Monday, September 30, 2019

Advantages and Disadvantages of Being an Actuary Essay

Introduction I. Good afternoon to Ms. Parimala and my fellow classmates. II. The topic of my presentation today is Advantages and Disadvantages of Being an Actuary. What is an actuary? Experts in risk management Uses mathematical skills to measure probability and rise of future event Useful information to many industries III. The advantages of being an actuary are  High earning potential Corporate respect received IV. However, the disadvantages are Examination requirements for advancement Stressful and hard work Content A. Advantages a. High earning potential Actuaries makes incomes well above average Entry level work commonly pays between $45000 and $55000 Median annual salary for an actuary was $87600 according to Bureau of Labor Statistics Actuaries are well compensated, which vary significantly according to years of experience, industry and responsibilities Refer to the salary chart, experienced fellows with 10 years experiences have potential to earn from $130000 to $500000 b. Corporate respect Actuaries earns wide respect in the business and financial community Actuaries often command a good degree of respect from fellow co-workers Actuaries are given authority within a company and corporate environment Actuaries deals with high-level strategic decisions which can have a positive impact on legislation and businesses B. Disadvantages c. Examination requirements for advancement It is a long and hard process to be a qualified actuary, on average of 5 to  10 years Besides the degree program they had completed in university, they need to pass all the professionals SOA exam papers Upon graduation, there will still be hundreds of hours of study and revisions all the while still having to go to work d. Stressful and hard work Daily routine of an actuary can be a rather stressful ordeal, being dealt with numerous tasks of analyzing statistical data Presenting reports and explaining their implications to managers and directors within specific deadlines Considering the risk of financial decisions for employers is some level of stress Continuous of stress can rather be tedious, feel meaningless and pretty boring Conclusion I. In conclusion, I would like to end my presentation by saying II. Summary of main points a) Advantages High earning potential Gain in corporate respect b) Disadvantages Examination requirements for advancement Stressful and hard work III. Q & A

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Abrahamic Religions

Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are all very closely unified as Abrahamic religions because they share a multitude of common beliefs and thoughts. Hinduism, on the other hand is almost complete opposite of these religions. The extreme differences within these religions has seemed to cause problems between them throughout history. Hinduism is considered to be an Eastern religion while Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are considered Western. (Lafave,2004. Location, leaders, religious practices, and political issues are just a few aspects that bring them to differentiating opinions. The Abrahamic religions have many shared ideas and thoughts in relation to life and the driving force of the universe. Jews ,Christians, & Muslims all agree upon the notion that there is only one creator of all of humanity. They are all monotheistic religions and they rely on holy scriptures as a life guided tool. The Christians use the Holy Bible, Islams refer to the Qu’ran, while Jews refer mostly to the Torah.All believe that the human body is only a temporary state and that if the soul is a deemed a good one by following God’s plan then it goes on to live eternally in heaven with Jesus or the equivalent. If the soul judged by God is unworthy, then it must live in hell with the devil. Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike all believe in a coming of the Messiah, though at different times. Another shared belief is that GOD is a merciful God and must be respected and given praise accordingly.He will forgive the sins of the people by repentance and one must live their life according to his teachings. These beliefs are just the tip of the iceberg when talking about similarities between the Abrahamic religions. Hinduism is an almost complete opposite of the Abrahamic religions. Hindus have no substantial founder of the religion nor do they only worship just one God, but different Gods and Goddesses and manifestations or aspects of the Supreme God. Hinduism is considered a pol ytheistic religion.The life guided scriptures used by them is the Vedas which are considered the oldest and most sacred religious texts. Hinduism beliefs consider karma to determine one’s life path for the future in the cycle of reincarnation. Karma is considered to be the universal law of cause and effect. They consider life to be a continuous cycle and the end goal for them is to be released from life by â€Å"learning the true illusions of life and achieve unity with the Brahman†. â€Å"Individuals may find release from life by devotion to one or more of the Indian Gods. (Hopfe &Woodward,2009. p. 98)Hinduism has grown to become the world’s third largest religion. Places of worship include temples and home shrines. Brahman is the unifying principle and Supreme Reality behind all existance though is rarely worshipped. Brahma is the most widely known and is the recognized one as Creator of the world. The similarities that are shared by these religions are very few and many conflicts have actually risen from differences in views of the world.In modern civilation in these days and times, I believe in unity of all religions. If the whole world could all come to a common point of understanding, there would be less need for war and misunderstanding of humanity. Even though these religions are deemed so different, I believe there is a unifying force that helped create them all.References Hopfe, L. & Woodward, M. , (2009). Religions of the World,11th ed. Lafave, S. , Retrieved January 2004 from http://instruct. westvalley. edu/lafave/east_west. html

Saturday, September 28, 2019

How Can Civic Education Enhances Civil Society Essay

Civic education is very essential to each and every citizen in a civil society. Therefore it must be noticeable. Civic education contributes to the well-being of society. This presentation is aimed at discussing how civic education can enhance civil society. The key concepts in this presentation are civic education and civil society. Therefore it is important to know the meaning of these two terms. Civic education is the field of study dealing with rights and responsibilities of citizenship as well as the responsibilities of the government. It deals with the commitment, assumptions, values and challenges of the national and civil society at large (Mwaipaya 1980). A Civil society is a public place between the states the market and the ordinary household, in which people debate and tackles action. Civic education enhances civil society in many ways, as one of the components is civic knowledge which it imparts in the citizen of the civil society. If the civil society are aware of their rights and if they know what to do it is very easy for them to participate in various activities of the civil society. Civic education imparts knowledge on democracy among the citizen of the civil society; democracy simply means a dialogue, a discussion, and a deliberative process in which citizen engage themselves in question about civic knowledge like what are the foundation of that particular civil society, and if the civil society will have knowledge on democracy issues it will improve. Hence this knowledge about democracy can only be imparted to the civil society through civic education and by doing so it is enhancing the needs of a civil society (Brookers etal 1980). Civic education also enhances civil society in terms of democracy because it is through civic education that we know and explain to others on how democracy acts and depends on certain basic values like respect for individual, the right to participate in the implementation of politics and development programmes, therefore if people in a civil society have knowledge about these rights and responsibilities, the civil society will be improved. Civic education can enhance the civil society because of its civic skills, if citizens are able to exercise their rights and discharge their responsibilities as members of self-governing communities, they are only need to acquire relevant intellectual and participatory skills, when we say intellectual skills these are essential for informed, effective and inseparable citizen from content, to be able to think critically about contemporary relevance as well as command of a set of an intellectual tools or considerations useful in dealing with such an issue. Hence if the society will have civic skills it will automatically be enhanced and there will be quick development in that particular civil society (Z.C.E.A, 2004). Another intellectual skill which good civic education fosters is that of describing. The ability to describe functions and processes such as legislative checks and balances or judicial review is indicative of understanding, describing trends like participation in civil lif e, immigration or employment helps the citizens fit current events into longer term pattern (Patterson, 2001). Civic education seeks to develop competence in explaining and analyzing issues, if citizen can explain how something should work, they will be able to analyze things as the components and consequences of ideals, social, political or economic processes and institutions. The ability to analyze enables one to distinguish between facts and opinion or between means and ends. It also helps the citizen to clarify responsibilities such as those between personal and public responsibilities or those between elected or appointed officials and citizens, therefore this can only happens if people in a civil society have civil skills and by having these skills in a civil society means that civic education is doing its job of enhancing the civil society (African Development Bank Achieving Millennium Development Goals in Global poverty, 2002). Furthermore, civic education enhances civil society through the component of civic skills, in such a way that education for citizenship in a democratic society focuses on civic skills that are required for informed, effective and responsible participation in the political process and in civil society, those skills can be categorized as interacting, monitoring and influencing. Interacting pertains to the skills citizen need to communicate and to work cooperatively with others. To interact is to be responsive to one’s fellow citizens, to interact is to question, to answer and to deliberate with civility, therefore if people be able to interact and question others toward certain common good the civil society will be enhanced. Monitoring politics and government simply refers to the skills citizens need to track the handling of issues by the political process and by the government. Monitoring also means the exercising of over sight functions on the part of citizens. Finally the participatory skill of influencing refers to the capacity to affect the process of politics and governance, both the formal processes of governance in the community (Mwaipaya, 1986). Civic education can improve and enhance our civil society through the component of civic dispositions essential traits of private and public character. This is important to the maintenance and improvement of constitutional democracy. Civic dispositions, like civic skills, develop slowly overtime and as a result of what one learns and experience in the home, school and organizations of civil society. These experiences should engender understanding that democracy requires the responsible self -governance of each individual worth and their dignity. One cannot exist without the other. Traits of private character such as moral responsibility, self -discipline and respect for the worth and human dignity of every individuals are no less consequential. Such traits as public spiritedness, civility, and respect for the rule of law, critical mindedness to listen, negotiate and compromise are indispensible to democracy success (Patterson, 2001). Civic education can enhance civil society due to civic dispositions that contribute to the political efficiency of the individual, the healthy functioning of the political system, a sense of dignity and worthy as well as the common good were identified in national standards for civics and government. In the interest of brevity, these dispositions are private and public character might be described as becoming an independent member of the society, assuming the personal, political and economic responsibilities of a citizen, respecting individual worth and human dignity (respecting others and listen to their opinions). Also participating in civil affairs in a thoughtful and effective manner as well as promoting the healthy functioning of constitutional democracy (Todaro etal 2009) Therefore, it can be noted that civic dispositions as a component or the habits of the heart , the traits of the public and private character that under-greed democracy are in the long run, probably of more consequence than the knowledge or skills a citizen may command (Z.C.E.A, 2004). In conclusion, civil society can be enhanced by civic education through its components (civic knowledge, civic skills and civic dispositions). Civic education is therefore very important to the lives of citizens in a civil society and it must be noticeable.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Messiah Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Messiah - Essay Example There is also the idea of a new Moses found in Deuteronomy, a relatively early work. In Deuteronomy 18 v 15 he tells the Israelites â€Å"The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him.’ Earlier in the scriptures , as far as the arrangement of the Hebrew scriptures is concerned, we have the idea of the messiah as a saviour in Genesis 3 v 15 , where God tells the serpent that the messiah will be a human. In Psalm 2 v 7 we are told however that he will be the Son of God. Christians believe that these apparently ideas were reconciled in the person of Jesus of Nazereth, Jesus Christ, as shown in passages such as Matthew 3 v 17 when God himself declares â€Å"This is my son† a fact declared even by unclean spirits ( Mark 3 v 11) when they cry out to Jesus â€Å"You are the Son of God.† There was also the idea that this messiah would be a sacrifice for the sins of the people, a sacrificial lamb, as in Isaiah 53 v 7. John the Baptist echoes this when he points out Jesus to the crowds near the Jordon â€Å"Look the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.† ( John 1 v 29, Bible , N.I.V.). Right at the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry we read (John 1 v 41, New International Version) :- The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, â€Å"We have found the Messiah† (That is the Christ). Andrew is referring to a long cherished hope for a Messiah, often, but not always thought of as a king in the line of David. Matthew (1 v 1 ) gives the genealogy of Jesus, whom he calls the Christ, and this is traced back through David. As we have already considered there were a number of ideas at the time in... The paper describes some ideas of "messiah" that lived and live nowadays and different points of view by various nations. The idea of a saviour who was also a king is clearly shown in Isaiah, which begins â€Å"See, a king will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice.† So the idea of a restored kingship was strongly linked with the restoration of the nation. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church the Spirit of God was at work preparing for the coming of the promised Messiah, during the time covered by the Old Testament period. This it says means that when the church reads the Old Testament Scriptures it should search through it to see what the Spirit is telling us about Christ, who will be â€Å"The consolation of Israel† and the â€Å"Redemption of Jerusalem†.It is believed that these ideas are based upon passages such as Isaiah â€Å"The Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.† Isaiah describes the kind of person this messiah would be, one with the Spirit of the Lord resting upon him. Jesus would later echo this when he stated â€Å"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me†. It is claimed that God speaks in â€Å"the language of promise†. Early Christians see him as priest. This idea is perpetuated in Catholic thought and practice in the idea of the priests as being ‘in persona Christi’. This is said to mean that at ordination, in some mystical way, an ordinary person becomes empowered to do what Christ did , that is to change ordinary bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Consumer behavior - marketing strategy Term Paper

Consumer behavior - marketing strategy - Term Paper Example Some of the major factors, which influence consumers’ decision regarding purchase of a product, include price of the product, quality of the product, self-image, cultural factors, and social pressure. â€Å"Consumer behavior is deeply influenced by cultural factors such as: buyer culture, subculture, and social class† (Shah). Analysis of consumer behavior is very important for the managers because it helps them develop marketing strategies in accordance with the mindset of the consumers. Strategic Marketing Planning Masters states, â€Å"Strategic marketing is a consumer-based approach to product promotion that identifies market segments and attempts to make them more profitable by providing superior value†. Strategic marketing is the type of marketing which managers use to create such plans for the company, which should not only motivate consumers to buy the products of the company but also should increase the productivity and profitability of the company. Produ ctivity depends on the satisfaction and retention of customers of the company. When the customers will be satisfied from the products of the company, they will work as a source to attract more customers for the company and as a result, the productivity and the profitability of the company will increase. ... All of these methods have a significant importance in marketing of a company’s products. These methods really prove to be successful for the companies to make consumers buy their products. Perner states, â€Å"The study of consumers helps firms and organizations improve their marketing strategies†. Strategic marketing is the powerful force, which drives an organization towards achievement of desired goals and objectives regarding any innovation. A company should typically create and develop a well-written strategic marketing plan, which should be able to promote the innovative products of any organization. The main purpose of designing and implementing an appropriate strategic marketing plan encompasses two basic motives. First motive is to attract consumers towards the product whereas the second motive is to increase the productivity of the company. If a company becomes able to attract the customers in a competitive market through suitable and effective marketing techn iques, its success and competitive edge in the market can really be guaranteed. Achieving market supremacy is the mission of most of the manufacturing companies and this mission can only be achieved through developing and launching such marketing campaigns strategies, which are able to reach a large number of consumers. Market supremacy can be achieved when a company uses such modes of marketing, which make use of latest technologies like internet, emails, television adds, and other stuff like that. When the managers of a company want to create a strategic marketing plan for a new product, they consult the plan with different departments, such as, sales, administration, and operation for of identification of marketing goals. It is the role

Leith Agency Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Leith Agency - Case Study Example This is clearly evident in the Tennents Lager, a beer brand in Scotland, wherein it had good market share with one out of four pints consumed, but it wasn't popular among younger population. The question why younger lots were not drinking the Tennents Lager was a critical incident and the challenge was to make them believe that it was their brand (Lieth Agency case study). Lieth Agency can identify the critical incidents in the similar manner by analyzing the product and its marketability as in the above mentioned case. It is necessary to assess customer satisfaction as it is the best lead indicator of future loyalty as mentioned by Hill et al (2003:3). It is further stated that customer satisfaction will enable to know whether their expectations have been met, identify priorities for improvement for customer satisfaction and set goals for service improvement and monitor progress against a customer satisfaction index. Customer satisfaction is measure of how your organizations "total product" performs in relation to a set of customer requirements. (Hill et al, 2003:6). Similarly Vavra (1997:3) states that customer satisfaction measurement is formalized, objective tool for assessing how a business treats its clients and employees as well who testify that an organization is quality oriented. In regard to Leith Agency, the company can assess its customer satisfaction through product survey and its improvement index in terms of sales and its market share after the campaign. This will give an insight int o the effect of advertising campaign on the particular product which will in turn help in assessing the customer satisfaction. Merits of Servicescape Framework The concept of a servicescape developed by Booms and Bitner emphasizes the impact of the physical environment in which a service process takes place (Ghanghas,M n.d) wherein it plays an important role, both negative and positive, in customer's impression formation (Lin, 2004:163-178). According to Lin (2004), servicescapes are an important tangible component of the service product that provide clues to customers and create an immediate perpetual image in customers' minds. At Leith Agency, customers can encounter interpersonal servicescape as the company has to provide few ideas and samples of the ad campaign, discuss the changes required and then strike a deal while completing talks in financial matters. The framework plays important roles as package, wherein the customer is allowed to see a sample of their product or what they are going to get, so that client gets what he wants; facilitator, providing equal opportunities for both customers and service employees; socializer, providing cordial and friendly atmosphere to the customers in the office and differentiator, wherein the appearance and ambience of the workplace leaves an overall impression on the customers and provides pleasant atmosphere for its employees to work (Ghanghas, M, n.d).. The merits of servicescapes as mentioned above like package, facilitator, socialzer and differentiator will be helpful to the agency in developing a cordial atmosphere among its employees and making it stand apart from its competitors. Moreover, a difference in the type of working and ambience is itself a creative thinking which may entice the existing and future customers. References 1. CALT Learning (2007)

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Discuss the assoiated risks and benefits fo this context Essay

Discuss the assoiated risks and benefits fo this context - Essay Example This application allowed the sending and receiving of digital messages through a computer network. Each social networking site offers unique features. The social networking concept did not become popular until the year 2003 when social networking websites like Friendster, LinkedIn and MySpace were launched. In the year 2004, Facebook was launched but with certain restrictions. Facebook was accessible only to the college students until the year 2006 (Shih 2009). These social communities are built on the features of Web 2.0 technology; a platform for social website which allows group of web applications to provide ideological and technological basis for social networking websites and allows the web to exchange and design the user-generated content. Social networking websites are very informative and also help in finding locations of shops, restaurants, universities, banks etc. These websites facilitate communications between friends and relatives and help in improving the creativity sk ills of an individual by sharing opinions, stories, pictures and music. Social networking websites have benefitted teenagers, youth, school children and the business enterprises. It has transformed the process of communication. Social networking websites has become very mobile and can be accessed through gadgets like cellular phones, tablets etc. The use of social networking websites increased with the innovation of gadgets. Access of these websites from the cellular phone unlocks the full potential of social network and makes it more convenient for people to use them. Since it is more convenient to access through cellular phones and other gadgets, the number of users of cellular phones and social networking has increased significantly. Let us discuss the benefits associated with the usage of social networking websites: 1. The social networking websites helps in sharing of knowledge and spreading of information more than any other

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

The Effect of Globalization on Anthropology Essay

The Effect of Globalization on Anthropology - Essay Example This research tells that globalization has been characterized by rapid technological developments (especially in telecommunications and the development of the Internet) that have made it less difficult for people around the world to travel, communicate and conduct business dealings on the global basis. Technology is transforming the world. The market for telecommunications has crossed the $ 1 trillion mark, highlighted by the United States’ $ 150 billion in Latin America. Spurred on by two giant pro-globalization organizations, The World Trade Organization and the World Economic Forum, globalization is becoming a more and more common characteristic of world economics. The effect of Globalization on all areas scrutinized by anthropology, such as lifestyles, religion, language and every other component of culture, has been so profound that, for the very first time in world history, every person in every level of society can observe and experience the strong effect of internation al changes in every walk of life (such as the audio-visual impact of their media, the availability of new and exotic meals, and the revolutionary change in the wide variety of products available for purchase). Perhaps the greatest effect has been the emergence of a global labor pool that is estimated to take in nearly 2 billion workers from developing countries during the next 10 years. Every person in the world today has been touched by globalization – he or she may stand to benefit from it, or may be endangered by it. Globalization does not involve a uniform, even natured characteristic. The U.S, in its role as the â€Å"indispensable nation† in the management of world affairs, and the foremost producer of information products, is the undisputed leader of the globalization process. Some countries (the U.S and Europe) have emerged as bigger players than the others, while poor countries gain very little from it. Globalization demonstrates the Darwinian theory of  "survival of the fittest† whereby powerful countries will survive ‘naturally’ because they are fated to survive, while weak countries are looked upon as undesirable and therefore destined to be separated because of being unable to satisfactorily perform as nation-states.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Emerson Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Emerson - Essay Example Emerson, a former preacher forced from his church for preaching his own radical ideas on Christianity, uses strong arguments to try and get us to understand his individual philosophical perspective. Emerson tries to be the embodiment of every man not merely the writer/intellectual. He seeks affinity with all men striving for individuality, especially those disillusioned with society's constraints. Just because not conforming to the expectations of society was a compelling discovery for Emerson, one hundred and fifty years ago, today it is unlikely to rally the same enthusiasm Emerson had then. Especially when Emerson exhorts: "Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist. He who would gather immortal palms must not be hindered by the name of goodness, but must explore if it be goodness. Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind. Absolve you to yourself, and you shall have the suffrage of the world." (Emerson, pg. 876) Have we found that power to trust ourselves "And we are now men, and must accept in the highest mind the same transcendent destiny; and not minors and invalids in a protected corner, not cowards fleeing before a revolution, but guides, redeemers and benefactors, obeying the Almighty effort and advancing on Chaos and the Dark" (Emerson, pg. 875) "Self-Reliance" expressed the need for creative ... The quote "To be great is to be misunderstood" (Emerson, pg. 879) exemplified those who shunned ideas regarding new thought and theory during his time. Today's era echo's a different chord. We constantly thrive on the newest and latest in writing, music, television and video games. We are easily bored with things unimaginative, over used and over-romanticized. Entertainment has become very individualized. As for self-sufficiency, what kid attending his first day of school isn't already inundated with the prospect of being programmed to become self-reliant If a child appears too dependant early on, parent-teacher conferences are soon in order to correct the problem. Independence is revered; free spiritedness that creates chaos is frowned upon, in classrooms and in society. Emerson muses: "What I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think. This rule, equally arduous in actual and in intellectual life, may serve for the whole distinction between greatness and meanness. It is the harder, because you will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than you know it. It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude." (Emerson, pg. 877) Again, Emerson's romantic notion of the free thinker on his mountain top living by his own set of values and beliefs is not a new concept today. Our society freely condones creative thinking as long as it doesn't infringe upon the rights and freedoms of others. We've gone full-circle in terms of expressing individuality and freedom. Our freedom

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Adlerian Group Therapy Essay Example for Free

Adlerian Group Therapy Essay According to Glanz and Hayes (1967) Group Counseling and group terapy are almost contradictory concepts to he individual not familiar with the detailed practices present and groups, counceling, and therapy. multiple counseling, group guidance, and the lmost interchangeble use of counseling and psychotherapy have added to the uncertainty of the dimensions and true nature of these new concepts. Adlerian in Group Counseling According to Corey (202) Adler was a politically and socially oriented psychiatrist who showed great concern for the common person. Indeed, many of his early clients were working-class people who struggled to make a living, raise and educate their children, and make a difference in society. Part of Adler’s mission was to bring psychological understanding to the general population and to translate psychological concepts into practical methods for helping a varied population meet the challenges of everyday life. Alfred Adler made signifi cant contributions to contemporary therapeutic practice. Adler believed in the social nature of human beings, and he was interested in working with clients in a group context. He established more than 30 child guidance clinics in which he pioneered live demonstrations by interviewing children, adults, teachers, and parents in front of community groups. He was the fi rst psychiatrist to use group methods in a systematic way in child guidance centers in the 1920s in Vienna. To fully appreciate the development of the practice of Adlerian psychology, one must recognize the contributions of Rudolf Dreikurs, who was largely responsible for extending and popularizing Adler’s work and transplanting Adler’s ideas to the United States. He did a great deal to translate Adlerian principles into the practice of group psychotherapy, and he used group psychotherapy in his private practice for more than 40 years (see Dreikurs, 1960, 1967, 1997). Dreikurs developed and refi ned Adler’s concepts into a clear-cut, teachable system with practical applications for family life, education, preventive mental health, and, especially, group psychotherapy (Terne r Pew, 1978). Dreikurs was a key fi gure in developing the Adlerian family education centers in the United States. Work with children and their parents in a group setting paved the way for Dreikurs’s pioneering group psychotherapy.It is believed that Dreikurs was the fi rst person to use group therapy in a private practice. Adlerian interventions have been widely applied to diverse client populations of all ages in many different settings. Adlerian group therapy is an integration of key concepts of Adlerian psychology with socially constructed, systemic, and brief approaches based on the holistic model developed by Dreikurs (Sonstegard Bitter, 2004). Objectives of Adlerian Group Therapy  ·Establishing and maintaining an emphatic relationship between clients and counselor that is based on mutual trust and respect and in which the client feels understood and accepted by the group.  ·Providing a therapeutic climate in which clients can come to understand their basics beliefs and feelings about themselves and discover why those beliefs are faulty.  ·helping clients develop insight into their mistaken goals and self-defeating behaviors through a process of confrontatio and interpretation.  ·assisting clients in discovering alternatives and encouraging them to make choices that is, put insights into action.  ·Group provides a mirror of persons behavior.  ·Group members both recieve and give help. Techniques THE FAMILY CONSTELLATION Adler considered the family of origin as having a central impact on an individual’s personality. Adler suggested that it was through the family constellation that each person forms his or her unique view of self, others, and life. Factors such as cultural and familial values, gender-role expectations, and the nature of interpersonal relationships are all infl uenced by a child’s observation of the interactional patterns within the family. Adlerian assessment relies heavily on an exploration of the client’s family constellation, including the client’s evaluation of conditions that prevailed in the family when the person was a young child (family atmosphere), birth order, parental relationship and family values, and extended family and culture. EARLY RECOLLECTIONS As you will recall, another assessment procedure used by Adlerians is to ask the client to provide his or her earliest memories, including the age of the person at the time of the remembered events and the feelings or reactions associated with the recollections. Early recollections are one-time occurrences pictured by the client in clear detail. Adler reasoned that out of the millions of early memories we might have we select those special memories that project the essential convictions and even the basic mistakes of our lives. Early recollections are a series of small mysteries that can be woven together and provide a tapestry that leads to an understanding of how we view ourselves, how we see the world, what our life goals are, what motivates us, what we value and believe in, and what we anticipate for our future (Clark, 2002; Mosak Di Pietro, 2006). BIRTH OEDER AND SIBLING RELATIONSHIP The Adlerian approach is unique in giving special attention to the relationships between siblings and the psychological birth position in one’s family. Adler identified five psychological positions, or vantage points, from which children tend to view life: oldest, second of only two, middle, youngest, and only. Stages of the Alerian Group Therapy STAGE 1: ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAININGCOHESIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH MEMBERS In the initial stage the emphasis is on establishing a good therapeutic relationship based on cooperation, collaboration, egalitarianism, and mutual respect. By attending to the relationship from the first session, counselors are laying a foundation for cohesive ness and connection. Adlerians hold that the successful outcomes of the other group stages are based on establishing and maintaining a strong therapeutic relationship at the initial stage of counseling (Watts Eckstein, 2009). Group participants are encouraged to be active in the process because they are responsible for their own participation in the group. The group situation provides sample opportunity to work on trust issues and to strengthen the relationship between member and leader. Also, by witnessing positive changes in peers, participants can see how well the group works. STAGE 2: ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT (EXPLORING THE INDIVIDUAL’S DYNAMICS) The aim of the second stage is twofold: understanding one’s lifestyle and seeing how it is affecting one’s current functioning in all the tasks of life (Mosak Maniacci, 2011). During this assessment stage, emphasis is on the individual in his or her social and cultural context. Adlerians do not try to fi t clients into a preconceived model; rather, they allow salient cultural identity concepts to emerge and attend to a clients’ personal meaning of culture (Carlson Englar-Carlson, 2008). The leader may begin by exploring how the participants are functioning at work and in social situations and how they feel about themselves and their gender-role identities. STAGE 3: AWARENESS AND INSIGHT Whereas the classical analytic position is that personality cannot change unless there is insight, the Adlerian view is that insight is a special form of awareness that facilitates a meaningful understanding within the counseling relationship and acts as a foundation for change. Yet this awareness is not, in and of itself, enough to bring about signifi cant change. It is a means to an end, not an end in itself. According to Carlson and Englar-Carlson (2008), the Adlerian approach is both insight oriented and action oriented. Although insight into our problems can be useful, it is essential that this awareness leads to constructive movement toward desired goals. It is to be noted that people can make abrupt and signifi cant changes without much insight. STAGE 4: REORIENTATION AND REEDUCATION The end product of the group process is reorientation and reeducation. The reorientation stage consists of both the group leaders and the members working together to challenge erroneous beliefs about self, life, and others. The emphasis is on considering alternative beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes. During this stage, members put insight into action, making new choices that are more consistent with their desired goals (Carlson Englar-Carlson, 2008). There is a change in members’ attitudes toward their current life situation and the problems they need to solve. This reorientation is an educational experience. Adlerian groups are characterized by an attempt to reorient faulty living patterns and teach a better understanding of the principles that result in cooperative interaction (Sonstegard Bitter, 2004). One of the aims is teaching participants how to become more effective in dealing with the tasks of life. Another aim is challenging and encouraging clients to take risks an d make changes. References: Corey, G. (2012), Theories And Practice of Group Couneling Eight edition. United States, 2008 Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning. Corey, G. (2009), Theories And Practice of Counseling and Psychoterapy. United States, 2005 Thomson Brooks/Cole.z

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Diageo Marketing Strategy

Diageo Marketing Strategy Introduction Diageo began as a world leader in branded foods and drinks, formed in December 1997 through a merger of Guinness PLC and alcohol and Grand Metropolitan plc (The Gale Group Inc, 2006). In 2000 2002, a strategic decision by Diageo was made to exit the companys food interests by divesting its food companies and exclusively focusing on premium alcohol. A detailed history of Diageo plc up to and immediately after its creation is set out in Figure : Our Business Diageo History Family Tree Diageo is currently the worlds largest drinks company by volume, net sales and operating profit (Diageo PLC, 2012) with a large collection of brands which include spirits, beer and wine. There are currently 14 brands which Diageo identifies as global priority brands. These are: Johnnie Walker whisky Smirnoff vodka Crown Royal whisky Ciroc vodka JB whisky Ketel One vodka Windsor Captain Morgan rum Buchanans whiskey Jose Cuervo tequila Bushmills whiskey Tanqueray gin Guiness stout Baileys liqueur (Diageo PLC, 2008) Diageos Current Business Strategies Diageo owns seven of the worlds top 20 spirits brands. Diageos beer brands include the only global stout brand, Guinness, and together these beer brands account for approximately 20% of net sales while Diageos wine brands represent approximately 5% of Diageos net sales. This means that Diageos size provides for scale efficiencies in production, selling and marketing. This enables cost efficiencies and the dissemination of best practices in business operations across markets and brands allowing Diageo to serve its customers and consumers better. From 2005 to the end of financial year 2011 (ending 30 June 2011), Diageo managed its operations by four regions: Europe, North America, International and Asia Pacific. In financial year 2012 (FY 2012) the International region was split into Africa and Latin America sections, producing five geographical regions globally. This general structure brought about good results. Analysis of Diageos annual reports from 2007 to 2012 shows that gross sales rose from  £ 9,704,000 to  £14,594,000, an annual average increase of 7%. Due to the level of continued change in global markets and the requisite innovation necessary, it has Diageo completed an operating review in 2011 which recommended changes in structure and focus, and this resulted in a net movement of personnel from developed market regions to emerging market regions. The changes are expected to be fully implemented by 30 June 2013 (Diageo PLC, 2011) (Diageo PLC, 2012) . This restructuring should allow Diageo to improve its effectiveness and the productivity of its operations and to position resources nearer to the market and to the geographical regions where there is a great potential for growth. Read through and differentiate the different strategies under headings .i.e. Business strategy- Generic strategies (Diageo uses focused and differentiation) and Interactive strategies. Put everything under headings Competitive Strategies (Johnson, Whittington, Scholes, 2011, p. 199) define competitive strategy as being concerned with how a strategic business unit achieves competitive advantage in its domain of activity. Therefore a Strategic Business Unit (SBU) creates competitive advantage when it creates value for its users where the cost effectiveness of supplying it is superior to that of rival SBUs. (Johnson, Whittington, Scholes, 2011) further add that Porter defines three generic strategies which create competitive advantage for a company are; differentiation, cost leadership and focus strategies. This report has seen that Diageo uses both Focused and Differentiation strategies when pushing its products to its target market. This is because Diageo focuses on premium liquor that is targeted to a particular market. Tools: advertising (localisation), vertical integration, premiumisation, seasonal pricing strategy, first-mover advantage, employee training SABMiller. Diageos strategy is to drive top line growth and margin improvement in a sustainable and responsible way, to deliver consistent value creation for shareholders over the long term. It will do this through its geographic breadth, its outstanding brands across beverage alcohol categories and the expertise of its people. (Diageo PLC, 2012). Production and supply Diageos supply organization is responsible for producing, distilling, brewing, bottling, packaging and distributing its brands. It is committed to efficient, sustainable production. Diageo has created a competitive advantage in both its cost base and in the first class customer service it delivers. Investment in production facilities is focused on building capacity for the production of scotch, beer and rum, with both high speed and high volume, cost efficient production lines and with flexible production facilities to create an industry leading supply chain for innovation, especially in luxury products. The business recognizes that it operates in a world where natural resources are limited. Diageo has set itself challenging environmental targets covering water efficiency; increasing use of sustainable packaging and reduction in pollution, carbon emissions and waste-to landfill (Diageo PLC, 2012). Differentiation strategy Products For a company to use this strategy it should prove unique products for which their customers will be prepared to pay a premium price. This is seen in Diageos recent launches which focused on the consumers wish for luxury, the tastes and increasing affluence of the emerging middle class consumer which ultimately increased the accessibility of spirits through flavor extensions and packaging and drink formats (Diageo PLC, 2012). Premiumisation [jubilee scotch] innovation around RTD products, adult progressive drinks. Customer care and Retention When it comes to customer care and sale of its products, Diageo works in collaboration with its customers to drive profitable category growth, by building partnerships with retailers and on-premise customers. The Diageo Way of Selling program equips both Diageo and its customers with the tools to be the best sales force in the industry and to create commercial and strategic value for all parties. The European Customer Collaboration Centre provides a state of the art facility to bring consumer, shopper, retailer and distributor insights together to facilitate integrated planning with customers. These tools enable Diageo to realize its ambition to become an indispensable business partner to its customers (Diageo PLC, 2012). This means that when the customers go to buy their products its a fulfilling experience and they get all their questions or suggestions met and this works well with Diageo as they use this as feedback. Environmental and socially responsible Diageo being the socially and environmental responsible company, it has a history of being a sustainable and responsible company dating from Arthur Guinness who was responsible for philanthropic community programs and through the 1930s when its predecessor companies marketed their brands in a responsible manner. Diageo understands the social, environmental and economic impact of its activities and has adopted a structured approach to manage these impacts, to build engagement across stakeholders, to create value, especially in emerging markets; and to protect Diageos license to operate (Diageo PLC, 2012). Balance of alcohol in the community (Diageo PLC, 2012) states that the company is not all about profits and losses, it ensures that even the employees are proud of the responsible manner in which its brands are marketed and the role that moderate consumption of its brands can play as part of the balanced lifestyle for millions of people. Diageo seeks to be at the forefront of industry efforts to promote responsible drinking and works with key stakeholders to combat alcohol misuse. Eco-friendly technology Diageos production teams have created award winning technologies to meet these targets with the aim of reducing Diageos environmental footprint, delivering business efficiencies and securing supply into the future. Diageo is committed to generating prosperity in the communities in which it operates, especially in the emerging markets by integrating its supply chain into the local community and via direct community initiatives such as Learning for Life and Water of Life (Diageo PLC, 2012). Development of the workforce Diageo believes that industry leading performance will be delivered through a talented and diverse workforce and great leadership. The company has active programs that ensure the development of its management and leaders. Great leadership combined with a culture of good governance and ethics protects Diageos reputation and supports the sustainable efficient growth of the business (Diageo PLC, 2012). Focus Strategy (Johnson, Whittington, Scholes, 2011) state that focus strategy focuses on a particular segment of market and modifies its products and services to fulfill the needs of that exact segment while excluding others. In terms of relationships with distributors and suppliers Diageo has strong routes to market which leverage local expertise. In the United States Diageo is required by law to operate via a three-tier distribution system which separates suppliers, distributors and retailers. Diageo works with distributors who provide a substantial dedicated sales team of over 2,900 people. Outside of the United States Diageo owns and controls the route to market in many markets, and where Diageo has not established its own subsidiary, the route to market is through joint ventures, associates and third party distributors (Diageo PLC, 2012). This kind of command on distributorship and supply is why Diageo is known for its quality products and this ensures customers get what they pay for. The Strategy process Intended Strategy Development Strategic Leadership: the role of vision and command In 2000, the newly appointed CEO of Diageo, Paul Walsh, embarked on a strategic review of all operations and was determined to recreate Diageo as the worlds leading premium drinks business (Davidson, 2004). By selling off the companys food concerns and concentrating on the marketing and innovation of its core premium drinks brands, Paul Walsh refocused and reenergized the company (Encyclopedia of Business, 2012). Walshs leadership gravitates towards the visionary style since it more closely follows one that motivates others, helps create the shared beliefs, and shapes more detailed strategy (Johnson, Whittington, Scholes, 2011, p. 400). Strategic Planning Four key pillars of the formulated strategic plans can be identified as: Promotion of the global strategic brands Vertical integration Cost reduction Acquisitions, mergers and divestments Exploring new territories Promotion of global strategic brands Strategic brands (formerly global priority brands) have always been a key pillar of its strategy. In 2007 there were eight of these Johnnie Walker whisky Smirnoff vodka JB whisky Captain Morgan rum Tanqueray gin Jose Cuervo tequila Guiness stout Baileys liqueur (Diageo PLC, 2007) These are brands which Diageo considers to have the greatest current and future earnings potential (Diageo PLC, 2007, p. 9). By 2012 the number of brands in this category had risen to 14 as set out in Table . Although the company was structured into four distinct geographical regions, the global priority brands took precedence over the regional divisions. ref Since the eight brands constituted the lions share of earnings, it was considered important to manage these products at the highest level. Growth strategy and promotion was engineered at the corporate level. However that did not mean that regional business units were spoon-fed material from corporate level. There was a great deal of localisation in promoting these products. An example of a major long-running campaign which has been progressively adapted to different regions is the Walk with Giants campaign which in FY 2012 featured the respected long distance Olympic champion Haile Gebrselassie in an Africa campaign. Vertical integration Diageo has taken considerable control of the supply chain, being involved in developing, brewing, distilling, bottling, packaging, distributing, and marketing. It has physical plant which covers the previously listed activities as well as specialised functions such as malting, packaging plants, vineyards, maturation warehouses, cooperages, distribution warehouses, and bottle manufacturers (Diageo PLC, 2007). In Kenya the process goes as far as involvement in the growing of input cereals to brewing ref. In the USA, total vertical integration is moderated by law, which states that there should be three levels of supply: manufacturing, distribution and retail. In that market therefore, Diageo works to identify solid partners in distribution, usually only one partner per state. Acquisitions, mergers and divestments Strategic acquisition and sale of unfocussed business units was in Diageos business genes, as it was formed from a succession of such moves. It has continued to be a key part of its growth. Since 2000 the organic growth of th Exploring new territories Although Diageo had possession of many of the worlds strongest liquor brands, and could have been satisfied with continuing to depend on this cash cow business, it has as a company been quite adventurous and curious in enacting a deliberate policy of exploring emerging markets. Part of Diageos growth strategy includes expanding its business in certain countries where consumer spending in general, and spending on Diageos products in particular, has not historically been as great but where there are prospects for growth (Diageo PLC, 2007, p. 17). This arm of the business was only delivering 20% of the revenue in 2007, despite representing considerable complexity in management. Emerging markets can be difficult to manage due to the relatively low purchasing power, poor infrastructure, and traditional local involvement in distribution channels. However this persistence has clearly paid off for the company. From a small but hopeful difference in growth compared to developed country market s in 2007, the emerging markets have increased in strength and importance, until in 2012 they represented 40% of revenue, which is expected to reach 50% by . Diageos strategy is to drive top line growth and margin improvement in a sustainable and responsible way, to deliver consistent value creation for shareholders over the long term. It will do this through its geographic breadth, its outstanding brands across beverage alcohol categories and the expertise of its people. (Diageo PLC, 2012) Emergent Strategy Development Logical incrementalism PESTEL reactions Advertising in US about spirits on TV product change Levels of distribution. 2008 credit crunch emerging market growth smarter at localised promotion? Diageo hiding behind EABL my country my beer. Managing Strategy Development [figure with the five regions and amended brand strategy] Reconfigured structure concentrating more on emerging markets. Overall growth highlighted graph showing growth. Evaluation of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Practices Diageo is always innovative and this is in its strategies all through the company. All the stakeholders know what is expected of them and there is always something new that Diageo is coming up with. Below are some of the new ideas that have been rocking Diageo: Innovation unlocks growth in developed markets. In Ireland, for example, we have introduced new dispense technology to bring perfect cocktails to bars which do not usually serve cocktails. Smirnoff Mojito is available in over 600 Irish outlets which are now selling a total of nearly 40,000 cocktails a week (Diageo, 2012). Diageo entered the Indian made foreign liquor segment (IMFL) with the launch of Rowsons Reserve, a premium IMFL whisky. It is a blend of selected premium Indian whiskies and reserve stocks of the finest aged Scotch whisky matured in American oak casks that are mellowed to give a rich smooth finish. It has a well-rounded and balance flavour profile, with a soft, lingering aftertaste. Its distinctly superior liquid and premium packaging allows it to stand out as a premium offering (Diageo, 2012). Smirnoff, the worlds number one vodka, revealed an exciting new flavour variant, exclusive to travel retail. Smirnoff Gold Collection with the luxury of gold in every drop is unique, cinnamon spiced vodka. Gold cues feature prominently in all executions and the gold etched bottle itself showcases a flurry of real, edible gold leaf flakes, magically suspended in this truly indulgent vodka (Diageo, 2012). Guinness Black Lager has the refreshing taste of lager, but all the character of Guinness which consumers love. We take immense pride in the quality of our product and ensured that we built on the Guinness legacy. The refreshing taste is locked in by the bespoke amber Guinness bottle. The contemporary packaging design combines premium, detailed silver and blue colour with hallmark symbols of Guinness brewing provenance and heritage (Diageo, 2012). This March saw the launch of Orijin, the latest drinks innovation from Guinness Cameroon. Perfect for all social occasions, this authentic ready to drink alcoholic beverage ,an alternative to beer, is made from a blend of traditional African herbs such as kola nuts, ginger and cloves, and sweet tropical fruits, giving it a refined, bitter-sweet and uplifting taste (Diageo, 2012). We need to offer more choices to female consumers. In Kenya, we launched Snapp. Women there told us they didnt like drinking beer, particularly in the on trade because both the packaging and the liquid were viewed as too masculine. Snapp is a premium, crisp apple tasting drink that provides women with a more stylish and sophisticated alternative to beer (Diageo, 2012). As a darker, spiced rum from Captain Morgan, Captain Morgan Black Spiced expands the brands footprint into the bolder, more masculine whiskey occasion. The brand honors the legend of the real Captain Morgan, whose spirit is said to still roam the waters of the Caribbean today. Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum is best enjoyed on the rocks, but is also delicious as the key ingredient in edgy, new twists on classic cocktails, such as Henry Morgans Old Fashioned (Diageo, 2012). The new frozen Ready to Serve pouch format from Parrot Bay offers consumers an easy and affordable way to enjoy the drinks they love. Parrot Bay frozen tropical drinks are your favourite tropical drinks perfectly mixed every time, available in Pià ±a Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri, and Mango Daiquiri. Just freeze, squeeze and enjoy (Diageo, 2012). Offering a credible, exciting new alternative to beer for British males, Jeremiah Weed Brews is a range of two products Mash and Root Brew. The combination of an authentic American brand, independent positioning, simple design and a unique jam jar serve over ice has helped deliver the masculine credibility of beer with an enjoyable taste. Jeremiah Weed has now been rolled out to 7,000 on trade outlets in Great Britain (Diageo, 2012). Harp Lime is Nigerias first flavoured beer. With a clean and crisp taste, and just a hint of lime, it is uniquely refreshing. Harp Lime has been well received, with distribution growing steadily, and the distinctive Harp Lime advertising impacting positively on the Harp Trademark equity. Harp Lime is available in both sleek 30cl bottles and cans (Diageo, 2012). The Tusker brand has been enjoyed in Kenya since 1922, and now new Tusker Lite keeps the brand innovative and relevant by addressing todays consumers balanced lifestyle choices with a refreshing low calorie beer. Tusker Lite is positioned within the same mainstream segment as the parent brand Tusker Lager (Diageo, 2012). This years Asian Festive season gifting design was inspired by the characteristic big, bold flavors of the Johnnie Walker brand. The packs were launched in stages, from India for Diwali and then across Asia Pacific for Chinese New Year. The eye-catching limited edition gift boxes boast a beautiful design that allows each variant to stand out on shelves, with impressive and refined packaging including an embossed box and gold foiling (Diageo, 2012).

Friday, September 20, 2019

A Study of Gladiator Essay -- Papers Film Cinematography Directing Ess

A Study of Gladiator This is a study of the 1999 box-office hit, Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe. In this article, I will be looking at camera shots, soundtrack, special effects and other things, that enhance the viewing of the film, and increase its quality. We watched the first forty minutes of the film, and were asked to analyse its media attributes. The film is set in the Caesar period, at the end of the reign of Marco Aurelius. The main opening scene is set in Germania, and it is the beginning of a battle, but the end of a war, between the Roman legion and some barbarians. The very first scene is not a reality shot, it's a "dream" shot. The scene itself is at Maximus' home, in his cornfield, walking along, while brushing his hand through the wheat. This scene shows that while Maximus is a great general and a noble leader, he really would like to go home, to see his wife and child. The camera angle used in the scene shows the view from Maximus' legs. Having shown this dream, the film quickly proceeds to the next scene, which starts off showing Maximus looking at a robin. This is good for the scene; it could be filmed showing Maximus' last look at peace before he goes into battle. The shot is filmed through Maximus' eyes, then zooming out to show that it is Maximus looking at the robin. After this scene, Maximus is shown talking to Quintus about the battle ahead. Quintus asks Maximus about the range, because he is concerned that they are not close enough, but Maximus replies, "the range is good." This shows Maximus' confidence, and this obviously shows he is experienced in battle and an influential leader. Maximus the... ...ding back to his own home as fast as he can. The film also shows shots of the pictures running through his mind, his family being killed by Roman soldiers, his little son being trampled by the cavalry of horses. He arrives back to his home after at least a day of solid riding, and he is distraught. He dismounts the horse he escaped on, stumbles over towards his house, and sees a horrific sight; his wife and son, hung from the porch. The camera is positioned behind the two hanging bodies, and shows the bottom half of these, and Maximus' face, as he collapses on the floor in exhaustion and sadness. This is only a study of the first forty minutes of Gladiator, yet there are a huge number of different camera angles and techniques. This continues throughout the film, and shows true directing quality by the films director.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Gullivers Travels :: Literary Analysis, Jonathan Swift

The author of Gulliver’s Travels os Jonathan Swift. He was born on November 30, 1667 in Dublin, Ireland (Cody, 1). At an early age his father past away and because of this sudden death Swift’s mother soon moved back to England. Swift, in the care of his relatives, was sent to school at Kilkenny Grammar School. He then attended Trinity College but did not finish his schooling because the school was closed because of a revolution occurring in the government (Cody, 2). Swift then moved to England where he became the secretary for Sir William Temple. Shortly after this employment Swift returned to Ireland upon request of his doctors because he was suffering for Miner’s Disease, a disturbance of the inner ear. Shortly after returning to Ireland Swift left Ireland for England once again. In England he published his first work which he did not get high praise for. Swift left England and returned to Ireland in 1694 to pursue his dreams of becoming a priest in the Church of Ireland and in 1695 accomplished this dream and was ordained (Cody, 3). After about a year, however, Swift returned to England. In England between 1696 and 1699 Swift created a majority of A Tale of a Tub, one of his most notable works (Cody, 4). Also in this time Swift created The Battle of the Books. Shortly after the completion of his work a friend of his past which lead to him traveling back to Ireland with the Earl of Berkeley as his secretary. Then in 1700 Swift was promoted within the church and was instituted Vicar of Laracor and was forced to travel back to Ireland (Cody, 5). The following year Swift was awarded a D.D. Form Dublin University and a couple years following his first works were published under anonymous. In 1707 Swift was asked to travel to England where he would ask for remission of tax on Irish clerical income but his requests were denied (Cody, 6). His trip, however, was not a total loss for he got the opportunity to meet Esther Vanhomrigh. She allowed Swift to step into the highest levels of political circles and this allowed swift to spend a lot of the next few years traveling between England and Ireland. Swift, now a figure in the government, became even more involved when he became the editor of a Tory newspaper (Cody, 9). Also in 1710 he began writing a group of letters to Esther Johnson later to be named The Journal to Stella.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Linda Loman in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman Essay -- Death Sale

Linda Loman in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman      Ã‚  Ã‚   Linda Loman is the heart and soul of the Loman household.   She loves her family, even though she is all too aware of husband's faults and her sons' characters. She provides a sharp contrast to the seamy underbelly of the world of sex, symbolized by the Woman and the prostitutes.   They operate in the "real world" as part of the impersonal forces that corrupt.   Happy equates his unhealthy relationships with women to taking manufacturer's bribes, and Willy's Boston whore can "put him right through to the buyers." In Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, Linda Loman holds the family together through purity and love - she keeps the accounts, encourages her husband, and tries to protect him from heartbreak.   She is the personification of the ideal family, a social unity in which the individual has a real and separate identity. The concepts of Father and Mother are developed when we are b... ... him achieve them. Works Cited and Consulted Baym, Franklin, Gottesman, Holland, et al., eds.   The Norton Anthology of American Literature.   4th ed.   New York: Norton, 1994. Florio, Thomas A., ed. "Miller's Tales." The New Yorker.   70 (1994): 35-36. Hayashi, Tetsumaro.   Arthur Miller Criticism.   Metuchen, NJ: Scarecrow Press, 1969. Miller, Arthur. Death of a Salesman: Text and Criticism. Ed. Gerald Weales. Viking Critical Library. New York: Penguin, 1996.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Essay

On August 6 1945 the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and the second one was dropped at Nagasaki on 9th August 1945. The atomic bomb pelted on Japan was initially intended to force the Germans into submission but after the Germany surrendered, Japan was left as the threat to world peace. (John F. P. 56) The Hiroshima Bomb which was uranium based killed 100,000 Japanese and left several thousands dying slowing as a result of radiation. After three days, another atomic bomb was dropped at Nagasaki city, which left around 50,000 dead (P. M. S, Blackett 70) The justification for these mass killings was that it would end the war faster and thereby making it unnecessary to invade Japan. According to Byres, such an invasion could save a million people and therefore it was desirable. Was the atomic Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Genocide Yes indeed it was. My opinion is based on the following premises: First, by August 1945 the Japan military was in a desperate state. The Naval blockade of the Allies had taken away a fleet of ships with military supplies and weapons from Japan military, without these the Japan Military was weak and could not survive for long. (Matin Z. ) According to a detailed opinion survey of the leaders of Japan who survived the atrocities, Japan would have inevitably surrendered probably before November 1945 without the threat of an atomic bomb or even without Russia threatening to join the war against Japan. (Gar Alperovitz, 34) Yet the American leaders knew all this information that had been successfully deciphered from the code and messages sent by Japanese military. The American leaders were well aware that Japanese authority had communicated to its Moscow ambassador to start negations for ending the war with the allies and the all-powerful Japanese emptor had indicated intentions of considering peace settlement by June 1945. Even after the American intelligence informed this message to president Truman, he did not change his mind about launching a bomb attack on Japan. (Gar Alperovitz, 37) After all the Japanese had only one condition for them to surrender; that is the Emperor who was a holy symbol to the Japanese should remain in power even after the end of the war. This was a small condition for America to sacrifice against the lives and property that lay at stake if a bomb was launched on Japan. (Gar Alperovitz, 38) The statement by President Truman that the world should note that the first bomb was launched on Hiroshima Military base to avoid the killings of civilian was sarcastic since all most all of those killed in the bombings of the two cities were civilian, according to a report by U. S strategic Bombing survey. Both innocent children and women were killed rather than the military personnel, which amounts to the infringement against human rights and a genocide of the highest order. (M. Susan Lindee 13) The destruction of the two cities is condemned not only by Japanese and other outsiders but by high rank military and conservative leaders from America itself as well. Former president Herbert Hoover himself wrote that the indiscriminate killing of young children and women â€Å"revolted his soul†. Former President Eisenhower had even advised the secretary of war against using an atomic bomb on Japan during a certain meeting. These and many more leaders as well as civilian Americans have continued to criticize the action taken by General Grove and are on the view that that the military attack was unnecessary and exaggerated. (Matin Z. ) An ambitious and domineering Admiral Purnell who suggested that it would take two bombs to coerce the Japanese to surrender by and large carried out the idea of a second atomic bomb being dropped on Nagasaki. Grove was well aware that two atomic bombs were in the making and saw good opportunity to actualize his own schemes. The decision to drop a second bomb at Nagasaki was not even made in Washington but it was made on Tinian Island. Grove was in an unusual hurry to make sure that the second atomic bomb was dropped before anybody else could decide otherwise. http://www. dannen. com/decision/handy. html Moreover, the second bomb primary target was Kokura but when the attack plane arrived there, the city was covered by a mass of cloud. Instead of the pilot turning back, and aborting the mission, they still went ahead and decided to attack Nagasaki, a town that was highly populated with civilians. http://www. dannen. com/decision/handy. html There are also well-supported views that Hiroshima bombing was a test. The bomb dropped there had been uranium, which had never been tested before. It was quite inhuman and high level of barbarism that the test was to be done at the expense of many lives. (Matin Z. ) American planes also distributed thousands of leaflets alerting the Japanese that unless they surrendered unconditionally the towns of Akita, Fukushima, Urawa, Iwakumi, Yawata Miyakorojo, Otaru, Imabaru and Saga,would be attacked by bombs. However these leaflets did not mention Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Nugata and Kokura. (Matin Z) So it is clearly evident that the American leaders who were responsible for attack did not intend to forewarn the civilians so that they could evacuate before the time of attack. The killings that resulted are not only high abuse of human rights against innocent civilians but also a cowardly act against a subdued enemy. (Matin Z. ) Both innocent women and children were not spared by this obliteration of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. (M. Susan Lindee 13). In fact the Manhattan scientists who were working on the bomb were shocked when they were later informed that Japan had always been the target and not a deterrent to the German invasion. (M. Susan Lindee 13) The Military policy committee chaired by General Grove realized that Japan was a more convenient target for the bomb than Germany. This means that the bombing of Japan was not so much as a result of their aggressive activities but because they were convenient targets of testing some newly acquired weapons! (Martin J. S. 234) Furthermore Americans wanted to take control of Japan before Russia could control it. The Russians leaders had planned to invade Japan on 8 August 1945. So the coincidental bombing of Hiroshima two days before the planned date when Russia intended to invade Japan was suspicious. There is a wide specification that America attacked Japan to gain its control before Russia could achieve the same. However the intention of the second bomb that was pelted on Nagasaki is not very clear. (Matin Z. ) However President Truman cannot be blamed so much for the bomb attack on the two cities when he took over in April 12, 1945 after Roosevelt’s death, General Grove made it appear to President Truman as if Japan was always the Target for the bombs. http://www. dannen. com/decision/hst-jl25. html Grove was reluctant to discuss about the Manhattan Project with the chief of staff since he knew that he was opposed to the bombing of Japan. The General Marshal was of the view that the bomb could be used against military targets such as Naval establishments but not on cities. However General Grove overlooked all these well meaning advices to fulfill his self interest at the cost of hundred thousands of Japanese lives and a lot of property. (Matin Z. ) Conclusion The past cannot be erased but can serve as invaluable lesson and prepare us for the future. Even though the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki speeded up Japans decision to stop the war, it was not the major consideration that the Japanese leaders used. Therefore the use of the atomic bomb was excessive act since other strategies could have worked to coerce Japan to stop the war. After all, the Japanese were ready to surrender on condition that their emperor would still remain in authority. The bombings of Japan cities were not only immoral but they were a crime and genocide to the full extent. Works Cited Harry S.Truman, Diary, July 25, 1945: Retrieved on 9th April 2008 from http://www. dannen. com/decision/hst-jl25. html Gar Alperovitz: The Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb: Random House, 1995. 34-38 Hogan, Michael J. : Hiroshima in History and Memory. Cambridge University Press: 1996 M. Susan Lindee: Suffering Made Real: American Science and the Survivors at Hiroshima. University Of Chicago Press (1994) 12-14 Matin Zuberi: Atomic Bombing Of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Journal): Retrieved on 9th April 2008 from http://www. ciaonet. org/olj/sa/sa_aug01zum01. html Martin J. Sherwin: A World Destroyed: Hiroshima and its Legacies, 2nd edition, Stanford University Press, (2003) 233-234. Official Bombing Order, July 25, 1945: Retrieved on 9th April 2008 from http://www. dannen. com/decision/handy. html Ogura, Toyofumi: Letters from the End of the World: A Firsthand Account of the Bombing of Hiroshima. Kodansha International Ltd 1948. P. M. S, Blackett: The Atomic Bomb: New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1976. (66-70) John Francis Purcell, Best-Kept Secret: The Story of the Atomic Bomb. New York: Vanguard, 1963. 56-57

Monday, September 16, 2019

Ford Motor Company Case Study

————————————————- ————————————————- Ford Motor Company Case Report ————————————————- Executive Summary Ford Motor Company has a long history, starting in Michigan in 1903. They have focused on designing and manufacturing and have been very successful, however with increasing competition, global markets and over-capacity the company needs to look at ways to improve profitability. The company has implemented various programs and processes to create a lean, responsive system with better consumer forecasting.Their challenge is to continue to research ways to stay viable in current market and industry conditions. Dell Computers has been very successful with a direct model and virtual integration that may or not work well for Ford. CONTENTS * ISSUE3 * ANALYSIS4 * ALTERNATIVES6 * RECOMMENDATIONS 7 * IMPLEMENTATION 8 * CONCLUSION8 * REFERENCES9 * ISSUE: The Ford Motor Company is facing a number of challenges including the direction of CEO Jac Nasser to focus on customer responsiveness and shareholder value to deal with increasing competitiveness, an industry with potential over-capacity and the expansion into globalized markets.Ford had begun to implement systems to reduce cycle-time, improve quality and to lower costs. Programs included consolidating product development into five Vehicle Centres (VCs), reeingineered processes such as Order to Delivery (OTD), Fort Production System (FPS) and Business to Business (B2B) capacity. Additionally, information flow was examined to overcome geographical constraints, thus becoming a critical component of Ford’s global approach. During the past decade the company has implemented many programs and processes becoming the most improved automaker with steady upward trending sales and record profit sharing.The supply chain initially had a base of many competitive suppliers until the 1990’s when they began to move toward fewer, long term supplier relationships. Ford fostered relationships with tier one suppliers who would interface with tier two and other suppliers. With Ford’s support, the suppliers tried a variety of strategies including Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory, Total Quality Management (TQM) and Statistical Process Control (SPC). A limitation emerged in the variance of IT expertise and capability among the supply chain members.To reach the goal of reduced cycle time, creating a lean and flexible process, Ford is researching Dell Computer’s successful direct model to see if this virtual integration system would work for them. The direct model reduces the time and costs of third party distribution through direct interfacing with as few partners as p ossible as a way to improve production and customer responsiveness. The challenge is to determine if this system will work for Ford Motor Company. * ANALYSIS: The CEO’s directive is complicated by various factors.While Dell’s direct model works for Dell, it may or may not be effective with Ford. The company has been through a decade of change and adjustments to various processes and directions and while the option is available, a decision is not urgent as Ford is in a fairly good position. Dell’s direct model involves a customer focus, small numbers of supplier partnerships, customization, a just-in-time inventory and manufacturing. In order to do this, Dell ties in technology to communicate and coordinate these goals and strategies. They use what they call vertical integration.This means that they work very closely with customers and suppliers including actually having staff on site working directly with customers and partners, sharing information and knowledge to enable flexibility and effectiveness reducing cycle times. Dell establishes partnerships or collaborations with their customers and suppliers which is much like controlled outsourcing. Michael Dell of Dell computers argues that outsourcing is traditionally a way to â€Å"get rid of a problem†. His direct model, in contrast, is partnering with companies who are treated as though they are internal staff.This model improves the level of information sharing and motivation to succeed as a team. Technology means that the information sharing can be easily and effectively done in a win-win type of arrangement. The challenge is to maintain these relationships and focus on the task at hand. Providing suppliers with real-time information and up to date demand enables the supplier to act accordingly to meet Dell’s requirements. Removing multiple layers and working closely with customers and suppliers removes the possibility of misinformation, reaction time and ability to not o nly react, but to make more accurate forecasts.Dell has been able to streamline their customer response times by helping the customer ‘decide’ what they need. They make it easier for the customer to make the decisions and are ultimately preparing for it while the conversation is happening. Dell acts as a consultant and trainer getting direct feedback and key information for planning, research and development. They include key people from a wide range of responsibilities in regular meetings to ensure communication, ideas and overall commitment from the entire supply chain. Virtual integration goes even further to merge the traditional roles and boundaries of the supply chain.Dell argues that the direct model and virtual integration is beneficial to the customer from distribution to manufacturing and design. This model works for Dell, but whether it would work for Ford is the question. Ford has already reduced it’s supply chain base by dealing with Tier one supplie rs to use Just-In-Time inventory processes and other strategies to improve commitment and capability. They implemented the Ford Production System (FPS), focusing on key parts of the manufacturing process to improve efficiency. The Synchronous Material Flow (SMF) was developed to ensure a continuous flow of materials.This was done by using lean manufacturing concepts, careful scheduling and sequenced assembly. Their Order to Delivery (OTD) process was also developed to streamline the cycle time, reducing the order to delivery from 65 days to as little as 15 days. In order to do this they used forecasting, keeping 15 days of vehicles in the assembly plant’s order bank, using regional mixing centers for deliveries and a responsive order amendment process. Last but not least they worked on something called the Ford Retail Network (FRN) to test best practices and to create an alternate distribution channel.The idea was to consolidate Ford’s efforts to compete against the co mpetition of other auto makers rather than compete against each other. Because Dell and Ford are such different companies it is difficult to know if vertical integration would work. Dell is a smaller company whose current success is due to customer focus, pull demand, speed of response and virtual integration. In contrast, Ford is a much larger company with a complex and long-standing system of supply chain leadership where purchasing was historically heavily involved in the various activities of the company.A move to virtual integration requires that roles shift and responsibilities change to allow greater collaboration and information sharing. ALTERNATIVES: Differences between the companies include dealer networks, product and process complexity, age and size of the company, technical expertise and control over systems. Ford has a great amount of control, difficulty forecasting customer needs, higher product complexity, a strong dealer network and unionized labour. Dell is relativ ely new, there is high technical expertise, the product is not as complex, forecasting can be fairly accurate and their supplier relationships are good.Ford enjoys a significant amount of control over their supply chain, manufacturing, assembly and distribution, while Dell may not be able to exercise control depending on the relationships built and arrangements made. At this time, Ford does not really need to make a decision to change their business model, but there is a push for greater globalization, efficiency and flexibility. They can move toward virtual integration, stay the same, or adopt some kind of balance of the direct model with their current model.Because of their size and established supply chain, a move toward vertical integration and a direct model would mean fairly drastic changes and giving up controls that have been carefully developed over the past decade. That said, staying the same would not be advisable, as the market is increasingly competitive on the local an d global stage. Ford will be required to look at further adaptations to their operations in order to stay competitive. RECOMMENDATION: It would be advisable for Ford to examine vertical integration in at least some areas of their operations.Because this requires high levels of technology, they can work with Tier one suppliers to develop collaborations and more extensive information sharing. Doing nothing is not usually a feasible option in successful business and full integration would be very difficult to accomplish and my not have the results that Dell has due to the various differences in the companies and their products. IMPLEMENTATION: Ford can use focus groups and regular meetings to move toward a direct model in at least some areas of the business.The dealer network may be used as an advantage to forecasting if they work more closely with the development teams, manufacturing and assembly plants. The customer focus groups can begin to develop relationships that help to develop what customers want and might have as potions can be insightful and will improve forecasting. Purchasing, engineering, marketing and other groups can get involved in these focus groups, which may also encourage dialogue and collaboration toward cohesive end results. * CONCLUSION:Ford has implemented many strategies successfully and has been forward thinking in their consideration of various models and options. Becoming faster may or may not work to their advantage as buying a car is a decision that is weighed carefully and is a bigger investment than choosing a computer or laptop. The speed at which the company supplies a vehicle once ordered is important, but I suggest, not as important as the customer getting the options, financing and service that they expect with this type of purchase.That said, customers expect greater customization and choice than ever before. Whether Ford takes on this model or chooses to research another model is a step in the right direction. Supply chain management is a large part of how well the company can respond to customer needs and ultimately create profit and ongoing competitive advantage. * REFERENCES: Austin, Robert D. , Ford Motor Company: Supply Chain Strategy, 9-699-198, Harvard Business School Publishing, 1999. Magretta, Joan (2001) â€Å"The Power of Virtual Integration: An Interview with Michael Dell,† Harvard Business Review Ford Motor Company Case Study ————————————————- ————————————————- Ford Motor Company Case Report ————————————————- Executive Summary Ford Motor Company has a long history, starting in Michigan in 1903. They have focused on designing and manufacturing and have been very successful, however with increasing competition, global markets and over-capacity the company needs to look at ways to improve profitability. The company has implemented various programs and processes to create a lean, responsive system with better consumer forecasting.Their challenge is to continue to research ways to stay viable in current market and industry conditions. Dell Computers has been very successful with a direct model and virtual integration that may or not work well for Ford. CONTENTS * ISSUE3 * ANALYSIS4 * ALTERNATIVES6 * RECOMMENDATIONS 7 * IMPLEMENTATION 8 * CONCLUSION8 * REFERENCES9 * ISSUE: The Ford Motor Company is facing a number of challenges including the direction of CEO Jac Nasser to focus on customer responsiveness and shareholder value to deal with increasing competitiveness, an industry with potential over-capacity and the expansion into globalized markets.Ford had begun to implement systems to reduce cycle-time, improve quality and to lower costs. Programs included consolidating product development into five Vehicle Centres (VCs), reeingineered processes such as Order to Delivery (OTD), Fort Production System (FPS) and Business to Business (B2B) capacity. Additionally, information flow was examined to overcome geographical constraints, thus becoming a critical component of Ford’s global approach. During the past decade the company has implemented many programs and processes becoming the most improved automaker with steady upward trending sales and record profit sharing.The supply chain initially had a base of many competitive suppliers until the 1990’s when they began to move toward fewer, long term supplier relationships. Ford fostered relationships with tier one suppliers who would interface with tier two and other suppliers. With Ford’s support, the suppliers tried a variety of strategies including Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory, Total Quality Management (TQM) and Statistical Process Control (SPC). A limitation emerged in the variance of IT expertise and capability among the supply chain members.To reach the goal of reduced cycle time, creating a lean and flexible process, Ford is researching Dell Computer’s successful direct model to see if this virtual integration system would work for them. The direct model reduces the time and costs of third party distribution through direct interfacing with as few partners as p ossible as a way to improve production and customer responsiveness. The challenge is to determine if this system will work for Ford Motor Company. * ANALYSIS: The CEO’s directive is complicated by various factors.While Dell’s direct model works for Dell, it may or may not be effective with Ford. The company has been through a decade of change and adjustments to various processes and directions and while the option is available, a decision is not urgent as Ford is in a fairly good position. Dell’s direct model involves a customer focus, small numbers of supplier partnerships, customization, a just-in-time inventory and manufacturing. In order to do this, Dell ties in technology to communicate and coordinate these goals and strategies. They use what they call vertical integration.This means that they work very closely with customers and suppliers including actually having staff on site working directly with customers and partners, sharing information and knowledge to enable flexibility and effectiveness reducing cycle times. Dell establishes partnerships or collaborations with their customers and suppliers which is much like controlled outsourcing. Michael Dell of Dell computers argues that outsourcing is traditionally a way to â€Å"get rid of a problem†. His direct model, in contrast, is partnering with companies who are treated as though they are internal staff.This model improves the level of information sharing and motivation to succeed as a team. Technology means that the information sharing can be easily and effectively done in a win-win type of arrangement. The challenge is to maintain these relationships and focus on the task at hand. Providing suppliers with real-time information and up to date demand enables the supplier to act accordingly to meet Dell’s requirements. Removing multiple layers and working closely with customers and suppliers removes the possibility of misinformation, reaction time and ability to not o nly react, but to make more accurate forecasts.Dell has been able to streamline their customer response times by helping the customer ‘decide’ what they need. They make it easier for the customer to make the decisions and are ultimately preparing for it while the conversation is happening. Dell acts as a consultant and trainer getting direct feedback and key information for planning, research and development. They include key people from a wide range of responsibilities in regular meetings to ensure communication, ideas and overall commitment from the entire supply chain. Virtual integration goes even further to merge the traditional roles and boundaries of the supply chain.Dell argues that the direct model and virtual integration is beneficial to the customer from distribution to manufacturing and design. This model works for Dell, but whether it would work for Ford is the question. Ford has already reduced it’s supply chain base by dealing with Tier one supplie rs to use Just-In-Time inventory processes and other strategies to improve commitment and capability. They implemented the Ford Production System (FPS), focusing on key parts of the manufacturing process to improve efficiency. The Synchronous Material Flow (SMF) was developed to ensure a continuous flow of materials.This was done by using lean manufacturing concepts, careful scheduling and sequenced assembly. Their Order to Delivery (OTD) process was also developed to streamline the cycle time, reducing the order to delivery from 65 days to as little as 15 days. In order to do this they used forecasting, keeping 15 days of vehicles in the assembly plant’s order bank, using regional mixing centers for deliveries and a responsive order amendment process. Last but not least they worked on something called the Ford Retail Network (FRN) to test best practices and to create an alternate distribution channel.The idea was to consolidate Ford’s efforts to compete against the co mpetition of other auto makers rather than compete against each other. Because Dell and Ford are such different companies it is difficult to know if vertical integration would work. Dell is a smaller company whose current success is due to customer focus, pull demand, speed of response and virtual integration. In contrast, Ford is a much larger company with a complex and long-standing system of supply chain leadership where purchasing was historically heavily involved in the various activities of the company.A move to virtual integration requires that roles shift and responsibilities change to allow greater collaboration and information sharing. ALTERNATIVES: Differences between the companies include dealer networks, product and process complexity, age and size of the company, technical expertise and control over systems. Ford has a great amount of control, difficulty forecasting customer needs, higher product complexity, a strong dealer network and unionized labour. Dell is relativ ely new, there is high technical expertise, the product is not as complex, forecasting can be fairly accurate and their supplier relationships are good.Ford enjoys a significant amount of control over their supply chain, manufacturing, assembly and distribution, while Dell may not be able to exercise control depending on the relationships built and arrangements made. At this time, Ford does not really need to make a decision to change their business model, but there is a push for greater globalization, efficiency and flexibility. They can move toward virtual integration, stay the same, or adopt some kind of balance of the direct model with their current model.Because of their size and established supply chain, a move toward vertical integration and a direct model would mean fairly drastic changes and giving up controls that have been carefully developed over the past decade. That said, staying the same would not be advisable, as the market is increasingly competitive on the local an d global stage. Ford will be required to look at further adaptations to their operations in order to stay competitive. RECOMMENDATION: It would be advisable for Ford to examine vertical integration in at least some areas of their operations.Because this requires high levels of technology, they can work with Tier one suppliers to develop collaborations and more extensive information sharing. Doing nothing is not usually a feasible option in successful business and full integration would be very difficult to accomplish and my not have the results that Dell has due to the various differences in the companies and their products. IMPLEMENTATION: Ford can use focus groups and regular meetings to move toward a direct model in at least some areas of the business.The dealer network may be used as an advantage to forecasting if they work more closely with the development teams, manufacturing and assembly plants. The customer focus groups can begin to develop relationships that help to develop what customers want and might have as potions can be insightful and will improve forecasting. Purchasing, engineering, marketing and other groups can get involved in these focus groups, which may also encourage dialogue and collaboration toward cohesive end results. * CONCLUSION:Ford has implemented many strategies successfully and has been forward thinking in their consideration of various models and options. Becoming faster may or may not work to their advantage as buying a car is a decision that is weighed carefully and is a bigger investment than choosing a computer or laptop. The speed at which the company supplies a vehicle once ordered is important, but I suggest, not as important as the customer getting the options, financing and service that they expect with this type of purchase.That said, customers expect greater customization and choice than ever before. Whether Ford takes on this model or chooses to research another model is a step in the right direction. Supply chain management is a large part of how well the company can respond to customer needs and ultimately create profit and ongoing competitive advantage. * REFERENCES: Austin, Robert D. , Ford Motor Company: Supply Chain Strategy, 9-699-198, Harvard Business School Publishing, 1999. Magretta, Joan (2001) â€Å"The Power of Virtual Integration: An Interview with Michael Dell,† Harvard Business Review

Sunday, September 15, 2019

How Does Texting Affect Our Lives Essay

I found myself when writing essays writing how text. I use a lot of shortcuts when writing; Instead of me writing the word† you† I would write â€Å"u†. This affects the way I write tremendously at times. It’s the new technology that’s doing this. My mother has witnessed more than one group of e-mailers go spiraling down into a full blown argument fueled by their thumbs of quickly expressed words of stupidity, when a simple phone call or physical meeting would have resulted in a much more civilized result. People have taken a lot of shortcuts in life through texting. Some can’t live without it. Texting ruins our ability to concentrate on one thing at a time? For example, a personal gripe of mine has to do with people texting while I am trying to tell them something, causing them to look up and say, â€Å"wait, huh? â€Å", and it is all too common. What happens when the ability to drive is hindered? Just ask the parents of one of our graduating seniors last year, who lost his life while texting and driving in his vehicle; unfortunately incidents such as these are not isolated. This is why it is illegal to drive while texting. Talking on the phone while driving is one thing, at least you are looking straight head.