Political Economy Essay -- Mass Media News Mediated Messages

Political EconomyOur society is strongly influenced by all sources of media. The media shows us what is going on in the world news, fashion and much more. The media is our connection to the world and what goes on all around us. The political sparing approach looks at the influence that self-possession control, advertising and audience spending has over the mass media and the mediated messages we receive on a day-after-day basis. Political economy believes that everything about media products is created through geomorphological features (ownership, advertising and audience spending). The industries and businesses that the media works for and out of are organized through the economic and political factors of our economy. Political economy stresses that private ownership has a major influence on the content and structure of the media. There are three viewpoints on ownership control Kevin Williams discusses in Understanding Media Theory. First, Marxist political economy believes tha t there is a direct link between ownership and control. An owner determines who, what facts and what ideas the public actually sees. Second, Structuralists say it is impossible to have a direct family relationship between ownership and control. Structuralists believe that an owner is not physically able to keep up with the operations of mediated messages made on a daily basis. There are too many messages made for an owner to look over and ok before production. Instead Structuralists believe to have alloc...

Movie Piracy Essay -- essays research papers fc

The subject of my paper focuses on pic plagiarism. ikon plagiarisation by definition is the illegal copying of movies for personal or commercial use. This is a new epidemic that is acting the film industry financially on a global level. What are the necessary steps that can be taken on behalf of the film industry that can stop this illegal execute from occurring? Once you walk down the city streets of New York, you can easily find vendors selling their bootleg DVD copies of new released movies for half the price of a movie ticket. At the moment the quality of the movies arent at its best, but with the technological advancements, the quality of these bootleg DVDs are getting better, which federal agency that movie piracy is actually on the rise. This abides to worry both film studios and copyright activist. Movie companies are the ones suffering the most from this illegal practice. While they continue to produce $100 million movies, their profits continue to fall, when hatfu l decide to either pick up a burned copy or transfer the movie off some illegal Internet site. This essay takes a look at the different forms of movie piracy and what different organizations, such as the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) and its international counterpart, MPA (Motion Picture Association), are doing to combat this illegal practice.     There are many different forms of piracy and can all affect the movie industry in various ways. The most joint type is known as Optical Disc plagiarisation, which is a major threat to the movie industry. Pirate optical discs, which include Laser Discs (LD), Video Compact Discs (VCD) and Digital Versatile Discs (DVD), are inexpensive to manufacture and easy to distribute. In 2000, over 20 million pirate optical discs were seized, and by comparison, 4.5 million videos were seized worldwide in the selfsame(prenominal) period (Anti-Piracy). Most of this bootleg movies are made through the common practice of recording the movie with a hand held camcorder in the theatres and then being copied or burned onto a VHS or DVD. Illegal copies of certain calamity office movies are also made from legitimate advance copies of these movies, which are used for screening and marketing purposes. For that reason, one cannot be mistaken into thinking that people in the streets commit most of the piracy. There was investigation done by AT&T and the Univers... ...ey can also use technology to their advantage. skilful the way a rented DVD has a device that prevents a person from recording the movie on to another DVD or VHS, their movies should contain the same device. Although movie piracy is a lucrative business, each small step that the film industry takes, is a small step in preventing movie piracy from occurring. Bibliography1.     "Anti-Piracy." Anti-Piracy. Motion Picture Association of America. 29 Mar. 2005 .2.     Hansell, Saul. "A Suprem e Court Showdown." Technology. 28 March 2005. New York Times. 29 March 2005 .3.     Knight, Will. "Insiders Blamed For Most Online Movie Piracy." New Scientist.com. 15 Sep. 2003. New Scientist. 30 Mar. 2005 .4.     Liddle, Craig. "Movie Piracy On The Rise." Electricnews.net. 12 July 2004. ENN. 29 Mar. 2005 .5.     "Movie Piracy." The Cheating Culture. The Cheating Culture. 29 Mar. 2005 .6.     Pruitt, Scarlet. "MPAA Movie Piracy Is the New Plague." 09 July 2004. PC World. 29 Mar. 2005 .

Recommendations To Make The Organization More Competitive :: Business Analysis

The more war-ridden corporations are in markets, the less the strategies are available to all corporation. All corporations become reactive rather than proactive, unable to chit-chat their will on the market. They tail assembly non control value, they cannot differentiate their product. Competition denies them the resources to acquire other enterprises. In cosmos cost positions differ, often significantly, and products are perceived to be different, sometimes so different that some are branded. This generates both the scope and resources needed for acquisitions, aggressive toll behavior or a major marketing campaign. The item recommendations the Board is seeking are how A. to make the organization more competitiveThe main military issue of having a competitive strategy wages is clear. Such an favor translates into the positive outcomes of a profits pissed by our corporation with above average for the industry, sort of of a loss less than that earned by others. It does n ot necessarily mean an above-normal profit since this depends on the nature of our industry. It is easy to recognize when competitive advantage exists, when an our corporation, is competing with another corporation, for the same customers in the same market, is able to earn either a realized, or potential, profit which is higher than that of competitors, or a loss which is smaller. Provided the news report is accurate, it is not difficult to identify the corporation with a competitive advantage. The result of a better financial performance is made possible by the fall upon characteristic of any competitive advantage, the great utility or value given to the customer by an enterprise. Customers buy our service either in greater numbers or at a higher price because of this greater advantage. Competitive advantage is then the ability to better satisfy our customers than competitors could. The causes of the existence of such(prenominal) an advantage reflect the combined ability to rec ognize fortune and wherefore position the corporation accordingly, and produce what is wanted at a cost and therefore a price which is acceptable. Both these abilities are the result of the beguile application of the core competencies possessed by the corporation. B. to provide high quality customer serveThe corporation realization of entrepreneurial goals requires, for its success, adequate, even high-quality management inputs. many another(prenominal) of these management inputs involve specialist knowledge of functional areas. The proportion of entrepreneurs and managers required within an enterprise, or indeed the desirable blend of these characteristics within the same individuals, can vary markedly.Recommendations To Make The Organization More Competitive Business AnalysisThe more competitive corporations are in markets, the less the strategies are available to any corporation. All corporations become reactive rather than proactive, unable to impose their will on the ma rket. They cannot control price, they cannot differentiate their product. Competition denies them the resources to acquire other enterprises. In reality cost positions differ, often significantly, and products are perceived to be different, sometimes so different that some are branded. This generates both the scope and resources needed for acquisitions, aggressive price behavior or a major marketing campaign. The specific recommendations the Board is seeking are how A. to make the organization more competitiveThe main outcome of having a competitive strategy advantage is clear. Such an advantage translates into the positive outcomes of a profits earned by our corporation with above average for the industry, instead of a loss less than that earned by others. It does not necessarily mean an above-normal profit since this depends on the nature of our industry. It is easy to recognize when competitive advantage exists, when an our corporation, is competing with another corporation, for the same customers in the same market, is able to earn either a realized, or potential, profit which is higher than that of competitors, or a loss which is smaller. Provided the accounting is accurate, it is not difficult to identify the corporation with a competitive advantage. The result of a better financial performance is made possible by the key characteristic of any competitive advantage, the greater utility or value given to the customer by an enterprise. Customers buy our service either in greater numbers or at a higher price because of this greater advantage. Competitive advantage is then the ability to better satisfy our customers than competitors could. The causes of the existence of such an advantage reflect the combined ability to recognize opportunity and therefore position the corporation accordingly, and produce what is wanted at a cost and therefore a price which is acceptable. Both these abilities are the result of the appropriate application of the core competenc ies possessed by the corporation. B. to provide high quality customer servicesThe corporation realization of entrepreneurial goals requires, for its success, adequate, even high-quality management inputs. Many of these management inputs involve specialist knowledge of functional areas. The proportion of entrepreneurs and managers required within an enterprise, or indeed the desirable blend of these characteristics within the same individuals, can vary markedly.

Antigone :: essays research papers

"Antigone" the play written by Sophocles deals with moralistic law vs courteous law. King Creon has condemned Princess Antgione. Antgione went against the kings predominate and buried her brother Ploynices. Antgione now give be punished by starvation under King Creons decree. Antigone is a passionate, industrial-strength willed, and determined women. Antigone is a passionate character in the play we see this as we learn of her as we see her put moral law above civil law. An important ideal in Ancient Greece was the belief that the government was to have no control in matters concerning religious beliefs. In Antigones eyes, Creon betrayed that ideal by not allowing her to properly bury her brother, Polynices. She believed that the burial was a religious ceremony, and Creon did not have the power to deny Polynices that correctly. Antigone is ready to defy Creons decree and do what she feels in her heart is right we see this when she says "Will you life up his body wi th these bare hands and lower it with me? ". Threw out the play Antigone is strong willed. She doesnt want Ismene to explain the law to her. When she asks Ismene to help her with the burial of Ploynice, Ismene says no. When Ismene tries to convince Antigone to not defy Creons decree Antigone tells her "I wont affirm no, even if you should have a change in heart, Id never welcome you in the labor, not with me. So, do as you like, whatever suits you best- Ill bury him myself.". Antigone is not willing to give up with out a fight and she isnt going to let anyone get in her way. Antigone is one of the strong willed characters in this play. When she is done burring her brother, after all the torment she has endured she says "My reverence only brands me for irreverence". Antigone isnt sorry even though by doing the right thing she will be put to death by starvation in a tomb. She is obeying the law of the gods rather then the law of Creon. When Antigone takes matters in to her own hands and does what is right ,that shows strong soul . Having a strong sense of moral law in Greek mythology will lead to a good after life.

Shadow And Custodial President Essay examples -- essays research paper

Shadow and tutelary PresidentsGrant (1868) Cleveland (1892)Throughout the history of the world there soak up been many people remembered for their actions and a keen deal more forgotten for no real reason. This does not exempt more recent history. After the American Civil fight, six lesser-known Presidents, Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Cleveland, and Harrison, dedicate been given titles of either shadow or custodial presidents. A shadow, is a section of darkness, or a part that follows behind. Some of the Presidents seem to have locomote into the shadows of other events, people, and issues. Others put themselves there, upright stepping out long enough to take care of a few urgent tasks then sink back into the unknown. Custodial Presidents a term implying that the man is there only to fix problems already out of hand. He does not create policies or change the course of the nation, just keeps it on its way. Truthfully, some of these men are deserving of these titles. Others may not be.Gen. Ulysses S. Grant 1868-1876Towards the end of President Johnsons term in office, Johnson and Grant began to have public disagreements about the state of the Union. Due to these quarrels Grant aligned himself with the Radical Republican political party. Grant was already well known for his triumphs during the Civil War and was thus, the popular choice for Presidential Nominee. Grant was the son of an Ohio tanner. He was educated at West Point, where he graduated 21st out of 39. Grant fought in both the Mexican and Civil Wars. In 1864 President Abraham Lincoln appointed Grant to the Position of General in Chief.As President, grant had difficulty in making wise judgements. He was a man who tried, in most ways to be honest, but still found himself in association to misleading acts.Grant was known to accept a considerable amount of gifts from political admirers. He was also seen with the speculators, Jay Gould and James Fisk. Two men, who were planning to corner the mark et in gold. Grant did realize their plan, and he tried to put an abrupt halt to it. However his action caused a tremendous amount of fiduciary turmoil. Grant in no way curbed Radical Reconstruction, in the South. At times he aided it with military force.&... ... of Presidency Harrison focused on was foreign policy. In 1889 the goat god American Congress met in Washington to establish an information center. Harrison also tried to annex Hawaii.Within the country Harrison expanded the navy, do subsidies for steamships lines available, and signed bills for inhering improvements. He also wanted to protect the American consumer from monopolies, so he signed the Sherman Anti-Trust act.Harrison had great problem, the tariff, facing him. He tried to make revisions in the tariff. These revisions made it so the Treasury surplus was nonexistent before the end of his term in office. Along with the surplus went the prosperity of most of the working class.Harrison mostly focused, in his presid ency, on issues that were important at the moment, but not so important as to be memorable. His time as President has fallen into the shadows. No great travesties or victories occurred during his time and so he will remain a shadow president.After is retirement in Indianapolis and marriage in 1869, asa dulcis Harrison died in1901, a respected man.

Shadow And Custodial President Essay examples -- essays research paper

Shadow and Custodial Presidents admit (1868) Cleveland (1892)Throughout the history of the world there direct been many battalion remembered for their actions and a great deal more forgotten for no real reason. This does not exempt more recent history. After the American obliging War, sextet lesser-known Presidents, concord, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Cleveland, and Harrison, have been given titles of either shadow or custodial presidents. A shadow, is a section of darkness, or a part that follows behind. Some of the Presidents seem to have fallen into the shadows of other events, people, and issues. Others put themselves there, just stepping out long enough to take care of a few urgent tasks then sink masking into the unknown. Custodial Presidents a term implying that the man is there only to fix problems already out of hand. He does not create policies or change the vogue of the nation, just keeps it on its way. Truthfully, some of these men are deserving of these titles. Ot hers may not be.Gen. Ulysses S. deliver 1868-1876Towards the end of President Johnsons term in office, Johnson and Grant began to have public disagreements about the state of the Union. Due to these quarrels Grant aligned himself with the Radical Republican political party. Grant was already well known for his triumphs during the Civil War and was thus, the popular choice for Presidential Nominee. Grant was the son of an Ohio tanner. He was educated at West Point, where he graduated 21st out of 39. Grant fought in both the Mexican and Civil Wars. In 1864 President Abraham Lincoln appointed Grant to the Position of General in Chief.As President, grant had impediment in making wise judgements. He was a man who tried, in most ways to be honest, but still found himself in standstill to dishonest acts.Grant was known to accept a considerable amount of gifts from political admirers. He was also seen with the speculators, Jay Gould and James Fisk. Two men, who were planning to corner th e merchandise in gold. Grant did realize their plan, and he tried to put an abrupt halt to it. However his action caused a tremendous amount of fiduciary turmoil. Grant in no way curbed Radical Reconstruction, in the South. At times he aided it with military force.&... ... of Presidency Harrison focused on was foreign policy. In 1889 the Pan American Congress met in Washington to establish an information center. Harrison also tried to annex Hawaii.Within the country Harrison expanded the navy, made subsidies for steamships lines available, and sign-language(a) bills for internal improvements. He also wanted to protect the American consumer from monopolies, so he signed the Sherman Anti-Trust act.Harrison had great problem, the tariff, facing him. He tried to make revisions in the tariff. These revisions made it so the Treasury surplus was nonexistent before the end of his term in office. Along with the surplus went the prosperity of most of the working class.Harrison broadly foc used, in his presidency, on issues that were important at the moment, but not so important as to be memorable. His time as President has fallen into the shadows. No great travesties or victories occurred during his time and so he will remain a shadow president.After is retirement in Indianapolis and marriage in 1869, Benjamin Harrison died in1901, a respected man.

Image Incentives for Environmental Management Essay

Investors atomic compute 18 most perceptibly impressed by environmental cargon. A company that demonstrates sound and sustainable pr acquitices with respect to the environment wins the trust of fund managers who adopt danger management strategies for the long-term safety of capital. A business or even an arm of establishment that has turgid eyesores in terms of waste, extravagant consumption and deleterious side-effects from use of its products and services, will key it impossible to attr operate fresh investment, or even to make its equity, unless it is able to demonstrate clear ability to contain all the undesirable effects of its operations.Organizations with transparent environmental management systems will emerge as like destinations for public and private investment. Major accidents evoke threaten the continuance of both industry and government. The impacts of the Bhopal disaster on Union Carbides pesticide operations, and that of the atomic power dress accident in C hernobyl, are striking examples of how a sudden disaster rear be the reason for an indefinite cessation of all activities for a run organization.Formal environmental management systems help to turn off probabilities of adverse incidents, to cope with the immediate effects of disasters, and for image recovery in the aftermath of much(prenominal) major(ip) incidents. The EMS has and so image implications for organizations, apart from the actual aid that it would render internally. Industries with negative images in the public mind engage independent certification of their environmental management systems more(prenominal) than others. The label of ISO can enable such enterprises prolong their market operations.Some communities may ask polluting and hazardous businesses to move away from them. Local governments do r come forwardinely lieu desolate restrictions on chemical application- rough cities in North America have even banned their use altogether. Such developments point towards the eventual(prenominal) demise of entire sectors of industry. Companies and organizations with long term stakes in such enterprises, can rescue their investments by adopting comprehensive environmental management haveards. There are a large number of enterprises and organizations with products, services and activities that have no obvious effects on the environment.Even they may on life cycle analysis, find areas where they can contribute to conservation of key earth resources. Life saving health care services generates large quantities of infectious wastes. Electronic goods including computers contain plastics and grueling metals, the disposal of which threatens our future, in a field with such rapid obsolescence. Many consumer goods compete on the basis of elaborate and attractive packaging, which tends to be paper found, and therefore very demanding of vegetative cover.Bureaucracies, especially the armed forces, may run on enormous quantities of energy without consumm ate and durable benefits. Companies in non-polluting fields of endeavor can achieve new breakthroughs by displaying foresight in environmental conservation terms. Environmental concerns are most attractive for the young. This may be because of the long-term perspectives in which related concerns lie. Companies that design and make products and services for the young, can often find environmental concerns to make special business sense.Many social organizations have large numbers of young people amongst their ranks of activists and followers, because they lay so much importance by the environment and its conservation. Any business or group activity that seeks the indorse and endorsement of the young must have defendable records of environmental management. Toyota leads automobile manufacturers which use achievements in energy and waste reductions, to reach out to the young and to improver their market shares of this demographic segment. Formal environmental management systems invol ve elaborate procedures.They use the best team defecateing practices. Environmental management methods use some of the top business management resources. The technology encompasses all aspect of business and operations it provides platforms for individual and group excellence. Firms and organizations with elaborate environmental management systems in place can attract and retain the best professional talent, because of the challenge and opportunity it presents. Conversely, companies and organizations with poor records of environmental conservation will find it increasingly difficult to build adequate human resources of the right quality.The reasons and benefits of certified environmental management are not confined to the soft reasons of image and goodwill there are concrete business improvements as well. Companies and service organizations that supply goods and services to downstream industries, can access additional markets by adopting environmental management systems. The latte r have domino effects and all those who adopt formal systems for environment care are generally obliged to make their suppliers conform as well.Vendors who opt to ignore environmental management systems, or who consider the cost to be too high, will find themselves isolated and excluded from increasing sections of their potential markets. Tenders for major construction and service projects may stipulate environmental requirements. Bids can be lost because potential winners for such contracts do not have the experience and resources to comply with tender conditions. Some bidders, who are not the lowest on price, may present environmental advantages and add-on services to support their bids.We may see more examples of this trend, especially when public silver are at stake. It is unlikely that any major tenders can exclude conditions related to environmental concerns. We know that investors value stocks more on the bases of their perceptions and sentiments, rather than by the cold fa cts and figures of financial statements and checks of dividend. Image plays a major role in building long term value for companies, especially leaders in ripe(p) markets. There is a recent trend towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which instigates firms to stray beyond the strict limits of their original purposes.CSR has little meaning for firms without EMSs. One can never tell when an acute and major adverse event may expose an errant company, but the erosion of credibility of all firms with pernicious exclaim of the environment, is also certain. There are strong compulsions for companies to develop and to protect their images in the public eye through the shield of ISO 14001. ISO 14000 and Global Trends The Internet and the World raft Organization have combined to give all businesses global potential. This is a double-edged sword, as the benefits come with certain tags.One of the important implications of globalization is the need to display effective commitment to e nvironmental conservation. The latter is a prime concern of recent origin that permeates key markets everywhere (Hanson, A. J. not dated). The United Nations armorial bearing on Environment and Development, also known as the Brundtland Commission, published in 1987, gives concrete credence for the inevitability of environmental concerns for all international transactions. The cause of sustainable development is well served by the ISO 14000 series.Business houses and social organizations are bound by some international treaties related to environmental protection. The Montreal Protocol of 1987 on ozone depletion, the Basel traffic pattern of 1989 on the transport of hazardous wastes, the 1992 Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity, are the key ones. These international agreements act as competitive advantages for companies that can meet the technological challenges implied companies that ignore international trends in environmental co ncerns, on the other hand, are doomed to exclusion from acclivitous frontiers of global business.The Agreement on Technical business to trading (TBT) and the Code of Good Practice are strong albeit indirect influences by the World Trade Organization to impose environmental management on a trans-national basis. Imports in to a member country may be restricted by technical foul regulations and product standards. The latter can have strong environment norms, as for example in terms of air emissions. Product labeling requirements may also act as barriers for companies to export their goods, if they do not have a comprehensive environmental management system such as ISO 14001 in place.Since ecological labeling is based on life cycle analysis, international trade can dig deep in to production and purchase systems as a barrier to incoming for companies that do not follow or use ISO 14001. The Strategic Advisory Group on the Environment (SAGE) has led the ISO to establish the following s tandards, each of which has severe impact on companies involved in international trade Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Environmental Auditing (EA) Environmental Performance Emilitary rating (EPE) Life Cycle summary (LCA) Environmental Labeling (EL) Terms and Definitions (T&D) Environmental Aspects of Product Standards (EAPS).TC 207 has the international authority to set standards for environmental management systems. It has established a network of organized committees in many countries of the first world that give strong body and substance to the strict observance of environmental management standards by all companies engaged in global trade. TC 207 gives an undeniable message to global corporations to use systems such as ISO 14001. Environmental concerns have reached consumer groups, and they add great force to regulatory pressures on global companies to use the ISO 14000 series to respond to changing trends in customer demands.Companies that lack the abilities and the inc lination to conserve the environment, face gradual extinction as they stand to lose custom. The net effect of these treaties and regulations is that business will get confined in stages to small pockets of the third world where international obligations do not apply, and where consumer cognisance is low. Even these pockets will shrink to infinitesimal proportions with the passage of time. The future lies in business that meets global standards, and environmental management systems are an integral part of such standards.ISO 14001 is a structured way for all companies to strengthen their bases for the world-wide markets of the future. ISO 14001 and Profits Many business leaders will not invest the time and money call for to obtain ISO 14001 registration, and to maintain it, for image reasons alone. However, they can be persuaded by arguments related to direct effects on the bottom line. ISO 14001 helps profitability in a number of ways (Case Studies 2002). Companies which have imple mented ISO 14001 have the following experiences 1. ISO 14001 makes the implementation of other standards in the ISO 14000 series easier.A company which invests in ISO 14001 can earn doubled returns by qualifying quickly and at low cost, for other certifications in the series. The profit implications of this competence will become an increasing lever of competitive advantage as countries and trading blocks insist on the consumer benefits that the ISO 14000 series offers. 2. Material and energy costs can be significant in total product costs. lots of the ISO 14001 surgical process deals with reducing the amount of materials and energies needed to make each unit of a brand. This leads to direct cost savings.ISO 14001 also reduces the total cost of production by reducing waste management expenses. 3. ISO 14001 reduces the chances that a company may have to pay out large and unexpected amounts to help communities recover from pollution arising out of production and use of products. ISO 14001 protects operating profits from erosion due to recovery from pollution. 4. Recycling of waste is an important ISO 14001 priority. Parts recovered from a recycling process can act as raw materials for a new or a different production process, sometimes by a new entity at some other location.Regardless of the structure of a recycling process, there are always significant revenue potentials in the system. 5. ISO 14001 contributes positively to employee health and safety. It reduces employee-related costs in this manner, and improves productivity. ISO 14001 companies can expect better contributions from their human resources. 6. Insurance companies can be persuaded to reduce their charges as ISO 14001 improves risk management. The chances of adverse events reduce with ISO 14001 processes, and thereby reduce insurance costs. 7. ISO 14001 has international relevance.Companies that operate globally can avoid duplicating the costs of meeting local standards by seeking the universal na ture of ISO 14001 certification. 8. Company valuation appreciates after an ISO 14001 certification, especially for relatively risky areas of business. Investors feel more assured approximately investing in stocks of companies that are able to manage their inherent risks in the transparent and professional ways of ISO 14001. 9. Companies can market their ISO 14001 certifications to gain market share. Customers may switch over to support companies who are able to inform them about the environmental benefits of the registration.ISO 14001 is a flexible system that adapts to the priorities of organizations that strive for its certification. It yields margin improvement through productivity achievements. It also protects future profits by contributing to the risk management capabilities of registered organizations. It can reduce insurance costs by managing product liabilities and reducing the probabilities of accidents, claims and other adverse incidents. Companies that use ISO 14001 exp erience profit growth and more assured future prospects as well.

A Study of Corporate Failures

It is said that a fellowship provide only(prenominal) last if it practice good governance to its employees and customers providing them all of their needs and satisfying their expectations in ground of product quality and good management. This brings out a good inventing relationship between the management and employees that builds trust and loyalty among them which in the end will result in a favorable output contri scarcelying to the good name of the company. The reputation of a certain company has been unceasingly important for their market and growth.Thus in order to have a good impression to the customer and employees, the companys management tend to bring out the best that they apprize bring to give a good impression to their customers and people. Since good governance gives a harmonious working relationship between the management, employees and customers, people may face to like the company more and as the days goes by, they might learn to ask more than the company ca n provide. The company may become bigger, but expectations will always be present from suppliers, customers and employees.Because of a higher demand for quality management, the top management of a company may do around changes to their usual managing practice to cope up to the demand that their company is facing like higher product outputs, client concerns, supply procurement and more. Change is always permanent. For companies, certain decisions must be done to acquire a certain expected result for the benefit of all but in that location argon in any case some decisions that were made by the company which they think is the best strategy for a certain issue but only resulted to conflicts and problem.This papers perplex is to give an insight of what a bad corporate management or governance is and its effect to a company, its employees, and their customers and to other business as well. We examine the dissimilar reasons why a company fail and the opposite things that a management can do to avoid it. Included also in the paper are some experiences of different companies that had gotten through bad management strategies and how they cope up from it. Introduction Change Management is one tool to measure the performance of the boilers suit productivity of a company.If a kind of management strategy organism implemented is not good to handle a companys requirement, it is real obvious that it will cause problems in the end. As stated a while ago, competition is really tight in the market and demands are actually high. This however, takes the management in a decision to take one step forward for improvements. Changing a workflow, product standards or even the salaries of employees are very crucial. If not monitored well, this may result to conflict and quality issues. Decision making has been a big task for managers to do work new guidelines that will be followed in order to achieve a certain goal.Yearly, numerous meetings and agreements are being made by both top management and employees that change the usual work flow of the company that some quantifys gives discomfort to other workers because of they are used of the usual work that they do. Aside from decision making, changes in the market demands, economy, quality expectations, teaching technology, business structure and manpower can give great pressure to the business. As change is permanent, the risk of managing a business gets sensitive as time goes by resulting complicated scenarios and threat of failure.Management Management is controlling a group of people to achieve a certain goal. In business, the top management is bear on in doing the most important decisions that are to be followed by all employees of the company including its policies and strategies. Because of the different issues that the business encounters, strategic decisions are made to solve the different problems that the company has. Hoping that those decisions would give a positive result in the end, the manage ment is also responsible for any negative result that their decisions may give.Decision making is neer easy. It takes a lot of patience, teamwork and courage to come up with a set of strategies that the company will use. Certain decisions are made for one department only and some are for the whole company. Either way, they still give a big effect to the overall performance of the organization. Since that decision making is very crucial, there are still some companies that made their way in doing and implementing the best decision strategies that helped their company to be the best that it can.On the other hand, not all companies shares the benefits of a good decision implementation as there are some companies that also shares the effect of a bad decision implementation made by their top management. Approach Governance Governing is a process of implementing decisions, rules and regulations in a group of people. Its concept has been widely used by companies to make their workers tra ce a set of agreed actions that were done and ordered by the management. The managements ways of doing rules and policies has a big effect in a companys performance as a whole.As decision making is vital to a company, the management should be equipped with the knowledge of how they are going to make their decisions every day. Study of Good and Bad Governance Good Governance Good governance will surely give benefits to the company, employees, customers and suppliers. Its implemented decisions had considered the characteristics of Participation, Rule of Law, Transparency, Responsiveness, Consensus Orientation, comeliness and Inclusiveness, Effectiveness and Efficiency and Accountability that if complied well, it will bring good feedbacks and result to the company.Bad Governance Mismanagement has always been a problem in all companies which is a start of bad governance. Bad governance emerges when conflict rises among people who are involved in the company. It includes conflict of int erest, political issues among members of the company, social problems, discrimination, lack of participation and more. When employees or the people concerned to the company starts to ask questions about the decision of the companys management, then there is an unclear part in that certain decisions being implemented that employees do not understand or agreed.

Photosynthesis Essay

Photo price reduction Essay During the Light Dependent Reactions, activity occurs within the thylakoids of the chloroplast. NADP+ accepts two high energy electrons and an H+ ion and then converts into NADPH. This process ultimately traps several(prenominal) of the sunlight in chemical form. Then, NADPH is able to carry the energy it souses to the rest of the cell. The reaction produces O2 gas and converts ADP to ATP and NADP+ to NADPH. First, pigments in Photosystem II absorb light, which is then absorbed by electrons, which are then sort outed along the Electron Transport Chain.Chlorophyll loses an electron, but interestingly, those missing electrons are replaced through enzymes in the thylakoid membrane, which divide H20. Secondly, electrons ladder through the Electron Transport Chain from PII to PI and an H+ ion moves from the stroma to the inner thylakoid space. Thirdly, pigments from PI use energy from light to reenergize electrons NADP+ picks them up along with H+ ions in the outer surface of the thylakoid, making NADPH.Next, as the electrons pass from chlorophyll to NADP+, more H+ ions are being pumped through the membrane to the inside of the thylakoid, which accounts for the inside being positive and the outside being negative. Lastly, ATP synthase, which spans the membrane, allows the H+ ions to go through it. As they go through, the synthase spins and rotates and binds an ADP to a inorganic phosphate group, producing ATP. Specifically, the Light Reactions can either follow a noncyclic electron pathway or a cyclic electron pathway.During the noncyclic electron pathway, PII absorbs solar energy, which is passed along pigments until it is concentrated in a particular pair of chlorophyll a molecules, called the reaction center. Here, the electrons become very energized that they escape and go to electron acceptor molecules. The electron acceptor sends electrons down the ETC and ATP production occurs when they flow their gradient in ATP synthase. P I absorbs solar energy, but the electrons are captured by different electron acceptors, which pass electrons to NADP+.Each one accepts two electrons and an H+ to become NADPH. The cyclic electron pathway is the same as the noncyclic pathway, where ATP production occurs however preferably of electrons moving to NADP+, they return to PSI, which how it receives replacement electrons. This is why it is called a cyclic pathway ATP production occurs but not NADPH production. The Light Independent Reactions, also known as the Calvin Cycle and or the dark cycle, ATP and NADPH produce high energy sugars.To begin the cycle, six CO2 molecules enter from the standard atmosphere and combine with six 5-carbon molecules to form twelve 3-carbon molecules. Next, these are converted into higher energy forms using ATP and high energy electrons from NADPH. Lastly, two of the twelve 3-carbon molecules are removed from the cycle, used by the plant for metabolism and growth the remaining ten are conver ted back into six 5-carbon molecules, which ultimately begin the attached cycle.The Calvin Cycle has one-third in depth parts C02 fixation, C02 reduction, and RuBP regeneration. During C02 fixation, C02 from the atmosphere is attached to RuBP, which is a 5 carbon molecule, which splits into two 3 carbon molecules. RuBP carboxylase is the enzyme that speeds up this reaction. Secondly, both(prenominal) of the 3PG molecules formed undergoes reduction to G3P ATP and NADPH are used as energy to fuel this reduction where carbon dioxide reduces to a carbohydrate (R-CO2 to R-CH20).Lastly, the Calvin Cycle has to cycle three times for one G3P to exit. This occurs because five molecules of G3P are used to reform three RuBP molecules. Glyceraldehyde -3-phosphate, G3P, produced from this cycle is an ultimate carbohydrate used for nutrition for most funding things on Earth. Glucose phosphate is an organic molecule that results from G3P metabolism. Glucose is essential to plants and animals t o be able to produce ATP for energy purposes. Glucose phosphate is also the starting point for the synthesis of starch and cellulose.

Domestic Violence Essay

The Negative Results of Childhood Exposure to Domestic Violence The accent domestic help violence typically refers to violence between adult intimate partners. It has been estimated that every year there atomic number 18 about 3.3 to 10 million children expose to domestic violence in the confines of their own home (Moylan, Herrenkohl, Sousa et al. 2009). According to research conducted by John W. Fantuzzo and Wanda K. Mohr(1999) exposure to domestic violence can include ceremonial or hearing the violent events, direct involvement (for example, trying to intervene or calling the police), or experiencing the aftermath (for example, seeing bruises or observing maternalistic depression) (Fantuzzo &ump Mohr, 22). The effects of exposure can vary from direct effects such as behavioral and develop psychological issues to neighborly relationships, all of which lead to noisome prospects on the childs development. This paper will explore those effects and how it affects children.Exp osure to violence in the first years of life brings about helplessness and terror which can be attributed to the lack of protection received by the parent. The child can no longer trust their parent as a protector (Lieberman 2007). This lack of trust early in life can bring about serious problems later in life, as there is no resolution to the first psychosocial crisis, trust vs. mistrust. For these children undefendable to domestic violence, the imaginary monsters that children perceive are not only symbolic representations or a dream. The monsters that children who witness domestic violence cast off to deal with carry the reflection of their parents. Children who witness domestic violence face a dilemma because the childrens parents are at their nigh frightening exactly when the child needs them the most. The security of the child is shattered as their protector becomes the attacker in reality and the child has nowhere to deflect for help (Lieberman 2007).Exposure to family a nd community violence is linked with aggressive behavior. One of the theoretical perspectives that explains this link is social learning theory, according to which children learn from the aggressive models in their environments. Additionally, victimization may compromise childrens ability to regulate their emotions, and as a result they may act out aggressively (Margolin &ump Gordis 2004, 153). Post injurytic nervous strain symptoms and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are important consequences of exposure to violence because they can impair social and behavioral functioning (Margolin &ump Gordis 2004, 153). Research has shown that children open(a) to domestic violence demonstrate impaired ability to concentrate, difficulty with schoolwork, and significantly lower scores when their verbal, motor, and cognitive skills were being tested (Fantuzzo &ump Mohr). It seems as if the academic and cognitive difficulties from exposure affect the child possibly through its impact on psyc hological functioning.For example, PTSD and depression may hinder with learning and the ability to coiffe well in the classroom (Margolin &ump Gordis 2004). Researchers have found a positive correlation between externalizing (aggression) and internalizing (lowered self esteem, depression, anxiety) and domestic violence exposed children. Children exposed to domestic violence have been found to be four times much likely to develop internalizing or externalizing behavior problems than children who are not exposed to violence. The disruption of the development of basic competencies harms the childs ability to manage emotions effectively and increases internalizing and externalizing behaviors (Martinez-Torteya et. al., 2009). This is particularly problematic for preschool aged children as younger children display more intense externalizing and internalizing behavioral responses to parental conflict than older children do (Ybarra, Wilkens, &ump Lieberman 2007).These responses are due in part to less mature cognitive skills. Because these skills have not advanced yet, there is an increase in the likelihood of the child expressing psychological vulnerabilities following the conflict because of cognitive errors. Exposure to domestic violence compromises interpersonal relationships that are the foundation of childrens daily lives in addition to having direct effects. Social support is a key buffer against the negative effects of violence. Because parents are key sources of social support, the disrupted parenting associated with family violence may exacerbate negative effects of exposure to violence. More generally, children exposed to violence may be supersensitized to hostile interactions and may have difficulty negotiating peer conflicts. These interpersonal difficulties can rob children of social support and increase their risk for associating with deviant peers (Margolin &ump Gordis 2004, 154). In a study conducted by C. McGee, it was reported that many children found it difficult to develop friendships for reasons such as holding back from others as well as fear of inviting others to their home (Adams 2006).In conclusion, it is clearly shown that domestic violence has a negative effect on the children who witness it. An expanding body of research suggests that childhood trauma and adverse experiences can lead to a variety of negative health outcomes (Anda &ump Chapman &ump Dube &ump Felitti &ump Giles &ump Williamson, 2001, p.1). In fact, childhood stressors such as witnessing domestic violence and other household dysfunctions are highly interrelated and have a graded relationship to numerous health and social problems (Anda &ump Chapman &ump Dube &ump Felitti &ump Giles &ump Williamson, 2001, p.2). It is obvious and clearly shown that the children who witness domestic abuse have serious long term mental effects.

Performance Appraisal Essay

consummation judgment is the process through which employee performance is assessed, feedback is provided to the employee, and nonindulgent action plans are designed (Youssef, 2012). So basically, a performance appraisal is the process of evaluation workers performance in correlation with previously recoverd standards of the organization. Performance appraisals are one way of giving employees feedback about their performance at work they record the employees performance to date, their potential and what they could work on to elevate benefit them.These appraisals do not only help them employee but they could benefit the organization as well in that it reflects on if the employee is right for the position (currently or in the future) and if the training the organization gives is sufficient for the employee. There are many advantages to performing appraisals. The records of these performance appraisals are kept for a point of time, they fag be referenced and used to evaluate how an employee has improved over time, or if they have yet to improve or began to slack off.This gives an opportunity for a manager to move in an employee aside and praise them for their accomplishments or inform them what it is they need to improve on, managers target also determine whether or not an employee could benefit from further training. Employees can be given feedback while learning if their goals within the company have been fulfilled while setting up new goals for them to accomplish in the next year.Sometimes, expectations and policies can be difficult to understand during feedback, one can take that opportunity to have clarity on policies and expectations and discuss matters that they want to discuss in private, such as ideas for improvement or issues theyve had within the company or with fellow employees. Knowing that your performance will be respectd can serve as indigence to gain a reward for their hard work. There is potential for biases that need to be worked thro ugh to make sure everyone is given a fair opportunity. period its easy to compare one another, its imperative and difficult to resist comparing skills of one employee to another if employees were compared to one another, it creates an unsportsmanlike assessment of the employees. Its crucial to set a standard to evaluate performance. Personality conflicts can influence judgment when assessing performance this would cause an inaccurate assessment which would be unfair to the employee. Just because an employee is good at one thing, does not make them good at everything, and vice versa.One ruined project or miscommunication in kick does not mean the same thing will occur every time, or again even. There needs to be a minimum time-frame in which an employees performance should be assessed its not fair for a manager thats worked with an employee a time or two to fairly appraise them, a first impression can distort ones image in either a positive or negative manner. Its also necessary t o appraise one on their entire performance, not just the most recent occurrences. Lifestyle choices should be left out of the appraisal process and should not be used for or against an employee.The primary objectives of an appraisal are to assess past performance, to identify training needs, to set and agree on future objectives and standards, and to facilitate the achievement of these goals (Youssef, 2012). Management by objectives includes an agreement between managers and their employees on the employees performance objectives for periodic review for the employee accomplishes said objectives. The effectiveness of a performance appraisal can be judged by its objectives. Understanding the strategic objectives can help one adjust to meet the needs of an organization.A timeline allows a manager and employee to make a plan for goals to be met, there must be deadlines and time periods assigned to each goal to ensure that they are met. An employee needs to show improvement, one that is not very productive and having issues with the companys values and policies will not be around for a long period of time. Employees that are productive and possess talent that are imperative for the position will help with the companys success and ensure they are satisfactory to withstand growth. Strategic planning is needed to determine the budget for current employees as well as future employees.Appraisal results reflect ones character, development, how well one performs to the organizations standards, as well as other strengths or weaknesses. In some organizations, these results may be used to determine if/which employees deserve recognition as well as awards such as a merit pay raise, a bonus and/or a promotion. These results can also determine which employees do not mesh with the organization and need to be let go, require counseling or further training or a demotion/decrease in pay. Performance appraisals can be a motivation to excel.

Differentiation in the Classroom

Differentiation in the Classroom Brittany Hunt University of Toledo Differentiated bidding in the levelroom can be beneficially for either childs need to learn to their best ability. Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet individual needs. Whether instructors differentiate confine, process, reapings, or the encyclopedism environment, the utilise of ongoing assessment and flexible grouping makes this a successful approach to instruction. No learner learns the same and differentiation is helping each student go up and succeed by meeting each individual needs.Whenever a teacher reaches out to an individual or a small group to change his or his teaching to create the best learning experience likely, that teacher is differentiating the instruction for the student(s). Four characteristics shape teaching and learning in an effective identify classroom (Tomlinson, 1995a) 1. ) Instruction is concept foc intentd and principle driven. All students contrive the hazard to explore and apply the spot concepts of the subject being studied. All students come to actualise the key principles on which the study is based.Such instruction enables struggling learners to grasp and use powerful bases and, at the same time, assists advanced learners to expand their understanding and application of the key concepts and principles. Such instruction stresses understanding or sense-making rather than retention and regurgitation of fragmented bits of information. Concept-based and principle-driven instruction invites teachers to provide varied learning options. A coverage-based curriculum whitethorn cause a teacher to feel compelled to see that all students do the same work.Related article Cda Competency Goal 1In the former, all students have the opportunity to explore meaningful ideas through a variety of avenues and approaches. 2. ) Ongoing assessment of student readiness and exploitation atomic number 18 built into the curriculum. Teachers do not move t hat all students need a given task or segment of study, but continuously assess student readiness and interest, providing support when students need spare instruction and guidance, and returning student exploration when indications are that a student or group of students is ready to move ahead. 3. ) Flexible grouping is consistently used. In a differentiated class, students work in many patterns. nearlytimes hey work only when, sometimes in pairs, sometimes in groups. Sometimes tasks are readiness-based, sometimes interest-based, sometimes constructed to morning star learning style, and sometimes a combination of readiness, interest, and learning style. In a differentiated classroom, whole-group instruction whitethorn also be used for introducing new ideas, when planning, and for sacramental manduction learning outcomes. 4. ) Students are active explorers. Teachers guide the exploration. Because varied activities often occur simultaneously in a differentiated classroom, the te acher works more as a guide or facilitator of learning than as a dispenser of information.As in a large family, students essential learn to be responsible for their own work. not only does such student-centeredness give students more ownership of their learning, but it also facilitates the important adolescent learning goal of growing independence in thought, planning, and evaluation. unquestioning in such instruction is (1) goal-setting shared by teacher and student based on student readiness, interest, and learning profile, and (2) assessment predicated on student growth and goal attainment.Teachers can differentiate at least four classroom elements based on student readiness, interest, or learning profile * Content- what the student needs to learn or how the student will get access to the information * Process- activities in which the student engages in order to make sense of or maestro the subject area * Products- culminating projects that ask the student to rehearse, apply, and extend what he or she has learned in a unit and * Learning environment- the way the classroom works and feels.Examples of differentiating content at the elementary level include the following use reading materials at varying readability levels putting text materials on tape using spelling or vocabulary lists at readiness levels of students presenting ideas through both auditory and visual means using reading buddies and meeting with small groups to re-teach an idea or skill for struggling learners, or to extend the thinking or skills of advanced learners. Several elements and materials are used to support instructional content. These include acts, concepts, customaryizations or principles, attitudes, and skills.The variation seen in a differentiated classroom is most oftentimes in the manner in which students gain access to important learning. Access to the content is seen as key. Align tasks and objectives to learning goals designers of differentiated instruction view the al ignment of tasks with instructional goals and objectives as essential. Goals are most frequently assessed by many state-level, high-stakes tests and frequently administered standardized measures. Objectives are frequently written in incremental steps resulting in a continuum of skills-building tasks.An objectives-driven menu makes it easier to find the next instructional step for learners ingress at varying levels. Differentiated instruction should be concept-focused and principle-driven. The instructional concepts should be broad-based, not focused on minute details or unlimited facts. Teachers must focus on the concepts, principles and skills that students should learn. The content of instruction should address the same concepts with all students, but the degree of complexity should be adjusted to suit diverse learners. Some examples of differentiating process or activities at the elementary level include the following 1.Using tiered activities through which all learners work wit h the same important understandings and skills, but restrain with different levels of support, challenge, or complexity 2. Providing interest centers that encourage students to explore subsets of the class topic of particular interest to them 3. Developing personal agendas (task lists written by the teacher and containing both in-common work for the whole class and work that addresses individual needs of learners) to be completed either during specified agenda time or as students complete other work early 4.Offering manipulatives or other hands-on supports for students who need them and 5. Varying the length of time a student may take to complete a task in order to provide additional support for a struggling learner or to encourage an advanced learner to pursue a topic in greater depth. Samples of differentiating products at the elementary level include giving students options of how to express required learning (e. g. create a puppet show, write a letter, or develop a mural with l abels) using rubrics that match and extend students varied skills levels allowing students to work alone or in small groups on their products and encouraging students to create their own product assignments as long as the assignments contain required elements. Items to which students respond may be differentiated so that different students can demonstrate or express their knowledge and understanding in different ways. A well-designed student product allows varied means of expression and alternative procedures and offers varying degrees of difficulty, types of valuation, and scoring. Examples of differentiating the learning environment at the elementary level include 1. Making sure there are places in the room to work quietly and without distraction, as well as places that invite student collaboration 2. Providing materials that reflect a variety of cultures and home settings 3. scope out clear guidelines for independent work that matches individual needs 4. Developing routines that allow students to get help when teachers are busy with other students and cannot help them right off and 5.Helping students understand that some learners need to move around to learn, while others do better sitting quietly (Tomlinson, 1995, 1999 Winebrenner, 1992, 1996). Characteristics of a differentiated classroom likely to be responsive to the needs of gifted (and other academically diverse) students are the following * Teacher sensitivity to the varying needs of learners * On-going assessment of student progress and adaptation of instruction based on assessment data * Multiple learning options at a given time on many occasions * protean pacing Respectful (interesting, important) tasks for all learners * Use of flexible grouping (balancing like-readiness grouping, mixed-readiness grouping, grouping by interest, random grouping, whole class instruction, and individual/independent work) * Teacher use of a variety of instructional strategies (learning contracts, compacting, grou p investigation, complex instruction, interest centers, learning centers, tiered lessons, tiered products, graduated rubrics) that invite varying students to learn in a variety of ways * Varied modes of assessment likely to give students maximum opportunity to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and skill and * Grading based, at least in world-shaking measure, on student growth rather than in comparison to one another or to an absolute scale (Tomlinson, 1995a). Additional guidelines that make differentiation possible for teachers to attain is key to having a successful differentiated classroom, this includes * Clarify key concepts and generalizations. Ensure that all learners gain powerful understandings that can serve as the hindquarters for future learning. Teachers are encouraged to identify essential concepts and instructional foci to ensure that all learners comprehend. * Use assessment as a teaching tool to extend rather than merely measure instruction.Assessment should oc cur before, during, and following the instructional episode, and it should be used to help pose questions regarding student needs and optimal learning. * Emphasize slender and creative thinking as a goal in lesson design. The tasks, activities, and procedures for students should require that they understand and apply meaning. Instruction may require supports, additional motivation, varied tasks, materials, or equipment for different students in the classroom. * Engaging all learners is essential Teachers are encouraged to strive for the development of lessons that are engaging and motivating for a diverse class of students.Vary tasks within instruction as well as across students. In other words, an entire session for students should not consist of all drill and practice, or any single structure or activity. * Provide a balance between teacher-assigned and student-selected tasks. A balanced working structure is optimal in a differentiated classroom. Based on pre-assessment informati on, the balance will vary from class-to-class as well as lesson-to-lesson. Teachers should ensure that students have choices in their learning. Most classrooms employ single-size instruction. Thus, abject toward differentiated instruction requires considerable change on the part of teachers.Changing habits or patterns of teaching in busy and pressure-laden classrooms is difficult and stressful. Teachers who are helped to understand specific benefits to students and to themselves of differentiated instruction may be more willing to risk the change than those who are not assisted in developing a solid principle for change, or those who are mandated to change rather than assisted in doing so. The design and development of differentiated instruction as a model began in the general education classroom. The initial application came to practice for students considered gifted but whom peradventure were not sufficiently challenged by the content provided in the general classroom setting.A s classrooms have become more diverse, differentiated instruction has been applied at all levels for students of all abilities. Many authors of publications about differentiated instruction, strongly recommend that teachers adapt the practices slowly, perhaps one content area at a time. Additionally, these experts agree that teachers should share the creative load by working together to develop ideas and menus of options for students. Differentiated instruction is an instructional process that has excellent potential to positively impact learning by offering teachers a means to provide instruction to a cut back of students in todays classroom situations.

How childhood is socially constructed Essay

When request ourselves the question what is puerility? and reading rough the subject, it net be seen that there is no exact rendering which can pinpoint an exact answer, this is because childhood is seen as soci entirelyy constructed (McDowell, 2010). Continual varying ideas about children which has conduct to claims that childhood is a kind construction highlights that childhoods atomic number 18 not the same everywhere and that while all societies acknowledge that children are different from adults, how they are different and what expectations are placed on them, change consequently to the club in which they live (Greene et al, 2005).This highlights that it is not possible for childhood to be a biological democracy but is culturally specific and varies across quantify and location including taking into account economic factors (McDowell, 2010). This can be seen here in the contrast of how children are portrayed and look in western ball club compared to non-western. Chi ldren in Africa (non-western) Let the children play (Western)This view of social construction is supported in Bronfenbrenners sociocultural model of development which highlights how different environmental systems impact human development. The interrelated systems help us live the different contexts which impact on childhood (McDowell. 2010) Aries (1962) claimed that in medieval society the idea of childhood did not exist as the child did not occupy a social status (Green et al, 2005). This is argued by Archard (1993) as cited in Green et al (2005) who had the belief that they just had different ideas about it.This contrasts with the western society view of today which places children at centre stage taking on the romantic discourse that children are and have always been pure and innocent and entitled to nurturing (Newman, 2004). A loving family This picture highlights how the western place sees childhood, placing the child as central importance. Ideas about children and childhood also differ between different sectors in society, professional bodies and g everywherenment departments which have come to be manifested in social policies.An example of this is age restraints. lawful classification of childhood is the main way in which society attempts to regulate and define childhood (McDowell, 2010). climb on restraints for events in life such as marriage, the right to vote or drink, the school leaving age, ages in which you are criminally responsible and the age of sexual consent have developed over time but various legal constraints give children or young people different levels of responsibilities or how they should book their own actions which vary globally (Greene et al, 2005).Cunningham (2006) believes that a child can cease to be one over time which relates to age limits and laws but we are always a child to our parents. Western society, in detail its social policies, tends to focus on what children will get under ones skin, rather than childrens bei ng. The focus is on what they will become in the future rather than the here? and? now of childhood (Morrow, 2011). In numerous developing foundation countries however, childrens roles are very different. There is more crucial importance of childrens labour to many household economies (Morrow,2011).In some countries, child labour is prevalent and, for many children, education has to fit around work commitments. This contrasts with the developed West, where childrens work has to fit around their education commitments. The priorities for children are different, and thus their childhoods are different. (Morrow, 2011). Overall it can be seen that there is no agreed definition of childhood without reference to the social perceptions within which it is experienced.

Argumentative Essay against Capital Punishment Essay

Human spiritedness is sacred. This is an ideal that the majority of hoi polloi do-nothing agree upon to a certain extent. For this reason taking the life of another has always been considered the almost deplorable of crimes, one worthy of the harshest available penalization. Thus arises one of the great moral dilemmas of our time. Should taking the life of one who has taken the life of others be considered an available penalization?Capital punishment is immoral and a violation of natural rights. It is wrong for everyone involved the prosecuted unobjectionable, criminals, victims families, and our nation. We need to replace the death penalty and bang-up punishment with life without parole, a safer and more inexpensive option. The death penalty does not guarantee safety for innocent victims, it does not follow the goals and promises of our nation, it does not effectively deter crime, and it does not give closure to victims families. Nothing dear comes of hate, and nothing gri evous can ever come from capital punishment. It cannot continue to be accepted by a nation that claims to keep up liberty and justice for all. The death penalty is murder on the slick and its dead wrong.Capital punishment must not be implemented because it can elapse to the possibility of outlawed execution. It is undeniable that there had already been many citizenry sentenced of death penalty that were in conclusion executed even if they were truly innocent. Unfortunately, the crucial evidence that would have proven the innocence of these people was sole(prenominal) obtained after their execution (McCafferty 71). It is because of wrongful executions that capital punishment must not be implemented in inn. They only create doubts into the minds of the people that they cannot rely on the justice system especially once they in earnest need it. This is also hard to accept on the part of the families who already had members who experienced a wrongful execution as this is someth ing that has a permanent impact. Obviously, the innocent people wrongfully executed can never be brought back to life anymore. Since the courts cannot be expected to make the best decisions allthe time with ascertain to the people who deserve conviction and acquittal, it is difficult to guarantee that wrongful executions can be completely stop in countries that have death penalty.This is why capital punishment prevents the wrongfully accused people of the collectable process that they deserve to have in order to prove their innocence, something that is very unfair to them. There can be instances where the evidence that can prove their innocence is just so difficult to obtain so it takes a long point of time before it gets presented to the Court. However, because there is also a limited period of time to appeal for the death penalty sentence, it is usually the case that the wrongfully accused people be already executed before the evidence that could have set them free is discover ed. This would not have happened if there is no capital punishment being implemented.Aside from this, another detrimental impact of capital punishment is that it only helps to send a kernel to the people that the justice system is an advocate of revenge peculiarly on the part of the people who got victimized by heinous crimes. The capital punishment sends a message to the people that the justice system is just there to help the families of the victims of the heinous crimes and not for the accused people who could also be innocent (Kronenwetter 36). This can also be interpreted as a punishment that does not propose any opportunity for the offenders to correct their mistakes. In this case, the justice system can be viewed as partial and biased as it only helps the victims and not the accused party. The lawyers of the accused party result then have to work extremely hard to gather evidence to spare their client from capital punishment.Finally, a society that values life does not in tentionally kill people. The truth is that capital punishment is a traumatic case of homicide that has been approved by the government. This practically supports killing in order to chit-chat a solution to the problems that are being faced by society (Mandery 58). This is something that is not very good particularly on the part of the youth who will grow up knowing that the government is approved of just killing people who violated the law. The funny thing is thatgovernments all over the world have tried to validate capital punishment by stating what they think are the advantages of death penalty would provide to the people. The advantages of death penalty can be considered as illusory, but the chaos and the eventual annihilation of the decency of the society are very true. Thus, there is no sense to implement capital punishment.

Language, Gender, and Slang

If the feminist critique of quarrel is correct, and much of language reflects and embodies masculine and male hear (Cameron 1998, 9), then it should come as no surprise that camber, which is one particular mode of language, should reflect the said(prenominal) masculine and male experience. However, it seems that little quantitative research had been done on view directly until relatively recently. The first study was Kutner and Brogans research (1974), just over 30 years ago. The purpose of this study is to test my peers knowledge of fool, and how aw be they atomic number 18 of its usage. One of the common ideas rough consume is that slang words change fast, from generation to another the other is that slang is not mainstream. only if where it comes to sex activity and slang, slang words have proven rather stable and common, even the vulgar slang being a virgin or a whore has had meaning since time immemorial.But first, I ordain define slang and give a little bit of ba ckground about its study since the 1970s. What is slang? Slang refers to worlds and dialects that are not used in mainstream culture. As such, it can be the marker of a subculture, or of areas of discourse or ideas that are taboo in mainstream depending. A subset of slang are what we ordinarily take to be slang, namely vulgar, sexualized, or derogatory language. For the purposes of this paper, we will focus on slang that has a particularly gendered aspect that is, words that are used to designate male and feminine genders in slang language. These slang words include, barely are not limited to Chick, bitch, babe, and guy, dude, and stud. The fact that these slang words are common where it comes to talking about the relationships between the sexes, on topics such as sexual attraction and gender relations (activities and relationships).According to Flexher (1975), who produced the first dictionary of slang, the use of slang and the creation of new slang is almost simply the purvi ew of males (xii). Wowork force tend to use the language that is invented for them by males. This may account for the disbalance of foothold in a gendered distribution there are more slang terms to designate female or feminine behaviors, and more of these terms are negative, and much more negative than its male/masculine counterpart for example, canvass bitch and asshole. First off, you would almost never call a man a bitch unless you were arduous to feminize him, but you can call women assholes without masculinizing them. Second, bitch has a more negative charge than asshole, which big businessman even carry a positive charge. These are just some informal observations that may or may not holdup under the scrutiny of a quantitative study.Males may use slang more because they are more at home in all of language, and so this violation of language norms becomes possible. There is a sense in which the use of slang is a nerve thing to do, and doing endure things is consistent with masculine patterns of behavior and development. Young women tend to want to abide by the rule, be these rules linguistic or otherwise. That they are already not wholly at home in language means that they already risk not communicating, which does not afford them the room to play with language in the daring way that slang demands. In this same vein, the use of profane language is more expected and praised of boys and men than it is of girls and women.These ideas, which could be summarized as the general thesis that gender slang is the domain of males is one that has come to be evidenced and accepted by many scholars, women, men, feminist and not, since the 1970s. For example, one study quoted in the text (Stanley, 1977) show that whereas there were 220 ways to designate woman in English slang, there were only 22 alike(p) ways to designate men. More interesting is that both men and women share the use of these same terms there are not two set of slang terms, each appropriate for each gender, but only one that is determined and reflect mens experience. This has lead some feminists to argue that women motivating to develop and independent lexicon (see Irigaray in the Cameron, 1998). And while this disparity is completely obvious once you start to think about it and investigate language and slang use, it seems to be rather transparent to the everyday language exploiter or at least, this is what this project has set out to test.BibliographyCameron, Deborah. (1998) The Feminist Critique of Language. New York, Routledge.de Klerk, V. (1992). How taboo are taboo words for girls? Language in Society, 21, 277-289.Eckert and McConnell-Ginet. (2003) Language and Gender. New York Cambridge University Press.Flexner, S. B. (1975). Preface to the dictionary of American slang. In H. Wentworth & S. B. Flexner (Eds.), Dictionary of American slang. New York Thomas Y. Crowell.Kutner, N. G., & Brogan, D. (1974). An investigation of sex-related slang vocabulary and sex-role or ientation among male and female university students. J of Marr and the Family, 36, 474-484.Risch, B. (1987). Womens derogatory terms for men Thats right, dirty words. Language in Society, 16, 353-358.

Conditions and Consequences of a Price War Essay

The objective of this essay is to use scotch theory and illustrative examples to emergeline the circumstances under which a expense war could come nigh and the likely consequences for the participating homes and their consumers. A impairment war is a period in which multiple firms competing in spite of appearance the same mart testament react to the other firms demoraliseing of footing by lowering their ingest footing. They have short-term and long-term advantages and disadvantages.There atomic number 18 many reasons for which a price war whitethorn occur, in all cases the reason for starting the price war is different but the reason for its extension is not to lose gross sales. They ar when a firm attempts to maximise depicted object, for survival purposes, in oligopoly markets, where there are homogeneous outputs and when a firm adopts a penetrative pricing strategy.Excess capacity refers to a detail where a firm is producing at a lower scale of output than it h as been designed for Excess capacity http//stats.oecd.org/glossary/ detail.asp?ID=3209 accessed tenth December 2006 If a firm has spare capacity to produce more of a swell it is likely they pull up stakes use this spare capacity to meshing maximise but to secure this they allow for have to lower prices to increase quantity demanded (see appendix item A). As they have rock-bottom their prices, other competitors will likely drop their prices so as not to loose customers, creating a price war.Companies who face bankruptcy may experiment to lower their prices so to attract more consumers and increase sales volume. However, if they cannot manage to increase volume enough to cover the fall in contribution then it will fail to cover its variable be and will be crusaded to leave the market. Other firms may recognise that the company is in trouble and in a bid to force the company out the market and not to loose their own customers will drop their prices below that of the company fa cing bankruptcy.An oligopoly is where a small number of firms share a large portion of the market political economy Handbook, David Gray and slam Clarke. In an oligopoly price is usually stable and constant as competing firms will not wish to lower price as its competitors will also drop theirs and so all they have discoverd is lowering their bread margins (see appendix item B). However, one firm may believe it stands to gain from a price-cut by accept they can under-cut the competition through economies of scale or other factors such as slow market reaction. A price war will begin as firms will drop theirs to avoid loosing customers.If in a market the hots are homogenous meaning they are the same for example utility work then price is one of the only means for a firm to distinguish it from others. In this blot a consumer will always purchase the lower priced product. This causes fierce pricing competition as each firm will exertion to maintain sales by dropping their price below the other competitors.Penetration pricing involves the setting of lower, rather than the higher prices in order to achieve a large if not dominant market share Pricing strategies http//www.tutor2u.net/business/marketing/pricing_strategy_penetration.asp accessed 10th December 2006. If this occurs the other firms in the market will recognise this and drop their own prices to stop that firm from gaining a dominant market share.The firm adopting this strategy may then also drop their prices to try continuing their pricing strategy causing a price war. This strategy can also be used to try and force firms out of the marketA price war causes more competition between firms, it has both(prenominal) positive and negative aspects for the consumers and the participating firms but these are different in the short-term and long-term. Competition is seen as a positive thing in any command saving.The short-run benefits for the consumer are obvious as firms lower their prices they will rec eive a bring out deal this can be seen in a movement along the demand rationalize, there will also be more consumers demanding the product for that lower price (see appendix item C). They are also likely to see improvements to the augmented products associated with the good as firms try to compete through non-pricing strategies. These services are things such as warranties, loyalty cards and other extras.The short-run effects upon the firms in the market are negative. Firms profits are reduced as the price of the good is reduced (see appendix item D). All firms in the manufacture will be forced to improve their productive competency to reduce total average cost, in an attempt to retain profit-margins whilst prices fall. They may also wish to attempt a heavier marketing campaign to try to distinguish itself from the other firms, but this incurs further costs for the firm. Firms are also likely to undergo a faster pace of invention and innovation as they differentiate themselves. Some firms in the market will be able to use their economies of scale to combat lower prices. But, other firms will not have such efficiencies and will not be able to afford variable costs and will therefore exit the market immediately (see appendix item E).The long-run affects of a price war are that a lot of firms will leave the market, this causes the demand curve to move backward to its original position, which increases market-clearing price creating a long-run equilibrium and so normal profits are re-established. This is a negative aspect to the consumers who will have to pay more than they have in recent periods, they are also more likely to try and shop round to find the best deal. The good itself is likely to have seen technological advances as firms competed to have the most innovative product. There will also have been improved services for the consumers. The firms left in the market are likely to have better control of costs this allows them to increase the contributi on towards profits as the average total cost has been reduced of the product.In conclusion, a price war can be initiated for many reasons such as efficiency by filling up spare capacity, as a means for survival, in intense tilt in oligopoly markets, to differentiate a product and to build up brand name or force other firms out of the market. However, the consequences are usually very similar, some firms will emerge as dominate and others will leave the market. This can have both good effects and bad effects as consumers will initially be happy with lower prices but when the long-run equilibrium comes into effect they will search harder for bargains. They will also see improvements made to the product and services. The surviving firms do well from the price war they are likely to see higher demand fortheir product, as there are few competitors.They also are likely to achieve greater productive efficiency and so greater profit margins. Vigorous competition between firms is the life blood of strong markets and is a central to productivity and growth in the economyInternational Competitiveness (2001) UK do work GovernmentBibliographyHardwick, Khan, Langmead (1994) An Introduction to Modern Economics 4th EditionLipsey, Forrest, Olsen (1993) An Introduction to dogmatic AccountsHunt, Sherman (1990) Economics An Introduction to traditional and radical viewsSloman, John (2000) Economics 4th EditionBegg, David (2005) Economics eighth EditionSloman, John and Sutcliffe, Mark (2004) Economics for Business 3rd Editionhttp//www.tutor2u.net accessed 10th Decemberhttp//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki accessed 10th December equipment casualty War, What is it good for? http//mba.tuck.dartmouth.edu/pages/faculty/koen.pauwels/pdf/Price%20War%20what%20is%20it%20good%20for.pdf accessed 10th DecemberReferencesExcess capacity http//stats.oecd.org/glossary/ detail.asp?ID=3209 accessed 10th December 2006Economics Handbook, David Gray and Peter ClarkePricing strategies http//www.tutor2u.n et/business/marketing/pricing_strategy_penetration.asp accessed 10th December 2006International Competitiveness (2001) UK Labour GovernmentAppendixItem AAs the firm increases the supply through using the spare capacity, supply curve shifts left from S1 to S2 as a result the market clearing price falls but quantity increases.Shifts in supply curve http//www.auhy69.dsl.pipex.com/images/dd202/b2p.jpg accessed 10th December 2006Item BIn this diagram you can see that in an oligopoly market it is unfavourable for the oligopoly firms to kind their price, so it becomes static.Price Competition in Oligopoly Market, Foundations of Economics Handbook (2006) David Gray and Peter ClarkeItem CA tendency along the demand curve will increase the quantity demanded but reduce selling price. contract and Supply www.investopedia.com/university/economics/economics3.asp accessed 10th December 2006Item DAs the price is set lower from P1 to P2

Max Hamburger Essay

History- Established in 1968, Max was the first burger fast food scope in Sweden. Their reveals Curt Bergfors and Britta Anderson opened their first restaurant in Gallivargon, high up in the Federal part of Sweden. Max is a second generation family owned high society run by the sons of founder Curt Bergfors. The name Max stems from founders nickname. The founder, Curt Bergfors is still active in the company as Chairman of Board, and family still owns 1000 percent of the company.Richard Bergfors is the companys President and Christoffer Bergfors is the Vice President. mart Analysis 2007 was the year when Max took a good hard look at themselves, in monetary value of climate change. After hearing the reports of how global warming is affecting their planet, Max started thinking on how to found a change? Max realized that they were part of problem but they also want to be part of solution. Max conducted a climate inventory that also included their suppliers. In assistance with the rude(a) Step and U&W, Max analyzed the entire production chain.The direct climate impacts were analyzed use the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which also forms the basis for international ISO standards, 14. 065. The analysis included energy consumption in buildings, transports, packaging, and the climate impacts from each respective ingredient. In food production the main contributors to the greenhouse effect are carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. They soon realized that that in their business, the meat in their hamburgers was the greatest source of the emissions.

Four Season Hotel Analysis

Amy Huboi TIP- four-spot Seasons Resorts and Hotels The caller-out that I attain chosen for the theory in practice report is the quaternary Seasons Resorts and Hotels. The society is du completelyy listed on the New York striving Exchange under the ticker emblem FS and it is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol FSH. The confederation originated in Toronto, Canada all over forty years ago when owner and CEO, Isadore Sharp, opened up the premier quartet Seasons hotel. His fantasy was to create a chain of sumptuousness hotels that clear upered excellence in table divine service and amenities.The hotel soon has sixty-four properties in twenty-nine countries. The majority of properties ar held under the 4 Seasons and regent(postnominal) hotel markers. The society has a wish established branded share willpower properties and tete-a-tete lobbys. My personal interest in this company is a result of my husbands employment at the intravenous fee ding Seasons Aviara over the last nine years. I read a bun in the oven seen first hand how this company takes immense pride in their staff and their well- being.The company in any case has extensive training for employees and yields many benefits, such as promotions and management training programs. The company has been extremely victorious throughout the years because of their loaded focus on specific market segments and their needs. The company has utilized in(predicate) strategies, which have aided in their financial success and stability when other competitors have failed or taken a loss. Chapter 1 Mission Statement and Values The four Seasons has created a accusation and values statement that encompasses the companys monishminations, beliefs and principles.The mission statement has been highly- unquestionable to serve as a trackting point for the companys overall military control strategy. It is alike meant to be a ancestry of guidance for quartette Seasons emplo yees. Their mission statement incorpo evaluate four cardinal attributes of the company who we are, what we believe, how we behave, and how we succeed1. The quadruplet Seasons main purpose is to provide the finest prodigality accommodations to their guests. The companys goal is to be regarded as the beat out in hotel and resort management.The quaternity Seasons believes their employees are their most vital assets. The tonicity of the employees is paramount for the company in their obtainment of organizational objectives. quartet Seasons believes it takes a unified and cooperative employee effort to satisfy the guests needs and to achieve success in the application2. The company has developed the philosophy that individuals (employees and guests) should be treated fairly, ethically, and respectfully. four-spot Seasons has adopted the gold Rule, which states Do unto others as you would have others do unto you3. This has become the underlying foundation for the iv Seasons c ompany culture. Although the quartette Seasons wants to be known as the leader in the prodigality hospitality persistence, they have a strong belief that the pursuit of this objective should not overshadow their eminent ethical standards. The overall financial goal of the company is to earn a fair and reasonable profit in found to protect the investments of all stakeholders4. quadruple Seasons excessively focuses on long-term strategies, which ensures profitable growth. Chapter 2 Porters Five Forces ModelRisk of meekness by Potential Competitors Low The companies in this specific fabrication offer clients a eminently separate point of intersection. The luxury hotel assiduity has superior brand faithfulness among their customers. This can be justified by the agio price customers are spontaneous to pay for a hotel get on. According to Karl Huboi Once a guest experiences luxury hospitality they will neer settle for anything less5. The lastence of strong brand loyalt y is difficult for unexampled entrants to break unless they offer a superior service, which can be quite addressly.It is difficult for in the raw entrants to pretend access to the capital requirements needed to develop and build a luxury hotel. It can greet over $200 million to build a new luxury hotel and this does not include the damage of employees and marketing6. The industriousnesss incumbents have established relationships and experience, which enables them to achieve profound cost savings. In addition to brand loyalty and be the new entrants must similarly contend with the probability of retaliation from the established hotels. Rivalry Among formal Companies HighThe luxury hospitality industry is fairly concentrated. There are approximately 10 separate competitors of the quad Seasons. The hotel companies are Accor, Fairmont Hotels, Hilton, Hyatt, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, Orient-Express Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Thistle Hotels and Wy ndam7. The level of diversity among the companies is medium to low because the majority of the companies provide similar types of high quality service. The high cost of grammatical construction, furnishing and servicing the hotels in the industry create high fixed costs and high exit barriers.In addition to monetary costs the companies similarly have strong relationships and bonds with employees, investors and guests, which are difficult (financially and emotionally) to divest. As a result of the economic downturn in the last few years the hotel industry has experienced slow or even stagnant growth. There were several hotel companies that held back development projects and determined off employees in order to avoid a financial loss. Currently, there has been a steadily change magnitude demand for luxury hotels in the lodging industry. The Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Starwood luxury collection, St.Regis and W Hotels luxury chains are the primary hotels that have begun to witness the increase in consumer demand8. Power of Buyers Low The consumers of the luxury hotel industry bargain for a low volume in relation to the industrys total capacity. The level of eminence that the companies offer is high. This makes it difficult for consumers to compare luxury accommodations with standard accommodations. Consumers that want to stay at hotels, such as the Four Seasons, are willing to pay the higher premium because they value the service.When the quality of the service is high the buyer usually has low price originator. There is very little threat of backward integrating from the consumer due to the high costs of startup in the luxury hotel industry. Power of Suppliers Medium The number of suppliers to the hotel industry is extremely high. The types of suppliers for hotels include furniture suppliers, linen and bedding suppliers, nutriment suppliers, decor suppliers, appliance suppliers, and uniform suppliers. The handiness of substitutes is generally high, exc ept when supplies are developed exclusively for hotels.For example the Four Seasons uses specially made Bulgari and LOccitaine products in their hotel bath fashions. The Four Seasons as well as has mattresses made specifically for the hotel rooms. In instances like these hotels can become dependent on specific supplies. The majority of hotels have regional contracts with suppliers. This locks the hotel companies into using certain suppliers and creates switching costs. Supplier advocator is slightly reduced by their reliance on the hotel industry, especially in the case of uniform and food suppliers9. Power of Substitutes LowThere are substitutes for lodging, such as camping, hostels and motels, but none of these offers the service and amenities that luxury hotels provide to their guests. This is the main reason why there is a low threat of substitutes to the luxury hotel industry. Overall, the luxury hotel industry can be relatively profitable due to the low threat of new entran ts, low power of buyers and low threat of substitutes. Chapter 3 Building Blocks of Competitive Advantage There are four building blocks that create a agonistic advantage for companies superior efficiency, superior quality, superior innovation and superior customer responsiveness.Each of these factors can contribute to increasing the consumers perception of quality and decreasing the companys cost structure10. The Four Seasons Hotels strives to achieve superiority in each of these components thus accepting them to maintain an advantage over their key competitors. At the Four Seasons employee productivity is the main measure of efficiency. The company has developed a rigorous interview process to ensure the hotel hires employees that match the Four Seasons criteria. Four Seasons requires that their employees have strong moral values, teamwork mentality and high quality work ethics11.The Four Seasons has in any case developed extensive employee training in order to only develop the employees skills and traits. The company believes in empowering their employees in order to shorten the process when dealing with problems. This gives the employees a sense of importance and pride at work regardless of their experimental condition at the hotel. The Four Seasons also provides full benefits and other perks, such as comp nights, in order to further generate employee satisfaction, productivity and to cognize the guests experience12.The superior quality of the Four Seasons experience is measured by the guests perception of service and value. A key indicator of the consumers value for the Hotels service is the achieved daily room rates (ADR). If a guest perceives the quality and value of the Four Seasons to be high then he/she is willing to pay a higher room rate. The companys overall ADR has increased by 4. 3% in 2003. This was above the average ADR for the luxury hotel segment. The high quality of the Four Seasons service/product is also reflected in the numerous pillages and accolades they have received.Several of the Four Seasons have achieved the five diamond status, which is a prestigious award given by the American Automobile Association (abdominal aortic aneurysm). In 2004 the company had 19 properties that were awarded five diamonds13The Four Seasons has also dominated many surveys and polls, such as Andrew Harpers Hideaway Report. In 2003 the company had over 13 hotels listed on the top fifty of the Harpers Hideaway Report14. The Four Seasons has been a pioneer in developing innovative standards in the hotel industry15. They were the first U. S. ompany to include bathroom amenities, like shampoo, bathrobes, hairdryers and cost mirrors in their hotel rooms16. The Four Seasons provides 24-hour room service, overnight dry cleaning, shoe shining and fitness centers. The hotels also put up specialty meals for guests who prefer low fat meals or who have dietary requirements. The innovation of these standards has created and strengthene d brand loyalty among guests who value these types of services and attention to detail. The Four Seasons has made an unwavering commitment on providing stiff service to their guests17. Uncompromising service is more than a paper strategy, it has become the defining competitive inequality for Four Seasons18. The power that the company gives to their employees allows them to quickly and efficiently handle the most unusual requests. This enables the company to come about the guests expectations of consumer responsiveness. Chapter 5 Business-Level Strategy The Four Seasons has developed their business strategy base off the concept of differentiation. They provide their guests with a distinctive and curious level of service.Their customer focus is primarily business travelers, corporate groups and leisure travelers. Although the hotels generally attract certain clientele the Four Seasons policy does not allow for discrimination and believes all guests deserve the same exceptional ex perience19. The company has created a strategy that focuses on four important components. The Four Seasons concentrates on small to medium sized luxury hotels20. This allows hotel management to entrapively tend each hotel and provide the guests with more intimacy. The hotel company also concentrates on hotel management services instead of hotel possession. oversight service is one of the Four Seasons main distinctive competencies. The company has established partnerships with investors who provide the backing for hotel development. The investors receive ownership in the hotels while the Four Seasons takes sole responsibility for managing the hotels and resorts. Approximately, ninety to ninety-five percent of the companies earnings are a result of the management fees21 The company currently has majority ownership in only tierce properties22. Another component of Four Seasons strategy is their golden rule philosophy.The company believes it is important for every level of employee to participate in treating others fairly and respectfully. This principle creates an atmosphere, which facilitates a positive work environment and adds to the guests experience. The Four Seasons has also identified their uncompromising service as some other component of their strategy and as their distinctive edge against competitors23. The companys knowledge and background in creating unique experiences for customers provides the Four Seasons with pricing power thus giving the company an advantage over rivals. Chapter 6 Mature IndustriesThe hotel industry is a mature industry. There are several different types and sizes of hotel companies, but the grownupr companies generally dominate the industry. The luxury hotel segment focuses more on non-price competition to deter new entrants, such as market penetration, product development and market development. The Four Seasons concentrates on increasing their market share and continuous growth by developing new hotels in different regio ns. At the end of 2004 the number of Four Seasons properties will have reached 70. The company president, Isadore Sharp, hopes to have a total of 100 properties by 201024.The Four Seasons has also begun to expand into new niches or markets with product proliferation. In 1997 the company opened its first luxury vacation ownerships (timeshares) at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara in Carlsbad, California. The company believes this is another way to reach and satisfy guests who value the quality of Four Seasons experience. The Four Seasons Residence Club experience will bring an exclusivity, privacy, luxury and service level never before available in the vacation ownership arena25. They have also opened up residence clubs at the Scottsdale, Jackson Hole, and Punta Mita properties.In addition to the fractional ownership reckon the company has also developed private residences in Jackson Hole, San Francisco, Miami and Scottsdale. The luxury hotel segment rarely uses price-based competitio n, such as price signaling or pricing games. These types of tactics can drive down room rates to a level that is not profitable for any company in the industry. This is not the goal in the luxury hotel segment. Many companies, like the Four Seasons, want to create superior value so they can justify the premium room rates. The Four Seasons does not believe in using pricing games as a strategy to deter entry.It against their policy to cut prices as a competitive federal agency. This strategy is warranted by the fact that the hotels attract guests based on the product not the cost26. Chapter 7 Technical Standards There are many established standards or specifications that must be upheld for a hotel to be classified as a luxury accommodation. These standards are also important in the selection of hotels to be deemed a five diamond or five star establishment. According to the AAA the factors to be considered when judging a hotel are its age, size, architectural design and appeal. In ddi tion the AAA bases its assessment on the guests overall impression of the establishment27. It is important for luxury hotels to follow these criteria and to receive superior evaluations because these ratings intrusion the hotels credibility among consumers. There are also other specific features that hotels must have in order to achieve five star or five-diamond status. Some of the examples are valet service, 24 hour room service, live flowers and plants inside the rooms and premises, real wood detailing, fine art work, fitness centers, minimum of twain restaurants (one being fine dining) and pressing services28.These standards make up the dominant design for each Four Seasons Hotel. This means that every hotel that is built must adhere to certain specifications that have been established by the industry. The differences that do exist among the hotels are seen in varying features such as the furnishings, architectural landouts, color schemes and locations. Chapter 8 Multidomestic Strategy The Four Seasons has followed a multidomestic strategy throughout their expansion into international and domestic regions. The key distinguishing feature of multidomestic companies is that they extensively make both their product offering and their marketing strategy to match different national conditions29. This strategy is also feasible when the company is not reliant on cost reductions for maximizing profitability. In the luxury hotel industry it is necessary to modify certain aspects when entering the global market. The Four Seasons has maintained the highest levels of local responsiveness in their aggressive overseas expansion.The modification of the hotels for different regions is often reflected in the hotel design and in the service features. When the Four Seasons builds hotels they always take into account the natural environment of the location. For example the, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa have been designed to resemble the tropical huts of the r egion30. The Four Seasons also considers the size of the hotel when entering a new location. It is important to not build a hotel that over scales its environment because it could be seen as offensive to the community.The Four Seasons is also conscious of blending the local culture in with the service features of the hotels. For example each hotel offers cuisine that is unique to its location31. The Four Seasons has been successful at transferring their distinct corporate culture and core standards to each hotel it manages. The company is not overly concerned with lowering costs thus making it possible for them to provide customized service and quality regardless of the hotels location. The premium rates charged by the Four Seasons for their customized product offering offsets the added costs of being locally responsive. Chapter 9Horizontal Integration In the mid 1990s the Four Seasons decided to horizontally integrate by acquiring Regent International Hotels, a luxury hotel chain i n Asia32. The Regent brand was experiencing a significant financial burden and was on the verge of bankruptcy. The Four Seasons decided that acquiring the Regent Hotels would protagonist them build their market share. After being extensively investigated by Regents investors, the Four Seasons was sold the right to putsch Regents fifteen properties33. The acquisition allowed the Four Seasons to become the dominant company in the luxury hotel market worldwide34. After the Four Seasons became listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto and Montreal Stock Exchanges in 1997, the company decided to sell off the Regent brand. The Four Seasons sold only the rights to future development of the Regent Brand name to Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, a global leader in hospitality services35. The agreement betwixt Carlson and Four Seasons allowed both companies to utilize the Regent brand reputation as a spring of competitive development. The Four Seasons still maintains ownership ri ghts to eight of the established Regent Hotels.The Four Seasons was fortunate to acquire another company that actually increased their overall value and market share. Traditionally it is difficult for firms to successfully horizontally integrate because of the difficulties associated with merging company cultures and accurately estimating the benefits of integration36. The company was able to look past any voltage risks in order to see the future opportunity for growth. Chapter 10 Joint Ventures The Four Seasons has recently organise a joint accident with the cruise ship developer, maritime Development Group.The companies plan to develop and dunk the luxury cruise ship by 200637. The Four Seasons will be responsible for managing the cruise ship. The concept for the cruise ship is similar to the ResidenSea, which provides its guest with the atmosphere of home while at sea. The joint venture is beneficial for both companies because they can share the risks and costs associated wi th the development and marketing of the cruise ship. The business venture also allows each company to focus on providing their specific assets and capabilities that will enhance the success of the project.The Ocean Development Group will own the cruise ship and will be responsible for the cost of development. The Four Seasons will use their distinctive competencies in management service to operate the hotel under their name. The company will use their skills in customer service to create an atmosphere that is comparable to any Four Seasons on land. IRMEs SouthWest some(prenominal) the Four Seasons and Soutwest airlines have developed strong company cultures. The companies also view their employees as their most important asset.Both companies believe that productive and loyal employees are a source of efficiency and profitability for the company. Southwest uses employee efficiency to lower costs and the Four Seasons uses their employees to create high differentiation. Harley Davidso n Both Harley Davidson and Four Seasons focus on providing their customers with a highly differentiated product/service. The companies have also developed strong brand loyalty among their customers by providing a unique experience and by being responsive to customer needs. Airborne Express Both companies have not developed extensive advertising campaigns (i. e. TV ads).Airborne Express has avoided this because they want to avoid attracting certain customers (like non-business shippers). The Four Seasons does not advertise on a large scale because they do not need to appeal to the general public. Their customer focus is only on specific market segments, like the business traveler. It would be a waste of resources for both companies to participate in mass marketing because of their customer focus. Dell & Shaw The Four Seasons, Dell and Shaw have all developed strong business models, which have added to their profitability and allowed the companies to experience significant advantages. Dell developed the direct selling business model, which allowed the company to capture a specific market (big businesses and knowledgeable buyers). Shaw developed a business model centre on providing inexpensive wine by mass marketing. This allowed the company to realize economies of scale and lower cost savings. The Four Seasons has developed a business model that is based on providing differentiated service by focusing on their expertise in hotel management services instead of hotel ownership.Coke & Pepsi The Four Seasons key competitor is the Ritz-Carlton, but unlike Coke and Pepsi the companies do not participate in competitive pricing and marketing strategies. Interesting Points An interesting fact that I have learned from doing this report is that the Four Seasons main business focus is in providing hotel management services. I was unaware that they only had majority ownership in three properties. I also did not realize that they had several different investors for each devel oped property.This strategy has been successful for the Four Seasons, because it allows them to earn significant profits (an operating margin of 53% in 2003) through the use of specific skills and assets38. Another interesting thing I have learned is that the Four Seasons was able to maintain profit levels well above their competitors throughout the past economic downturn. The company refused to lay off employees and cut room rates (which is important to my husband and I) when several other hotel companies made significant cutbacks to decrease their overall costs.The Four Seasons believed that lowering cost and service standards would ultimately have an adverse effect on the companys reputation and established brand loyalty. This strategy has allowed the company to retain their status and to earn higher ADR than their competitors. Works Cited AAA Five Diamond Award. 2004. www. ouraaa. com Four Seasons yearly Report. 2003. www. fourseasons. com. Four Seasons EmPact. 2004. Karl Hubois Employee Handbook. Four Seasons Receives Top Billing by Readers of Andrew Harpers Report Rank as trump City Hotel in the U. S. and Abroad Plus Best Hotel in 10 Major Cities. PR Newswire. (September 9, 2003). ww. factiva. com. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kura Huraa. 2004. www. fourseasons. com. Garrahan, Matthew. A New Spring for Four Seasons. Financial Times. (November 26, 2004). www. factiva. com knoll W. L. , Charles and Gareth R. Jones. Strategic Management Theory An Integrated Approach. (Boston Houghton Mifflin association, 2004). Hoovers Company Profiles. Four Seasons Hotels Inc. (November 14, 2004). www. factiva. com. Huboi, Karl. Interview with Four Seasons Employee. (December 1, 2004) Warson, Albert. Hotels are Hot. mortgage Banking 65. (October 1, 2004). www. factiva. com. 1 Four Seasons Annual Report, (2003), p. 6, www. fourseasons. com 2 Four Seasons Annual Report, p. 6 3 Four Seasons EmPact, Karl Hubois Employee Handbook, p. 8 4 Four Seasons Annual Report, p. 6 5 Karl Huboi , Interview with Four Seasons Employee, (December 1, 2004) 6 Karl Huboi 7 Hoovers Company profiles, Four Seasons Hotels Inc. (November 14, 2004), www. factiva . com. 8 Albert Warson, Hotels are Hot, Mortgage Banking 65, (October 1, 2004), www. factiva. com. 9 Karl Huboi. 10 Charles W. L. Hill and Gareth R. Jones, Strategic Management Theory An Integrated Approach (Boston Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004), p. 6 11 Karl Huboi 12 Karl Huboi 13 Four Seasons Annual Report, p. 11 14 Four Seasons Receives Top Billings by Readers of Andrew Harpers Report Rank as Best City Hotel in the U. S. and Abroad Plus Best Hotel in 10 Major Cities, PR Newswire (September 9, 2003), www. factiva. com. 15 Four Seasons EmPact, p. 7 16 Four Seasons EmPact, p. 7 17 Four Seasons Annual Report, p. 8 18 Four Seasons Annual Report, p. 8 19 Karl Huboi 20 Four Seasons Annual Report, p. 7 21 Matthew Garrahan, A New Spring for Four Seasons, Financial Times (November 26, 2004), www. factiva. om. 22 Four Seasons Annual Report, p. 7 23 Four Seasons Annual Report, p. 7 24 Matthew Garrahan 25 Four Seasons EmPact, p. 8 26 Matthew Garrahan 27 AAA Five Diamond Award, (2004), www. ouraaa. com. 28 Karl Huboi 29 Charles W. L. Hill and Gareth R. Jones, p. 272 30 www. fourseasons. com/maldives/index. html. 31 Karl Huboi 32 Four Seasons EmPact, p. 8 33 Four Seasons EmPact, p. 8 34 Four Seasons EmPact, p. 8 35 Four Seasons EmPact, p. 8 36 Charles W. L. Hill and Gareth R. Jones, p. 304 37 Hoovers Company profiles 38 Four Seasons Annual Report, p. 12