Qvc Case Analysis Essay

Case QVC Author: NA HG495 – Case Analysis Instructor: NA Abstract This case analysis will be focused on the company QVC (Quality, Value, and Convenience). We will perform an analysis review, which, will provide a comprehensive insight into the company’s historical and current business structures, strategies and efficiencies in their operations. It will include a detailed SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) (Humphrey) and the primary activities of the Value Chain Analysis (Porter), to provide greater insight into the firms’ competitive advantage. These key concepts will be used to analyze QVC’s business model, define potential challenges and initiate a plan of execution. We will then recommend solutions such as advocating products with higher profit margins, finding evolving technologies and untapped markets and streamlining logistics. These strategies would expand the customer base and create higher ROI (Return of Investment), positioning the company towards timely growth. Introduction: QVC is a multimedia retailer, specializing in televised home shopping, broadcasting in five countries (US, UK, Germany, Japan and, Italy), 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to over 90 million households in the United States and 160 million homes worldwide. They offer a wide range of products with over 1500 major brands and 50,000 products, including beauty, fashion and accessories, jewelry, craft and leisure, home electronics, garden, and do-it-yourself (DIY), and clearance goods. The company has store operations in the US, which includes Delaware and Pennsylvania. QVC also has a lucrative website called iQVC (www. qvc. com) that generates over 1 billion of sales on its Internet operations. Since it was launched in 1986; QVC has rapidly grown to become the largest television shopping network. By 2006, its reach had extended to over 95 percent of all U. S. cable homes, as well as, over 25 million satellite homes. It shipped over 140 million packages during 2006 to customers around the world, resulting in almost $7. 1 billion in sales and over 1 billion operating profit. Sales were made to over 10 million customers, who watched its shows across the US, UK, Germany, Japan and Italy. Problem: Doug Rose, QVC’s vice president of merchandising brand development, claims that the interactivity in all aspects of the firm’s business and operations, including its television shopping channel, will need to become more pronounced. Making it easier for customers to act on what they see. QVC believes that it still has a lot of room to grow, since only about 2% to 3% of its television viewers currently purchase at any given time. Bringing that percentage higher is the main problem that affects the major revenue stream and would require an internal/external analysis (balance scorecard) to bring in new viewers/customers to purchase their products. There are other challenges that can attribute to generating more revenue, such as, selling products with higher margins and offering shopping channels to customers outside North America. They could also add more interactive features that would allow more access.

Communication Skills for Health Professionals Essay

Introduction Communication skills are important for health professionals because they deal with different situations and people every day. Furthermore, an example to use the appropriate communication is when the professional has to give bad news of an unfavourable diagnostics. For instance, the dentist to give the diagnostics of oral cancer for their patient, this situation is necessary to have correct communication to do the treatment and to give the correct support for their patient such as empathy and touch. Body Firstly, most of people who seek a professional health is because they are in unfarovable health condition and need special care. Also, it is very common in dental treatment because many people feel afraid when to go the dentist. It is proved that many of them feeling very anxious when they go to a dental treatment (Cockburn and Walters).Principally, in unfavourable diagnostics, for example oral cancer. In this context, the health professional have ability to provide the appropriate communication such empathy. For professional to be empathy is very important for all principally in bad news that involves patient and sometimes to their family fully to give information and to help continuing the treatment.(Mundada, 2012). A patient with an unfavourable diagnostics need of feel comfortable on various parameters and the empathy as communications is very helpful like dealing with your anxiety, expectations for your family can follow the treatment. The empathy interferes On impacts of the t reatment procedure and the expectations of what will be the treatment. This type of communications is extremely important in case the conversation, clarify doubts and speak as will be the treatment for the patient to be aware of what can happen and not have unexpected reactions. Secondly, it is very important factor and has a good ability of communication such as touch because it helps to support psychological care during treatment. Sometimes many doctors have difficult to deal with kind of situations such as painful, physical suffering impending death and bereavement (Cockburn and Walters, 1999). Also, it is known that many undergrade students are not trained in communications skills and many medical schools do not insist in this subject. Its represents the lack of  touch in a long time (Cockburn and Walters, 1999). The communication such as touch in the treatment sometimes is difficult to many doctors because they attend many people in the same day and they will have this situation for a long time.(Cockburn and Wlaters,1999) that occurs common factor and many times it is interfere in the patient treatment because they do not have the adequate type of this. Principally, with bad diagnostics that usually is not expected for anyone. One of the most difficult tasks for some doctors is to break bad news to a patient, such as a diagnosis of cancer. (Cockburn and Waterls, 1999) That may causes stress, familiars problems, emotional factors. The most appropriate commination skills is helpul to create a field to the patient feel comfortable and freely to do the procedure and touch in extremely important in this situation. The most important factor for the communicate is with professionalism and use the communication that can better confidence and quality of care in the patient.(Mundada,1992).Its helps the patient expects dentists to listen and understand their needs.(Mudunda,1992). Conclusion Take everything into account communications skills are essential for all health professionals. Sometimes, in medical schools this subject in not trained to undergrade (Cockburn and Walters). Also, lack of communication can interfere the patient treatment principally when is necessary give bad news that involves many emotional problems such as psychological and anxiety. Obviously, the professional cannot support all problems to their patient but give the appropriate support with professionalism and empathy and touch good cues of communication and it help the professionals to have a great impressive and attend the necessity of their patients.(Mundada and Walters). Reference: Annette Hannah, Ph.D.; C. Jane Milliamp, Ph.D.; Kathryn M.S. Ayers, M.D.S. A Communication Skills Course for Undergraduate Dental Students. Journal of Dental Education. Volume 68, Number 9 J. Cockburn and W. A.W. Walters. Communication between doctors and patients. Current Obstetrics & Gymecology (1999) 9, 34400 1999 Hat-court Brace & Co. Ltda. Mundada,Vikek. Effective communication skills and professionalism for better dentistepatient relationship. Indian Journal of Dentistry 2012.July e September Volume 3, Number 3; pp. 182 e 183.

Shadow – Creative Writing

Despite it's been two years since I last saw my father, the shadow of his back still remain vivid and clear in my memories. That winter, mother died and father lost his job. It was a day of tragedy and sadness. I left London for Stoke-On-Trent to join my father in hastening home, the sight of the disorderly mess in the courtyard reminded me of mother. I couldn't help but shed tears. â€Å"Now that things have come to such a pass, let's get over it, after all every cloud has a silver lining,† he said. When father arrived home, he pawned and sold things in order to pay off his debt, then he borrowed new loans to hold the funeral. During these days our family was in such a state of sorrow and distress due to both the events of the funeral and the near-collapse of father's firm. Once the funeral ended, father had to return to America in a hopeless attempt to save his firm, and I had to return to London to finish my degree. Since we hardly had chance to see each other, we decided to depart together. After an old friend took me for a tour around Manchester, I was supposed to catch a train heading for London in the afternoon the following day. Father was over occupied by his business matters so instead of seeing me off at the train station, he asked a hotel waiter to accompany me. Anxious and worried, he relentlessly urged him to take good care of me. However, he didn't feel reassured and mulled over it. Ironically, his concern was completely unnecessary. I was already a grown up and had travelled to and from Manchester several times before, but he insisted and said, â€Å"It's better off this way. These days people simply can't be trusted. † Getting out of the taxi, we entered the train station. While I bought my ticket at the ticket booth father tended to my luggage, which was quite a huge load. When I came back father was busy bargaining with the porter over the fee. I was then such â€Å"smart aleck†. I felt that he was so terrible at haggling over the price that I was about to chip in words when the bargain was finally clinched. Boarding the train with me, he selected a seat right next to the carriage door for me. I spread the overcoat he got tailor-made for over the seat and sat down. Then for the tenth time, he reminded me to be watchful on the way and be careful not to catch cold at night. Miraculously, he somehow still managed to summoned up the courage and plead the train attendants to look after me. The disapproving and disbelieving eyes they gave us, it was so hilarious! I laughed at father for being so impractical and naive. These days people only cared about money, it would be unlikely that they'd take of me. Besides, at age twenty I was obviously capable of taking care of myself. Alas, when I come to think of it now, I can see that I was really too â€Å"smart† back then. â€Å"Dad, you better hurry for your appointment now,† I said. But he looked out of the window and said, â€Å"You'll need some refreshments on the way. Stay here don't go anywhere, I'll be back in a few minutes. † Outside the railing and beyond the other railroad platform were several vendors waiting for customers. To reach that platform, he'd have jump down the railway tracks, cross them and climb up the platform. For an exceptionally fat man in his mid-fifties, this proved to a physically demanding and strenuous task for father. I volunteered to go, but he insisted, so I reluctantly let him off. Dressed in a top black hat, worn-out morning dress and stripped trousers, I watched him totter towards the railway track. He climbed down the tracks with ease,but after crossing the tracks he struggled when climbing up the platform. Fingers gripped tightly onto the platform, legs huddled up, his corpulent body tipped slightly to the left. He was obviously exerting a huge amount of energy. Then I noticed the shadow casted off his back, tears gradually streamed out of my eyes. I quickly wiped them off for fear of embarrassment. When I gazed of of the window, father had just turned away from one of the vendors, holding two fists full of brightly-packaged chocolate bars. As he reached the edge of the platform, he placed he bars down, climbed down cautiously and then retrieved them back again. As he approached near the train, I ran out to help him. Back on board, he laid all the bars on my overcoat. Patting the dirt off his clothes, his expression looked somewhat relieved and after a while he said, â€Å"Go back to your seat. Don't leave yours things unattended. † I, however, did not return to my seat until his shadow was lost among crowds of people hurrying to and fro, and could no longer see him again. Then returning into the train and settling down, my eyes were again streaming out tears. In recent years, both father and I have been constantly on the move traveling here and there, and circumstances of our family got even worser. When father was young he left home to seek a livelihood and did achieve quite a few things on his own. To think that his fate should now be so bleak and gloomy at old age! Series after series of discouraging and unfortunate events filled him with a sense of dread and sorrow. He could no longer retain his emotions, as a result he would often vent his emotions on small mishaps and treat me harshly. However, after two years of separation, he has become soft and forgiving, and he dearly misses me and my son. A upon my arrival in London, I received a letter from him, in which he said, † My dearest son, I'm in an excellent state of health except there is much pain in my shoulders, causing me undesirable pain whenever I try to hold a pen or use chopstick. Perhaps it won't be long now before I rejoin your mother†¦ † Amid the glistening and bitter tears which these words brought to my eyes, I once again saw he familiar shadow casted off the back of father's corpulent form in the top black hat, worn-out morning dress and stripped trouser. Alas, how I long to see him again! Yet, little did I know that it was the last time I'd ever see him again.

US-Mexico Border and Racism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

US-Mexico Border and Racism - Essay Example Both Sweatt v. Painter and the Brown v. Board of Education case were decided to grant equality and abandoning of state-based segregation laws and the based case that was overturned was Plessy v. Furgerson. In Smith v. Allwright, (1944), the United States Supreme Court decided to keep in view the voting rights and the racial desegregation. This decision resulted in the overturning of the utilization of all-white primaries by the Democratic Party in Texas as well as in other states. It was claimed by Texas that the Democratic Party, being a private party is permitted to set its membership rules and regulations. However, the Court agreed that the restrained primary refused Smith his defense under the law. All three cases addressed the issue of racial segregation that was sponsored by state laws and in each case, the Supreme Court decided to eliminate discrimination on the basis of races and provided the ways for integration within all communities residing in a shared state (Foote 50). A nswer 5 Communities residing along the border of Mexico and the United States have a significant commonality, including two desserts, a shared history, rapidly growing population, deepening integration economically as well as thriving tourism. The routine life of individuals living along both sides of the border is influenced by these general elements, in addition to the distinguishing characteristic of an international border that separates friends, families as well as businesses. This international border draws closeness amongst two immensely unlike countries while at the same time dividing local communities of excessive similarity.  

How The Animal Experimenting Contribute to OurUnderstanding of Human Essay

How The Animal Experimenting Contribute to OurUnderstanding of Human Brains - Essay Example Animal experiments (also known as vivisection) are defined in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 as any scientific procedures performed on a living animal likely to cause them "pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm." At present, the Act defines an animal as any animal with a backbone; plus the octopus. The approximated number of animals used for experimenting is almost 180 million every year worldwide. Though not every country keeps an estimate; in the USA, for example, 80% of animals like birds, rats, and mice used for research purposes are not included in official figures at all (Dr. Hadwen Trust, 2009). There are two things for which scientists use animals; one is for medical research and the other type. Clinical research is also an important type of research which is basically conducted on humans but it always requires preliminary test result after the completion of animal research studies. Researchers use animals for extensive purposes which involve poisoning; disease infection; wound infliction; use of skin or eye irritants; food, water or sleep deprivation; subjection to mental stress; brain injury; paralysis; surgical disfigurement; induced organ malfunction; genetic modification and associated physical deformity; burning; and electric shocks.  

State policy intervention on sports economy Term Paper

State policy intervention on sports economy - Term Paper Example The study is inclined towards analyzing the concept of state policy intervention in the sports economy. This topic can be explained with justification whether the state government should or should not intervene in the sports economy. The positive and the negative impact of the state policy intervention have been discussed in this paper. The government provides the fund to the sports sector of the economy. For example in England, the government is engaged in offering facilities and training program to the people which will assist them in developing their talent. The sporting events can be organized without much intervention of the government. But in order to organize mega-events such as Olympics or World Athletics Championships can succeed only with the involvement of the government from the early stage. The growth and popularity of sports have influenced the changes in consumption and production of sports. The management of the sports events has started in the twentieth century which involves implementing the strategies and techniques that are mostly adopted by the nonprofit organizations. It has been observed that the European Union supports the intervention of the state policy in the sports economy. The market fails to consider the externalities; therefore the state policy will assist in providing subsidies with positive externalities. The author Abeysinghe, in his paper, has explained the concept of sports which can be defined as all forms of physical activity through the organized or casual participation which aims at improving the mental and physical fitness required for developing the social relationships and achieving competition at all levels. The author has also emphasized on the definition of sports with examples that sports can be classified as the activity such as the individual sports, professional team sports where the individuals decide to participate in this activities.

How do stereotypes affect the perception of male masculinity in the Research Paper

How do stereotypes affect the perception of male masculinity in the workplace - Research Paper Example This kind of profiling ranges from the unequal pay package to the court system. The paper will examine the impact of the male masculinity in the workplace mostly from the effects it has on both genders and accordingly where possible look at the ways that the stereotyping can be rectified in order to bring out the equality in every other workplace. Furthermore as the paper is examining the stereotype from mainly the female angle it should be put into consideration that even the male employees in a workplace also suffer from the kind of discrimination from their other male counterparts in relation to career and association. HOW STEREOTYPES AFFECT PERCEPTION OF MALE MASCULINITY IN A WORKPLACE Stereotyping When it comes to the workplace, gender stereotype can be an awfully traumatizing experience that any person should not undergo. By stereotyping a particular group of people or even having a perception of a particular group of people implies that the persons is being mistreated on the b asis of a predetermined philosophy that in most cases will not be true (Wood, 2012). By stereotyping a particular society it means that we are making a discernment based on objective scrutiny about that particular group of people. Stereotyping can be made on a persons presumption based on their age, race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender. In the workplace the stereotyping exists although measures have been put in place to dissuade the discrimination especially based on the gender of individuals. In the societies, the equitable and fairness work place policies indicate that people are moving away from the notions of gender discrimination into a better and fair society (Paludi, 2012). Furthermore in the past years, laws have been put into place to discourage and prohibit gender discrimination. Male Masculinity Masculinity varies from each and everyone and when various people or societies get into contact with each other their own notion of masculinity has the potential of crea ting conflicts among themselves. By possessing characteristics and qualities typical of any male person it will be qualified to say that that is a perception of having the masculinity. The expression masculinity might be used to portray any human being, animal or even an object that has capability and eminence to be masculine and therefore is not limited to man alone. However Chrisler & McCreary (2010) claim that the usage of the term is mostly to associated with the male qualities in the society. The perception of masculinity was first used in the early 19th century just when the industrial revolution had just began. Swift transformation and advancement of technology has ensured that the standards of living have improved and become well and with this, the description of the term masculinity has also changed. Currently in the present workplace masculinity is definitely an aspect that has to be taken into consideration by directors and also by staff. This is mainly because it plays a critical and unique position in the way people interrelate with one another and outline the system (Hinsdale, Johnson, & Validated Instruction Associates Inc Albion 2010).   In the earliest impression of male masculinity, the concept of maleness and masculinity was that men did not work for the reason that they enjoyed it but somewhat; they did the work for the sole purpose of being called men. After that era men began believing that the worst that possibly

Popular Music, Culture & Politics Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Popular Music, Culture & Politics - Article Example This shows how some isolated or marginal areas within Japan are capable of upholding authentic Japanese culture, characterized by composition of musical lyrics in Japanese. There is further emphasis on the fact that urban areas of Japan, unlike the isolated ones, are connected to and even compromised by Western influence, coupled with Japan’s troubled history. The association of Japanese popular music with the West is evident throughout the article, forming its greatest theme. For instance, Morris takes note of the fact that the country’s musical culture hence national identity is largely tied up with its 19th century occupation by Western Allied forces. It was as a result of the occupation that Japanese musicians were forced to embrace western styles of music composition and performance, in order to keep Allied soldiers entertained hence surviving the occupation. The author is keen to note that, since that time, music primarily reflects the country’s cultural pl acement hence national identity in connection and contrast to the West. The systematic review approach adopted by Morris adequately demonstrates that Japanese popular music adopts practices that allow it to capitalize on emerging trends. These include not just utilization of English in composition and performance, but also adoption of emergent trends such as those in media technology. This approach is, however, too broad to fully examine and effectively facilitate understanding of Japan’s national identity, as shaped by music and its resulting culture. There is extra focus on the nature of music, as influenced by the relationship between Japan and the West, especially the U.S., thus overlooking crucial cultural elements within the country. Other examples of broad or non-specific music associations with national identity include the association of rock and roll music with British

Intermediate accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Intermediate accounting - Essay Example This is because the problems with livestock market are seasonal and past experience and solutions largely serve as guiding principles for present and even the foreseeable future anomalies. Three Little Pigs Inc. is a public entity with three types of inventories viz. live hogs ready for sale, developing animals, and processed pork products consisting of loins, ham and bacon. The Company maintains live hogs and processing plants at various locations. Also, there are live hogs in some locations which cannot be easily transported and processed at the Company’s main processing plants, and, as a result, these live hogs have to be sold to third parties at spot market prices. The current problem the management is facing is the result of spot market prices for live hogs that have declined. The causes mentioned for the decline are not specific except the capture of the â€Å"Big Bad Wolf.† Whatever the reasons, they are strong enough to bring about a decline in prices due to surplus production. However, the management led by its CEO, Farmer Joe, is confident of a turnaround during the third and fourth quarters of the year with a specifically good projection for the last quarter. The management is also positive that the total revenues for the pork products and total revenues for sale of live hogs to third parties, based on current spot prices, will be favorable enough to offset losses incurred due to price decline in the second quarter. Due to the slump in the second quarter, the management is of the view that there may be lower of cost or market issues involved in the Company’s inventory of live hogs and developing animals held for sale to third parties as on September 30, 2002. Thus, the urge to go for impairment evaluation is present. (Lower of Cost or Market) However, management must be cautious in acting upon impairment evaluation although expert opinion of impairment evaluators can help increase

What did i learned from this class Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

What did i learned from this class - Essay Example It is important to note that different people have different forms and styles of leadership which are based on unique aspects. These help them to address the immediate or contemporary society and to ensure that the organization they are in is able to achieve its set objectives. Dealing with the junior staff or the employees in an organization is never an easy task if the leader who is bestowed with the responsibility of overlooking their activities is not competent. Many leaders result to intimidation as a way of passing their ideologies to the juniors. On the other hand great leaders engage the people they are administrating and get to learn their characters. Having done that it is increasingly easy to know the best way to approach different situations without causing much anticipation or havoc in the organization. Another thing that many leaders fail in handling is change. When one is transferred to a new environment and give a leadership position, it is important to survey the environment and know how they live before imposing new rules that may face much unimportant resistance that could have been avoided in the first place. This work will therefore look at the aspects of leadership learnt in this course and how one can develop his leadership skills to become a good leader in the future. In this course I have learnt the following leadership traits that a good leader should have. Some leadership are born with some traits while other develop them in the course of their lives. The best thing is to be ready to learn and be corrected whether in power or not. A leader should be aware of the environment he is working in. When one assumes the leadership position in a given organization, the first thing is to understand his roles. There his roles to the management and his roles to the employees who will be looking up to him. The responsibility and task of ensuring that things run well in the

New Government Accounting Systems Essay Example for Free

New Government Accounting Systems Essay Dont snoop. Not only does going through your roommates belongings violate their privacy, but it can also destroy the trust between the two of you if they find out. Have a place to put your own mail, personal photos and other items that you dont want your roommate going through to avoid conflict over privacy issues. Personal Items According to Huffington Post, borrowing personal items is a main cause for tension between roommates. Refrain from borrowing anything without your roommates permission, and dont allow your guests to touch or borrow anything of theirs, either. If you do obtain permission, return the item promptly and in the same condition that you borrowed it. If you break it or damage it, replace it. Noise Levels Peace and quiet at home is important whether you are a college student or a working professional. It can be difficult to concentrate in an environment that is constantly loud and boisterous. Agree on set quiet times in your household and respect them. Respect Always respect your roommate. If they arent somebody that you already know well, take the time to get acquainted with them. Your roommate may or may not be your friend, says Huffington Post, but he or she will be your business partner. Treat that person with tact and consideration at all times. Finances As business partners and house mates, it is important to be up-front with your roommate about finances. If something happens and you are unable to make the rent, let them know. Your financial health can directly impact their living situation. Consider having the rent automatically debited from the account to prevent any mishaps and split all bills in half. Work with your roommate to set up a financial plan in advance to avoid problems from occurring that may jeopardize your living situation. Socializing If you are the type of person to have a lot of company or indulge in social drinking or smoking at home and your roommate is not, this can be a source of contention between the two of you. Discuss this issue in advance. Set some ground rules for social visits, parties and such and follow them.

Harriet Beecher Stowe Essay Example for Free

Harriet Beecher Stowe Essay Born â€Å"June 14, 1811†, â€Å"Harriet Beecher Stowe†, was born to â€Å"Roxana and Lyman Beecher† (Lakewood Public Library n. p. ). This seventh sibling has a famous brother, â€Å"Henry Ward Beecher†, who is a leader of the â€Å"abolitionist movement† (Lakewood Public Library n. p. ). She also has a sister, â€Å"Catherine Beecher† who fought for the women to be educated; she played a large role in the women’s progress in terms of education (Lakewood Public Library n. p. ). In addition to that, she was married to an equally brilliant individual and popular named, â€Å"Calvin Stowe† at the age of twenty five (Lakewood Public Library n. p. ). She had seven children with this co-teacher of hers (Lakewood Public Library n. p. ). She attended the â€Å"Hartford Female Academy† to complete her education (Lakewood Public Library n. p. ). This is the same school that her sister, â€Å"Catherine Beecher† instituted when â€Å"Harriet Beecher Stowe† was only twelve years old (Lakewood Public Library n. p. ). In school, she was described as â€Å"absent-minded, moody, and weird†, however, she was also known as extremely intelligent and that she was exceedingly good in writing (Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1811 1896 n. p. ). When â€Å"Harriet Beecher Stowe† turned twenty one, she went to teach in â€Å"Cincinnati† at the â€Å"Western Female Institute†, another learning institution that her sister established (Lakewood Public Library n. p. ). Together with her sister, Catherine, she wrote and published â€Å"Geography for Children† (Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1811 1896 n. p. ). This same year, she has also been awarded with for an article she wrote and published in the â€Å"Western Monthly Magazine† entitled, â€Å"New England Sketch† (Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1811 1896 n. p. ). At the age of thirty nine, she had already accomplished a book, entitled, â€Å"Uncle Tom’s Cabin† (Lakewood Public Library n. p. ). She turned extremely famous in 1851, just a year after she has written the aforementioned book (Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1811 1896 n. p. ). In addition to the aforementioned, what made her more famous is the fact that she delivered speeches with regards to oppression/slavery that occurs in the United States, as well as, in the United Kingdom (Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1811 1896 n. p. ). When some of her critics declared that the contents of â€Å"Uncle Tom’s Cabin† was not genuine, she rose up to the challenge and wrote another book entitled, â€Å"Dred† five years after the publication of â€Å"Uncle Tom’s Cabin† (Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1811 1896 n. p. ). While she was busy delivering speeches about slavery, she also had her writings published in a journal known as â€Å"The National Era† that even the president, â€Å"Abraham Lincoln† acknowledged her brilliance and fame by saying, â€Å"So you are the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war† (Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1811 1896 n. p. ). Back then, she was not only the â€Å"most famous† writer, she was also known to be the â€Å"highest paid† one (Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1811 1896 n. p. ). She died in July 1, 1896 in Hartford, CT (Lakewood Public Library n. p. ). However, she left with so many contributions to the world of literature including the following works: â€Å"1) The Mayflower: or, Sketches of Scenes and Characters Among the Descendants of the Pilgrims; 2) Uncle Tom’s Cabin; 3) The Key to Uncle Tom’s Cabin; 4) Sunny Memoirs of Foreign Lands; 5) Dred: A Tale of the Great Dismal Swamp; 6) the Minister’s Wooing; 7) The Pearl of Orr’s Island; 8) Agnes of Sorrento; 9) House and Home Papers; 10) Little Foxes; 11) Religious Poems; 12) the Chimney Corner; 12) Men of our Times; 13) Old Town Folks; 14) The True Story of Lord Byron’s Life; 15) Lady Byron Vindicated; 16) Little Pussy Willow; 17) Pink and White Tyranny: A Society Novel; 18) Old Town Fireside Stories; 19) My Wife and I: or, Harry Henderson’s History; 20) Sam Lawson’s Oldtown Fireside Stories; 21) Woman in Sacred History; 22) Palmetto Leaves; 23) We and Our Neighbors; 24) Betty’s Bright Idea; 25) Captain Kidd’s Money and Other Stories; 26) Footsteps of the Master; 27) Bible Heroines; 28) Poqanuc People; 29) A Dog’s Mission; 30) The Poor Life; 31) the Writings; and 32) Regional Sketches† (Hedrick 3 398). Furthermore, she left with a good name (Fritz 5 – 144). The author in question played a large role as a â€Å"social reformer, philanthropist, and author†; she fought for the â€Å"African Americans† and everyone else who were victims of oppression and slavery (Fritz 5 – 144). Upon meeting slaves who were able to escape, she immediately wrote articles and actually published them; through these many people â€Å"will wake up† in the years to come (Fritz 5 – 144). If she had not started upholding such rights of the slaves and people who were oppressed, it would not have been pushed by others and slavery would still have been in its worse today (Fritz 5 – 144). During her time, the â€Å"Fugitive Slave Act† has been enacted (Fritz 5 – 144). This law made it unlawful for other individuals to help out slaves who escaped (Fritz 5 – 144). What â€Å"Harriet Beecher Stowe† did was to send a letter to a colleague and â€Å"abolitionist leader† named â€Å"Frederick Douglass† (Fritz 5 – 144). Here, she sought for an advice with regards to her articles on oppression/slavery (Fritz 5 – 144). Fortunately during this time she also had the opportunity to make her voice heard and so what she did was to discuss her writings especially with regards to slavery to help other individuals become well informed and to inspire them to help her out with her advocacies/fight (Fritz 5 – 144). On a final note, â€Å"Harriet Beecher Stowe† is a famous author who played a large role in addressing the problem on slavery in the United States and the United Kingdom through her works and delivered speeches (Fritz 5 – 144). Works Cited Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1811 – 1896. n. d. n. a. 18 November 2008. http://americancivilwar. com/women/hbs. html Fritz, Jean. Harriet Beecher Stowe and the Beecher Preachers (Unforgettable Americans). NY: Putnam Juvenile, 1998. Hedrick, Joan. Harriet Beecher Stowe: A Life. NY: Oxford University Press, 1995. Lakewood Public Library. Harriet Beecher Stowe. n. d. n. a. 18 November 2008. http://www. lkwdpl. org/wihohio/stow-har. htm

Solar Radiation Climate

Solar Radiation Climate Incoming solar radiation is a key component of the Earths Climatology. From maintaining the Earths climate, living forms are able to survive as Hulstrom (1989, p.1) points out solar radiation is a key principle for sustaining life and as a renewable source of energy it can prevent exploitation of the non-renewable sources e.g. oil. Depending on the landscape, solar radiation can create varies microclimates as explained by Chen, Saunders, Crow, Naiman, Brosofske, Mroz, Brookshire, and Franklin (1999, p.288) where a canopy of vegetation will absorb the short-wave radiation, increasing the sensitivity of the ground surface temperatures below. Chen, Hall and Liou (2006, p.1) state it is the spatial and temporal elements of incoming surface solar radiation that can determine many landscape scale processes. An area of interest where incoming radiation can create or trigger several processes and climates is mountainous terrain. Even though the total surface area of mountain systems around the world is a very small percentage of the total Earth surface, they can still create an input to the climate system experienced globally. The intensity of solar radiation reached at the surface plays a vital role in mountain climates. It is variations in elevation, slope, aspect, and shadowing that can affect the amount of radiation received at the surface (Dubayah, 1994, p.627, White, Mottershead Harrison, 1994, p. 207, and Chen et al., 2006, p. 1). This study will focus on incoming radiation and analyse the extent to which each of the factors above affect incoming radiation received upon uneven terrain. The focus will be on incoming radiation because, as Duguay points out (1993, p.339) any progress in the determination of surface radiation in mountainous terrain has to begin with incoming shortwave radiation. Another aspect that this study will approach is the extent to which vegetation canopy cover can intercept radiation before reaching the Earths surface. A study created by Mariscal, Orgaz, and Villaobos (2000, p.183) states the importance of measuring radiation received at the surface for purposes of photosynthesis and proposed 70% (p.184) of solar radiation can be intercepted by canopy cover. This study will be analysing the amount of radiation received beneath a forest canopy to aid the understanding between incoming radiation and vegetation cover. This study is designed to examine the intensity of incoming solar radiation received within Cwm Llysiog valley (51Ëš49N 3Ëš25W), located in the Brecon Beacons in South- East Wales. A Coniferous tree forest, located at the Southern end of the valley provides a canopy of vegetation to record radiation measurements beneath. The northern part of the valley is mostly grasslands and shrubs, providing a transect to measure radiation without vegetation inception. Across Britain in the 1970s Harding (1979,p.161) discovered there was very few actual observations of radiation reached on the surface across the uplands due to there be a lack of â€Å"robust automatic instruments, capable of withstanding the extremes of an upland environment†. A problem that was crossed in this study was the availability of automatic instruments for recording solar radiation, disallowing me to achieve the quantity of radiation data required. Literature Review Radiation Radiation is the main input to the black-box closed- system, planet Earth, received from the Sun, in the form of electromagnetic radiation waves ranging from 0.25-3.5 micrometres (Oke, 1987, p.8-9). These waves travel towards the Earth away from the source, at a speed of 299,800kilometers/second (Strobel, 2001). There is a large distance between the Sun and the Earth, resulting in only 0.002% of the total radiation secreted from the Sun is an input to the Earths system. The ozone is an important component for protecting the Earths atmosphere from captivating harmful amounts of solar radiation, by absorbing the majority of the radiation around wavelengths of 300mm. Each different wavelength is absorbed at different points of the Earths atmosphere. Shorter wavelength UV radiation and solar energetic particles are deposited mainly above the troposphere, where gases such as O2 (Oxygen) act as an absorber of the UV radiation (Lean Rind, 1998, p. 3072). Visible light is what can be seen b y the eye and is centred on wavelengths of about 0.5 µm (McIlveen, 1998, p.244). Acra et al. (1990), researched into how atmospheric interventions can cause this change in wavelength and how different colours can relate to the wavelength Blue skies are present when the degree of scattering is sufficiently high within the blue region of the spectrum (McVeigh, 1977, cited by Acra et al., 1990). The intensity of radiation reaching the Earth surface as a single value is 1353W/m5 and continues to be relatively constant (Rich, Hetrick Saving, 1995, p.3). Nunez (1980, p. 173) expresses the need for reliable knowledge of solar and terrestrial radiation at the Earths surface and looks into approaches that concentrate on the radiation fluxes over a unit of horizontal area, and some index of atmospheric turbidity to derive a climatic radiation model. It is analysed that in most of these cases the radiation fluxes at ground level are assumed to be non-related to the properties of the receiving surface. It would only be the reflected and outgoing terrestrial radiation that the surface would initiate changes (Nunez, 1980, p.173.). The surface properties aspect and gradient will be measured to analyse whether Nunez (1980) has the right idea. The receiving of energy emitted by the Sun, at the Earth surface is controlled by three sets of factors. Spatial and temporal variation in insolation at specific sites is predictable from basic geometric principles, and can cause variation in climatic conditions across local topography. Insolation is commonly expressed as the average irradiance and is a function of latitude, day of year, time of day, slope and aspect of the receiving surface, and horizon obstruction (Rich, Hetrick Saving, 1995, p.1). At different times throughout the day the Suns height appears to change, and is at its highest in around noon. At this point the sun rays have the least distance to travel through the atmosphere and UVB are at their highest. In the early morning and late afternoon the Suns rays pass through the atmosphere at an angle resulting in a reduction in intensity. The second is the scattering and absorption of incoming radiation within the atmosphere, through gases, aerosols and cloud particles. This results in three forms of incoming radiation received on inclined surfaces, including: direct (beam) radiation, which is the part of solar radiation that is not absorbed or scattered by the atmosphere and has a direct path from the sun to the surface (Allen, Trezza Tasumi, 2006, p.55). This study will be focusing on the factors influencing radiation once its nearer to the surface. Mathematical models have been used to estimate solar radiation. Alam, Saha, Chowdhury, Saifuzzaman and Rahman (2005) present a mathematical model to simulate the availability of solar radiation in Bangladesh using system dynamics methodology. describes the formulation of the mathematical model used for the study. It takes into account slope angles, atmospheric absorption and scattering by diffused radiation, and the amount of extraterrestrial radiation that would be received. One problem with these models is that the outcomes are only predictions of radiation intensity. Surface based measurements avoid estimations from modelling on radiation, but are more labour intensive. Holst, Rost and Mayer (2005) used both surface based measurements and empirical modelling, because it was recognised that modelling did not reach a standard of accuracy on its own. For this study field based measurements were carried out over the period of two days to measure the intensity of radiation received at the surface. Mountain Climates Observations made in mountains are very important for the understanding of solar radiation and solar constant. Data collection on mountains and their climates over many years has been seen to be quite problematic. The areas tend to be remote from major centres of human activity, have limited physical access, difficult to install and maintain weather stations, and can experience extreme climates. Recent studies have used satellite remote sensing and digital terrain data for analysing mountain climates (Duguay, 1994, Haefner, Seidel, Ehrler, 1997, Dubayah, 1994). Digital and satellite imagery has confirmed many climatic conditions that have emerged over thousands of years from the analysis of synoptic data, and has increased the understanding of cloud cover influencing radiation at the surface. Geographical controls that vary the intensity of solar radiation reaching the surface are Latitude and Altitude. Barry (1992, p.18) explains that latitude has a great influence on mountain climates with solar radiation and temperature decreasing with increasing latitudes. The Ozone becomes increasingly rich with altitude resulting in the mid and higher altitude regions reaching less radiation because the sun is lower in the sky and therefore the rays must travel a greater distance through the Ozone. This gives reason to why Holland and Steyn (1975, p.181) discovered aspect as being an important parameter in the mid- latitudes. Barry (1992, p. 77) also pronounces slope effects changes with latitude. Around latitudes of 40 ºN in the northern hemisphere, north facing slopes receive a greater duration of direct radiation throughout the day compared to south facing slopes (Barry, 1992, p.77). The Brecon Beacons is 51ËšN so the duration of direct radiation will be shorter on the north facing slope, but the differences between intensities on each slope will be compared for the duration of the day. Cloud cover is recognised as being a limiting parameter of incoming radiation (Arking Childs, 1984, Rieland Stuhlmann, 1992) and a main contributor to diffuse radiation. This research believes cloud cover plays a vital role in scattering and preventing direct solar radiation reaching the Earths surface. Rumney (1968, p. 89) exemplifies the fact that the amount of radiation and sunshine from one year to another would be the same were it not for variable amounts of cloud cover. Cloud cover is thought to cause â€Å"back scattering, and can reduce the solar power reaching the underlying surface by as much as 90%,† (McIlveen, 1998, p.244). Fritz (1951, cited by Garnier Ohmura, 1968, p.798) noted that cloudless skies are appropriate in climate studies to limit the atmospheric tranmissivity influence on incoming radiation. Spatial characteristics of mountainous terrain such as orientation, angle, vegetation cover and shadowing from neighbouring slopes have been the subject of many observational and analytical studies, Duguay (1993) by modelling downward fluxes (pp.341- 347), Churchill (1982) with aspect influence on hill slope process, Holland and Steyn (1975), vegetation response to angle and aspect, and Wendler and Ishikawa (1974) with the effects on slope and exposure on solar radiation. Figure 3 illustrates the three sources of illumination that can occur on slopes. Variability in slope angle can lead to strong local gradients in solar radiation (Ralph, 1994, p.627 Kumar, Skidmore, Knowles, 1997, 467). Holland and Steyn (1975, p.181) found that the differences in incident solar radiation in mountainous areas of different slopes and aspects were maximum in the mid-latitudes and the least in equatorial and polar regions. The mid-latitudes in the northern hemisphere are closer to the Sun in July (su mmer solstice) resulting in greater amount of radiation received on slopes north facing slopes receive more radiation in early hours (0600hrs) of the day and later hours in the evening (1800hrs) compared to the south facing slopes. The southern facing slopes, of an angle greater than 55 º receives a greater intensity of radiation at midday, where the north facing slopes are not illuminated, as displayed in figure 4. Barry (1992, p. 76) acknowledges the fact that â€Å"South- facing slopes at the equinoxes show a symmetrical diurnal pattern,† from the time the sun rises in the east, limiting the intensity shining on south facing slopes with increasing steepness in the early hours of the day. By comparing the north west and south east facing slopes through the duration of a day, I will be able to analyse whether the patterns found within research have correlated with my own findings. It shows the steep south facing slopes reach a greater amount of radiation compared to average south facing slopes, but it is clear the greatest difference between aspects is when the sun is either highest in June, or lowest in December in the sky (Ralph, 1994, p.633). Surface temperature is a useful parameter to estimate the amount of radiation received on varying slope aspects. Safanda (1999, p.367) expresses that the north facing slopes in the middle latitudes in the northern hemisphere are a few  ºC colder at similar elevations as on South-facing slope surfaces. Reason for this is that less solar radiation falls on a unit area of the slope surface (Safanda, 1999, p.367). By recording near surface temperatures for the two valley transects, it will allow me to correlate the differences between two aspects by comparing temperatures at the same elevation. Shadowing from neighbouring slopes or valleys is thought to be a â€Å"spatio-temporal function† because it depends on both topography and solar geometry (Ranzi Rosso, 1995, p.464). Shadowing, introduced by Ranzi and Rosso (1995, p. 468) for a catchment basin that has shadowing occurring across the surface from projected horizons within the catchment area, is ‘Self Shadowing. This should only occur in a valley with east and west facing slopes as the sun will rise in the east projecting a shadow onto the east facing slope if elevation is great enough. By knowing the different slope angles and orientations of the Cwm Llysiog valley, the effect of exposure and shadowing can be assessed. The McCall Glacier (Alaska) was studied (Wendler Ishikawa, 1974) for the effect of slope, exposure and mountain screening on solar radiation and discovered that the screening effect of mountains was much more important than the northerly exposure reducing radiation reaching the glacier. It is not only slope shadowing that could limit the intensity of radiation received at the surface in the Cwm Llysiog valley, vegetation cover will also reflect radiation. Cannell, Milne, Sheppard, and Unsworth (1987), and Bartelink (1998) explain with increasing canopy cover, radiation interception is increased resulting in a decrease of radiation at the surface (Jordan, 1969, p.663). Vegetation cover is thought to be the greatest limiting factor in the Vegetated valley and will be compared to the non- vegetated valley radiation readings to verify this prediction. 2. Aims and Objectives The aim of this study is to investigate how the variability in slope, aspect and shadowing comprise to create a changing affect on the gradients of incoming radiation in forested and non- forested valleys. This will be assessed by comparing north and south facing slopes within a South Wales valley with forested and non-forested slopes in the summer with cloudless skies. Below is each Hypothesis set before measurements were taken and research that backups the reasoning for the hypothesis. Hypothesis A: The vegetated slopes will decrease the intensity of solar radiation received at the surface compared to the non- vegetated slopes. This will reflect in the surface temperature, with an increase in solar radiation resulting in an increase in temperature. Safanda (1999, p.367) concluded that north facing slopes achieve a low temperature then south facing slopes. Bartelink (1998) is one of many that has proven vegetation cover will decrease the intensity of radiation received at the surface. Hypothesis B: The intensity of solar radiation will be greater on the south east facing slopes compared to the total solar radiation received on the north west facing slopes. The orientation of slope faces will be the most influential factor on incoming solar radiation. White et al. (1994, p.207) describes the azimuth (orientation of the surface) as being the most influential component in the intensity of solar radiation received at the surface. It is stated that a southerly facing aspect will receive a greater intensity of radiation at the surface compared to a northerly aspect, which might not receive any at all. On the other hand Whiteman, Allwine, Fritschen, Orgill, and Simpson (1988) compared radiation components from five stations situated in a single valley during September of 1984 and concluded that slope faces have distinctly different diurnal courses of radiation. Slopes facing north east, experience downward solar fluxes directly after the slope is illuminated during sunrise but the fluxes become weaker during the afternoon as a result sunset. In contrast the south west facing slopes, has weaker direct radiation in the morning but attains a strong peak in the early afternoon. This view is slightly different to Whites et al. theory on aspect. Hypothesis C: Slope angle will have a less influential impact on radiation intensity compared to slope aspect. It is thought with an increase in gradients the intensity of solar radiation will decrease and become less direct. White et al. (1994, p.208) explains that these two factors (aspect and gradient) combined have a greater effect on the amount of direct radiation on north facing slopes in the northern hemisphere. It is made clear, with increasing slope angles, there is a decrease in solar intensity directed at the north facing aspect. Dubayah (1994, p. 634) displays a time series of monthly incoming solar radiation for different slope terrains within the Rio Grande River Basin. The study shows steep south facing slopes receive around 140W/m2 more radiation than a steep north-facing slope in July. The differences displayed in these findings are thought to be due to slope gradient. Hypothesis D: Within the forested valley, the vegetation cover will cause a great deal of shadowing on the surface decreasing solar radiation received at the surface. The greatest shadowing in the non- vegetated valley will occur in the lower sites, near the valley floor where the surrounding horizons are at a higher elevation, decreasing the sky view factor. Ranzi and Rossos (1995, p.464) study in a drainage basin realised that shadowing occurs at low altitudes, as the â€Å"direct radiation is less important in relation to the other radiative fluxes, i.e. diffuse irradiance from the sky and direct and diffused irradiance reflected from nearby terrain†. This means any horizon at a higher elevation then the site being studied will reduce the intensity of solar radiation received at the particular site. White et al. (1989, p.419) agrees with Ranzi and Rosso views where changes in orientation or positioning on a slope, affects the view of surrounding topography, thus affecting receipt of reflected radiation. Jordan (1969, p. 663) explains The greater the vegetation cover the greater the greater the difference in radiation above and below the canopy. Null Hypothesis: There will be no correlation between radiation received at the surface on the vegetated and non- vegetated slopes. Factor such as slope orientation, slope angle and shadowing will not influence the amount of radiation reached at the surface. Elevation The relationship between direct radiation and surface elevation is complex and depends on the atmospheric conditions such as cloud cover. With an increase in surface elevation an increase in direct solar radiation will occur, because the solar path through the atmosphere is shortened. This only tends to occur under cloudless skies. Batlles, Bosch, Tovar-Pescador, Martinez-Durban, Ortega and Miralles (2008, p.341) studied atmospheric parameters to estimate radiation in areas of complex topography and came to the conclusion that only the global radiation changes with increase of 1000m in elevation. It was thought that in the current microclimate being studied, elevation variations are less significant than other topographic variables, such as shadowing affects. Measurements recorded in the field for this study only reached 40m up the slope, meaning the effect of elevation on radiation would be very little. Due to these findings elevation will not be included in this study as a control. Objectives The main objective is to examine any correlation between slope aspect, slope angle, shadowing and vegetation cover and to analyse the influence they might have on the intensity of incoming solar radiation reaching the surface. To assess these factors affecting incoming radiation on sloping terrain, this study will test the hypotheses determined by studying the previous research. The hypotheses will be tested by recording a set of incoming solar radiation readings along a transect across a valley over the period of a day. It was difficult to locate a valley with north and south facing slopes in Wales. The Cwm Llysiog presents north west and south east aspects. The increase in elevation will be measured to display differences in radiation at the base of the valley and the valley slopes. The gradient is also important to analyse the correlation between slopes and radiation. A set of temperature results at the nine sites along the transect will determine if there is a link between solar radiation intensity and near surface temperatures. Another main objective is to provide readings for all the above, on a slope covered by a forest canopy, creating a shadowing affect. Exposure readings for all sites will be recorded to assess the extent of shadowing from near surfaces and objects.

Glacial Till :: miscellaneous

Glacial Till The characteristics of glacial till reflect the erosional, transportational and depositional history of the constituent sediment.’ Glacial till is a heterogeneous mixture of rock fragments ranging in size from clay to boulders and is deposited directly from glacial ice without water transport. (Strahler A. H. & Strahler A. N. 1976). Ice sheets deposited in the Pleistocene period may be more than 30 m deep and inevitably the constituents of glacial till will reflect the retreats, advances and stationary phases of the ice which have taken place during the history of a glacier since its formation. I shall outline the various forms of glacial till, giving consideration to the type of prevailing climatic conditions which give rise to their formation and deposition to illustrate how the constituent sediment does provide evidence for glacial activity over time. As glaciers are so effective at erosion and transport, large quantities of debris is also associated with them. According to it’s location with respect to the glacier, such debris transported as ice mass may be divided into three main categories. There are three main positions that a glacier can transport debris, englacial debris which occurs within the glacier, supraglacial debris which occurs on the glacier surface and subglacial debris which occurs on the base of the glacier, (please look at figure 15.12 below). While debris is being transported it may remain in any one of these positions until it is deposited by the ice directly or it may end up being reworked by melt water. Deposition of the transported material is a complex process, but the fraction deposited directly from the ice is called till. It consists of a wide range of grain sizes, so it is often referred to as boulder clay. It also posses very little stratification and frequently contains far travelled erratic material, which tends to have clast with edges and corners blunted by abrasion. (Briggs D. Et. Al. 1997) There are two main different types of till which have been recognised, lodgement till and ablation till. Lodgement till is laid down subglacially when debris is released directly from the sole of the ice. Ablation till accumulates initially in a supraglacial position and is later lowered to the ground surface by undermelting. Ablation till can be further subdivided into meltout till and flow till. Meltout till is a direct product of ablation continuing beneath a cover of detritus and flow till consists of debris that has built up on ice and after saturation with melt water becomes so unstable that it flows or slumps into near by hollows.

line dancing :: essays research papers fc

â€Å"Reflections on Country Line Dancing† â€Å"Don’t tell my heart, my achy breaky heart; I just don’t think you’d understand.† Who knew that the 1993 smash hit, â€Å"Achy Breaky Heart,† by Billy Ray Cyrus would be the turning point that would cause country line dancing to become a worldwide phenomenon. Despite differing opinions on the exact history, it is evident that country line dancing is an extension of past social dance forms and is representative of the social, economic, and political state of the United States. However, one thing is for sure. Country line dancing is not just a fad, but rather seems to be a mainstay in the culture of the United States, as seen by the thousands of clubs like the Boot Scootin’ Saloon throughout the country. First, while line dancing at the Boot Scootin’ Saloon on Saturday, November 7, 1998, I had the opportunity to interview two interesting women, Jill Babinec and Lesley Rafferty. First, Jill Babinec, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, became interested in line dancing a few years ago after she began listening to country music by such artists as Billy Ray Cyrus, Garth Brooks, and Shania Twain. Ms. Babinec likes to line dance not only because she loves to dance and finds it fun, but also because she believes it is a good form of cardiovascular exercise. Jill has taught line dancing several times at Broncos and on Thursday nights at the Lockwood United Methodist Church. However, in addition to line dance, Ms. Babinec also participates in other social dances such as clogging, the two-step, and square dance. Jill’s favorite form of social dance is clogging because of the fast foot tapping that is involved. Ms. Babinec’s favorite form of country western dance is line dancing because as she states, â€Å"Being single, it is nice to know that I can just go out with my friends for an evening of dancing, without worrying about needing a male partner for each dance. I can just have fun.† Lastly, Jill Babinec is a dentist who owns her own practice. According to Jill, most of her friends that line dance are professionals in such occupations as medicine, business, and education. Next, Lesley Rafferty, a resident of Boardman, Ohio, became interested in line dancing simply by watching others line dance at such establishments as Broncos, Mustangs, and the Boot Scootin’ Saloon. Mrs. Rafferty loves to line dance because she not only finds it good exercise, but also loves country music.

Louis XIV :: essays research papers

Louis XIV Louis XIV was a good leader for many reasons, some of which will come out in this essay. Louis ruled with an iron fist, he didn't let anyone mess with France, and if they did , he made them suffer. Second, Louis had mercy on those who betrayed him, a trait rarely seen in his day and age. Third most he did his best to bring down the nobles of France, particularly the more richer ones who thought they were above the law. Louis ruled with an iron fist he didn't let anyone mess around with France, if anyone had the guts to even think about challenging his power over the people of France he would do he would go out of his way to make them suffer. (*1) â€Å"At the same time he regarded himself as God's deputy in France and would allow no challenge to his authority, from the Pope or anyone else† Louis got into many wars while he was ruler of France, he was quick to the draw and did not hesitate to start a war. To show the Catholics that he was still a catholic king ,Louis kept mounting pressure on the French Protestants, until 1685 when he revoked Edict of Nantes. Then he forbid anyone to practice Calvinism. To the people of France this showed great strength on the part of Louis, the fact that he could keep he kept everyone in France inline at the same time. everyone in France obeyed him because he was such a grand, rich, fair king. Louis got into many wars with other countries over the stupidest things, when Charles II were to die with no kids, he made he offered to make Louis's grandson the sole beneficiary of the vast inheritance to be left behind, Louis Accepted the the offer out of pure greed, but that dicision meant war with Austria. Although, Louis was already getting half of the money he still greedily accepted the offer, if he had not accepted the offer war could have been avoided, but hey we all make mistakes The second thing about Louis that made him a good leader was that he had Mercy on those who betrayed him which was something rarely seen in that time. Most Rulers just murdered those who betrayed them, but Louis would jail them. In the case of Louis's most important lieutenant, named Mazarin, He was charged with peculation and found guilty then sentenced to banishment from France. Instead of letting the whole ordeal go down Louis intervened and changed Mazarins sentence from banishment to imprisonment for life.

Personal Response- Forrest Gump (Film) Essay

This film follows the life of Forest Gump who struggles to live outside the barriers that society has given him. Forrest is a little ‘slow’; although his mental impairment doesn’t seem to bother him. In fact, the naivetà © that comes from his limited understanding of the world around him gives Forrest a uniquely positive perspective of life. Forest overcomes the challenges in his life, becoming a star football player, a war hero, a successful businessman, and something of a pop icon. Through it all, however, there is one defining element in his life: his love for Jenny. She is never far from his thoughts, no matter what he’s doing or where he is. I believe the director uses the character Forrest Gump to convey the thought that most people are too smart for their own good; he uses Forrest in order to show the audience that escaping from the realities and actualities of the world can have positive outcomes throughout life. While other characters in the film struggle with conflicts in society, Forrest remains unaware of them; this allows him to live in the moment. Forrest goes out of his way to do what is right, as opposed to what is easy, I believe that this movie asks me to look at the imperfections within myself and calls me to become a more selfless person. I highly recommend this film to year 12 students, Forrest has an ability to truly humble another human being, and his optimism, freshness, and emotional honesty are just a few qualities that he teaches us throughout the film. The movie does not seek to reduce every member of the audience to tears; it does however have moments where the true power of message comes from the simplest of things. For example, Forrest says to anyone that will listen, â€Å"Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.† Through this quote we see that Forest is able and  willing to go through life taking every opportunity given to him, I believe the way he sees the world is incredibly unique and that I have benefited from seeing his views of life, in many ways this f ilm has changed my perspective of life and I believe that year 12’s will find this film highly enjoyable and beneficial. I believe an aspect that makes this film beneficial for all year 12 students is that it addresses the perspectives of war. The movie shows the different perspectives of the Vietnamese war, in scenes we see thousands of protesters protesting and in the very next frames we see supporters rallying together and congratulating the returned men. This contrast is highly refreshing, it is not common in movies to show multiple perspectives on war; however the film Forrest Gump manages to show the audience three perspectives. During the 60s and 70s, no topic was of higher debate than that of the Vietnam War and those who were sent overseas to fight. Forrest, as might be expected, has a singular viewpoint on his time spent in Vietnam, he narrated during the film saying, â€Å"We took long walks and were always looking for this guy named Charlie.† In Forrest’s observation of the war we see that although he was fighting willingly, he did not know why or what he was fighting for. I believe that this is the underlying message that the Director is trying to portray, on one side of the line there are those for the War, on the other are those against it and in the middle is Forrest Gump. In many ways Forrest teaches us about governments exploiting its citizens, he was sent to a place where he may have died and yet he did not understand why he was there to begin with, however he did enlist himself for the war. I struggle with the double meanings throughout the movie, we see the positives and the negatives of war through the death of Forrest’s best friend, Bubba, and the medal Forrest receives for saving Lt. Dan. In the end I’m left just as confused about the war as Forrest Gump is about life. I challenge year 12’s to watch this movie, keeping in mind that everything Forrest says means something deeper than the definition of each word that leaves his mouth. I believe that the character Forrest Gump teaches me to treasure the moments in my life and to understand why I’m doing what I’m doing. Especially in scenarios that can affect other people. He is some sort of inspiration to me; this is however not in the usual context. He inspires me to never enter situations  where I do not fully comprehend nor understand the consequences of my actions, he inspires me to never let someone take advantage of me and he inspires me to just simply, be me. Throughout the entire film we see Forest Gump’s tragic life; nearly everyone he holds most dear to him dies. Life can be brutal at times, I found myself crying during the moments when Forrest’s life seemed painfully hard. In some ways I could see that with every loved one that he’d lost a part of him had died with them. I can understand this feeling as my best friend’s father passed away only three years ago this month. As she is growing up, she is realising the disadvantages of not having him with her, knowing that he is not there to teach her how to drive or help her get her first job. I see her pain and I know that there is nothing I can do to stop it, I am powerless. I believe that there is finality in death, however in this film Forrest teaches the audience that a part of us may die with a loved one, but that doesn’t stop life from coming back to us. The underlying message that Forrest has to offer on the subject of death is that you should nev er let heart-break or tragedies take over your life. Forrest accepts that dying is inevitable, â€Å"Momma always said dying was a part of life,† he says. â€Å"I sure wish it wasn’t.† Death occurs not only in Forrest’s personal life, but also in the larger community. This film has a historical setting and we see the main events of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s through the eyes of Forrest. In this era, death of high valued people within America rocked the foundations of its society; numerous assassinations took place including JFK, RFK and John Lennon. Forrest struggles with the necessity of death as he watches those he loves fall to illness and war and those he admires fall to random attack. During this time the death of Martin Luther King Jr. created the greatest conflict within society and he is still remembered to day for his fight against racism and war. The King family and others believe that the assassination was carried out by a conspiracy involving the US government and that James Ear l Ray was a scapegoat. At the time the thought of this alone was enough to spark a civil war within America, although this was avoided by Senator RFK, who spoke to a crowd directly after being informed of Martin L. King’s passing. In his speech he said, â€Å"I had a member of my family killed, but he was killed by a white man.† RFK’s attempts at avoiding  severe rioting based on race was only semi successful, however his speech is widely considered one of the greatest speeches in American history. King was a beloved leader in the civil rights movement, and also an advocate for nonviolence. His death led some people to feel angry and disillusioned; from his death they began to believe that the only effective resistance to racism is violence. King was used as a martyr, however his cause for non-violence was ignored and he was used as a reason for blacks to shed blood. Dying is a part of life, only two months after RFK said his speech he too was assassinated, this shows that it does not matter who you are or if you are ready to die because in the end death will come for you when your least expecting it . I don’t expect to die anytime soon. But Forrest’s life teaches me that it could happen this moment, while I am writing. Steve Jobs once said â€Å"No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new.† I believe this quote shows that death is inevitable, in the end we all die, we may try to avoid death but it will always come for us one day, it may be tomorrow, it may be in fifty years from now, but it’s coming for us all.

Causes Of Stress Essay

Stress is usually caused by too much pressure being put on us by others or in some cases by ourselves and if it’s left unchecked, stress can lead to an inability to function effectively, meaning a person will no longer be able to cope with the pressures placed upon them. The purpose of this essay is to analyze these three main causes of stress. The first major cause of stress is finances. Debts are piling up. Credit Card payments, pending mortgage installments, rising costs of education, mounting expenditure on health concerns. College students stress over paying for an education, older senior citizens find that retirement income can be a major cause of stress. This is pretty significant because financial stress is linked to health problems like depression and sleep problem. The second cause of stress is work. You may be worried about your next promotion. You might be facing the negative or bullying behavior of your boss. You might not be reaching your well-deserved career goals; you might be worried due to office politics. You might be stressed about some major change that is taking place in the organization, or, you might be under stress because of the prospect of losing your job. Students, especially teenagers and college age students, cite school work as a cause of stress. Sometimes, work stress is brought on by others. Sometimes, we bring it on ourselves. The third cause of stress is Health. For some, the stress is linked to obesity, and a desire to lose weight. For others, the stress is a personal bas habit that affects health and must be changed. For example, smoking, abuse of alcohol or other drugs. Illness or injury, whether less or more serious, can be a leading cause of stress for many people. In conclusion, There are many cause of stress in nowadays, and stress have many effect for our health so how to decrease stress? There are many different ways to manage stress. They are Take Care of Yourself, Maintaining The Right Attitude, Creating The Right Atmosphere, Interactive Resources.

Arthur Miller Essay

The theme of morals and guilt is explored by the characterization of ‘John Proctor’. ‘Proctor’ is portrayed as being around the age of thirty and a well-respected farmer in the town’s community. He is described as ‘the kind of man- powerful of body, even-tempered, and not easily led. ‘ From these descriptions, we recognize that he is a strong, calm individual who is quite cynical. As soon as ‘Proctor’ appears in the play we see that he is very much in conflict with himself due to the terrible secret he conceals within the dark and forbidding chambers of his heart. A history of sin, which goes against every moral fibre of his body and the society in which he dwells. â€Å"He is a sinner, a sinner not only against the moral fashion but against his own vision of decent conduct. † ‘John Proctor’ is guilty of committing adultery with the young ‘Abigail Williams’ while she was serving as a servant in his household and this has a great effect on his conscience. ‘Proctor’s’ conscience eats away at him throughout the play as it manifests itself into his relationship with people, especially his wife, ‘Elizabeth’. This is presented when Elizabeth states: † I do not judge you. The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you. I never thought you but a good man, John- only somewhat bewildered. † Here we see the idea of morality being reflected on a personal level, or Proctor’s conception of himself. He conceives himself as a blatant sinner because of his ‘raw deeds’, being his lechery. † I blush for my sin,† he admits to his wife. Overall, through the characterization of ‘John Proctor’ the theme morals and guilt is presented and from this we see that his perception of right and wrong are decided by his own ‘vision of decent conduct’. Characterization is essential to the exploration and development of themes in ‘The Crucible’ by Arthur Miller. The characterization of ‘Rebecca Nurse’ explores the theme of evil. ‘Abigail Williams’ explores the themes of evil as well as the power of fear and ‘John Proctor’ explores the theme of morals and guilt. All these characters and many more help develop the themes within ‘The Crucible’.

Advantage and Disadvantage of Owning Bicycle

It's easy to see the advantages of owning bicycle in close city for example Eskisehir. It has a lot of advantages on a lot of titles, although it has disadvantages about many titles. One of the main advantages of owning bicycle has not problem about traffic. you can ride a bike where cars is not driven and you can enter narrow street. another main advantage is being healtier than before cycling. you ride a bike with your leg and your leg's mussles also work and than it puts your blood pressure in order. In addition to this, fuel is unnecessary for cycling, so your money stays in your pocket. On the other hand cycling has some disadvantage. The main disadvantage is about weather so it is hard which is cycling at cold weather days especially in winter. Riding a bike can be responsible for getting cold. Another disadvantage is about speed. It is not for people who is loving speed also there is a problem about this title that it is very hard to go far away, cycling is for close towns. that is not all. there is one more problem about cycling that if you have an accident your body can be injured very badly. You can wear protect clothes although you may be injured very badly. In my opinion owning bicycle is good thing. In general, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. At least it is better than walking for transporting and than experts say that riding a bike one hour in a day is good for being healtier. The problem is that some people can be shy because of riding a bicycle but if you ask me I think they don't have to be shy for this transport style because it is not shameful thing. For this reason I invite everybody to cycle.

Analysis of the Effects of Modernism and Post-modernism on Management Practice Essay Example for Free

Analysis of the Effects of Modernism and Post-modernism on Management Practice Essay The concepts â€Å"modem† and â€Å"post-modern† have become common currency in intellectual debates regarding organizational theory. Within such debates, the postmodern is perceived as an epoch, a perspective, or an entirely new paradigm of thought (Callas 1999, p. 649). Such a conception of the aforementioned term stems from its rootedness in the conception of the modern. Chia (1995) notes that what distinguishes the postmodern from the modem is â€Å"a style of thinking which eschews the uncritical use of common organizational terms such as ‘organizations’, ‘individuals’, ‘environment’, ‘structure’, and ’culture’, etc† (p. These terms refer to the existence of social entities and attributes within a modernist conception of organizational cultures. The rationale behind this lies in the ontological conception of being which privileges thinking in terms of discrete phenomenal states, static attributes and sequential events. As opposed to such an ontological conception of reality, the postmodern stands as the champion of weak forms of ontology that â€Å"emphasize a transient, ephemeral and emergent reality† (Chia 1995, p. 579). If such is the case, it thereby follows that a postmodernist perspective of reality adheres to thought styles wherein reality is deemed to be continuously in flux and transformation and hence unrepresentable thereby impossible to situate within a static conception of reality. Within the sphere of organizational management, an adoption of a post-modernist perspective of reality thereby leads to a rethinking of the modern conceptions of organizations since adherence to postmodernist perspectives lead to the de-emphasis on organizations, organizational forms and organizational attributes. Such a conception of reality, however tends to emphasize the importance of local forms of organizational methods, which collectively define a social reality. In a sense, the shift from a modern to a postmodern conception of organizations thereby leads to the re-definition of existing ontological conceptions of reality that determine the various forms of intellectual priorities as well as theoretical stipulations in the study and conception of organizations. In lieu of this, this paper’s will provide a contextualization of the implications of such perspectives within organizational structures. The analysis of such will be determined through the analysis of the effects of such perspectives in relation to management practices. An example of the application of the postmodernist perspectives within the field of organizational theory is evident in the Foucauldian analysis of human resource systems. Edward Baratt (2003) notes that a Foucauldian conception of organizational structures has enabled the formation of â€Å"a conceptual architecture and a method for exploring and problematizing Human Resource Management† (p. 084). Baratt notes, a Foucauldian conception of organizations has enabled the formation of conditions wherein all members of an organization may engage in â€Å"the practice of critical truth telling† (p. 1085). The importance of such may be fully understood if one considers its effects in relation to the two dominant paradigms that dictate Human Resource Management discourse: managerialist and critical evaluative positions. Jacques (1999) notes, â€Å"Managerialist and critical evaluative positions in binary opposition to each other constitute the main sites from which we can speak academically about HRM† (p. 200). The distinction between the two positions are evident if one considers that in one line of argument has been an emphasis on the production of an enterprising subject dependent on practices designed to engage an employee’s psyche. The possibility of such lies in the formation of managerial practices that opt for the continuous subjectification of the subject [in this sense the employee]. Within such managerial practices, the subject is placed within various forms of practices of subjectification that leads to the development of different form of competencies that further lead to the continuous embeddedness of the subject within the organization. The difficulty within such a managerial method lies in its creation of a fabricated subject. The pragmatic aspect involved within such a method, however, may be traced to its ability to create productive subjects [productive employees]. As opposed to such a totalizing form of managerial methodologies, alternative arguments [of the postmodernist kind] emphasize the possibility of enabling the co-existence and interrelationships between human resource technologies of the self and other disciplinary practices specifically those situated within the grounds of technological and accounting controls (Baratt 2003, p. 1084). A popular theme of such methodologies gives emphasis on the intensification and sophistication of surveillance and control method [through technological and accounting measures]. Within these method, management methods are thereby perceived as enabling the formation that determine the relationships within the workplace by taking control of indeterminate relationships [amongst the members of the workplace] through the imposition of increase surveillance methods that â€Å"impose order on the inherently undecidables† conditions of the workplace. Such a methodology thereby adheres to a postmodernist conception of human relations and social reality as it opts to clarify the indeterminate variables within organizations through the use of â€Å"effective instruments for the formation and accumulation of knowledge-methods of observation, techniques of registration, procedures for investigation and research, apparatuses of control† (Foucault 1980, p. 102). Within such a scheme, the function of management systems [and hence of managers] lies in ensuring the maintenance of â€Å"the precarious local orchestration of material, technical and social relationships which give rise to relatively stabilized configurations† (Chia 1995, p. 601). The heads of the management of organizations, in this sense, are thereby tasked with ensuring the implementation as well as the continuous development of more efficient production practices within the surveillance scheme of management systems. Analytic evaluation schemes used in forming job evaluations will thereby be created so as to ensure the ordering of a population. Managerial positions, in this sense, may be seen as the roles that enable the implementation of the surveillance scheme that enables the continuous effectiveness of a human resource management system. In summary, the effects of the tenets of both modernism and postmodernism are evident within the workplace [or within organizational theories of management and hence management itself] as they influence the historical means of constructing the relations within the workplace. The modernist conception, which perceives reality as bound by static relations, failed to account for the indeterminate variables resulting from the complexity of power relations within the workplace. Such a complexity, however, was accounted for by a postmodernist perspective of organizations due to its recognition of the fluidity of social relations as a result of their embeddedness within the discourse of power and knowledge that define the conditions within any sphere [in this context the public sphere]. Within the field of Human Resource Management, the construction of knowledge operates through rules of classification, ordering, and distribution evident in the definitions of activities and the formation of rules of procedure, which determines a particular institution’s management discourse. The importance of postmodernist perspectives lies in its promise of the possibility of autonomy within such a predefined and hence rigid sphere. The possibility, in this sense, may be attained through enabling the co-existence and interrelationships between human resource technologies of the self and other disciplinary methods. In line with the postmodernist [specifically Foucauldian discourse], the postmodernist has thereby enabled the development of Human Resource Systems and hence Management systems that enable the formation of an understanding regarding the means in which various individuals may be formulated so as to create a system which allows the creation of objectivity amidst the grounds of subjective wills. Analysis of the Effects of Modernism and Post-modernism on Management Practice. (2017, Feb 06).

Van Gogh in Provance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Van Gogh in Provance - Essay Example Van Gogh found Arles to be an attractive destination with its Provencal landscapes and intense light and colors when he arrived there in February, 1888. During his time in Provence, he produced over three hundred paintings, water colours and drawings. Van Gogh’s drawings were made with a wide variety of tools and materials, and his subjects ranged from still life depictions to â€Å"interiors, gardens, parks, townscapes, landscapes, and seascapes to figure studies and portraits†. The skill and accuracy of van Gogh’s mark making in the mature reed-pen and ink drawings of the Provencal period are amazing to view. This paper has highlighted Vincent Van Gogh’s life when he was in Provence, France. The works that the artist created while in Provence, the unique qualities of nature characterized by luminous brightness and rich colors in the South of France that influenced his work were examined, his lifestyle and passion for creating his artistic works, and finally his attacks of mental illness and subsequent decline towards taking his own life were discussed. Van Gogh was passionately committed to understanding and recording his experiences of nature and to find the transcendant meaning of the radiant light of the Midi. Krohn believes that any inquiry into the nature of beauty is a noble enterprise. Most pilgrims who travel in this pursuit, discover that the investigation and the inward journey form the greatest rewards. The discussion of the life and powerful works of the artist van Gogh help to get insights into the artist dedicated to his work but was unable to find relief from his tormenting mental condition. His tremendous artistic productivity within a short span of time is remarkable, taking into account the high quality and commanding stature of his works.

The movie Idiocracy Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Idiocracy - Movie Review Example Against his will, the Luke Wilson character is succeeding in life. His children will have much more opportunities than he does, and more than any of Dax's children. However, the premise feeds into our insecurity about the state of the world and a general feeling that things are going downhill. People have believed this since the beginning of time. This movie was probably shown because in it there is a connection between humour and thoughtfulness. Ideas are present along with the silly gags. This is a good way to illustrate that some comedy can be a social commentary on the way we live now. Mike Judge is a smart comedian who often make films that suggest society is empty or full of cultural waste. In this movie he is trying to show that the world is on the edge of a cliff and in the future will fall off of that cliff. But the whole time he makes us laugh. That makes the medicine go down much more easily. In the end, this movie does not really have a profound message. The idea that the world is going to be full of idiots five hundred years from now because of breeding practices is unlikely. There may be a lot of dumb people in the world today, but there are a lot of smart people. There will always be a place and a need for intelligence. Judge shows how intelligence is actually valued by the idiots. Perhaps intelligent people will be a smaller set of the population, but it is unlikely they will disappear entirely in the future. The movie is intended to be a comedy with an edge and that is what it is, nothing more.

Engineering Computer Technology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Engineering Computer Technology - Essay Example Picasa, which manages and store the user’s images online. YouTube which enables users to publish and store their videos online. Google Translate which does translation services of most languages. Blue tooth headsets have both advantages and disadvantages associated with the technology. The first advantage is that there are no wires used thus the limitations associated with distance constraints are minimized if not eliminated. With wireless headsets, handling calls while driving is easy and simplified. It allows hands free phone call reception thus eliminating accidents associated with driving while on a phone call. Bluetooth wireless signals use low power signal unlike wired headsets. Blue tooth headset is universal meaning it can be used in any device that is Bluetooth enabled. On the other hand, Bluetooth headsets are more expensive compared to their wired counterpart.It can be as much as ten times the cost of the normal traditional headsets. It has a mono output which affects the quality of sound it generates as compared to the traditional wired headsets. Finally, Bluetooth headsets are limited in some way by signal range. The device has to be close to the headset for a quality sound and operation. Amazon.com, Inc is an e-commerce platform and company founded by Jeff Beros in 1994. It was originally based in a garage in Bellevue, Washington but since then it has grown to be then leading and largest online retailers. It has its headquarters based in Seattle, Washington USA. It was started as an online bookstore but since diversified to include other item like DVD,cd, software and video games. The company was incorporated as Cadabra after which it went online in 1995 as Amazon.com (Spector, 13). Management information system provides the information needed by an organization for effective and efficient management. Management information system entails the computer systems used

Brief of Maple Farms, inc vs City school district of Elmira Case Study

Brief of Maple Farms, inc vs City school district of Elmira - Case Study Example Maple Farms signed a contract with the â€Å"City School District of the City of Elmira† to supply milk at a fixed cost. They settled to supply the milk to â€Å"City School District of the City of Elmira† (defendant) for the year 1973 to 1974. This was in accordance to the agreement on15th June 1973 at a fixed price of 0759 dollars for every half pint. During that time the mandated cost of raw milk was 8.03 dollars per cwt where the United States Department of Agriculture was in control of the milk at the farm. The change in the market was not contemplated by the plaintiff as they had committed to a Fixed Price Contract with the defendant (Miller 19). The farm was aware that the milk price was liable to change, but there was not any clause included to excuse it. Marple Farm was, therefore, found in a hard situation when the milk prices inflated. In the year 1973 there was a tremendous increase in the milk price of 9.5% from the date the contract was signed. The plaintiff, therefore, requested the defendant to relieve them of the contract as they were incurring huge losses but the defendant refused. The farm stated in details that they would incur a loss of $7,350.55 if they continued supplying the same amount of raw milk (Miller 64). Marple farm was sued for Declaratory Judgment that performance was not practical with the agreed price but the court still held them responsible for the sale of the milk to the school. The plaintiff claims further that The Federally Sponsored Milk Lunch, would further decrease the price of the milk hence increasing the losses. The defendant was still not willing to cancel the contract even after the request (Miller 14). The legal basis of the plaintiff to be relieved of the contract is in the doctrine of the Uniform Commercial Code. It considered as "impossibility of performance,"

Questions on International Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Questions on International Marketing - Essay Example Again, remember to support your answer. (25 marks) 3. Analyse the extent that you believe Country of origin effect (COO) influences consumer perception of your chosen global brand. Justify your answer. (20 marks) A maximum of 5 marks are awarded for presentation - (5 marks) Overview of Standardization and Adaptation in Marketing Mix Marketing mix, as defined by Jain (2009), refers to the combination of the product, the distribution system, the price structure and the promotional activities. The author (Jain, 2004), has further been of the opinion that it is a term that is used to denote a specific combination of marketing variables that are controllable by an enterprise and that are used to appeal a particular market segment. Both Marketing standardization and marketing adaptation of the marketing mix encompass opposite characteristics. Marketing standardization has been defined as â€Å"the offering of identical product lines at identical prices, through identical distribution syst ems, supported by identical promotional programs, in several countries (Buzzell, 1968). On the other hand, marketing adaptation or localization has been identified as having marketing mix satisfying specific needs of the local market (Alimiene and Kuvykaite, 2008:36). Internationalization has necessitated either to strategically implement standardized marketing mix or adaptation marketing mix. The concept of foreign markets and the subsequent removal of trade and custom barriers along with the aid of technological advancements, various companies were required to decide whether they would use standardized or uniform marketing mix strategic in all current and potential countries or they would adapt to and pursue and implement different marketing mix strategy. With the presence of these two options, Toyota was also required to determine a particular marketing mix strategy or a combination of both strategies. Toyota Background Toyota is one of the foremost automobile firms in the world. It has been operational for more than 75 years and has expanded base all over the world. One of the first car makers to come up with world class cars from the Japanese stable, the organization has indeed created a name for itself all over the world. With increasing sales slowly spreading to all over the world, production facilities also disseminated to other parts of the world. Gradually, the company has grown to become one of the largest multinational companies the world over. With production as well as assembling plants in US, UK, China and France, and present in over 170 nations, the Japanese company has come a long way in making a name and sizeable market share for itself. Over the years the company has launched one great car after another and above all the company is guided by sustainable development for its present as well as future course of actions (Toyota website, 2012). So far as their global presence is concerned, in order to make their ventures profitable, they operate from 27 countries and have 50 manufacturing companies working together to make Toyota what it is (Toyota, 2012). They have R&D facilities in key markets such as USA, Japan, China, Australia and Europe. Japan being their headquarters has extensive production sites and dealer networks. Toyota’s Global Presence Courtesy: Toyota-global.com Discussion Toyota has a pursued a combination