Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Operation management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Operation management - Essay Example Another perspective of operations management comprises: overseeing, controlling product designation process and redesigning business operations in the production of goods and services (Heizer 2010). Thus operation managers have the task and responsibility of ensuring that organizational operations are efficient (Slack 2010). This involves effective utilisation of the resources as well as meeting the client or the customer requirements. Ascribing from this explanation it can be argued that operational management is vital in developing plans as well as strategies in maximizing the organizational opportunities and challenges. Notably is the operating environment which should be focused as effective operations management ensures that quality goods and services are produced and that demanded quantities within the acceptable timeframe is met by the organisation. OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF 2 SISTERS FOOD GROUP 2 Sisters Food Group is a chicken meat processing company in Englan d. According to Heizer (2010) the company started being a retail operating company, it is notable that in the past years the company has expanded tremendously through acquisition and establishing manufacturing sites in UK and other countries it has expanded into, notable acquisition is the Dutch-based chicken processor Storteboom Group. With the expanded operations it offers employment to over 5000 people and having annual sales of over six hundred and fifty million pounds annually. How the company operates The company comprises of three divisions which include: The primary division where slaughtering and the primary processing takes place. The second division involves chicken cutting and removing of bones. The third stage involves preparation where breading and roasting of the chicken takes place (Heizer 2010). This stage is attributed to final products including savoury liquids, ready to cook chicken and the component meat. 2 Sisters Food Group produces owned-brand products which are supplied to the supermarkets and established retailers. Notable brands associated to this company include Buxted brand and the Devonshire Red free range chicken. Therefore attributed to the notable expansion of this company and the complexity of the operations involved, the company ought to have a well established and effective operational management. The company has been successful because of the dynamitic operation management aspects, measures and controls it has develop in its operations (Slack 2010). Attributed to this effective and efficient operational management are the analysis, development, design and implementation of these important aspects of operational management by its management team. In order to achieve this, the company has emphasized on the following aspects of operations. Operational strategy These are the strategies that the company adopts in their day to day production and delivery of goods and services. In the context of 2 Sisters Food Group the operationa l strategy process is mainly used to formulate operations strategies. These strategies have been instrumental in the market positioning of this company. These strategies define the short-run and the long-run operations of this company.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Impact of Sustainable Tourism

Impact of Sustainable Tourism Tourism refers to the act of travelling for recreational, business, and leisure purpose. People all over the world are travelling to different destinations. Travelling has become an important part of human life, and the tourism industry has faced increasing challenges and pressure with the increasing demand of travelling. According to (Onyangu Kaseje, 2015), nowadays, it has become increasingly important to manage sustainable tourism development. For this, it is essential to consider the growing environmental problems. (Blackman, Foster, Hyvonen, Jewell, Kuilboer, Moscardo, 2015) stated that tourism development is planned and implemented with the aim of stimulating the regional economic development in the developing countries. In the past, the tourism development planning was considered as a private sector activity that intended to meet the growing demands of the dynamic industry. After the Second World War, the tourism industry turned into a mainstream industry. The World Trade Or ganisation has claimed that tourism is one the main drivers for socio-economic progress and development. Tourism has significantly influenced different destinations and places around the world. However, many scenarios suggest the adverse impact of tourism on the environment and communities. To deal with the negative impact, it is necessary to plan tourism according to the philosophies of sustainability. The report tends to analyse the concept of Tourism Sustainability and how it challenges the conventional ways of designing strategies for a national tourism plan. The findings are based on examining the tourism development programmes and its implementation in developing and developed countries. (Zamfir Corbos, 2015) claimed that economically, the tourism planning is far-sighted and it involves considering different sectors in order to trigger the development effectively and efficiently. The report focuses on comparing the sustainable tourism with conventional tourism planning. In the end, recommendations are included for future development planning and development concept. (Liu Mwanza, 2014) indicated that the concept of sustainable development had been widely accepted by different countries and regions to carry put their planning and development functions and processes. It is based on the concept of creating a better future by ensuring that the present is not compromised. Sustainable development aims to safeguard and protect the earths capability to support life. It is mainly concerned about the social equity, cultural diversity, environmental protection, and developing a viable economy. As claimed by (Singh, 2015) sustainable tourism aims to meet the ecological, culture, economic, and social requirements of a country. It is based on focusing on the long-term aspects of tourism by ensuring that the present and future demands are met effectively and ethically. The term sustainability focuses on the long-term and future-oriented requirements, which must be fulfilled by taking considerable actions and decisions. (Moscardo, 2013) stated that the primary objective of sustainable tourism development is to focus on different areas of sustainable development in tourism. The concept of sustainable tourism is applicable to all the types of destinations and all forms of tourism. Taking the example of tourist education guide programs sustainable tourism planning can be understood in a better manner. These programs aim to educate the tourists about the natural environment and resources so that they value it preservation. Table 1: Pillars of Sustainability (Onyangu Kaseje, 2015) Â   (Liu Francis, 2013) stated that the sustainable development focuses on meeting the current needs without compromising the future needs of the nation. Sustainable tourism development is based on the concept of creating a balance between the cultural, economic, and social aspects of the nation. It ensures that none of the activities will lead to endangering of the animals or environment. The process of sustainable development focuses on promoting development without depletion of resources and is accomplished by effectively managing the resources. Basically, the concept of sustainable development is based on certain principles, which focuses on ensuring that the development is compatible with the maintenance of biological resources and ecological processes. The sustainable tourism should be planned in a cost effective manner so that the resources are managed and utilised effectively (Blackman, Foster, Hyvonen, Jewell, Kuilboer, Moscardo, 2015). Table 2: Sustainability Pyramid in Tourism (Moscardo, 2013) (Dangi Jamal, 2016) reported that sustainable development is considered as one of the best solutions to social degradation and other environment problems. The concept of sustainable tourism development includes different dimensions that relate the culture, economic, social, and environmental development with each other. The sustainable development planning mainly focuses on the preservation of environmental resources, and the activities are planned in such a manner that the intensive and excessive use of resources is avoided. (Tourism, 2016) claimed that Green Globe is one of the sustainable tourism initiatives taken by the tourism operators in New Zealand. It promotes sustainable travel and tourism across the triple bottom line. The Sustainable Business Company is responsible for monitoring and assisting the tourism operators in the country so that they can facilitate the growth of sustainable tourism development programs. As stated by (Vlaicu, 2010), the international donor agencies and government were responsible for promoting the tourism development planning in developing nations. The conventional tourism planning is based on the concept of making a huge profit by satisfying the tourists. It is a tourist-oriented development planning and has facilitated many countries in enhancing their tourism sector. The convention planning gives priority to economic benefits. The advancement in Information and Technology has facilitated the convention tourism industry. With the passage of time, the importance of conventional tourism has rapidly enhanced as it has a relevant impact on the environment, economy, and population of the chosen place. To promote conventional tourism and achieve success through it, it is important to plan and implement effective strategies (Larsen, 2016). Table 3: Conventional Tourism to Sustainable Tourism (Larsen, 2016) (Dredge Jamal, 2015) claimed that the conventional tourism planning policies focus on attracting tourists from all over the world. It emphasizes on entertaining and satisfying the tourists, without considering the impact on natural resources and environment. The businesses in New Zealand are using various traditional marketing approaches to promote tourism in the country. For example, the destination management processes are being implemented in the country. The concept is based on the promotion of different elements of the destination, which include infrastructure, people, values and culture. The place is marketed to attract tourist and encourage different types of site management activities. In New Zealand, the tourism industry has undergone various changes and developments. The businesses aim to provide tourists with a chance to enjoy the mountains, forests, islands, wetland, and high country. The economic value is the main concern while making the country sites suitable, accessi ble, and family-friendly (Yeoman, Andrade, Leguma, Wolf, Tan, Beattie, 2015). Table 4: Tourism Planning (Najdeska Rakicevik, 2012) According to (Najdeska Rakicevik, 2012), the growth in the tourism industry has positively and negatively affected different aspects of the societies and communities. Sustainable development focuses on the planning and development without the exploitation of the natural resources or affecting the cultural aspects of the societies. It aims to preserve the culture and nature for the future generations. (Hassan Bayazidpour, 2016) claimed that planning of sustainable tourism is dependent on preserving the environment and making decisions that lead to positive development. The sustainable tourism faces different types of challenges at a different level, which include making tourism accessible to all, preserving the natural and cultural resources, reducing the seasonality of demand, and promoting the well-being of the local societies and communities. Table 5: Tourism Development Plan (Singh, 2015) The comparison of conventional and sustainable tourism has helped in realising that conventional tourism is not necessarily planned to consider the enhancement of education or conservation. It does not aim to enhance the local community, if the goals are targets of conventional development plan are not effectively managed, it can result in damaging the fragile environment. The culture and resources are also under the threat of being destroyed or altered as a result of conventional tourism. (Dangi Jamal, 2016) claimed that in the past, many conventional tourism practices posed a threat to the conservation. It was due to lack of control, management, and ineffective planning techniques. In contrast, the sustainable tourism is planned with the aim of benefiting the local residents, protecting the culture, and conserving the natural resources. The plan involves educating both the local residents and tourists. (Hassan Bayazidpour, 2016) stated that the benefits of sustainable tourism are similar to conventional tourism. In addition, it not only protects the culture and natural resources but also focuses on the well-being of the community and society both economically and socially. The conventional planning only focuses on profits, while sustainable tourism is based on enhancing the environment and community and achieving profits. The conventional tourism is tourist-oriented while sustainable tourism is locally-oriented. Conventional emphasises on creating entertainment for the tourists, while sustainable tourism provides learning experience where conservation of the natural resources is termed as a priority. It is believed that the tourism planning is dependent on the goals and objectives set by the government and tourism industry. There are certain policies and regulations that must be followed throughout the planning and implementation process (Vlaicu, 2010). The tourism industry is growing and developing continuously with the passage of time. To achieve sustainable tourism development, it is important to focus on following the principles of sustainable tourism (Moscardo, 2013). As the level of challenges and complexities have increased, it is recommended to follow the following principles to attain the goal of development: Plan for long-term goals and objectives Set and respect the limits of environment and society Monitor the changes and developments continuously Take an integrated or holistic approach to development Choose an adequate pace of development Take cost-effective methods and approaches Involve the stakeholders in the process of development Examine and manage risk by implementing risk mitigation strategies In this competitive era, the economic development of the countries is dependent on it tourism sector up to a great extent. Considering this fact, the government of the developing countries is supporting the tourism sector by making effective policies and standards regarding tourists. It is highly recommended that the nations focus on the growing and changing needs and demands of the tourists belonging to different backgrounds. The hospitality industry should focus on developing highly attracting services and places to attract tourists from different regions and countries. The implementation of sustainable tourism policies and development framework will help in achieving sustainability and protecting the natural resources and environment of the country. ÂÂ   Analysing and examining the concept of tourism sustainability, it has been seen that the strategic objective of sustainable development planning can only be achieved when all the four elements of the nation are given equal importance. These elements include economic, cultural, environmental and social aspects of the nation that are interconnected with each other. The sustainable tourism promotes responsible tourism where the tourists enjoy and appreciate nature and ensure that their activities do not harm the natural environment or resources in any manner. It promotes conservation and is appreciated and accepted all over the world by the tourist sector. With the advancement in the tourism industry, both conventional and sustainable tourism development planning has gained a lot of attention. The Government and businesses operating in the industry are developing tourism plans to enhance the environment and gain social and economic benefits. Conventional tourism focuses on profitability while sustainable tourism is more concerned about the conservation of the natural environment and resources. In New Zealand, the number of tourists has commendably increased in the past few years. The country has introduced attractive policies and development programs to facilitate the tourists belonging to different age groups and backgrounds. To achieve economic and environmental benefits, the country is undergoing various changes and developments with the passage of time. These developments are promoted by the sustainable and conventional tourism planning approaches and techniques. References Blackman, A., Foster, F., Hyvonen, T., Jewell, B., Kuilboer, A., Moscardo, G. (2015). Factors contributing to successful tourism development in Peripheral Regions. The Journal of Tourism Studies , 15 (1), 59-65. Dangi, T., Jamal, T. (2016). An integrated approach to sustainable community-based tourism. Sustainability , 8 (2), 1-32. Dredge, D., Jamal, T. (2015). Progress in tourism planning and policy: A post-structural perspective on knowledge production. Tourism Management , 51 (2), 285-297. Hassan, A., Bayazidpour, H. (2016). Analysis and sustainable tourism development planning in the Kurdistan Province. International Academic Journal of Humanities , 3 (6), 1-16. Larsen, G. (2016). The unappreciated slowness of conventional tourism. A Multidisciplinary e-Journal , 27 (2), 35-52. Liu, B., Mwanza, F. (2014). Towards sustainable tourism development in Zambia: advancing tourism planning and natural resource management . Journal of Service Science and Management , 7 (2), 30-45. Liu, Z., Francis, A. (2013). Sustainable tourism development: a critique. Journal of Sustainable Tourism , 11 (6), 459-475. Moscardo, G. (2013). Interpretation and sustainable tourism: functions, examples, and principles. The Journal of Tourism Studies , 14 (1), 112-121. Najdeska, K., Rakicevik, G. (2012). Planning of sustainable tourism development. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences , 44 (2), 210-220. Onyangu, J., Kaseje, M. (2015). Tourism planninga and developemnt for sustainability. American Journal of Economics, Finance and Management , 1 (5), 336-345. Singh, V. (2015). Eco-tourism as a sustainable alternative to conventional tourism. Tourism and Hospitality , 4 (4), 1-10. Tourism, N. (2016). New Zealand Tousim Guide. Retrieved February 20, 2017, from Tourism in New Zealand: http://www.tourism.net.nz/community/environmental-sustainability Vlaicu, A. (2010). Conventional tourism from sustainable tourism to ecotourism . Conventional Tourism Journal , 5 (1), 43-49. Yeoman, I., Andrade, A., Leguma, E., Wolf, N., Tan, R., Beattie, U. (2015). 2050: New Zealands sustainable future. Journal of Tourism Futures , 1 (2), 117-125. Zamfir, A., Corbos, R. (2015). Towards sustainable tourism development in urban areas. Sustainability , 7 (1), 12709-12722.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Essay --

Actualmente existe un desequilibrio econà ³mico a nivel mundial. Este tipo de crisis provoca que las estructuras sociales econà ³micas existentes creen desajustes laborales innegables. Podemos observar en diferentes paà ­ses del mundo ya sean desarrollados, sub desarrollados o de tercer mundo problemà ¡ticas graves de conflictos sociales. Evidentemente para todos, el trabajo es uno de los componentes principales para que una nacià ³n se enriquezca cada vez mà ¡s. Es por esto que todos debemos tener un conocimiento bà ¡sico de las relaciones laborales comparadas a nivel mundial. Esto es asà ­ ya que tanto en Puerto Rico como en el mundo entero existe un impacto por causa de la globalizacià ³n y el neoliberalismo. Evidentemente en el mundo moderno vemos una serie de problemà ¡ticas las cuales son parte de nuestro diario vivir. Entre ellas està ¡ el sometimiento del estado hacia la sociedad queriendo su bienestar el cual utiliza la competencia de mercado mundial. Tambià ©n, podemos observar en la sociedad civil pà ©rdidas de los empleos e ingresos, de la seguridad laboral y de la seguridad material. Del mismo modo, observamos una nueva pobreza la cual abarca y provoca la desigualdad, la inseguridad social y la criminalidad. Por otro lado, vemos en muchos paà ­ses del mundo actual la pà ©rdida del poder de los ciudadanos, la dictadura del capital y el retroceso de la democracia. Para algunos la globalizacià ³n y la visià ³n del neoliberalismo no es lago del todo negativo ya que muchos se basan en que con estos conceptos se pueden catalogar como el surgimiento de una nueva era de poder, riquezas, crecimiento, desarrollo y supuestas oportunidades para los paà ­ses. Es por esto que la supuesta globalizacià ³n tiene una versià ³n optimista la cual mejora las oportunidade... ... uno democrà ¡tico y verdaderamente no tomamos ningà ºn tipo de decisiones, en la cual nosotros la sociedad civil parecemos ‘’plebeyos’’ los cuales nunca vamos a tener poder ni dinero en abundancia ya que son solo unos pocos los que gozan de esos privilegio. Son esos pocos que al parecer no les importa quien este en el medio para ellos tener una vida en abundancia y son esos pocos los cuales su visià ³n y misià ³n es ser dueà ±os de todo el dinero del mundo y observar como la mayorà ­a muere de hambre. Tristemente no podemos hacer mucho para tratar de evitar esta triste situacià ³n tenemos que seguir viviendo en este gran horroroso sistema. No obstante, el vivir en el mismo no dejamos de ser personas pensantes. Debemos dejar de patrocinar los polà ­ticos marionetas que los poderosos nos presentan como una obra de teatro de comedia. Debemos vivir en el sistema pero con conciencia. Essay -- Actualmente existe un desequilibrio econà ³mico a nivel mundial. Este tipo de crisis provoca que las estructuras sociales econà ³micas existentes creen desajustes laborales innegables. Podemos observar en diferentes paà ­ses del mundo ya sean desarrollados, sub desarrollados o de tercer mundo problemà ¡ticas graves de conflictos sociales. Evidentemente para todos, el trabajo es uno de los componentes principales para que una nacià ³n se enriquezca cada vez mà ¡s. Es por esto que todos debemos tener un conocimiento bà ¡sico de las relaciones laborales comparadas a nivel mundial. Esto es asà ­ ya que tanto en Puerto Rico como en el mundo entero existe un impacto por causa de la globalizacià ³n y el neoliberalismo. Evidentemente en el mundo moderno vemos una serie de problemà ¡ticas las cuales son parte de nuestro diario vivir. Entre ellas està ¡ el sometimiento del estado hacia la sociedad queriendo su bienestar el cual utiliza la competencia de mercado mundial. Tambià ©n, podemos observar en la sociedad civil pà ©rdidas de los empleos e ingresos, de la seguridad laboral y de la seguridad material. Del mismo modo, observamos una nueva pobreza la cual abarca y provoca la desigualdad, la inseguridad social y la criminalidad. Por otro lado, vemos en muchos paà ­ses del mundo actual la pà ©rdida del poder de los ciudadanos, la dictadura del capital y el retroceso de la democracia. Para algunos la globalizacià ³n y la visià ³n del neoliberalismo no es lago del todo negativo ya que muchos se basan en que con estos conceptos se pueden catalogar como el surgimiento de una nueva era de poder, riquezas, crecimiento, desarrollo y supuestas oportunidades para los paà ­ses. Es por esto que la supuesta globalizacià ³n tiene una versià ³n optimista la cual mejora las oportunidade... ... uno democrà ¡tico y verdaderamente no tomamos ningà ºn tipo de decisiones, en la cual nosotros la sociedad civil parecemos ‘’plebeyos’’ los cuales nunca vamos a tener poder ni dinero en abundancia ya que son solo unos pocos los que gozan de esos privilegio. Son esos pocos que al parecer no les importa quien este en el medio para ellos tener una vida en abundancia y son esos pocos los cuales su visià ³n y misià ³n es ser dueà ±os de todo el dinero del mundo y observar como la mayorà ­a muere de hambre. Tristemente no podemos hacer mucho para tratar de evitar esta triste situacià ³n tenemos que seguir viviendo en este gran horroroso sistema. No obstante, el vivir en el mismo no dejamos de ser personas pensantes. Debemos dejar de patrocinar los polà ­ticos marionetas que los poderosos nos presentan como una obra de teatro de comedia. Debemos vivir en el sistema pero con conciencia.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Of Mice and Me Essay

Of mice and men is a Film about life in a ranch, well done, with a low budget but with a lot of creativity. The directors are Gary Since and Horton Foot, Since plays an important part in the film as George. The other main actors are John Malcovich as Lenny and Sherlin Flynn as Curley’s wife. Very good actors and know how to interpret each characters. Curley’s wife has a very low profile in comparison with the book. Well the film starts when they escape from weed because they think Lenny raped a girl. They go to a ranch to work. There is a guy named Curly who hates big guys like Lenny, he has a wife who likes to flirt with men at the ranch. Curly has a fight with Lenny and Lenny breaks Curley’s hand. They say he caught it in a machine. Gorge and Lenny tell Candy about their dream and they decide to do it together. Lenny is playing with a pup and he realizes its dead, suddenly Curley’s wife gets in they start talking and she says to him to touch her hare. He dose it so hard she starts to scream and Lenny gets nervous and he ends up killing her. He runs away. Candy tells the guys and they go and look for Lenny. Gorge arrives first and while he is telling him their dream he kills him. The part of Lenny its grate. The actor was perfectly chosen in the physical part and its interpretation as Lenny it’s just like I imagined in the book. The part of George was good but not perfect. In the book talks a lot and has a very tight relationship with slim and he treats Lenny very badly in the film he is more quiet and more gentile with Lenny. I personally did not like Curley’s wife. In the book they describe her like a tart. She likes to where fancy dresses and feathers. In the film she is more reserved and less flirty. The music and lights play a major part in the film. For example the sins in the bunk house are always dark, with very little light in the middle of the bunk house. A very good example of music it’s when George is running to the pool at the ending they put nervous music because George its nervous, that makes a big effect in the audience. The novel is a protest novel with deep content but in the feel this is not so clear. The film could represent these themes in a better way if Curley’s wife was more of a tart or if crooks part was the same as in the book, longer and expressing more resentment feelings. I would recommend this film only for people who read the book because it helps to understand many aspects but for people who did not red it could be very slow and boring. This film it’s good only as a complement of the book. It’s good to rescue the actuation of John Malcovich who did a brilliant part and the good music and light effects.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Hamlet’s Contradicting Traits Essay

William Shakespeare created many complex characters in his play Hamlet. One of these complex characters being the protagonist, Prince Hamlet. Hamlet has many contradictory traits, two of them being that Hamlet sometimes thinks rationally, and that being overcome by the command left by the ghost of his belligerent father, King Hamlet, he tends to make irrational decisions. When Hamlet is first introduced to the ghost’s commands in scene one, act 5, they begin to consume him with thoughts of vengeance, to murder Claudius, his father’s murderer. Throughout the play, Hamlet acts in such a way to provide evidence supporting both traits. Conflicted by these two opposing traits, Prince Hamlet has a war of two spirits in his mind, deciding which side is right. During the length of the play, Hamlet frequently argues with himself. Many of his soliloquies are debates between Hamlet and the warring side of his mind that believes he should listen to the vengeful plan of his father’s ghost. At the beginning of the play, Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, is a rational scholar from Wittenberg. When he returns from Wittenberg, his mother, Queen Gertrude confronts him concerning his melancholy. He replies â€Å"Seems, madam? Nay it is. I know not ‘seems’† (1. 2. 76) He is very straightforward with her and speaks in a sensible and rational manner. This conversation happened before Hamlet encountered the ghost; therefor the militant and vengeful spirit has not yet influenced him. When Hamlet is preparing to rig the play to gage a reaction from Claudius to prove he is guilty of murdering his father, he is thinking rationally. I’ll have these players/Play something like the murder of my father/Before mine uncle: I’ll observe his looks; /I’ll tent him to the quick: if he but blench, /I know my course. † (2. 2. 601-605) it takes and intelligent, sensible, and rational person to develop such a precise and functioning plan, therefor proving Hamlet is able to think rationally. Once Hamlet has met and been influenced to his father’s ghost, he becomes consumed with the thought of avenging his father. Hamlet is not a violent person; therefor the thought of murdering Claudius causes a lot of internal conflict for Hamlet. As Hamlet and Laertes fight in Ophelia’s grave, Hamlet says to Laertes â€Å"For, though I am not splenitive and rash, /Yet have I something in me dangerous, /Which let thy wiseness fear† (5. 1. 265-267). This quote proves that Hamlet is aware that though he is not generally a violent person, he now possesses something dangerous in him due to his dead father’s command. Later, Hamlet claims to Laertes that he is mad. â€Å"Roughly awake, I here proclaim was madness. /†¦ Who does it, then? His madness: if’t be so, /Hamlet is of the faction that is wrong’d; /His madness is poor Hamlet’s enemy† (5. . 224-233) according to Hamlet it was not him who killed Polonius it was his madness. Again, Hamlet is aware that avenging his father has driven him to be something he is not, and to do irrational things such as murdering Polonius. Hamlet had stabbed Polonius through a curtain simply because there was a slight chance it would have been Clau dius hiding. Before checking, he quickly stabbed Polonius, this is completely irrational and risky on Hamlet’s part. This dramatic turn of events caused negative repercussions towards Hamlet. By killing Polonius, Hamlet pushed Laertes to decide to avenge his own father and in the end, he murders Hamlet. The overwhelming urge to avenge his father caused Hamlet to act without thinking, putting Hamlet in a dangerous situation. Due to Hamlet’s strongly contradicting traits, he frequently argues with himself, usually in his soliloquies. Hamlet’s soliloquy â€Å"To be or not to be† is a literal debate between scholarly, rational Hamlet and Prince Hamlet as the soldier-son, seeking revenge for his pugnacious father. In this soliloquy, Hamlet questions his motives and morals. To be, or not to be: that is the question:/Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer/The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, /Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, /And by opposing end them? † (3. 1. 56-60) he is debating with himself on whether or not it is worth it to avenge his father. This way of making a decision is a rational and logical thought process in which Hamlet is evaluating all of his options and their repercussions. However, had Hamlet not had irrational thoughts to begin with, he would not have to go through with this process. Eventually Hamlet`s irrational urge to avenge his father consumes him. Most of his rationality has vanished and all of his thoughts concern revenge, or are not fully thought through. In his â€Å"My thoughts be bloody†¦Ã¢â‚¬  soliloquy, the irrational part of Hamlet`s divided soul is convincing him that if he does not avenge his father essentially he has no purpose â€Å"What is a man,/If his chief good and market of his time /Be but to sleep and feed? a beast, no more† (4. 4. 36-38) Hamlet says if he has no purpose, he is nothing. At the end of the soliloquy Hamlet decides â€Å"My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth! (4. 4. 68) this is him saying that if his thoughts are not concerning violent actions towards Claudius, they are worthless. These thoughts are completely irrational, and the benefits and downfalls of this decision have not been taken into consideration. Later when Hamlet is asked whether he would prefer to battle Laertes now, or give himself some tim e to prepare, he quickly responds that he will fight him now, leading to Hamlet’s death. Again, Hamlet has irrationally made a decision without considering each side of the argument. The command left by the ghost of his father has completely overcome his mind leaving him not thinking logically or rationally as he was at the beginning of the play. Hamlet is an irrational rationalist. Before the ghost confronts him, Hamlet is a rational scholar from Wittenberg, however afterwards, the ghost’s vengeful thoughts consumes him, giving Hamlet an irrational and violent mindset. During the play, these two combative traits are warring in his mind, and expressed through soliloquies. Many of Hamlet’s soliloquies are debates between these two opposing traits. Eventually, the vengeful thoughts consume Hamlet and he becomes highly irrational. He does not plan or think anything through as he did at the beginning of the play. Hamlet’s irrationality is potentially the cause of his madness, and death. Had Hamlet not been so irrational whilst making decisions and allowing the vengeful thoughts left by his father to consume him, Claudius would not be seeking to murder him. Though Hamlet is genuinely a rationalist, his need to avenge his father’s death consumes him, causing him to make irrational and illogical decisions.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

The Socialite club logo and brochure design

The Socialite club logo and brochure design Introduction Most desktop publishing applications have a common design area with a toolbox that contains various tools like the shape, text, animation tools among others (Adobe Creative Team 2010; Cohen 2010). These tools are used together with texture and colour palettes to develop and colour publications. The designer can also choose from a set of themes that have consistent colour mixtures and patterns and accompanying font types, sizes and colours.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on The Socialite club logo and brochure design specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Socialite club logo picture The Socialite club logo picture is shown below. Each element was created individually using the text, colour, and shaping tools from the Indesign palette. The text was aligned to curves and fitted into the circular shapes. After assembling the text and shapes into the desired logo design shown below the elements are then grou ped together. The Socialite Club brochure was created using a c-fold type (Hadock et al. 2011). The screens shots below show the front and reverse sides of the brochure. The brochure paper size is A4 with a landscape orientation. Advertising Looking for assessment on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Reference List Adobe Creative Team 2010, Adobe InDesign CS5 classroom in a book, Adobe Press, San Jose. Cohen, S 2010, InDesign CS5 for Macintosh and Windows: Visual QuickStart guide, Peachpit Press, Berkley. Hadock, S, Hicks, A, Barnum, A Oppen, F 2011, Graphic design Australian style manual, McGraw-Hill Learning Solutions, Australia.

Monday, October 21, 2019

William Turner, English Romantic Landscape Painter

William Turner, English Romantic Landscape Painter William Turner (April 23, 1775 - December 19, 1851) is known for his expressive, romantic landscape paintings that often show the power of nature over man. His work had a significant impact on the later impressionist movement. Fast Facts: William Turner Full Name: Joseph Mallord William TurnerAlso Known As: J.M.W. TurnerOccupation: PainterBorn: April 23, 1775 in London, EnglandDied: December 19, 1851 in Chelsea, EnglandChildren: Evalina Dupois and Georgiana ThompsonSelected Works: Snow Storm: Hannibal and his Army Crossing the Alps (1812), The Burning of the Houses of Parliament (1834), Rain, Steam and Speed - the Great Western Railway (1844)Notable Quote: My business is to paint what I see, not what I know is there. Child Prodigy Born into a modest family, the son of a barber and wigmaker and his wife who came from a family of butchers, William Turner was a child prodigy. At age ten, relatives sent him to live with an uncle along the banks of the Thames River due to his mothers mental instability. There, he attended school and began creating drawings that his father exhibited and sold for a few shillings apiece. Much of Turners earliest work was studies he executed for architects such as Thomas Hardwick, designer of a series of London churches, and James Wyatt, creator of the Pantheon in Oxford Street, London. At age 14, Turner began his studies at the Royal Academy of Art. His first watercolor, A View of the Archbishops Palace, Lambeth appeared in the Royal Academys summer exhibition of 1790 when Turner was only 15. One of his first paintings to signal what was to come later in depictions of threatening weather was The Rising Squall - Hot Wells from St. Vincents Rock Bristol in 1793. Self-Portrait (1799). Hulton Fine Art Collection / Getty Images The young William Turner began a pattern of traveling through England and Wales in the summer and painting in the winter. He exhibited his first oil painting, Fisherman at Sea, at the Royal Academy in 1796. It was a moonlit scene quite popular at the time. Early Career At age 24, in 1799, colleagues elected William Turner to be an associate of the Royal Academy of Art. He was already financially successful through sales of his work and moved to a more spacious home in London that he shared with the marine painter J.T. Serres. In 1804, Turner opened his own gallery to show his work. Turners traveling also expanded during the period. In 1802, he traveled to the European continent and visited France and Switzerland. One product of the trip was the painting Calais Pier with French Poissards Preparing for Sea finished in 1803. It featured stormy seas that soon became a trademark of Turners most memorable work. Calais Pier with French Poissards Preparing for Sea (1803). Hulton Fine Art Collection / Getty Images One of Turners favorite travel destinations within England was Otley, Yorkshire. When he painted the epic Snow Storm: Hannibal and his Army Crossing the Alps in 1812, the stormy skies surrounding the army of Hannibal, Romes greatest enemy, were reportedly influenced by a storm Turner observed while staying in Otley. The dramatic depiction of light and atmospheric effects in the painting influenced future impressionists, including Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro. Mature Period The Napoleonic Wars that raged in the European continent disrupted Turners travel plans. However, when they ended in 1815, he was able to travel to the continent once again. In the summer of 1819, he visited Italy for the first time and stopped in Rome, Naples, Florence, and Venice. One of the key works inspired by these travels was a depiction of The Grand Canal, Venice, which included a more expansive color range. Turner also had an interest in poetry and the works of Sir Walter Scott, Lord Byron, and John Milton. When he exhibited the 1840 piece Slave Ship at the Royal Academy, he included excerpts of his poetry with the painting. In 1834, a fiery inferno engulfed the British Houses of Parliament and burnt for hours while London residents watched in horror. Turner made sketches, watercolors and oil paintings of the terrible event viewing it from the banks of the Thames River. The blend of colors magnificently depicts the light and heat of the blaze. Turners rendering of the awesome power of the fire matched his interest in the overwhelming forces of nature facing the relative weakness of man. The Burning of the Houses of Parliament (1834). Heritage Images / Getty Images Later Life and Work As Turner advanced in age, he became more and more eccentric. He had few close confidants other than his father, who lived with him for 30 years and worked as a studio assistant. Following his fathers death in 1829, Turner battled with severe depression. Although he was never married, historians believe he was the father of two daughters, Evalina Dupois and Georgiana Thompson. Following the death of Sophia Booths second husband, Turner lived for nearly 20 years as Mr. Booth at her home in Chelsea. Late in his career, Turners paintings focused more and more on the impact of color and light. Often the key elements of the picture are rendered in hazy outlines with most of the painting taken up by large sections that depict mood instead of the actual form. The painting Rain, Steam and Speed - The Great Western Railway from 1844 is an excellent example of this style. The most detailed element of the work is the smokestack of the train, but most of the painting is given to blurred atmosphere that helps convey the idea of a train speeding along a modern bridge near London. Although these paintings forecast the innovations of impressionist painters, contemporaries criticized Turners lack of detail. Rain, Steam and Speed - the Great Western Railway (1844). Hulton Archive / Getty Images William Turner died of cholera on December 19, 1851. As one of the most prominent of English artists, he was buried in St. Pauls Cathedral. Legacy William Turner left his fortune to create a charity for impoverished artists. He bequeathed his paintings to the National Gallery of Art. Relatives fought the gift of the artists fortune and won back much of his wealth through the courts. However, the paintings became the permanent property of England through the Turner Bequest. In 1984, the Tate Britain museum created the prestigious Turner Prize art award presented annually to a prominent visual artist to honor William Turners memory. Turners impressionistic renderings of the impact of nature on man reverberated through the art world for more than a century. He not only influenced impressionists like Claude Monet, but also later abstract painters like Mark Rothko. Many art historians believe that much of Turners work was far ahead of his time. Sources Moyle, Franny. Turner: The Extraordinary Life and Momentous Times of J.M.W. Turner. Penguin Press, 2016.Wilton, Andrew. Turner in His Time. Thames and Hudson, 2007.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Index to French Grammar and Pronunciation Glossary

Index to French Grammar and Pronunciation Glossary This index to the glossary of French grammar and pronunciation terms treated in our lessons provides definitions and links to further information about each of the French verb tenses, pronouns, and other grammatical structures weve discussed. It also includes information about various pronunciation issues. You can search for definitions by topic or by using the full alphabetical list in either  English  or  French; all definitions are in English. Or you can get just the highlights:  top grammar terms. English Index Aactive voiceadjectiveadverbadverbial pronounadverb of frequencyadverb of manneradverb of placeadverb of quantityadverb of timeagentagreementantecedentarticleauxiliary verbCclausecomparative adverbcognatecompound pastcompound tenseconditionalconditional perfectconditionalsconditional sentenceconjunctionconjugateconjugationcoordinating conjunctioncopular verbDdefinite articledemonstrative adjectivedemonstrative pronoundependent clausedescriptive adjectivedirect objectdirect object complementdirect object pronoundisjunctive pronoundummy subjectEeuphonyFfalse cognatefamiliarfeminineformalfuturefuture anteriorfuture perfectfuture subjunctiveGgenderHhelping verbhiatushistoric pasthistorical tenseIif-then clauseimperativeimperfectimperfect subjunctiveimpersonal pronounimpersonal verbindefinite articleindefinite adjectiveindefinite pronounindefinite relative pronounindependent clauseindicativeindirect objectindirect object complementindirect object pronouninfinitiveinflectioninformalinterro gative adjectiveinterrogative adverbinterrogative pronounintransitive verbinversionLliaisonlinkinglinking verbliterary registerliterary tenseMmain clausemasculinemoodNnarrative tensenear futurenegative adjectivenegative adverbnegative pronounnormal registernounnumberOobjectPparticiplepartitive articlepassive voicepast anteriorpast conditionalpast infinitivepast participlepast perfectpast perfect subjunctivepast subjunctiveperfect participlepersonpersonal pronounpersonal verbpluperfectpluperfect subjunctivepluralpossessive adjectivepossessive pronounprepositionpresentpresent participlepresent perfectpreteritepronominal verbpronominal voicepronounproper nounRreal subjectrecent pastregisterreflexive pronounreflexive verbrelative clauserelative pronounSsimple pastsimple tensesingularstate-of-being verbstressed pronounsubjectsubject pronounsubjunctivesubordinate clausesubordinating conjunctionsuperlative adverbTtensetransitive verbtrue cognateVverbverb conjugationvoicevulgar (register) French Index Aaccordadjectifadjectif dà ©monstratifadjectif descriptifadjectif indà ©finiadjectif interrogatifadjectif nà ©gatifadjectif possessifadverbeadverbe comparatifadverbe de frà ©quenceadverbe de lieuadverbe de manià ¨readverbe de quantità ©adverbe de tempsadverbe interrogatifadverbe nà ©gatifadverbe superlatifagentantà ©cà ©dentapparentà ©argotiquearticlearticle dà ©finiarticle indà ©finiarticle partitifauxiliaireCCODCOIcomplà ©ment dobjet directcomplà ©ment dobjet indirectconditionnelconditionnel passà ©conjonctionconjonction de coordinationconjonction de subordinationconjugaisonconjuguercopuleDdà ©sinenceEenchaà ®nementeuphonieFfamilierfaux amifà ©mininformelfuturfutur antà ©rieurfutur passà ©futur procheGgenreHhiatusIimparfaitimparfait du subjonctifimpà ©ratifindicatifinfinitifinfinitif passà ©inversionLliaisonlittà ©raireMmasculinmodemot apparentà ©Nnomnom proprenombrenormalOobjetobjet directobjet indirectPparticipeparticipe passà ©participe prà ©sentpassà © antà ©rieurpassà © composà ©passà © composà © du participe prà ©sentpassà © rà ©centpassà © simplepersonnephrase de conditionplurielplus-que-parfaitplus-que-parfait du subjonctifpopulaireprà ©positionprà ©sentprà ©tà ©ritpronompronom adverbialpronom dà ©monstratifpronom disjointpronom impersonnelpronom indà ©finipronom indà ©fini relatifpronom interrogatifpronom nà ©gatifpronom objet directpronom objet indirectpronom personnelpronom possessifpronom rà ©flà ©chipronom relatifpronom sujetpropositionproposition conditionnelleproposition dà ©pendanteproposition indà ©pendanteproposition principaleproposition relativeproposition subordonnà ©eproposition subordonnà ©e relativeRregistreSsi clausesinguliersubjonctifsubjonctif futursubjonctif passà ©sujetsujet apparentsujet rà ©elTtempstemps composà ©temps de la narrationtemps historiquetemps littà ©rairetemps simpleVverbeverbe auxiliaireverbe copulatifverbe impersonnelverbe intransitifverbe pronominalverbe rà © flà ©chiverbe transitifvoixvrai amivulgaire Topic Index Adjectives  Ã‚  Ã‚  demonstrative adjective  Ã‚  Ã‚  descriptive adjective  Ã‚  Ã‚  indefinite adjective  Ã‚  Ã‚  interrogative adjective  Ã‚  Ã‚  negative adjective  Ã‚  Ã‚  possessive adjectiveAdverbs  Ã‚  Ã‚  adverbial pronoun  Ã‚  Ã‚  adverb of frequency  Ã‚  Ã‚  adverb of manner  Ã‚  Ã‚  adverb of place  Ã‚  Ã‚  adverb of quantity  Ã‚  Ã‚  adverb of time  Ã‚  Ã‚  comparative adverb  Ã‚  Ã‚  interrogative adverb  Ã‚  Ã‚  negative adverb  Ã‚  Ã‚  superlative adverbAgreement  Ã‚  Ã‚  gender  Ã‚  Ã‚  number  Ã‚  Ã‚  adjectives  Ã‚  Ã‚  articles  Ã‚  Ã‚  pronounsClauses  Ã‚  Ã‚  dependent clause  Ã‚  Ã‚  if-then clause  Ã‚  Ã‚  independent clause  Ã‚  Ã‚  main clause  Ã‚  Ã‚  relative clause  Ã‚  Ã‚  subordinate clauseConjunctions  Ã‚  Ã‚  coordinating conjunction  Ã‚  Ã‚  subordinating conjunctionObjects  Ã‚  Ã‚  object  Ã‚  Ã‚  direct object  Ã‚  Ã‚  direct object complement/pronoun  Ã‚  Ã‚  indirect object  Ã‚  Ã‚  indirect object complement/pronoun  Ã‚  Ã‚  intransitive verb  Ã‚  Ã‚  transitive verbParts of speech  Ã‚  Ã‚  adjective  Ã‚  Ã‚  adverb  Ã‚  Ã‚  article  Ã‚  Ã‚  conjunction  Ã‚  Ã‚  noun  Ã‚  Ã‚  preposition  Ã‚  Ã‚  pronoun  Ã‚  Ã‚  verbPronouns  Ã‚  Ã‚  adverbial pronoun  Ã‚  Ã‚  demonstrative pronoun  Ã‚  Ã‚  direct object pronoun  Ã‚  Ã‚  disjunctive pronoun  Ã‚  Ã‚  impersonal pronoun  Ã‚  Ã‚  indefinite pronoun  Ã‚  Ã‚  indefinite relative pronoun  Ã‚  Ã‚  interrogative pronoun  Ã‚  Ã‚  negative pronoun  Ã‚  Ã‚  personal pronoun  Ã‚  Ã‚  possessive pronoun  Ã‚  Ã‚  pronominal verb  Ã‚  Ã‚  reflexive pronoun  Ã‚  Ã‚  relative pronoun  Ã‚  Ã‚  stressed pronoun  Ã‚  Ã‚  subject pronounPronunciation  Ã‚  Ã‚  cognate  Ã‚  Ã‚  euphony  Ã‚  Ã‚  hiatus  Ã‚  Ã‚  liaison  Ã‚  Ã‚  linkingVerbs* conjugate/conjugation  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  inflection  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  mood  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  number  Ã ‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  person  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  tense  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  voice* compound tense  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  auxiliary/helping verb  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  compound past  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  conditional perfect  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  future anterior/perfect  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  past conditional  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  past perfect subjunctive  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  past subjunctive  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  past anterior  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  past infinitive  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  past perfect  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  pluperfect  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  pluperfect subjunctive  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  present perfect* historical/literary/narrative tense  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  historic past  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  past anterior  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  imperfect subjunctive  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  pluperfect subjunctive* inversion* mood  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  conditional  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   imperative  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  indicative  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  infinitive  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  participle  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  subjunctive* participle  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  past participle  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  perfect participle  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  present participle* simple tense  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  conditional  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  future  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  future subjunctive  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  historic past  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  imperative  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  imperfect  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  imperfect subjunctive  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  present  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  preterite  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  simple past  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  subjunctive* types of verbs  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  copular verb  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  impersonal verb  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  intransitive verb  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  pronominal/reflexive verb  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  transitive ver bMiscellaneous  Ã‚  Ã‚  agent  Ã‚  Ã‚  antecedent  Ã‚  Ã‚  conditional  / conditional sentence  Ã‚  Ã‚  proper noun  Ã‚  Ã‚  register  Ã‚  Ã‚  subject  Ã‚  Ã‚   - dummy subject  Ã‚  Ã‚   - real subject

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Spin master Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Spin master - Case Study Example The decision to take up the air-pressured airplane and developing it to Sky Shark was a noble decision as they received a nomination to the great innovators of the time. It also licenses world’s leading toy companies to drive growth and diversity. Additionally, reinventing 60 % of its product line and carrying out research on the marketability of its products spin master remains viable. Looking at the decision environment, these decisions follow a Programme in that they follow a defined sequence from production to marketing, to meeting market demand, to embracing innovation for purposes of gaining competitive advantage and going concern. However, the decision to license other leading toy companies might be a problem for them in the future since these companies have a huge customer base, network, and capital that may limit Spin master’s market in the future. Additionally, the idea of linking with investors, marketers, manufacturers, distributors, and toy brand licensors may lead them to lose the aspect of specialization in the future thus demeaning their success. Moreover, the idea of harnessing world ideas than creating one’s ideas and the lack of consistent information and efficient IT infrastructure could result to a future problem as it denies spin master capacity to make timely and effective

Friday, October 18, 2019

Use of Derivatives in Risk Management Term Paper

Use of Derivatives in Risk Management - Term Paper Example Following are the major sorts of instruments applied by organizations to manage the financial risks associated with business activity. Futures and Options In this type of instrument, one individual or business signs a contract with another one to purchase the commodity on some future date with an agreed-upon price. However, in futures both of the parties have to go through with the contract while in options both of the parties reserve the right to withdraw the contract upon paying in monetary terms. Agreements: This instrument is localized in nature, and governments do not interfere with its transactions. Nevertheless, the purpose of these agreements is the same as that of futures and options, which is to hedge against fluctuations in the market price of the commodity or an industrial product. It is also important to note that these kinds of agreements are more common in economically distressed nations. But, recently they are intensively deployed in order to ensure a supply of raw material in US, which is necessary because of the prevailing recession in the local market. So, it is safe to assume that businesses are preparing themselves for increasing adversities of the future by contracting with their suppliers on a long term basis, which also enables them to attain economies of scale as a result, driving their financial and operational costs down that allows them to lower their prices in order to increase their market share. Nevertheless, it is fascinating to acknowledge that various businesses are paying close attention towards managing financial risk through using statistical models in order to assess the current level of risk, which can disrupt the expected pattern of their cash flows (Benson & Oliver, 2004). However, they often lack the proper translation of this analysis into practical plans, so in this way they cannot benefit from the concept of derivatives effectively most of the times. On the other hand, manufacturing sector of Europe is using derivatives more extensively than American ones (SpricIc, 2007). The prime reason for this trend is prevailing and growing uncertainty of the European market as compared to that of America. Along with this, managers who deploy derivatives in order to evaluate the degree of risk in financial terms are viewed as trustworthy by stockholders because they consider it as the proper and desirable means of minimizing financial threats (Koonce, Lipe, & McAnally, 2008). However, managers are found to falter by not basing their business decisions on the results of derivative analysis, therefore portraying the image of rational business decision making when in reality it is not the case. At the same time, derivatives are not rated as an effective mean for minimizing the possibility of default (Yi, Lin, & Chen, 2008). Therefore, derivatives can only be utilized as the mean of predicting future financial position of a particular firm. However, it is important to note that firms that base their decisions on derivative analysis often outperform those that do not consider derivatives as an ideal method for predicting financial future (Lin, Pantzalis, & Park, 2009). Another advantage of successful risk management is contentment of stockholders (Berk, Peterlin, & Cok, 2009). Through effective management, risk managers can handle them and are

American History Since 1865 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

American History Since 1865 - Essay Example One can safely conclude that the containment policy was somewhat of a success. The strategy acknowledged that the Soviets will continue to expand. From Kennan’s perspective, it was a dangerous policy as it flared tensions between two superpowers. It also initiated the ruthless intention of the USA to build up arms and support dictatorships to fight anti-communism. Kennan’s strategy was overblown as the government took this as a chance to launch a full-scale war against communism. The ultimate goal went from containment to overthrowing a regime. However, policy was a success as it did halt Soviet expansionism as democracy prevailed. The risks that were implemented with this policy were too high compared to the benefits. The three most important events that occurred in the civil rights movement were: the bus incident of the Rosa Parks, the Civil Rights act of the 1964, and the â€Å"dream speech† of Martin Luther king. These events were vital to the development and progression of the civil right movements for various reasons. The Rosa Parks incident was critical to the Civil Rights movement because it initiated the Montgomery bus boycott. The boycott was essential because it boycotted all the buses because it implemented social and political campaign that attempted to eliminate segregation.

Responding to a Bioterrorist Attack from the Department of Health and Essay

Responding to a Bioterrorist Attack from the Department of Health and Human Services - Essay Example (Task Force on Bioterrorism makes plans to educate doctors, public. 2001). As the researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health concluded, another important consideration in managing the public education on such possible bioterrorist attacks should be that public panic is rare and preventable. They also point out that the public is an active participant in responding to such an attack. Civic organizations like churches, charity trusts, and other associations may be effectively used to distribute information and medications, and to educate the public on such potential threat. The biodefence planners and leaders should continually educate the public on preparedness and response plans for bioterrorism. (Hopkins study dispels ‘panic’ myth and suggests ways to involve public in response to a bioterrorist attack. 2001). Thus, the education of the public must be directed towards the real awareness among people trusting their potentials in involving in such efforts. A. Botulinum toxin is one of the most poisonous substances in the world. Ironically, it has also positive uses such as in the treatment of painful muscle spasms and as a cosmetic treatment. No wonder, its use is a reason for confusion to the public. The use of BoTox as a bio-weapon has been a serious reason for worries for many a nation, especially the US. There is a view that discounts its use as a bio-weapon due to the limitations in concentrating and stabilizing the toxin for aerosol dissemination. Contrary to this view, botox can cause disruption and distress among people. (Botulinum toxinas a Biological weapon. 2001). There are many such instances before us. This weapon â€Å"causes botulism—a potentially fatal disease with symptoms that include severe paralysis of the limbs and respiratory muscles.† (Schwartz, Mark 2006). Terrorists can use botox for

Thursday, October 17, 2019

The law and special education ( Discipline ) Essay

The law and special education ( Discipline ) - Essay Example Whether or not the students are disabled, disciplinary action is necessary in learning institutions. Prescribed procedures however need to be adopted during discipline. The 4th and 14th amendments of the US Constitution state these regulations. Correct procedure includes fairness of the disciplinary actions, while substantive process ensures protection student rights from being violated by school officials and ensures that the discipline is reasonable, regardless of the physical condition of the student. Disabled students are cushioned from discriminatory disciplinary action by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973). Procedure ought to be followed to avoid such discrimination. First, there has to be same procedure for discipline, regardless of the child’s condition. Second, school officials have to conduct the manifestation determination in order to assess any relations between student disabilities and their misconduct, before applying any actions such as long-term suspension, expulsion or placement changes. Third, school officials have to ensure the teachers are conversant with the provisions under section 504. The law categorically emphasizes on the adoption of positive behavioral interventions, support programs and provision of specialized services for students with disabilities. School officials and teachers are expected to discipline students in a non-discriminatory manner. The other underlying point is that discipline has to be addressed with the IEP process in mind. The student’s IEP team shall consider the strategies such as support programs and positive behavioral interventions to address the problem of the student. If the problem is historical, has been persistent or is anticipated, then the student’s IEP has to address the behavior. Student problem behaviors be addressed by conducting a functional

Accounting research summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Accounting research summary - Essay Example It is necessary to study effectively of how the roles of managerial accounting information affecting the behavior of individuals who form the organizations. Organizations make judgments and decisions that focus on the amount of information given to employees. In spite of perfectly rationalized assumptions that govern models of economic behaviors, it has been noted that the judgments and decision of producers and users are not effective. Research in managerial accounting is essential to help evaluate the quality of the judgment within any organization. This research provides useful insights in the benefit ad cost of managerial accounting practices that support decision making within the organization. An organizations managerial accounting system is a factor utilized to motivate employees. Research managerial accounting helps to determine the extent which the practices motivate individuals in organizations and helps them mitigate their differences in interest. Research managerial accounting helps individuals to determine the extent of social motives, and they have a chance of embarking on actions that have the best of interest of the firm. It has been determined that the utility of effectively designed experiments is effective for the study of cause-effect relationship under irregular conditions. They manage threats that have valid inferences and this enables researchers to come up with conclusions concerning both the independent and dependent variables of interests. The decision-influencing managerial accounting role refers to the use of information with an aim of motivating employees. The role of managerial accounting is viewed as the minimization of post decisions and it entails of scorekeeping information. The utility of managerial accounting information for decision influencing purposes influences the behavior of employees. This usually occurs through a close monitoring, evaluation and rewarding of competent actions and performance. For

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

The law and special education ( Discipline ) Essay

The law and special education ( Discipline ) - Essay Example Whether or not the students are disabled, disciplinary action is necessary in learning institutions. Prescribed procedures however need to be adopted during discipline. The 4th and 14th amendments of the US Constitution state these regulations. Correct procedure includes fairness of the disciplinary actions, while substantive process ensures protection student rights from being violated by school officials and ensures that the discipline is reasonable, regardless of the physical condition of the student. Disabled students are cushioned from discriminatory disciplinary action by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973). Procedure ought to be followed to avoid such discrimination. First, there has to be same procedure for discipline, regardless of the child’s condition. Second, school officials have to conduct the manifestation determination in order to assess any relations between student disabilities and their misconduct, before applying any actions such as long-term suspension, expulsion or placement changes. Third, school officials have to ensure the teachers are conversant with the provisions under section 504. The law categorically emphasizes on the adoption of positive behavioral interventions, support programs and provision of specialized services for students with disabilities. School officials and teachers are expected to discipline students in a non-discriminatory manner. The other underlying point is that discipline has to be addressed with the IEP process in mind. The student’s IEP team shall consider the strategies such as support programs and positive behavioral interventions to address the problem of the student. If the problem is historical, has been persistent or is anticipated, then the student’s IEP has to address the behavior. Student problem behaviors be addressed by conducting a functional

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STRATEGY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STRATEGY - Essay Example In most cases many firms are moved from countries that are not industrialised to highly industrialised ones in terms of technology, infrastructural developments, jobs, wealth and more consumers. Jeremy Moon has a vision for his firm and that is the reason he thinks of expanding it to Chinese Market. Chinese market is well industrialised with a great deal of consumers, technologically developed and possesses a good market for his products. Industrialised countries experience rapid economic growth which opens an opportunity for one to expand their own business and increase productivity level. This is due to the presence of established markets that provide quality produce and competitive prices. International business strategy is efficiently and effectively matching the strengths of a competitor in relation to the challenges and opportunities found in a certain market environment that is dispersed across borders. International business strategy focuses on getting into foreign market through the use of structured meetings by the top management (Chhabra 1996). Selling in China is a priority in that there is a ready market. Chinese network of fashion distribution was evolving, extensive and willing to experiment with western goods. This was a major advantage to Jeremy Moon where China is an industrialized country with ready consumers, good transport and communication facilities and improved technology. Good transport and communication enhances one to travel easily to the market. Passing of information will also be enhanced by the good communication facilities available in China. The technological advancement will enhance production of quality products and services to the consumers. Good communication, advanced technology and transport facilities speed up growth of business enterprises globally (Gregory & Marilyn 2004). There is globalization of markets in China; as a result there are more

Monday, October 14, 2019

Schindlers List And Saving Private Ryan

Schindlers List And Saving Private Ryan Both films demonstratively take on a time in history and rework it in the name of memory. The power of both movies lies in their label of authenticity. Schindlers List is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler and Saving Private Ryan is in part based on the true story of Friz Niland. The factual historical figures are not the only interplay between fact and fiction. Scenes in classical Hollywood film standards stand in contrast with the integration of various devices originally belonging to a documentary. An example for a scene in Schindlers List that can be easily identified as fiction or as a classical Hollywood scene is when the women and children are taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau due to a mix-up of lists. They are told to take a shower. Spielberg spends a good deal over this scene showing the womens frightened faces with the violins playing in the background and the womens cumulative screams. At the end, water flows from the shower heads and the frantic screams get replaced by laughter. Supporting the idea stated in the review, this scene was there to make the event more dramatic. It created an element of fiction. In Saving Private Ryan one noticeable classical Hollywood mode is the movement of the camera. It breezily moves alongside the characters, which helps the viewer through the narrative dialogues. The real story of Friz Niland becomes a narration and with this a mixture between fiction and fact. Both movies are considered classical Hollywood films, however, Spielberg also integrates various devices originally belonging to documentaries. In Schindlers List almost the entire movie is shot in black-and-white. Leon Wieseltier addresses Schindlers Lists use of black-and-white in Close Encounters of the Nazi Kind: Its renunciation of color is adduced as a sign of its stringency; but the black and white of this film is riper than most color.(p. 42) The rejection of color is riper than most color because of the way it increases the historical feeling. Since all of the pictures we have from that time are not in color, we have only seen the Holocaust in black and white. This puts the film closer to reality. Shooting in black and white is a device normally used in documentaries. With using something originally used by documentaries, Spielberg creates the image of portraying fact and a slice of reality. In order to achieve a more historical texture in Saving Private Ryan, Spielberg mani pulates the film stock. The images of the past are presented in reduced brightness and a flatter contrast. Besides the reduced brightness he also uses a camera movement typical for documentaries. As an example, I want to look at the scene of the invasion of Normandy. The camera, unable to keep up with the speed of death, dashes from man to man. At times the images even lose their corresponding sound to simulate the effect of being shell-shocked. Additionally, the battle scenes are captured with a hand-held camera. This camera style resembles a documentary film and claims to portray the truth or to have direct access to the reality of what happened during the invasion of Normandy. Furthermore, Steven Spielberg breaks away from the Hollywood convention of a neatly divided diegesis between good and evil. Oskar Schindler is a war profiter. He wished to profit from evil, but as the plot develops he uses his financial profits to save the people who helped him win them. It is just when his jews are to be sent to Ausschwitz that he becomes the good character and uses his money to buy them back. In Saving Private Ryan, Spielberg breaks away from the typical Hollywood convention of introducing us to a protagonist (whom we can follow through the diegesis) in the first few minutes. Instead, he leaves the audience confused. In the first thirty minutes of the movie, we cannot identify with any character. Instead, Spielberg gives us the impression of being alongside the characters. The use of various different devices lets the line between fact and fiction become less and less recognizable. It creates an illusion of portraying the past as it really was. This illusion makes us believe that the picture of World War II is captured authentically in both movies. My last argument is on the ground that both films employ their themes in similar ways. First of all Im going to look at the use of color. Schindlers List uses color or the absences of color to create a moral reawakening in the main character. With the film almost entirely in black and white one image strikes out- the girl in the red coat. She is one of the few color images in the entire film. Our attention is drawn to her even if she is but one of a hundred people in a long shot. She is the pure innocence, walking unnoticed through the Nazi Regime. Schindler follows the small figure as she walks aimless and alone amid the madness and horror in the street. At the end he sees her lying on a small wagon besides other murdered prisoners. She touches his soul in a way the shear amounts of numbers couldnt. Her image stands for all of the mass murder of millions of people. She is a symbol for all the 6.000.000 victims, who died, who had families, who had lives and who had dreams. It is at t hat moment that Oskar Schindler begins to change. He changes his dedication from his capitalistic fantasies to the saving of as many Jews as possible. He becomes the good german, an individual that is able to save lives. In Saving Private Ryan no character is presented as the only colorful image in a black and white sequence. However, color is used in an artistic way since most of the movies color is saturated. The opening and final scene, when present-day Private Ryan and his family visit the American Cemetery and Memorial, is shot in unreduced color. This scene shot against the bright light of Colleville-sur-mer in France stands out sharply. It seems to convey the image of a slice of todays reality. The foregoing footage in bleach bypass stands in contrast to it. The color makes a clear difference between what happened in 1944 and what is happening today. While the greater part of the movie captures the brutality of war, the final scene focusses on the survival. The bright color, which conveys a slice of reality, emphasizes the survival of soldiers, while the saturated color supports the senseless and gory picture of war. A second way in which Spielberg employs themes is through the use of long shots and close-ups. We learned that technique is never just technique. It retains a responsibility towards the presented picture. Spielberg uses the difference between long shots and close-ups in both movies- a technique that lets us understand and identify the different themes. I want to take a look at one scene in particular. Spielberg uses parallel editing to interwove Izaak Sterns waking up and Amon Goeths speech with each other. The sequence is presented as a point-of-view sequence, in which Stern is taken as the witness of the preparations for the transportations going on in the Ghetto. Emphasized by a close-up, Stern puts on his glasses and turns towards the window. The following shot is an extreme high angle shot from his vantage point. It takes the window and curtain as the frame. After a shot of rows of chairs and tables being stet up, the camera comes back to a medium shot of Stern, who turns away f rom the window. Throughout the sequence Goeths speech was used as the tone. The scene ends with reconnecting Goeths voice to his body. Quoted in the book Critical Perspectives on Schindlers List Goeffrey H. Hartmann says that: To see things that sharply, and from a privileged position, is to see them with the eyes of those who had the power of life and death.(p 98) Later in the movie, Amon Goeths position and view is represented in a similar way of long shots and close-ups. It presents us with the power he has over life and death. This technique makes the viewer feel uncomfortable, who is able to see how Goeth randomly shoots at people. In Saving Private Ryan I want to look at the use of long shots and close-ups in the shell chock scene at the invasion of Normandy. The camera lies in a mid shot on Captain Miller, played by Tom Hanks. It then changes to a mid shot of two soldiers, whose face cannot be seen. It is a subjective point of view shot as it is through Tom Hanks eyes. Going over to a long shot, we can now see the characters whole body as they try to run away from an explosion. After we see Tom Hanks in a mid shot again, the shot transfers to a long shot showing a soldier who has lost his arm and other soldiers hiding behind dead bodies. At the end the scene ends in a close up of Tom Hanks face. His facial expression is serious and has a look that says lets do it. The camera carries us through the mind of an soldier. We can see the things he sees, switching from one event to another. With the close up of the face, the decision to stop looking but fight for the survival is made. Through the difference in long shots and close-ups, Spielberg is able to emphasize the decision of life and death. It helps to employ themes and an unforgettable experience. Last but not least, I want to look at the opening and closing scenes of both movies. The opening scene in Schindlers list is a close-up of a hand lighting a pair of Jewish Sabath candles. Then a man recites the prayer over the wine in the presence of his family. The family vanishes from view and in another close-up shot we see the candles burn lower and lower until they burn out, sending a hint of smoke into the air. The obliteration of the candles is a symbol for the obliteration of the Jewish people. (, which employs the theme of death). The final scene is set in present- day Jerusalem. One of the last shots is one of Schindlers grave, which stands in a christian cemetery. The camera encompasses the large cross attached to the cemetery, which looms against the blue sky. Just prior to the credits, a hand places a rose on Schindlers grave. In a long shot we see the Christian cemetery filled with crosses and we are able to read on the screen: In memory of the more than six million Jew s murdered. The targeting of the crosses seems to say that if Christians would have followed their christians beliefs, not so many Jews would have died. However, the last scene also honors one Christian, who risked his life and helped Jews to survive. Through the opening and closing scene, Spielberg employs the theme of death and survival. The candle turns out at the beginning of the flim, which stand for the death of Jewish people. The bright sky of Jerusalem picks up the light from the first scene and stands for the survival of Jews. Saving Private Ryan both ends and begins with the American Flag. The opening and closing scenes are both set in the American Cemetery in Normandy. An elderly veteran and his family are walking through the cemetery. The tombstones represent the amount of loss experienced during World War II, while the veteran, Private Ryan, stands for the people who survived. The movie is framed by the glorification of the American flag. Within this frame, however, the film acknowledges that the attempt to save private Ryan comes at the expense of soldiers. So while the American flag is there at the beginning and the end it is not clear what it means. One can portray the controversy in the film to America. On the one hand, it has a Declaration of Independence, that people have a free will, and on the other hand it has Federalist 10, which orders people to go to war. Spielberg ultimately ends and opens his film on a note that people survived.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Jack Nicklaus Essay -- essays research papers fc

Jack Nicklaus For the past 30 years, Jack Nicklaus has been considered by many to be the greatest golfer of all time(1). His stamina has matched that of Arnold Palmer, and only the likes of Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Bobby Jones, and Tiger Woods are to be considered players in Nicklaus' league. In numbers of major tournaments won, Nicklaus stands alone with 18 victories(1), a number that does not include major titles won on the Champions Tour. He has won 73 times on the PGA Tour and has 58 second-place and 36 third-place finishes, as well as a total of 113 victories worldwide.(1) Nicklaus has finished top PGA Tour money winner 8 times and has also held the tour's low-scoring average eight times.(1) He was named the PGA's Player of the Year in 1967, 1972, 1973, 1975, and 1976, and Golf magazine in 1988 named him the "Player of the Century."(1) In his career on the PGA Tour, Jack Nicklaus has proven to be one of the best golfers in the history of the game, and has shown a true love for the s port since childhood on until his old age. Nicklaus began playing golf at the age of 10 in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio(7). He shot a 51 on the first nine holes he ever played.(2) At the age of 13, he broke 70 and held a three handicap.(2) Tutored by club pro Jack Grout, Nicklaus showed real Page 1 potential early on for tournament play and he dominated local and national junior golf events as well as going on to capture two U.S. Amateur Championships in 1959 and 1961.(1) By the time he turned pro in November, 1961, he had established himself as the country's greatest amateur golfer while at the same time giving the professionals a scare. He finished runner-up to Arnold Palmer by only two strokes in the 1960 U.S. Open, and was a fourth-place finisher in the 1961 U.S. Open(1). In 1962, at the Oakmont Country Club outside of Pittsburgh, Nicklaus beat Arnold Palmer in a playoff to win the U.S. Open(1). Palmer's millions of diehard fans and the huge crowd of gallery members, called Arnie's Army(9), that followed their hero from tee to green, were crushed by their hero's loss. The Nicklaus victory went down as one of the most unpopular the world of golf had ever known(9). Nicklaus's mind, even more than his great natural talent and long-ball swing, was the key to his success. He rarely made a poor decision in a tournament and never second-guessed himself. One of t... ...Woods, who claims Jack is his Page 4 â€Å"idol†.(4) Jack Nicklaus doesn’t play the kind of golf he was once able to, but he still never fails to disappoint his fans, such as when he recorded a hole-in-one in 2003 at the Senior British Open. (1) The mark he has left on the game of golf is undeniable and indisputable, and he will certainly be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play the game for generations to come. Page 5 Works Cited 1. www.pgatour.com 2. www.nicklaus.com/nicklausfacts/ 3. The Volume Library, Book II. Copyright 1999, Southwestern Company, Nashville, TN 4. Woods, Tiger. Tiger Woods: How I Play Golf Time Warner Publishing, 2001 5. www.encarta.com 6. www.nicklausmuseum.org 7. www.golfeurope.com 8. www.golf.about.com 9. Sportscentury: Jack Nicklaus; ESPN documentary Page 6

Saturday, October 12, 2019

The Fool in William Shakespeares As You Like It Essay -- William Shak

The Fool in William Shakespeare's As You Like It The fool is one of the first character archetypes that any student of literature learns how to analyze. Despite his seemingly light or even pointless chatter, the fool usually manages to say some fairly important things. Upon further study, the student may perceive that it is because of his penchant for silliness that the fool is given leave to express even offensive truths about the other characters. What happens, though, when one fool encounters another? Fools are not used to being subject to one another’s wit; this experience of being held up to a sort of mirror is generally reserved for the characters who must undergo some change to further the plot. Touchstone and Jaques manage to break that rule, and merely by coexisting seem to compete. Both live up to some part of our expectation of the fool, but neither manages to fill the role entirely. Which one comes closer is a matter worthy of some debate. In her book The Fool: His Social and Literary History, Enid Welsford devotes a chapter to â€Å"The Court-Fool in Elizabethan Drama† and briefly discusses As You Like It specifically. She at one point describes fools as being â€Å"†¦partly within and partly outside the action of the drama.† (244). This idea is applicable to Touchstone and Jaques, but in a slightly different way than she intended it. She was describing characters placed by circumstance in that liminal state--characters with no desire to move to either side of their middle ground. Also, she describes the differences between Touchstone and Jaques, both in appearance and attitude. Most importantly, she mentions that Touchstone â€Å"†¦exposes affectation; but he is capable of†¦criticism, and his judgments are r... ... encroaching on his territory. Jaques is a sort-of fool in a sort-of court, but Touchstone’s presence brings in a glimmer of the rest of the world—a real fool from a real court—that shatters Jaques before he ever has a chance to throw a single stone at Touchstone. Jaques’ attempts to find a place for himself, then, simply read as a strange, lost man making faces in a glass. There is no way that Jaques can surpass Touchstone’s inherent liminality—where Touchstone slips seamlessly from one world to the next, in and out of the action, Jaques just hops jerkily back and forth like someone walking on hot coals. He never lands in any one place long enough to really establish himself. It is for this reason that Touchstone fills every facet of the fool’s role more ably than Jaques, up until the bitter end when Jaques takes the traditional fool’s ending and stands alone.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Activision: Case Study Essay

Activision was established in 1979 as a third party video game developer-publisher. Formation of Activision has been one of the most significant events for gaming industry. Activision is publisher of one of the most famous game publisher today. Games like Call of Duty, Guitar Hero and Pitfall series are published by Activision. Currently Activision is merged with Blizzard (creator of world’s most played subscription based game) to form Activision Blizzard World’s largest gaming company in a deal worth ? 9. 15 billion. Around the time of formation of Activision, companies used to dominate market place. Gaming industry was not stable. But the things have changed today it’s a global multibillion dollar business. In the starting days of Activision, they had to compete with Atari in games. But later both companies came to understanding that availability of more game for Atari platforms meant more sales of hardware. And both companies kept building games for Atari platforms competing with one another and being benefited from competition. Creating games is a long and expensive process as normal games take about 2 year and $20 million while MMOG’s may take from $50 to $100 million in five years. What Activision and Atari started as co-operative competition still prevails in gaming industry and has helped a huge deal in development of gaming industries. In 2010 there was 8% loss of packaged goods sales of consoles game but online revenue was booming. Activision was able to predict this change in gaming industry market and locate itself in front of customers. In 2010, around 50% of total revenue made by Activision came from digital sources. Since its merger with Blizzard, Activision is becoming more and more console independent. Starting as publisher for console games, today Activision publishes games for anything that can play games like ipad, iphone, phone social gaming (facebook), etc. And the ability to adapt to changing market has kept Activision in top of the gaming industry for so long. There is an argument that more than half of Microsoft’s xbox live subscribers are there for Activision’s Call of Duty. This raise an issue should Microsoft be the only one being benefited from this while Activision only gets paid once during sale of game disc. This makes console gaming dull in compared to World of Warcraft’s online subscription payment (Activision Blizzard charges fees for playing World of Warcraft online in PC). Activision’s competitor EA games seems to have found a simple solution, In order for online multiplayer, gamer have to either buy new disc or buy online registration code that allows them to go online using old disc whose online code is already used. Activision could use this strategy restricting people who bought used games and people who borrowed games to get online hence focusing only on customers who paid for online. For first time ever, in 2008 Activision was the number one US console and handheld game publisher in dollar. In 2008 it published two games: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock which were number second and first best selling game in US and Europe in dollars during fiscal year. Net revenue earned by Activision in 2008 was $2. 9 billion. Activision’s stage gate model â€Å"Greenlight Process† has helped in development in its product a lot. This process includes analysis of new products in development stage before entering market in four stages as concept, prototype, first playable and alpha. Making sure that product functions properly and is as demanded by current market customers is a very important step in product development which is carried out by high-level cross functional team. Keeping your product polished and problem free is very important. Gaming industry is product based market. Even though there will be customer grouping making your product fit and well is the most. If the product is good customer from another group can be attracted by this (RPG players are different than first person shooter players). In July 9 2008, Activision finally merged with Blizzard entertainment. Blizzard is owned by French conglomerate Vivendi and is the owner of World of Warcraft, world’s largest subscription based MMORPG. This merging helped Activision expand its reach in the industry. Instead of diversifying product Activision move toward merging has proven rather useful. Gaming industry is one of the fastest growing industries. Changes occur daily in market place. Gaming industry started with text games then moved to cartridge based platforms to today’s next gen consoles. And research shows that any gaming device staying in market for more than 10 years is considered to be outdated. So the change is obvious and Activision has to be aware of these changes. Transition period between one generation of console to another generation of console hugely effects gaming industry. Activision’s performance record shows that gaming industry faces a huge halt at these times. During recession Activision was able to maintain its sales and profit curve but in 2005 when all console developers like Sony and Microsoft were preparing for launch of their new consoles gaming companies like Activision and its rival EA has to face depreciation in their business as customers are waiting for newer version of game and gaming consoles.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Agora Swot Anlysis Competitive Advantage

Agora the brand name of Rahimafrooz Group is the first super shop chain in our country launched in 2000. The mission was to fulfill the everyday shopping needs of the urban peoples through fair price, right assortment, and best quality. The success was immediate as there was a demand for such business in the local market. And over time the number of outlets increased and currently there are nine outlets at Dhaka and one outlet in Chittagong. Many people thought that the name of the company is Agora. But actually, Agora is just the brand name. Agora is a Greek word, which means a marketplace where the people would meet together and talk. Company thought the environment at Agora should be nice and clean so that people will not only shop there but also want to stay and meet with other peoples there. And so they named the shops Agora. Their logo has a very interesting appeal and it contains the benefits being offered to the customers. The name is written in green color which is the color of freshness. A woman presumably a homemaker has happily finished all her shopping from under one roof is seen too. The statement says everyday quality shopping. It is very well thought out and gives a summary of what Agora is all about. SWOT Analysis of Agora: A SWOT analysis of Rahimafrooz Superstores Limited will show the internal and external factors. Some of these factors affect positively while some of them effects negatively. Important decisions can be taken after SWOT analysis. Strengths: 1. Established brand name. 2. Pioneer in the industry. 3. Concerned about quality factor than other super shop (Competitive advantage). 4. It is the largest retailer, both by local sales and by domestic market share. 5. Experienced top level management. 6. Wide product range. 7. Quicker and accurate costing process. 8. Effective and reliable supply chain. 9. Successful implementation of SAP (Standard Application Software) ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) the modules are: Financial and Controlling, Material Management and Selling and Distribution. 10. Effective training modules for employees, suppliers. 11. Agora is committed to sustaining and growing as the most trusted, loved and frequented retail chain 12. Agora believes in providing very good service to its consumers. 13. The technological development is very frequent. Weaknesses: 1. High price of products. 2. Poor financial position. 3. Less number of shops. 4. No or very less advertising. 5. Lower amount of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities. 6. In the mid-2000 Agora faced many cost problems associated with not properly integrating it’s purchased chains of store. 7. Still lack of competitive strength. Mainly in placement. 8. Supply and distribution of foreign products are very poor and so people can’t get unique foreign products in Agora but can be found in other mega shops like Meena Bazar, Lavender etc. 9. Customer Service technology is less attractive . 10. Market development in other cities is relatively poor as only Chittagong has Agora outlet. 11. Poor reliability of data, and plan predictability. 12. Counter management system relatively poorer than competitors. 13. Sometimes they gave offer to capture the General Customer bt they cant do that for their Bad system or service. 14. Struggles with preparing budget which was not very effective and management wants budget that would give better results. Opportunities: 1. Providing sponsorship to emerging agricultural business. Ex: strawberry was grown in Panchagar and Agora took all the responsibility for sales and it made a profit. . The largest retailer in Dhaka leaving behind PQS, Meena Bazar, Nandan Mega Shop, Pacific, Pick and Pay, Etc, Shop & Save, Lavender and others. 3. They created a life style trends by offering various types of products to its customers while maintaining high quality. 4. Big growth in developing market with nine outlets in Dhaka and one in Chittagong 5. New USP (Unique Selling Process) is the care for the quality has given Agora a big competitive advantage. 6. Agora conducts research and modifies their strategy according to the actions of competitors. 7. Agora provides product and service according to the seasonal, weather and fashion influences. For example, they provide chemical less fruits packages for summer season, provides instant made hygienic â€Å"Pitha† in winter and also provides CP chicken inside Agora as it’s been a trend now a days. 8. Recently bought PQS, one of its competitors to capture the customers those are interested to buy products from their nearest place. 9. Agora now comes together with bKash with a state-of-the-art payment platform that allows transactions via mobile phones, such that customers will not need cash or credit cards for payment at Agora points of sales. 0. Agora constantly launches attractive promotions like Bazimat, Value Week or Super Value Offer or Diamond Ring Offer. And a regular discount and points system attracts the customers to be more loyal. 11. With the SAP software system, there would be the capacity to enter newer products in the system. This would enable Rahimafrooz S uperstores to increase their product line, which they have wanted to do for a long time, because they were losing customers to their competitors and other big shops. Threats: 1. Fierce and unhealthy competition. 2. Threat of new competitors. 3. Surprisingly some popular local products and new products to arrive in the market, both foreign and local were not available. 4. Political instability in the country (continuous hartals). 5. In the recent years Agora had to be careful about delivering formalin free fresh food from the suppliers. 6. Many online stores are now entering the market. 7. As agora is primarily concentrated on food, it can be easily effected by the seasons and weather within the country. 8. Is faced with the need to increase the number of outlets throughout the country. 9. Agora must integrate more products according to the needs of its increasing number of onsumers keeping in mind their changes of lifestyle and preferences. 10. The competitors have responded to wide range of products and lower price. 11. Counters are not sufficient in shops so huge line occurs in the pick hours. 12. Some competitors are now in the market with more advanced Information Technology. 13. Agora can’t fulfill the demand of foreign and unique vegetables for the customers. 14. No home delivery system for loyal customers. Competitive Advantage: The relationship between a firm's environmental opportunities and threats on the one hand, and its internal strengths and weaknesses on the other is the competitive advantage. This traditional logic suggests that if Agora use their internal strengths in exploiting environmental opportunities and neutralizing environmental threats, while avoiding internal weaknesses, are more likely to gain competitive advantages than other kinds of firms. Agora super shop has one main competitive advantage. It is explained bellow: Agora was the first ever chain shop in the country which seceded in changing the people’s behavior towards the traditional shopping experience. Being the pioneer in its field, it has the trust and loyalty of its early consumers. It also has more experience in the field than its competitors. It has a strong brand image and therefore can charge higher price from the consumers in exchange of better quality products and better shopping environment. Agora on the other hand is constantly advocating about quality. The subtitle for Agora is â€Å"Enriching Lives with Your Trust†. The reason for asking a little higher price from the customer is the quality factor, which they are so concerned about. We think this care for the quality has given Agora a big competitive advantage. This is somewhat a unique selling approach taken by Agora. Bibliography: 1. SAP AG: To manage business operations and customer relations. Retrieved from: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/SAP_AG 2. About Rahimafrooz: aspirations, vision, values, quality policy. Retrieved from: http://www. rahimafrooz. com/tabid/65/Default. aspx 3. Agora – Supermarket Chain & Superstore in Bangladesh. Retrieved from: http://www. reportbd. com/articles/149/1/Agora—Supermarket-Chain-amp-Superstore-in-Bangladesh/Page1. html 4. A report of agora. bd Rahimafrooz Superstores Ltd. Retrieved from: http://bdmoneyidea. wordpress. com/2010/08/04/a-report-of-agora-bd-rahimafrooz-superstores-ltd-created-by-bubt-student-part-01/ 5. Agora BD super shop. Retrieved from: Online Dhaka Guide : http://www. online-dhaka. com/1_8_17507_0-agora-bd-super-shop-dhaka-city. html 6. Competitive Advantage. Retrieved from: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Competitive_advantage 7. Agora- A new way to shop. Retrieved from: Bangladesh Inside, http://bdinside. net/? p=50 8. Agora-Facebook. Retrieved from: https://www. facebook. com/Agora. Rahimafrooz 9. Rahimaafrooz Superstores. Retrieved from: http://www. rahimafrooz. com/OurBusinesses/Companies/RahimafroozSuperstoresLtd/tabid/112/Default. aspx