Tuesday, August 25, 2020

The Louvre Free Essays

With a surface of 210,000 m2 of them are dedicated to displays. This gallery holds 35,000 artful culminations and eight distinct assortments. To have the option to visit the whole exhibition hall I needed to go a few times and take over from where I left. We will compose a custom article test on The Louver or on the other hand any comparative theme just for you Request Now What truly entranced me and catch my eye is the Egyptian vestige segment. I was enchanted about this since it had all the insights concerning the volution and way of life of this awesome and entrancing society and human progress. I’m actually keen on considering the Egyptian progress and knowing all the part of this culture and this display assembled all the essential data that I required and I requested to have. The advancement of this human progress was before me in a similar spot. It was a fantasy that turned into a reality. I had all the apparatuses that they utilized In their dither lives before me, I couldn’t accept my eyes. I was watching their dresses and their cosmetics and Jewelry. I was intrigued about their Inventions and manifestations that Inspired us and as yet Inspiring us till today. The Department of Egyptian Antiquities at the Louver historical center houses a significant Egyptologlcal assortments of the world with 50,000 rooms. This area secured each and every insight concerning this stunning individuals. The assortment covers all times of old Egyptian development since the hour of Nagada to the Roman and Coptic Egypt. Among the most well known shows found at the hour of Nagada blade Gebel el-Arak and the scope of chasing. The significant bit of workmanship representing the time thinite is the stele of King Snake. Among every single uncovered stone casket, one finds that of Dioscorides, a Greek general during the rule of Ptolemy VI who chose to be covered by old Egyptian neighborhood customs, deciding to do make a stone coffin. This demonstrated the intensity of this human advancement and how It Influenced others clvlllzatlons. I likewise enjoyed the Islamic workmanship segment since It’s about my religion. The Department of Islamic Art from the Louver, stablished in August 2003, unites the assortments from a territory among Spain and India, dating from the inceptions of Islamic progress (622) until the nineteenth century. This division incorporates a few jewels of Islamic craftsmanship: the al-Pyxis Mughira an ivory box dated Spanish 968, the level peacock, a significant Ottoman earthenware production, particularly the baptistery of St. Louis, one of the most renowned pieces and generally mysterious of all Islamic workmanship, made by Muhammad ibn al-Zayn the mid fourteenth century. Since 22 September 2012, Islamic workmanship are displayed at the Louver in the Cour Visconti. This space permits the presentation of 3000 works from the assortments of the Louver, yet in addition the Musâ ©e des Arts dâ ©coratifs. It is surprising how this area occur under a shade with undulating shapes, reviewing from the modelers Marlo Belllnl and Rudy Ricclottl a â€Å"dragonfly wing† or a â€Å"flying carpet†. Vlsltlng this historical center was a very improving and entrancing experience where I took in a ton of new things about the development that I’m generally energetic about and my own rellglon Step by step instructions to refer to The Louver, Papers

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Plans for College and the Future :: College Admissions Essays

Plans for College and the Future What will I accomplish for a mind-blowing remainder? Each individual poses this inquiry at some phase of their life, as a rule during their later adolescent years. As a secondary school junior, I am currently posing myself this inquiry. After extensive idea, I have contrived a provisional arrangement for my future. I understand that a portion of these plans and objectives may change after some time, however with an arrangement, the initial steps of the excursion can start. To set me up for the excursion, I have taken extremely testing secondary school educational program, for example, Honors and Advanced Placement courses. These classes won't just aid my admission to school, yet have additionally helped me to create solid investigation aptitudes and time the executives. While going to school, it is my definitive objective to turn into a specialist, either a podiatrist, radiologist, or plastic specialist. I expect to gain my college degree at the University of Florida, studying science. At that point, I intend to go to clinical school at the University of Florida, also. In the wake of finishing a residency in my forte, I might want to start a clinical practice some place in focal Florida. Important to my life in the wake of finishing my training is having a family. It is my fantasy to turn out to be joyfully hitched and have youngsters. Family has consistently been an incredible piece of my life, and I wish to be a caring spouse and parent. I am likewise anticipating bringing my kids up in the Catholic confidence. As a grown-up, I have various individual objectives. In particular, I might want to claim a home. Additionally, I might want to seek after my inclinations of water-sports by claiming a vessel and my long love of vehicles by possessing a games vehicle. Other individual interests that will influence my years after school are my affection for the outside and the excitement of heading out to numerous new places all through the world. As an informed proficient in my locale, I might want to make a commitment to society and my locale. My experience in long periods of network administration has set me up for this and given me its worth.

Monday, August 10, 2020

ISP Highlights COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

ISP Highlights COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog Highlights for ISP concentrators this semester have included the ISP Crisis Simulation and the ISP Faculty Career Panel.   The day-long crisis simulation is held each year as an experiential learning opportunity for students interested in international affairs, diplomacy and military strategy. This year’s crisis simulation centered around a hypothetical U.S. intervention in Syria in which regional powers and non-state actors vied for control. Students on six teams represented either a state (the U.S., Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Russia) or a fictional terrorist organization modeled after Al Qaeda. During the simulation, each team had to devise a strategy that would allow it to accomplish its specific political objectives while dealing with constraints and uncertainty that modeled the risks actual decision-makers might face in a similar situation. By the end of the day, the students had come to understand some of the difficulties associated with operating in a dynamic environmen t with incomplete information and limited time to reach their goals. The Faculty Career Panel featured five ISP faculty members, all of whom exemplify the unique mix of academic, practical and policy expertise to be found within the SIPA faculty. The professors shared reflections on their experiences as U.S. government analysts and advisors at the CIA, the Congressional Budget Office and the Senate, as well as at organizations such as the RAND Corporation, the Brookings Institution and the Aga Khan Foundation. Collectively, their careers have taken them around the world, including to Russia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and the former Zaire (Democratic Republic of Congo). The professors gave short presentations about their own career trajectories and shared their advice to students newly entering the field. The presentations were followed by a reception during which students had the opportunity to speak with faculty one-on-one and seek advice about their own career aspirations. In addition, SIPA organizations such as the Arnold A. Saltzman Institute for War and Peace Studies and its Center for International Conflict Resolution host a number of events throughout the semester of interest to ISP students.  In January, the Saltzman Institute hosted United Nations Deputy Secretary- General, Jan Eliasson, who spoke of the changing geopolitical and economic landscape that world leaders will face in the years ahead. This week, the Institute will present “A Day in the Life of CIA’s Directorate of Intelligence,” with SIPA Professor of Professional Practice Peter Clement. The Center for International Conflict Resolution at the Saltzman Institute has hosted a number of events on diplomacy, mediation and peacebuilding, including its Alvaro de Soto Conversation Series, which featured Peruvian and UN diplomat Alvaro de Soto and former U.S. Ambassador Chester Crocker on the challenges facing the contemporary field of mediation.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

What are the Effects of Representation and Self-regulation...

Introduction Media in its numerous forms is an endemic part of modern life. We are continually exposed to media texts and their representations of gender and sexuality. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in how these representations affect our perceptions of gender and sexuality. Initially I will define what is meant by representation and self-regulation in a media context. Secondly, I will examine debates around these issues including self-identity role models, privacy public interest and censorship freedom of speech. To support this I will analyse three case studies to illustrate how media texts are produced and consumed and what effect this has on the representation of gender and sexuality. Defining terms†¦show more content†¦Our media-rich environment is an immense source of influence on these decisions which is the basis of our self-identity. (Aber.ac.uk, 2001) It is important to note how media texts construct their preferred meanings and what influence this has. Role models should also be considered because they are closely linked with self-identity. A role model is understood to be someone whom one ‘looks up to’ and shares your values and aspirations (Gauntlett, 2002). Gauntlett describes the six types of role model in his book ‘Media, Gender and Identity ’: ‘The ‘straightforward success’ role model: people who have been successful in their chosen field. The ‘triumph over difficult circumstances’ role model: people who have overcome adversity to achieve success often become the most popular role models. The ‘challenging stereotypes’ role model: female action heroes that counter the idea of ‘feminine’ women, and the idea that only men can fill tough leading roles. The ‘wholesome’ role model: these are the ‘role models’ which older generations are comfortable with. The ‘outsider’ role model: rejected by mainstream culture, the outsider role model is a hero to those who reject conventional social expectations. The family role model: thisShow MoreRelatedVisual Representation Is Our Cultural Dictator1876 Words   |  8 PagesVisual representation is our cultural dictator, the general sense of the word is ‘the description or portrayal of someone or something in a particular way’ (Oxford Dictionaries., 2014). In terms of design it’s ‘the depiction of someone or something in a work of art’ (Oxford Dictionaries., 2014). Representation is constructed of social values; it influences status, class and politics. The ‘circuit of culture’ (Hall, S., 1997, p.1) is the system in which society operates; it includes identity, productionRead MoreJudith Butler in Media Studies3516 Words   |  15 Pages Judith Butler in Media Studies When reading a biography of Judith Butler, a person would typically see a discussion of a highly intelligent philosopher of feminism, political theory, ethical and moral responsibility or gender studies. Her bibliographies are commonly describes as have a career focused on â€Å"research ranging from literary theory, modern philosophical fiction, feminist, gender and sexuality studies, to 19th- and 20th-century European literature and philosophy, Kafka and loss, mourningRead MorePopular Culture And Popular Music2034 Words   |  9 Pagespart of our everyday lives; we are constantly influenced by it as it is a mainstream medium that everyone has access to, it displays different forms or topics everyday for everyone to enjoy. Culture helps us to understand the world that we live in, what is happening in the world at the time, all about society which all contributes to how we understand ourselves. It’s argued that popular culture has been around since the eighteenth century and (Storey 2003, p. 1) states that ‘Romanticisms, folkloreRead MoreUnit 10 Safeguarding5317 Words   |  22 Pagesinvolved can also range from violent physical and psychological abuse through varieties of personal, financial or institutional abuse. Anon, (2014). Task 1.1: Explain why particular individuals and groups may be vulnerable to abuse and or harm to self and others with reference to the case study. Vulnerable: People who are emotionally and physically weak are vulnerable people. e.g. Older people, disabled people, children, People with  mental health  problems, people with learning difficulty, peopleRead MorePorn and Censorship15240 Words   |  61 PagesTraditionally, liberals defended the freedom of consenting adults to publish and consume pornography in private from moral and religious conservatives who wanted pornography banned for its obscenity, its corrupting impact on consumers and its corrosive effect on traditional family and religious values. But, in more recent times, the pornography debate has taken on a somewhat new and surprising shape. Some feminists have found themselves allied with their traditional conservative foes in calling on theRead MoreRacism and Ethnic Discrimination44667 Words   |  179 Pages34 5.1 Socio demographic situation of Indigenous Peoples Afro-descendent communities 34 5.2 Expressions of racism in Nicaraguan society 35 5.3 Manifestations of ethnic discrimination in the cultural sphere 36 5.3.1 Ethnic devaluation and low self-esteem 36 5.3.2 Invisibility in daily public life 39 5.3.3 Ethno-linguistic hierarchy and interethnic conflict 40 5.3.4 Prejudices based on â€Å"awareness of color† 41 5.3.5 Discrimination against use of the mother tongue 42 5.3.6 DevaluationRead MoreIdentity And The Search For The Self Among The Sub Continental Diaspora10173 Words   |  41 Pages Chapter- One Theorising Identity and The Search for The Self among the sub-continental Diaspora in Britain Identity has always been a problematic area of interrogation epistemologically, existentially and politically and it continues to propel our thought. Etymologically, the term is derived from Latin word ‘Idem’ meaning ‘same’ (Oxford Online Dictionary) which means ‘specific quality or condition of being a specific person or an object†.Read MoreThe Effects of Advertising on Children33281 Words   |  134 Pagesany process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Manager, Communications/Media, Australian Communications and Media Authority, PO Box 13112 Law Courts, Melbourne Vic 8010. Published by the Australian Communications and Media Authority Canberra Central Office Purple Building, Benjamin Offices Chan Street, Belconnen PO Box 78, Belconnen ACT 2616 Tel: 02 6219 5555 Fax: 02 6219 5200 Melbourne CentralRead MoreStatement of Purpose23848 Words   |  96 Pagesresearch facilities. Familiarize yourself with the disciplinary culture by identifying the ethos—the values, beliefs, discourse practices, and epistemological assumptions—of a department, program, or college (liberal arts or science and technology). What does it mean to think and write like a member of a specific intellectual community? For example, members of the science community embrace an epistemology—a way of knowing—―consistent with the traditional objective orientation of scientific inquiryâ€â€"Read MoreVerbal and Nonverbal Communication11225 Words   |  45 PagesAs screen and through Bs screen. When B responds to A, B is responding to what she heard rather than what A might have intended. She shoots her message back to B through her own screen of attitudes, values, and so on, through As screen. What is often not understood is that the way we get messages through our screens and through another persons screen often is confusing and distorting in and of itself. We add to what we hear, we fail to hear, and we distort messages according to the modes that

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Prejudice, Prejudice And Prejudice - 1074 Words

These days, there is a marked prejudice against prejudice, and understandably so. More often than not, â€Å"prejudice† refers to an â€Å"antipathy based upon a faulty and inflexible generalization.†1 Insofar as prejudice refers to thought or action beclouded by hatred, it warrants condemnation, not defense. However, prejudice also has a broader meaning. According to the Oxford Shorter Dictionary, it is: â€Å"a preconceived opinion; bias unfavorable or favorable.†2 It refers to â€Å"life circumstances† and â€Å"perspective.† Prejudice is any source of judgment whose validity one has not ascertained for oneself. The aspiration to banish prejudice in this broad sense reflects the assumption that rational judgment must be untainted by prejudgments of any kind. This way of thinking about judgment, and the renunciation of fixed ideas it implies, is misguided. Prejudice gives life experiences their subjective meanings. But prejudice can also be both i lluminating and consistent with freedom. The concept of detached judgment (itself a kind of prejudice) was shaped during the Enlightenment (1685-1815). As Hans-Georg Gadamer points out, â€Å"The history of ideas shows that not until the Enlightenment does the concept of prejudice acquire the negative connotation familiar today.†3 The word â€Å"prejudice† actually comes from â€Å"prejudgment,† which means â€Å"[having] either a positive or negative value.† This meaning, he continues, was limited during the Enlightenment â€Å"to the sense of an unfounded judgment† – thatShow MoreRelatedPrejudice1230 Words   |  5 PagesPrejudice Presented By: Nor Anisa Bt. Musa What is Prejudice? * Everyone comes face to face with prejudice at some time or another. * Prejudice is when we recognizethat we feel and act less positively towards others. * The roots of prejudice can be found in the cognitive and emotional processes. * Prejudice may be perceived as acceptable and justified * All inequality and differential treatment is not perceived and responded to in the same way. The nature and origins of streotypingRead MoreGeneral Conception Of Prejudice And Prejudice919 Words   |  4 PagesThe presence of stereotypes and prejudices existed from a long time ago along with the human history – partially often deeply integrated with religion or social status. In 21st century, people are facing with many different stereotypes and prejudices either directly or indirectly. Stereotype is a generalized belief or assumption towards some specific groups or people by the defined attributes or characteristics. Stereotyping can foster prejudice and shape people’s point of views and behaviors ofRead MorePrejudices: Challenging Level Prejudice2250 Words   |  9 Pagesâ€Å"We are each burdened with prejudice; against the poor or the rich, the smart or the slow, the gaunt or the obese. It is natural to develop prejudices. It is noble to rise above them,† Author Unknown. Unfortunately, throughout history our society has become victim to the upbri nging and menacing of prejudices within. The prejudices that our fellow neighbors endure range from scowling facial expressions to violent hate crimes. As far back as the decades go, prejudice has been an ongoing problemRead MorePrejudice Essay - Prejudice, Shame, And Worthless904 Words   |  4 PagesPrejudice Sadness, shame, loneliness, judged, and worthless, these are all feelings that victims feel when prejudice is involved. My brother, Johnny, had never felt any of these emotions before his accident. He is the one, whom everybody wanted to be around. He made everybody laugh, and he was just fun to be around. But things dramatically changed on the day he got into a car accident. He lost his arm. Now everybody looks at him as if he is completely different. Before someone is to be prejudicedRead More Prejudice Essay1566 Words   |  7 Pagespaper I was very excited to find someone with a quite interesting and culturally diverse family background that I think would contribute a lot to the topic of prejudice and stereotype. This paper will discuss the views of stereotype and prejudice of my interviewee and also how the two factors have affected her life. Brown (1995) defines prejudice as a negative attitude, emotion, or behavior towards members of a group as a result of their membership o f that group. This negative attitude, emotion, or behaviorRead MorePrejudice and Discrimination1551 Words   |  7 PagesAnalytical Factsheet on Prejudice amp; Discrimination on Class Inequality Section 1: Executive Summary This essay is about prejudice and discrimination occurring in Singapore context to address Class discrimination. This essay will also show reasons to why prejudice and discrimination occurs and the effects of such inequity can cause to the society. In this case studies possible measures and solutions will be highlighted and suggested. Section 2: The issues and who are involved This essay willRead MorePrejudice in of Mice and Men1582 Words   |  7 PagesIn John Steinbecks novel, Of Mice and Men, there are many example of prejudice. The main types of prejudice shown in this novel are racial, sexual and social prejudice.   This essay is firstly going to look at racial prejudice. There is much racial  prejudice  shown in Of Mice and Men towards  Crooks  the black crippled stable buck. Crooks is more permanent than the other ranch hands and has his own room off the stables with many more possessions than them. This room is made out to be a privilege andRead MorePrejudice, Discrimination, And Discrimination1050 Words   |  5 PagesWhat is Aversive Prejudice/Discrimination All types of prejudice vary in some ways , some people are very blunt and some people merely whisper under their breath or secretly avoid the people they dislike. This falls more in between those line with this being an example of averise racism specifically â€Å" Aversive racists, in contrast, sympathize with victims of past injustice,support principles of racial equality, and genuinely regard themselves as non-prejudiced, but at the same time possess conflictingRead MoreDiscrimination : Prejudice And Discrimination Essay2081 Words   |  9 PagesRunning Head: PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION 1 PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION 8 Prejudice and Discrimination: What?s the Difference? Emily B. Hutchins Salem College Prejudice and Discrimination: What?s the Difference? Prejudice and discrimination are two different actions with similar meanings. A person can have prejudice without acting in a discriminatory manner; however, if someone is discriminating against someone, they have prejudices. A prejudice can start from a stereotype andRead MoreSexism And Prejudice And Discrimination1791 Words   |  8 Pageshence I will be focusing on sexism and present the explanations surrounding this prejudice and discrimination. Sexism is discrimination and prejudice against an individual based on their gender and is still widely apparent in society today although has drastically deteriorated in relation to the past. Most research relating to sexism specifically focuses on women as they have been victim to the majority of prejudice essentially due to their lower status compared to men in relation to business, government

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Introduction to Internet Addiction Free Essays

Introduction to Internet Addiction Ten years ago, the only people who spent a majority of their leisure time on the computer were paid members of the technology industry. Today, however, surfing the Web has become a pastime as social and marketable as bar hopping or going to the movies. As the web has become a part of mainstream life, some mental health professionals have noted that a percentage of people using the web do so in a compulsive and out-of-control manner. We will write a custom essay sample on Introduction to Internet Addiction or any similar topic only for you Order Now In one extreme (1997)  Cincinnati case, unemployed mother Sandra Hacker allegedly spent over 12 hours a day secluded from her three young and neglected children while she surfed the Web. For better or for worse, this phenomena of compulsive Internet use has been termed ‘Internet Addiction’ based on its superficial similarity to common addictions such as smoking, drinking, and gambling. Internet Addiction has even been championed as an actual disorder, notably by psychologists Kimberly Young, Ph. D and David Greenfield, Ph. D.. However, at this time the true nature of Internet Addiction is not yet determined. In a true addiction, a person becomes compulsively dependent upon a particular kind of stimulation to the point where obtaining a steady supply of that stimulation becomes the sole and central focus of their lives. The addict increasingly neglects his work duties, relationships and ultimately even his health in his drive to remain stimulated. In some cases of addiction (such as addiction to alcohol or to heroin), a phenomenon known as tolerance occurs, wherein more and more stimulation is required to produce the same pleasurable effect. A related phenomena, withdrawal, can also occur, wherein the addicted person comes to be dependent upon their source of stimulation and experiences dramatically unpleasant (and even potentially lethal — as can be the case with alcohol) reactions when he goes without it. Sources of addictive stimulation can be chemical (as is the case with addictive drugs such as alcohol, cocaine, nicotine and heroin), sensual (as in sex) or even informational (as in gambling or workaholism). What all sources of addictive stimulation have in common is that they provoke a strong, usually positive (at first) reaction in the potential addict, who then seeks out the source of that stimulation so as to obtain that feeling on a regular basis. While many people like to engage in sexual relations, or gamble, or have the occasionally drink because of the pleasure to be had, clearly not all people who do so are addicts. Rather, the term ddiction only applies when someone’s stimulation seeking gets to the point where it starts interfering with their ability to function normally and non-neglectfully at work and in relationships. Mental health professionals are split as to whether or not Internet addiction is real. No one disputes that some people use the Internet in a compulsive manner even to a point where it interferes with their their ability to function at work and in social relationships. What is disputed is whether people can become addicted to the Internet itself, or ra ther to the stimulation and information that the web provides. The controversy surrounding Internet Addiction is precisely whether people become addicted to the net itself, or to the stimulation to be had via the net (such as online gambling, pornography or even simple communication with others via chat and bulletin boards). Some psychologists do not believe in addiction to the Internet itself, but rather in addiction to stimulation that the Internet provides. They suggests that new Internet users often show an initial infatuation with the novelty of the Web, but eventually lose interest and decrease their time spent online back to a normal, healthy amount. Those users who do go on to show compulsive Internet utilization, for the most part become compulsive only with regard to particular types of information to be had online, most often gambling, pornography, chat room or shopping sites. This is not an addiction to the Internet itself, but rather to risk-taking, sex, socializing or shopping. In essence then, the chief addictive characteristic of the Internet is its ability to enable instant and relatively anonymous social stimulation. Addicted† Internet users are addicted to a favored kind of social stimulation and not to the Internet itself, although it is also true that the Internet has made it vastly easier and more convenient for someone to develop such a compulsion. Because the Internet is used by many people as a normal part of their career or education, knowing how to separate excessive from normal use becomes difficult and cannot be accomplished using simple measures such as amount of time spent online in a given period. M ost fundamental in differentiating normal from problem Internet use is the experience of compulsion to use the net. Normal users, no matter how heavy their usage, do not  need  to get online and do not neglect their occupational duties or their relationships with family and friends to get online. Help for Internet related addiction is available from multiple sources. Anyone concerned about serious problem Internet usage should consider consulting with a local licensed psychologist, social worker or counselor, specifically one with experience treating addictions. Cognitive therapy based approaches are recommendable due to their systematic and direct focus on reducing problem use and preventing relapse, and the strong scientific support for the approach. Marital and or family therapy approaches may be useful as well when an individual’s Internet Addiction is affecting their larger family system (such as might be the case when a husband uses Internet-based pornography as his sole sexual outlet, leaving his wife frozen out). More than a few books and self-help resources (such as audio tape sets) are also available for those who want to educate themselves on the problem. Our Internet Addiction Treatment article provides further detail. How to cite Introduction to Internet Addiction, Essay examples

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Strategic Management of Popular & Largest Home Furnisher Retailer IKEA

Questions: Analyse and evaluate the current strategic situation of IKEA (emphasising the benefits and problems). You may consider the following aspects:1) What overall strategy the company uses? In your opinion, is this the correct strategy? How responsive is the company to differences among nations? Why the company is active in specific markets and not in others? What are the key challenges facing the company? (1200-1400 words)2) Suggest alternative strategy directions and indicate which strategy you find most promising and suggest how the company may go about implementing this strategy. Answers: Introduction In this research, one of the popular and largest home furnisher retailer IKEAs strategy is analyzed by providing a general and competitive analysis. The corporate strategies are scrutinized with its effect on 313 stores in 37 countries in 2010. IKEA provides a basic model that has not only moved in different places but with success (Lutz, 2015). The IKEA business model presents a broad range of home furnishings with functioning quality and price that makes affordable for people with various tastes, dreams, needs and aspirations (ikea.com, 2015). However, IKEAs corporate strategy will be examined based on the partnership with the customer in specific markets among different nations with responsiveness to key challenges faced by the company. Moreover, devising the strategy from the current strategy, which will be promising at the end. IKEA Generic Strategies for Business The basis of business strategy is based on the strategic management done by the top management of the company involving performance and resources in the external environment to achieve the objectives. Strategic management is based on the competitive organizational environment and knowledge of the firm to take right decisions (Hill et al., 2014). IKEA just like ALDI, one of the upcoming supermarkets in Australia follows a Cost Leadership and Differentiation Strategy. IKEAs main foundation for pursuing a cost leadership strategy is primary to the targeted market segment that is in search for fashionable household furniture and accessories and about customers demand, the company offer a combination of good design, acceptability and functionality at lower prices. The following concept of the company applies to every phase of activities and can be explained with the help of figure 1 (Pena Ricart, 2015). Figure 1 Mapping System Source: (Larsson, 2015) Though IKEA specializes in cost leadership, it also differentiated products that asks its target customers to enjoy the shopping experience in a store while making the customer comfortable in a way by offering playrooms for children in-store, wheelchairs for old customers. However, IKEA offers products and services for minor things that can help IKEA to retain its customers. One of the ways can be with the help of Sweden shops outside stores offering specialty to customers who are young, likely to have children and need to shop outside of standard hours (Wit Meyer, 2010). Situational Analysis A situational analysis is the best guide to study the business strategy of IKEA. However, it can be done by applying different modules and tools like PESTEL, SWOT, and Porters Five Forces, which will briefly elaborate the strategic analysis. PESTEL Political- The political climate of United Kingdom analyze the taxation, tariffs, customer protection legislations and trade restrictions but holds negative regarding labour industry. However, as far as IKEAs business environment is concerned across nations, it is politically stable in Europe and America but does not operate in Africa due to political volatility (Harapiak, 2013). Economic- The economic factors of IKEA is based on industry specific economic growth. However, weakened economies have affected consumers disposable income in Europe and the vast disparity in cost of labour in China and Poland is accessible in US or London have influenced IKEA. Other factors are distinctive in nature with each country referring to wage rates, inflation rates and interest rates (Frynas Mellahi, 2015). Social- The demand for useful low cost furniture is prevalent in inter-country migration, and that is where most of IKEAs business is found. However, IKEA is majorly affected by changing social trends, transportation network, and infrastructure during hard economic times, which leads to the slackening of markets rate of growth but otherwise it provides a positive impact. Nevertheless, the product range of IKEA reflects openness in Swedens healthy life (Ayodele, 2013). Technology- Technology acts as a business tool for IKEA because of adoption of data website to view online catalogues and correspondence with customer service team to keep pace with global networks from suppliers to distributors (Fredman Nilsson, 2015). Environment- IKEA is not only sensitive to the environment but also follows in making the best use of energy and raw materials. The company achieves its overall positive impact by keeping its cost down and achieving its green targets like reducing pollution, etc. (Ayodele, 2013). Legal- IKEA performs its functions in international business where it is governed by many laws and regulations. The threat can be imposed when third parties initiate legal battles that results in implications in consumer rights, court injunctions, damages, and fines. Employee protection acts are also considered legislative issues in some countries (Frynas Mellahi, 2015). SWOT The other tool that can be assessed is SWOT analysis that is given using the figure 2 below. Figure 2 SWOT Analysis Source: (Albarrak, 2012) Competitor Analysis (Porters Five Forces) Figure 3 Michael Porter's Five Forces Source: (Hamid, 2014) Competition in any company is based on competitive forces that define the Porters five forces. Rivalry among existing customers is high when it comes to a global market of markdown furniture and the premier players in the market are namely Euromarket Designs Inc., USA market Cronin, Wal-Mart Stores, Cratel Barrel, Ethan Allen market and many others. Though the competition is great IKEA remains the acknowledged market leader in the industry of discounted furniture (Hamid, 2014). The threat of new entrants is low because IKEA applies a low cost strategy and any firm who enters the market needs to have a unique brand name and vast supply chain in the name of low prices to compete with IKEA, which in insubstantial as the current market is inundated (Leavy, 2102). The bargaining power of buyers is highly strong as the competition is quite high and customers possess a wide variety of substitute preferences. However, the alternatives are here from global retailers as well as local producers of furniture (Ayodele, 2013). IKEAs competitors have the low bargaining power of suppliers because the company maintains long-term commonly beneficial relationships with suppliers to meet the ends of the customer that promptly responds to the changing trends in the market. In addition, IKEA possesses numerous factories across the nations with resources and potential to structure partnership with IKEA. The threat of substitute goods is considerably low because there are not many products and services that can replace home appliances or demand for furniture (Harapiak, 2013). Internationalization of IKEA IKEA applied a risk-reducing approach initially to enter a new potential market. However, in the case of IKEA, a supplier was linked to the Swedish market that could provide political, legal, financial and cultural issues that could provide opportunities and threat in the external market. However, IKEA adopted internationalization expansion through franchising which has relatively small and high-risk markets that applied the intermediate mode of entry where franchisor was responsible for marketing, centralized control, production and R D. Franchising is considered a good way to transpose name, concept and standing (Hollensen, 2014). Nonetheless, if looked at the broader concept, IKEA internationalization has three phases namely explorative internalization, rigid replication, and flexible replication. The timeline can be shown in figure 4 below. Figure 4 Timeline of IKEA's Internationalization Process Source: (Jonsson Foss, 2011) However, IKEAs current replication mode may begin from the difference between IKEAs Idea Concept and Concept in practice. This difference not only highlights the IKEAs thinking of hierarchical process but also throws light on the embodiment of some features to be fixed while others are certified flexible. The term flexibility comes from the dissimilarity in the local market and the need to amend replication under the influence of new and advanced learning. The replication strategy follows two stage of flexible replication. One is explorative, and the other is exploitative in which the future is full of opportunities where it is nourished by IKEA system belief to search for superior solutions (Jonsson Foss, 2011). Internationalization in Europe was different from rest of the world because internationalization in Europe was accompanied by marketing satellite, pure global strategy and country offices. Nevertheless, the same cannot be said for rationalized manufacturing rest of the world where methods like rationalized manufacturing g were used for wholly owned subsidiaries. Franchising in North America is hard to capture because of currency movements, free deliveries, and easy payment options but it was gradually done when certain adaptations were made according to culture and economy. Asia, on the other hand, posed problems like pricing strategy, intense domestic competition, and corruption but it soon was adapted to the creation of supplier relationship (franchising) and understanding of local needs (Goenka, 2010). However, lately, IKEA adopted different modes to entry which is explained in figure 5 below. Figure 5 Modes of Entry Source: (Suwaris, 2013) International Environment The four strategies that IKEA has adopted to deal with international business environment is due to local responsiveness and cost reduction. The figure 6 below explains the strategic choice of IKEA. Figure 6 Strategic Choice Source: (Suwaris, 2013) International Business level strategy- This approach emphasizes the acquiring of markets in advanced economies and the will to acquire more economies especially developing economies to realize the greater gain from the competitive advantage (Suwaris, 2013). Multidomestic Strategy- This strategy involves getting maximum local responsiveness through customization of marketing and product strategy using a decentralized authority structure. This strategy bears high-cost structures and lacks core competencies (Lakshman, 2013). Global Strategy- IKEA has a diverse distributional network that ensures timely delivery of products to retail stores by exploiting control points in the cycle of distribution. IKEA has a significant network of suppliers with close immediacy to raw materials and distributional channels that not only helps in gaining advanced knowledge but continuously enhance operational efficiency and flow facilitation of information. The company on a general view responds to emerging tastes and preferences with more emphasis on product lines that appeal to locally based customers (Mittal, 2013). Transnational Strategy- To meet the conflicting demands of the company, one strategy that needs to be adopted globally is that IKEA deals with both cost leadership and differentiation strategy with a competitive advantage. IKEA relies on standardization of products, and the system is known as democratic design through which producers can meet the demands of the local consumers. Nevertheless, this strategy is difficult to facilitate and implement (Hitt et al., 2012). The figure 7 will help in enlightening the achievement of the translational strategy of IKEA. Figure 7 Transnational Strategy Of IKEA Source: (Suwaris, 2013) Alternative Strategy Directions of IKEA The alternative strategy decisions IKEA has made is in the corporate social responsibility area known by Sustainability Strategy for 2020, People, and Plant Positive. However, this strategy helps in using sustainability in driving transforming business, innovations, shaping investments and letting loose new business opportunities. This strategy will not only strengthen the competitiveness but bring change in society through long-standing access to raw materials, deepening relationships with employees and customers, maintaining and developing supplier base and increasing productivity (Bouvrain Sarka, 2015). However, IKEA has identified three drivers of change that will transform the business making it more sustainable. Firstly by inspiring and enabling millions of customers to live a sustainable life. Secondly, by striving for energy and resources interdependence and lastly creating a better life for the people by extending the code of conduct through value chain (ikea.com, 2015). The adoption of sustainable competitive advantage should possess valuable resources, rare resources, imperfectly imitable resources and non-substitutable resources in the strategy making process. The change can be assessed based on the competitive inertia of the alternative strategic decision taken. Nonetheless, IKEA adopted a sustainable strategy because of the successful competitive practices that are cost leadership and differentiation strategies. Nevertheless, an effective change is possible if it takes place at the highest level of the company, which is the best way of reinventing the marketing strategy. However, the unique methodologies can build up a pertinent theory to tackle the complexity and uncertainty of current markets (Gummesson et al., 2014). An effective way of alternative strategy decision can be based on the efficiency of alternative course of actions. The following actions can be explained with the help of the table below. Alternative Courses of Actions Advantages Disadvantages Developing Research and development Programs Investment in R D will give better ideas on current trends, needs and behaviour of the entire market Expensive in execution and could possibly effect price rate Promotional activities to be implemented Creating attention and store traffic for more sales and customer loyalty Deregulated promotional activities might end up for customer disloyalty due to expectations of loyal customers Merging with potential local companies to strengthen financial competence Experience and knowledge of the maket Conflict of different principles and cultures Source: (Kwong, 2011). Conclusion IKEA is one the popular home furnishing company that has adopted cost leadership and differentiation strategy to meet the demands of the young middle-level customers locally and globally. Different types of tools were applied to check the effectiveness of IKEAs business strategy. However, according to situational analysis, it was brought that IKEA is one company that offers products at cheap and affordable prices and its meets the requirements of the suppliers the most by building a strategic relationship between the two. IKEA has mostly chosen to enter markets majorly with franchising and joint ventures for internationalization. The strategic choices and alternate decisions adopted by IKEA has enabled it to maintain competitive advantage and produce above due to leadership in the market. References Albarrak, O. (2012).IKEA Strategic case study analysis.Slideshare.net. Retrieved 21 February 2016, from https://www.slideshare.net/OsamaAlbarrak/ikea-strategic-case-study Ayodele, A. (2013).A SITUATIONAL AND STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF IKEA AND THE FUTURE.Academia.edu. Retrieved 21 February 2016, from https://www.academia.edu/8046929/A_SITUATIONAL_AND_STRATEGIC_ANALYSIS_OF_IKEA_AND_THE_FUTURE Bouvrain, S., Sarka, D. (2015). Compatibility of Corporate Sustainability with a Cost Leadership Strategy. De Wit, B., Meyer, R. (2010).Strategy: process, content, context: an international perspective. Cengage Learning EMEA. Fredman, M., Nilsson, S. (2015). The preferred Complex Purchase Process in-storeA case study on IKEA. Frynas, J. G., Mellahi, K. (2015).Global strategic management. Oxford University Press, USA. Goenka, C. (2010).Ikea presentation final.Slideshare.net. Retrieved 21 February 2016, from https://www.slideshare.net/chetangoenka/ikea-presentation-final Gummesson, E., Kuusela, H., Nrvnen, E. (2014). Reinventing marketing strategy by recasting supplier/customer roles.Journal of Service Management,25(2), 228-240. Hamid, R. (2014).IKEA Porter's Five Forces and Value Chain Analysis.Slideshare.net. Retrieved 21 February 2016, from https://www.slideshare.net/karipap313/ikea-porters-five-forces-and-value-chain-analysis Harapiak, C. (2013). IKEA's International Expansion. Hill, C., Jones, G., Schilling, M. (2014).Strategic management: theory: an integrated approach. Cengage Learning. Hitt, M., Ireland, R. D., Hoskisson, R. (2012).Strategic management cases: competitiveness and globalization. Cengage Learning. Hollensen, S. (2014). Global Marketing, Harlow. ikea.com, (2015).The IKEA Business Model. Retrieved 21 February 2016, from https://supplierportal.ikea.com/doingbusinesswithIKEA/Documents/The%20IKEA%20Business%20Model.pdf ikea.com,. (2015).People Planet Positive IKEA Group Sustainability Strategy for 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2016, from https://www.ikea.com/ms/en_GB/pdf/people_planet_positive/People_planet_positive.pdf Jonsson, A., Foss, N. J. (2011). International expansion through flexible replication: Learning from the internationalization experience of IKEA.Journal of International Business Studies,42(9), 1079-1102. Kwong, M. (2011).A case study on ikea.Slideshare.net. Retrieved 21 February 2016, from https://www.slideshare.net/philmayo/a-case-study-on-ikea Lakshman, S. (2013).Multinational Companies Executive Selection Practices: challenge of Human Resource Management in International Business Management(Doctoral dissertation, Paris, CNAM). Larsson, R. G. (2015). Ikeas Almost Fabless Global Supply ChainA Rightsourcing Strategy for Profit, Planet, and People.Lean Management of Global Supply Chain,12, 65. Leavy, B. (2012). Updating a classic formula for strategic success: focus, alignment, repeatability and leadership.Strategy Leadership,41(1), 18-28. Lutz, A. (2015).Ikea's Strategy For Becoming The World's Most Successful Retailer.Business Insider. Retrieved 21 February 2016, from https://www.businessinsider.in/Ikeas-Strategy-For-Becoming-The-Worlds-Most-Successful-Retailer/articleshow/45904642.cms Mittal, N. (2013).Supply Chain Management: Ikea's Low Price Strategy.Cmuscm.blogspot.in. Retrieved 21 February 2016, from https://cmuscm.blogspot.in/2013/02/ikeas-low-price-strategy.html Pea, C. R., Ricart, J. E. (2015). The Practice Of Strategy.European Business Review. Suwaris, S. (2013).IKEA Case Study.Academia.edu. Retrieved 21 February 2016, from https://www.academia.edu/5197655/IKEA_Case_Study

Monday, March 23, 2020

Film Studies Coursework Genre Essay Example

Film Studies Coursework Genre Essay The film that I have chosen is Blazing Saddles directed by Mel Brooks, who is a director that is famous for making comedy films for example, The Producers. So from the outset we can expect this film to fit into his style. This film fits into the comedy/western genre. The film is a parody of the western movie and takes on many influences from famous westerns that can be seen throughout the movie. This film takes western genre norms and gives them a comic twist in order to create the comedy/ western theme. The comedy used is mostly slapstick and visual comedy. A brief synopsis of the run up to this scene would be typical of the comedy/western genre. There are a group of African Americans who are being made to work on putting a railroad through the town of Rock ridge. The problem with this is that the townsfolk will have to leave before the rail road can go through the town. The assistant to the governor appoints one of the slaves as sheriff of the town in a ploy to make the townsfolk so repulsed that they will leave the town, from here the scene commences The first shot we see is a long shot of the street in the middle of the town. From this establishing shot we can see this is definitely a western. There is no road just dirt which is hardened by the horses that are also in the shot. Every store and house is made out of wood which is typical in western films. We can see women in this shot. The women are dressed in dresses that are typical to western movies and very commonly seen, they also wear bonnets with ribbons on them. All these factors are typical in western film. There are two different types of men that we can see in the shot. There is the gentleman who is wearing the suit outside the bank and then the rest of the men are wearing the cowboy style costume. In a typical cowboy costume we see a dust coat, sandy coloured chino trousers, cowboy boots, Stetson hats, chaps, Waistcoats and Spurs worn on the boots. The costume of the cowboy is iconic to the western and the way the costume looks makes the cowboys what they are. We will write a custom essay sample on Film Studies Coursework Genre specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Film Studies Coursework Genre specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Film Studies Coursework Genre specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The editing through the first half a minute of this scene is very slow there arent many shots. The editing plays a big part as for the action to go somewhere we need the scene to start of slow and paced so that the action can progress a technique often used in western films. The music that goes along to this scene is specially written for it. The lyrics of the song are very important in putting across the comedy aspect of its genre. The lyrics that go with the establishing shot are, there was a peaceful town called Rock Ridge, where people lived in harmony the instruments that back this up are instruments that would be associated with the western vibe. Instruments such as the acoustic guitar and the clarinet are used. These instruments give the western feel to the scene. Also the fact that the vocals are done by a choir, this we would associate with the choir at the town church which we later see. A tracking shot is used to show the stores and places that are in the town of Rock Ridg e for example, Howard Johnsons Ice-cream Parlour which is made comic by the fact that the sign outside says 1 flavour. The surname Johnson is a running joke as we find out after the song finishes. Everyone in the town is a Johnston which gives the impression that the townspeople are inbred. A little touch that also gives the western genre to this film is the way they have the bars that you ties horses up to, outside every store or house and on some there are horses to make it authentic. The location on the camera goes entirely with the lyrics of the song. When the lyrics are talking about the town itself the camera shots are all of the town and the town folk. When the lyrics then change to talking about the town saloon the camera is now in the town saloon. The town saloon is also iconic in the western and this is why it is included in this scene though the part that makes this comical is the fact that there are cattle just wandering about the barroom and no one takes any notice of them. The camera shot again here shows us the whole of the barroom then cuts to the bartender Anal Johnson the lyrics behind this shot are Behind the bar stood Anal Johnson, he always kept things nice and clean at the moment these lyrics are sang Anal Johnson who we see close up is covered in dirt and sweat and looks altogether disgusting, spits into the glass and wipes it. This gives the scene its comical side as he is the exact opposite of what the lyrics are saying. The barroom itself includes some features strongly associated with western movies for example, the swinging saloon doors. These are essential in a bar to give the film a western feel. Another feature is the small round wooden tables which we often see in westerns being overturned in shoot-outs and bar-brawls. These two things show that the film is western. The music behind the part of the scene in the bar consists of instruments that add to the western feel and that are often maybe found in western bars for example the honky tonk piano. As the scene moves onto the part where the murderers and thieves ride into town the music quickens and instruments change to violins which are often used in high action sequences. The editing becomes much faster which is expected in this scene as the action is now at its highpoint and the editing being much quicker is typical of a western style action sequence. The murderers and thieves who ride into town have a very striking appearance which is common in westerns. They are wearing the darker coloured black cowboy hats and are galloping in on horses. They all have whips and weapons of some sort which shows us that they are the villains in this scene, the fact that their weapons are whips and revolvers definitely gives the western feel to this part of the scene. A comical aspect which is added to this sequence in the scene is the part where one of the villains chases down a man who is on foot and the man jumps through a window to escape then jumps right back out the other one because he is being shot at from inside. This gives the action sequence a bit of a comical twist to it. Another part shortly after this which shows the comedy within the scene is when a man in a suit gets his foot caught on a rope and is dragged through the mud by a horse. He says, Well, thats the end of this suit which is funny because this is supposed to be an action scene where the villains are taking over and this man is worried about his suit. After this a public shower that is covered in a wood box is pulled down by a horse and there is a man left standing covered in soap bubbles trying to cover himself, this is obviously comedy as it is quite random and the audience dont expect it. The next part is a close up shot involving to villains and an old lady who being b eaten up by them. The way they are beating her up is over-exaggerated the punches have fake sounding sound effects this makes the violence cartoon like. She turns to the camera and says, Have you ever seen such cruelty? this again is funny but also we can see clearly from her appearance that this film is a western. Also speaking to the camera breaks the rules of cinema but as the audience we dont see anything wrong with it. She is wearing a material kind of hat round her head, a poncho over her shoulders and a purple coloured dress. This kind of dress is typical of women in western films. After the sequence in the scene where the villains try to take over the town the editing becomes slower again and more zoom and tracking shots are used rather than quick cutting. There is an establishing shot of the typical town church which is often seen in western film, its almost an iconic feature that lets the audience know for definite that this is western. The last verse of the song goes as follows. Now it is time of great decision are we to stay or up and quit? Theres no avoiding this conclusion our town is turning into shit. This verse is comical as the lyrics are now being sung by the town folk in the church. The fact they say our town is turning into shit makes this comical as the audience we do not expect this from the scene that has been set, especially because of the fact it is inside the church. This kind of song is quite typical of songs sang by Frankie Lane they are typical western style songs and the usually describe action that is taking place on the screen or give background on the film films like 3:10 to Yuma have this in them. The song finishes and the priest in the church starts to talk to the crowd. A line that he says gives us notification of the western and comical style themes when he says, Sheriff murdered, crops burned, stores looted, people stampeded and cattle raped. This line gives us a sense of western style as the crimes he speaks of are very much typical of western film the reference to the sheriff shows us that we are clearly in a western. The comical side of this is the way he says that people were stampeded and cattle were raped as this is obviously said the wrong way round yet, the town folk agree with him. This is what makes these lines funny. The priest says that the time has come to act and act fast and then says, Im leaving this is funny because what the audience expect is an emotional and moving speech that lifts the town folks spirits but we dont get this at all. Through the rest of this scene we are introduced to very typical characters that would often be seen in westerns. We are first introduced to the town drunk who is dressed very scruffily in an old shirt and has very long grey facial hair and looks altogether messy. We see this character often in westerns and they are often used as a character that will bring laughter out of their actions. The way this character speaks shows us a lot of the phrases that are used in western film, the language that they speak basically. The thing that makes this funny is the way that this character actually uses nearly every one of the slang words in every sentence he uses. We are then introduced to the business men who wear very clean cut suits and talk normally and clearly. The se business men both have good jobs, one is the owner of the ice-cream parlour and the other is the doctor for the town. The reverend asks the congregation to rise and starts by saying he will read from the book of Matthew, Mark, Luke and duck! at the point when he says duck, a bunch of dynamite sticks are thrown through the window. This is an instance of comic timing on the director part as we can clearly see how it fits with the dialogue in the scene at this point. The dynamite sticks themselves are also an indication of the western genre as these are iconic weapons used in a lot of westerns. Overall I think the scene works well. The camerawork and sound especially make the scene as effective as it is. The editing change in the middle of the scene makes the contrast between the harmony within the town and the action. This directors take on the comedy/western genre is typical to the director himself. The comedy used in this scene is mainly visual as well as some audible comedy that comes through in the song. The visual comedy is also typical to the directors style. I think overall the way the director has taken the western theme and made it comical is well done as we clearly see all the aspects of the western along with the comedy that comes through in the dialogue and visual interactions between characters.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Matilda essays

Matilda essays The Desert Storm In No Worries everyday Matilda would go to school, however many of her friends families were going bust and having to move. All the children were showing a sign of resistance, they did not want to go and left emotionally upset. In the book No Worries, there was a cash flow problem that slowly lead to going bust and Matildas parents just had one place to look, Uncle Kev and his taxis IN THE CITY. In the movie there was also a cash flow problem which was caused by the wool buyers purchasing for less. The Bells knew living would be harsh but thought they would make it through until... Once day when Matilda and her dad were feeding the sheep a giant sandstorm arose and annihilated all the defenceless sheep. The Bells survived but you could tell by the look in their faces there was only the city to turn to The play uses people to behave like sheep. This is not very effective as it does not tell the sheeps colour, body size or body shape. The movie uses real sheep which when you analyse can see the colour of the sheep, its size and its shape. Singers are used to tell words that show heat and death but a picture is worth a thousand words. The movie shows a heat haze, which gives a brilliant colour, that no words can describe, as words cannot make a flash before your eyes. You can also see in the dead trees that show death themselves, a few scavenging crows. That meant that there were lots of dead sheep around that was up for grabs. An actor had to pretend to be another object while performing in the play. It was not realistic, as there were no frequency sounds and no amplifier. In the play the radio actor had to just say something like; Listen, driver, that little girl of yours? Give me a description and Ill give it out to all the other cab drivers in the city. In the movie there was a real radio with all the sounds and the sounds on the radio w ...

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Report to the Directors of USPS diagnosing the state of affairs and Essay

Report to the Directors of USPS diagnosing the state of affairs and offering some prognosis on what might be a more sustainable business model - Essay Example While many factors could be blamed for the situation, this paper has zeroed in on one issue: the business model. In comparison to other players, like the FEDEX and UK’s The Royal Mail, the evolution of technology was not supposed to have such severe effects on the institution. Besides highlighting these issues, the paper has offered the best model to adopt, and lucidly elaborated what entails. The U.S. Postal service (USPS) is tasked with ensuring the mails sent through their platforms reach their destinations on time. Many American business people and the society expect that no letter sent through USPS will be delayed for whatever reasons. Rather, each is convinced that the institution has the capacity to deliver without the slightest hiccups. However, the situation has deteriorated as evidenced by the number mails that reached their recipients way after their expected period. In a bid to arrest the situation, the USPS management sought to have in place measures that would enable the corporation fulfil its mandate. One of these included laying off of the staff whose retirement period was near. Unfortunately, the situation was not remedied as the immensely experienced individuals were lost not to mention the subsequent workload. Upon realizing these measures were not effective, the management hired other people meaning the cost rose significantly. In light of these issues , this paper seeks to investigate the real cause of the problems at USPS. Further, a prognosis will be offered upon identifying the major issues bedevilling the USPS. A closer analysis of the woes facing USPS reveals that a single problem did not result in its current state. Rather, a myriad of issues including lack of innovation as evidenced by the number of letters that would be sorted by the clerks. Apparently, the process would be done manually, a process that inevitably cost the institution a considerable amount of resources

Monday, February 3, 2020

Policy, Team, and Information Technology Differences-Terence Essay - 1

Policy, Team, and Information Technology Differences-Terence - Essay Example The study will investigate the various policies that guide the two systems use in different groups, and how the teams are affected by their implementation while analyzing the differences and possible solutions that would permit their efficient use in the organization. Information technology in organizations ensures that all the departments and organizational level uses the system in the group operations of their daily process, efficiency in their work and for administration purposes in the best interest that are allied to the organization goals and objectives. The information technologies cover a broader range of functions and for the efficiency, the system requires that less or nominal interference made to them by the departmental and organizational levels (Ngai, Chau,& Chan,2011). Dissimilar groups and departments though have implemented diverse information systems to their functions that foremost comprise of the departmental and enterprise information systems. The two data structures have distinctive features that facilitate them to adapt to different policies within the group. The departmental information system mainly construes utilizing the fundamental functions of the departments and organizational levels. The procedures are defined and consolidated to provide a single management with the overview of its operations and more often than not associated with a small organization or a sole unit of the groups. The enterprise policies aids in making decisions inside the departments and organizational levels as they provide an array of information from diverse sources (Xu, 2011). Reducing costs and providing easier administration are other policies that the enterprise system seeks to address with the departments and organizational levels. The enterprise system majorly associates with large organizations and have the propensity to deal with the groups holistically. The two systems, therefore, attempt to

Saturday, January 18, 2020

A day in a Cave in the Rocky Mountains Essay

The soft morning breeze blew over the peaks and through the tall fragrant evergreen forest. Just outside the small mountain town of Idaho Springs, Colorado on a warm mid-summer morning back in 1991 I stood on my porch watching the wildlife busily starting the day. I stepped back into my little trailer house and picked up the land line and dialed the Hunt brothers’ number. Dan picked up the phone with a cheery â€Å"Hello.† â€Å"Hey bud† I said, â€Å"are you and Devan ready to head out on this weeks spelunking adventure?† He laughed loudly and replied â€Å"We’ve been waiting for you. Let’s go.† â€Å"Okay,† I stated â€Å"I will meet you two at the bottom of the hill in fifteen minuets† and we hung up. I got my things together and hustled out the front door. I heard barking up the hill behind the house and called â€Å"Coda come.† And my four-legged Chow-mix buddy came charging down the hill full of vibrancy and joy. Coda and I walked on down the road and met up with Dan and Devan at a clearing on the other side of Clear Creek, which was the local river that eventually furnished the Coors brewery in Golden. The four of us headed up the hill through a valley to a tailing pile that laid in front of the entrance that awaited us. See more:  Perseverance essay The entrance beckoned our arrival with a musty damp scent from years of still life in darkness. We had explored this mine a few times before and found it to be the biggest one accessible to adventurers like us needing to fulfill our desire of adrenalin brought on by the many aspects of danger that lie within. Coda led the way and I carefully ducted through the low overhead opening of rock and stone that was the entry to the bowels of this mountain. The feeling of the cool damp air on my exposed skin ran a shiver down my spine as I moved forward leaving the morning sun and safety of the outside world behind. The sound of crushed rocks under our feet echoed off the solid stone walls stretching far into the distance before fading away in silence. After about 200 feet the passageway turned to the left and the day light from the outside was lost. With the flick of a switch my three-cell Mag-Light broke the darkness and the sparkle of mica and pyrite reflected off the narrow walls and ceiling. In previous journeys through this mine we had found and traveled several levels and what seemed like miles of tunnels. Coda  was leading the way and every once in awhile I would call him, â€Å"Coda come.† And a moment later his soft brown eyes would reflect in the glow of our flashlights. After about 30 minutes of travel we came to the main shaft that led to the upper levels, It was about fifteen feet in diameter and had an old wooden ladder on the left side with its rugs full of crushed rock from years of deteriation and on the right side was a chute that ore from the upper levels was dropped down and loaded into the ore cars then taken out of the mine. We decided to take a water and smoke break here and sat ourselves down on the cool rocky floor in a small circle. Dan pulled out the water bottle, took a drink and passed it around while following our traditions I lit a candle and placed it in the middle of our circle. Devan then pulled out a joint and Dan’s Bic-lighter flicked as he lit up the joint and we passed it around heightening our experience with the mind altering effects of natures own. We absorbed the stillness hearing only our own breathing and the rustle of Coda’s feet investigating the tunnel around the next corner ahead. It wasn’t long and I became aware that I could no longer hear the noises of Coda up ahead. I called out his name, â€Å"Coda† waited a moment for the sound of his paws coming down the tunnel but in return all we heard was the sound of a few stones falling and a splash. We all looked at each other in the glimmer of the candle light with the same thought. Ahead in that tunnel there was a large hole in the stone floor going down too far to see with a light. It was one of the few spots we had not ventured yet because on a previous tunnel quest we had tossed some rocks down and after watching them bounce their way down beyond the reach of the lights we heard the splash of water from below. The light of the candle was overwhelmed then extinguished as our flashlights came to life and we moved toward the hole to a lower un-traveled existence. I called for Coda again after we rounded the second corner where the cavern opened up wider, about twenty feet wide by ten feet high and there was merely a two foot wide ledge that gave access to the tunnel ahead. The rest of the ground gave way to what looked liked the throat of Hell ready to swallow its victims. What I feared was true and we could hear from below the whimpering of a  scared friend. I shined my light down the hole and to my hearts content I could see the small figure of Coda just at the last reach of my light. Behind me I heard the sound of a zipper as Devan got into the back-pack and pulled out a rope that was always kept in our survival bag. One end of the rope was tossed to Dan and he quickly tied it to one of the ore car tracks running along the floor. We all knew that this time in this mine we would see what lied beyond our view. Devan tossed the other end down the shaft and when it reached Coda he tried to catch it like a bone, lol. I called down to Coda to ensure him I was on my way down. Then I grabbed the rope in my hands turned around and began a decent down the hole as Dan shown his light below me so I could see where I was stepping. After the first hundred feet the degree of decent decreased and I was able to release one hand off the rope without slipping down to join Coda. I turned my light back on and shown it in Codas direction and another 30 feet away he was excitingly hopping up and down like a lottery winner. I moved closer towards him and when I reached the 3 foot ledge that kept him at bay from jumping on me I hopped down and praised, and cuddled him in a loving nurturing way â€Å"You are such a brave dog† I told him. Devan called down inquiring as to the plan and I hollered back that everything was ok but I would need some help getting Coda back up. Devan started carefully back stepping down the shaft and I decided I would take a quick look around. This was the level we never seen so no since in wasting the trip. The tunnel was about three feet wide by six foot tall. The walls were very damp and the splash we heard was a stream of orange rusty water running right down the middle of the floor. Devan reached the bottom and I directed his attention toward the liquid rust flowing on the floor and the view of the unexplored tunnels in both directions. Our thoughts were on the same path as usual and we called up to Dan telling him to grab the bag, he had to see this! Upon his arrival we made a mutual decision to travel to the right, the direction the flow was coming from. We followed the flow about 70 feet till the tunnel ended abruptly. The sight at the end was something we had never seen before. The whole back wall was covered with an orange, brown and black buildup that looked like it was oozing out of the wall. From the  ceiling there were stalagtites of iron rust hanging down, some of them all the way to the floor. Water dripped from the ends of each of them and a stream came from out of the wall and flowed evenly over the rusty buildup there. We took a couple pictures of this unique and different scene that was in front of us. We poked around there for a few and turned down the other way to see where this flow of water was headed. As we passed our rope leading back up the shaft the flow path of water widened on the cavern floor gradually from the 12 inches to 18 inches and 50 feet further it covered the entire floor. We stood there a moment looking down at our boots submerged in the water past our toes. The decline was gradual and within another 100 feet the water was up to our ankles and rising. Coda stayed behind not wanting to get in the water, and 50 feet further we were knee deep in water. Again we all thought the same and decided that we wouldn’t go any further with out our inflatable raft and it was time to conclude our adventure and return ourselves to the reality of the outside world and allow the sun to shine upon our skin again. When we got back to the rope and Coda was anxiously waiting to get out so we daisy chained our way back up the shaft, pushing and pulling on him till we crested the top and pulled our little friend over the edge. After a short rest and the re-coiling of the rope I led the way back toward the outside world. We halted at the main shaft going to the upper levels were there was another opening on the side of the mountain but with careful consideration the decision was made that we had had enough adventure for one day and we should just head out the way we came. Around the last bend the afternoon sun burst into view and Coda was making a break for it. I stepped out into the hot afternoon sun and looked to the clear blue sky. I thanked God for keeping us all safe one more time. When Dan and Devan came out we headed down the hillside trailing behind Coda till he spotted a rabbit and took off after it. We never made it back down to that lower level to sail forward and see where it led because soon after that trip something happened in that cave and the county department had blocked off both entrances and posted no trespassing signs on them. It’s been awhile now since I’ve made the opportunity to travel back to that community and indulge in a spelunking  adventure, but I to keep in touch with the Hunt brothers via land line and again someday soon, I will make the time to experience that thrill again.

Friday, January 10, 2020

Fire in Lord of the Flies

In the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding. one of the main elements of the plot is a fire created by the boys. While the fire's foremost purpose Is for rescue, It also represents other underlying symbolistic themes. Order is one ot the tlrst things established once the fire is built. The fire's initial purpose, to get the kids rescued, represents hope. Also, the very being of the fire represents the Idea of life. From the very beginning of the novel, Ralph is determined to keep a signal fire going, in case d ship passes near to the Island.That's all well and good, until the first signal ire the boys light begins burning out of control, and at least one boy is missing, As Piggy tells Jack, â€Å"You got your small fire all right† (2. 210). The fire thus becomes a symbol, paradoxically, of both hope of rescue and of destrucuon. Ironically, it Is because of a fire that Jack lights at the end of the novel†in his attempt to hunt and kill Ralph†that the boys are rescued. And It makes sense.If the boys' world is Justa symbol for the real world, then they're not being rescued at all: they're just going on to a larger scale of violence†to grow up into soldiers getting sent off to war. Hence, rescue equals destruction. The Signal Fire Is a representation of commonsense and rescue from immorality. When the signal tire can no longer be lit, because Jack stole Piggy's specs that light it, its beacon of hope and knowledge is no longer present to guide Ralph who must then be constantly reminded by Piggy about what Is right.The Fire s Relationship Towards Civilization. In Lord of the Flies, the fire is a main symbol through out the story. It represents amount of civilized strength left within the boys. When the fire burns stronger, it means that they are getting closer to society and when the fire Is not burning or Is eak, they too are weakening. The signal fire becomes an indicator of the boys connection to civilization. Throughout the book, t he fire is a key symbol that means not only rescue, but hope and civilization.Even the forest fire In the end of the story, that was meant to destroy, ended up being the boy s key to rescue. In the beginning of this book, one of the most Important parts is when Jack let the fire go outto go hunting. Although hunting Is not necessarily barbaric or a loss of clvlllzatlon, It Is still what leads up to the loss of civili7atiom When Ralph realizes the power of the fire nd admits that if everyone does not do their duty and cooperate in keeping the fire going, all hopes In contacting clvlllzatlon outside are shattered.The tire Is their only chance of survival and if it goes out, their destined to stay on the island forever As long as the fire Is well maintained, the boys show a desire to return to their civilization, but when the tire burns low or goes out, the boys lose sight ot their wish to be rescued, because they have accepted their barbaric lives on the island. Fire in Lord of the Fl ies By SgtBlackScorp In the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, one of the main elements of the plot s a fire created by the boys. While the fire's foremost purpose is for rescue, it also represents other underlying symbolistic themes.Order is one of the first things represents hope. Also, the very being of the fire represents the idea of life. in case a ship passes near to the island. That's all well and good, until the first signal fire the boys light begins burning out of control, and at least one boy is missing. As symbol, paradoxically, of both hope of rescue and of destruction. Ironically, it is because of a fire that Jack lights at the end of the novel†in his attempt o hunt and kill Ralph†that the boys are rescued. And it makes sense.If the boys' world is Just a symbol for the real world, then they're not being rescued at all; they're The Signal Fire is a representation of commonsense and rescue from immorality. When the signal fire can no longer be lit, b ecause Jack stole Piggy's specs that light it, be constantly reminded by Piggy about what is right. means that they are getting closer to society and when the fire is not burning or is not only rescue, but hope and civilization. Even the forest fire in the end of the story, f this book, one of the most important parts is when Jack let the fire go out to go hunting.Although hunting is not necessarily barbaric or a loss of civilization, it is still what leads up to the loss of civilization. When Ralph realizes the power of the fire going, all hopes in contacting civilization outside are shattered. The fire is their only chance of survival and if it goes out, their destined to stay on the island forever. As long as the fire is well maintained, the boys show a desire to return to their civilization, but when the fire burns low or goes out, the boys lose sight of their wish

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Concealed and Confessed Guilt in The Scarlet Letter and...

Two classical themes in literature are concealed guilt and confessed guilt and in many instances the reader sees the affects of these on individuals. In the examination and exploration of The Scarlet Letter and Macbeth the necessary comparison for both is provided. The guilt in The Scarlet Letter is seen in the minds and outward appearance of each main character, Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale. In Macbeth the readers sees an obvious guilt in the main character, Macbeth. When one does wrong, the common reaction is to hide it and pretend as if nothing happened. Because of the human conscience it is difficult to completely forget about a wrongdoing. Through our conscience guilt is built up and eventually that guilt shatters enough†¦show more content†¦Dimmesdale has a largely different approach to dealing with his sin. Arthur Dimmesdale handles his terrible guilt by concealing it to himself. To overcome it he would whip himself, and take long walks into the forest. Dimmesdale’s act of concealing his guilt shows that he is not brave enough to tell all and there for he must live fearfully and cowardly. This guilt he has chose to endure is much worse than any shame he would have felt had he just confessed his sin of adultery with Hester. Since he was a moral leader in his town he felt an obligation to keep it a secret but like in many cases where guilt is concealed, the sinner eventually reasons enough to confess. Dimmesdale does the same and confesses his sin to the townspeople. â€Å"He longed to speak out from his own pulpit, at the full height of his voice, and tell his people who he was.† Macbeth’s guilt is similar to the guilt Dimmesdale feels, but not replicated. They both begin to go mad when the sin begins to tear the mind apart. Macbeth begins hearing things as soon as the murder is completed. Macbeth is clearly influenced by Lady Macbeth who helps bring on much of his guilt. Lady Macbeth helps him to side with her in the killing of Duncan, which makes it easier for Macbeth to kill the king, despite his reservations, Macbeth sees Banquos ghost at the banquet table and he has an episode of