged take of Vicky walking down the sidewalk (00.02.06 – 00.04.37). Yet, despite the fact that this take is not being formally concerned with director’s intention to provide viewers with the better understanding of Vicky, as a character, by being exposed to the earlier mentioned scene spectators do in fact gain a certain insight into Vicky’s psychological constitution. The reason for this is simple – the manner in which Vicky walks (with the cigarette in her hand) implies her being a rather spontaneous person, who take life as it comes, while trying to enjoy it to the best of her ability. The watching of movie’s consequential parts does confirm the soundness of the initial insight into the essence of Vicky’s existential mode, provided by this particular scene. After all, throughout movie’s entirety, Vicky never ceases to position herself as an easy-going individual, who is being quick enough to forgive her boyfriend’s (Hao-Hao) verbal and physical abuses. As it was mentioned earlier, the realist editing, closely associated with directors’ willingness to utilize long takes, often results in endowing realistic movies with the spirit of perceptional authenticity/genuineness. The reason for this is apparent – by representing characters’ act in a spatially prolonged manner, directors encourage viewers to draw parallels between the ‘cinematographic reality’ on the screen and the reality of their every-day living.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on What does Hou Hsiao-Hsien achieve through the use of th e long takes in the film? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Given the fact that the reality of people’s every-day living often appears rather unsightly, in aesthetical sense of this word, it does not come as a particular surprise that many of realistically edited movies’ long takes represent reality ‘as it is’, even if such reality’s cinematographic representation appears to be detached from movie’s main idea. The scene, in which Vicky and her friends socialize in the bar (00.04.49-00.10.07), illustrates the legitimacy of an earlier suggestion. After all, the main feature of this scene is that the conversations, which take place between the partying individuals, do overlap to the point of being unintelligible to the viewers. This, however, does not lessen scene’s cinematographic appeal because, by being exposed to this particular take, viewers do get the genuine sensation of how they would feel, had they found themselves among the partying young people. Just as it is being the case in Orson Welles’s film Citizen Kane, which contains a number of spatially prolonged scenes, in which characters’ conversations can hardly be heard, due to the loudly played music in the background, the ‘bar scene’ in Millennium mambo cannot be referred to as being particularly appealing, if assessed through the lenses of classical editing-methodology. As Martin suggested, ‘Hou films his dinner-table or restaurant scenes (and bar scenes, we may add) with a kind of maximum suppression of expository, explanatory information, and by the same token a maximum openness to all the instant possibilities of interrelation, of reshuffling of intersubjective identities’.4 Yet, when analyzed within the context of what represents this film’s overall semiotic significance, the spatially prolonged take of Vicky and her friends being shown in the bar appears indispen sible, as it does provide audiences with a comprehensible insight into characters’ positioning in life. Moreover, viewers’ exposure to this particular take does convince them (on unconscious level) that, unlike what it is being often the case with expressionist directors, the ideologically-charged manipulation with the specifics of their psyche’s functioning never accounted for Hou’s subtle agenda.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In the earlier mentioned take, director had left it for the audience’s members to define their own attitude to what they get to see on the screen – those who are being no strangers to socializing in the bar will be most likely to find the spirit, emanated by this take, appealing. Alternatively, moralistically minded viewers will be most likely to find the ‘bar scene’ as an implicit proof of characters’ moral depravity. However, the earlier outlined different categories of viewers will still find the ‘bar scene’ representationally honest. Apparently, Hou never ceased being aware of the foremost principle of realist editing, which presupposes the full appropriateness of cinematographic representation of reality proper. As it was noted by Wilson, ‘There is no reason why film presentation should not reflect certain aspects of the normal perceptual position. This alternative style would respect the complexity of the purely spatio-tempo ral integration of a field of action while being willing to leave, e.g., the psychological and causal integration of the action less articulated’.5 In Millennium mambo, the ‘actual reality’ appears to be the focal point of director’s attention – in full accordance with Wilson’s suggestion. The soundness of this suggestion can also be illustrated in regards to the film’s scene in which Vicky comes homes, undresses, spends some time in the shower, lights up a cigarette and ends up being annoyed by Hao-Hao’s trying to have sex with her (00.10.54-00.16.25). The whole earlier mentioned plot’s developments take place in a clearly consequential manner, with no montage cutting being applied, whatsoever. Moreover, while shooting this particular take, Hou had made a point in applying the ‘perceptually deep’ shooting-technique, made possible by director’s choosing in favor of using the camera with deep-focus lens es. In its turn, this allowed Hou to provide a clearly defined aura of three-dimensionality to the scene – even though that for duration of this scene, Hao-Hao mostly remains in Vicky’s background (in another room), viewers get to perceive him in a manner as if they happened to be physically present in Vicky’s apartment. This, of course, does add to the extent of take’s authenticity rather immensely. The same can be said about this scene’s sheer duration (6 minutes), which emphasizes the spatial particulars of a continually deteriorating relationship between Vicky and Hao-Hao. After all, as it appears from Millennium mambo, there were no many objective reasons for both characters to decide in favor of breaking up with each other for good (this is why the off-screen narrator tells that it has never taken too long for Vicky and Hao-Hao to reconcile, after having had a particular break-up). Yet, it also appears that the idea of breaking up with each o ther never ceased affecting both characters’ existential modes. The reason for this is simple – just as it is being shown in the earlier mentioned take, both: Vicky and Hao-Hao continued to co-exist in the state of an extreme psychological tension. And, it was namely by exposing viewers to the long take of Vicky and Hao-Hao dealing with their mutual annoyance of each other that the director was able to provide watching audiences with the clue as to where this tension had originated out of, in the first place. There can be little doubt as to the fact that, had Hou resorted to the classical or the expressionist editing-methodology, while striving to reveal the hidden roots of psychological incompatibility between Vicky and Hao-Hao, he would not be able to achieve the same effect. The reason for this is quite apparent – it is only when the essence of a relationship between both characters is being revealed to the viewers in a spatially plausible manner, that they c an grasp what amounted to the objective preconditions for this relationship to begin deteriorating. A good illustration to the legitimacy of an earlier statement can also serve the long-take scene in which Hao-Hao begins to grub in Vicky’s wallet and finds a long-distance calling bill, which in turn causes him to suspect her of having some affair on a side (00.33.15-00.37.38). Even though that, throughout this scene’s entirety, Hao-Hao continues to act as nothing short of a mentally deranged individual, viewers do not find Hao-Hao’s act as being utterly implausible, simply because scene’s spatio-temporal unity does help to accurately portray the subtleties of a process of an individual becoming gradually filled with the irrational anger. The foremost aspect of this process can be defined within what represents the conceptual framework of cause-effect dialectics, when one thing leads to another. After having found a long-distance calling bill in Vicky†™s wallet, Hao-Hao begins to grow ever more suspectful of his girlfriend – yet, there is a whole spectrum of emotions to this process. As it can be seen in this particular scene, Hao-Hao does try to prevent his irrational anger from taking over his rational being. However, at the scene’s conclusion, he fails at that rather miserably, while becoming enraged to the point of being ready to hit Vicky with his fist. The conversation that takes place between the two characters, heard in the scene, is helping to facilitate the extent of scene’s authenticity even further, ‘Hao-Hao: Who were you calling? Vicky: I told you, I called home! Hao-Hao: Who did you call? Vicky: I said, I called home†¦ Hao-Hao: You’d better not be lying†¦Vicky: Crazy! Why would I lie to you? Hao-Hao: I’ll fucking beat you, you know’ (00.35.48). It is needless to mention, of course, that Hou’s utilization of a continuous take (in this scene) was diale ctically predetermined, as it was the main contributing factor to ensuring scene’s spatio-temporal unity – hence, the heightened measure of this scene’s overall semiotic credibility. Nevertheless, it would be quite inappropriate to refer to Hou’s tendency to take advantage of long takes in Millennium mambo as such that is being solely concerned with director’s strive to emphasize the spatial realness of the explored themes and motifs. It appears that, by having an abundance of long takes in this particular movie, Hou also aimed to highlight the metaphysical significance of a theme of existential alienation, which is being integrally interwoven into plot’s very unraveling. There is a memorable scene in the movie, formatted as a single take, when Vicky is being shown sitting in front of the window, with viewers being exposed to the sight of passing trains outside (01.33.36 – 01.35.30). While referring to the significance of this particu lar scene, Hasumi states, ’All that is visible is a constant stream of trains passing back and forth outside the window by which she (Vicky) stands. Nothing tells her where he has gone. All she can grasp for in this foreign city is the absent shadow of his (Jack’s) treasured presence, but it has vanished into the distance’.6 It is understood, of course, that just as it is being the case with the earlier discussed movie’s scenes that feature a clearly defined spatio-temporal integrity, this particular one does help viewers to gain a better insight into Vicky’s state of mind. This, however, is not only the scene’s purpose. Apparently, while focusing camera on hotel’s window, so that viewers would get to see passing-by trains, Hou wanted to emphasize that the very passage of time results in ‘objectualization’ of people’s subjective desires and anxieties. Hence, tragic undertones to this particular scene – the p assage of time remains irrespective of how people position themselves within the reality’s spatial framework. Therefore, it will only be logical to assume that there is also a symbolical quality to how Hou went about incorporating long takes in Millennium mambo. The validity of this suggestion can be illustrated in regards to the movie’s final scene, which features a prolonged take of Yubari’s snowy street (01.38.36 – 01.39.42). Even though that there is no cinematographic action can be seen in this particular scene, it does convey the idea that the very subtleties of time’s passing naturally predispose people to continually revise their emotionally-charged attitudes towards the surrounding reality. In its turn, this idea correlates with the spirit of spontaneity, emanated by Hou’s film. The fact that Hou’s movie Millennium mambo appears to be extremely realistic may very well have to do with the particulars of director’s ethno -cultural affiliation. After all, Confucian (Apollonian) tradition does encourage its affiliates to reflect upon reality’s ‘vanishing’ emanations, as opposed to be contemplating upon how these emanations reveal the essence of some fixed ‘metaphysical’ reality, as it is being the case with Christian (Faustian) tradition, for example. Nevertheless, it would be much more appropriate to discus Hou’s cinematographic realism as such that is being reflective of his endowment of intellectual honesty and of his innate dislike of artificially sophisticate pretentiousness (the foremost feature of avant-gardist/formalist movies). In Millennium mambo, Hou positioned himself as an individual who firmly believes that, regardless of what accounts for the ethical undertones of objective reality’s manifestations, these manifestations represent the aesthetic value of ‘thing in itself’. Such Hou’s cinematographic positioning, of course, is being fully consistent with Bazin’s belief that the actual purpose of a cinematographic art is to help people to realize the full extent of reality’s aesthetic beauty ‘as it is’, without depriving this reality of its spatio-temporal unity, ‘A film form†¦ permits everything to be said without chopping the world up into little fragments that would reveal the hidden meanings in people and things†¦ without disturbing the unity natural to them’.7 Thus, it would only be logical, on my part, to conclude this paper by reinstating once again that it is namely the fact that in Millennium mambo, Hou succeeded rather marvelously in ensuring a spatial integrity of the explored themes and motifs, which accounts for this movie’s foremost aesthetic value. I believe that this conclusion is being fully consistent with paper’s initial thesis. Moreover, I believe that is namely the realist methodology of film editing, which will be inc reasingly resorted to by movie-directors in the future. The fact that, as of today, the genre of ‘auteur film’ (associated with directors’ utilization of the expressionist editing-methodology) continues to fall out of favor with the majority of moviegoers, leaves very little doubt as to the full validity of this suggestion. Reference List Adrian, M, ‘What’s happening? Story, scene and sound in Hou Hsiao-Hsien’,  Inter-Asia Cultural Studies, vol. 9, no. 2, 2008, pp. 258-270. Bazin, A, ‘The evolution of the language of cinema’, in What is cinema?, University of California Press, Berkley,1967, pp. 23-40. Hasumi, S, ‘The eloquence of the taciturn: An essay on Hou Hsiao-Hsien’, Inter   Asia Cultural Studies, vol. 9, no. 2, 2008, pp. 184-194.  Millenium mambo, [film], Palm Pictures, New York/Taipei, 2001. Nitzan, B, Film: The key concepts, Berg Publishers, Oxford GBR, 2007. Totaro, D, ‘Andrà © Bazin: Part 1, Fi lm style theory in its historical context’, Off  Screen, 2003, retrieved https://offscreen.com/view/bazin4 Wilson, G, ‘Film, perception, and point of view’, MLN, vol. 91, no. 5, 1976, pp. 1026-1043. Footnotes 1 A Bazin ‘The evolution of the language of cinema’, in What is cinema?, University of California Press, Berkley,1968, p. 36. 2 B Nitzan, Film: The key concepts, Berg Publishers, Oxford GBR, 2007, p. 13. 3 D Totaro, ‘Andrà © Bazin: Part 1, Film style theory in its historical context’, Off Screen, 2003. 4 M Adrian, ‘What’s happening? Story, scene and sound in Hou Hsiao-Hsien’, Inter-Asia Cultural Studies, vol. 9, no. 2, 2008, p. 263. 5 G Wilson, ‘Film, perception, and point of view’, MLN, vol. 91, no. 5, 1976, p. 1031. 6S, Hasumi, ‘The eloquence of the taciturn: An essay on Hou Hsiao-Hsien’, Inter-Asia Cultural Studies, vol. 9, no. 2, 2008, p. 192. 7 Bazin, p. 38.

Parenting Disabled Infants essays

Parenting Disabled Infants essays Raising a disabled child is a difficult task, and it is accompanied by many trials and tribulations for the individuals parenting the child. Reproductive technology now allows humans to see the future that lies a head for their fetus. Abnormalities can be detected by different types of prenatal diagnostic testing (PDT) methods including such tests as amniocentesis and chronic villus sampling (Lawson, 2001). The majority of women who do discover that their fetus carries an abnormality after undergoing PDT decide to abort (Lawson, 74). The lack of desire to continue the growth of a disabled fetus by the participants of Lawsons study will be explained by examining the personal goals that individuals have surrounding parenting and the affects of the type of disability. Lawson argues that the underlying motives behind prenatal testing are often that disability can reduce quality of life to an extent that non-existence is preferable to living with a disability, and or that the burdens of parenting a disabled child outweigh the joys (Lawson, 2001, p. 74). A recent study reports that mothers of disabled children were shown to report significantly more physical health complaints, and higher levels of depression, stress, anxiety, and emotional distress than mothers of non-disabled children (Pelchat, Richard, Bouchard, Perreault, Saucier, Berthiaume, et al. 1999, p. 378). This directly explains the reduced quality of life that the participants in Lawsons study describe. Lawson states that many theories which deal with raising disabled children contain a cost benefit analysis factor (Lawson, 2001, p. 74). Individuals weigh the advantages and disadvantages of having children in order to make a reproductive decision (Lawson, 2001). When evaluating the cost benefit analysis of raising a disabled child it was found that rewarding aspects of raising a disabled child ...

Email Etiquette

Email Etiquette Email Etiquette Email Etiquette By Ali Hale If you work in an office, you probably write emails every day – to colleagues, to your boss, to clients. Even if you’re still at college, you’ll need to email your lecturers once in a while (maybe to plead for an essay extension, or to ask for help) – and many employers now expect resumes and cover letters to be sent by email. So, being able to write a professional, business-like email is a crucial skill. Daily Writing Tips has already covered the email subject line, but the body of your message also matters. 1. Start with a salutation Your email should open by addressing the person you’re writing to. Sure, you can get away with leaving out the salutation when you’re dashing off an email to your friend, but business-like messages should begin with: Dear Mr Jones, or Dear Professor Smith, (for someone you don’t know well, especially if they’re a superior) Dear Joe, or Dear Mandy, (if you have a working relationship with the person) It’s fine to use â€Å"Hi Joe†, â€Å"Hello Joe† or just the name followed by a comma (â€Å"Joe,†) if you know the person well – writing â€Å"Dear Joe† to one of your team-mates will look odd! 2. Write in short paragraphs Get straight to the point – don’t waste time waffling. Split your email into two to four short paragraphs, each one dealing with a single idea. Consider using bullet-points for extra clarity, perhaps if you are: Listing several questions for the recipient to answer Suggesting a number of alternative options Explaining the steps that you’ll be carrying out Put a double line break, rather than an indent (tab), between paragraphs. 3. Stick to one topic If you need to write to someone about several different issues (for example, if you’re giving your boss an update on Project X, asking him for a review meeting to discuss a payrise, and telling him that you’ve got a doctor’s appointment on Friday), then don’t put them all in the same email. It’s hard for people to keep track of different email threads and conversations if topics are jumbled up. 4. Use capitals appropriately Emails should follow the same rules of punctuation as other writing. Capitals are often misused. In particular, you should: Never write a whole sentence (or worse, a whole email) in capitals Always capitalise â€Å"I† and the first letter of proper nouns (names) Capitalise acronymns (USA, BBC, RSPCA) Always start sentences with a capital letter. This makes your email easier to read: try retyping one of the emails you’ve received in ALL CAPS or all lower case, and see how much harder it is to follow! 5. Sign off the email For short internal company emails, you can get away with just putting a double space after your last paragraph then typing your name. If you’re writing a more formal email, though, it’s essential to close it appropriately. Use Yours sincerely, (when you know the name of your addressee) and Yours faithfully, (when you’ve addressed it to â€Å"Dear Sir/Madam†) for very formal emails such as job applications. Use Best regards, or Kind regards, in most other situations. Even when writing to people you know well, it’s polite to sign off with something such as â€Å"All the best,† â€Å"Take care,† or â€Å"Have a nice day,† before typing your name. 6. Use a sensible email signature Hopefully this is common sense – but don’t cram your email signature with quotes from your favourite TV show, motivational speaker or witty friend. Do include your name, email address, telephone number and postal address (where appropriate) – obviously, your company may have some guidelines on these. It makes it easy for your correspondents to find your contact details: they don’t need to root through for the first message you sent them, but can just look in the footer of any of your emails. Putting it all together Compare the following two job applications. The content of the emails are identical – but who would you give the job to? i’ve attached my resume i would be grateful if you could read it and get back to me at your earliest convenience. i have all the experience you are looking for – i’ve worked in a customer-facing environment for three years, i am competent with ms office and i enjoy working as part of a team. thanks for your time Or Dear Sir/Madam, I’ve attached my resume. I would be grateful if you could read it and get back to me at your earliest convenience. I have all the experience you are looking for: I’ve worked in a customer-facing environment for three years I am competent with MS office I enjoy working as part of a team Thanks for your time. Yours faithfully, Joe Bloggs Have you ever received a really badly written email? Or have you ever been told you need to brush up your own email writing? Share your email etiquette horror stories – and any of your tips – in the comments! 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 Business Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Idioms About Legs, Feet, and ToesThat vs. WhichDrama vs. Melodrama

The ancient Egyptian culture Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The ancient Egyptian culture - Research Paper Example The two deserts bordering Egypt on both sides is seemingly a drawback in the lush land near the river banks but the two land types were ideal to nurture one of the oldest civilizations in history. The Egyptians regarded the two land types as two different regions. The first type, the Kemet or â€Å"black land† (6), is where the ancient Egyptians grow crops. The land is literally black as a result of the flooding of the Nile leaving silt deposits on the soil. Favorable amounts of silt in soil improve water retention and aeration which are the best conditions for growing crops. The second type is the â€Å"red land† or the Desheret (6) which is the vast stretch of desert on both sides of the Kemet. Unlike the â€Å"black land†, the sand and heat of the Desheret was not beneficial for crops. The â€Å"red land† instead yielded precious stones, copper, gold and other minerals that are made into jewelry and tools. The desert was also the hunting grounds for the ancient Egyptians, rabbits, gazelles and antelopes were the usual prey of the hunters. The Nile River with its fertile soils and desert lands rich in minerals and precious stones provided the ideal environment and adequate resources for a society to thrive. The earliest Egyptian settlers were nomadic hunters who decided to live permanently on the banks of the Nile. The beginning of the Nile River civilization started between 3300 B.C. and 332 B.C. (5) prior to the establishment of a recognized government system. Evidences of the existence of the early occupants were unearthed in tombs. Polished semi-precious stones crafted into jewelry, pottery, clay sculptures and copper ornaments were obtained from the excavations and found to date back to the Pre-dynastic era of the Egyptian civilization. Prior to the beginning of Dynastic Egypt, Nile-dwellers are classified into two cultures with separate government systems. The Upper Egypt situated in the south of the Delta occupying the strip of land between the deserts. The Badarian and Naqadan culture flourished in Upper Egypt cultivating the land and crafting pottery (Hayes 14) that later became important archaeological artifacts. The state head in Upper Egypt dons the white hedget and believed to be the personification of their god. Lower Egypt’s culture was also influenced by Upper Egypt the government form however, is more bureaucratic and ruled by families. Rulers of Lower Egypt wear the red deshret. Pre-dynastic settlers in Egypt were growing wheat, barley and flax (Bell, Quie 40). The sowing season starts in October when the floods subside leaving the silt-rich soil ready for planting. Harvest season is from March to May just before June when the flooding occurs due to the overflowing of the Nile caused by heavy rains and the melting snow from Ethiopia. The inundation period starts from June and lasts until September (Deady 14). Animals were also domesticated during the Pre-dynastic period. Cattle, sheep , goats, pigs, and dogs (Trigger 17) were among the animals the ancient Egyptians tamed. Donkeys were also domesticated and later utilized as a means of transportation. At the onset of the Early Dynastic Period in ancient Egypt, the unification of the two ancient Egyptian regions also brought on the maximized use of the entire stretch of the Nile for transportation and irrigation systems. Ancient Egypt had its first dynasty under the first pharaoh Narmer or Menes. Egypt became the largest nation under one ruler

Law Legal Research and Research Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

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Networking - Term Paper Example In this situation, computer networking becomes essential for the company. However, a computer network is basically a set of computers connected through cable or other media so that they can share resources, communicate, and distribute information. Normally, a computer network is categorized into three categories: local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), and wide area network (WAN) (Nash 5; Kimbleton and Schneider). However, selection of a network structure depends on the corporations needs. This paper presents a detailed analysis of wide area network (WAN). This paper will outline WAN structure, its uses, advantages and protocols. To understand the structure of wide area network it is necessary to know about other two categories of networks: (Nash 25-27; Shelly, Cashman and Vermaat 471; Hutchinson and Sawyer 4.25; Forouzan and Fegan 14-15) A local area network is implemented to connect computers and devices within a small physical area for instance, school computer laboratory, home, office building or closely located set of buildings. In view of the fact that LANs cover limited geographical area thus high-speed media such as cables can be utilized to connect the computers. Additionally, since the high class media is used to connect the computers thus only some or no problems are emerged on the network. Moreover, since the LANs take small area thus the prices of equipment are somewhat cheap. Second class of networks is metropolitan area network (MAN), which is a high-speed network that is used to establish connection between local area networks in a metropolitan area for instance, a city or town and deals with the communication activity within the area. Since, MANs cover more wide area as compared to LANs thus they are slower than LANs however typically have a small number of errors on the network. Moreover, a MAN requires special equipment for connecting the different LANs together, thus

Mentorship program Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Mentorship program - Research Paper Example Salami (2010) presented both formal and informal mentorship as manifesting sufficient efficacy in reducing turnovers of nurses, where the former is created through administrative partnership, while the latter is through unstructured mutual understanding. Marginally, the paper adapts formal mentoring program as resolution to high turnovers in The Jackson Veteran Health Administration (JVHA). Several steps are succinctly followed to determine overall reliance and appropriateness of proposed structure. General Steps in Implementation On mentorship program in JVHA, aspects on job satisfaction and social interaction in surgical wards are investigated. Complete project draft requires consensual approval from the Office of Policy and Planning and Office of Human Resource and Administration before proceeding (United States Department of Veterans Affairs, 2010). The program is also to obtain financial and administrative support through this department accordingly (Canadian Nurses Association, 2004). As the overall details of the program are smoothly planned out, the plan is ready for pilot implementation. With 1-year mentor program, phases orientation, training, and evaluation are performed. The committee-in-charge prepares for mentoring tasks ahead, with 16 staff nurses as mentors for the whole three work shifts--the number of mentees depend on job vacancies in surgical ward (VA hospital, 2011). In orientation, the program is extensively introduced and functional expectations are mutually established. This lasts for 15-20 weeks, as initial theories and practical nursing applications are reviewed and applied. In training, mentors serve as mentees’ active partners and support them in clinical practice and social interactions. As training proceeds, mentors not only act as role models for mentees to emulate, trusting associations support mentees’ psychological status. Through months of collaborative partnership, mentors gradually wean as educational coach, an d more as referred guide to practice. Periodically, communication patterns from nurses to involved administrative personnel are maintained through constant inspections and written memos. In evaluation, collected data determines whether the program fulfilled the parameters on work satisfaction. Should results meet expected outcomes, the program can proceed as formal policy in JVHA. Resource Identification Availability of resources in clinical areas is part of preparatory task. Block, Claffey, Korow, and McCaffrey (2005) emphasized mentors as prime indicator in a positive working environment. They are instructed on â€Å"phases of a mentor relationship, how to individualize the relationship...deal with any issues the mentor/mentee pair encounters,† while reviewing personal and professional attitudes (Hurst & Koplin-Baucum, 2005). Together with mentors, administrative personnel objectively monitor the progress of the program and existence of conducive functional environment (Al- Hussami, 2008). Resources are composed of materials during information campaigns and episodic post-tests. Written questionnaires are administered, requiring stocks of paper for reproducing copies. Sufficiently, resources for experiential learning are already available in actual settings, from medical equipments to patient charts, as well as conference halls for scheduled meetings. Aside from mentor compensation (minimum of $2/hour) and minimal educational expenditures, projected expenditure is lesser (Almada, Carafoli, Flattery, French, &

Childhood Obesity Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Childhood Obesity - Research Paper Example It is believed that having an overweight parent doubles the risk of childhood obesity while obesity in both parents increases the risk of child obesity further. Socio-economic status of the family increases the child obesity risks further due to the behaviors and lifestyles involved (Perry et.al, 2012). With the rising prevalence of child obesity of the age of 9 years across the globe, it is important for researchers to understand all underlying pathways which may be the cause of the child obesity. The study also aims at determining the correlation that exists between the family socio-economic status, parental weight status and childhood obesity for children at the age of 9. Sampling method is the statistical method used in this research. In this method, the sample size was obtained from the study group randomly. Experimental method was used to obtain the required data. The sampling method was used prior to the research where the researchers used it to obtain the sample size for use while the experimental method was used in carrying out the actual survey. STATA Software is the statistical tool used in the statistical analysis. A study sample of 8,568 nine year children growing up in Ireland was used. Initially 1,105 primary schools out of 3200 were selected at random by the use of the sampling method. A random sample of 8,568 children was then obtained from the selected schools. ... The experimental method was used in the collection of the data from the sampled size in order to obtain all indicators of obesity in children (Perry et.al, 2012). Descriptive or parametric method of statistical analysis was used in the research. This type of statistical analysis helped the researchers to obtain the required data which is through the description of the observed data. This type of statistical analysis helped the researchers come up with numerical data of weights to determine the obesity indicators. The statistical methods used in the research are not that tiresome and are appropriate for this kind of study, and this is another reason as to why the researchers chose them. These statistical methods are also accurate in terms of the data obtained, and the use of them in research will see to a valid research findings and results. STATA is the statistical tool which has been employed in this study. In this tool, the probability weights were applied using the survey data com mand in order to account for complex survey design. The researchers chose this the descriptive or parametric method as it helps in the summarization of a sample data. The method also sets descriptive coefficients of the given data which are then used in summarizing the numerical data obtained. The data in this case is numerical since the researchers obtained numerical figures on the risk factor indicators of obesity in children. The tool used also helped the researchers to obtain the social demographic variables required for the study, helped them to perform unadjusted multinomial logistic regression which would then be used to determine the risk of childhood overweight compared to their family’s

Terrorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Terrorism - Essay Example asonable at first, promoting the need for inclusion of the state and local law enforcement may not always work effectively in terms of enabling the Department of Homeland Security to manage and prevent the untoward incidence of terrorist attacks. Since the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, it is the Office of State and Local Governments Cooperation and Preparedness (SLGCP) has been officially in-charge of developing the terrorism preparedness plan. (RAND, 2009) Although it is easy for the Homeland Security to develop a universal plan on how to counteract possible terrorist attack, it will remain a challenge on the part of Homeland Security to successfully implement and monitor the adaptation of a universal terrorism preparedness strategy given that the United States has as much as 50 state and 209 local law enforcement agencies. To be able to successfully implement the inclusion of the state and local law enforcement agencies, the Homeland Security will need to invest a large sum of money on the training costs and good quality communication equipments (RAND, 2009). Aside from hiring competitive individuals who will work as secret agents, the use of good communication equipments will enable the newly trained professionals to effectively monitor any possible signs of terrorist attack. By tracking down possible treats coming from terrorist attackers, the U.S. government via Homeland Security will be able to protect the civilians from becoming a victim of violent acts. Other suggested recommendations include: (1) the promotion of intelligence-led policing; (2) community policing; (3) developing a good partnership role with the private business sector; and (4) investing on the use of closed-circuit cameras which will be placed on the streets among others (Safe Cities Project 2006, pp. 3 – 5). Terrorism is defined as â€Å"political violence in an asymmetrical conflict designed to induce terror and psychic fear through violent victimization and

Childhood Obesity Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Childhood Obesity - Research Paper Example It is believed that having an overweight parent doubles the risk of childhood obesity while obesity in both parents increases the risk of child obesity further. Socio-economic status of the family increases the child obesity risks further due to the behaviors and lifestyles involved (Perry et.al, 2012). With the rising prevalence of child obesity of the age of 9 years across the globe, it is important for researchers to understand all underlying pathways which may be the cause of the child obesity. The study also aims at determining the correlation that exists between the family socio-economic status, parental weight status and childhood obesity for children at the age of 9. Sampling method is the statistical method used in this research. In this method, the sample size was obtained from the study group randomly. Experimental method was used to obtain the required data. The sampling method was used prior to the research where the researchers used it to obtain the sample size for use while the experimental method was used in carrying out the actual survey. STATA Software is the statistical tool used in the statistical analysis. A study sample of 8,568 nine year children growing up in Ireland was used. Initially 1,105 primary schools out of 3200 were selected at random by the use of the sampling method. A random sample of 8,568 children was then obtained from the selected schools. ... The experimental method was used in the collection of the data from the sampled size in order to obtain all indicators of obesity in children (Perry et.al, 2012). Descriptive or parametric method of statistical analysis was used in the research. This type of statistical analysis helped the researchers to obtain the required data which is through the description of the observed data. This type of statistical analysis helped the researchers come up with numerical data of weights to determine the obesity indicators. The statistical methods used in the research are not that tiresome and are appropriate for this kind of study, and this is another reason as to why the researchers chose them. These statistical methods are also accurate in terms of the data obtained, and the use of them in research will see to a valid research findings and results. STATA is the statistical tool which has been employed in this study. In this tool, the probability weights were applied using the survey data com mand in order to account for complex survey design. The researchers chose this the descriptive or parametric method as it helps in the summarization of a sample data. The method also sets descriptive coefficients of the given data which are then used in summarizing the numerical data obtained. The data in this case is numerical since the researchers obtained numerical figures on the risk factor indicators of obesity in children. The tool used also helped the researchers to obtain the social demographic variables required for the study, helped them to perform unadjusted multinomial logistic regression which would then be used to determine the risk of childhood overweight compared to their family’s

Bromantes Architecture Represents the High Reneissance Essay Example for Free

Bromantes Architecture Represents the High Reneissance Essay Donato Bramante was born in 1444 to a poor farmer’s family. Bramante was a famous Italian painter and architect. He moved to the city of Milan in 1474, where the gothic style of buildings influenced his creations. The High Renaissance was a time in Italy and Rome that the artists were learning how to show perspective, and about anatomy. Donato D’ Angelo Bramante made his mark in the High Renaissance period. He inspired other architects to express themselves. Some of his works include the church of Santa Maria presso, the Tempietto, Santa Maria delle Grazie, the new St.   Peter’s church, and others (Catt, 2010). By 1499, the French occupation of Milan had forced Bramante to Rome. Taken up by the entourage of Alexander VI, he first designed the cloister of S. Maria della Pace (Bramante, Donato, 1994). In 1476 Bramante first greatest achievement was the church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro. It was built on commission by Duke Sfora that was dedicated to Saint Satyrus (biographybace, n. d. ). However, Bramante’s contributions are seen in the choir area that he remodeled. Bramante had used perspective painting to make it look larger than it really was. Using the art of illusion he made the choir seem to be three bays long, but the space did not actually exist. There was a wall that prevented Bramante from building the choir. So what you see actually is only one meter deep (Web Gallery of Art, n. d. ). â€Å"Italian architect and painter. He is best known as the greatest exponent of High Renaissance architecture. His first building, Santa Maria presso San Satiro in Milan (c. 481), use perspective to give an illusion of deeply receding space in the choir. In 1506, he started rebuilding St Peters, Rome. His influence was enormous, and many Milanese painters took up his interest in perspective and trompe loeil† Donato Bramante, (2008). The Tempietto was another one of Donoto Bromante’s great works. It is believed that this shrine was built on the site of St. Peter’s martyrdom. This piece was commissioned by King Ferdinand and Queen Is abella for this very reason (kleiner, 2010). The Tempietto was a small round temple at San Pietro in Montro, in Rome, and was build 1502. This piece of architecture is considered to be a masterpiece of High Renaissance (kleiner, 2010). The Essential humanities. net, calls it â€Å"the crowning jewel of High Renaissance† (2010 p3). His classical structure contains many elements such as; columns, a dome, drum, base, and a vault. This small design was Bramante’s â€Å"most harmonious building of the renaissance† (biographybase, n. d. , p. 1). â€Å"The Tempietto (1502) at S Pietro in Montorio, Rome. The small circular structure, erected as a martyrium to St Peter, is reminiscent of the temple of Sibyl at Tivoli, with its classical entablature carried on a Tuscan Doric colonnade and rich frieze of metopes and triglyphs. It was the first monument of the High Renaissance and established a prototype for sixteenth-century church design† (Bromate, donato 1987). One of Bromante’s early works in Milan was the church of Santa Maria delie Grazie. This building was started by another architect. The Santa Maria delie Grazie was a large church with long aisles. Bramante contributed to this work by adding the tribune to the east end. When Bramante went to Rome, he left this church unfinished (Web Gallery of Art, n. d. ). According to the text the old Saint Peter’s was falling apart and deeded much repair. Julius II chose Bramante to design and replace the Saint Peter’s church. The floor plan of the new Saint Peter’s church featured a cross â€Å"with arms of equal length, each terminating in an apse† (kleiner, 2010 p. 477par. 3). Julius II wanted the new church to serve as a memorial, to mark Saint Peter’s grave and have his own tomb in the church. Bramante’s plans were complex and extreme with intricate symmetries of a crystal. His plan showed none interlocking crosses in which five of them were supporting the domes. However, Bramante died in 1514, at the age of seventy, about the time the construction began (Nickerson, 2008). â€Å"Bramantes plan has been obscured by later work, though Michelangelo used as much of it as he could. What the interior would have looked like can be seen in Raphaels painting The School of Athens† (Bramante, Donato [1444 1514]. 1994). The works of Donato Bramante include the church of Santa Maria presso, the Tempietto, Santa Maris delie Grazie, the new St. Peter’s church, and others. Bramante’s works are divided into two time periods. The first period was spent in Milan, and the second was in Rome. In Milan, his work was decorative and picturesque. However, in Rome his work became more in the High Renaissance style (Sauer, 1907). He set the stage for artist in the High Renaissance, and his work with perspectives have been studied and copied today.

SWOT and PESTEL analysis of StratSim

SWOT and PESTEL analysis of StratSim The StratSim is a growing and wide spread industry around the global among automobile sellers. Notwithstanding the economic and energy instabilities that led to decreased vehicle demand, sales revenues slowly grew as Gross Domestic Products (GDP) increased from period 1- 4, and remained constant in period 5, and inflation rate decreased from 2.5% in period 1 to 1.0% during period 3. However, in some circumstances, sales were increased and/or decreased as firms started making decisions. The 7 competitors were; firm A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Seven vehicle classes include Minivan (M), Family (F), Sports (S), Luxury (L), Utility (U) Economy (E), and Truck (T). Attributes considered were; performance, styling, quality, interior and safety. Furthermore, advertisement plays a significant role especially when firms are striving to create brand image, awareness as well as interests to target customers. Dealerships contributed in generating revenues through sales of a range of vehicles which in turn enabled the firm to increase its market share while maximising shareholders wealth. Firm B has had 3 vehicle classes, namely; Boss -Truck, Boffo Family and Buzzy Economy. 2.0 Strategic Analysis Strategy is the direction and scope of an organisation over the long term, which achieves advantage in a changing environment through the use of resources and competence aiming to fulfil shareholder expectations (Johnson et al, 2006, p 9). Figure 1, processes by which strategy is described and executed Source:http://www.12manage.com/description-deliberate-strategy.html. In a competitive business environment such as StratSim, analysing firms strategies is vital in order to enhance firm performance and customer satisfaction. 2.1 Strategic Intent Firm Bs mission was to become the leader in automobile industry worldwide by offering highly innovative vehicles to diverse customer segments aiming at consistently satisfying their dynamic needs. 2.2 Basic Strategy Firm B strategy was to provide high quality vehicles at premium price while trying to differentiate its vehicles from incumbents to avoid encouraging price war. By doing so, firm B was the leader twice in economy (Buzzy) car in period 2 and 5. To meet diverse customer tastes and preferences, the firm made minor upgrades to its vehicles during decision making periods, e.g. technology, promotion, advertising, etc. 2.3 External Analysis Scanning the macro-environment is vital since there are several factors that hinder firms performance and growth. In order for managers to come up with effective and suitable strategies that will enable the firm exploit overt and hidden opportunities while overcoming threats, those factors need to be thoroughly tackled before decisions are made. The external analyses considered were; The Michael Porters five forces. PESTEL analysis. Opportunities and Threats (OT) from SWOT analysis, And Critical Success Factors (CSF). 2.3.1 PESTEL PESTEL framework is a useful tool that is applied by organisations to analyse the complexity of macro-environment variables. It also provides a picture on how these key factors may influence firms success or failure of its particular strategies in future in order that managers can find ways of overcoming them. PESTEL refers to; political, economic, social, technology, environment and legal. Figure 2, PESTEL Framework Source: (Johnson et al, 2006. p 68) The Organisation Political Taxation policy Government stability Social welfare policies Foreign trade regulations Legal Health and safety Competition law Product safety Employment law Economic factors Business cycle Inflation Interest rates Unemployment GNP trends Money supply Disposable income Environmental Environmental protection laws Waste disposal Energy consumption Sociocultural factors Population Demographic Socio mobility Consumerism Income Distribution Lifestyle changes Level of Education Attitudes to work and leisure Technological Government spending on research Speed of technology transfer New discoveries/developments Government and industry focus on technological effort Rates of obsolescence Political/Legal Since 1960, laws and government regulations have affected the automobile industry (Highfill et al, November, 2004). Political changes may favour or hinder the firms production because anti-pollution laws and taxes can be imposed, and hence firm B should continuously pay special attention to any rules, codes and regulations that dwell on carbon-dioxide emissions. Economic During simulation, firm B had experienced unstable economic growth. Its variables like inflation, interest rates, gas prices, and material costs were fluctuated. These have affected the firms profitability. Social Due to increased health awareness, people tend to change their lifestyles, while turning to low carbon emission vehicles. Also income distribution and demographic changes both affect vehicle production either positively or negatively. Technology Advanced technology has provided both opportunities and threats to the automobile industry. Those who employ it effectively, it enables them to enhance firms efficiency in producing vehicles that appeal to customers whilst lowering costs. So far, internet and firm websites as part of technology have been used by many buyers as a reference tool before making their purchase decisions. Environmental Environmentalists stress on minimising carbon-dioxide emissions, noise as well as air pollution, in order to keep the environment clean. This move no doubt affects vehicle production as well as firm profitability. 2.3.2 Critical Success Factors (CSF) Johnson et al (2009) defined CSF as those product features that are particularly valued by a group of customers and, therefore, where the organisation must excel to outperform competition. CSF comprises; threshold features and differentiators. Source: Johnson et al (2009) CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS (CSF) THRESHOLD FEATURES DIFFERENTIATORS Threshold features These are features that the customer values mostly, and is not likely to buy a product or service that lacks one of them. Firm B, threshold features were; quality, performance, safety and size for all of its three vehicles; family-Boffo, economy-Buzzy and truck-Boss. Differentiators These are customised/added qualities which some customers may or may not consider before purchasing a service or products. Firm B regarded price, styling and interior as differentiators to its vehicles. Differentiators gave difficult moments when trying to distinguish what was preferred most, as many vehicles were similar to competitors after modifications had been made. Innovations are necessary for firms to meet CSF features and outwit their competitors through customer satisfaction. 2.3.3 Porters Five Forces Model The model was developed by Michael Porter in 1980 (Johnson et al, 2006). Since then, the model is applied by firms as a tool to analyse the profit potential while determining the intensity of competition (threats) of an industry, and finally coming up with the right strategies that will support in exploiting opportunities, neutralise threats and hence grow. Figure 3 Porters Five Competitive Forces Model SUPPLIER POWER Switching costs of firms in the industry Presence of substitute inputs Threat of forward integration Supplier concentration Importance of volume to supplier Impact of inputs on cost or differentiation Differentiation of inputs Cost relative to total purchase in industry BARRIERS TO ENTRY Government Policy Capital requirements Access to distribution Economies of scale Switching costs Proprietary learning curve Access to inputs Expected retaliation Brand identity Absolute cost advantages Proprietary products BUYER POWER Price sensitivity Threat of backward integration Substitutes available Bargaining leverage Buyer concentration vs industry Buyer information Buyer volume Buyers incentives Brand identity Product differentiation www.scribd.com DEGREE OF RIVALRY Brand identity Exit barriers Switching costs Product differences Industry growth Fixed cost/ value added Diversity of rivals Industry concentration Corporate stakes Intermittent overcapacity RIVALRY THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES Buyer inclination to substitute Switching costs Price-performance trade-off of substitutes Threat of New Entrants The threat of new entrants in automobile industry is low, since barriers to enter are very high, such as high start-up capital required. Moreover, adequate experience curve, distribution access, economies of scale, strong research and development (RD) and even brand and customer loyalty all of which the incumbents have. It therefore becomes difficult for new entrants to manage compared to incumbents. Bargaining Power of Suppliers Suppliers power in automobile industry is low, since producing a car/vehicle requires a range of inputs (parts) from diverse suppliers. If some inputs are not available in one source, they will be sought from another supplier due to low switching costs. Threat of Substitutes Substitute threats in this industry are likely to be moderate and depend much on customer geographical location. Other customers prefer walking, taking train or riding on a bike. But in Dar es Salaam city for example, people prefer public transport, motorcycles (BAJAJ, known as rickshaw in India) as alternative means to automobile due to increased congestion. Bargaining Power of Buyers In this industry, buyers power is a bit high. Low switching costs from one firm to another seeking for substitutes since most of the customers are price sensitive. For the case of the simulation game we played, most of the products were undifferentiated, so, buyers can easily shift to an alternative producer as well as products when seeking satisfaction. Competitive Rivalry The intensity of competition in automobile industry is high due to lack of strong differentiation strategy and innovation among incumbents, especially in the case of the three vehicle classes, i.e. family, economy and truck, because most of the firms use similar strategies like price; this reduces market growth as well as profitability. 2.3.4 SWOT- Opportunities and Threats Opportunities: Advanced technology Firms can use it more efficiently in enhancing product features that can appeal to the eyes of customers. Also use e-commerce to advertise and sell globally. Bargaining power of suppliers. Low supplier power is an advantage to automobile firms since they can set input prices, and hence be able to enjoy cost advantages while offering good quality products that will satisfy customers. European Union (EU) Automobile manufacturers can use the EU to sell their products. Diversification Diversification can be done to widen the market to other untapped segments like high income earners or go internationally and also locate the firms near raw materials sources where they can enjoy location economies. Differentiation strategy In order to sustain customers, after satisfaction has been met, differentiation strategy can be used as a weapon in delivering a range of added values that surpass those of competitors, since most of the firms use similar strategies. Threats: Bargaining power of buyers Strong bargaining power of buyers associated with low switching costs to alternative products, force suppliers to face an increased competition in order to provide the best that will satisfy their customers. Increased gas prices Gas being one of the operating energy, increased price will affect firms production as well as profitability e.g. in simulation that we played, period 1 $/gal was 3.15 rise to 3.50 in period 5. New laws New rules and regulations on carbon-dioxide emissions in environmental protection hinder production of cars that use petrol engines. World economic recession Recession discourages consumption of luxury goods, and streamlines production while people turn to public transports. High competition Initially, all firms in the StratSim industry were in similar position e.g. financially and other resources; however, this proved difficult when making decisions on how to create demand in order to enhance market shares as well as profits. Each firm was competing. Inflation Inflation started to increase in period 4 from 2.0% to 2.5%, this rise affected consumer prices. Fuel price instability. Rapid change in technology This poses a threat to vehicle production since other substitutes to vehicles may be produced. 2.4 Internal Analysis 2.4.1 Resources and Capabilities These are those which will create a strategic fit in order for the firm to survive and prosper even in a competitive business environment. Lucino Noto, (2007, p 125) Analyzing resources and capabilities: The interface between strategy and the firm THE FIRM Resources and Capabilities Goals and Values Structure and System STRATEGY THE INDUSTRY ENVIRONMENT Customers Competitors suppliers The firm-Strategy Interface The Environment-Strategy Interface Resources Organisation resources are divided into two categories (Johnson et al (2009); Tangible Resources These are firms physical assets. Firm B tangible resources were; Three vehicle classes, each of these represents a unique configuration while targeting different customer segments like value seekers, families, singles, high income and enterprisers (the StratSim Case, 2010). Financial resources, at period 0, each firm were given sales amounted to $ 15.5 billions (the StratSim case, 2010). Manpower, firm B had 4 competent human resources who made diverse valuable decisions and hence became twice the leader of economy car (Buzzy). Intangible Resources. These are non-physical resources such as; information, reputation and knowledge i.e. intellectual capital. (Johnson et al, 2008). Firm B holds a number of unique competences over its rivals. Firm B capabilities were; Quality. Safety. Performance. Style. Interior. 2.4.2 V.R.I.O Are criteria that are used to assess the sustainability of an organisations resources and capability that will enable the firm to achieve durable competitive advantage. V.R.I.O stands for Value, Rarity, Inimitability and Organisation. (Johnson et al, 2008). Value As the game started, firm B had enough resources and capabilities i.e. unique brand name that facilitated it in formulating and implementing different strategies to meet customer needs. But due to increased market demand, demand exceeded production throughout the periods as the firm lacked efficiency. Rareness At the beginning, all firms had a similar starting point which led them to have a low degree of rarity. This positioning by StratSim, made firm B to create more appealing strategies like vehicle enhancements and improvements in terms of its attributes which allowed it to come up with things which turned out to be less common among the firms. Inimitability During simulation game, product imitation was very high since previous results and almost all modifications and other statistics were openly published for other firms to see. This means that competitors could possibly copy other firms techniques. Organisation In StratSim industry, there were 7 firms producing identical vehicles, because they used similar strategies that lacked differentiation. Due to these, it therefore became easy for customers to switch from one firm to another if satisfactions were not yet met. 2.4.3 SWOT- SW SW is a tool that is used in identifying or analysing firms internal strengths and weaknesses and enables it to use the available strengths to minimise or turned those weaknesses to strengths. SW means Strengths and weaknesses. Strengths: Unique brand name Best Motor Works. Unique product names like Buzzy, Boffo, and Boss. Twice leader of Buzzy-Economy car, period 2 and 5. Reliable dealerships. Innovation, almost every decision period, firm B upgraded its vehicle attributes to meet emerging customer needs. Weaknesses: Weak financial position. Unstable growth of market shares. Limited product lines, this means that firm B did not exploit the available opportunities of unsatisfied and potential new customers to launch any new vehicle that would satisfy their needs. 3.0 Decisions 3.1 Technology Firm B upgraded its technology capabilities during decision periods considering dynamic business environment and customer tastes and preferences, while special attention was given to economy (Buzzy) and family (Boffo) cars. Investment in technology facilitated firm B in enhancing its production capacity as well as vehicle attributes that appealed to target customers and hence satisfying their emerging needs (see appendix 2.1) 3.2 Marketing Firm Bs marketing mix was to create leverage with customers and build strong brand loyalty which would enable customers purchase our products even in intense competition as in StratSim industry. Firm Bs unique selling price USP was quality. Quality being the key in our vehicle while charging premium price that enabled Buzzy (economy) car to become the leader in period 2 and 5. Despite this success, it was hard for firm B to survive in just a success of one car brand and become the market leader. Though the marketing mix was thoroughly applied by adding or reducing the number of dealers in each area, increasing dealer discounts and product promotions to attract customers, firm Bs market share was increased and decreased during decisions due to overspending and other factors. (For more marketing and distribution details for period 5, see appendix 2.2 2.3) 3.3 Finance During simulation, firm Bs financial performance was somehow weak despite a slight increase in sales ($). Net income was negative during period 2 and 5 results. It was discovered that one of the problems could possibly have been overspending, however, unit market share increased and total debts continued to decrease (Firm B financial and performance summary period 5, see appendix 3.0). 3.4 Production Throughout all the decision periods, production was increased as well as vehicle attributes to meet customer demand. Though Boss (truck) and Buzzy (economy) vehicles were upgraded in period 4, there were some shortages with regard to Boss vehicle model; this means that if the firm was given a chance to continue making decisions, it could probably increase production to meet the demand (see appendix 4.0). 4.0 Conclusion Firm Bs mission was to become the leader in automobile industry worldwide by offering highly innovative vehicles to diverse customer segments aiming at consistently satisfying their dynamic needs. Unfortunately, firm B did not meet its expectations. Though it became the leader twice in Buzzy (economy) car, this means that its strategies fit in the economy car brand market, having had success in one vehicle does not guarantee survival, and this is why firm Bs income and market share fluctuated. The firm was not yet pretty sure of what contributed to the unstable financial performance, though the firm speculated that overspending was one of the major problems. 4.1 What I Have Learned I learned that, in practical business, taking risks is only way to achieve success. In StratSim industry, for each time period, market research had identified some potential new customers whose needs were not yet satisfied by current vehicle (the StratSim case, 2010). But firm B overlooked this market potential to timely take advantage of launching new vehicle models in order to exploit these opportunities and hence increase its turnover and profit margins. 5.0 Reference and Bibliography: Johnson G, Scholes K, and Whittington R, (2006), Exploring Corporate Strategy, 7th Edition, Prentice Hall. Johnson G, Scholes K, and Whittington R, (2009), Exploring Corporate Strategy, Prentice Hall. Highfill D, Baki M, Copus S, Green M, Smith J and Whineland M, (November, 2004). Automotive Industry Analysis-GM, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, Ford, Honda, overview of industry analysis, available at http://www.academicmind.com/unpublishedpapers/business/management/2004-11-000aaa-automotive-industry-analysis.html. Accessed on 19/11/1010. The StratSim Case (2010), Automobile industry. Lucino Noto, (2007), Analysing resources and capabilities: the interface between strategy and the firm, available at. http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/grant/files/CSAC05.pdf . Figure , Porters Five Forces Available at www.scribd.com/doc/16998313/Diagram-of-Porters. Accessed on 20/11/2010. 6.0 APPENDIXES: 1. DECISION SUMMARY FIRM B, FOR PERIOD 5 Product Development Dev Ctr Project Class Status Size HP Int Sty Saf Qua Curr Exp 1 Buzzy Economy upgr: launch Now 10 120 2 2 2 2 $275 2 Boss Truck upgr: launch Now 70 200 3 3 2 2 $275 3 (unused) Total (mill.) $551 Consumer Marketing Budget (mill.) Regional Corp. Adv. $48 Direct Mail $6 Public Relations $12 Total $66 Direct Mail Targets: Value Seekers(1), Families(2), High Income(4), Enterprisers(5) Product Marketing Vehicle Platform MSRP Dealer Disc. Adv. (mill.) Adv. Theme Promo. (mill.) Boffo No Change $20,400 15.0% $34 Safety $29 Boss Upgraded $20,499 13.0% $28 Perform $15 Buzzy Upgraded $11,550 12.0% $33 Quality $20 Total $95 $64 Plant Capacity Current Capacity (000s) 1,350 Capacity Change (000s) 0 Vehicle Production Vehicle Previous Sales (000s) Current Inventory (000s) Scheduled Production (000s) Flexible Production Retooling Costs (mill.) Boffo 646 25 671 X $0 Boss 200 *13 213 X $80 Buzzy 298 *109 345 X $123 Total 1,144 147 1,229 $203 *Vehicle being upgraded: this inventory will be written off. Be sure to produce enough to match forecast. Dealerships North South East West Total Dealer Inc./Dec. 10 9 11 12 42 Training and Support (mill.) $34 Financing Amount ($ mill.) Bonds Issued $0 Stock Issued $0 Dividends Paid $100 StratSim Ind:ind1 Firm:b Period 4 2. RESULTS FOR PERIOD 5 2.1 Technology Capabilities Period 5 Firm Ratings (1=low capability) Dev. Centers Interior Styling Safety Quality Max. Feasible 5 11 12 11 12 Firm A 3 4 6 4 7 Firm B 3 4 6 5 7 Firm C 2 4 7 6 6 Firm D 2 4 6 5 6 Firm E 2 6 8 6 8 Firm F 2 4 6 4 6 Firm G 3 5 8 7 9 Tech Dim Considerations Interior flexibility of cargo space Styling general curb appeal, styling, handling, finish Safety structural design, braking system, safety features Quality overall reliability, durability, consistency of products StratSim Ind:ind1 Firm:b Period 5 2.2 Marketing Detail Period 5 Consumer Budget (mill.) Company Owned /Fleet Budget (mill.) Regional Corp. Adv. $48 Direct Sales Force $0 Direct Mail $6 Direct Mail $0 Public Relations $12 Total $66 Total $0 Vehicle Val Mkt Share MSRP Dealer Disc. Avg Sell Price Adv. (mill.) Adv. Theme Promo. (mill.) Days Inv. Buzzy 2.4% $11,550 12.0% $10,572 $33 Quality $20 18 Boffo 9.4% $20,400 15.0% $18,749 $34 Safety $29 0 Boss 3.2% $20,499 13.0% $19,859 $28 Perform $15 0 Total $95 $64 StratSim Ind:ind1 Firm:b Period 5 2.3 Distribution Detail Period 5 North South East West Total Full Coverage 200 250 150 200 800 Established Dealers 137 137 133 133 540 Coverage 69% 55% 89% 67% 68% Planned Openings 10 9 11 12 42 Support/Dealer (000s) $150.6 $150.6 $153.2 $153.2 $151.9 Units/Dealer 2,187 2,284 2,389 2,756 2,401 Sales/Dealer (mill.) $36.9 $38.9 $40.2 $46.3 $40.5 Service/Dealer (mill.) $1.4 $1.5 $1.6 $1.7 $1.5 Gross/Dealer (mill.) $3.3 $3.6 $3.6 $4.1 $3.7 Dealer Rating 59 60 60 61 60 StratSim Ind:ind1 Firm:b Period 5 2.4 Product Contribution Period 5 Firm B Product Contribution Vehicle Units (000s) Dealer Sales (mill.) Direct Sales (mill.) COGS (mill.) Gross Margin (mill.) Adv Promo (mills.) After Mkting (mill.) Boffo 734 $12721 $0 $9797 $2924 $63 $2861 Boss 234 $4179 $0