The Expansion Of Globalization Mncs ( Kapferer )

Objective With the expansion of globalization which led multinational companies to transfer their production activities to the most stable developing countries; maintaining and improving the brand image, has become one of the major concerns for MNCs (Kapferer, 2008). The social, cultural and political diversity of host countries (subsidiaries) caused a very different degree of brand standardization among countries. Some of the advantages that economists in developing countries are expecting from MNCs to bring to their countries are as follows: ï‚ § Job creation and lower the rate of unemployment; ï‚ § Help the people to get more reliable income than farming; ï‚ § Local infrastructure development; ï‚ § To offer training in different levels, in accordance to their scope of activity; ï‚ § Technology transfer to the less developed countries; ï‚ § To juice up the local supply chain network. Whereas, due to the MNCs market analyzer s negligence, or many unexpected circumstances, projections doesn’t always occur as were planned. Arrival and departure of Nike in Pakistan and also Intel and other electronics company s entry into Vietnam, are two great examples of a failure and a success in global integration and local responsiveness, which I m going to briefly analyze its reasons. Similarities and contradictions: Pakistan is a developing country which has important strategic endowments and development potential. It s located at the strategic location between the Middle East, China, CentralShow MoreRelatedCase Study on Asos Essay3981 Words   |  16 Pagesfor future expansion in the global scenario. Enhancing its CSR (Corporate Social Responsibilities) activities and bringing it out into the retail front, ASOS can capture the attention of ethical consumer groups and thus work on the company’s benevolence and future expansion. Employing a canny approach and by detecting possible threats and risks, ASOS performs brand extension strides to cement its place in the industry. Table of Contents Introduction 4 Methodology 4 Globalization by TheodoreRead MoreA Case Study of International Brand Management: Comparison of Lexus Brand Management in Brazil, United States and Japan.39374 Words   |  158 Pagesother regions and analyse the possible localization of the internationalization of a brand. What is a brand? There is a difference between product and brand, â€Å"products are what the company makes; what the customer buys is a brand†3 says Jean-Noà «l Kapferer in his book Strategic Brand Management. According to the American Marketing Association definition introduced by Philip Kotler in Marketing Management, a brand is â€Å"a name, term, sign, symbol, or design, or a combination of them, intended to identify

Segregation Of The United States - 1357 Words

As an inhabitant of planet earth, I have watched the people grow and prosper and then fall back to old habits. Years ago, we were separated by race and even though we claim that time is over, it is not. Our country is a great example of segregation because we not only segregate by race, but by gender and sexual orientation as well. America was founded on preconceived expectations of gender and race leading to a segregation of consciousness that structures opinions around the injustices of stereotypes. For years, our country prided itself on being called the melting pot of culture and diversity; when in all honesty, we are not what we claimed to be. The citizens of the United States judge everyone based on differences that are not†¦show more content†¦The proprietor excused herself and returned with an enormous red Doberman pincher straining at the end of a leash† (Staples 2). This action only proved that people believe the supposition that all black males are dangerous because of the fear that she had.For so long we have chosen to discriminate against things that we may not be able to relate to or understand. Unfortunately, out of all the anger and misunderstanding has come fatal injuries by a large amount of white people who are making sure the law is abided by. The case that involved George Zimmerman killing Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida is an excellent example of how afraid we have become of a human being who makes up the same anatomical body that we do. Zimmerman even says that he was afraid, â€Å"I was truly afraid because he kept slamming my head on the ground and he punched me in the face knocking me to the ground† (Zimmerman 2015). This statement was later proven to not be true but a teen had to die because Zimmerman had the fear that we see daily. With this fear has come more deaths of black people and it has also allowed for white supremacy to become more of a challenge that faces the U.S every day, but what we forget is th at it is not just race that we judge; it is also by gender and sexual orientation. These topics have formed stereotype that have destroyed society’s outlook on each other. Now, we are at the point where our gender or who we like has become a large enough topic that we judgeShow MoreRelatedSegregation Of The United States1305 Words   |  6 PagesSegregation in the United States, legal or social practice of separating people on the basis of their race or ethnicity. Segregation has been prohibited in the United States since the mid-1960s . All over America there seems to be painfully obvious difference in the school systems which cater to the upper class minority and the ones that serve the lower and middle class minority. There is a strong undercurrent of racial inequality in today s school systems, which negativelyRead MoreThe Segregation Of The United States1546 Words   |  7 Pagesof segregation in the United States. A lot has changed in the past fifty years since segregation ended. The United States shifted from arresting African Americans for using â€Å"white only† facilities to integrated schools all over the country. Influential individuals such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr helped pave the way for African Americans to live as equals to along with their white counterparts in the United States of America. What is Segregation In 1896 the United States SupremeRead MoreThe Segregation Of The United States2068 Words   |  9 PagesThe United States prides itself as a nation with a government that treats its citizens with equality regardless of race and ethnicity. Based on this country’s legal actions, is that an accurate description? The people of the United States are divided into different groups based on the color of their skin. The divisions created racism and eventually led to segregation. The segregation of African Americans and white people led to the passing of the Jim Crow laws. These laws strengthened Southern segregationRead MoreThe Segregation Of The United States844 Words   |  4 Pagesall believed that segregation was right when it came to the education system. When the time came to Desegreted School it was meet by resistant, but the effects of this historical movement can still be seen in the 21st century. Segregated schools began in result of the Jim Crow laws, which stated races where to have separate accommodation in public. The Supreme Court in the beginning said that segregation as was legal as long as it was equal. However, when it comes to segregation the truth is nothingRead MoreThe Segregation Of The United States938 Words   |  4 Pagesgroups that human beings can be divided into based on shared distinctive physical traits.† (Mirriam-Webster) However, ideas about race have been altered over time. There have been many laws passed that limit the number of immigrants allowed in the United States. For example, the Johnson-Reed Immigration Act of 1924 limited the number of immigrants allowed in the U.S. based on a racial census and completely excluded Asian immigrants. Only 2% of the total number of people of each nationality as of the 1890Read MoreThe Segregation Of The United States1292 Words   |  6 PagesThe Union was in a state of exceedingly high tension as it spl it into two on the issue of slavery. It was a question of moral integrity and whether it should be allowed to continue. Racism permeated the institution of slavery. The color of a man’s skin did not keep him from fighting for freedom in the wars that took place in America, although it was a way white people sought to justify their mistreatment of them. Slaves were viewed as inferior beings by southern whites and as the abolition movementRead MoreRacial Segregation And The United States2133 Words   |  9 PagesIn the United States, inequalities are an unfortunate evil that resonate throughout low-income individuals and minorities. Though these problems are sometimes viewed as coincidences, in the past and even in the present, there have been legislation put in place that have negatively affected specific populations in the US. Because of the injustices in the system socially constructed ideologies about race, ethnicity, and poverty, and our lacking health care system, many people experience inequalitiesRead MoreRacial Segregation Of The United States1508 Words   |  7 PagesWe have issues. More specifically the United States has issues, continuous and all encompassing issues of racial inequality.The United States is experiencing a outburst of racism, as can be seen from the 2014 killings of two unarmed African-American men, to the brutality of white supremacy in Charleston and the string of arsons in black churches across the South. Of course, it’s nothing new for a nation with a long history of extreme racist violence—the most recent lynching-related death occurredRead MoreRacial Segregation And The United States2215 Words   |  9 Pages Racial segregation has been embedded in southern society ever since the birth of the America. However, even though documents such as Brown vs. Board of Education and the fourteenth amendment has been instituted into the constitution, we are still facing racial segregation throughout America that is unconstitutional and unjust. The south of America, especially Alabama, are facing several claims of racial tension in their prison system and their way to solve the tension between the black and whiteRead MoreRacial Segregation Within The United States780 Words   |  4 Pagespatterns of residential segregation in their attempts to answer such a question. Massey and Denton explore racial residential segregation in the United States throughout the 20th century. They argue that the making and concentration of the (African American) underclass in inner cities resulted from institutional and interpersonal racism in the housing market that perpetuates already existing racial segregation. Simil arly, Reardon and colleagues conclude that residential segregation by income level occurs

Should Susan give up on Mrs. Taylor Free Essays

Reply to Response #4 I don’t think that Susan should give up on Mrs. Taylor. She has to convince her that Carl needs all the help he can get otherwise his behavior disorder might turn into something more destructive. We will write a custom essay sample on Should Susan give up on Mrs. Taylor or any similar topic only for you Order Now He should be allowed to overcome his problem without the help of any prescription drugs. Mrs. Taylor and everybody in the faculty of the school should therefore exercise â€Å"maximum tolerance† in dealing with Carl. Susan’s intervention plan would only work with the full cooperation of everybody else: Mrs.  Taylor, Carl’s parents, Susan herself, and the other faculty members of the school. Reply to Response #5 You are absolutely right and I agree with you. Susan has definitely come up with the best plan given the available resources. I also believe that completely removing Carl from Mrs. Taylor’s class would do more harm than good. Carl is already feeling insecure after the divorce of his parents and subjecting him to such a humiliating experience might result to more violent reaction from the boy. The IEP meeting with the parents was also a great help for Susan. It gave her a first hand knowledge of Carl’s predicament and could help her reach out to him. However, before Susan enlists the help of the shared psychologist, I think it would be better for her to arrange a one-on-one meeting with Carl after class first. If she could befriend Carl and gain his confidence by showing him that she is someone he could trust, Susan would be off to a good start. A psychologist, on the other hand, might have a negative reaction from Carl. Reply to Response #6 You’re probably right. I also think Carl’s mother wants to wash her hands of the entire problem. She definitely showed that she did not care whether Carl is disciplined or not when she uttered the words â€Å"Do whatever you have to do. Give me the papers to sign, I have to get back to work. † However, before I decide to transfer Carl to another class, I think it would be better if Mrs. Taylor should first be convinced to do more for Carl. A little more patience is what Carl needs. A little more sympathy would be even better. Moving Carl to another class might prove embarrassing for him and elicit an even more violent reaction. How to cite Should Susan give up on Mrs. Taylor, Papers

Ancient System Impacting Human Affiliation -Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Ancient System Impacting Human Affiliation? Answer: Introduction The discussion of the essay is about determining the social issues like the genes, culture, and gender where the culture is about enduring the behavior, ideas and the attitude which are shared by a large group of people. The gender in psychology is the characteristics of biological and social influence where the people define the males, females and the other. The gender role is about the expectation from people, mainly based on the gender identity. The genes are the natural selection with the guiding force in the creation of complex functional mechanism known as adaptations (Coconuts, 2016). The humans have the different biological needs which need to be met in order to survive. Explain why the social issue is a problem, both in a general sense as well as in the Singapore context There is a gender imbalance where the stacks of social science show the dating and mating behavior which is mainly influenced by the sex ratios. There are marriageable men who have the dating culture with courtship and Romans and men need to attract a wife, by earning more. The gender ratio skew towards men is set with the dating culture which tends to become more sexualized. The people tend to have a better sex when ratios skew female. The women frequently wind up being treated to be the sex objects in Singapore or elsewhere and the men are found to be inclined to exercise the option to delay marriage and play the field. The uneven ratios tend to add the sexual nirvana for the heterosexual men but for the women, there is a high priority on getting married and getting the children wedlock. The gender, genes and the culture also include the issues of slut-shaming where the girls or the women are criticked to violate the expectations of behavior and appearance in regard to sexuality. The example is about violating the dress code policies by dressing in the provocative ways requesting the access to birth control with pre-marital, or casual sex (Eliza, 2017). With respect to an issue in Singapore, there are problems related to how the women or the other races or culture are identifying characteristics which are feminized. The check is whether it is sexual or the social, body that tends to haunt or threaten with the figure of threat and arguing on the economic and social disintegration. The cultural crises rise in Singapore with threatening from within and without, merely repositioning the age-old reminder. The racism is rarely far from any surface of the Asian societies. The multiracialism encourages a higher consciousness of one's race even as it insists on tolerance. Use relevant research to explain why it is important to address the issue In order to address the issue in Singapore, there are comparisons about the gender differences where the women are sensitive to smells and sound and experience anxiety disorders or depression. The average males are found to be slower to enter puberty and quicker to die than the women. The women have a greater level of connection and sympathy with the better non-verbal emotional connection. The men are found to fight or argue. But on the other hand, the social dominance of men tends to occupy more position with more powerfulness. The leadership style of men tends to talk assertively, with interruption, where the women tend to be more indirect, less interruptive (Birger, 2015). Considering the sexuality, it is important to address the issue, where the males are more likely found to initiate the sexual activity and fantasize about sex, permissive attitudes and seek partners. The women sexuality generally tends to be set by the emotional passion. The cross-cultural evidence suggests that the social or the cultural factors influence the differences in gender based on cognitive performance. The gender roles over the time and culture which has been more set to mark the difference that is malleable of both sexes who are capable to effectively carry out the organizational roles. The slut-shaming needs to be focused on where the women are insulted by their body. They are the victim blaming for blame and other sexual assault. This is done by stating the crime where women wearing revealing clothes or acting completely in a sexually provocative manner, before the consent of sex (Steinberg, 2016). "Raped after lying to parents" focuses on the alleged wrongdoing or untrustworthiness of the victim which suggest that the sexual assault is the punishment. This happens mainly because the perpetrator tends to choose the disregard consent which is not due to the peripheral decisions which are made by the victim. Th gender roles and peer transmission vary with culture and time which is set currently towards a greater equality. The peers are considered to have a major impact on behavior and perceived gender role. Here, the changes and innovation come from and is embraced by the young. The culture becomes more gender equal and the psychological differences between the men and women tend to lessen. The aggression is the behavior which intends to harm, and the men are more likely to injure the others across the time, culture and age (Hernandez et al., 2006). It is important for the women to be calm and composed with making decisions, smartly, rather than keeping their life at risk. Acknowledge what the government or the relevant body had done on this issue. As per the analysis, the government of Singapore has focused on the clause in Constitution article 16(1)(a) which reads that there shall be no discrimination against any citizen of Singapore mainly on the grounds of caste, creed, culture, or sex. On the other hand, WHO (World Health Organization) has focused on sex selection should be the choice of an individual. The selection is based on wide range of social implications (Feldman et al., 2016). The ethical concern is that the sex selection will tend to reinforce discrimination mainly against the women. There is a need to work on handling the distortion of natural sex ratio leading to gender imbalance and reinforce discriminatory stereotypes towards women by devaluing the females. The Sexual Assault Care Center set up by the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) focus on directing the poor girl to care center where she gets a proper counseling and legal information in Singapore (Jiang et al., 2015). Recommendation The sex-linked biology is set to the concept of race, ethnicity and the clarity to determine the interactive influences of each in giving rise to the differentials of health. There is a need to focus on the concepts which impede the appreciation of the rich variety of humans where the attention needs to be given to the other category people as well. This will help in properly assessing the impact on health with interactions among the social, cultural and the genetic factors. The consistency is mainly through the effect across the racial groups which result in genetic variants with common biological effect. Conclusion The challenge is mainly to focus on how genes, gender, and culture could impose a challenge and opportunity for clarification. The sex and race are the complex traits which are important to understanding and its impact on the health with each genetic underpinning. There are genetic studies of sex and gender which are set to the extent to take hold of the detailed information about genetic similarities and differences (Buikema et al., 2017). The victims in Singapore cite disbelief and unsupportive attitude from the peers and family which is a major reason that they are not able to report the crime. References Birger, J. (2015).Hookup culture isnt the real problem facing singles today. Its math.. [online] Washington Post. Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/08/26/hookup-culture-isnt-the-problem-facing-singles-today-its-math/?utm_term=.09ed6784c6d2 [Accessed 2 Feb. 2018]. Buikema, R., Plate, L., Thiele, K. (Eds.). (2017).Doing Gender in Media, Art and Culture: A Comprehensive Guide to Gender Studies. Routledge. Coconuts. (2016).Teenage magazine gets righteously slammed by AWARE for slut-shaming rape victim | Coconuts Singapore. [online] Available at: htt://coconuts.co/singapore/news/teenage-magazine-gets-righteously-slammed-aware-slut-shaming-rape-victim/ Feldman, R., Monakhov, M., Pratt, M., Ebstein, R. P. (2016). Oxytocin pathway genes: evolutionary ancient system impacting on human affiliation, sociality, and psychopathology.Biological Psychiatry,79(3), 174-184. Hernandez, L. M., Blazer, D. G. (2006). Sex/gender, race/ethnicity, and health. Jiang, Y., Bachner-Melman, R., Chew, S. H., Ebstein, R. P. (2015). Dopamine D4 receptor gene and religious affiliation correlate with dictator game altruism in males and not females: evidence for gender-sensitive gene culture interaction.Frontiers in neuroscience,9, 338. Eliza R. (2017)Sen. Elizabeth Warren accuses Trump of slut-shaming Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. [online] Business Insider Singapore. Available at: https://www.businessinsider.sg/elizabeth-warren-accuses-trump-of-slut-shaming-kirsten-gillibrand-2017-12/ Steinberg, D. L. (2016).Genes and the bioimaginary: Science, spectacle, culture. Routledge.

Brain Essays (744 words) - Cerebrum, Neuroscience, Neuropsychology

Brain Sides The article in which I chose to examine is called Right Brain, Left Brain: Fact and Fiction, written by Jerre Levy. In the past fifteen years or so there has been a lot of talk of left brain and right brain people. Levy's reason for righting this article was clearly to stop the misconceptions and show the truth about how our brain hemispheres operate. Levy first explores the myth of the left brain and right brain theory. She states that generally people see the left hemisphere of the brain controlling logic and language and the right, creativity and intuition. In addition people differ in their styles of thought, depending on which half of the brain is dominant. She believes that most of what these notions state is farce. Next the article explores the history of this fascination of the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Apparently the study of this aspect of the brain traces back to time of Hippocrates. Levy weaves in and out of the various theories and prominent people known for contributing to the confusion. It wasn't until 1962 when Roger W. Sperry began experimenting on certain aspects of the brain that contribute to the truth of the left and right brain theory. Sperry studied people who had undergone surgical division of the corpus callosum, the bridge between the two hemispheres. His studies showed that, "an object placed in the right hand (left hemisphere) could be named readily, but one placed in the left hand (nonverbal right hemisphere) could be neither named nor described. Next to branch off of Sperry's studies was psychologist Doreen Kimura. Kimura developed behavioral methods which involved presenting visual stimuli rapidly to either the left or right visual fields. Another important method developed was "dichotic listening" which centered around the use of sound to study the hemispheres. Through these tests and the continual study the theory that the left brain controlled ended. Instead a new theory was born known as the two-brain theory. This said that at different times one of the two hemispheres would be operating. An example of this is that the right hemisphere is in control when an artist paints but the left hemisphere was in control when a novelist wrote a book. This theory failed because of one physical studies showed that people with hemispheres surgically disconnected could operate in everyday life. Also, research demonstrated that each hemisphere had its own functional expertise, and that the two halves were complementary. Next, the article states its worth. The author shows the up to date agreed upon theory of the two hemispheres in five simple points. 1. The two hemispheres are so similar that when they are disconnected by split-brain surgery, each can function remarkably well, although quite imperfectly 2. Although they are remarkably similar they are also different. The differences are seen in contrasting contributions. Each hemisphere contributes something to every action a person takes. 3. Logic is not confined to the left hemisphere. Although dominant in the left logic is present in the right hemisphere. 4. There is no evidence that either creativity or intuition is an exclusive property of the right hemisphere. Same theory as #3. 5. Since the two hemispheres do not function independently, and since each hemisphere contributes its special capacities to all cognitive activities, it is quite impossible to educate one hemisphere at a time in a normal brain. Levy comes to the conclusion that people are not purely left or right brained. There is a continuum in which the hemispheres work together in harmony. Often the left or right hemisphere is more active in some people but it is never the sole operator. She concludes, "We have a single brain that generates a single mental self." Compared to what we did in class related to the left and right hemispheres of the brain, both what we learned and the article taught were extremely similar. Our exercise showed that we are not left or right brained but merely somewhere on the scale between left and right brain. Some of us were extreme left, few extreme right and most in the middle leaning left a bit (this is where I fell). I could not agree more with what we did in class and the article I read. The author wrote a fabulous complete article. In my summary which probably was a little lengthy, I feel I am not doing the author just. She had so much wonderful background that there was no way to include it all. She introduced the problem at hand

Sample of Product Proposal Essay Example

Sample of Product Proposal Essay Example Sample of Product Proposal Paper Sample of Product Proposal Paper The Personalized Arm Sleeve Is a sleeve made for athletes and teens who wants to say what they want to say whether In the court or In school. The sleeves design Is up to the customer, whatever he/she wants to put in it. It could be drawings, quotes, names of loved ones, or whatever they like, Just name it. Since the idea is still fresh, there are only few that are competing these days, international brands such as Nikkei and Ideas are top sellers. There are locals who re competing, having uniqueness with them, such as the tattoo arm sleeves. We personalize the sleeve for you to express yourselves, cheaper, An assessment of the domestic international market for the Idea: We are targeting the Dave market for the domestic market which is cheaper for us to introduce the product. We have also observed that more and more players are getting into this express yourself fad of today. As for the international market, its hard to tell having these big names in the larger scale of producing these things. There are many companies competing in the market and most of them are big companies such as Nikkei, Ideas, and Rebook. Response from the market is depending on the place or country and culture, there are countries where basketball or football Is not popular which makes products out of these kinds of sports wont sell. *since the idea is new to the market, there are still no statistics yet given by any research, we can only describe the overall industry, overall market, market segment, target market Overall Industry: Sporting Goods Overall Market: Sports Accessories Market Segment: Personalized Arm Sleeves Target Segments: Athletes and Students An assessment AT teen entrepreneur Ana teen team: This idea excites me because me myself is an athlete too, when I was in the varsity team, inspiration was our biggest motivation of winning, and my team-mates would even right the names of their loved ones on their shoes. On every game, coach would deliver an inspirational speech and ends it with a strong line. Since sleeves are a growing fad in the sporting world, and kids nowadays likes to express homeless on the things that they wear, we kind of hitched the fad and added some new materials in it. A discussion of the steps needed to make the idea basis for the viable business venture: We will have to find a supplier of cloths first, a tailor, and a printing shop. As for the designing of the sleeves, we think that we can handle it. The amount of sleeves to be produce depends on customer orders. For mass production, so far, we dont have the budget for that, but these depends on the outcome of what we will be doing now.

Risk assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Risk assessment - Essay Example All the above risks posses a challenge of exposure to risks of loss hence uncertainty and instilled fear in major economic, social and political pillars of the society (Adams,pp 23). Risk assessment on the other hand involves a systematic method of looking at or identifying work and field activities activities, considering all alternatives in relation to what could go wrong in is certainly likely to occur, and deciding on suitable control measures to prevent loss or help to avoid such losses, damage or related injuries in the workplace or work environments. Risk assessment is also the careful examination of the diverse and numerous factors that can bring about these risks. The Assessment should include the controls required to eliminate, reduce, and attach to cause or minimize the risks (Adams,pp111). REASONS FOR RISK ASSESSMENT Therefore, the need for risk assessment can never be underestimated given that it is the process that will always lead individuals into risk management activ ities. Risk Assessments are a critical requirement and necessity for most human and businesses organizations (Wisher,pp 155-9). If you don’t know, or appreciate where the risks are, you are placing yourself as an individual, your employees if any, your customers and your organization or business in danger and all the stakeholders that surround your operations. Therefore to an individual doing business risk assessment is a must thing to ensure minimization of risks and risk related activities, this leads to profit and wealth maximization hence successful business operations. Legal environment and systems surrounding businesses given their countries of operation also forces employers and owners of ventures or businesses must always look into all work involvements that are likely to cause harm in order to decide whether they are doing enough to meet their legal obligations so as to avoid legal risk which result into financial losses as payments are made due to court orders. In b usiness its always reasonably practicable for employers to meet the legal minimum requirement of operations as laid down by the law requirements of the land or state. The main aim of this should always be to assist reduce the risks as much as is 'reasonably practicable' (Gleason,pp275-7 ). Risk assessment is also meant to help reduce the costs of operating business. This is because when stringent risk control measures are put in place, there would be less payments for insurance premiums hence reduced insurance costs. Risk assessment also contributes to social well being of the societal members. This because with the psychological feeling of reduced risk comes the peace of mind and this puts in place a peaceful and healthy growing society. PROCEDURE OR PROCESS OF RISK ASSESSMENT Normally, there are no hard or fastened rules as to how risk assessment should be conducted due to the sole reason that each and every organization is unique and very much different from each other. This diff erence is on the diversified ways in which most organizations and businesses operate, the kinds of businesses in which they are involved which are also not the same and also the laws that govern each and every business (Luhmann,pp236).

Toyota Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Toyota - Essay Example The company has developed a separate system called Toyota Production System (TPS) in order to manage its production operations. This system gives more focus on avoidance of over production and this strategy may sometimes adversely affect the expansional notions of Toyota. Hence, it is recommendable for the company to engage in more large scale production. Similarly, the Toyota must improve its competitiveness by introducing effective long term promotional strategies as the company economically lags behind Japan’s No.2 Nissan Motor Co Ltd and third ranked Honda Motor Co Ltd. The company must design a well structured employee development program that would establish a balance between an individual’s personal interests and organizational goals. Likewise, it is advisable for the management to make interpersonal relationships with employees so that it can ensure effective information flow between the organization’s top level to bottom level and vice versa. For this pu rpose, the firm may arrange for periodical meetings or appoint unit supervisors.

Discusses the nature of contemporary societal problems in general and Essay

Discusses the nature of contemporary societal problems in general and Dubai in particular (two to three pages) - Essay Example Even though the pollution problem cannot be considered new and is apparently diminishing within the developed world, it is still a rapidly growing problem globally and it’s most common effect today being global warming and unpredictable weather patterns. The rapid population growth is yet another problem and is considered as the side effect of advancements in improved life expectancy and diminished child mortality rates. The rapid population growth has put a lot of strain on the available resources and some of the recent wars can be linked to fighting over control over limited resources. Dubai has in the recent years rapidly developed to become a prototype of a modern city. Dubai’s advancements have of cause come with a lot of modernization advantages but have at the same time come with major disadvantages to the society. Among the problems experienced today is prostitution which involves adults and unfortunately, children too (Mooney, Knox & Schacht, 2008). There have been a few cases of children being abducted from other parts of the world and smuggled into Dubai to serve in prostitution rings. While there have been recent attempts to this vice, there still remain wide areas within the city where the vice goes on unchecked especially within low class hotels and parking lots where the police rarely intervene (Davison, 2008). Dubai’s successful free port is a haven for human traffickers and has provided them with an opportunity to do carry on with their illegal trade and in most cases, go unpunished. Dubai’s human trafficking trade has flourished to a point where Dubai is regarded as a major human trafficking centre. The large heterogeneous expatriate population, combined with Dubai’s attempts to create a friendlier environment for foreign tourists and investors has resulted in major erosions of some important components of the society in Dubai. Dubai is mostly made up of Muslims and the cases of binge drinking and

Illusion in The Tempest

Illusion in The Tempest Throughout his thirty-six works which frequent stages around the world, Shakespeare was able to explore not only the human psyche and characteristics of humanity, but he also investigated the natural and unnatural world. In one of his more original plot lines, The Tempest, Shakespeare experimented with many themes, such as power, love, revenge, and pride. Shakespeare also explored the relationship between reality and illusion. Throughout the piece, Shakespeare portrays that illusion may be used to veil reality, but in the end, reality always makes itself apparent through the characters actions. The veil of illusion and unnaturalness can be centered around the character, Prospero. Prosperos whole life has been dedicated to the achievement of magical abilities. In the first act, Prospero tells his daughter, Miranda: I, thus neglecting worldly ends, all dedicated to closeness and the bettering of my mind with that which, but by being so retired, Oerprized all popular rate, in my false brother awaked an evil nature. And my trust, like a good parent, did beget of him a falsehood in its contrary as great as my trust was, which had indeed no limit, a confidence sans bound. He being thus lorded, not only with what my revenue yielded but what my power might else exact, like one who having into truth, by telling of it, made such a sinner of his memory to credit his own liehe did believe he was indeed the duke, out o th substitution and executing th outward face of royalty, with all prerogative. Hence his ambition growing. (1.2.89-105) Prospero reveals to his daughter that while he was caught up with perfecting his mind and his ability to control the unnatural world, he gave his brother, Antonio, the power to run the state in his absence. Antonio then betrayed him and took Prosperos title, and had him and Miranda marooned on an island. This is just one of the many clues given to the audience in the second scene that there is something unnatural about Prospero and his island. Later in the scene, Prospero reminds the spirit, Ariel, that, It was mine art, when I arrived and heard thee, that made gape the pine and let thee out, (1.2.345-347). As the story progresses, Prospero has the spirit, Ariel, conjure a large illusion of a storm, and wreck the crew of a nearby ship, which included his treacherous brother, on the island. Prospero has much control of the island, and through his various spirits, he controls much of the action in the play. In this way, Shakespeare creates a world of illusion. The characters go into most situations with an altered sense of reality. One example of this is when Prospero has his daughter meet the young prince, Ferdinand. Prospero leads the prince to believe that he is the only survivor of the wreck, and that his meeting Miranda is completely by chance, and he takes her to be a goddess and unnatural being. In reality, Prospero wishes Ferdinand to marry his daughter, so he leads them to each other. Another example is when the slave, Caliban meets Alonso, Sephano, and Trinculo. Although in reality, they are there, he believes them to be spirits of Prospero come to torture him: His spirits hear me and yet I needs must curse. But theyll nor pinch, fright me with urchin-shows, pitch me i th mire, nor lead me like a firebrand in the dark out of my way, unless he bid em. But for every trifle are they set upon me, sometime like apes that mow and chatter at me, and after bite me, then like hedgehogs which lie tumbling in my barefoot way and mount their pricks at my footfall. Sometime am I all wound with adders who with cloven tongues do hiss me into madness. Lo, now, lo! Here comes a spirit of his, and to torment me for bringing wood in slowly. Ill fall flat. Perchance he will not mind me. (2.2.1-17) After Caliban is given wine by Stephano, he believes them to be gods more powerful than Prospero, and he convinces them to overthrow and kill Prospero, and to rule the island in his stead. But Prospero uses illusion to cloak himself, and travels around the island invisibly. He unavoidably discovers the treacherous plan, and puts an end to it. The story ends with Prospero unveiling the reality of the island. His illusions are ready to be exposed. In the last act, Prospero claims, Now does my project gather to a head. My charms crack not, my spirits obey, and time goes upright with his carriage, (5.1.1-3). He confronts his brother, Antonio, saying, Flesh and blood, you brother mine, that entertained ambition, expelled remorse and nature, whom, with Sebastian, whose inward pinches therefore are most strong, would here have killed your kingI do forgive thee, unnatural though thou art, (5.1.78-83). Prospero later admits that the island was enchanted, You do yet taste some subtleties o th isle, that will not let you believe things certain, (5.1.124-126). Prospero then reveals that Ferdinand is not dead, and a veil rises, revealing him and Miranda, yet the King is slow to believe, if this prove a vision of the Island, one dear son shall I twice loss, (5.1.179-181). The last thing Prospero reveals is that the ship is not, in fact , wrecked on the shore, but merely harbored on the other side of the island: The best news is that we have safely found our king and company. The next, our ship which, but three glasses since, we gave out split is tight and yare and bravely rigged as when we first put out to sea! (5.1.229-233) The group then prepare to leave the island, and Prospero vows to leave his magic on the island, promising clear reality for the future. While Shakespeare portrays that illusion may be used to veil reality, in the end, reality always makes itself apparent through the characters actions. The relationship between reality and illusion is explored throughout this work, as well as a few of his other works. Shakespeares search to understand the world and the human being has led to a chapter of literature educational for all audiences. The world is lucky to still be frequented by his works, especially The Tempest.

Frankenstein’s Ambition :: Mary Shelley

Frankenstein’s Mistakes Victor Frankenstein was the creator of the monster in the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. He was an ambitious man who had high hopes and dreams. Even as a child, he was very intelligent, studying the sciences and scientists of the past. But, as ambition caused the downfall of Julius Caesar, it caused the downfall of Victor Frankenstein. As the creator of his monster, he had responsibilities as a mother has towards her child. Out of pride, he ignored his responsibilities. Even after his ambitious mistake, had he acknowledged his responsibilities, he could have saved himself from destruction. He made significant mistakes out of pride and ambition that brought unhappiness and destruction to himself and his loved ones. Victor was reared in a household where he had the proper environment to learn many things. His father was well-educated and encouraged Victor to further his knowledge. There was, however, one subject that he did not encourage Victor on; it was natural philosophy. Victor’s father told him not to waste his time on such trash. This remark fueled Victor’s curiosity and he studied further into it. At the age of 13, Victor â€Å"entered with the greatest diligence into the search of the philosopher’s stone and the elixir of life; but the latter soon obtained [his] undivided attention†. This foreshadowed Victor’s biggest mistake of his life that was to happen later in his life. When he entered the university, Victor started his studies in great detail and intensity. His greatest ambition was this: he wanted to recreate life out of something which life had already parted. He â€Å"described [himself] as always having been imbued with a fervent longing t o penetrate the secrets of nature†.

Asda Strategic Management Essay

I.Introduction Asda was first formed in 1965 by a group of Yorkshire farmers and originally sold only grocery products. However in 1990 Asda sold its first range of clothing under the name ‘George’ and was soon in most of their stores. In 1999 Wal-Martbought Asda and has since moved into other retail areas such as electronics, home appliances and home, travel and motor insurance, as well as setting up an order and delivery service (Saunders, 2011). Now Asda is the third-biggest supermarket in the UK with over 500 stores across the UK and provide around 35,000 products to customer. The following report will illustrate business-strategy level of Asda by using some strategic analysis model like PEST, SWOT, Porter’s Five Force and Porter’s Generic Strategies.  This report also gives to Asda some advices for future development strategy. II.Content 1.The wider environment in the UK. PEST analysis is a simple tool, useful and widely used.It will help to capture the â€Å"overview† of political, economic, cultural – social and technological environment in the UK Political The political environment is ideal for business with a stable friendly government. The political environment in the UK is considered to be relatively stable. The UK is a nation under a constitutional monarchy. Head of state is the king, but the king only symbolic role. Executive power is exercised on behalf of the king, but in the hands of actual government. The head of government is the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives seat (Williams, 1998). Generally the British political system little changed. Even the legal system of the State policy also does not change much Biggest concern of businesses is the continuity of the rules and principles of conduct whether any of the parties are in power. A change in government, whether by election or coup not always mean changing the level of political risk. Contrary to the fundamental change in policy could create major instability. A sudden change in unpredictable government policies can also hinder business activities of the enterprise, regardless of the changing cause.Soï ¼Å'for political factor, in the future years and current, Britain basic political situation is stable. This situation is good for British supermarket industry to grow in strength. Read more:  ASDA Jobs Economic In the early 20th century, the global economy has made profound changes due to the volatility of the political situation in the world. The world economy achieved high growth rates in the 2000s and began to decline sharply after terrorism of 9/11 in America (Colin Grahame Bamford, 2002). The volatile world economy has profoundly affected European countries such as the U.S., Japan †¦ but the UK economy remains sustainable. UK also is an attractive market for foreign investors because the UK has many advantages, such as the financial centre of the world currency, infrastructure development, and tax is lower than the EU other, skilled workforce with relatively low labour  costs compared with developed countries. Currently, the UK is attracting foreign investment (FDI) in most EU regions. In 2008, the UK accounted for 30 % FDI in the EU, accounting for 9.3 % of world FDI. As predicted, in 10 localities FDI only leading the world in 2001-2005, England was ranked 2nd after receiving the U.S. with an average amount of FDI per year is estimated at 82.5 billion dollars. UK is also investing abroad largest EU. In 1998-2005, an annual average of UK investment abroad amounted to U.S. $ 119.4 billion, private investment in 2008 totalled nearly $ 250 billion (ONS, 2012) . The more important is the UK is The UK is the fifth largest economy country in the world, the second largest exporter and the third largest importer of commercial services, eighth largest exporter and fifth largest importer of merchandise. Social In 2007, the UK population was reached 61 million.UK is one of most densely populated countries. Growing of UK population isabout nearly 400,000 one year. Population growth tended to influence retail trade. More and more potential customers will be faced by ASDA in the future. The increasing population can give ASDA good opportunity for making more profit. Technology Science and technology is developed in the UK now.By 2008 in the UK,there is about 16 million households use the internet for buying food. This was UK households 65%. (Na 2008) 2.The competitive environment within the UK. Analysis of the Porter’s five forces for the purpose of establishing the position of a company in that industry. The factors in the model of Porter is: The five forces are threat of substitute products, bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of sellers, competitor rivalry and threat of new entrants Future developments in the industry and the ability of the company to respond. The threat of substitute products The threat of substitute products is very low for ASDA. It is the product convenient hiding in the corner or the license can be considered as the replacement product. However, because the less of the product at the corner store so customers will still have to go to the supermarket to meet their shopping needs Bargaining power of buyers ASDA is the largest distributor of influence throughout the UK, the system of the ASDA distribution can affect many industries such as food, electronic goods, commodities and consumer goods daily. ASDA has enough power to negotiate with other companies on price, product quality and marketing policies to put products into your system. Threat of new entrants It can be said pressure of ASDA from competitors is very low. Because open a create a new supermarket or start to run a new business to enter the market you have to reach two conditions, which are invest a huge amount of capital and huge supply system to compete with ASDA. Bargaining power of suppliers The provider can afford to have bargaining power pay the price in a few cases when only a few suppliers. Bargaining power of suppliers is very low for ASDA when they supply goods under the terms were drafted. ASDA had concerns about branding and enhance the reputation, such as set up ASDA Foundation in 1988 to assist any charity in the UK, and it is benefit for brand construct and is to be a leader that enhances customer loyalty. And more and more buyers want to go shopping at ASDA so the supplier power will increase in this situation. Finally, ASDA’s productions are more and more competitive advantages. Existing rivalry between competitors The competition between existing competitors is very high because the supermarket industry in the UK is saturation. Therefore the competition within the industry appears to be intense. ASDA is affronting many internal and external competitors such as TESCO, SAINSBURY,MORRISON and AHOLD of the Holland. TESCO is the largest retailer in the UK. It can contend for markets with ASDA by its large number stores and attractive price. SAINSSBURY is the second one in UK, its productions famous for high quality. While AHOLD is the largest supermarket in Holland, therefore it has the absolute strategies. All of these have a high degree to share market with ASDA. 3.Asda’s strategic position within the UK. SWOT analysis will be the useful tool to point out the strategic position of Asda within the UK industry Strength Strengths of ASDA Group is a system consisting of many stores spread across the UK. Chain stores have proven to be an ASDA strong brand. Now, the corporations in approximately 136 company retail stores. ASDA pursue low pricing strategy. It aims to offer a shopping basket which is 10—15% lower than the chief competitors. ASDA considered the method that can use the Consistent low prices rather than advertisement to give the confidence to customer. It is that does not need to buy some products in other supermarket for pursue the value price. In addition, growing market share is strength, ASDA is the second largest food retailer in the UK, ASDA has outperformed the rest of the retail sector in terms of growth rate and continues to gain market share as shoppers respond to its reputation for low prices. Weakness Since this is a target retailers with cheap so some time in the company sold inferior quality products and this significantly affected the reputation of the company. The main weakness of ASDA is its lack of small and midsize supermarkets and small convenience stores in the UK, it is clearly that many European countries like France and Germany has places hard restrictions on construction of big stores in suburb and rural areas. Although most ASDA supermarkets fall into big style, but ASDA’s biggest rival has two-third of outlets are small or midsize supermarkets. (Matlack, 2005) states that â€Å"Even if ASDA big supermarkets are doing well, it is difficult to expand with that format.† Opportunities Also for large scale so the management and coordination of management activities is very difficult. There are many opportunities that can be exploited ASDA, which is expanding its market to potential markets such as the EU. In addition the company can exploit some other business sectors such as tourism, insurance. ASDA have many opportunities in many fields. Firstly, with the process of economic globalization, many emerging markets are growing fast, like the turnover of China retail industry is increasing about 30% for every year. ASDA can access to the new market in the future.  Secondly, it can grow organic food market. Rising health awareness among consumers led to a higher demand for low calorie organic foods around the world. Customers are becoming aware of the risks associated with obesity and poor dietary habits. ASDA has taken many initiatives to cater to the health-conscious consumer. Threats Supermarket business is highly profitable industry, many investors want to invest. Currently in the UK there are several large supermarkets are competing with Tesco and Morrison’s ASDA. Initially, the UK retail industry is highly consolidated with Tesco and Sainsbury. Tesco is key competitor of ASDA. It operates through the multiple store formats, including Extra, Superstore, Metro, Express and hypermarkets. Besides in the UK, Tesco also operates in other European countries and Asia. Furthermore, the labour wages go up in the UK, according to the Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, labour costs are raising in the UK. It would adversely influence ASDA’s margins. 4.The competitive strategy of Asda. For a big retailer as Asda, a sustainable competitive advantage is the key to get success. A sustainable competitive advantage is about performing different activities or performing similar activities in different ways. That means, Asda must be capable of producing value for the consumer that is recognized as being superior to that of its competitors. The best ways to achieve this goal is that Asda should follow one of three generic competitive strategies which developed by Porter. Figure 1: Porter’s Generic Strategies The first strategy is overall cost leadership, this strategy requires Asda provide lowest-cost products to their consumers without reduce quality of products. Overall cost leadership allows Asada to outperform rivals within the industry because it can charge lower price and its lowest-cost base still allows them to earn profit. The second strategy is differentiation, if Asda use this strategy, Asda must provide different goods and services which  satisfy the needs of their customers. Differentiation requires Asda spend more cost to create and keep their competitive advantage. However, this cost can be offset in case Asda can increase revenue. The third strategy is focus, Asda can focus on cost leadership or differentiation in a narrow market. Asda can become the cost leader but only within a specific market or Asda can offer special products, service with high value within a segment of market. In pursue focus strategy, Asda could develop their brand loyalty which help Asda decrease threat of new entry. One of dangerous problem in applying Porter’s Generic Strategy is that some organizations try to do all three and become stuck in the middle. However, in case of Asda it not appropriate, right from the first days of establishment, the company has put out a formula for their business is cost reduction to always discount sales. That means Asda choose cost leadership strategy to achieve competitive advantage in the supermarket industry in UK. To following this strategy, Asda always guarantee give to their customer 10% cheaper than their competitor (Asda, 2014). Besides that, Asda also try to minimize their staff’s number by using shopping online and self-service check out to reduce cost. Online shopping will reduce retailer costs because less staffs are needed in shops to serve the customer. The annual report in 2009 show that self-service checkouts are becoming more favoured in Asda store and the wage costs was saved  £10 million. In addition, Asda also try to increase their economics of scale to reduce production cost in long term. In 2010, Asda paid  £778 million to take over the Netto – this is an aggressive bid to close the gap with market leader Tesco’ (The Guardian 2010). This action is evidence shows that Asda using economics of scale pursue cost leadership strategy. Another action shows the cost leadership strategy of Asda pay a large cost for their own machines and the result is that in the long term production of their own brands will be cheaper than other. Another measure of Asda in reducing costs is hard bargaining strategy with their suppliers. It means that they decrease power of suppliers, if their current suppliers do not meet their requirement they can simply move to another supplier that will meet their demands. More and more Asda is choosing to use suppliers from abroad because they are often cheaper than suppliers in Britain and regulation is less strict meaning they are able to achieve their cost leadership strategy. (The Guardian) 5.Future development strategy of Asda. Asda level strategy Asda has many stores around UK, but the company not expand around the world. The firm must develop and try to stay in the top of sales in the UK and try to compete with international companies. Asda now is the second largest retails in the UK by market share. Strategy of Asda, Asda will base on two strategies. First one internal growth and the second one is acquisition. First direction is internal growth, This direction will help the company to develop the products by using internal resources. Asda will open new electronic firm called Asda electronic, and this firm will produce some home appliances. This will help Asda to have more profit and to become the first largest retails in the UK by market share. This means the company will pay a lot of money in the beginning to build the new firm, and in the research but after that the revenue will rise. Second direction is alliances, It’s so important for any firms to extend to another country, but in the same time it’s difficult. The strategy for Asda is to alliances of another company like Aldi. Aldi is German company and has over 8,000 stores worldwide, the company opened in 18 countries around the world. And that’s very important for Asda to become multinational firm. This alliancewill help the firm to make more profit. Ansoff matrix, Figure 2: Ansoff matrix Asda will development new products to the market in the UK. And the firm will produce home appliances like cooker and microwave and all the home machine. New market, Asda plan to expand in different countries by alliances with Aldi. That will raise the revenue, and help the firm to become multinational. Criteria suggested Suitability The strategies suitable for Asda, these strategies will move Asda from local company to multinational company. Because the firm will alliances another company Aldi. This means the number of customers will increase, and the profit will also rise. Feasibility Now is the best time to do these strategies, Asda make huge profit in the last few years. This makes it easy to Asda to build the electronic firm and to acquisitions. Acceptability The strategies are acceptable to the stakeholders of the business, because it will raise the profit of the company. And in the same time they will not do loss money. III.Recommendation Based on strategy of view of us, Asda should choose market development like a future strategy. In more specific, Asda should do alliance with Aldi because of two reasons. Firstly, the market for supermarket in the UK does not have lot space to develop, so expand to international will give to Asda more profit. Secondly, Aldi is giant company with wide range of store on the word; alliance with Aldi not only helps Asda expand to Germany but also helpsthe firm will come multinational. All that will make the firm become bigger and have change to get stronger in the UK and capture the market share in other countries. In addition the firm will receive a huge profit as boost the revenue, build anextremelystrong brand image. IV.Reference 1.Na, 2008 People Prices Planet [online] Available at: http://www.about-asda.com/inside-asda/people-prices-planet.asp (Accessed 20/03/2014) 2.TRAVIS, LAN (2008) Boom in births brings UK population to almost 61m [online] Available at http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/aug/22/population.immigrationandpublicservices (Accessed 10/04/2014) 3.Carol Matlack 2005 Wal-Mart’s Overseas Stumbles [online] Available at: http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/jul2005/nf20050727_3355_db016.htm (Accessed 05/04/2014) 4.The Guardian (2009), Zoe Wood. Asda suppliers under pressure[online]. Available at http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/mar/22/asda-supermarkets (Accessed 05/04/2014) 5.The Guardian (2008), Finch. J. Asda wants ethical code for UK suppliers only[online]. Available at http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/apr/07/asda.supermarkets (Accessed 30/01/2014) 6.Porter, M. (1980), Porters (1980) Generic Strategies, Performance and Risk, pp 8 7.ASDA. (2012). Asda Official Webpage. Available at http://www.asda.co.uk (Accessed 13/05/2014) 8.Abraham, C. S. (2007). Strategic Planning: A practical Guide for Competitiveness Success. Bingley: Emerald Group Publishing: 9.Colin Grahame Bamford, S. G. (2002). The UK Economy in a Global Context. London: Heinemann Education Publisher. 10.Kotler, P. (2007). A framework for Marketing Management. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. 11.Mike Storry, P. C. (1997). British Cultural Identities. London. 12.ONS. (2012). Office for National Statistic. Available at http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/index.html (Accessed 07/04/2014) 13.Porter, M. E. (1980). Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors. New York: Free Press.

A comparison of Death in Venice and Baron In the Trees essays

A comparison of Death in Venice and Baron In the Trees essays A comparison of Death in Venice by Thomas Mann and Baron in the Trees by Italo Calvino Solitary individuals often exploit different views on our world, sometimes accompanied by a disharmonious way of living, as we can see in these two books. The concept of a distant view on life, is applied in both works, be it Gustav von Aschenbachs artistic dilemma in Death in Venice or Cosimos escape from rules and regulations by leaving the natural life on the ground, to live beneath the sky yet above the earth, in Baron in the Trees. What is it then, that drives them? Is it the pursuit of perfection, of utmost beauty? The wish to live independently, free from the humdrum routine of an earthbound existence? Or perhaps they are merely engaging in a quest for romance? Both of the lead characters are different from the rest; both are hermits in their own separate ways, and their views on our world are accordingly diverse. Death in Venice, written by Thomas Mann in 1912, is a symbol-laden story of aestheticism and decadence. Gustav von Aschenbach is an ascetic German author with a sense for discipline and formal perfection in literature, and writes thereafter. Upon travelling to Venice for vacation purposes, he encounters a young boy, named Tadzio. Obviously, this boy is a splendid example of Grecian, almost godlike beauty and innocence. Fascinated by this pulchritudinous being, Aschenbach is willingly engulfed in a whirlpool of decadence, sacrificing his once proud and dignified self in favour of an ever-increasing state of obsession for this boy and degradation of his former person. This infatuation eventually takes his life, when a lethal cholera invades Venice. He has the opportunity to leave, but cannot bring himself to leave what has now become an object of desire. Henceforth, his life ends in the embracement of madness. This novel undoubtedly deals with the role of the artist in society, and houses numerous images...

The Thing Only You Can Bring to Your Writing

The Thing Only You Can Bring to Your Writing Today’s guest post is by James Scott Bell. Bell is a bestselling thriller author and writing teacher. His seminal book, Plot Structure, has been the #1 craft book from Writer’s Digest Books for over a decade. At a recent workshop I was teaching, I began by showing a clip from the amusing Albert Brooks film, The Muse. It’s the story of a middle-aged screenwriter facing a career crisis (which, in Hollywood, is almost redundant). Early on, Brooks is having lunch with a studio honcho who is about fifteen years his junior. Brooks has submitted an action script and wants feedback. The honcho says, â€Å"Let me put this in a form that’s not insulting, because I tend to be too direct. All my friends tell me that. The script’s no good.† Brook says, â€Å"That's the form that’s not insulting? What would the insulting form be?† When Brooks asks what’s wrong with the script, the honcho replies, â€Å"What’s wrong with the script ... is you.† Brooks presses for more specifics. The honcho finally says, â€Å"You’ve lost your edge.† Brooks looks at him with that Albert Brooks existential-angst expression he has practically trademarked. The honcho further states that the studio needs Brooks to vacate his office so Brian De Palma can have it. â€Å"You can’t give Brian De Palma my office!† Brooks says. â€Å"It’s not really your office,† the honcho replies. â€Å"We’re all just using space here. I’m where Lucille Ball used to be.† â€Å"Too bad you’re not where she is now.† In short, the lunch does not go well. After the clip, I told the class part of the reason they were at Story Masters was to avoid ever being subjected to a conversation like that. How? By finding and keeping their edge. Which every writer has, by the way. The challenge is to dig it out and give if form on the page. Just what is the edge? It’s you. It’s what sets you apart from every other writer. You are a unique human being, a package of singular experiences, passions, joys ... not to mention DNA. The trick to this edge business is marrying your distinctiveness with craft mastery and an overall strategy for your novel. Yeah, that’s all. I then showed the students a quote from a former acquisitions editor at Penguin, Marian Lizzi. She was writing about the things that cause a house to say no to a manuscript. One of these is that the book is not â€Å"remarkable/surprising/unputdownable enough†: This one is the  most difficult  to articulate – and yet in many ways it’s the most important hurdle to clear. Does the proposal get people excited? Will sales reps and buyers be eager to read it – and then eager to talk it up themselves?  Ã‚  As my first boss used to warn us green editorial assistants two decades ago the type of submission that’s the toughest to spot – and the most essential to avoid is the one that is â€Å"skillful, competent, literate, and ultimately forgettable.† These words are more important now than ever. We all know about the â€Å"tsunami of content† competing for attention and repeat business, even though so much of it is (how do I put this in a form that’s not insulting?) no good. However, a lot of it is good. Over the last nearly quarter-century of teaching the craft, I've seen the level of competent fiction rise significantly. With all of the teaching and critique-grouping and editor/agent-paneling and craft books and blogs out there, anyone with a minimal amount of talent- and a whole lot of grit- can learn to write competent fiction. Which means we have to be more than good to stand out from the morass. The edge is critical to getting us there. An old preacher once told his ministerial students that a sermon is no good unless it makes the congregation sad, mad, or glad. There is much truth in that. So try this exercise: Write down three things that make you sad, three that make you mad, and three that make you glad. (Note: just for variety, try skipping anything political!) Next, take each of these nine items and write one page about why you feel this way. Go deep. Use your life experiences, how you were raised, what you've observed, specific scenes from your past. You never have to show these pages to anyone, so rant and rave and cry all you want. Hot tears forge sharp edges. You now have nine pages of emotional response, unique to you. When you develop your main characters, give them a sad, mad, and glad set. They don’t have to overlap yours, but certainly may. Now create backstory to justify each feeling, keeping at it until you feel it too. Your edge will emerge. Follow it, put it in the sinew of your characters and the tension of your scenes. If you do that, there will be no need for an uncomfortable lunch. You can finish your book instead.       James Scott Bellis a bestselling thriller author and writing teacher. His seminal book, Plot Structure, has been the #1 craft book from Writer’s Digest Books for over a decade. A sought-after speaker at writers’ conferences, Jim’s popular course â€Å"Writing a Novel They Can’t Put Down† is now available online. You can visit his website at www.jamesscottbell.com.

Proposal for the Creation of Best Town Police Department Research Paper - 1

Proposal for the Creation of Best Town Police Department - Research Paper Example The overall conclusion tries to draw a relationship between all the existing factors that are involved in designing an able and efficient police department, in light of Best Town. The general aim of this proposal is to provide recommendations for a police department for Best Town community based on reports that the community is not satisfied by the services provided by the county police department. The town therefore feels the need to have their own police department, and this proposal aims to provide recommendations and ideas on how to implement such a department. The department would take up all the crimes committed in the town, as its sole mandate would be to ensure proper law enforcement for Best Town. There are various elements that define life in any society. These include the social, political, environmental, technological, economic, and even cultural factors that all have a bearing on how a society is going to structured. Each of these factors has its own distinctive characteristics that make it efficient in the part that it plays in the society. In addition, all of them relate, and have some form of interdependence such that for the maximization of any of the factors, the others also have to be enjoying some level of stability. This means that for the economic factors to be at their best, the political and even social elements have to be just as successful and in a stable state. The converse is also true. This type of relationship reduces any instance of impasse that would arise should one factor fall greatly behind. Through all this, security is of key significance. Security is like the bond that links all the aforementioned factors. While some of them may be relatively effi cient in the absence of the others, like environmental factors being favorable at the expense of technological advancement, none can have a substantial amount of success at the expense of security. This highlights the

Methodology chapter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Methodology chapter - Essay Example These differences, which can be considered to be improvements on the latter approaches, are what make design-based research a good fit for this research study. Design-based research differs from lab experiment re4search in a number of ways, especially in the education domain. While using lab experiment research in this case would have required a laboratory setting to ensure that there were no significant interruptions from confounding variables, design-based research will enable the current research to account for the dynamics, complexities, and limitations of the real world classroom (Behrendt, 2010). In addition, despite the existence of significant dependent and confounding variables in the classroom, DBR does not seek to consider all the former variables. This ability to choose from a number of dependent variables offers an advantage for using DBR to study the use Adobe Connect in learning a second language, especially since lab experiments have a fixed procedure due to attempts to manipulate one variable and control for the rest. By revising the research design iteratively and flexibly over the course of the research, it will be possible to characterize the complexities of how participants develop competency in the use of technology (Behrendt, 2010). Moreover, the fact that DBR will allow for social interactions with the ESL teachers, as well as between the ESL teachers and their students. This is due to its â€Å"real world† orientation, which lends it an added advantage over lab experiment research that would isolate the ESL teachers and prevent their interaction with researchers. Due to the complexities portended by the language barrier and learning new technology, it will be difficult to come up with a hypothesis from ini tial investigation of the research problem, which is a requirement of experimental investigations (Behrendt, 2010). By using DBR, however, the researchers will be able to develop practical design profiles

The Nurse Leader Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Nurse Leader - Assignment Example She is a great leader who is admired and loved by everybody because she inspires and transforms people. Donato-Moore is a Clinical Nurse Manager, who has been practicing nursing for 8 years at the American Nephrology Nurses. In her position she holds a lot of responsibilities in clinical leadership for patients’ healthcare such as design and evaluation of patients. She is also responsible for identification and collection of care outcomes and participates in health risk identification and oversees the diagnosis of patients. She also oversees the evidence-based practices and team leadership, in collaboration with other health teams in the hospital (Raya, 2006). Moreover, she manages information through implementation of sound information systems to improve health care services. She also advocates for patients, communities and health professionals’ welfare. Donato carries out her responsibilities with great competence and professionalism. She is very knowledgeable and efficient in her roles and responsibilities. She gained her experience through years of practice and inter action with patients, in addition to pursing further certification on specialized nursing care, in areas such as pediatric health care, oncology and general health certifications (Negarandeh & Rahnavard, 2011). She is affiliated to major nursing bodies where she occupies influential positions. These include, America Association of Critical-Care Nurses, American Academy of Nursing Practitioners, Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association and Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. As a leader, she is very charismatic and inspirational. She uses the democratic leadership style to influence her staff and motivate them. The style calls for collective decision making where the Leader solicits for subordinates feedback before making decision. Donato always consult her in charges before making decisions especially in areas that

Mayanmar Army Essay Example for Free

Mayanmar Army Essay Introduction 1.The Myanmar Army (Tatmadaw Kyee in local language) is the land component of the Military of Myanmar. The Myanmar Army is the largest branch of the Armed Forces of Myanmar and has the primary responsibility of conducting land-based military operations. The Myanmar Army maintains the second largest active force in Southeast Asia after Vietnams Vietnam Peoples Army. 2.The Myanmar Army has a troop strength around 492,000. The army has rich combat experience in fighting insurgents in rough terrains, considering it has been conducting non-stop counter-insurgency operations against ethnic and political insurgents since its inception in 1948. 3.The force is headed by the Commander in Chief (Army), currently Vice Senior General Maung Aye. The highest rank in the Myanmar Army is Senior General, equivalent to Field Marshal position in Western Armies and is currently held by Senior General Than Shwe. The defence budget of the Myanmar Military is 7.07 billion US dollars. 4.Defence Policy of Myanmar Tatmadaw was formally declared in February, 1999. The declared policy outlined the doctrine of total peoples defence for the Union of Myanmar. Threats to the national unity, territorial integrity and sovereign independence of the Union of Myanmar are the most important security objectives and considered as threats to the security of state. In the process of formulating Defence Policy and Military Doctrine from a strategic perspective, Tatmadaw has undergone three phases. History 5.First phase (post-independence/civil war era).The first phase of the doctrine was developed in early 1950s to cope with external threats from more powerful enemies with a strategy of Strategic Denial under conventional warfare. The perception of threats to state security was more external than internal threats. The internal threat to state security was managed through the use of a mixture of force and political persuasion. Lieutenant Colonel Maung Maung drew up defence doctrine based on conventional warfare concepts, with large infantry divisions, armoured brigades, tanks and motorised war with mass mobilisation for the war effort being the important element of the doctrine. The objective was to contain the offensive of the invading forces at the border for at least three months, while waiting for the arrival of international forces, similar to the police action by international intervention forces under the directive of United Nations during the war on Korean peninsula. However, the conventional strategy under the concept of total war was undermined by the lack of appropriate command and control system, proper logistical support structure, sound economic bases and efficient civil defence organisations. At the beginning of 1950s, while Tatmadaw was able to reassert its control over most part of the country, Kuomintang (KMT) troops under General Li Mai, with support from United States, invaded Myanmar and used the countrys frontier as a springboard for attack against Peoples Republic of China, which in turn became the external threat to state security and sovereignty of Myanmar. The first phase of the doctrine was tested for the first time in Operation Naga Naing in February 1953 against invading KMT forces. The doctrine did not take into account logistic and political support for KMT from United States and as a result it failed to deliver the objectives and ended in humiliating defeat for the Tatmadaw. The then Tatmadaw leadership argued that the excessive media coverage was partly to blame for the failure of Operation Naga Naing. For example, Brigadier General Maung Maung pointed out that newspapers, such as the Nation, carried reports detailing the training and troops positioning, even went as far to the name and social background of the commanders who are leading the operation thus losing the element of surprise. Colonel Saw Myint, who was second in command for the operation, also complained about the long lines of communications and the excessive pressure imposed upon the units for public relations activities in order to prove that the support of the people was behind the operation. 6.Second phase (KMT invasion/BSPP era).Despite failure, Tatmadaw continued to rely on this doctrine until the mid 1960s. The doctrine was under constant review and modifications throughout KMT invasion and gained success in anti-KMT operations in the mid and late 1950s. However, this strategy became increasingly irrelevant and unsuitable in the late 1950s as the insurgents and KMT changed their positional warfare strategy to hit-and-run guerrilla warfare. At the 1958 Tatmadaws annual Commanding Officers (COs) conference, Colonel Kyi Win submitted a report outlining the requirement for new military doctrine and strategy. He stated that Tatmadaw did not have a clear strategy to cope with insurgents, even though most of Tatmadaws commanders were guerrilla fighters during the anti-British and Japanese campaigns during the Second World War, they had very little knowledge of anti-guerrilla or counterinsurgency warfare. Based upon Colonel Kyi Wins report, Tatmadaw begin developing an appropriate military doctrine and strategy to meet the requirements of counterinsurgency warfare. 7.This second phase of the doctrine was to suppress insurgency with peoples war and the perception of threats to state security was more of internal threats. During this phase, external linkage of internal problems and direct external threats were minimised by the foreign policy based on isolation. It was common view of the commanders that unless insurgency was suppressed, foreign interference would be highly probable, therefore counterinsurgency became the core of the new military doctrine and strategy. Beginning in 1961, the Directorate of Military Training took charge the research for national defence planning, military doctrine and strategy for both internal and external threats. This included reviews of international and domestic political situations, studies of the potential sources of conflicts, collection of information for strategic planning and defining the possible routes of foreign invasion.[1]. In 1962, as part of new military doctrine planning, principles of anti-guerrilla warfare were outlined and counterinsurgency-training courses were delivered at the training schools. The new doctrine laid out three potential enemies and they are internal insurgents, historical enemies with roughly an equal strength (i.e. Thailand), and enemies with greater strength. It states that in suppressing insurgencies, Tatmadaw must be trained to conduct long-range penetration with a tactic of continuous search and destroy. Reconnaissance, Ambush and all weather day and night offensive and attack capabilities along with winning the hearts and minds of people are important parts of anti-guerrilla warfare. For countering an historical enemy with equal strength, Tatmadaw should fight a conventional warfare under total war strategy, without giving up an inch of its territory to the enemy. For powerful enemy and foreign invaders, Tatmadaw should engage in total peoples war, with a special focus on g uerrilla strategy. 8.To prepare for the transition to the new doctrine, Brigadier General San Yu, the then Vice Chief of Staff (Army), sent a delegation led by Lieutenant Colonel Thura Tun Tin was sent to Switzerland, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia and East Germany in July 1964 to study organisation structure, armaments, training, territorial organisation and strategy of peoples militias. A research team was also formed at General Staff Office within the War Office to study defence capabilities and militia formations of neighbouring countries. The new doctrine of total peoples war, and the strategy of anti-guerrilla warfare for counterinsurgency and guerrilla warfare for foreign invasion, were designed to be appropriate for Myanmar. The doctrine flowed from the countrys independent and active foreign policy, total peoples defence policy, the nature of perceived threats, its geography and the regional environment, the size of its population in comparison with those of its neighbours, the relatively underdeveloped nature of its economy and its historical and political experiences. The doctrine was based upon three totalities: population, time and space (du-thone-du) and four strengths: manpower, material, time and morale (Panama-lay-yat). The doctrine did not develop concepts of strategic denial or counter-offensive capabilities. It relied almost totally on irregular low-intensity warfare, such as its guerrilla strategy to counter any form of foreign invasion. The overall counterinsurgency strategy included not only elimination of insurgents and their support bases with the four cut strategy, but also the building and designation of white area and black area as well. 9.In April 1968, Tatmadaw introduced special warfare training programmes at Command Training Centres at various regional commands. Anti-Guerrilla warfare tactics were taught at combat forces schools and other training establishments with special emphasis on ambush and counter-ambush, counterinsurgency weapons and tactics, individual battle initiative for tactical independence, commando tactics, and reconnaissance. Battalion size operations were also practised in the South West Regional Military Command area. The new military doctrine was formally endorsed and adopted at the first party congress of the BSPP in 1971.[5] BSPP laid down directives for complete annihilation of the insurgents as one of the tasks for national defence and state security and called for liquidation of i nsurgents through the strength of the working people as the immediate objective. This doctrine ensures the role of Tatmadaw at the heart of national policy making. 10.Throughout BSPP era, the total peoples war doctrine was solely applied in counterinsurgency operations, since Myanmar did not face any direct foreign invasion throughout the period. In 1985, the then Lieutenant General Saw Maung, Vice-Chief of Staff of Tatmadaw reminded his commanders during his speech at the Command and General Staff College. In Myanmar, during that time, out of nearly 35 million people, the combined armed forces (army, navy and air force) are about two hundred thousand. In terms of percentage, that is about 0.01 percent. It is simply impossible to defend a country the size of ours with only this handful of troops therefore, what we have to do in the case of foreign invasion is to mobilise people in accordance with the total peoples war doctrine. In order to defend our country from aggressors, the entire population must be involved in the war effort as the support of people dictate the outcome of the war. 11.Third phase (SLORC/SPDC era).The third phase of doctrinal development of Myanmar Armed Forces came after the military take over and formation of State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) in September, 1988 as part of armed forces modernisation programme. The development was the reflection of sensitivity towards direct foreign invasion or invasion by proxy state during the turbulent years of the late 80s and early 90s, for example: unauthorised presence of US Aircraft Carrier Group in Myanmars territorial waters during 1988 political uprising as evidence of an infringement of Myanmars sovereignty. Also, Tatmadaw leadership was concerned that foreign powers might arm the insurgents on the Myanmar border to exploit the political situation and tensions in the country. This new threat perception, previously insignificant under the nations isolationist foreign policy, led Tatmadaw leaders to review the defence capability and doctrine of the Tatmadaw. 12.The third phase was to face the lower level external threats with a strategy of strategic denial under total peoples defence concept. Current military leadership has successfully dealt with 17 major insurgent groups, whose return to legal fold in the past decade has remarkably decreased the internal threats to state security, at least for the short and medium terms, even though threat perception of the possibility of external linkage to internal problems, perceived as being motivated by the continuing human rights violations, religious suppression and ethnic cleansing, remains high. 13.Within the policy, the role of the Tatmadaw was defined as a `modern, strong and highly capable fighting force. Since the day of independence, the Tatmadaw has been involved in restoring and maintaining internal security and suppressing insurgency. It was with this background that Tatmadaws multifaceted defence policy was formulated and its military doctrine and strategy could be interpreted as defence-in-depth. It was influenced by a number of factors such as history, geography, culture, economy and sense of threats. Tatmadaw has developed an active defence strategy based on guerrilla warfare with limited conventional military capabilities, designed to cope with low intensity conflicts from external and internal foes, which threatens the security of the state. This strategy, revealed in joint services exercises, is built on a system of total peoples defence, where the armed forces provide the first line of defence and the training and leadership of the nation in the matter of national defence. It is designed to deter potential aggressors by the knowledge that defeat of Tatmadaws regular forces in conventional warfare would be followed by persistent guerrilla warfare in the occupied areas by people militias and dispersed regular troops which would eventually wear down the invading forces, both physically and psychologically, and leave it vulnerable to a counter-offensive. If the conventional strategy of strategic denial fails, then the Tatmadaw and its auxiliary forces will follow Maos strategic concepts of strategic defensive, strategic stalemate and strategic offensive. 14.Over the past decade, through a series of modernisation programs, Tatmadaw has developed and invested in better Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence system; real-time intelligence; formidable air defence system; and early warning systems for its strategic denial and total peoples defence doctrine. Structure of Myanmar Army 15.The Army has always been by far, the largest service in Myanmar and has always received the lions share of the Defence Budget. [Working Papers Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, ANU] [Andrew Selth: Power Without Glory (ISBN-10: 1891936131)] It has played the most prominent part in Myanmars struggle against the 40 or more insurgent groups since 1948 and acquired a reputation as a tough and resourceful military force. In 1981, it was described as probably the best army to fight insurgency in Southeast Asia, apart from Vietnams. [Far Eastern Economic Review, 20 May 1981] This judgement was echoed in 1983, when another observer noted that Myanmars Infantry is generally rated as one of the toughest, most combat seasoned in Southeast Asia. [Far Eastern Economic Review, 7 July 1983] 16. In 1985, a foreign journalist with the rare experience of seeing Burmese soldiers in action against ethnic insurgents and narco-armies was thoroughly impressed by their fighting skills, endurance and discipline. [Bertil Lintner, Land of Jade] Other commentators throughout that time characterised the Myanmar Army as the toughest, most effective light infantry jungle force now operating in Southeast Asia. [AsiaWeek 21 Feb. 1992] Even the Thais, not known to praise the Burmese lightly, have described the Myanmar Army as skilled in the art of jungle warfare. [The Defence of Thailand (Thai Government issue), p.15, April 1995] Thai soldiers readily acknowledge, albeit privately, the toughness and determination of their Myanmar counterparts. Despite its preoccupation with retaining political power, the Myanmar Army has never lost sight of its defence role, and over the past 12 years, it has implemented a wide range of measures which have significantly enhanced its military capabilities. Expansion 17.The Tatmadaws organizational and command structure dramatically changed after the military coup in 1988. The first army division was formed in the year 1966. It was the 77th Light Infantry Division (LID) as rapid reaction mobile forces for strike operations. In March 1990, a new Regional Military Command (RMC) was opened in Monywa with Brigadier Kyaw Min as commander and named North-Western RMC. A year later 101st LID was formed in Pakokku with Col. Saw Tun as commander. Two Regional Operations Commands (ROC) were formed in Myeik and Loikaw to facilitate command and control. They were commanded respectively by Brigadier Soe Tint and Brigadier Maung Kyi. March 1995 saw a dramatic expansion of the Tatmadaw as it established 11 Military Operations Commands (MOC)s in that month. MOCs are similar to Mechanized Infantry Divisions in western armies, each with 10 regular infantry battalions (Chay Hlyin Tatyin), a headquarters, and organic support units including field artillery batteries. Then in 1996, two new RMC were opened, Coastal Region RMC was opened in Myeik with Brigadier Sit Maung as commander and Triangle Region RMC in Kengtung with Brigadier Thein Sein as commander. Three more new ROCs were opened in Kalay, Bhamo and Mongsat. In late 1998, two new MOCs were opened in Bokepyin and Mongsat. [WP 342. Australian National University] The most significant expansion after the infantry in the army was in Armour and Artillery. Beginning in 1990, the Myanmar Army (Tatmadaw) procured 18 T-69II tanks and 48 T-63 amphibious light tanks from China. Further procurements were made, including several hundred Type 85 and Type 92 armoured personnel carriers (APC). By the beginning of 1998, Tatmadaw had about 100+ T-68II main battle tanks, a similar number of T-63 amphibious light tanks and several T-59D tanks. These tanks and armoured personnel carriers were distributed into five armoured infantry battalions and five tank battalions and formed the first Armoured Division of the Tatmadaw under the name of 71st Armoured Operations Command with its headquarters in Pyawbwe. Strength and organization 18.By 2000, the Myanmar Army had reached some 370,000 all ranks. There were 337 infantry battalions, including 266 light infantry battalions. Although the Myanmar Armys organisational structure was based upon the regimental system, the basic manoeuvre and fighting unit is the battalion, known as Tat Yin in Burmese, which comprised a headquarters unit; four rifle companies (tat khwe) with three rifle platoons (Tat Su) each; an administration company with medical, transport, logistics and signals units; a heavy weapons company including mortar, machine gun and recoilless gun platoons. Each battalion is commanded a Lieutenant Colonel (du bo hmu gyi) with a Major (bo hmu) as 2IC (Second in Command), with a total establishment strength of 27 officers and 723 other ranks. Light infantry battalions in Myanmar Army have much lower establishment strength of around 500; as a result this often leads to these units being mistakenly identified by the observers and reporters as under strength infantry battalions. 19.With its significantly increased personnel numbers, weaponry and mobility, todays Tatmadaw Kyee is a formidable conventional defence force for the Union of Myanmar. Troops ready for combat duty have at least doubled since 1988. Logistics infrastructure and Artillery Fire Support has been greatly increased. Its newly acquired military might was apparent in the Tatmadaws dry season operations against Karen National Union (KNU) strongholds in Manerplaw and Kawmura. Most of the casualties at these battles were the result of intense and heavy bombardment by the Tatmadaw Kyee. Not only that Tatmadaw Kyee is now much larger than it was in pre-1988, it is more mobile and has greatly improved armour, artillery and air defence inventories. Its C3I (Command Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence) systems have been expanded and refined. It is developing larger and more integrated, self-sustained formations which should lend themselves to better coordinated action by different combat arms. The army may still have relatively modest weaponry compared to its larger neighbours, but it is now in a much better position to deter external aggression and respond to such a threat should it ever arise. The organisational tree is attached as annexure-A. Commander in Chief (Army) 20.Until 1990, Myanmar Armed Forces has Chief of Staff system and Myanmar Army was led by Vice Chief of Staff (Army). In 1990, Myanmar Armed Forces was reorganized and all three branches of Armed Forces are now led by Commander-in-Chief.

Shangri La Hotels Business Analysis

Shangri La Hotels Business Analysis Introduction Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad is an investment holding company and also a public limited company. This company was incorporated on June 29, 1971 and currently having a total of 2364 employees. Its headquarters is located at the Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang. This company is engaged with the operations of services such as hotels and beach resorts, golf course and clubhouse, property management and investment and commercial laundry. The Companys segments has two segments, which include hotels, resorts and golf course, which is engaged in hotel, beach resort and gulf course business; investment properties, which includes rental from offices, shoplots and apartment and rental of car parks, and others, which include commercial laundry services and investment holding. Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad has many hotel branches located at many different states and locations in Malaysia. Also, customers may have an infinite choice of luxury possibilities with Shangri-La Hotels as there are over 66 hotels located across the globe. Most importantly, customers may find themselves living in a hidden paradise once they chose to stay in Shangri-La Hotel. They can feel relaxed in the luxurious guestrooms, pampering themselves in a 5 star rated hotels with all the supreme services and facilities. As of December 31, 2010, Shangri-La Hotel (M) Berhad hotel had its properties included Rasa Sayang Resort Spa, Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Traders Hotel Penang, Golden Sands Resort, Palm Beach Resort and Rasa Ria Resort. However, its subsidiaries include Shangri-La Hotel (KL) Sdn Bhd, Komtar Hotel Sdn Bhd, Golden Sands Beach Resort Sdn Bhd, UBN Holdings Sdn Bhd, UBN Tower Sdn Bhd, Pantai Emas Sdn Bhd, Madarac Corporation and Wisegain Sdn Bhd. The principal activities of the Company are investment holding and the operation of a beach resort, namely Rasa Sayang Resort. In Malaysia, Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad owns the 29-storey, 720rooms Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur. On the other hand, it also owns the Golden Sands Hotel, Komtar Hotel and Palm Beach Hotel in the island state of Penang. Shangri-La hotels always differentiate their service to match with customers taste and demand. Company Background The company was incorporated in Malaysia on 29 June 1971 under the Companies Act, 1965. The company was limited by shares with the registered name Taman Developments Sdn Bhd. On 7 September 1974, the name was then changed to Rasa Sayang Beach Hotels (Penang) Sdn Bhd. The company was converted to public company on 23 February 1977 under the name of Rasa Sayang Beach Hotels (Pg) Berhad. On 1 September 1982, the company was listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE). Yet, the company was delisted from KLSE on 21 December 1987 due to a general offer made by Perlis for the entire issued share capital of the Company and acquired more than 90% of the issued share capital of the company. On 2 January 1992, the company assumed its present name. The company had successfully merged with UBN Holdings Sdn Bhd which comprised the acquisition by the company from Kuok Brothers Sdn Bhd and Landmarks Berhad, the entire issued share capital of UBN Holdings Sdn Bhd on 21 September 1992. However, the company was re-listed on the KLSE on 1 December 1992 with the company undertook a bonus issue and subsequently a public issue. Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad has its own vision for achieving the goals to be the best hotel. Its vision is to be the first choice for our guest, colleagues, shareholders and business partners. Whereas Shangri-La hotels also has its mission at all the time which is to delight our guests every time by creating engaging experiences straight from our hearts. The company is operating based on the following principles: Ensuring leadership drives for results. Making guest loyalty a key driver of the business. Enabling decision-making at the guest contact point. Creating an environment where colleagues may achieve their personal career goals. Demonstrating honesty, care and integrity in all relationships. Ensuring policies and processes are guest and colleague friendly. On top of that, Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad is operating under all professional persons in order to make Shangri-La hotels to be the top hotel in the world. Board of directors include : Tan sri A. Razak bin Ramli (Chairman) Kuok Oon Kwong (Managing Director) Datin Rozina Mohd Amin (Executive Director) Dato Haris Onn bin Hussein (Independent Non-Executive Director) Dato Seri Ismail Farouk Abdullah (Independent Non-Executive Director) Datuk Supperamaniam a/l Manickam (Independent Non-Executive Director) Dato Dr Tan Tat Wai (Independent Non-Executive Director) Tan Yew Jin Dato Khoo Eng Min Ravinder Singh Grewal Sarbjit S Joseph Patrick Stevens (Alternate Director to Ravinder Singh Grewal Sarbjit S) Business What is the basic requirement of a hotel in order to satisfy customers? Hotel is basically belongs to service industry which mostly provide accommodation services to people for a comfortable stay. Service is very important to a hotel as it will bring to customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Shangri-la Hotels (M) Berhad are definitely the best hotel which provides high standards of services to customers as it had awarded Best Business Hotel Brand in Asia Pacific by the Business Traveller 2012. Under Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad, it has currently 9 brands of hotels in the service industry. It includes, Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Shangri-Las Rasa Ria Resort Kota Kinabalu, Shangri-Las Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa Kota Kinabalu, Putrajaya Shangri-La, Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour Johor, Golden Sands Resort Penang, Shangri-Las Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa Penang and Traders Hotel Penang. Every hotel under Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad are doing very well as mostly hotels are ranked five stars hotel and have a very good reputation among customers. Every hotel has its own special attractions such as Traders Hotel always located in the city which easier attach to the entertainment. Whereas Shangri-La hotel offers stylish and luxurious environment for customers. In order for a hotel to maintain and improve its business, Shangri-la hotels always push their services to a higher level as services are the main key to bring in more businesses. Its five-star reputation always maintaining a world-class service at all the time. Stylishly decorated, the luxurious guestrooms at Shangri-La hotel present large clear windows with beautiful city views. Memorable and satisfaction of every customer became the crucial mission of Shangri-La hotel. Shangri-La hotel differentiate its rooms according to customers preference. Rooms can be chosen in Deluxe room, Executive room, Horizon Executive room, Premier room and Executive Suite. Customers are able to choose their rooms to prefer a better environment and comfortable stay in the hotel. There are varieties of services provided by Shangri-la Hotel in order to satisfy customers and bring customers loyalty to the business. Facilities provided by Shangri-la Hotel are partially free of charge for customers to fully utilize such as the facilities of fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, steam room, sauna, massage, aerobics or dance studios and many more. The beautifully landscaped outdoor swimming pool is the facility always satisfied the customers as they are able to relax and enjoy the fascinating environment. The fitness centre is also an important facility for hotel as many people nowadays are going to fitness centre every week. This had become a habit to them and the fitness centre is an important place for them to workout. In Shangri-La hotel, there have the facilities of clinic to provide medical service for customers who in ill. This will make customers convenient as they do not need to go clinic outside and able to rest in the hotel after getting medical treatment. Shangri-La hotel also provide disabled facilities for handicapped such as handicapped toilet as to satisfy them although they are people with disabilities. Customers are able to choose non-smoking rooms or smoking rooms according to their preference. Safe deposit box also provided to let customers safe keeping their important documents or expensive goods. Parking facilities and valet service are provided for customers who looking for a stay in the hotel. Services such as the complimentary shoeshine service is provided for customers who staying in the hotel for a period of time and looking for shoeshine service. Postal and courier service also provided in order for customers to deliver documents or packages. Laundry service provided for customers who want to wash their clothes. Those services are provided to easier customers as they are not necessary to looking those service outside. Child care or babysitting service also provided in the hotel as some parents have some urgent things to do, they can looking for babysitting of their babies. A hotel can be occupied without few facilities, but cannot be occupied without restaurants and bars. Shangri-La hotel features the impressive selection of international, award winning restaurants, including the award-winning Restaurant Lafite, which serves the finest western cuisine. There are five awesome restaurants and two bars located inside the hotel. The wide selection of dining options makes Shangri-La hotel a best location for travellers who enjoy fine cuisine, and also makes the hotel an excellent location for businessman to convene meetings and conferences. Not only that, Shangri-La hotel provides free breakfast or drinks for customers at the cafà © while they preparing rooms for customers. This implication done by Shangri-La hotel is to concern the desired expectation of customers and try to satisfy customers by exceeding customers perceived expectation. Shangri-La hotel also provides 24-hour room service which customers are able to request dishes or drinks with a simply phone call. 24-hour room service is best required by businessman who went out for business meeting and came back late night. It will satisfy them with a delicious meal and the fast delivery. Few shops are located inside the hotels such as the foreign exchange counter and gift shop. Foreigners are able to exchange their currency in the hotel and tourists can purchase gifts in the shop. As now technology became more important, Wi-Fi is the best tool for tourists and businessman. Free Wi-Fi access is provided for every room guests in order for them to access to the internet. Shangri-La also provides travel and transportation service for customers. Airport connection is one of the service included, guests can choose to reach hotel by hotel limousine pick-up, express train or taxi. This usually is made for foreigners and tourists. Hotel limousine pick-up can be chosen with different types of cars. Car rental service and travel agency also provide for customers in order for them to visit any places nearby the hotel. This services provided for customers so they do not need to look at outside of the hotel and can be avoid scamming. Many business amenities are offered to businessman such as the meeting rooms, binding service, laser printing, scanning and photocopying services in order for them to prepare important documents in their trip. Prompt and fast check-in and check-out service also attract customers as they dont have to wait for so long with the service process. Helpful and cheerful receptionists are also type of service that the hotel provided for customers. Receptionists and customer service can help the customers to solve problems such as the changes of rooms or handle complaint. Outstanding staff will satisfy customers as they provide great and wonderful service for them. Hotel employees with smile and cheerful look will make the customers feel happy and satisfied in terms of hospitality service. By according to the feedback received online, Shangri-La hotel can said to be the highest positive feedback received by the customers. Most customers are satisfied and happy with the services provided by the hotel. Satisfied customers will promote and recommend to others with the great services they received at the hotel. Positive word of mouth can improve the reputation of the hotel and this enable the hotel to attract more customers. Customers satisfactions always brings Shangri-La hotel the effort to do better and it leads to customers loyalty where customers will come back to visit the hotel next time. Shangri-La hotel always maintain a high standard of services as they believe service is the crucial rules of a successful hotel. This is how Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad do business in a fully competitive environment and yet did so well in the service industry. SWOT Analysis A companys successfulness always depends on the strategy that the company used to improve its business. SWOT analysis is one of tools that most companies like to use to determine the companys strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threat. Hotel industry such as Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad also need SWOT analysis to use as a guide for the business and distinguish between today situation and future situation. SWOT analysis will be very effective and useful for Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad to improve its strengths and opportunities and yet minimize the weaknesses and threats. Strengths, which are the beneficial aspects of the organization or the capabilities of an organization, which includes human competencies, process capabilities, financial resources, products and services, customer goodwill and brand loyalty. One of the strengths of Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad is the brand name. Brand is very important for every business as it helps to internationally recognized for its luxurious hotels and resorts. Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad is said to be an aspirational brand to the public. Besides, the leadership and management skills of Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad is well known for its fine and tuned management that is capable enough to run the whole corporation. It helps Shangri-La hotels provide great and excellent service for every customer. Next, the high quality service of Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad also attract a large number of repeat customers which form a loyalty between them. In addition, another strength of Shangri-La hotels is its five-star venture that won numerous awards including the leading spot as the Top Asia Hotel in Malaysia, Best Luxury Hotel in Malaysia by the 2012 Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Awards and World Luxury Hotel Awards Global Winner in the Best Luxury Business Hotel and Best City Hotel category 2011. These awards build up a branded image for Shangri-La hotels and reputation in the hotel field. Not only that, Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad also is the leading corporation on its line of food expertise in various cuisine from eastern to western. Many customers visit Shangri-La hotels are mostly due to the delicious and relaxing restaurants. Clean and tidy of the hotel rooms are the main reason of customers likes to visit Shangri-La hotels as they always satisfied with the environment. Weaknesses, which deteriorate influences on the organizational success and growth. There are little of weaknesses of Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad as they always minimize their weaknesses and transform to their strengths. One of the weaknesses is the inadequate of staff with qualifications as Shangri-La only hires personnel with skilled expertise and the draught for manpower. This may affect the shortage of workers and influence the performance of the hotel. Furthermore, the concept of Shangri-La is outdated and does not appeal to younger generation. They rather go for hotels such as Hard Rock Hotel or G Hotel. Next, the maintenance cost is too high to handle as Shangri-Las hotel and resort must be excellent to its quality for accommodation. This will increase the expenses of Shangri-La hotels and thus the price of the hotel room will also increase. Opportunities, that are presented by the environment within which our organization operates. These arise when an organization can take benefit of conditions in its environment to plan and execute strategies that enable it to become more profitable. As economy of Malaysia had improve steadily nowadays and tourism sector is growing and booing in the recent years making the demand for hotels to increase significantly. Economy of the country will directly enhance the tourism sectors, thus service industry such as hotel will be attractive. Besides, online market is one of the opportunities that helps the growth of Shangri-La hotels as it ranks No.1 in the Tripadvidor website. Technology helps Shangri-La hotels to attract customers as it is kind of marketing and promotion strategy. On the other hand, partnership with international airways, KLIA, is one of the opportunities that more foreigners will be able to visit Asia. This in return increases the occupancy in hotels. Besides, as the steadily growth of economy had increase the job opportunities in Malaysia and this will occurs the lack of human resource. Thus, the lack of human resource will encourage expatriates to come and work in Malaysia. These are the upper class people and usually require hotels for their choice of stay. Threats, one of the threats facing by Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad is the competition of the business. Rival hotels are setting up their base in Asia and lower their prices making it more competitive. Those competitors will influence the sales of Shangri-La hotels. Guesthouses will also compete as they provide much lower rate and affordable to all people. Low budget hotels are the competitors which offering lower costs of accommodation for customers to compete with Shangri-La hotels. In addition, spreading virus such as SARS and H1N1 and robbery cases will discourage people not travel overseas and thus affected the business of Shangri-La hotels. SWOT analysis is one of the tools that are very important and effective for every business to determine the situation of the business and thus making improvement for it. Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad will keep providing great service for customers after doing SWOT analysis as understand the internal and external determinants of the business. Marketing Strategies (7 Ps) A companys success is not only depends on the effectiveness and efficiency of the companys management. It also need to focus in marketing which is the important process of communicating the product or service with customers. Customers are important as without customers, a company will not grow and success. In order to grow a company, customers satisfaction need to get into details. Shangri-La hotel is a company which marketing its services to the customers. Therefore, Shangri-La hotel must has its marketing strategies to achieve the companys goals. Marketing strategies defined as the marketing logic by which the business unit hopes to achieve its marketing objectives. Marketing strategy consists of specific strategies for target markets, marketing mix and marketing expenditure level. Marketing mix is the most common strategy used by many company. Shangri-La hotel is one of the companies which implement marketing mix strategy. Marketing mix consists of 7Ps for developing an effective marketing strategy. It consists of product, price, people, process, promotion, place and physical evidence. The first P Product, usually defined in the capacity of goods or services. Product can be differentiated with quality, design, variety and features. The product of Shangri-La hotel is providing services to customers instead of goods. Shangri-La hotel provides online customer service for customers and customers can get to know the hotel with their website provided. Accommodation service is the main service a hotel provides for customer. So, in order to satisfy customer, types of rooms are playing an important role. There are five types of rooms provided for customers according to their preferences. A hotel must always satisfy customer and build a good relationship with customer through service provided in order to get loyal customer for the hotel and yet maintaining a long term business. Shangri-La hotel provides variety of facilities for convenience their customer to enjoy the stay from the time check-in until check-out. Facilities can be included exclusive room facilities, hotel facilities, dining and entertainment, sport and leisure for customers. Services with intangible are the helpful services provided by receptionists and the smiling face welcoming customers by the staff. The second P Price, is the amount of money for customers to pay for accommodation service in the hotel. Shangri-La hotel always fixed the price according to the types of rooms chosen by customer. Customers are able to make booking online as to convenient them for make comparison and know the price. Online booking usually will requested customers to choose few options according to their choices and they can pay the total amount of the room by using credit card. Besides, online booking will convenient foreigners as it provide currency converter for them to convert into their currency. Pricing strategy using by Shangri-La hotel is based on the service ordered by customers, so customers will be more satisfy with the service because the hotel provide service according to customers order. Discounts and allowances will be given by Shangri-La hotel in the off-peak seasons as to attract more customers to increase sales. By giving discounts in a special room rate, customers can have the chance to stay in the hotel with a relatively lower price and the hotel can build the customer loyalty at the moment. Customers also can made their payment with cash or card as to convenient customers and prevent hassle of customers. The third P People, relate to persons who involve in the process of interaction. People can be classified into target customers and service personnel by Shangri-La hotel. Target customers of Shangri-La hotel are mostly from upper-class or those who posses higher financial ability. Shangri-La hotel is mostly targeted customers of tourists and businessman. Tourists who come from overseas are willing to stay in a luxurious and expensive hotel as they are of higher financial group and likes with relaxing lifestyle. Besides tourists, businessman is another target customer who mostly required to stay in a five star hotel as their expense will be paid by company. By choosing a five star hotel by business travelers, it will create a good image of the company he/she represented. Whereas the people of service personnel involve in the interaction, Shangri-La hotel must recruits and hires employees with skills and attitudes. Skills can be relate to the qualification, ability and competency. Attitudes are those behavior that every staff in the hotel must be acquired such as helpful, responsive and smiling. Shangri-La hotel has provided training programmes for all the hotel employees to make improvement. With skills and attitudes, employees are able to satisfy customers in any issues and lead them back to loyalty. The fourth P Process, refers to the systems used to assist the organization in delivering the service. For example, when enter a hotel, you welcomed by staff with smiles, check-in service is fast, baggage is taken to room, have a great service from the restaurant and facilities, and finally ended trip and baggage delivered to you. This is the process in Shangri-La hotel. Shangri-La hotel demonstrate process involve in delivering services. Fast check-in process is the key of first impression of customer as reservation will be served directly by the receptionist. Besides, when customers are in hunger and order dishes through room service, a fast delivering process is enough to satisfy customers. If customers want to make a complaint regarding the non-working of air-conditional, the fast process of making complaint and solve the problem is very important. Shangri-La hotel always help customers to solve problem as they care of customers. The fifth P Promotion, usually made to attract more customers to increase sales. Shangri-La hotel usually have promotion and special offer to build long term relationship with loyal customer. Shangri-La hotel is using advertising and online marketing to make promotion. Advertising can be regarded as the banner and brochures of the hotel. Technology had become very important nowadays as most people know how to surf internet. Online marketing is the trend to promote Shangri-La hotel. Customers can book hotel rooms at other website such as booking.com and agoda.com. Those websites are able for customers to leave feedback regarding their stays. Positive feedback will successfully attracted more customers to visit the hotel. Furthermore, customers are able to pay less for more with special offer and promotion made by Shangri-La hotel. Customers can enjoy delicious meals at the restaurant with the special offer made in particular day such as Valentines day. Positive word of mouth is one of the ways for promotion as satisfied customers will recommend other customers to visit the hotel. The sixth P Place, where customer can receive the service. Shangri-La hotel is a world-class hotel as hotels are distributed all over the world such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Australia and etc. New hotels are built by according to the demand chain management as the company knows what places are demanded by people for a hotel. There are three Shangri-La hotels in Penang, two at Batu Feringgi and one located in Georgetown. Batu Feringgi Beach is one of the tourist attractions in Penang. Foreign travelers love to visit the beach and this had made the popularity of Rasa Sayang Resort and Golden Sands Resort. Traders hotel is located in Georgetown where most of the businessman likes to visit. Hotels located in the city will be more preferable by travelers as they can go visit any place nearby. Places of the locations of Shangri-La hotel are wonderful and it has its own specific environment. The seventh P Physical evidence refers to services in tangible. The most common physical evidence of Shangri-La hotel is the brochures which mostly customers can requested at the counter. Business cards of receptionists or managers can be regarded as physical evidence as it can be used for next visits or recommendations. Customers can enjoy the beautiful and extraordinary designs of the outdoor swimming pool as it is regarded as the physical evidence. When customers made payment of the hotel room, an invoice of payment will be received by customer. It belongs to physical evidence as shows that customers are able to enjoy the optimum level of satisfaction of services. Service Issue Shangri La Hotel Berhad is a limited company that operates throughout Malaysia. Although Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad is doing good in the service industry, there have some issues that need to be improved and overcome. One of the issue faced by Shangri La Hotel Berhad is the insufficient manpower to conduct the daily operations. This is because Malaysia is facing lack of workers and is importing workers from other foreign countries. The link between manpower and Shangri La Hotel Berhad is fairly simple as manpower is proportional to productivity. The more people are available to work, the faster projects can be completed or the more projects a company can take on. Conversely, a lack of adequate manpower prevents businesses from completing tasks. The lack of productivity translates into a reduction in revenue and profit, which in some cases means the business cant stay operational. Hence if Shangri La do not handle this issue adequately, the efficient and effectiveness of the company will be affected. The second issue faced by Shangri La is the standards of the hotel staff not on par. With the increasing challenges the hotel sector is facing globally and the escalating demand for tourism products and services, especially in the emerging markets, there is urgent need for players in the region to offer high quality performance standards to survive. As stated, because of insufficient workers, Shangri La has to hire foreign workers in order to balance up the workforce. Foreigners on the other hand are usually hired from third world countries because of their low cost. This in return has taken toll on the overall performance of the company. Therefore, Shangri La should also look into this matter. The third issue is about the maintenance handled by Shangri La. As noted Shangri La Hotel Berhad is engaged in the operation of hotels and beach resorts, a golf course and clubhouse, property management and investment and commercial laundry. In the field of golf courses and clubhouse, maintenance is the upmost important. Shangri La on the other hand is doing just average based on the reviews. Because Shangri La Hotel Berhad is a five star company, they should be able to improve their maintenance and achieve excellence. As stated, maintenance is important in the hospitality trade as it reflects the service provided by Shangri La to their customers. Besides that, Shangri La also engages in beach resorts, having one in Batu Ferringhi and one at Sabah which is the more popular ones. Based on the reviews of the hotels, Shangri La Hotel Berhad has received complaints on the lack of entertainment provided on the beachfront which is also one of the issue faced by Shangri La. The beach itself is already amazing to enjoy. However, being viewed for their excellence, Shangri La Hotel Berhad should enhance a solution to that matter. Several reviews stated that there is nothing for the people to do at the beach but loafing around making the stay boring and unworthy. All these issues should be addressed by Shangri La Hotels Berhad as to maintain their international standards. If these service issues are solved, there is no doubt that Shangri La Hotels Berhad will achieve excellence in their line of trade. Latest Venture / Business Plan Although Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad already owns 66 hotels all over the world and has long term customers, Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad want to keep expand and differentiate its business in order to provide more service to the public. This is also a way to get more income and try to satisfy customers in a long run. Recently, Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad have some new business plan and latest venture for its business. For example, they planned to have some major renovation programme for certain resorts. For example, some renovation would be held in Rasa Ria Resorts Garden Wing guestrooms. When the renovation is fully completed, those improved room products will give the resort a stronger business platform for the companys future growth and well to compete strongly in this competitive marketplace. They try to satisfy customers of their specific services provided which cant be found among competitors. This will lead to a competitive advantage for them and customers will looking forward for new venture and service provided by Shangri-La hotels (M) Berhad. Besides, Shangri-La Hotels (M) Berhad has planned to