A Discussion of Symbols in “A Death of Salesman”

The seeds embody Willy's ambition to be both a good father and a â€Å"well-liked† salesman. Willy's nocturnal futile attempt to grow vegetables clearly demonstrates his failure in achieving the American Dream. Another perspective is to see seeds as the pure embodiment of Biff. Willy makes a hard attempt to raise and nurture Biff but despite all his desperate tries, Biff turns out to be a lazy bum. In the same way, Willy tries to grow vegetables but he fails. The other important fact about this symbol is that huge towering shapes behind Willy's house constrict the garden in which vegetables will grow. Because of the limiting space of the garden, nothing substantial can grow. This can be interpreted that the competition, the clemency lacking quality of the American Dream (represented by the towering buildings) ultimately leads to Willy's downfall (the futile seeds). This is a crucial point in understanding and evaluating the play because the American Dream that Willy thought as infallible, in the end proves to be fallible by leading Willy to his downfall. Linda's And Woman's Stockings Reference in the play: (To Willy) Biff: You – you gave her mama's stockings![His tears break through and he rises to go] Discussion: The stockings in this play, in my opinion, represent sexual infidelity. Willy is accused by Biff for giving her mother's stockings to a woman. The important factor here is that Willy could have given the Woman any stocking but vividly in order to empower the symbol, Arthur Miller makes sure that Willy gives the Woman Linda's stockings. It is important to note that right after the Woman in the flashback thanks Willy for the stockings (â€Å"Woman: And thanks for the stockings†), Willy notices that Linda is mending stockings and is nagged by this fact: â€Å"Willy [angrily taking them (stockings) away from her]: I won't have you mending stockings in this house! Now throw them out!† The stockings are absolutely reminiscent of Willy's betrayal. Of course, faced alone with this fact, Willy cannot stand it and therefore commands Linda to throw them out. This depicts Willy's ambivalent character. One Willy betrays Linda. The other Willy cannot stand this fact. Diamond: Reference in the play: Ben [With greater force]: One must go in to fetch a diamond out. Discussion: The diamonds embody the power of tangible wealth or money. In a sense, the diamonds are the solidification of American Dream. Willy invariably, has failed the American Dream and therefore doesn't posses the diamond. The diamonds that made Ben rich also remind Willy that he is a failure. Further qualities of the diamond are revealed by Ben's sentences: â€Å"Ben: A diamond is rough and hard to the touch.† I think what Ben wants to say is that the diamond isn't easy to get (represented by its roughness) but once possessed, it's a valuable asset. â€Å"Ben: It's dark there (jungle, Africa) but full of diamonds† From the wanton, debauched way that Ben wrestles and horses around with Biff (i. e. the way he trips him), it can be concluded that Ben isn't a moral personality. The result of this conclusion is that Ben wasn't very honest when obtaining the diamond. The darkness in this sentence represent the immoralities or the dishonesties one must go through before one can obtain the diamond. Willy's personality, on the other hand, lacks immorality. He has always â€Å"played it fair†, the only exception being his betrayal to Linda. Willy's chronic honesty in business causes him to fail and so he doesn't obtain the diamond. Whereas on the other hand, Ben succeeds. The Rubber Hose: Reference in the play: â€Å"Biff: All right, phony! Then let's lay it on the line. [He whips the rubber hose out of his pocket and puts it on the table] Discussion: The rubber hose is an object that Willy tries to inhale gas with. The significance of this object is that it reminds the audience of Willy's failing attempts to commit suicide. The rubber hose ,in a way the seeds do, represents Willy's failure. Willy tries to commit suicide but even fails that. However, unlike the seed which symbolized Willy's failure to achieve the American Dream, the rubber hose symbolizes Willy's failure to be harmony, in union with himself. Willy ultimately fails to commit suicide because he is ambivalent to the idea of suicide. The rubber hose symbolizes Willy's ambivalence and his failure to find himself, an observation that Willy accused Biff of. The Car and the Chevy: Reference in the play: Biff [rushing down the stairs]: Pop! [As the car speeds off, the music crashes down in a frenzy of sound] Reference to Chevy: Willy: I was thinking of that Chevy. Nine-teen twenty-eight†¦ when I had that red Chevy – [Breaks off.] The car is Willy's ambitions and feelings in life. In the past, he had a Chevy as a car, and Biff used to simonize it. Willy Loman as a young man had ambitions and thought that he was going to thrive and flourish. The Chevy symbolizes all together Willy's ambitions, hopes, dreams as a young man. However as Willy gets old, he suddenly realizes that he isn't the successful businessman he dreamt that he would be. This transformation of Willy's feelings about his life can be paralleled with the transformation of the Chevy into an old rusty car. When Willy suddenly can't take it anymore, he commits suicide with his car. This translates into saying when Willy can not stand the idea that he failed, his feelings (his car) lead him to suicide.

Advertising in Our Life Essay

The topic of advertising has aroused public concern. Some people say that advertising is helpful and informative, whilst others claim about that it can provide false information and will make goods more expensive. It is quite natural that people from different backgrounds have their own opinions on the issue. Therefore, both of these arguments will be analyzed before a reasoned conclusion is reached. From the one side, the opinion earlier may sound plausible due to the enormous benefits created by advertising. First of all, it can be said with certainty that there are many ways to advertise and ads come in different forms. This is obviously favorable because you can see advertising on newspapers, tv, and on the billboards everyday. Second of all, a further plus point could be that advertising is informative. This is definitely valuable since it introduce us to new products or remind of us the ones that we already know about. Last of all, it is hardly too much to say that advertising creates mass markets and makes goods cheaper. This is surely a positive feature because if there were no advertising, consumers would only know about goods in their local shops. Therefore advertising help to sell to a bigger market, the more goods are sold, the cheaper they become. From the other side, those who disagree point out that the negative influences of advertising are undeniable. The first drawback of this matter is there is people who do not enjoy seeing advertising everywhere, such as in newspaper and on buses. Most people would agree that this is problematic because they say advertisements are generally ugly to look at and spoil the environment. Another negative point is that advertising is not always truthful. And the trouble with this is that the advertiser tends to exaggerate the benefits of the merchandise he wants to sell. Thus, the consumer become victims of such advertising. Last but not least, it is supposed a further unfavorable quality might be that advertising adds to the cost of goods. This is an obvious weakness because the merchandiser has to pay the agency to run advertising campaign in order to introduce and sell their product to consumer. Taking everthing into account, for the reasons which I mentioned above, I believe that the advantages still outweigh disadvantages. So I do totally support the idea of advertising is helpful and informative.

Business Environment and Strategic Managment Essay

Business Environment and Strategic Managment - Essay Example Indeed, after the completion of the installation process, the business strategy needs to be periodically monitored as of its performance (Harrison 2012). In this way, weaknesses and failures can be identified early so that major risks in regard to all business operations are avoided. According to Herzog (2010) the strategic management process can be also completed in just three phases: â€Å"a) situation assessment, b) strategy development and c) strategy implementation† (Herzog 2010, p.17). The development of the phases of strategic management process, as described above, is based on a series of tools, also known as strategic tools. The key role of these tools is to ensure that the decision-making process is adequately supported (Herzog 2010). Certain of these tools are quite popular. Reference can be made, for example, to SWOT analysis, PEST analysis, Porter’s Five Forces, Benchmarking, Forecasting and Financial Ratios (Herzog 2010). Each organization chooses the stra tegic tools that most respond to its needs taking into consideration the existing resources and the risks involved, both in the short and the long term (Hitt, Ireland and Hoskisson 2010). Also, the type of industry in which each firm operates is expected to influence the firm’s strategic management process, meaning also the strategic management tools that will be used for achieving the business objectives ((Daft, Kendrick and Vershinina 2010). The business model is another important criterion taken into account by strategic managers when having to choose the strategic tools employed in the achievement of business goals ((Daft, Kendrick and Vershinina 2010). Qatar Petroleum (QP) is the most powerful competitor in Qatar’s oil and gas sector; the company... This paper approves that the strategic management process incorporates a series of phases, aiming to help businesses to keep their value at high level. According to the literature, four are the most common phases of strategic management process: at a first level, the â€Å"vision and mission of the organization are reviewed† then, â€Å"the internal and external organizational environment needs to be analyzed† using the information retrieved through the research and the analysis developed in the previous two phases, the strategic manager proceeds to the identification of strategy that is most appropriate for supporting business goals, the â€Å"implementation of the chosen strategy† can be completed; at this level, the strategic management process should not be considered as terminated. Indeed, after the completion of the installation process, the business strategy needs to be periodically monitored as of its performance. This essay comes to the conclusion that strategic management tools can be used in both planning and evaluation of a company’s strategy or direction. According to Henry Mintzberg’s strategy can be defined as â€Å"a pattern in a stream of decisions†; based on the above definition it can be claimed that strategic tools can be effectively used for the evaluation of the performance and the strategic objectives of an organization. The specific approach to strategic management has been used in order to explore and evaluate the business strategy of Qatar Petroleum. Three widely used strategic tools have been employed: SWOT, PEST and benchmarking analyses.

ECO202 - CA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

ECO202 - CA - Essay Example 4. Compare the four countries regarding the Labor Market (Unemployment Rate). The analysis should only cover the period from the beginning of 2008 to the present, and make sure the most recent 2010 changes are addressed. This is a difficult part because instead of reporting and ranking the indicators you must look at them as a whole, in an analytic manner to arrive at conclusions: 5. After reviewing the recent economic indicators for these countries, which is the country that currently has the strongest economic recovery at the present time. Make certain you confine your choice to only one country. 6. What is your prediction about the economic health of the United States over the next 3 to 5 year period? Please confine your comments only to the US economy. The purpose of this paper is to provide an examination and analysis on economic indicators pertaining to United States, Japan, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The format that this paper will utilize is to answer the six questions t hat this paper outlined on the title page through analyzing the nations and then providing insight into the grand picture. 1) The purpose of this question is to provide a comparison of four countries based on output and growth (Real GDP) from the period of 2008 to the present. ... On the other side of the spectrum it could be argued that Japan spent the most amount of time as the lowest performer of the pack of nations, by being at the overall average lowest and reaching the most extreme negative points. Moreover the United Kingdom and the United States both seemed to spend the majority of the time somewhere in the middle (Never spending much time as the highest performer and lowest performers respectively). What can be stated that is that the economic downturn of the 2008-2010 season held a devastating effect on all of the nations with arguably Japan being the most strongly affected and Canada was left performing the best of all the nations. It should also be noted that Japan rebounded to the highest levels of all the nations but this seems to represent an over rebound and the nation has been quickly plummeting over the past year. 2) The purpose of this question is to examine the productivity (Output per worker) of the four nations. Upon early examination it is clear that all the nations seem to follow the same pattern, insofar as when there seems to be a significant tradeoff between which nation seems to hold the highest position. Every single nation held this position at least a few times, and what could be concluded from this is that no one nation seemed to have any sort of competitive advantage over another. However it is also the case that Japan recognized the most significant drop during the economic downturn. What this could arguably translate to is the idea that Japanese industries were more exposed to the effects of a significant depression. It could be that the industries that employed the most people in Japan produced goods or provided services that would

A critical review of the literature. has E-prescribing reduced Essay

A critical review of the literature. has E-prescribing reduced medication errors in inpatient settings in England - Essay Example The central role ÃŽ ¿f the physician is the provision ÃŽ ¿f care to individual patients. This process centres around the consultation between the physician and the patient. This process requires and generates information, historically recorded on a paper based medium. The limitations ÃŽ ¿f paper records as a standard repository ÃŽ ¿f information, is universally recognized as lacking the dynamic which electronic data medium promise: in effect, paper strangles the process ÃŽ ¿f delivering timely high quality health-care delivery. So what’s wrong with a medical system based on paper? Paper gets lost, degrades, and no matter how voluminous, paper files are limited in the quality and quantity ÃŽ ¿f data they contain@ (Scalet, 2003). From the viewpoint mainstream medicine, IT has long offered the promise ÃŽ ¿f significant improvements supporting the business ÃŽ ¿f provider operations. An inventory ÃŽ ¿f situational experiences, passive inquiry ÃŽ ¿f physicians, collateral health-care providers, and review ÃŽ ¿f literature, identified the following business support opportunities recognized secondary to the effective use ÃŽ ¿f IT: Promises ÃŽ ¿f transformation through IT have reverberated through my decade long career in health care. Yet, progress to date has been slow. The Institutes ÃŽ ¿f Medicine’s 2001 report bemoaned the fact that AIT has barely touched patient care,@ as evidenced by the storage ÃŽ ¿f the vast majority ÃŽ ¿f clinical information in paper form@ (as cited in Fromberg, 2003). Analysis ÃŽ ¿f passive inquiry and observation ÃŽ ¿f physicians, collateral health-care providers, and review ÃŽ ¿f literature, buttresses a frequently voiced sentiment: Electronic medical records, and increased IT applications, should top hospital CIO=s agendas because they can prevent errors, enforce standards, make staff more efficient, simplify record keeping and improve patient care. However, the current reality experienced by the author ÃŽ ¿f this essay,

Starbucks Business Strategy Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Starbucks Business Strategy - Case Study Example This research paper will be broadly divided into three sections which will be titled as background, analysis and conclusion. The objective of the research paper will be fulfilled in these three sections and along with that relevant conclusion will be also drawn. In the first segment, i.e. background the study seeks to highlight clear and detailed overview of pertinent information from the case and outside resources that describes the industry and the organizations and key players involved. The external sources that will be used are generally books, journal articles and authentic electronic sources. In the analysis section, the study seeks to scrutinize the course concepts and along with that identifies and discusses the main strategic issues facing the industry and organizations, such as external environment, internal situation, and strategic fit. Hence, in order to carry out this section, the study will be emphasizing on the external as well as the internal environment of the organi zation. In the last section of the study, the study would be highlighting the important points and will also describe about the ways the situation can be improved. Technically, Starbucks should fall in the beverage industry, but since they also market various other food products, they are adjudged to be a part of the restaurant industry. As the economy continues to improve, a significant wave of change is being moved through the restaurant industry. This has redefined how the companies have grown operated and managed risks. The robust technological development has been the key driver for this change and has provided companies with the opportunity to explore new business techniques. The impact of technology in the US restaurant industry has also been positive as it allowed them to be more efficient and enhance the overall productivity. The US restaurant industry has emerged as one of the major industries of

ASCE Raising the Bar Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

ASCE Raising the Bar - Essay Example The ASCE wants to have standards for the engineering to be global as well having security breaches and terrorism concerns as far as the professional practices is concerned. At the same time the infrastructure should be able to use materials which has costing for life cycle. The people should be automated and the transportation should be good. The basic infrastructure should be accessible equitably by all of its members. There should also be green and smart infrastructure. On the environmental issues, the ASCE wanted to have a balance between the environmental demands and the economy. This was supposed to be achieved by the engineers. It was also wanted to have trends, which are macro globally across the national borders. There was also need for earning a social license. It wanted to solve the government and the non government conflicts, which were on the rise among the engineering arena. It also wanted a population that was burgeoning. The ASCE was expecting to be seeing civil engine ers who will be attracting leaders in their field of professionalism. The civil engineers were also supposed to be greater investors in the development as well as in the research field. They were supposed to have new and up to date methods of projects’ finances and have a command in managements of the risks. In the infrastructures, the managers were supposed to demonstrate professionalism with holistic visions as well as persons who masters ethics and integrity. In the environment, they were to demonstrate sustainability with leading cross cultural and managing teams, which are of cross discipline. Their niche was supposed to connect firmly across the globe. They were also the need for having a professional society of practicing civil engineers. The ASCE were also considering the civil engineers as providing guidance which were clear and critical for determining the policies of the public as well as defining the agendas of the research. There was also need for standardization of international codes that were to be performance based as far as the civil engineers are concerned. The projects that seemed to be basic infrastructure were deemed fit to include the have-nots participation in them hence giving the ASCE reason to propose changes. There was also need to incorporate some interdisciplinary which are of technological value, these included the nanotechnology, remote sensing, and the bioengineering among others. There was also need for having a more applied and proactive development and research of the civil engineering. The other reason was because of the need to have a no political, cultural and geographical boundaries as far as the civil engineering is concerned. There was also need to have the literacy in the technology as the poverty level was increasing and the world population was on the decrease, this called for the technology workers who were seen to take the balance. The other reason was as the result of the widening of the gap between the ha ves and the have-nots, which was rising tremendously. It was also seen that there might be competition of the resources that are scarce and they include the natural resources, the money factors as well as the people who are trained technologically. It was also noticed that the technology innovation rate may results to inability of the users to assimilate it efficiently. There was also some urge on the

Disruptive Technologies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Disruptive Technologies - Essay Example Perhaps the most ancient material for writing devised by man was the clay tablet. The Sumerians and the inhabitants of Babylonians were the first ones to use clay tablets. These were basically square shaped flat bricks of clay that were inscribed by writing while they were wet. (â€Å"Britannica†, n.d.). People by that time had devised a form of written language through symbols. These were obviously written symbols, and were engraved on wet clay bricks or tablets which were then baked in the sun and preserved. They used a devise called ‘stylus’ for imprinting the symbols in clay. The most logical problem with clay tablets was their size and breaking risk. Therefore, the people came up with something that met what they needed, which was the scrolls. The scrolls were made from a form of parchment, papyrus, or paper. These were actually small pieces of parchment attached to one another by some form of glue to form a long writing space. These were kept all rolled up in form of scrolls. In a scroll, The scrolls were found in Europe and western side of Asia. These were used by inhabitants of Egypt who used Arabic language that is written from right to left and were later adopted by other civilizations who wrote from left to right. Even in the current date, scrolls are used by Jews in their religious ceremonies. Even though many people liked the usage of the scrolls, yet, they were looking for something smaller, lighter and flexible to be used. Therefore, they came up with the codex. Codex, according to Wikipedia is: Romans were the pioneers in codex. Codex was definitely superior to scrolls. It was much easier to handle as compared to scrolls. Codex made it possible for the reader to read while holding the pages almost spread out flat in front of him. With the spread of codex, scrolls became almost obsolete. The modern form of codex is the book in print as the modern world knows it. Printed books are still popular. Initially, all pages of a

Chapter 11 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Chapter 11 - Essay Example Vocational aptitude tests, curriculum-based vocational assessment, person-centered planning have been used as important metaphors in order to have a close understanding with the subject at hand as far as this chapter is concerned. Also the career awareness process has been fundamentally discussed as it is a continuous one which begins at birth and goes on till death of an individual. The vocational objectives touch upon the quintessential aspects related with what vocational instruction is trying to achieve and in what proportions. The functional curriculum includes the instructional strategies which are employed in order to teach the required skills both in a classroom as well as under a natural environment. Other relevant skills that have been detailed within the length of this chapter include the academic skills, the social skills, the personal care skills, the motor skills, and the job search skills. Then again, the general principles that underline the vocational instruction hav e also been manifested for a proper understanding of the vocational instruction realms in

STA Travel Case Study Essay Example for Free

STA Travel Case Study Essay History/Situation: STA Travel is a subsidiary of a privately held company, Diethelm Keller Holding LTD, marketing as the worlds largest student travel organization helping students travel in over 90 countries. Historically, STA utilized retail travel agencies located near or on college campuses; however the Internet has introduced new online competitors. The internet is predicted to account for more bookings than offline alternatives. In response to STA’s global customer base, STA delegated the responsibility to the local level while using an integrated information system to provide global support and solutions. STA’s philosophy is â€Å"local as possible, global as necessary†. STA launched a business strategy, One Company, to align business operations with customer needs across the world. In support of this global standardization emerged BLUEe, a unified sales and booking system supporting every STA point of purchase backed by a single network, infrastructure, finance and reporting system. STA’s North American division developed STATRAVEL193.COM, an interactive website with video reports from STA customers about travel destinations. They also were the first to explore the Second Life (SL) marketing tool. STA’s Global Webmaster, Craig Hepburn, also welcomed the SL idea however he knew it would be a tough sell to marketing departments in other countries. STA had a two prong approach to utilize SL. One was to hold a movie making competition among SL residents which would highlight their virtual worlds. STA could then use the best of the videos to provide the services to the SL world as they do in the real world. The second element evolved into creating a separate orientation landing where new comers would be provided basic orientation information and then STA would lead them to exciting places in SL providing another opportunity to provide the services currently provided in the real world. Matt Nixon, Director of E-Commerce, STA Travels North America Division, needed to decide if STA should investment in SL. What is second life? SL is a virtual marketing tool which would provide STA a marketing presence in a computer-simulated virtual world. From the SL website, players can download client software for the game. Players are given a virtual self, an avatar, and a â€Å"second life†. There is a process for new players to get setu p with their avatar, name, account info, avatar accessories, orientation, and avatar skills before choosing to transport to  the mainland to begin their second lives. Players can purchase a premier membership status which provides players an opportunity to setup a business and participate in an economy exchanging US$1MM daily. Opportunities: There was strong evidence of network effect in SL. By early 2007, there were over 3 million â€Å"residents† registered on SL, of which 700,000 had visited SL in the previous 60 days and 12,000-18,000 were typically on line at any given time. Also, real life (RL) businesses, brands and not-for-profit organizations began to explore their own second lives. STA has an opportunity to be one of the first to market in the virtual world travel category. In doing so, they can begin to form partnerships with other RL businesses. As more businesses residents join, STA can continue to grow their partnerships and advertising within SL. Problems: SL is new technology and history shows that technology has a short life cycle. There is risk that SL will not continue to grow long enough for STA to cash in on this signif icant investment. SL could also have a negative impact on STA’s brand image if potential customers begin to identify STA with a virtual business and not a real life business that can provide real world travel services. STA’s real world revenue will be a key metric in measuring the impact of SL. Although, STA’s SL approach simulates the services they offer in the real world; I think it will be difficult for residents to make the connection from STA’s virtual world services to the real world services. Also, college students’ schedules are packed full with studies, work and socializing therefore majority will not have time to maintain a virtual second life. Finally, the current retail travel agencies will likely resist the SL marketing tool because the success of SL represents lost commissions for the retail agencies. What type of individuals make up the Second Life community? What do you believe will be the evolution of Second Life and other Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) in the near future? The primary users in SL are gamers and tech savvy individuals who spend a lot of time in at the computer. Those that prefer virtual reality often don’t have a desire to travel the world for several reasons; they don’t like flying, leaving home, they can’t afford it, or their schedule doesn’t allow enough time. I don’t believe the current SL users will seek out STA’s real world services. I also don’t believe there is an opportunity for STA to gain share through SL because those who enjoy traveling in real  life prefer to experience it in person not virtually. These two demographics are independent; therefore the virtual players cannot provide a read on travel trends for the real life traveler. I also don’t expect SL to continue long enough for STA to make any gains in market share. How do you propose that STA Travel should go about establishing a presence in Second Life? How can the firm spawn the traffic needed for generating revenues? I struggle to find any basis for STA to move forward with establishing a presence in SL which will appeal to their target audience and generate revenues. I believe there is a missing link between the virtual reality and the real world services. I also think STAs target audience will remain a minority in the SL virtual reality user community. Evaluate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of this initiative. What would you propose to the executive team if you were Matt? Why? The SL actual costs not provided in this case, however the total cost of ownership must include the following: lease, setup, development, training of STA employees, maintenance, end of life, migration, integration with software programs, security, testing, data backup storage, insurance, marketing expense, global staffing to maintain site 24/7. I believe the cumulative cost of these categories will exceed the benefit because. How would you evaluate the value of Second Life to STA? At this time, I’d do not recommend moving forward on the basis that I do not find any value in SL. STAs target college audience is a minority in the SL user community. I evaluate the value of SL based on the projected increased revenue, profitability, market share and the risks or opportunities. The risks noted previously outweigh any potential advantage SL may provide. Class Material Online community- SL is a virtual reality community brought together by a common interest of wanting to escape reality. Pay for service- SL primary revenue model; they charge a membership to users who want to upgrade and participate in the SL economy which exchanges US$1MM daily. Disintermediation- Historically STA utilized retail travel agencies, however the Internet introduced new online competitors. Market efficiency- STA online competition provides lower costs researching trips. Rather than physically going to the retail travel agent, consumers can search for pricing and availability online. Two-way conversations- STA North America  has an interactive travel blog where customers can post videos of their travel experiences. Recommendation: I do not recommend SL because the risks exceed any gains that may exist. Also, there is not a link between the virtual and real world. I recommend that STA explore other online marketing opportunities.

Analysis and Development Strategy of HSBC Bank

Analysis and Development Strategy of HSBC Bank Introduction In todays world the competition is getting intense in all the fields especially in the world of business. If all the organizations have to run in the competition and to achieve the success every organization has to follow the approach of strategic management. Different approaches have been guiding the industries to get the most out of the opportunities and to face the challenges which are quite common in the environment of business. The strategic management approach of any organization is mainly to help sustain and maintain the strengths of the organization and to help in achieving the goals and objectives of the organization. The main aim of this assignment is conducting an analysis strategically taking example of an organization. Different tools of the market like porters Five Forces Analysis and PESTLE will be used here. Also used HSBC competitors by using of SWOT analysis.   Overview of HSBC Bank HSBC is well known to everyone as one of the largest banking services and financial industries in the environment. The headquarters of HSBC is located in London and has got networks at international level where there are more than 10,000 offices. These are located in more than 82 states in Asia, Europe, America, Middle East countries and Africa. HSBC Company has got approximately 200,000 shareholders in more than 100 countries. The network is connected by the use of technology and internet by which the company is able to provide a good range and also been able to reach financial services which also includes banking services in investment, commercial, financial services which could be personal and other services. HSBC believes in a philosophy which gives importance to principles and values. Strategies used by HSBC For HSBC to achieve success and to gain the advantages in the competition, it has been using various strategies. It has used one of the strategies called as Managing for Growth. This has helped for the company to develop more and has also helped to strengthen the organization. As the company has set up its main objective as to lead the banking and financial services, the organization used the strategy which tries to help and maintain the top position in the market. HSBC was using the strategic HRM which gives comprehensive and intense values for the employees. If the employees are motivated and productive, they help for the organization to reach its goal. Also the company has implemented the relationship management between customers and the employer in order to make relations with the customers everywhere in the world. The main aim of CRM is to ensure that organization is all the time attached to demands and needs of the customers. By using the internet and information technology, HSBC managed to reach the customers all over the world and also given them satisfactory and quality services. HSBC used strategic management in order to make sure that the business will help them to gain profits at local level and at international level. The company is well aware that possessing a good name in the industry will always help it to become more pleasing by the customers. They also believed in implementing a responsibility at corporate level which helps to recognise the accountability to the customers. The organization makes sure that the principles of conduct are always aspiring the employees. The HSBC business strategy focuses on the following customer groups. They are Private Banking Personal Financial Services Commercial Banking Services Corporate Sertvices Investment Banking Markets To make sure about the demands of the clients and customers, HSBC also used other strategy for each of the customer group. The HSBC had a perception that with effective management, the external and internal reports of the customer group, the customers will be more satisfied. The other strategy used by HSBC is called as Branding. This is considered as one of the important strategies used by HSBC. Because of this, the organization managed to reach all the customers across the world and also managed to lead the position in the business market. Competitors Analysis (SWOT Analysis) Strengths The rivals of HSBC were able to meet the needs and demands of the customers across the world. By using the internet and information technology, the HSBC competitors may use all the resources for development of new service and products which the customers would like. Apart from that the combining of the large companies were considered as one of the HSBCs strengths. Their strength also lies in possessing image of a brand organization and leadership in the market. Weaknesses Lack of resources is considered as a weakness in the rival company of the HSBC. Because of this the organization will not be able to maintain the advantage in the competition. Also the HSBC rival companies lack the ability in order to reach number of customers due to the barrier of distance. Lack of good and effective management is also one of the weakness of the HSBC competitors. They may also have some weakness in view of poor marketing approach and the image as brand organization. Some of the small companies may have a weakness to gain loyalty of the customers. Opportunities The HSBC rival companies may have the following opportunities. Favourable and productive conditions in the market. Altering the regulations in the market regarding competition. To build up good relationships between the client and the customer. To use the advanced technological support. Threats HSBC rival companies have also been affected by some of the threats in the market. Some of them are as follows: Not so favourable conditions in the market which could set as an obstacle for the position of the company and to gain the advantages. When there are new entrants and new businesses which could give more competition for the organization. When the business runs slow compared to others. Because of the revision of the regulations of the government and policies and the changes in the technology. There is no doubt that the environment of the market is very much complicated. The organizations have to consider a number of factors which are mainly dependant on the new settings and trends in the market. Most of the industries tend to use distinctive and a unique strategy to be able to cope up with the competition. A number of ways have been adopted by the companies on how the management will be able to build up a strategy. This has to be constantly analysed and evaluated and has to be updated in relation with the changes happening in the market. HSBC is well known to be using a number of strategies in order to provide customers needs and demands. Critical analysis of the market has proven that this company has grown more than its competitors just because of using the strategies in order to be connected with the customers. If any company chooses the unique and correct strategy, there is a high chance of the organization to achieve success and reach the organizational goals and also to stand as a leader in the market. Task 2 Vision,  Mission, Objectives and Measures Managing for Growth HSBC maintains a strategy to grow which is used in various ways. An important part of HSBC to grow is acquisition. To focus on enhancement of HSBC revenue culture of generation. To develop the brand further To maintain cost strategically   To maintain a good risk stance in the market To invest more in the people Following the strategy of HSBC, the customers tend to remain at the centre using this special strategy, at five customer groups worldwide. Also HSBC maintained to position itself as worlds leading bank in order to approach every country mixing up the knowledge with the local and international. The proposition of the customers will be calculated using a spectrum of intense management relations and other services. Taking HSBC as a whole it will take concentration on activities on the areas where the growth and mass are found out. The strategy of HSBC is mainly focused upon the customer groups which comprises of of the following services. Personal Financial Services which also includes Premier for HSBC. Consumer Finance Commercial banking which includes both medium and small enterprises and also includes Middle Market enterprises. Investment and Corporate Banking Private Group Banking The management covers most of the country, Europe, America, Asia and also the Middle East countries. Enhancing Products HSBC has enhanced some of the products those are important to certain group of customers. Of those some are managed and coordinated with special interest. Especially cards are enhanced by exploitation of the experience and the platforms which the Household provided. The cash management considers the international and scale including the Funds administration, Insurance Management of Assets and also benefits for Retirement. These sorts of enhancements will often help the group to make sure that the company will have the required capability to be able to satisfy the customers especially in certain cases where the products are often for sale at international level and to make use of the expertise of the product. Using Different Marketing Tools to do Analysis. As it has been already mentioned the HSBC organization is analysed by use of certain tools of Marketing. The Analysis used for this is PESTLE Analysis and the Porters Five Forces Model. PESTLE Analysis Political Aspects There are certain rules, policies and regulations that have been formulated which serves the purpose of protecting the organization. These policies and procedures are designed by the respective governments where they are been operated. HSBC managed to adhere with the policies which were formulated by each of the governments to ensure that the organization can operate the activities of the business effectively and successfully. In addition to that the organization also designs its own strategies over the other government limitations and restrictions. Economic Aspect As well known to everyone as the largest and leading company in regards to finance and banking, HSBC achieved success and stability in the economic status. Even though HSBC faces dangers from various parts across the globe, the management makes sure that they will be able to overcome those problems and always tries to maintain the good economical conditions.    Social Aspect The situation in the society effects the HSBC organization where they are operated. Inspite of this the company tries very hard to ensure that all the societies are given same opprtunities in order to take advantage of the given resources from the company. The organization adheres with the society which they belong to have good relation and reputation. Technological Aspect The company has been making use of the advanced technology. It clearly depicts how the company has been operating since last few years by taking advantage of the Information Technology. With this the company has been able to reach the customers across the globe. This has helped to be aware of the latest things in the market. It has also helped in improving the operations and the productions. Legal Aspects The policies, procedures, regulations and the rules formulated to protect the company by different governments at local and international level always allow the organizations to be more careful in view of their business activities. In order to avoid such problems the HSBC makes sure that all the actions are to be legally proceeded and are maintained at high standard level.      Environmental Aspects The Environmental protection is an important aspect which is considered by most of the businesses. If this is not given importance there is a chance of problems arising in the society. To avoid such problems HSBC has developed a strategy to protect itself and to adhere with this need. The company also tries to participate in many campaigns which are meant to be for protection of the environment. It also sponsors some of the organizations which have this sort of interest in environmental protection.   Porters Five Forces Analysis This analysis mainly explains the aspects of the external environment of the organization. Quite often these factors are able to affect various organizations in regards to competition. These are considered as the forces which drive the competition, as they ensure that the business is generated with the correlation of five different factors. These factors are as follws. Rivalry/competition among the industries Buying the power of the customers Power of the supplier Threats that could occur by new entrants Introduction of substitute product or services in the market With a clear understanding of above factors, the company manages to build up the strategies to achieve success. Force 1: The Intensity of Rivalry HSBC is said to have many rivals in the financial and banking sector. The amount of the rivalry has enabled HSBC to use different strategies which are very effective and helpful to maintain the lead position within the market. When its rivalries tend to improve their capabilities, HSBC managed to develop a strategic plan to ensure that they should be considered as the first choice by the customers in the banking industry. Force 2: The Threat of Entry HSBC has the possibility of facing number of threats because of achieving many profits in the market. Having the threat from new entry enterprises can break an organization like HSBC. In regard to this, HSBC has managed in establishment of certain barriers to make sure they lead the market. The HSBC also makes use of the brand image to ensure the stability of its customers loyalty. Force 3: The Threat of Substitutes In the market there is always introduction of new services and products by the competitors. The substitute products could give a threat to the profits of HSBC and makes the organization to work even harder to maintain its top position. The HSBC strategy has focussed on 4 segments which have helped to meet the demands and needs of all the customers which decreased the influence of any other substitute products.    Force 4: Buyer Power The buyer power is considered as one of the most important forces which could affect the values occupation which has been established by the organization. The size and the concentration of the customer are the important determinants of the force. HSBC managed to satisfy its customers effectively which has also helped the company to gain the loyalty and satisfaction of the customers. The HSBC strategy helped the organization to lead the world in the banking sector.   Force 5: Supplier Power The buyer power is reflected by the supplier power. When the force is analysed in view of this, the focus is mainly on the size and suppliers concentration which could also be related to the customers. The differentiation degree is also given focus about the materials which are supplied by the organization. The company can be able to charge the market which they target according to the price difference for all the buyers. It is implified that the supplier power describes the audience. VISION: The vision of the HSBC Company is to stand as the greatest and special group in the banking sector which has been driven by the commitment to the values and core philosophies. Enabling Excellence through Partnership The strategic objectives are achieved with the partnership from the associates and customers. MISSION: HSBC always provides a comprehensive range of services in financial sector, private finances services corporate banking, commercial, investment and private banking, and also other activities by the maintenance of network at local and international level, with the help of advanced technology and the rapid growth of e-commerce. The company aims to provide quality service in a timely fashion and cost efficient way being in line with the standards of the company. Strategic intent and mission/vision Purposes of the firm The intent of HSBC strategy is to be the customers first choice in the financial and the banking needs. The products and the services have been designed to give convenience to its customers. What goals to be achieved? Providing quality services in the banking and financial services to the market which they target whilst giving value to the employees of the company, its management and the shareholders is the main aim of HSBC. The company also aims to reach all the customers across the globe by the online activities and the websites. Any formal mission/vision statement? The mission statement of the company is being the greatest and specialized group in the banking sector which is run by a commitment by giving values and adhering to its philosophies. The company aims to lead the market and deliver a great service based upon the outstanding services, sales and solutions. In addition to that the company aims to achieve long term, superior and returns which are ethically based for the shareholders of the company, and to build a performance team which is motivated and which performs well. Also aims to create an environment which could be rewarding, challenging and convenient for the employees. Task 3 Strategy implementation a.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  How does the firm implement the chosen strategies? An intensive planning helps the firm to implement a strategy which they chose. This is done with the help from management and the leaders. In addition to that the efficient and effective leadership in the organization gives a responsibility to the team and the management networks as the total capacity of the performance in terms of activities and development is based upon it. How effective? On the basis of the analysis, it is understood that implementing the HSBC business approach has been quite effective because of the advantage in the competition and its position in the market. Making use of the planning helps to monitor the implementation strategically. Evaluation of action plans/tactics (key actions) The evaluation of the plans of HSBC has helped the company to lead the market. By taking this information, the organization should be able to continue to find an innovative program and relate effectively with the other companies in the market. The company also tends to maintain good relationships with the customers and the shareholders. This is done effectively and efficiently by the company for the operations to be done continuously. The company conceptualizes and implements approach strategically so that it will be able to set certain trends in the industry of finance and banking. Apart from development of the strategies, the company also focuses on building the customer and employee relationships. Customers are given high priority as they are the main reason for any business to be alive in the market. The HSBC strategic contains of eight imperatives. Brand: The hexagon symbol of the HSBC is one among the leading brands for the experience of the customer and the social responsibility at the corporate level. Personal Financial services: the growth in the markets and with the help of different channels at appropriate timing to make HSBC the strongest company and to play across the globe in personal financial services. Consumer Finance: to extend the reach of the business to already existing customers with a wide range of products and penetrate into new markets. Commercial Banking: to make the most out of the companys international base for the customers with effective management of the relationship and more improved offerings in all the market in all the groups. Corporate Markets and Investment Banking: to increase the growth with the enhancement of the markets and capabilities focused on the service of the client in certain sectors where the company has critical strength and relevance. Private Banking: to serve the highest value of the group and the personal clients of the company across the world. People: HSBC tends to attract the people, motivate them and develop them helping the company to achieve success. and TSR: To fulfil the TSR target by achievement of strong performances regarding earnings of the growth of the share. The HSBC has developed to be the leader among the banking sector. It is the largest bank in the Hong Kong and in China it is the largest and first foreign bank. It gives importance to the value of the shareholders and also believes in the talent of the employees working for the company. The company wish to stay on the top facing the competition, maintains a good brand image, well established customer loyalty well controlled of the costs of the operations and the ongoing adjustment of the business to cater for the needs of the customer. By this success it was quite useful in evaluating the development of the strategy of the company. This is mainly to examine the strategies of the HSBC to be aware of the mission, vision and in turn to be able to apply for the developmental strategies for other organizations. Global Development Strategy of HSBC By end of year 2003, the company has launched the program called Managing for Growth which was a strategic plan to provide the organization with a blue print for the growth. This helps to build up companys strength and it addresses about the areas where the need for more improvement is required and which could be achieved.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The core values of the company is integral for the strategy in order to communicate with the customers, employees, shareholders and to compromise on the long term, client relationships, increased productivity with a good team work, ambitious, to be international in its outlook and the character. Also there have been several elements in the achievement of the development of the objectives which includes the speeding up of the growth of the revenue, development of the brand, improving the productivity and maintainance of the risk management. Development of the employees skills is given so much importance by the company to make sure that all the employees can understand how they can contribute for the achievement of the objectives set. Strategic Marketing Perspective A number of concepts are important taking into concern about the strategic marketing. These are important as they are the ones to determine the strategies of the company. These include the determining of the needs of the customers, focusing on the development of the product and the exchange happening between the consumers and the producers in the market. These concepts have become the basis of HSBC and helped to develop the strategies and to maintain the reputation across the world. The very first strategy is to make the customers to be at the heart of the companys strategy. They have got specific approaches for all the groups of the customers which are located in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Middle East countries. The second thing is to maintain the position as the local bank in the world which helps the company to approach all the countries and by mixing up the knowledge across the country. This is considered as a good approach as all the places are different from each other with different beliefs and cultures. The last approach is for the company to concentrate certain activities on the places where the critical mass and growth are located. Some of those activities are outsourcing strategy globally. The company managed to establish in all the call centers in order to provide the services in relation to the sales and checking the accounts. The main aim of HSBC in outsourcing is to focus upon the needs of the customers. The call centers take the re sponsibility to answer any queries from the customers. As a response to the development of the product, the company has continued in enhancing certain products which were very important for the customer group offering of the company and some of the products to be managed at a global level. Some of these products include like HSBC cards, Management of the cash, insurance, Management of the Assets, Funds and Custody Administration and benefits for the Retirement. Also the improvement of the HSBC products makes sure that the company will have the best ability and will be able offer a great service to its customers. The development and the improvement of the product is very important as it serves as a good source to gain profits and to keep up with the trust of the consumers. The company will be able to attract even more customers whilst maintaining the old ones as well. With the improvement and development of the products, the company will be able to deliver the growth by enhancement of the culture which involves four aspects. These include the strengthening of the use of marketing as a key tool of management, which rewards the performance of the revenue, by focusing the investment on the businesses and localities where there is high potential for growth which can be achieved continuously when these aspects are implemented in an effective and efficient manner in the market.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The brand image of the company has been affecting the relationship between the consumers and the producers in the market. Everyone knew that maintaining brand image brings success to the organization and HSBC was equally strong to get that image. It managed to accommodate the variety at the product at local an international level. This also helps in establishment of a reputation, which is quite essential for the company to be familiar and for the market to react favourably with the company. The brand image helps to hold associations which are strong, favorable and unique. It also helps in tying up with stronger companies and gain reputation globally.

The Rise Of A Nation: United States Becomes The Number One Super Power

The United States experienced many different world events that helped propel it to becoming the world’s super power. From the Monroe Doctrine which would help the United States isolate itself from the Colonialism of the European nations and set itself as the super power of the America’s, to the Spanish American War which ended Spanish rule in the America’s as well as helped the United States acquire its own territories, to the first and second World Wars which ultimately bankrupted all of Europe, to the rise and fall of Communism and the ending of the Cold War. So why were these events so important to the rise of the United States? As the Spanish began losing its territories to independence in Central and South America, the United States adopted the Monroe Doctrine to help isolate these American countries from outside European nations so it could become the dominant nation in the America’s. The Monroe doctrine helped the United States set up puppet nations in Central and South America who were loyal to United States business and political interest. From the Monroe Doctrine many Central American and Southern American countries gained their independence from Spanish rule; the doctrine stated that any European nation that tried to force its rule upon the rebelling central and southern American nations would also have to face United States intervention. The United States was able to keep these new nations from really prospering while exploiting their natural resources for American business. Take for example the Panama Canal; put in place by the American government and funded by American business. It hel ped fuel the American economy; as well as showed the United States military might, and made it clear that the Monroe Doctrin... ...super power in the world. Throughout the United States history it had to struggle to be taken seriously as a country, however, in its short time as a developing nation it was able to become the most powerful and prosperous nation in the Americas and later through European and Asian events become the most powerful and prosperous nation in the world. The Spanish American War, WWI and WWII and the fall of communism are the most significant events that helped the United States become the super power it is today. Because of the United States location on the globe it was able to stay out of the heavy bombing European and Asian countries had experienced. Without these war torn cities the United States prospered by helping rebuild European nations, which propelled the United States into economic prosperity. These events marked the United States into super power status.

Essay --

Pit Bull Dog Fighting Throughout the years society has sought many different forms of entertainment. For instance, in ancient roman times there were many different forms of entertainment. One form was chariot racing where they used a set of four horses on about seven different teams and raced. There was also Gladiators, which were usually prisoners who would fight to the death. Then came along dog fighting. Dog fighting is a cruel sport that people do illegally. Two dogs are faced to fight and try to kill the other, the winner is presented when the other dog can no longer fight, and therefore it dies. Sounds cruel, right? Humans seek entertainment for many different reasons and sadly, fighting, whether it is watching human beings fighting or watching animals fighting it seems to be the most sought after for entertainment. As far as dog fighting goes the main â€Å"fighting dog† is the Pit Bull because of â€Å" their tolerance to pain. They are also very strong and quick moving dogs with extra jaw muscle on the top of their heads giving them a strong bite† (B.R 1). The Pit Bull can withstand massive amounts of pain and tend to heal very quickly, making them the ideal fighting dog. Pit bulls are highly muscular dogs that have large front teeth, which make it easy for them to rip through flesh. Their front legs and back legs are short but powerful making it easy for them to knock a dog out with one hit. They have good endurance therefore they can withstand long matches with another dog. Because of their high pain tolerance they can get bitten multiple times without it affecting them. Pit bulls were originally bred to be hunting dogs. There strong legs make it ideal for digging for small animals. â€Å"They're obsessed with digging in the groun... ...inment and ways to make money in the craziest ways. But does this the type of entertainment really need to be continued? Hurting a poor, innocent animal? An animal that doesn’t know right from wrong, an animal that is worthy enough to give unlimited amount of love to its owner and able to put a smile on any persons face. Yet, some people are so evil and cruel enough to put them in a rink and tell them to â€Å"Kill, kill, and kill!† Telling them to win. But, what is winning to these dogs? Winning is literally killing its opponent. Ripping the guts out of the other, until one lone victor is left standing there with blood trickling down from its face. The poor dog looks up at its owner, hoping for praise but they don’t get it. Instead they get yanked out of the rink, thrown into a cage, only to be trained to fight yet another fight, which sadly could be their last fight.

A simple index number :: Economics

A simple index number Index numbers is a number that expresses the relative change in price, quantity, or value from one period to another (1). Price index number = cost of basket in current period x 100 cost of basket in base period An index number provides a quantitative description of change over time - how much increase? How much decrease? Market researchers are also using index numbers are also using index numbers to compare a research result with an overall norm, to measure how the investment, specially in advertising industry, are working. How changes in these figures are related to the current economy as advertising is promoted as an engine that drives the economy rather than a supplement? 2. A composite index 2.1 Laspeyres Price Index The most commonly used weighted price index is the Laspeyres Price Index named after its inventor. It is a weighted aggregate price index that uses the quantities in the base period/ year as weights (Harper, 1991,p215). In essence, Laspeyres price index for the year measured shows the extent of price changes since base year on the assumption that the expenditure pattern was the same in the year measured as in base year. Thus, only price is allowed to change and the index for the current period reflects this price. 2.2 Paasche Price Index Another weighted price index is the Paasche Price Index, which uses the current quantity weights and adjusts the base each time a new period is considered. It is a weighted aggregate price index that uses the quantities in the current year as the weights (Harper, 1991,p215). Paasche price index shows the changes assuming the expenditure pattern was the same in base year as in the year measured. 2.3 Advantages and Limitations Both the Laspeyres index and the Paasche index have advantages and limitations, as indicated following: 2.3.1 Advantages Laspeyres index  · Easy to calculate.  · The Laspeyres index is the more convenient to use on a continuing basis, because the weights of base year remain fixed.  · It can be easier and cheaper to produce since the only quantities required are for the base period.  · Laspeyres where the same base weights can be used for a number of periods making it less demanding of data. As the weights don't change period to period (fixed basket) it can be considered to show exclusively price (or quantity) change (1). Paasche index -------------  · Uses quantities from the current period, thus reflects current buying habits 2.3.2 Limitations Laspeyres index  · It cannot be used if quantities are unobtainable.  · Laspeyres, as time moves on the fixed basket becomes less relevant. Paasche index  · There can be a mass of statistical data requirement, as Paasche

The Role of Performance Measurement in Business Process Re-Engineering

The purpose of this business study is to test the performance measurement system (PMS) and its interaction with development implementing standard deviation (SD). PMS is the essential of business process engineering (BPR) that is a significant theory in analyzing the interaction between the correlation of PMS, empowerment, integration, and strategic alignment. The object is to understand the unities between companies that undergo strategic modification to progress effectiveness and thrive efficiently.The testing of the hypothesis consists of two companies from the Bahrain Economy a major sector in manufacturing and finance as well as other companies within the sector. â€Å"The total of returned responds were 301 from 19 manufacturing and 30 financial companies. The companies deviate in age, number of employees, profits, range of products, or services. The individual respondents range from managerial position, experience, and length of employment† (Kuwaiti & Kay, 2013, para. 7, p. 4). The BPR emphasize on restructuring and reevaluating a business.The research questions:How is the performance of PMS a criterion to the principles of change? How is the performance of empowerment, integration, and strategic alignment correlation tested in determining the effective in change? The hypothesis of the study:H1: The significant and correlation PMS is as a criterion for the effective formation and operation of BPR and the PMS can act as a resource to change in empowerment, integration, and strategic alignment.The hypothesis testing included congruence PMS is the responding variable,  and the four explanatory variables. The statistical formula used to determine the score range is the standard deviation (SD).For example, â€Å"for empowerment the results range from a maximum of 40 (highly empowered) to a minimum of 10 (least empowered) the mean is 29.8 with a SD of 5.75 and a maximum possible score is (14*5) 70† (Kuwaiti & Kay, 2013, para. 5, p. 6). The PMS i nteraction with two of the explanatory variables is weak when measuring the range. Therefore, the hypothesis supports the relationship with strategic alignment and a modest support for empowerment.The main findings of the study:A well-defined PMS process will improve the changes within a business because PMS emphasis on premeditated purposes before initiating on different levels of business development.

The Roles of Identity in Society

The Roles of Identity in Society Many would argue that social justice is being served when someone says â€Å"we are all the same under the skin†. We are not all the same under the skin. Within us are our own senses of identity, constructed by our familiar discourses, the physical environment and its embedded culture, and our individual differences. Our sense of identity accounts for our perceptions of ourselves and how we are positioned by others in terms of culture, tradition, rituals, race, family, religion and education (Allen, 2004). Our identities affect our life chances through our positions in society, the access we have to power, status, education, and wealth (Allen, 2004). Examining our own identities gives us insight into the role identity plays in life and society and therefore some understanding of the impact that the identities of others has for them on their life choices (Austin, 2005). This essay will examine the importance of the search for identity, and the desire to reconcile those identities with society’s expectations, for the narrator in the novel by McDonald and Pryor (1999), ‘The Binna Binna Man’. The journey of this character will be positioned against my own life’s story as I attempt to compare the roles our identities have played in positioning us as members of Australian society. The narrator in The Binna Binna Man is a character who has a very secure sense of his own identity. He has a sound knowledge of his spiritual heritage, his people’s traditions and the importance the strength of his identity has for him and for his people. He seems perplexed by the idea that his cousin Shandell is â€Å"†¦living different from all that stuff’ (McDonald & Pryor, 1999, pg 17). He is reminded by his â€Å"girragundji† (a guide for life sent by his ancestors) that the way to stay strong and avoid getting lost is to have faith in his spirituality and his identity (McDonald, et al. , 1999). This is proven to him when he almost follows Shandell down the path to self-destruction. The Binna Binna Man, their beliefs, bring them both back to the strength they gain from knowing that they are Aboriginal Australians, with a wealth of culture, history, knowledge, and skills. Unfortunately their people bear the scars of that wealth being devalued and misunderstood by the Anglo Australian hegemonic society. This is demonstrated through the sadness they carry and the way they feel how many of their people they have lost. The narrator and his family have to scrape together the means to travel out of the community they live in to be able to participate in their cultural rituals of grief and burial because they are not traditions easily accessible to them in Australian society. The narrator does not carry around the invisible knapsack of rights and power described by McIntosh (1988) that gives him access to the ability to carry out the roles of his identity. Rather, he realizes the struggle he has ahead of him, to keep the strength of his identity and to be able to survive life and society with it proudly intact. He can see the strength of his people, but he can also see their struggle (McDonald et al, 1999). As noted in McDonald (2004) Australian Indigenous youth battle on a daily basis with the pressures their identities generate such as racism, poverty, the hegemonic culture of school, and having English as a second language, while trying to maintain the roles expected of them from their Indigenous cultures. It is an enormously demanding and frustrating battle for these youth to get through their daily lives intact, let alone being able to achieve well in either world. The narrator is struggling with his identity as an Aboriginal youth in Australian society and is trying to emerge from a history of oppression and denial. He has not inherited wealth from his parents or the social and cultural capital necessary to be able to identify with the hidden curriculum of the education system (Allen, 2004). His family has only relatively recently emerged from a period of oppression under The Aboriginal Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1897 (Genever, 1992) where the Indigenous people of Australia were denied, by the Australian Government, the right to own anything, freedom of movement, the right to practice their cultural traditions, or the right to the education required to â€Å"participate as responsible citizens† (Genever, 1992). He is caught in Australian society, within his cultural boundaries â€Å"†¦(the objective presence of cultural difference)† as discussed in McDonald’s paper on ‘Forms of Social Justice’ (2004). In no way is he served by social justice by being given the same chances I was, under the pretext of â€Å"treating us all the same†, as though we share a common identity. The development of my identity has benefited from what McIntosh (1988) terms â€Å"unearned privilege†. The life choices and chances I have, I have inherited, not struggled or worked for. I am fortunate to have a very strong family support structure within my immediate family and my extended family. Traditionally, as a family, we celebrate birthdays, special events and seek advice from one another as needed. There is a strong sense of respect for elders in my family and the younger generation bears responsibility for their well-being. Predominantly, my family follows the Catholic religion and my values and beliefs reflect this. Consequently, I have developed a strong sense of self worth through the influence of my family and their cultural practices. I am a third generation Australian. My family was middle class and although not overly wealthy in terms of material belongings I can see that my life was rich in opportunities and choices that the narrator was not afforded. I was born into an environment that set me up to be able to succeed at school. English is my first language and I speak it well enough to succeed at school and to be accepted into university. I am immersed in a society where the traditions, customs, practices and language of my heritage surround me and dominate all other identities. The practices and language used by my family were consistent with those of the schools I attended, where the autonomy and independence encouraged in Indigenous children like the narrator may have been misinterpreted and devalued as neglect (Malin, 1990). I did, however, experience a brief time in my schooling that bore a stark contrast to that described above. When I was nine years old, I attended a school in Hawaii for twelve months and for the first time in my life was part of a minority group where my language, culture and experiences were not valued by the students or the teacher. I was never asked to share anything about myself or my life in Australia and was the victim of some ridicule from my peers because I lacked knowledge of, and a skill for playing, baseball. I was subjected to racist remarks about the colour of my skin and was never supported or really even acknowledged by my teacher. As a class, we were required to write a paper detailing the history of American presidents which I found extremely difficult. The exercise held no meaning for me and I was unable to connect with it on the same level that my American peers did. My developing experience as a pre-service teacher now allows me to see the value that would have come from the teacher asking me to write my paper on the history of Australian Prime Ministers, and to share that with my teacher and the class. This would have been an opportunity for the teacher to encourage a rich, authentic learning experience for me and for my American classmates – a sharing and valuing of knowledge and cultures and an opportunity to break down some of the cultural barriers that were present within the classroom and the school. I strongly believe that education is the key to success in society and that teachers hold powerful positions with regard to recognizing and valuing the diverse groups in their classrooms. My development as a pre-service teacher depends on an ongoing commitment to value and support every student in my classroom by understanding their cultures and how their identities shift and change, have different importance amongst peers, family, and the community. I will continue to make myself aware of the role identity plays in shaping our self perceptions and, therefore, our life chances. The education system has, in the past, failed certain groups and continues to reproduce social disparities, prejudices, conditioning and spirals of failure for these groups (Keefe & Carrington, 2007). As teachers, we should not see the cultural differences of our students as excuses or reasons for students to fail. Rather, we need to adapt our teaching practices and find ways to give them access to education and opportunities. Students need to be taught to view the world, themselves and others critically in order to recognize and discontinue the perpetuation of social inequities in education and other institutions. If teachers can work towards identifying the inadequacies in teacher service, they begin to address the needs of disadvantaged groups ensuring equitable access to education, as is every student’s right. As I raise my own child and instill in him the same practices, language and culture as my family did for me, I am aware I am equipping him with that â€Å"invisible knapsack† that McIntosh (1988) writes about. I am aware that I am sending him out into a world where he does not have to carry his identity around with him like a weight around his neck, restricting him access to education, his choices, his rights and responsibilities. I do hope however as I continue to grow and learn, that I instill in him the ability to understand ‘identity’ and what that means for him and for others. As he grows and learns he will understand that if he were to be treated â€Å"the same† as many of the minority groups he lives amongst, that he too would have to struggle to maintain his identity, just like the narrator. I know that his identity will provide him with more than his share of opportunities and choices. It is clear that various cultural and traditional factors shape our unique identities. Teachers have a responsibility to recognize and value the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and knowledge that their students bring to the classroom, and to ensure that pedagogies incorporate a variety of styles to cater for this diversity. Researching this topic and reflecting on my own experiences has been a valuable exercise that will influence my teaching philosophy and the way I view identity and diversity. Compiling this essay brought back virtually forgotten memories of events I myself encountered during my schooling when I experienced a situation akin to those described by the narrator. I strongly believe that our education system must implement inclusive curriculum programs that value all cultural identities. This will ensure that all students receive educational opportunities and the chance to develop self respect and positive dispositions towards learning, thus enhancing life chances and empowering them to succeed. . References: Allen, J. (2004). Sociology of Education: Possibilities and Practices. (3rd Ed). Southbank, VIC: Social Science Press. Austin, J. (Ed. ). (2005). Culture and Identity (2nd ed. , pp 139-154). Sydney: Pearson Education Australia. Genever, T. (1992). Black and Blue. Aboriginal-Police Relations in Far North Queensland During The Currency of The Aboriginals Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1893 – 1939. Unpublished Honours Thesis, JCU, Tsv. Keefe, M. , & Carrington, S. (Eds. ). (2007). Schools and Diversity (2nd ed. , pp 108 – 127). Sydney: Pearson Education Australia. McDonald, H. , (2004). Forms of social justice. Notes prepared for teacher education students. Townsville: James Cook University. McDonald, H. , (2004). Supporting Indigenous students as â€Å"smart, not good† knowers and learners: The practices of two teachers. Paper adapted for exclusive use of students enrolled in ED2990 and ED3290 at James Cook University. McDonald, M. , & Pryor, B. M. , (1999). The binna binna man. Crows Nest. NSW: Allen & Unwin. McIntosh, P. (1988). White privilege: unpacking the invisible knapsack. Available from http://seamonkey. ed. asu. edu/~mcisaac/emc598ge/Unpacking. html (Accessed 17 September 2008). Malin , M. (1990). â€Å"Why is life so hard for Aboriginal students in urban classrooms? † The Aboriginal Child at School, 18 (1), 9-29.

Effects of discrimination Essay

Discrimination against children may have a great impact on their self-esteem and self-worth. They may find life very lonely and develop trust issues; this could affect the child throughout their whole life. A child with low self-esteem will often give up on a task earlier than other children or may not want to participate at all because they fear that they won’t be able to achieve it. There are four types of discrimination, these are; Direct: this is where a person is told they are unable to do something because of their colour, race, religion or sex. Indirect: this would be excluding people from taking part by making rules or practices that affect them negatively for example displaying pictures which only include white children and not multicultural children. Institutional: occurs when the policies, systems and procedures in a setting discriminate against a group or groups of people. This happens because the systems and processes were designed without taking into account the diverse needs of groups within the community in relation to their race, disability or gender resulting in some children being treated differently. Individual: where one person views lead to the unfair treatment of another person. Children can be discriminated against because of racism and cultural differences, their gender, abilities or the way they look, for example my child has Nystagmus which is an involuntary eye movement so when he is trying to focus on things his eyes move from side to side, so when he goes to school he may be discriminated against because he maybe need special equipment to help him in his learning so he can achieve everything possible. Parents can be discriminated against because of their age, lifestyles, parent values, education or income, for example they may not look as wealthy as some of the other parents but this doesn’t mean they are any less educated or any less of a good parent. ensure settings are welcoming, non-threatening and fun places to be, where children and their families are valued because of their differences. Stereotyping and discriminating can lead to bullying from a young age that children can then carry on into adulthood. There are many ways in which people could be stereotyped, some of these can include stereotyping against boys and girls, girls are not good at sports; boys shouldn’t play with dolls or dress up. Cultures all Arabs and Muslims are terrorists, all white Americans are obese, lazy and dim witted. Groups of individuals Goths wear black clothes, black makeup, are depressed and hated by society, girls are only concerned about physical appearance, and all blondes are unintelligent. In the Oxford dictionary it stated that the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex:victims of racial discrimination. This quote is from http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/discrimination 20th September 2013 Anti-discriminatory means action taken to prevent discrimination against people on the grounds of race, class, gender or disability. Anti-discriminatory practice promotes equality by introducing anti-discrimination policies in the setting As an early years practitioner it is our responsibility to support children to develop ideas of equality, in doing this the children will grow up less likely to be prejudice. Children are not born with these attitudes they learn from adults. You should show positive role models by having books/posters/toys which show different ethnic persuasion/religions/people and books and male and females in equal roles (i.e male nurse/female nurse. Male builder/female builder. Black policeman/white policeman. Disabled teacher/non-disabled teacher Each child is an individual and has different needs but should all be treated equally by making sure that all children are included in activities for example making Christmas cards, if a parents wishes were that their child doesn’t celebrate other religions you must accept their decision and should adapt the activity so that the child can join in, so you could suggest that the child creates a winter scene or snowman card so that they still feel included, valued and have a positive sense of identity. Parents should be made aware of who is who and each staff members job role, a noticeboard with a photo of each member of staff, and their job description would be a good way for parents to become familiar with members of staff. Each child should be assigned a keyworker; parents should be made aware of who their child’s keyworker is, as this is the person the parent would liais e with regarding their child. If their child has any special requirements for example diet requirements, medical needs or any other relevant information in which the setting may need to be made aware of then the keyworker is the person that should be informed of this important information. The keyworker is also the person responsible for monitoring the child’s development and activities the child has participated in. Parents should be invited to support their child by attending parent’s evenings this will enable parents and keyworkers to discuss the child’s learning and development in more detail and for either party to voice any concerns they may be having regarding the child. Another way to involve the parents would be to hold school events, assemblies and sports events.

WE 5 Mandi crj 546 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

WE 5 Mandi crj 546 - Essay Example She goes ahead to show their relevance systematically, allowing a reader to gain a clear understanding of her work. In addition, her work is written in a logical manner, ultimately engaging the reader, making him or her yearn to learn more. Personally, I have learned through her work about three types of photographs that play an insignificant role to the investigator regarding the crime scene. Jennifer’s article focuses on technological advancements used to detect fingerprints at crime scenes such as macro lens and alternate light source. Her clear abstract gives the reader an idea on what to expect from the article. Consequently, a reader becomes interested in the processes. Additionally, she clearly elaborates how these advancements work and how the forensic photographer is able to gather relevant evidence from the crime scene. A major enlightenment from this article is that forensic photographers must always take photographs without a standard of measure because it ensures that there is no alteration or removal of evidence. Lastly,I can firmly attest that her article greatly enlightens the reader on fingerprint photography and keeps the learner engaged from the start as information flows smoothly throughout the entire

Managing Communication Knowledge and Information Essay

Managing Communication Knowledge and Information - Essay Example The department focuses on integrating operations and supply chain strategy with a firm’s operations capabilities. This involves decisions that relate to the design of the processes and infrastructure needed to support these processes. Process design includes selecting the appropriate technology, sizing the process over time, determining the role of inventory in the process, and locating the process (Schultz, 2011, pg, 49). The infrastructure decisions involve the logic associated with the planning and control systems, quality assurance and control approaches, work payment structure, and organisation of system quality assurance and control approaches, work payment structure and organisation of operations and supply chain functions. This department’s operations capabilities can be viewed as portfolio best suited to adapt to the changing product and or service needs of a firm’s customers. Starbucks’ location strategy-its clustering of 20 or more stores in each urban hubwas viewed as enhancing the experience both in creating a local â€Å"Starbucks buzz’’ and in facilitating loyalty by Starbucks’ customers. Starbucks’ analysis of sales by individual store found little evidence that closely located Starbucks stores cannibalized one another’s sales. Recognizing that convenience of location was critical to driving sales; Starbucks began adding drive-through windows to some of its stores and locating stores specifically to capitalize on drive-through customers (Miles & Friedman, 2006, pg. 100). For this reason, the manager requires information to do with the corporate social responsibility (Phillip & Freeman, 2010, pg. 33). This implies that the manager requires understanding what the community around as well as the consumer perceives of the products from the company. In addition, the management in this department requires information on employee perception on the decisions being undertaken in the company. This will ensure that operations are efficient and therefore, the supply chain is up to date. As such, the manager is supposed to

(educatio)culture geography of childhood Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

(educatio)culture geography of childhood - Essay Example onal researchers have mentioned culture and tradition play a vital role in acquisition of values, knowledge, beliefs, behaviours and expectations of a child’s life. Eminent psychological and learning theories such as social constructivism and cognitive theory underlines the significance of social or family interaction in character formation and learning. By Barbara M. Newman, Philip R. Newman remark; â€Å"Vygotsky considered the nature of reasoning and problem solving as culturally created.† (Newman & Newman 2008, p.60). This photographic essay the researcher investigates the role of culture and tradition in a person’s character formation and learning. The selected photograph is about a boy named Aissa from an Algerian Islamic family. The photographic essay reveals a story or evokes a sequence of emotions in the mind of the reader which discuss cultural beliefs and traditions of a child. The first set of the photographs reveals that the boy Aissa is very frankly mingled with his family members and one can easily find his positive attitudes towards his parents. The boy keeps a healthy relationship with his family members. The given image (figure1and 2) also expresses the boy has developed good and excellent personality because he respects all members of his family and his society. Erich Fromm, Michael Maccoby assert;† Village parents are serious about obedience, and they feel that to be playful for or to show enthusiasm about the child at this age would undermine respect.† (Fromm & Maccoby 1996, p.189). The boy in this photograph is a member of a conservative Islamic Algerian family and this picture shows the cultural and religious background of the family. The given photographs help the viewer to reach the idea that the boy has followed and sustained a structured behaviour and it also reveals the characteristics of his culture and tradition which follow the habit of respecting others. Don Tinkler argues that â€Å"Of major importance in the development of

Sexual harassment Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sexual harassment - Case Study Example Burger King Restaurants, the largest franchisee is paying $2.5 million in order to settle fed-eral claims of sexual harassment. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says the agree-ment with Carrols Corp. covers 89 female employees around the country. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleged that Carrols employees subjected women in dozens of restaurants to unwanted touching, obscene comments, strip searches, exposure of genitalia, and rape. However, the Burger King Restaurants Company did not admit any wrongdoing and said in a statement that it settled the case to avoid litigation costs. This particular settlement required Burger King Restaurants to improve its ability to respond to harassment charges. Syracuse, N.Y.-based Carrols owns and op-erates more than 570 Burger King Restaurants in 13 states. Carrols was accused of sexual harass-ment and a widespread violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Burger King's largest franchi-see--Carrols Restaurant Group I nc. agreed to a $2.5 million settlement with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on Tuesday, this marked the end of a 14-year sexual harassment case in which Carrols was accused of widespread violation of Title VII of The Civil Rights Act. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the money will go to 88 former employees and one current employee, the remaining claimants out of 90,000 female em-ployees that the EEOC initially contacted to investigate Carrols' alleged harassment. In spite of this, Carrols did not admit wrongdoing as a component of the settlement, and the CEO of the company, Daniel Accordino said in a statement: "We unequivocally do not tolerate sexual harassment in our workplace." The company however did agree to augment its anti-harassment policies and increase training, and will be reporting to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for two years. This story relate to ideas that we have discussed in the course concerning sexual harassment and human resources. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC, sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination in violation of Title VII of Civil Rights Act 1964.   In fact, by 1998, the Supreme Court of the United States made employers more liable for employee sexual harassment. Nevertheless, the Society for Human Resource Management has documented in their report that 62%of companies today offer programs on sexual harassment prevention training, and 97% have a written policy of sexual harassment (Crouch, 2009). In the case of the Burger King Restaurants, there were some inconsistencies as there was no clear sexual harassment policy written. Over 88 female employees reported sexual harassment and have been compensated due to laxity of the company to define a

Argument essay (mini research paper) about immigration( specific

Argument (mini research paper) about immigration( specific topics included in instructions) - Essay Example must oppose the Great Wall of America because it is not an effective and efficient solution to illegal immigration, it promotes nativism that borders racism, and it results to inhumane consequences that goes against the universal right to work and live in other nations. The Wall is too expensive, yet ineffective, in curbing illegal immigration. The Wall is too costly, and it is not even completed in a consistent manner. Wayne A. Cornelius from the University of California at San Diego complains of the endless costs of building the wall: â€Å"Upward of $25 billion has been spent on border fortification since 1993, but we have little to show for it beyond photo ops for anti-immigration politicians.† These funds are approved by Congress, but the expenses will never end because of the large area of territory needed to build the Wall and to maintain it. Furthermore, the Wall will not stop immigrants, who are deeply driven to cross physical barriers because of socio-economic reasons. David Von Drehle, a reporter for Time, notes that immigrants will seek for other ways to illegally enter America: â€Å"Crossings didnt stop--they moved† (2). People will not stop in searching for means to breach the Wall, especially when they have nothing to lose. Furthermore, a wall, no matter how solid or guarded it is, cannot stop the ingenuity of human smugglers. Their business is to move people illegally across borders, and not even the Great Wall can stop them: â€Å"Smugglers like to cut this fence with torches, then carefully put everything back in place so the border patrol wont notice† (Von Drehle 2). When obstacles exist, human smugglers use other modes of getting people across the border. Thus, the present Wall is inefficient and not significantly effective in stopping illegal immigration. Apart from being an ineffective and expensive way of controlling immigration, the Wall promotes sentiments of nativism that can lead to racism. Richard Rodriguez, a news writer for Los Angeles

Domestication of Plants and Animals in Ethiopia Essay

Domestication of Plants and Animals in Ethiopia - Essay Example The area currently referred to as Ethiopia is believed to be among the earliest hosts of economically centered societies. The oldest evidence of hominids comes from this area, suggesting that the time was available to develop such systems. However, as history passed, people were amassing in Ethiopia in parallel to birthing civilizations elsewhere in the world. Consequently, the evolution of domesticating techniques does not have a clear starting point. In Ethiopia, and most other candidate areas for the "cradle of civilization", it is estimated that animals were domesticated first over a period that may range from near 10,000 BC to 3,000 BC. Plant cultivation of this form then became prominent in the period encompassing about 3,000 BC to 2,000 BC. Cattle were among the earliest domestic animals, due to their appeal as a source of meat. Goats provided milk, sheep gave wool, and stronger animals like donkeys and oxen provided transportation, as well as brute force. A wide variety of beasts would eventually be harnessed for human benefit, largely thanks to the presence of many local animal species (Milkias n.p.). The early use of animal labor and the subsequent emergence of domestication is theorized to have played a considerable role in the development of agricultural centers in Ethiopia and other early societies (such as those in the Fertile Crescent). Animals bred for the benefit of humans helped to produce the resource surpluses that drew most people to a limited number of areas, ultimately producing the framework of economies and civilization itself. If animals raised for humanity laid the foundation for social development, then plants, appropriately, allowed civilization to bloom. As early as the 30th century BC, plant domestication became an immediately dominant force in the propagation of Ethiopian communities. At least thirty-six different plant species became the first plants in the area to be grown under control for the traits that most benefit