Mm Litteruture

To Celia is a love poem with a simple four line rhyme scheme (abcbabcb), written in first person. The over all tone of the poem is dreamy, optimistic, persistent, and gullibly innocent. The rhythm is smooth, and pensive, and seems to fall into an iambic pentameter. The poem gives the reader an intimate sense of this man’s love, and obsession for the woman of his desire, Celia. I interpreted this poem as having a theme of lost love. I imagined that Celia is his ex-lover, he still is in love with her, and wants her to come back to him.In the first stanza, the strong feelings he has for her are expressed metaphorically by comparing his love to drinking wine, and Jove’s Nectar, an elixir for immortality. He is intoxicated by her, and can’t live without her. In the first line â€Å"Drink to me, only with thine eyes And I will pledge with mine†, he is asking Celia to look at him with her eyes, and tell him she still loves him, he will in turn promise himself to her. â€Å"Or leave a kiss but in the cup And I'll not look for wine† meaning If that is too much to ask, at least show him in some way that she still cares for him, and that will as least satisfy him. The thirst that from the soul doth rise Doth ask a drink divine†, the desire and love he has for her is burning deep inside of him, and he needs her. â€Å"But might I of Jove's nectar sup I would not change for thine†, meaning he cannot live without her. If he were given the gift of immortality, he would not take it just to be with her. A wreath is a symbol of eternity, in the second stanza, he expresses eternal love for her by metaphorically comparing it to the rosy wreath. I believe the wreath also may represent an apology.In the first line of the second stanza, â€Å"I sent thee late a rosy wreath Not so much honoring thee†, I believe he is talking about the mistakes he made. He used the word late, implying that he was too late showing her his eternal lo ve for her, and is now not able to have her, honoring being another word for having. â€Å"As giving it a hope that there It could not withered be†, he is telling her he loves her hoping their love is not lost. â€Å"But thou thereon didst only breath And sent'st it back to me†, she doesn’t want to listen to him anymore, takes a deep breath or sigh, and does not accept his apology. Since, when it grows and smells, I swear, Not of itself but thee†, No matter what happens, I will always love you, and a piece of you will always be with me. Some techniques used in this poem are Alliteration, the use of metaphors, personification, irony, hyperbole, and possibly allegory. Alliteration can be identified in this poem by the words that are stressed such as (highlighted in green above) in the first stanza, stresses are placed on Drink, cup, kiss, and divine. Metaphors were used to describe his love for Celia, such as drinking the wine, the elixir of eternal life, an d the rosy wreath.Personification is used in personifying Celia’s eyes, as if they could speak, and the thirst takes on a human quality of rising, and asking for a drink. I thought irony was present when Celia sent the wreath back, or denied his apology. The man disregarded this action, and continued with his protest of love for her. I think hyperbole was used a lot in this poem. For example the entire poem seems to be a hyperbole. It is extremely exaggerated, and in particular, the lines â€Å"But might I of Jove's nectar sup I would not change for thine†, and â€Å"Since, when it grows and smells, I swear, Not of itself but thee. The images are unrealistic, and cannot be taken literally. I thought allegory can be identified in this poem, because if you read through the poem once, you may just interpret a man courting a woman, and the woman literally returning his gift to him, not acknowledging him. However I felt that these two people were at once very close. They l oved each other, and the man did something that caused them to break up. He still is madly in love with her, and would do anything to get her back. He apologizes to her, but it is not enough.The literal meaning is obvious, but the symbolic meaning of the poets word choices lead to my interpretation. I believe three main important concepts that influence the entire poems message would be word choice, tone, and symbols. Word choice is important in this poem, because the words used give the reader a detailed understanding of what the poet is trying to say. The words also create the imagery of the poem, and set up the meaning of the symbols used throughout. For example the whole first stanza is surrounded by words that are related to drinking wine, such as drink, cup, wine, thirst, and nectar.The words make it easy for the reader to determine that he is comparing the love he has for Celia to drinking wine, and the nectar of Jove’s. Her love is intoxicating, and worth more than an ything to him. In the second stanza, the word choice I noticed was more important. The words late, rosy wreath, honouring, withered, breath, grows, smell, and swear, to me all had in depth meaning. For example late lead me to believe he had made a mistake. Rosy wreath suggested eternal love, and an apology. Honouring took on the meaning of having. Withered reminded me of dyeing, and lost love.Breath implied her presence, and disapproval. Grows, tells the reader that his love for her has only gotten stronger. Smell implies a sense of lingering, as if her essence is still all around him. Swear implies a promise to oneself, and he promises to always love her. The tone of the poem I described as dreamy, optimistic, persistent, and gullibly innocent. I think this tone is important in getting the poets mood across to the reader. The rhythm of the poem contributes to the tone because it is smooth and pensive. The poem is read in a smooth whimsical way, and slightly imploring.I thought it w as dreamy because of the flowery language used, and the whimsical way it read through. Optimistic because he is hopeful that Celia still loves him, persistent, because he goes into length describing his love, and gullibly innocent, because even though it is clear Celia wants nothing to do with him anymore, he still holds onto the love he has for her. The symbols I thought were interesting, and really led me to discovering an underlying meaning to this poem. Examples of the symbol used in this poem are the eyes, Jove’s Nectar, the rosy wreath, and Celia’s breath.When the poet opens with mentioning thine eyes, it symbolizes that they are close, and he knows what she is feeling without her speaking. The eyes create intimacy in the poem. Jove’s Nectar symbolizes immortality, and his love. His love will never die for her. The rosy wreath symbolizes eternity, on how he will love her forever, and also I believe the wreath serves as a symbol for the apology he is giving her. Celia’s breath symbolizes her release from him. She does not take him in, but exhales. This symbolizes her rejecting him.I think these symbols were very influential in the way I interpreted this poem. In conclusion, I really enjoyed this poem, and digging into its underlying meaning. At first I found the language very hard to follow, and read it so many times I now have it memorized. I researched other people’s thoughts online, and realized that I had taken a different perspective on the poem compared to other reviews. I always find it interesting to see how differently people think, and how the meanings of these poems take life in the individual depending on their own experiences.

Motivations and Benefits of Students Volunteering

Essa Fadhili S363053517/1/2018 Teachers(s) Name: Sharene Herdy & Rachel Joy Abstract The following report examines the factors that motivate students to take part in volunteering work. The piece largely draws its insights from an American Education Research Journal and a peer reviewed article from Sweden's Linnacus University. The goal is to provide findings on what motivates university students into engaging in volunteer work, the report offers several ideas for recommendations. The report provides concise findings on what motivates students into taking part in volunteering work.IntroductionVolunteering is a necessary part of the society as it is associated with numerous benefits for both the active and passive participants. While this fact remains, many students are usually unwilling to participate in volunteering program for varied reasons. Some lack motivating factors since the work is free while others do not consider volunteer to be important or of any meaningful use to the society. Most universities have for long encouraged their students to take up volunteering work. Through volunteering, students gain from experience. For instance, they help give back to the society by helping the disadvantaged and improve their social skills. The report aims to discuss the motivations of volunteering. In doing so, the benefits that students can derive from participating in volunteer work will be reviewed. The benefits include meeting new people, acquiring useful skills, and learning the importance of creating community awareness about certain social gaps. The piece will also provide recommendations to help to universities promote the program to the participants. The piece largely draws its insights from an American Education Research Journal and a peer reviewed article from Sweden's Linnacus University.  Motivations for Student to do Volunteer WorkOne of the motivations that encourage students to engage in volunteer work is the need to meet new people and help their cause. The Students make new friends with others like them from other faculties or schools which serves to improve their social interactions for students engaging in volunteer work provides them with the opportunity to meet strangers and have a positive impact on their lives. Research indicates that 74% of students who were actively involved in volunteer work experienced broader social ties and friendships (Fermnadez, Linett, and Nomoto 2016). It is easier for students with similar interests to interact that it is the case within the campus. As can be seen in the figure below, the number of volunteers in the University age bracket is still very low and thus the need to encourage students to enrol.Figure-12.Benefits of Volunteer WorkAnother important motivation that lures students into being part of volunteer work is the fact that they develop useful skills and work experience. In the process of helping with volunteer work, students can learn various professional skills that can assist them with their future career and their resume. Research indicates that 51% of fresh graduates in employment began working in volunteering programs (Serow1991). Volunteering comes with a sense of happiness and self-fulfillment thus enticing students to take part in such programs. Also, 39% of non-volunteer students strongly believe volunteering in their academic course can entice them to engage in volunteer work (Serow1991). Volunteer work can act as an easy route to employment more so where the work involved relates to the course the participants are taking in the University.Feeling of Happiness in Helping PeopleThe other motivation that student can gain from volunteering work is the feeling of happiness in helping others. The participants make a social difference that they feel proud of and that acts as a motivational factor to engage in volunteer work (Serow 1991). The feeling that one is making a meaningful contribution to the society and organizations that address the social plight of the society is enough motivation to encourage students to take part in more volunteer program. Everyone likes to be part of a significant social change, and volunteer work offers this chance to the student. Figure-2The above figure illustrates the sharp decline in the number of volunteer between 2002 and 2015.ConclusionTo sum up, different motivations can serve to encourage more students to engage in volunteering program. Engaging in volunteer work provides students with an opportunity to improve their chances of employability. What is more, students get to meet new students with similar interests. Lastly, students feel happy helping others and that lures them into volunteer programs.RecommendationsTo encourage more student to join the volunteering program the university should organize events where student volunteers can meet to share their experiences. Organizing such forums can both fulfill the need for students to socialize and act as a motivation for more students to engage in the volunteer program. Young people are thrill seekers and meeting new friends to share their experiences-both life's and those from the program-can help boost the number of students joining the volunteer program. The events should have fun activities that students love such as music, famous artists, and food. . The University should organize short courses where experienced student volunteers can showcase their experience by teaching potential members the benefits of enrolling. This adds to their skills and employability. Such courses have a high chance of succeeding since it involves students teaching students unlike an outsider or a teacher doing so. The new lanners would be in a better position to learn from their colleagues who also share their experiences of the program. A youngster encouraging another is more effective than an older party teaching the same to a youngster. . Another effective recommendation that would serve to attract more students to the volunteer program would be the use of flyers, adverts, and colorful videos about the pleasant experience of students in the volunteer program. Young people are always attracted to interesting videos and adverts as they form part of their daily lives on social media. Through sharing the videos and adverts, students improve their social life as they meet other new interested parties. As such, using these tools may be the most effective way to reach to potential student-volunteers4 who are not already in the program. Videos, flyers, and ads may work better than word of mouth. Most campus students spend more time on the Internet than they do when they interact with each other. As such, it is easier for new volunteers to find the information about the volunteer program from popular social sites that from friends.Reference listFemandez, P Linett, Q ; Nomoto, T 2016, `student volunteering in Sweden and the motivations driving this phenomenon `Bachelor Thesis,Linnacus University ,Sweden.Serow, R, C 1991, `Students and voluntarism: looking into the motives of community service participants'American Educational Research Journal, vol.28, No.3, pp 543-556.

Advertising media industry Essay Example for Free

Advertising media industry Essay ? I am student in a work placement agency called STG Media Corporation, a company which dedicates their mission and vision in providing accountable advertising solutions. In my 7 week placement here in the corporation, I learned a lot and discovered that nothing beats on-hand experience in working. Week One (provide date) It was a week of anticipation, stress and learning. How does one person deal with work placement? The first day was dedicated with meeting the executive staff, the working staff, and introduction to what the company is. STG Media Corp. is an interesting work placement agency. I learned about the company through one of my friends and I thought that working for a media company will be so great; little did I know that it is a lot difficult. The first thing that came up in my mind when STG Media Corp. was mentioned is that it is just an advertising company. But it is different. The company details their service in the concept of accountable advertising, in which they refine print advertising media in context of the 21st century need. As a communication student, this was beginning to worry me. After the primary day of introduction, I get to know more about the company and the thought that it is not the conventional type of advertising agency made me overwhelmed with the job and the condition in the work place. This week, I was designated to the Print Media Research, print Media Planning and Market Analysis of one of the company’s client. The company of a branded sports drink is asking STG Media Corp. to help them with the advertising promotion in one of the new products they will launch in about 5 months time. The first thing I did was to interview the sports drink company representative about the nature of their company. I went to their office was so anxious to do the interview that I forgot to bring my recorder, which is considered as one of the great mistakes before doing an interview, coming unprepared. But the good thing is, I did the interview well. I was given the set questions of STG Media Corp., questions that are required to be asked to the client, and throughout the interview, I inserted some of the questions I thought myself to be able to get a good amount of fact for the company. As inexperienced as I am in working for the company, one of the greatest skill I learned is to communicate effectively and luckily I am able to do that with this interview. During the week, one of the great challenges I faced was inputting the vital information of the company’s client to their database called the Print Media Buying System. The PMBS which is the company’s own database generates detailed market research, analysis reports accounting for all aspects such as demographic information, buying trends and other print media recommendations. I really asked for help this time as since I was not acquainted with the kind of technology they used in the particular system. But later I got the hang of it and was commended for a job well done in collecting information from the client. Week 2 (provide date) Before the work placement began, I was told that I will be working full time in one of the company’s venture with a famous sports drink brand. I thought that would be easy since I don’t have to do all the other work, but the challenged I soon found out during the second week is that the process of STG Media Corp. as an advertising consultant is a process to which many steps are taken. This week I am part of the Creative Team designated by the company to help the sports drink brand. Although I must be clear that I was just a part of the team, doing menial job that the professionals are tasked to do. I learned one great thing about the print media industry, 75% of advertisement fail because of weak creative and non-compelling ad copy. It’s true that one of the strengths of a great brand is not just with its quality, but through rigorous and effective advertising that they create. Before working here, I thought that companies only advertise for the sake of advertising, but companies do take this strategy very seriously. On the third day of this week, I was asked to look at one print ad for five seconds during one of the meetings of the Creative Team. They asked me questions rigorously, whether it be based on the appearance or the content. I answered them frankly and mention the things that I would personally think about the ad if I was just a normal consumer looking at the advertisement. Several times, the Team will press and argue their points with me, but all was attributed to presenting a better advertisement for the client. During this week, as unprofessional to assume the role of being a advertiser consultant, I was placed in the position of the consumer, the Team’s viewpoint on the things they realize about the brand and how they can effectively approach working for the client. I really felt like my ideas were respected and included to the Creative Team’s analysis of the product. This week, I also was comfortable with the workplace. I am familiar with the different employees and get to have small talks with them through several breaks. Its interesting how some of them had assumed I am part of the Creative Team when in fact; I am just a student on work placement. Advertising media industry. (2017, May 26).

Rural Poverty and Microcredit in Third World Economies Essay

Rural Poverty and Microcredit in Third World Economies - Essay Example The traditional obsession with macro policies implemented at the state level has at most been disastrous. This, coupled with the inefficient delivery of aid to the poor nations, has only increased corruption, high and persistent inflation and unemployment, political repression and burdensome external and public sector debts (Woller and Wordworth 269) . This paper is divided into two parts. Part one looks at the latest strategy, microcredit, floated as a possible solution to ending rural poverty in Third World countries. Microcredit embodies the specific recognition that the lack of access to credit can be a limiting factor for significant numbers of the economically active poor. The second part seeks out a way through which the West can deliver aid effectively, efficiently and accountable to help combat rural poverty. The origins of microcredit Since the end of World War II few countries have moved from underdeveloped to developed status with the exception of the Asian tiger economi es. Though the reasons for this remain numerous and complex, Woller and Wordworth (268) attribute a large portion of the blame to widespread macro development policy failure. In the past it was believed that the best way to tackle poverty is through top-down, state-led development policies modeled on the experience of the Western industrial nations. These policies favored large-scale industrialization and concentration of economic power on elite groups. To make matters worse the international aid community reinforced the ills of these policies by pouring billions of dollars into numerous, and often dubious, large-scale state development projects (Woller and Wordsworth 268). Worse still, from the late 1960s, a rural alternative to the state-led modernization drive called the Green Revolution was initiated. The Green Revolution essentially forced Western agricultural practices on indigenous Third World peasant farmers, with many small family plots being expropriated by central gover nments and leased out to huge multinationals in the Europe and America. The end result of all these policies was uneven industrialization, high and persistent inflation and unemployment, endemic corruption, political repression and burdensome external and public sector debts (Woller and Wordsworth 269). In recent years economic growth has picked up creating a new sense of optimism for the Third World. However, even in a best-case scenario, it would be foolish to expect poverty eradication in these countries in the next few years. Woller and Wordsworth (270) are convinced that in the absence of policies that provide economic opportunities for the poor, macro development policies will continue to bypass the poor. What the Less Developed Countries (LDCs) need are small, concrete efforts that emanate from the grass-roots. The microcredit movement is part of this new paradigm that has emerged from the underground economy of the poor. The microcredit rationale Microcredit is defined as programs that extend small loans to poor people for self-employment projects that generate income (Woller and Wordsworth 267). With limited employment opportunities, in both rural and urban areas, millions of poor people in LDCs must earn their living through self-employment in the informal economy. This involves engaging in activities such as hawking, bicycle and/or rickshaw transportation, collecting scrap and running small shops. However, even these self-employment opportunities require capital for starting up, running or expansion.

Business Law in Australia (Tort) Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Law in Australia (Tort) - Case Study Example Since such affected people are described as neighbours, the doctrine of duty is usually described as the neighbour principle. For the purpose of this doctrine a person's neighbours are individuals who are directly and proximately affected by act of commission or omission of that person. Subsequently, most of the developments have taken place in the rule of negligence. These developments have given another definition to the neighbour principle by Lord Wilberforce. In Anns v Merton London2, the House of Lords established a two - stage test. First, there should be an adequate Proximity or neighbourhood relationship in the reasonable observation of the defendant's negligence which would cause damage to the interests of the claimant. If this holds good then a prima facie duty of care becomes apparent. Second, it is essential to determine whether any issues exist, which hinder the applicability of the duty of care that is owed to persons, or that try to negate it wholly, or reduce its scope. However the two - stage test faced much criticism in respect of its applicability which is broad in its scope. As such the current test of duty of care in the areas of proximity, foresight and fairness in establishing the former had been adopted by the courts. Under this test, claimants were required to establish three aspects which they consider to be a duty of care. First, there should be a violation that could have been reasonably foreseen and which was certain to cause injury to persons in the claimant's position. Second, there should be a reasonable and adequate proximity between the parties and third, it should be fair, justifiable and reasonable to impose the liability. This test's interpretation has been evidenced in the case of Caparo Industries v Dickman3. In this case the decision of the Court of Appeal was rescinded by the House of Lords. If one accepts that the principle in Donoghue v. Stevenson4 to be precise, then by implication the decision of the House of Lords in the cases of Murphy5 is correct. In the Murphy case, the House of Lords did not grant compensation for the economic loss in relation to the damage caused to the building. It was considered to be unimportant, that this ruin was capable of harming other buildings and persons. Moreover, it was held that an impeachment of actual damage would result if there was public justification of negligence based entirely on the decision in Donoghue v. Stevenson. Furthermore, it was opined on the basis of the principle established in Donoghue v. Stevenson, that the normative importance of information that a flaw was hazardous was irrelevant after such a defect was noticed6. Lord Bridge opined in this context that if injury to a person or damage to a building was due to a latent flaw in the chattel, then the manufacturer was to be held liable for the damage caused. In addition, he stated that if the latent defect came to light prior to the occurrence of damage, then the principle established in the Donoghue v. Stevenson case would be inapplicable. Accordingly, the chattel, under consideration, would be deemed to be defective but not dangerous7. In the context of real estate, a builder would be liable for constructing a building that had dangerous defects. The builder would be held liable in the event of such a defect remaining undisclosed until personal injury or damage to some other property transpired. 250. This latency requirement has been abandoned and accordingly, the principle of

Lupus emergent therapy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Lupus emergent therapy - Essay Example As if not enough, desirable work place environments has shaped the building design paradigms in certain ways, including the necessitation of incorporation of aspects pertaining to efficiency, as well as a reduction of stress at the work place (Broberg,1997). Indeed, in the current world, building designs concepts and building designs are arguably inseparable. Building design concepts are inclined on coming up with designs of equipment and devises, including buildings that are suitable for human operations. Such are subject to body movement, not to forget, the bodies’ cognitive abilities. Thus, the objective of desirable design concept is to foster productivity while fulfilling the health requirements. As such, the desirable design concept is most appreciable when designing products such as equipment and furniture, as well as machines that contain interfaces that are not only reliable, but easy for use (Broberg, 1997). Clearly, this relate to building designs. Nevertheless, considering that people have varied physical and cognitive capabilities, the subject of satisfactory building designs may not be fully explored without inclusivity. It is indispensable that buildings designs have to put into considerations the needs of people with disabilities such as the deaf, the blind, and those on wheelchairs. Inclusivity is a point that most engineers have to put into consideration, especially when the underlying goal is to design buildings that could be accessed by all groups of people with prompting customization. What is worth noting is that desirable inclusive designs should be fit all equality groups although emphasis may be laid on disabled people. On the other hand, it is limiting to design buildings based on ergonomic concepts and inclusivity alone. Other elements of desirable building designs, especially office areas, include Safety, security, sustainability , Comfort,

The Service Excellence Management Report Research Paper

The Service Excellence Management Report - Research Paper Example It is clear from analysis that the management of Cathay Pacific Airlines is operating with the vertical organizational structure. Moreover, the organization is focusing on too much centralization in its decision making and strategy development process. Employee management has become one of the biggest challenges for the management of the organization. Too much centralization and flatter organization structure is affecting the motivation level of employees, which can reflect in the customer service management process. The organization has adopted old industrial model. Therefore, they are failing to retain their skilled employees. Some recommendation plans have been provided in the report to overcome the contemporary issues. Service excellence can be considered as an attitude that engrained in each and every organization. It begins and ends with people within the organization. Global business environment has become highly competitive as several organizations within the industry are trying to implement unique strategies in business operation process in order to gain potential competitive advantages over the competitors. Customer experience, customer expectation level and customer satisfaction level are the three major aspects in service excellence. In this present era of globalization, consumers always expect better service from the organizations beyond high quality products. It is true that, demand for high quality and differentiated services is increasing significantly among the consumers around the globe. Therefore, several organizations in this contemporary global business environment are looking to provide effective customer service in order to gain potential competitive advantages over the competit ors. Effective customer service and service excellence of organizations highly depends upon the knowledge and skill of

Do Student-Athletes in College Look At Their Coaches As Parent Figure Research Proposal

Do Student-Athletes in College Look At Their Coaches As Parent Figure - Research Proposal Example As the paper discusses with many of research studies in the theme of relationship between a coach and the athletic students in schools focusing on the leadership attributes and the moral and ethical relations, few studies have focused on the acceptable mode of handling the athletes by the coaches. With such perceptions as have been shown to hold in people’s views concerning the way that coach-student relationship should be, there lacks a standard tool on which the interactions and attitudes towards each other should be understood. There exists a gap in literature on whether students perceive their coaches as parent figures or not and what would be the factors that influence such perceptions. The lack of such literature from past studies and related academic materials shows the necessity to have a structured study into the theme in order to shape future studies and understanding of the theme. This study is aimed at establishing a qualitative justification through research study on whether the athletic students in colleges perceive their coaches as parents or not. This study is aimed at establishing whether student-athletes perceive their coaches as parents or otherwise through a qualitative analysis of the opinions by the athletes. The study is also focused on bridging the gap that currently exists between the literatures on student coach perceptions especially in the athletics and contribute towards shaping future research studies in the theme.

Business to business (marketing plan) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Business to business (marketing plan) - Essay Example In light of this, the company would have to put in a lot of effort in identifying where its major strengths are so as to take advantage of the potentials. In this regard, a comprehensive research and development program in the short to medium term is recommended. What is more, the company must be poised with the introduction of new strategies and competitive advantages that will not seem too familiar to end users. Once this happens, potential customers would have no justification to trade off their existing companies for the new entrant. 1 Comparison of B2B to B2C B2B has largely been used to stand for business to business marketing whiles B2C has also been used to represent business to customers marketing. A critical understanding of these forms of marketing is very importation in the creation of market of market segments for any identified setting. This is because with an understanding of which of the two works best for a given company, it becomes easier for the company to select o ne of the two principles in creating the segmentation (quote). Generally, B2C has larger and broader sales prospects than B2B (quote). To this extent, B2C assure larger markets than B2B. In terms of segmentation also, demographic segmentation is more favourable for B2B whiles demographic segmentation is favourable for B2C (quote). This is so because B2C deals directly with customers and so need specific characteristics of customers to undertake business. B2B, which on the other hand deal with businesses needs to target a larger geographic scope in order to achieve successful patronage. Best basis of segmentation for each NEW market As stated earlier, the B2B is more favourable with geographic segmentation whiles B2C is more suitable for demographic segmentation. For each of these new markets therefore, there is a level of basis for the selected segmentation. In the business to business marketing for instance, because the company deals directly with other businesses, it does not real ly have to have the specific demographic make up of the setting into consideration. Rather, it would rather have to look at the business prospect of the market and strength of competitors in the area. With the business to customer, because the customer is the direct focus, it is always virtually impossible to think of succeeding without knowing the specific demographic qualities of customers. In most instances, the demographic characteristics that are considered for the demographic segmentation include race, nationality, gender, family size, religion, education, occupation, and income. Identify target segment and its estimated value From the discussions so far, the most suitable target segment for LumiCore is the London market. This way, it is clear that business to business (B2B) has been selected over business to business (B2C). This is because business to business makes use of segments such as states, regions, nations, countries, cities and in some cases, zip codes and neighbourh oods. Judging from the fact that London in the United Kingdom is a city, it qualifies and comes under business to business marketing. With London selected as the target segment, there are several estimated values that the company can be assured of having. Because the remaining aspects of the report shall give a closer diagnosis of the London segment, not

SPSS Software Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

SPSS Software - Case Study Example Observations within months are however sufficient to offer reliable information on individuals’ perceptions and this means dependability of the collected data. Similarly, a majority of the respondents, 80 percent, were current students in the institution and this supports dependability on the developed information due to internal reliability. In addition, respondents were representative of all the learning levels in the institution, though a majority, 66 percent were either undergraduate or graduate students. The representativeness also establishes dependability. Referrals by either friends or relatives, and the institution’s reputation are the major factors to the respondents’ choice for the university and therefore identify the need to meet students’ expectations in order promote referrals and corporate image. Efforts for understanding stakeholders’ needs, especially students, will therefore ensure sustainability and improvement and should be the focus of the institution’s marketing interest. None of the respondents preferred the institution as a last option but very few (only eight percent) identified the institution as their dream university and this identifies need for improvements in the institution. In addition, a significant proportion (44 percent) of the respondents reported intentions to further their education a are therefore a potential market to target through meeting their needs and informing them of opportunities in the university. Respondents’ relationship with the university is therefore average and needs improvements. The respondents appear satisfied with teachers’ qualifications, though twp percent are not satisfied while 48 percent are satisfied but reservations. The small percentage of unsatisfied respondents could be due to other factors such as personal weaknesses and attitude but measures are necessary for improving

Letter from Birmingham Jail Essay Example for Free

Letter from Birmingham Jail Essay Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. introduces the â€Å"Letter From Birmingham Jail† by mentioning, â€Å"While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling my present activities ‘unwise and untimely’(para. 1). After he establishes why he is writing this letter he places the issue in context by stating, But since I feel that you are men of genuine good will and that your criticisms are sincerely set forth, I want to try to answer your statement in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms(para. 1). Dr.  King knows what is at stake by indicating, I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what is happens in Birmingham injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere(para. 4). Dr. King verifies that he wants everyone to see why his brothers and sisters are demonstrating in Birmingham. He states this by saying, You deplore the demonstrations taking place in Birmingham but your statement, I am sorry to say, fails to express a similar concern for the conditions that brought about the demonstrations(para. 5). The stance Dr. King took was that peaceful protest and marches were an outlet for his people to express their frustration. Dr. King says to his critics, There comes a day when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair I hope, sirs, you can understand our legitimate and unavoidable impatience. The common ground Dr. King encourages is to do peaceful and nonviolent marches and protests. He details this in his letter by saying, You are quite right in calling for negotiation onviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue(para. 10). Dr. King promises that his direct action program is constructive, but nonviolent. In his letter he mentions this by saying, The purpose of our direct-action program is to create a situation so crisis-packed that it will inevitably open the door to negotiation I therefore concur with you in your call for negotiation(para. 11). Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ffers a resolution by saying, â€Å"†I also hope that circumstances will soon make it possible for me to meet each of you, not as integrationist or a civil rights leader but as a fellow clergyman and a Christian brother†¦Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear-drenched communities, and in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with their scintillating beauty†(para. 47).

The benefits for children when their individual needs are met

The benefits for children when their individual needs are met Explain the benefits for children when their individual needs are met. Each child develops at different rates; this includes growth, development and learning. As soon as a child is born they are learning. It is how we respond to each individuals needs can have an effect over how an individual develops. Development matters is a document which roughly outlines at what developments or milestones should be completed at what age. It is important to monitor each individual to check that these milestones have been reached as early intervention maybe required to meet a childs developmental needs. The earlier identification can take place, the sooner additional support can be implemented to minimise disruption in an individual developmental requirements. There are many reasons that may affect why a child may require additional support. If a child is delivered prematurely it will delay development as a child needs to continue the development with medical support to complete the development that would naturally happen in the womb. This would then carry on to have a development delay in many of the milestones completed at a full term child would have completed these difference have usually disappeared by the age of two unless there is other development problems. If a child is born with a disability it does not automatically follow that there will be a development delay in achieving many of the early milestones. They may however need additional support or a different way of learning in future to meet any specific needs. Illness can also have an effect; minor illness can affect how a child acts on a daily basis whereas a long term illness can have a major impact on how a child develops. Environmental issues can effect a childs development both physically and emotionally. If a child is in a poor environment there may not be the opportunities for outdoor play or their dietary requirements may not be met. Albert Bandura believes that a good social environment is pivotal as children copy the actions of others, so need good role models Stress either through illness, abuse or loss of a close family member can lead to development problems as it can cause them to have a very negative view of themselves. When a childs needs are fully met it gives them a strong starting point to explore the world around them. This aids their learning process as it gives them the confidence to try new things. Describe how the principles of anti-discriminatory practice can be applied to practice. Anti-discrimination must be applied to all areas of learning, to discriminate against an individual is to treat them less favourable than others. This will obviously have an effect on their own self-image and knock their confidence; this in itself could aid development delays as they will not have the confidence in themselves to try new things. Everyone is quite different whether it is from being from a different cultural background, learning abilities or disabilities or talents. Each difference should be celebrated and each child have their own unique needs met. The United Nations Convention on the rights of children deems that as each child is unique it is a childs right to air their views and opinions and that as a care giver you should have the best interests of the child as the core of your practice. The EY Statutory framework deems that policies should be in place to promote equal opportunity for all children in each establishment and that they should state how an individualâ⠂¬â„¢s needs should be met. All children should not just be treated the same, they should however, be given the same concern and attention to enable their own unique needs and personalities to be met and that they can develop their own identity and have a positive self-image. Discrimination may be as a result of prejudice. Any practice should celebrate cultural differences by introducing toys and resources from all faiths and cultures. These do not have to be introduced just because a child of a different faith or background has started to attend but should be common place as we are form a very diverse culture. This is good practice so all children will not have preconceived ideas but are open to absorb the experiences of others. UNICEF the convention states that every child has the right to a childhood, to be educated, to be healthy, to be treated fairly and the right to be heard. Describe why it is important to plan activities that meet the individual needs of children. It is important to plan activities around each individual child to ensure that their emotional and development needs are met. Unique child states children often learn and develop best when they are doing an activity that they enjoy. EY Statutory framework says that we as practitioners must consider each individuals needs and plan activities that are challenging and enjoyable for each child. Each child should be designated their own key worker so that they can act as the main caregiver. They should participate in the everyday routines and the planning and assessments for each child. All practitioners should follow a cycle of planning, assessment and observation for the children in their care. When observation takes place it is important to see how the child acts when playing freely. We are able to see what their interests are and what they are able to do for themselves. Through these observations we are able to see what a childs knowledge and understanding their skills and abilities b ut we are not putting undue pressure on the child. Through assessments we are able to see how well their can actually perform different tasks and allows them to put in practice this knowledge. When looking at the planning stage we are able to draw on our findings from assessment and observation and plan activities for building activities moulded for the child, for example if a child needs to perhaps build on their fine motor skills and loves cars, we could encourage them to make cars using Lego. Following this process allows us to stimulate and stretch a childs understanding and ability but not so much that they lose interest or are negatively affected by an activity that may yet be too hard that they are unable to complete. Differentiation is when these activities are adapted to the needs of each individual so they can participate fully in all activities. This includes adult interaction, specialist equipment adapting resources communication and langue assistance. A Unique child it states that all children within a group will be at different stages of development and will need different levels of support. With variable learning outcomes it enables us to have an individual outcome for each child to achieve. Explain how the practitioner can promote the children’s physical and emotional wellbeing within an early setting. Promoting health and wellbeing is essential in all practices. All children should feel safe and happy when in someone’s care. To aid a child to feel safe when joining they should be assigned a key worker who will be the first point of contact for both child and parents. A Unique child states that independent learning should be promoted, through our observations and planning this can be achieved as tasks can be set and the child encouraged making choices. Children should be encourage to interact with others and model behaviour on good role models. Movement should also be promoted through either indoor or outdoor play.

Islamic Finance in Malaysia (Bay Al-Dayn)

Islamic Finance in Malaysia (Bay Al-Dayn) Bay al-dayn is an Islamic financial instrument which was developed and currently practised in Malaysia. Bay al-dayn is considered a controversial issue because some countries practice it and some leave it out without prior improvement taking place. It is worth mentioning here that the principle of bay al-dayn is not widely used by other Islamic banks, especially in Middle Eastern countries but, bay al-Dayn has been mainly used in Malaysia as one of the fundamental Shariah contracts in structuring various Islamic finance facilities including, Islamic money market instruments, Islamic bonds, Islamic accepted, Islamic treasury bills and Islamic negotiable instruments. Firstly, bay al-dayn as money market instrument. The application of bay al-dayn is pertaining to trading instrument which has contributed to the development of various securitized products and tradable bonds. Due to this, it has provided a wide range of assets for investment. Money Market Instruments based on Islamic principles have arisen in competing the conventional ones. The securitization refers to the creation of tradable certificates as evidence of a debt that arising out from financing facilities. It also means putting a guarantee for the issuance of securities that are financial assets. For example, if Ali owes RM 5,000,000 to Bank Islam, apart from legal documents, a legal document of ‘I Owe You’ (IOU) would be created as evidence of the debt, as securitization. Secondly, Islamic bonds on the basis of bay al-dayn. A bond is a security which gives the holder a financial claim on the issuer.[1] This claim protects the holder if the issuer is unable to pay the amount due. The development of Islamic Economy in Malaysia has positively contributed to the application of bay al-dayn. Malaysia has successful in the application of Islamic securities which is based on the concept of bay al-dayn. Even though, bay al-dayn has not been applied in other countries, but its potential in Malaysia seems has grown. Basically, the creation of Islamic securities or bonds involves three main steps: Securitization- the creation of murabahah and BBA assets. Bond issues-issuance of debt certificates Trading of debt certificates- that is buying and selling of debt certificates in the secondary market using the contract of bay al-dayn. Thirdly, Islamic accepted bills (IAB) as a liquidity instrument. IAB is a bill of exchange, which is made by the bank and accepted by the purchaser or buyer, hence creating a debt owing to the bank. The bank then in turn, may sell the IAB in the secondary market at a discount value under the bay al-dayn. Therefore, bay al-dayn is instrumental in becoming a liquidity instrument and it is governed by the principles of murabahah and bay al-dayn. An exporter who uses an Islamic Bankers Acceptance Facilities (IBAF) prepares the export documents as required under the sale contract or letter of credit. The export documents will be sent to the importer’s bank. In addition, there must be genuine transaction between the parties involved, the goods involved must be lawful purpose, and there is adequate documentary evidence and that it is drawn in accordance with the law and requirements of IAB as indicated by Central Bank of Malaysia. Evaluation of bay al-dayn- Malaysian experiences: As been mentioned above, on 21st August 1996, The Malaysian Securities Commission Shariah Advisory Council approved a resolution unanimously agreed to accept the principle of bay al-dayn as one of the concepts for developing Islamic capital market instruments. This was based on the views of some of the Islamic jurists who allowed this concept subject to certain conditions for instance there is a transparent regulatory system in the capital market to safeguard the maslahah (public interest) of the market participants. There are arguments among the past and the present jurists on the issue of bay al-dayn. Nevertheless, there is no general consensus (ijma’) prohibits it. In general, majority of the jurists are unanimous in allowing the selling of debts. They only contrast in terms of the debt being sold to a third party for reason that the seller may not be able to deliver the sold item to the buyer. The illah for some Islamic jurists do not allow bay al-dayn is due to the risk that might be faced by the buyer, element of gharar, absence of qabadh and riba. Despite all of the controversial issues regarding the application of bay al-dayn, there is a logic idea behind the application. For instance, a transaction between Ali, Hap Seng Motorcar Sdn Bhd and Maybank Islamic. Ali wanted to buy a car from Hap Seng Motorcar with price RM 900,000 but at that time he does not have enough money to pay. Later, Ali sells his debt with Hap Seng Motorcar to Maybank with discount that amount RM 850,000. Thus, Maybank have to pay the car price to Hap Seng Motorcar. This is where the issue arise, when Ali sells his debt with discount. Some of the scholars agreed that there is a riba in this transaction. However, the logic is if we sell the debt with full price, who would want to buy it from Ali. At the end of the transaction Ali still need to pay his debt to Maybank at par value. Malaysia Islamic Banks: Bank Muammalat[2] refers bay al-dayn to the sale of a debt arising from trade and services transaction in the form of a deferred payment sale. The customer will sells this debt to the bank at a discount. The benefit is customer gets paid from the bank before realization of the sale. There are several features of bay al-dayn that includes: The cost must be revealed The price and tenor of the lump-sum deferred payment must be agreed upon by the Bank and customer The Bank appoints customer as an agent to sell on its behalf Only trade transaction on usance term is allowed Financing for finished goods Meanwhile, Bank Islam Malaysia[3] Berhad provides fews concepts for Trade services which includes Bai’ Dayn (Debt Trading). This contract refers to the selling of your trade debts/receivable arising from trade-related transactions. You will sell your trade debts/receivable to the bank for a discounted amount. Issues on bay al-dayn: However, there are lots of issues regarding the application of bay al-dayn in Malaysia. Bay al-dayn has formed many doubts amongst the countries practising Islamic Banking as to its permissibility as an Islamic financial instrument. The instrument is being developed to compete with the conventional banking to create a flow in the secondary market. It is also understood to create large capital by attracting investors to invest in Malaysia. It is widely used in the sales, bonds, import and export sales. Banking institutions in Malaysia are concern about maintaining the liquidity in the financial system therefore has developed this concept. However, other Islamic countries are reluctant to use this concept because it does not seem permissible and there is a possibility that this concept handles interest or riba which is prohibited in Islam. One of the main issues is, whether it is permissible to sell a confirmed debt which is backed by non ribawi goods at discounted price. Islamic scholars have put a plug on the possibility of earning profit by confirming that any sale of debt (Bay-al-dayn) or transfer of debt (Hawalat-al-dayn) must be at face value. This means when the bank buys the instrument of debt (shahada-al-dayn) from the original buyer, it is not entitled to any discount. There will be no riba by disallowing any difference between what it pays and what it receives on maturity (its maturity value). Some Islamic banks have been offering Islamic bill discounting products, and they essentially treat debt as any other physical asset that can be traded at a negotiated price. In fact, the prohibition of bay al-dayn is a logical consequence of the prohibition of riba or interest. A debt receivable in monetary terms parallels to money, and every transaction where money is exchanged from the same quantity of money, the pr ice must be at par value. Any increase or decrease from one side is equivalent to riba. Somehow, some parties in Malaysia encourage the development for debt discounting as an Islamic Financial product on the basis that it represents an important field of short term and self-liquidating investment, because the terms of negotiable instruments do not extend beyond six months especially in trade based debt discounting.[4] The scholars from Malaysia claims that debts can be sold because the original transaction is a debt created with an underlying contract of sale. They claim that it is legitimate to gain profit from the debt because the original transaction is legitimate. Gaining profit is usually being associated with risk ‘Al-Kharaj bi al-Dhaman’. The secondary market is a mechanism that allows lenders to obtain liquidity to make additional loans. Through the secondary market the lender will receives the benefits which may then passed on to the borrower in the form of lower interest rates and longer fixed rate terms. During the financial crisis in 1998 which was experienced by Malaysia, â€Å"the exchange rate essentially was affected by the flight of foreign funds while the stock market was being additionally pulled down by the herd behaviour of the local speculators†. Therefore, a flow to the secondary market does not necessarily be beneficial as it creates a flow to derivative s and speculators. Secondary market also encourages debt-creation as experienced in the financial crisis which has created too much debt for a nation to hold and therefore lead to the downfall of the economy. Comparison with Indonesia: In Malaysia issuance of a debit note which is then bought by the client and the results of the purchase are used for investment while, in Indonesia, the Shariah National Council of MUI does not permit trading in debit notes. There is no any shariah banking system in Indonesia including Bank Muamalat Indonesia (BMI) apply the bay al-dayn product. This is because the National Shariah Council (DSN) has not issued a fatwa in order to support this type of transaction. In Indonesia, the main concern in this matter is that the benefit which is determined in a transaction is usury. The classic ulama agree that bay al-Dayn with a premium is illegal, and not permitted according to shariah principle. Indeed, many contemporary ulama are of the same opinion. However, several Malaysian ulama have legalised this contract, relying on the Shafie opinion, but nor taking into consideration that the Shafie ulama permit this contract only in cases where a debt is sold at the nominal value of that debt. Bibliography Azhar, S. (n.d.). International Journal Of Islamic Financial Services. Bank Islam. (n.d.). Retrieved May 8, 2015, from Concepts of Shariah Trading: http://www.bankislam.com.my/en/Pages/ShariahContractsConceptsforTradeServices.aspx?tabs=1 Bank Muamalat. (n.d.). Retrieved May 8, 2015, from Trade Finance: http://www.muamalat.com.my/business-banking/corporate-banking/trade-finance/bwcf.html Billah, P. D. (n.d.). Applied Islamic Finance. Retrieved May 8, 2015, from Modern vs Islamic Bond: http://applied-islamicfinance.com/category/readmore/6 [1] (Billah) [2] (Bank Muamalat) [3] (Bank Islam) [4] (Azhar)

Dangerous Abortion Laws Essay -- essays papers

Dangerous Abortion Laws Does the sovereignty of a minor’s body also belong to their legal guardians and mainstream societies views of morality? The only answer to this question is absolutely not. Currently 28 states in the U.S. require parental consent or notification in order for a minor to receive abortion services.(Net 3) This is not a federally mandated law, but if the right-wing religious groups get their way it will become just that.(Net 3) Requiring parental involvement in a minor’s decision to abort is unacceptable due to; personal choice, birth control, and health risk, issues. Although a judicial bypass can over-rule a parental involvement law, a minor must prove either extenuating circumstances or her maturity in this decision.(Net 4) It must be understood that this bypass is not nor will it ever be, an antidote for the terrible consequences a parental involvement law can hold towards a minor. When a minor applies for a judicial bypass a multitude of sources may influence the judge’s ruling. That is if the judge chooses to hear her case. Amongst these influences lurk variants of all kinds. Variants that may encumber the minor’s chances of having her petition approved may include: There are no set guidelines for a judge to follow, therefore personal discretion, bias, religion, and or opinions, may sway the judge to a truly unfair decision.(Net 4) When ruling on a minor’s level of maturity no set criteria designates a judges determinate factors. Having to go through the legal system can prolong a young women’s pregnancy, which in turn increases cost, health risks, and emotional strain. The judicial system is an intimidating infrastructure for most adults.(Net 4) Therefore it imposes a frightening experience for a minor who has already taken so much upon herself in order to obtain an abortion. A severe drawback to judicial bypass is there is absolutely no guarantee of privacy.(Net 4) An excellent example of this occurs quite frequently in small close-knit towns where parental involvement laws are strictly enforced, and shot-gun weddings are used as an alternative to abortion. Judges who handle these situations are often local elected officials,so their decisions may be altered for campaign purposes.(Net 4) In local municipal courts a minor chances of being recognized by someone is all too likely. So a minor’s chances of having her ... ...ential abortion are logically the same as birth control dipensation. 3. Dangerous health risks make laws that may force teens to endure more than they choose or are able to, therefore such laws are never appropriate. Cons: 1. Judicial bypass can make parental involvement laws more feasible. 2. Possible side effects. Bibliography: Work Citation Page 1. Barans, T. â€Å"Women’s Reproductive Self-Determination.† Pro-choice Right to Abortion. (www.wordwiz72.com/choice.html) *(Net 1) 2. Harris R, Yvette. â€Å"Adolescent Abortion.† Society. July-Aug.1997 v34. p20-22. *(Mag 1) 3. â€Å"Health Risks.† March of the Dimes Foundation. (www.noah.cuny.edu/pregnancy/march_of_dimes/pre_preg.plan /teenfact.html) *(Net 2) 4. â€Å"Judicial Bypass.† (www.prochoice.about.com/newsissues/prochoice/msub12.htm) *(Net 4) 5. â€Å"Parental Consent for FamilyPlanning.† APHA Fact Sheet. (www.apha.org/legislative/factsheets/fs10.htm) *(Net 3) 6. â€Å"Republican leaders vow to take quick action on Child Custody Protection Act.† National Right to Life News. June 9,1998. v25. p1. *(Mag 2)

The Influence of Gothic Literature on Gothic Music Essay examples -- L

The Influence of Gothic Literature on Gothic Music      Ã‚   Gothic encompasses many genres of expression. Gothic artists speak out through the forms of literature, architecture, film, sculptures, paintings, and music. Many times, one genre of Gothic inspires another, creating fusing parallels between the two. In this way, each genre of Gothic rises to a more universal level, coalescing into the much broader understanding of Gothic. Gothic writers, such as Mary Shelley, influence Gothic music, as one sees in stylistic devices including diction, setting, and tone.       In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley's eerie diction turns otherwise normal elements of life into bizarre institutions, a transition which Gothic musicians frequently utilize. Under Shelley's power, science turns ungodly, men evolve into monsters, and happiness sours into pain. To an audience taught to celebrate science as a positive step forward in mankind, Shelley shows the dark side of technology. Science grows as not a life-giving or life-retrieving tool, but the very temptation which causes the character, Frankenstein, to crawl "among the unhallowed damps of the grave" and lose "all soul or sensation but for" the unwanted recreation of life (Shelley 39). Frankenstein's passion helps no one, but actually forces a being into existence against its wishes and the betterment of the people around it. Similarly, Gothic musicians use diction to taint common human behavior, namely mental contemplation and sexual intercourse. Through the use of diction, the mind becomes "a twenty fou r hour unblinking watch," (Bauhaus) whose owner himself must trivialize as "silly" in order to come to grips with his thoughts. The depiction of the mind, no longer t... ...The stylistics of Gothic intermingle to produce an overall dramatic effect across the board of art genres. Henceforth, a chain reaction occurs. Artists create Gothic art in multiple genres, fans of each genre expose themselves to the art, and inspiration leads to another rotation in the cycle of Gothic. Ultimately, the influence of art upon art keeps Gothic itself alive.    Sources Cited Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. New York: Bantom Reissue edition, 1991. Bowie, David. Outside. Beverly Hills, California, 1995. Tones on Tails. Night Music. England, 1987. The Cure. Seventeen Seconds. New York, New York, 1980. Bauhaus. Swing the Heartache: The BBC Sessions. New York, New York, 1989. Internet. Available WWW: http:www.gothic.net/darkside/dmusic.html Internet. Available WWW: http://www.allmusic.com/cg/x.exe1.            

Westboro Baptist Church: A Deviant Hate Crime Group? Essay -- Hate Spe

Deviant behavior is anything that a person does that is out of the norm. Robbing banks, stealing cars, and assaulting individuals are easily considered deviant behavior, but can people be deviant while still being within their legal rights and without breaking any laws? One congregation that does not break any laws, but is considered to be out-of-line, is the Westboro Baptist Church. The Westboro Baptist Church has been called offensive and their actions are frowned upon by many. Is the Westboro Baptist Church actually a deviant group in disguise? In order to get to know about the Westboro Baptist Church, a person needs to know a little about who they are, where they came from, and what they represent. The Westboro Baptist Church was created in 1955 by a man named Fred Phelps, in Topeka Kansas, and is considered to follow old school Baptist beliefs (God, 2011). The Westboro membership numbers less than 100 who profess to all of the teachings of the Bible, and preach against every type of sin (God). Uncommonly, the church has no known affiliation to with any other Baptist churches (Parks, 2010). The Westboro members have been known to picket at least six events a day, such as: soldier's funerals, celebrity funerals, homosexual functions, etc. (Parks, 2010). Signage held by members at these events always include hateful expressions. â€Å"God hates fags† and â€Å"thank god for dead soldiers† are a few of the signs that people have seen at picketing events (God, 2011). Which is a reflection of their church web site entitled â€Å"god hates fags†. Members of the church use several several scriptures from the Bible that discuss homosexuality as sinful for justification of their practices and stance (God, 2011). Accordi... ... E. (2011). Deviant Behavior (9th Edition). Pearson Education Inc. pg 6 Gregory, S. (2010). The Price Of Free Speech. Time, 1(14), 30. Jonsson, P. (2011, March 3). What recourse now to Westboro Baptist Church's rude protests?. Christian Science Monitor. p. N. PAG. Krueger, A. B., & Maleckova, J. (2003). Education, Poverty and Terrorism: Is There a Causal Connection?. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 17(4), 119-44 2010. Parks Facts. Info Facts. Retrieved From: http://parksfacts.blogspot.com/2010/11/westboro-baptist-church.html Religious hate crimes down in 2007, says FBI. (2008). Christian Century, 125(24), 16. Richey, W. (2011, March 2). Supreme Court: 'hurtful speech' of Westboro Baptist Church is protected. Christian Science Monitor. p. N.PAG. (2011). Who are the Westboro Baptist Church and the Phelps Family? International Business Times.

“Guernica” by Pablo Picasso Art Critique Essay

When considering the painting â€Å"Guernica† by Pablo Picasso we must first consider why the piece meets the criteria of an actual work of art. First, we define wether the piece was made by an artist and why this artist is accredited. This painting was done by Picasso, one of the most renowned painters of his time. When mentioning the art of painting, Picasso is the first name that comes to the forefront of many minds. All artists and people alike recognized and continue to recognize Picasso’s work as art because of how influential and and shaping it was on his generation. Now we must decipher whether this piece was intended to be a work of art. Through research we see that Picasso wanted to make a political statement with this painting. There was much thought and preparation that went into the making of this work of art. The real world relevance and the preparation show that the piece was obviously intended to be a work of art. As we move to the descriptive criticism we must look at how the work is physically put together and how it is unified as a whole. â€Å"Guernica† is full of many exaggerated and unique shapes. Looking closely we see the painting is made up of layers. The bottom layer is full of very large basic shapes such as rectangles and triangles, while upper layers show more unique and defined drawings. Many drawings are distorted and in areas very exaggerated. The work is unified through its basic grayscale colors across the entire painting and also through the previously stated, consistent and distorted nature of all the objects. As we look at the organization of this painting it may seem that it has none, but looking deeper we see that every piece of the puzzle has its place. â€Å"Guernica† is very balanced in its structure, the painting is not â€Å"leaning† to t he left or the right. It is obvious that Picasso was very careful about the placement of the objects and shapes in the painting. Finally, when descriptively criticizing a work of art it is important to discuss the detail and also the structural relationships of the piece. The detail of Picasso’s work is found in the obscure and unique lines used throughout the painting. Also, we find many â€Å"hidden† images in this painting, many things you would not see by merely glancing at the work. Structurally the painting is formed by layers and many overlapping shapes. The overlapping shapes are what bring the work together and make it appear completely fluent across the entire piece. Although â€Å"Guernica† does have many intricate designs and unique amenities we could describe the paintings form, overall, as chaotic and distorted. When interpretively criticizing this painting we focus on the content. We will attempt to define the identity of and the meaning behind the work. Not only is â€Å"Guernica† Pablo Picasso’s most famous work but also his most powerful. Painted as an immediate reaction to the Nazi’s devastating casual bombing practice on the small town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War this painting makes a very bold political statement. The painting reveals the tragedies of war and the physical and emotional toll it took on individuals, particularly innocent civilians. We must also consider what the work of art reveals about the subject matter or form. The chaotic nature of the painting reveals the chaos and disorder of the actual event. Also, we see pained faces on every figure represented in the painting showing the emotional and physical suffering that was inflicted on these civilians. Picasso did a wonderful job of connecting the form and content of this piece, this being one of the many reasons it is such an admired work of art. While interpreting â€Å"Guernica† we must also dig deeper into what the artist was trying to convey through the artistic form. Picasso not only wanted to depict the horror of the bombing of Guernica but publicly display his own outrage toward the happening. Picasso had a personal and emotional connection to the people of Guernica considering his birth in Spain. The painting was a way of expressing his feelings toward the situation and also representing the feelings of those affected by the bombing. In the interpretive criticism of â€Å"Guernica† we find an overall representation of Picasso’s thoughts toward the horrible event that happened in this small spanish town, depicting the heartlessness of and devastation caused by the Nazi bombing. As we move to the evaluative criticism of this piece we will be focusing on its worth, what the merits of the work are, what it amounts to, and why it is valuable. â€Å"Guernica† is one of the most famous and influen tial paintings to ever be brushed onto canvas. The painting is not only aesthetically beautiful but has meaning and effects the emotions of people everywhere. â€Å"Guernica† was originally exhibited in July 1937 at the Spanish Pavilion at the Paris International Exposition. After the Paris Exhibition the painting went on tour and has traveled around the world since its completion in 1937. We see by the international touring of the painting its worth to society. But where we find the true value in â€Å"Guernica† is in its becoming a universal and powerful symbol warning humanity against the suffering and devastation of war. Moreover, the fact that there are no obvious references to the specific attack the painting has contributed to making its message universal and timeless. Picasso truly made an inexhaustible impact on society through the painting of â€Å"Guernica† one that will last for many generations to come.

Eating Disorders and Sexual Abuse: Is there actually a relationship between them? Essay

Eating Disorders and the Individual Sexual abuse and eating disorders are often associated in the sense that the former is claimed to be the precursor of the latter. This is so because, according to various studies made, sexual abuse can actually have negative effects to its victims. Its effects are usually in the form of disturbing behavioral disorders which if not given ample attention and care may actually cause damage to the sexually abused victims.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For the purpose of this paper, it is the aim of the author to establish the relationship of sexual abuse and eating disorders. Likewise, provide evidences to the said claim that sexual abuse and eating disorders are interconnected. Moreover, the author would also like to cite what are the usual treatments and or approaches that are commonly used by professionals (i.e. therapists, psychologists) in addressing the eating disorders acquired through sexually abusive acts.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Eating disorders are commonly described as a type of behavioral disorder. It is said that it would refer to any condition wherein an individual unconsciously engages oneself in activities that are by nature said to be compulsive obsession to food intake or weight. It also said that people with eating disorders lack the ability to accurately perceive one’s physical appearance that in effect may either cause that individual to compulsively overeat, eat in binges, which may or may not be followed by purging, or total avoidance or refuse to eat. These practices at first may actually be taken in a normal sense, however, if not given ample attention and immediate solution, may actually become detrimental or self-destructive for that individual. This is so because it deviates from the normal process of food intake and food intake procedures.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   At a deeper perspective and taking into consideration the nature of eating disorders, it can be said that this type of abnormality actually serves as an indicator that an individual may actually have serious problems in her personal life. Thus, eating disorders can actually be taken as mere manifestations and or reactions of that individual to whatever type of serious problem she may have.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For us to fully understand the above-mentioned concept of eating disorders, let us take into account some of the most commonly known eating disorders, their nature, and their physical and or medical complications as well as its relation to sexual abusive acts. Types of Eating Disorders and Sexual Abuse:   Relationship Explored   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For us to better understand and associate as well as establish the relationship between eating disorders and sexual abuse let us first examine the types of eating disorders and then try to relate it to various sexual abusive acts.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Some of the most commonly known eating disorders would include Anorexia Nervosa, Binge eating or compulsive overeating, and Bulimia Nervosa while sexual abuse would include actions which involves rape, sexual assault, or sexual molestation. Anorexia Nervosa is said to be characterized by significant weight loss due to excessive dieting. Most people who are prone to have this type of eating disorder are those who have a strong desire to be thin and or those who have a great fear to become obese. A person who is anorexic would always consider herself fat no matter what her actual weight is.   Likewise, even if she is already underweight she may actually still entertain the thought that she is fat. Based on various studies made, anorexic people are observed to have the ultimate goal to achieve perfection. These people are usually those who feel compelled be always competent in everything that they do as well as set very high standards for themselves. Moreover, according to Thompson (1996), anorexic people are said to have very low self-esteem and that the area of food and weight are the only aspects in their lives that they can actually control.   Anorexia becomes very dangerous to an individual especially if not given immediate attention and ample care. This is so because this may actually cause the death of a person due to the person’s continuous practice of excessive dieting. Records would show that around 10 to 20 percent actually die due to complications related to it (Thompson, 1996). Women are not the only people who can acquire the anorexia nervosa. It also includes the men and children. How is anorexia nervosa related to sexual abuse? Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder and falls under the classification, type of behavioral disorder. As a behavioral disorder, the occurrence of such eating disorder may be actually coined from a traumatic experience that was encountered by the individual like that of sexual abuse. Sexual abusive acts cause the deterioration of a person’s self-esteem. Moreover, it creates obsession in the individual, the obsession to make herself unattractive to her abuser. Thinking that by making herself look thin and sickly would actually make her abuser stop from doing such action. Likewise, continuous experience of sexual abusive actions would actually lead to more serious problems which makes the individual perceive that the only solution to curtail to all the unfair treatments she is experiencing would be ending her life by committing suicide via self-starvation or death. The above-mentioned situation is actually different from the anorexia nervosa caused by other factors in terms of the purpose of engaging oneself in excessive dieting activities. The anorexia nervosa that is caused by other factors would always be for the purpose of improving one’s physical appearance, which is exactly the opposite of the purpose of those who are sexual abuse victims. Some would be actually obsessed with the need to starve oneself to make herself achieve the goal of becoming perfect in terms of body image or figure. This is actually true for those people who have developed within them the attitude of putting forth others opinions and or wants before oneself. Those who are often subjected to criticisms to wit: â€Å"you are so big or you are so fat!† or â€Å"you are gaining more weight now compared before†. This develops within the person the need to be thin or slim in order to hear compliments instead of criticisms from other people. Moreover, they think that by self-starving they would easily become thin or slim. This thinking could actually lead to a very serious health problem if not corrected immediately. However, compared to that of the experience of the sexual abuse victims, their cases are far graver and dangerous because of the very intense emotions that developed in them as a reaction to the very bad experience. Furthermore, due to the unacceptability of the said traumatic experience, the results that they want must abrupt thus enabling them to develop and instill within them the attitude of being impulsive in their decision-making and their actions. The sexually abused victim’s ability to discern the consequences of wrong actions is not given attention and or worst not given consideration at all, thus making death their ultimate goal and end. Also, it cannot also be gainsaid that development of physical and or medical complication occurs at a faster rate for the sexually abused victims compared to the other anorexic people. For those people who have compulsive overeating disorder (also known as Binge eating), it would be a different case compared to that of anorexia. People who are diagnosed to have binge eating disorders are that who often takes in large amounts of food and feels that they could not control themselves from doing so. This type of eating disorder is actually common to those people who are suffering from anxiety, loneliness, and or depression. These people embraced the attitude and the thinking that by eating large amounts of food the numbing of oneself is made possible. This actually enables them to block and or repress bad or depressing memories. For the case of sexually abused victims, some of them develop binge eating disorder as a result of their reaction to consistently stuff oneself to make themselves feel numb, numb from all the sexual acts done to them. Likewise, by eating large amounts they find a sense of comfort because for them this aids in the blocking or repression of bad memories. Also, this not only blocks bad memories but also enables them to make themselves unattractive to their abuser. Just like the anorexics, they actually think that by making themselves unattractive, the abuser would stop all the unjustifiable acts he is doing. Like anorexia, binge eating can also be detrimental to an individual’s health in the sense that the person or individual loses the capacity to think clearly and or decide on what type and amount of food that they take in, thus resulting to the possible occurrence of high blood, shortness of breath, hypertension etc. Bulimia Nervosa, which is actually similar to binge eating except for the involvement of purging, is observed to occur more often on people who have been sexually abused. What is bulimia nervosa and how is it different from the other two eating disorders mentioned earlier? Bulimia nervosa is actually binge eating but involve the getting rid of food that was take in, in the form of vomiting, laxative abuse, and or excessive exercising as per Dr. Rowan Peter. People who are usually diagnosed to have bulimia are actually those who do not feel secure or confident with their self worth. They usually need the approval of others. They actually have the tendency of giving preferential option to others even to the extent of depriving oneself from what she actually wants. They find a great deal of comfort in eating large amounts of food. Like binge eating, this actually enables them to block and or let out what they actually feel inside. How is it possible that sexual abuse and bulimia nervosa related? According to various case studies made, bulimia nervosa are developed on individuals who have been sexually abused as a result of the individual’s goal to repress oneself from bad memories obtained from the very traumatic experience encountered, which is actually similar to that of binge eating and sexual abuse in terms of relationship. Victims are compelled to make themselves appear unattractive to the eyes of their abuser. However, for bulimics purging actually aids in providing a sense of comfort in such a way that such activity allows them to let their feelings out. When they purge they feel relieved of the heavy burden they have and or it can be taken as a form of showing protest or disgust on the said unjust act. This is for those who employ the use of laxatives and other forms of purging tools. Eating Disorders and Sexual Abuse At Present   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Not much information can be obtained regarding the actual relationship of eating disorders and sexual abuse. Based on the observations made by the other, most of the information published is actually just presenting the various possible links and angles of the relation between eating disorders and sexual abuse. Due to the fact that eating disorder is regarded as a type of behavioral disorder, it can be said that sexual abuse does cause eating disorders.   Such claim has been proven by studies made on the relationship of both. However, only estimates on the percentage of cases can be taken into accounts since most of the victims of such abuse opt not to discuss their painful experiences as a form of protection of oneself from embarrassment and other feelings of even nature. In short, such bad experience develops within them a sense of powerlessness. Sexual abuse victims are often found to use the various types of eating disorders discussed earlier as a tool for them to protect themselves, to enable them to have comfort and or feel numb. They try to forget their experience by way of stuffing oneself with food. Eating disorders actually become an avenue for them to express themselves. Some of the victims of sexual abuse tend to become bulimics or compulsive eaters and based on observations made, the victims regards food as their only source of comfort. This is so because the food that they take in does not hurt them, yell at them, etc.   Food becomes their ultimate provider of security and comfort. Others, on the other hand, would stuff themselves with food thinking that this would actually put a stop to the sexual abuse they are experiencing, by making themselves unattractive to the abuser. For the case of those victims who have become anorexic, by fasting and or excessive dieting they also make themselves unattractive to their abusers while some would think that this would be the easiest way to end all the bad things that they are experiencing. By not eating, they believe that they could easily die, thus putting an end to all the abuses being experienced by the victims. However, between the bulimia and anorexia, records would show that the people who have developed bulimia nervosa are usually the ones reported to have suffered from sexual abuse (www.sheenasplace.org).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Treatments/ Approaches Used for Sexually Abused Victims with Eating Disorders There are various treatments and or approaches that are being used to treat or cure eating disorders caused by sexual abuses. Due to the sensitivity of their case, the victims are taken to a place wherein the victims are far away from their abusers. They are taken to a safe environment with a therapist whom they like, feel comfortable with, somebody whom they can actually trust. Victims are not forced to spill out the details of their experience. They let the victims themselves be the one to voluntarily tell them everything that happened. Since this type of traumatic experience entails very intense emotions, it brings about eating disorders that could actually lead to an out of hand case. But this would be the best time to give them the ample time and attention that is needed. Likewise, due to the severity of some cases victims may be required to be confined in the hospital for treatment. Moreover, there are also cases wherein their families are also becomes involved in the treatment process especially in those cases wherein a family member have been involved in the said abuse. Therapists usually use counseling and medications to cure the eating disorders acquired by the victims. The most common and effective type of approach being used in addressing the eating disorder problems that are related to sexual abuse cases is counseling. This is so because counseling as an approach has a personal touch by nature. It enables the sexually abused victim to comfortably relay to her counselor the details of the frightful event that she experienced. Likewise, with the continuous counseling sessions trust can easily established because through constant meetings enabling the person to become more comfortable in discussing as well as facing and accepting the reality of what actually happened to her. It involves the boosting of the individual’s self-esteem and confidence that actually leads the individual to realizing that there is still hope and room for change, that it is not the end of the world. This brings the person to a relatively higher plane and enables her to move on. Medications and hospitalization, on the other hand, are usually given to those people whose cases have extremely gone out of hand such as those people who have suicidal tendencies. Furthermore, the families of the victims play a very vital role in their full recovery.   This is so because the family’s support facilitates encouragement and heightens the individual’s faith and hope for a new life. Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In totality, it can be said that sexual abuse and eating disorders have an indirect type of relationship. This is so because an eating disorder may be caused by other behavioral disturbances and or other factors such as culture and the like other than sexual abuse. Likewise, most of the people who have eating disorders caused by sexual abuse are primarily comprised of women. This is so because women are the usual the victims of sexual abuse.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In terms of availability of information to establish the actual relationship of the two, it cannot be left unnoticed that there are only a few sources or information available. This is so primarily due to the confidentiality and sensitivity of the situation. People who have been actually abused restrict themselves from being subjected to interrogation by others regarding their traumatic experience. This is so because they feel ashamed of their unacceptable and unexpected fate.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sexual abuse among the other forms of abuses is said to be the most detrimental type of abuse because of the bad memories entailed by it. It distorts the soundness of the individual’s spiritual, psychological, emotional, and social being. It permits the development of eating disorders in an individual as an initial form of reaction to the said unjust and immoral act. Works Cited Becker, E.L. (ed) (1986) ‘Wiley’s International Dictionary of Medicine and Biology’ NewYork, Chichester; Wiley. Binge eating disorders. Eating Disorders: Anorexia and Bulimia. http://adam.about.com/reports/000049_7.htm Eating Disorders: Anorexia and Bulimia. http://www.reutershealth.com Eating Disorder: Definition.  

Xox Supply Chain

Answer the following questions in relation to Xbox case: Lee, Hau; Hoyt David W. and Holloway, Chuck, â€Å"Evolution of the Xbox Supply Chain† * Who are the various stakeholders for Xbox that formed the Microsoft ecosystem while developing the supply chain business strategy for Xbox? * What were the challenges faced by Xbox when it first launched Xbox? * How did this compare to the launch of Xbox 360? * Did they consider any changes in the supply chain? Essay: Xbox StakeholdersMicrosoft’s Xbox project was started by a group of gamers in 1999 so that they can also develop a gaming console which threatened the performance of the home PC market. The Xbox project consisted of both internal and external stakeholders who had either a direct or indirect â€Å"stake† in the project. These stakeholders include the Microsoft employees (i. e. , Xbox project team, Microsoft executives), shareholders, suppliers (e. g. , Intel, Nvidia), contract manufacturers (i. e. , Flextro nics, Wistron Corp, Celestica), game developers, designers (i. , Astro Studios), distributors, broadband providers, retailers and customers. The stakeholders of the Xbox project can be visualized in terms of their position in Microsoft’s extended supply chain, shown in Figure 1. 0 below. Figure 1. 0 Microsoft’s Xbox supply chain Challenges with Original Xbox Microsoft encountered many challenges when launching the original Xbox in 2001. To better understand the challenges in the original Xbox, we can adopt the SOSTAC (Situation analysis, Objective Setting, Strategy, Tactics, Actions and Control) approach.Situation Analysis. Microsoft did not have a presence in the gaming console market and was up against strong competitors which already had established markets such as Sony (Playstation) and Nintendo (GameCube). This competitive landscape put them in a position wherein they needed to develop a product that offered features that were comparable to existing products in th e marketplace which was perfectly priced to establish themselves in the market. Moreover, Microsoft recognized that it was critical to launch in time for the 2001 holiday eason to allow them to have a presence in the marketplace before they became up against the â€Å"next-generation product†. Thus, Microsoft’s early challenges came at a price of high production ramp up costs, where they needed to produce 100,000 consoles in a week in order to launch the new Xbox in time for the Christmas. Objective. The short-term objectives of developing the original Xbox was primarily aimed at entering the gaming console market, learning from the experience and paving way for the next generation of products. Strategy. Microsoft adapted a push supply chain strategy using an extended supply chain.They developed their products based on existing game consoles with added features, most of which were built to compete against Sony PS2. In addition to a having features similar to other gami ng consoles available in the market, the Xbox had other features such as allowing Xbox to play DVDs, and a built-in modem which in 2002 was used to launch Xbox live. Tactics. Microsoft lacked the competency in building hardware –neither did it have exposure to designing and manufacturing hardware that can be used as a game console nor did it have any experience with the game console market.Hence, Microsoft decided to form strategic partnerships with preferred contract manufacturers who can deliver the products for them because they did not have the time to deal with unproven vendors and risky designs. Actions. Microsoft also took into account the location of manufacturing facilities in their selection of contract manufacturers to allow to take into account the logistics of to shipping products quickly to the US and European markets and decided to find plants in Mexico and Hungary.Logistics is the time-related positioning or resource, or the strategic management of the total s upply chain. The supply chain is a sequence of events intended to satisfy a customer: It can include procurement, manufacture, distribution, and waste disposal, together with associated transport, storage and information technology(Chaffey, 2002). Microsoft’s Xbox had over one thousand (1000) components and forty-five (45) of which were critical components that was only available from a single supplier. The Xbox also required several parts with high technical performance requirements (e. . , processing speed, graphics resolution, memory requirement and internet access). The high dependence on Microsoft’s suppliers made it necessary to integrate the information exchange with its key suppliers. Thus, Microsoft decided to require co-investments from its suppliers and electronics manufacturing services (EMS) to improve the coordination among the various groups. This suggests that Microsoft recognized the need for using technology to improve the flow of information and adap ted some form of technology to manage the relationship with various intermediaries.Control. While the case did not provide enough data to see how Microsoft measured the outcome, it can be inferred from the changes they made to the launch Xbox 360 that they did some reviews internally so that they can make the necessary changes. Unfortunately, Microsoft had very little time to learn to how to manage the supply networks — â€Å"[t]he coordination of all supply activities of an organization from its suppliers and partners to its customers†(Chaffey, 2002, p. 335).While they adopted a push approach to supply chain management, which is typically suggests that the production processes are aimed at cost and efficiency, Microsoft was up against significant challenges that made it difficult to be cost effective. In the end, Microsoft’s investment in the Xbox is higher than the expected sale price of the product — i. e. , the costs for producing the Xbox hardware we re estimated to be at $450, when retail price for the Xbox was only at $299. 00. Profitability was therefore dependent on driving the costs down for the Xbox console and sales from selling games.Differences between Original Xbox and Xbox 360 and Supply Chain Changes Situation. When Microsoft launched Xbox 360, gaming had already become a big part of the home entertainment and broadband access was substantially higher. Microsoft also had a better understanding of what games were needed in each country because they had already established a presence in the market. Objective. Microsoft’s decisions on developing the Xbox 360 was no longer based on their desire to get into selling hardware and simply offering a gaming console, but more on their goal of increasing software sales.So, Microsoft developed the new system in such a way that can be a central part of home entertainment thereby incorporating other features such as internet access. Strategy. In launching Xbox 360, Microsoft planned a global launch, which no other company had done before, so that Xbox 360 can be made available in all major markets before Sony would have a chance to launch PS3. Implementing a global strategy posed two large risks for Microsoft. To mitigate this risk, Microsoft also implemented some risk management techniques. Risk management is intended to identify potential risks in a range of situations and then take actions to minimize risk† (Chaffey, 2002, p. 599). It involves several stages which include the identification of risks, possible solutions, implementing the solutions that target high-impact risks and monitoring them for the future. First, was related to the fact that the Xbox required complementary products for it to be enjoyed and their biggest concern was whether there would be sufficient game titles available at the same time. Thus, Microsoft lined up game developers who could develop new games.For this task, Microsoft had a better appreciation of game types ne eded in each country based on the original Xbox experience, nonetheless ensuring that the games were ready had various timing issues. The unavailability of games in a particular country would mean a decrease of sales of consoles and would have a significant impact on the profitability of Microsoft. Second, Microsoft faced the risk of success where the supply of gaming consoles would not be sufficient to keep up with demand. Foreseeable, this can manifest itself in different ways but both negatively impacting their ability to acquire new customers.This suggests that Microsoft recognized the implication of complementary products to allow them to take advantage of the network effects. For Microsoft, the worse case scenario is for Microsoft to miss customer expectations and put them at risk for losing their customers. Another scenario is if their demand calculations were off and end up with an over/under supply of gaming consoles in one area. Tactics. As soon as the original Xbox was la unched, Microsoft started working on the next generation of Xbox and required the new model to have high definition capability, high storage capacity and access to the internet.Unlike the earlier launch of the Xbox, where Microsoft delivered a superior product whose features that came at the expense of cost, Microsoft included cost considerations as part of their new strategy. This time, Microsoft also wanted to take advantage of the timing, pricing and exploiting the relationships with complementary product. Actions. Microsoft made three changes in its supply chain management to drive down costs: (1) change the location of its manufacturing facilities; (2) increase the number of EMS suppliers; and (3) chip contracting.First, when launching the original Xbox, Microsoft decided to select manufacturing facilities that were geographically near the customers in order to quickly deliver the products to facilitate fast product introduction. However, in launching Xbox 360, Microsoft decide d to take advantage of a less expensive option by switching the facility location from Mexico and Hungary to China. While this meant an increased risk in fulfilling orders in time for a global launch, the firm was able to leverage lower labor rates from a place where the infrastructure was already available for electronic manufacturing.Second, by permitting multiple EMS suppliers, Microsoft was able to ensure that they had enough manufacturers who would be able to fulfill the orders. This also provided the ability to negotiate as compared with being dependent on a single supplier at Xbox launch. This helped Microsoft manage the supplier vender lock-in that they had originally and arrest the possible increase in switching costs such as search costs, specialized suppliers, contractual commitment (Shapiro & Varian, 1998).Third, Microsoft decided that it was best to take ownership of the design of the chip (which was previously owned and designed by Nvidia and Intel) and source its parts from the supply chain. This disintermediation strategy in their supply chain made it possible for Microsoft to be in a better position to control costs over the product’s lifetime. Moreover, this strategy is consistent with what is usually referred to as an outside-in outsourcing activity so that they can build up skills internally and manage this area.Microsoft was also able to compress the design cycle by engaging in concurrent design development activities which included a closer link between and manufacturing, continuous testing and iterative redesign. This was a change from Microsoft’s original Xbox strategy which had significant system and supplier level lock-in effects for Microsoft because Nvidia and Intel owned and designed the chips. While the dual sourcing strategy minimized the risks of lock-in at the supplier level, they were still locked-in at the system level where Microsoft had to contend with any enhancements or changes in the design of the chips .Microsoft also used HDTV technologies that was available in the market, while Sony (being a hardware company) decided to bet on Blu-Ray to allow it to establish it as the new DVD standard for high-definition. In hindsight, Microsoft’s decision provided them a one-year head start in third generation consoles because Sony’s Blu-Ray decision caused a significant delay in Sony’s PS3 launch. By betting on Blu-Ray, Sony was betting on standards change to increase their competitive advantage. Control.As discussed previously, the case did not provide enough data to see how Microsoft measured control. Japanese Automakers’ Supply Chain Structures The disintermediation strategy that Microsoft took gives some insight to classic â€Å"make or buy† arguments that companies make in determining where to source their supplies. In contrast to Microsoft’s decision to do things themselves, â€Å"Japanese automakers apparently assume that quality, delivery, in ventories, and related costs can be better governed by the purchasing department in a buy situation, than by making it yourself. † (Deming, 1982, p. 7). However, for them to control the quality they require invariably have demanding expectations from their suppliers. The expectations include: (1) exceptional quality requirements; (2) reliable just-in-time deliver; (3) exact quantities – no over- or under-runs; and (4) continuously improving productivity resulting in long-term cost reductions (Deming, 1982, p. 48). In return for the high investments on the part of their suppliers, they have production contracts that are usually long-term (as long as six years), and may include requirements for product design and testing.For the Japanese automakers, they have â€Å"arms around relationship† where they embrace the lock-in effects with their suppliers instead of â€Å"arms-length transactions† which rely on the spot-market. The Japanese auto manufacturers are more likely to engage in vertical disintegration and outsourcing of processes to a network of suppliers. For example, in the case of Honda, they engage in strategic alliances with first tier suppliers whom they are said to have a strong â€Å"close relationship through shared history† (Choi & Hong, 2002, p. 78). They are said to have approximately 400 â€Å"core† suppliers and a number of indirect suppliers which all contribute to the production of 400,000 units of Accord models each year (Choi & Hong, 2002). Another example is Acura, where the structure of their network is very complex with 76 entities in the supply network (i. e. , 1 first-tier, 20, second-tier, 28 third-tier, 17 fourth-tier, 9 fifth-tier, and 1 six-tier) to produce their Acura CL/TL center console alone (Choi & Hong, 2002).Another example is Toyota, a company that is recognized worldwide for adopting lean management principles in its supply chain. Toyota has various stakeholders that con tribute to the success of the supply chain namely: Domestic Suppliers; Overseas suppliers; Parts Centers; Toyota Plants; Distributors; Kyohans; Dealers; Repair Shops; Parts Jobbers; Customers. SOSTAC Analysis of Toyota To better appreciate how supply chain strategies differ, we can also adopt the SOSTAC model to explain Toyota’s strategy. Situation Analysis. Toyota is an established car manufacturer that has been in existence since 1937.Toyota offers a full range of models – from mini-vehicles to trucks. Toyota believes that their long-term success is based on loyal customers. Toyota manages using the Toyota Way, which is underpinned by two pillars, continuous improvement and respect for people. Toyota believes that the Toyota Way should be used in interactions because they believe that their success is not created by individual efforts but rather as a team. Objective. Toyota’s supply chain objective is to establish strong links to its customers, dealers and cha nnels. Strategy.Toyota created an efficient network so that it can deliver excellent service to its customers. Their close interrelationship between various parts of the chain suggests that they engage in a pull strategy and their supply chain can be viewed in terms of Figure 2. 0 below. Figure 2. 0 Toyota’s supply chain Tactics. Toyota developed its own Toyota Production System where they introduced various manufacturing techniques such as Just-In-Time, Kaizen (continuous improvement). Toyota makes strategic alliance with its partners and puts an emphasis on long-term relationships.Toyota’s manufacturing processes is also developed so that each plant serves a local market and at least another market across the world. While this tactic can be seen as a logistical decision, it is also driven by various risk considerations. It is driven by a financial consideration so that it can hedge exchange-rate risks and shift production when exchange rates increase (Chopra & So dhi, 2004, p. 345). It is also driven by capacity considerations so that idle capacity is mitigated by ensuring that more than one market are supported by the plants to deal with demand fluctuations(Chopra & Sodhi, 2004).Action. Toyota ensures that both the upstream and downstream supply chains are highly efficient networks. For its upstream supply chain, Toyota not only engages in activities that ensure that information flows across its suppliers, but also engages in various activities geared toward promoting a shared network identity among its suppliers. More specifically, Toyota created network-level processes to ensure that they share a social community, network norms and knowledge (Dyer & Nobeoka, 2000, p. 352).To implement this, Toyota has established various supplier associations (kyohokai) since 1943 so that they can have â€Å"(1) information exchange between member companies and Toyota, (2) mutual development and training among member companies, and (3) socializin g events†(Dyer & Nobeoka, 2000). † For its downstream supply chain, Toyota is dependent on its dealers to distribute new and used vehicles, as well as servicing for its profitability. Toyota manages its dealers with three principles: (1) Independence of dealers as outside investors; (2) Winning jointly; (3) Encouraging competition among channels.This approach encourages their dealers to make independent decisions and be proactive in making improvements. Toyota help the dealers make decisions toward investing in areas necessary to improve so that they can be both successful. Toyota embraced lean manufacturing techniques to keep costs down. Not only do they apply these principles in their manufacturing of cars, but they also apply this in other areas of their supply chain. For example, they use kyohans to allow their dealers to maintain a low level of parts supply.The use of an intermediary to have a central control of parts allows the network some flexibility so that parts do not sit idly at dealers at the same time allow Toyota to move the parts to dealers that need them. Kyohans can order supplies of stocks once a day, and supplies them to the dealers 3-4 times a day. In case the stock is unavailable, kyohans can put in an emergency stock request which can be fulfilled by a domestic distributor within half a day to a day or an international distributor in under 5 days. Toyota also promotes continuous improvement through a concept they refer to as kaizen.This process allows them to improve their operations through innovation, organizational learning and standardization of processes. For example, a mandatory bi-annual inspections of cars for registration at the service facilities usually takes 2-3 hours. The length of time it took was largely dependent on skills and experiences of the service technician in charge of the inspection. After applying kaizen principles, Toyota was able to streamline and standardize the inspection process so that insp ections would only take 45 minutes. Control.Toyota conducts performance measurements at predetermined timeframes. For instance they do annual reviews wherein they apply some ranking and rating mechanism to evaluate their dealers. The dealers are measured in terms of sales volume of new and used cars, after-service sales service, customer satisfaction, number of showrooms, number of service centers, number of staff, and profitability. Discussion There are various approaches to managing the supply chain of a firm. The decision to adopt one over another is highly depended on the long-term strategic goals of the corporation.From the Microsoft’s Xbox case, we can see that sometimes firm make costly decisions in the process of launching a product to gain foothold in the market place. It is then ultimately up to the firm to learn form the process and as an organization learn from the experience and make the necessary changes. Microsoft adopted two distinct approaches in managing the ir supply chain based on their short- and long-term objectives. In the launching Xbox, they were highly dependent on the expertise of their suppliers so that they can launch the Xbox in time for the 2001 holiday sales.This enabled the firm to learn from their experience so that they can come up with a new strategy to launch the next generation gaming console. Microsoft’s disintermediation strategy appears to minimize lock-in effects with suppliers so that they can take advantage of spot-markets and ultimately lower their costs. Interestingly, in the case of Toyota, they took a very different approach from Microsoft even when their objective was also to minimize production costs. Instead of relying on spot-markets, they embraced lock-in and invested in long-term relationships with its suppliers.This approach allowed them to make continuous improvements across multiple suppliers by sharing knowledge and information among the upstream and downstream processes. The increased info rmation flows across the network was made possible by the use of various e-supply and e-demand applications. From the Toyota case, it can also be seen that a highly integrated supply chain that shares information, expertise across the firm can take advantage of minimized costs and profitability.It can also be gleaned from this case the importance of trust and respect because the members of the supply chain has access to critical information that can be detrimental to the other partners if opportunistic behavior arises. Chaffey, D. (2002). E-business and E-commerce Management: Strategy, Implementation and Practice. Essex: Pearson Education Limited. Choi, T. Y. , & Hong, Y. (2002). 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