Saturday, August 31, 2019

Advertisement, Good or Not Essay

Advertisement is news or a message that is made for persuade or influenced people to be interested in the product or service that a company offers. It means that every ad must be persuasive. There are many kinds of ads; based on its nature of advertisement, it is divide into Commerce ads and Non-commerce ads. Commerce ads made for influencing people in order to have, buy and use the product that has been advertised. On the other hand non-commerce ads made to get people’s attention so they will be sympathetic or give a support to the ads. In the daily life people often see an advertisement; in television, in news paper, in internet, in radio and at the road, posted on billboard. The advertisement will influence people’s behavior and physicology, because people’s culture and life style are based on what they have seen and feel then they will implement it in their daily life. In this case, modern people’s life will be influenced by the information that they get in their daily life. By watching and hearing an advertisement, people will get two sides of effect, they are disavantages and advantages. The effect that people get is based on how people respond to the advertisement, and if people dont want to get the disadvantageous side of advertisement, they have to know how to respond to it. The main function of the ads is to promote a product in order to look more interesting and able to get consumer’s attention. There are many ways that company do to get the consumer’s attention through an ads, like in a humorous , strange , controversial way, etc. However many ads do not only want to promote their products but also want to give some moral message to people so that it can useful to people’s life. For example, cigarette advertising â€Å"Gudang Garam†. It show that a scholar who is able to be a motorist taxi only. He is constantly humiliated by the other motorcycle taxi riders because of his bachelor’s degree. His unfortunate fate changes when his only one motorcycyle is stolen. He feels regretful and curses his bad luck. But, because that accident, he has an idea to make an alarm for motorcycle and after that he become a succesful entrepreneur. The moral message that we get is â€Å"Never give up on situation, make a mockery as our motivation, and believe that there must be a good lesson in every difficulty. Another function of ads is to educate people. How could an ads educate people? That’s because every has a story that could be a lesson to people in their life. For example, Tea advertising â€Å"sariwangi †. It tells story about the wife who wants to ask her husband to repair their roof, but she doesn’t want to disturb her husband. Finally she asks her husband softly and she also gives her husband a cup of warm tea in order to warm up the situation. The message conveyed in this ad is â€Å"a wife should know her husband the condition before asking something so that their family will always be harmonious. From both ads, we can see that there are no factors that could ruin children’s moral or the factor that could influence people to do something bad. On the other hand, both ads contain a lot of factors of entertainment and education, and they also give a lot of useful moral message to people’s life. There are some ads that advertise product excessively. That ads can manipulate public taste and public minds. For example, body lotion advertisement. In that ads, the price of the product is not stated clearly. In fact it is only showing the beauty of its white model’s body that shows women will look more beautiful if they have flawless white skin after using this product. Its tagline also influences people to buy something useless and force them to think that such a product is a primary need. The woman who feel pretty with her brown skin, now they feel ugly because they don’t flawless white skin. If the women still cannot get what the color of skin that they want, they will buy the product again and again untill they feel they have the best color of skin thinking about the effect. This ads shows that a bad ads can make someone consumptive and imitate the action from the ads. An ads doesn’t have to be erased or eliminated from human live. As people who consume an ads in almost every activity, people have an obligation to choose and sort some ads which are good or not for themselves, think rationally to every sugesstion from the ads and improve the intrepretation of the ads in which every action in the ads is not always the sama as the real life. In short, any ads showed by some companies can be concluded as a bad ads or good ads based on how to responed to it. The ads can be good to someone but may not to others. Therefore, people have to respond to it wisely. People have to assume that an ads is just a media to promote a product and there is not a ‘MUST’ buy the product. People cannot only the good ads but also can refuse the bad ones.

Friday, August 30, 2019

The Bombmaker

This was the part of the job that he hated, planting the bomb; any thing could go wrong. He checked his watch, 10:20, ‘good' he thought the train wasn't due for 20 minutes. He was putting the blue hold-all with the bomb in inside the tunnel. It was set to go in ten minutes. When he put it down he ran back to the car, his orders were to plant the bomb and make sure it went off with out a hitch. The bomb was meant to disrupt only not to kill or maim. He looked to the tunnel and to his horror he saw three school children about to pickup the bag and set off the bomb. He jumped out of his car and ran to the tunnel as fast as he could shouting â€Å"DON'T TOUCH THAT BAG.† It was too late. That was five years ago†¦ Andrea has always blamed her self for the accident. After that she left the IRA. They begged her not to leave, special branch begged her not to leave, but she was adamant she didn't want to make bombs any more. Present day It was 10:30 in Tokyo. Michael was on his way to Tokyo tower for a meeting with the triads. He decided that if he ever got out of this one alive he would go completely legit. When he got there he was patted down to make sure he was not wearing a wire. He was clean. â€Å"Well Michael we need a favour† said one of the triads â€Å"we need a building to be destroyed for the insurance we hear you know someone to do it.†(Michael is ex-IRA) â€Å"Yea I KNEW some one but I have lost contact with them† replied Michael â€Å"All you have to do is give us the address and we will get back in contact with them† said another triad. â€Å"Here is a picture of the building to be destroyed† It was an office block built in the 70's. The building looked as if it was going to fall on its own. Meanwhile 10,000 miles away in Southeast London Andrea Hayes was putting her 7-year-old daughter Sam to bed. â€Å"Its about time she went to bed, she's got school in the morning† â€Å"Yea what's on TV tonight† â€Å"Just a wild life documentary† â€Å"Ok† While they were talking they didn't hear people braking in the back door walking up the stairs to their daughters room. One of them stumbles â€Å"Quiet† the woman whispered â€Å"all we need to do is grab the kid and get out† So they crept carefully to the room picked the girl up and got out of the house without Andy or Jack hearing them. Andy woke up the next morning and went to get Sam up for school. When she got to her room she found a mobile with a post-it note on with her code name from the IRA and a phone number on. She left Jack in bed and went out back to call the number. â€Å"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH MY DAUGHTER?† shouted Andrea â€Å"Calm down Andy your daughter will be fine as long as you do as we say.† â€Å"Ok† said Andrea calmer than before â€Å"what do you want me to do.† What followed were some instructions to go to London and wait on Baker Street for a brown ford transit. Just before she left for London she left a note for jack telling him to contact Frank Carter of special branch and tell him ‘they have got Brian' When she got to London she rented a hotel room to stay in till the pickup. Because the hotel was a short walk to Baker Street she was only waiting for 30 seconds before she bundled in to a van. â€Å"Who are you†¦Ã¢â‚¬ just as she was knocked unconscious About 3 hours later†¦ â€Å"W†¦w†¦where am I† asked Andrea groggily â€Å"You are in a house.† replied voice â€Å"wh†¦who are you† asked Andrea â€Å"You can call me Lisa† replied the Lisa â€Å"and what you will doing is building a 2000 pound fertiliser bomb† â€Å"WHAT† exclaimed Andrea â€Å"YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT† â€Å"yes we know it sounds a bit big, but we think you can pull it off† â€Å"Ill need help, and materials do I get them† enquired Andrea â€Å"of course you do, just write up a shopping list and ill send these two to get it all† Lisa said pointing to two big strong men called wrestler and boxer. So she set to work putting together the bomb While this was happening 300 miles away at home†¦ Jack was just waking up seeing the he jumped out of bed and ran downstairs to see if Sam had gone to school when he saw the note. It said ‘Jack call special branch and ask for Frank Carter and say they've got ‘Brian.' Who was ‘Brian' what did she have to do with special branch. While all this was running through his head one big question was where is Andy and where is Sam. He instantly grabbed the phone and called the police to get through to special branch. â€Å"Frank Carter does not work for special branch any more,† said the operator. â€Å"Well then could you call him and say they've got Brian† (A clicking sound) â€Å"What do you know about ‘Brian?'† said another voice â€Å"Nothing my wife left me a note to say that to Frank Carter.† â€Å"Stay there we will come and get you† â€Å"Ok† Meanwhile Andrea was nearing completion of the bomb â€Å"How is it going† asked Lisa

Thursday, August 29, 2019

A Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Kansas with Academ Personal Statement

A Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Kansas with Academic Preference in Mathematics Intends to Get a Major in Statistics in the University of Kansas Module Personal ment Growing up, I wanted to pursue my education in the United s owing to the fact that it has the best institutions of learning and offers competitive career opportunities for graduates. I was born in China but moved to the U.S. to pursue my undergraduate degree. In the four years that I have lived in the country, I have learned a lot from the diverse population and on top of this, I recently graduated, with a bachelor of science degree in May 2014, from the University of Kansas. I majored in mathematics and minored in business. My academic preference has always been inclined towards the field of mathematics. This has given me a firm foundation for statistical and mathematical inquiry and equipped me with the skills and competencies that are needed to survive in a professional career in the same field. My job at Nantong Chengchang Mechanical Engineering Co. Ltd. gave me a chance to experience the practical aspect of business. Additionally, it gave me diverse knowledge in various sectors including mathematics and statistics. I served as a teaching assistant at the University of Kansas, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This experience taught me how to interact with people from various backgrounds. This experience also improved my public speaking capabilities. Through other work experience I have learned the value of leadership skills, customer services, and the significance of thoroughness and dependability. I have a wide range of core competencies that I have acquired over the years. I am flexible, meticulous and analytically minded and possess strong logical reasoning skills, all of which are important for the study of mathematics and statistics. I deal with challenges head-on and have excellent multitasking capabilities. I am a supportive team player and have demonstrated dedication and positive work ethics over the years. I am a fast learner and have excellent public speaking and excellent interpersonal communication, as throughout my stay in the United States I have interacted with individuals from different socio-cultural backgrounds. My bilingual competency is demonstrated through my fluency in English and native Chinese. I have an excellent understanding of MS Office including PowerPoint, Excel and Word. I am also highly skilled in C++ and STATA software. I am familiar with programming languages such as Java and Pascal. This is definitely an advantage in the study of statistics a nd mathematics. My academic qualifications are a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a minor in Business from the University of Kansas. My work experience at Nantong Chengchang Mechanical Engineering Co. Ltd. was eye-opening and helped in developing requisite skills. In this company I productively took part in controlling various daily operations. I actively participated in streamlining the setting-up of a production and safety management technique. This resulted in improved efficiency in plant management. Additionally, I engaged in the formulation of two tender processes during the entity’s bid on two contracts with China International Marine Containers. The company, as a result, won one of the tenders. My experience as a teaching assistant at the University of Kansas, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mathematics Department, taught me valuable lessons. I developed a plan that helped students achieve a better understanding of the course materials. The students recorded improved performance in their tests and assignments. I have excellent leadership skills since I served as an orientation volunteer in the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) in the university. I have won awards in the National Olympiad in Informatics (NOI) in 2003 (Second Prize), 2004 (Third Prize) and 2006 (Tenth Place). This demonstrates my spirit to compete and succeed in all that I do. To sum up, I am a highly motivated, dynamic and focused undergraduate with a passion for statistics and mathematics, database management, and strong research inquiry. I am also keen on details. I am enthusiastic and self-driven, and seek an opportunity to study in a healthy and supportive learning environment that fosters leadership skills and professional growth while encouraging development of the team spirit. I believe that my core competencies, educational background, work experience, and awards demonstrate why I am an appropriate candidate to pursue a major in statistics in the University of Kansas.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

How have anthropologists responded to colonialism in different Essay

How have anthropologists responded to colonialism in different historical moments - Essay Example In regards to this, anthropologists have been intrigued to study response of certain areas to colonialism at different times in the history (Serena & Warms, 2010). Colonial era binds modern anthropology practices and origin. However, the eighteenth age of European enlightenment was the cause of the colonialism that characterized the nineteenth century. The anthropologists were intrigued to articulate passive subjects in an essentially manner because of the industrial revolution in the 19th century and its romantic retrenchment. Approaches to colonialism are either in view of ideology and symbols environment and economy, and biology. Moreover, science and rationalism were some of the impetus to the anthropologist’s movement. Anthropologists provided the basic information that was fundamental in governing of the colonial government possessions in the first half of the twentieth century. In regard to this point of view, the anthropologists’ demanded for financial support f or their projects from the colonial governments. Since colonialism was destined to occur with or without the support of the anthropologists, their emergence was therefore not meant to support the colonialists (Serena & Warms, 2010). ... Cultural changes are not static, therefore, the end decline in colonialism did not imply an end to, foreign influence, foreign intervention, or forced cultural change. Modernization advances to development have been contributed by anthropologists because they were drawn into it by their own desire to support and the needs of the government. This is attributed to the training of the development of development anthropologists as intermediaries between the recipients of aids and the organizations. Their contribution in colonialism is associated to their capability and comprehension to provide well-argued appraisal and analysis. The following case studies shows the contribution of anthropologists in the colonial era in West Africa on monetary transition and Aboriginals population in north Australia (Serena & Warms, 2010). French colonialists’ administration unsuccessful failed in their attempts to substitute West African Volta region, currently known as Burkina Faso, local monetar y form of cowry shells with its francs for about a half a century (Sahir, 2004). This was based on the stiff opposition that was staged by the local government. Cowries gained vitality despite the prohibition from the colonial governments because the emerging urban market in the Volta region had accepted them as a medium of exchange. Conflicts that were generated by the monetary policy and the colonial system gave birth to the practical difficulties that acted as an impetus to the local government to implement measures to boot the use of their local currency. Before the arrival of the French in the Volta region, commerce was characterized by traders commuting with their goods on their donkeys or heads from one

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Instructional Strategies for ELL Classrooms Essay - 5

Instructional Strategies for ELL Classrooms - Essay Example Research indicate that giving right instructions makes student grasp fast what is being taught as opposed to giving unstructured instructions. This paper will address instructional strategies that need to be employed by teachers for English Language Learners (ELL) classroom. Sheltered instruction is noted to be a very effective strategy to use in ELL classrooms. Sheltered Instructions refers to the instructional activities that ensure that contents are made available and comprehensible for English language learners. Sheltered instruction exists in a variety of models, one such being the Sheltered Instruction Observation protocol (SIOP). Research indicate that teachers who make use of SIOP in planning for their lesions tend to become more effective in connecting language and contents when giving instructions to ELL. In addition, the use of SIOP makes them feel very much being in charge of their career development resulting in the teacher’s ability to incorporate diverse proficiency levels in the teaching rooms. SIOP has several strategic components useful for planning ELL (Wallace, 2004). The first strategy according to SIOP is that teachers must start by defining the language objectives, which is then shared with the learners (Echevarria, Vogt and Short, 2004). This ensures that teachers and learning become objective oriented. In addition, setting teaching objectives ensures that all contents relevant for the lesion is covered within the stipulated timeframe. It also enables teachers to easily, identify forms, structure and functions that need to be taught and setting attainable targets for the ELL students (Echevarria, Vogt and Short, 2004). Research indicates that teachers who have used language objective strategies in their lesions have helped native English-speaking learners who are finding it hard coping with academic demands of English language. For this to happen,

Monday, August 26, 2019

Marketing Communications Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Marketing Communications - Assignment Example There are several marketing tools that are used by the companies for the purpose of promotional activities. Campaign is one of the techniques that are often used by the companies to promote a brand or product. The following report is based on the Vodafone and its operations in the UK market. It is seen that the present situation of Vodafone in the market is not too good as from a market position of third place in the market it will be falling back to the last place. This has happened due to the decision of BT to take over EE and decision of Hutchison whampoa the owner of three to take over O2. This will be causing a major change in the mobile landscape of the country and the company needs to change the marketing strategy that the company uses. The company must make use of integrated marketing communication and a new campaign should be launched in order to increase the market share of the company. The present scenario and the application of the integrated marketing communication are studied based on the application of SOSTAC model. SOSTAC model is an important tool which is utilized for planning campaigns. Marketing strategies are designed on basis of this model in order to evaluate current situation properly and formulate plans for future growth. Different planning activities can be easily structured through SOSTAC model. SOSTAC planning model was developed during 1990 to facilitate easier accomplishment of tasks by marketing practitioners. This model encompasses certain factors such as situation, objectives, strategy, tactics, actions and control. Situation indicates the current marketing scenario. Objectives reflect upon key tasks to be accomplished through marketing strategies. Strategy relates to the path which needs to be followed in order to achieve set goals or objectives. Tactics outlines the method that can help in reaching set targets. Action is the plan framed by

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Perfluorochemicals Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Perfluorochemicals - Article Example Contamination from landfill leachate may also be a contributing factor, though there is little to no data currently available to verify this possibility. The identification of perfluorinated chemicals in wastewater is not entirely unexpected, even if an ultimate source cannot be identified. A 2008 EPA workshop presented data demonstrating the prevalence of these chemicals in wastewater treatment plants, especially in urban areas. The abundance of perfluorochemical precursors, i.e. any chemical which precedes and can be modified into a perfluorochemical, used in industrial work is likely to simultaneously contribute to the observed pollution and stymie efforts to identify individual sources. Scientists and government officials have been largely unprepared for surveying perfluorinated chemicals in sewage sludge and have only recently begun this investigation. Currently, there is a lack of representative data on perfluorochemicals in biosolids.

Recommend the ideal country in Latin America where Intel should open Assignment

Recommend the ideal country in Latin America where Intel should open its manufacturing plant, based on the evidence in the case study - Assignment Example However, as only one country needs to be chosen, Intel should consider the benefits and risks associated with manufacturing and operating in either of these countries. It should be noted that Intel's main concern in opening a microprocessor manufacturing plant in Latin America is to strengthen its position in the global market. The rationale of choosing a Latin American country is to distribute risk as it already has a number of production plants in Asia. Also, the preference of a Latin American country is its proximity in the US where the microprocessors will be shipped. Most importantly, Intel is also aware of the more intense rivalry between players in the global market which significantly drives down the price of microprocessors. The company is very concerned with finding a possible way of reducing the cost of production in order to offer the final products at a more competitive rate. Aside from these considerations which were directly mentioned by Intel, the case also developed the idea that the company prefers a country where its expatriate employees who will be in operation and supervision of the manufacturing plant during the start-up stage will be comfortable in the selected site. Also, Intel also explicitly stated its preference for a deal which is done in a transparent and legal way. Intel strongly opposes "special deals" or "special incentives" as it will post problems for the company in the future. 4.0 Alternatives As stated above, four countries which include Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica and Mexcico were short listed as the preferred locations. The appendix summarized the result of the research and on-site visit of the site selection team. In terms of workforce availability, all the countries under consideration satisfy Intel's requirements except Costa Rica which still needs further training. It should be noted however, that labor cost in Chile is relatively higher. Costa Rica is the best choice in terms of labor unions and regulations as all the other countries mentioned are significantly unionized. Infrastructure and transportation are excellent and impressive in Chile, Brazil, and Mexico. Though Costa Rica's land transportation is fine, regular flights which are imperative in Intel's operations are lacking. Electricity is cheapest in Mexico at $0.02. As Costa Rica is very much eager to capture huge foreign investments, the government provides various exemptions in terms of tax holidays and discounts. All the other countries are hesitant in giving investment incentives. Expatriates are seen to be better off in Costa Rica and Mexico. Operating in Brazil will require huge taxes while the distance from US and Chile is a concern. 5.0 Recommendation Based on the discussion above, this report recommends that Intel locate its microprocessor manufacturing plant in Costa Rica. This decision is based on the fact that the country has a stable political environment, low level of corruption, attractive investment incentives, and a government which is willing to comply with Intel's requireme

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Organization changestrategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Organization changestrategy - Essay Example Some of the employees are even fearing for their jobs if they complain about the work environment. Employees are also concerned that management is not adhering to company policies, yet forcing the employees to follow company policies. Employees feel resentment over this . Because of the overwhelming production schedule, Frontline Supervisors are not training employees properly and they leave a lot of the decision- make up to the hourly employees. Some of the employees are voicing concerns that because of the lack of communication, professional development and leadership from management, they are concerned for their personal safety. However it comes to the attention that Frontline Supervisors are not happy, either. Their concerns are that no one from upper management will back them up when it comes to making technical or managerial decisions. Here the only solution to the problem that we can see is that there is no communication among the employers and the employees. There needs to be a communication between the employers and the employees so that the problems are solved and sorted out. In the case study we see that there are many issues among the employees that they are afraid to discuss with the higher authorities having the fear in there minds that they will get fired consequently. Here the authorities also seem to be in trouble. ... Decision making as a process is recognized all over the world for its importance. It is the process which is the result of thinking processes that go on which in the need leads to the final action implemented as the result of the thinking process. Every decision-making process always ends in a final selection. The output can be an action or a judgment of choice. In this case the upper authorities need to define and clarify the issue and need to see if they deserve any action or any implementation. If the implementation is needed than when is it needed. It deals with the urgency or not. By the upper management all the facts should be gathered and understand their causes. The higher authorities should be thinking about the options and solutions. The pros and cons of each option should be properly considered (Ullman, 2006, p.23). Proper consultation should be done in the case where it is necessary. After all the consultation process the best option should be selected. Any possible vagueness should be or 'foot in both camps' compromise. The authorities should make there employees aware of the decision that has been made as they are the stakeholders and they are the ones who ill be affected by the decision in the end. In any company the stakeholders are those who are the ones directly effected by the decisions that the authorities make so they are the ones who need to know the decisions that have been implemented in nay case that have been made by the authorities. In this case study we see that there is no communication between the employers and the employees which is basically leading to many problems ands confusions in the lower

Friday, August 23, 2019

Evaluate the contributions made by the chicago school to our Essay

Evaluate the contributions made by the chicago school to our understandings of crime and the urban environment - Essay Example The Chicago School of Sociology moved the study of crime away from the basic and overly-simplified Biological and Physiological explanations of the 19th century onwards, promulgated by such positivist theorists as Lombroso1 which sought to explain criminal behaviour through ‘body type’ arguing that pathology was located in the individual. Fortuitously we live in an age where the Human Genome Project has nullified once and for all the idea that criminal behaviour can be explained categorically by ‘body type’. Whilst law enforcers may discriminate against certain physical features, theoretical law does not. Theoretical law concerns itself with the intention (mens rea) of the defendant who must also have undertaken a prohibited action (actus rea)a. It was increasingly apparent that such Biological and Physiological theories did not offer a universal theory for the existence of crime or its perpetrators. For example, those theories had no explanation to offer for ‘white-collar crime’ – undertaken by persons who had – and have - no apparent genetic, social or educational deprivation excuses for their ‘criminal’ behaviour. Edwin Sutherland’s studies in the 1940s of ‘White Collar Crime’ argued that white collar crime was rarely detected or prosecuted, as it appeared to be victimless crime and was committed by high net worth individuals. However in recent years there has been considerable focus on white collar criminals. A pertinent example is the former media mogul Conrad Black who is currently awaiting his turn on the witness stand. Pictures of the defendant clearly indicate that he does not have a low forehead. Besides raising significant counter-arguments to previous universally accepted criminological theories, the Chicago School opened a whole new avenue of empirical sociology research as they examined the impact of environment on behaviour setting out to answer the following question: Why is there

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Philosophy that was born during the Renaissance Essay Example for Free

Philosophy that was born during the Renaissance Essay Humanism is a philosophy that was born during the Renaissance, beginning in Florence in the last decades of the 14th century. The theory introduced new ways of thinking that allowed people to question and interpret the Bible anyway they wish. Prior to Humanism, people lived their lives under the impression that it was all to serve god. It wasn’t until people began taking an interest in the work of Greek philosophers that true appreciation of human life became apparent. Humanism inspired people to believe that their life was meaningful and that they were capable of more than just working to please God. The key principle of the theory was that â€Å"human beings are not subject to God or any divine agency. They have no obligation to love, fear or obey any such supernatural agent.† (Victor A.Gunasekara) When the importance of human life prevailed, there was no longer a strained religious perception of earth and society and this is when the freedom of art and self-expression truly took form. Art was no longer a way of glorifying God, but a way of showing individualism and creativity within ones self. The origins of Humanism can be found in the Golden Age of Greek Philosophy. Xenophanes (580 BCE) said, â€Å"If cattle had hands and drew pictures of Gods, Gods would look like cows† making it patent that Gods are of our own making. When Protagoras (450 BCE) wrote, Man is the measure of all things, of things that are that they are, and of things that are not that they are not. he was accused of impiety and was banished for creating such freethinking sentiments that would be considered thoroughly unorthodox for his time. His words are metaphorical of us ‘knowing the world by our own proportion, from our point of view.’ He crafted the idealistic principle of human perception that shaped the humanism philosophy we know today. Humanism was not limited to mental thoughts and ideas on the value of human life, but shown physically through a spectrum of art mediums. The theory shaped various aspects of Renaissance art including the content, style and subject matter of all art forms. During the middle ages, well before Humanism took form, art was notable for glorifying and praising God. During this time, all art was assigned from the church and so the subject matter consisted of mainly biblical themes, stories and characters. Within these paintings, man wasn’t portrayed with anatomical accurateness, but as a small, off scale and minor element next to a much larger religious figure. Within almost all of Middle Age artworks, biblical figures were seen is the most powerful and most important; and so they were made to look exceedingly larger than people or children, who were painted on a much smaller scale. The importance of these religious figures was also shown through height and placement within the picture. They were often painted higher than other figures, adding to the overall impersonal and symbolic outlook of Middle Age art. Because most of the work at this time was so religious, people weren’t able to connect and view art for the purpose of enjoyment, but for worshiping a higher presence. Take the Ognissanti Madonna (1310) for example. The painter, Giotto, depicts Mary and her son with saints surrounding them. They’re portrayed as very large, while everyone else in the painting is very small. Neither of the two are life size nor are they anatomically accurate. However the most obvious aspect within the painting is the overstated size of the two most important biblical figures, Mary and Jesus. This was the conventional style of Middle Age art. The value of human life was never considered, nor was it illustrated through paintings or sculpture. During the late 14th century, Artists began looking at natural depictions of the world and ancient pagan culture. The notion of human form that characterized medieval art was supplanted with the concept of full anatomical accuracy. With the celebration of human life, precision of the human body within paintings and sculptures became a crucial part of depicting the realistic perception within art, one that was not justified by any singular religious context but ones desire for perfection. People began painting secular subjects and portraying man with the same importance that was used for religious figures within the Middle Ages. When the prominence of human life prevailed, people began taking an interest in the accurate portrayal of human characters. This provoked a range of pictorials to be created in parallel with the human form, reflecting the balanced and symmetrical form of the human body in art. Artists began creating precise proportions or the ’golden mean’ in order to establish symmetrical and harmonious composition within a varied spectrum of art mediums. The Golden Mean is the desirable middle between two extremes and is given the number Phi(= 1.618033988749895†¦) Commonly known as the ‘divine proportion’ to Renaissance artists, the Golden Mean was used for atheistic appeal and balance within architecture, but was often used effectively for other visual art forms, such as paintings or sculptures. Collective to the Greek mentality, the golden mean was considered an attribute of beauty that included symmetry, proportion and harmony. The Golden Mean can â€Å"be derived with a number of geometric constructions, each of which divides a line segment at the unique point where: the ratio of the whole line (A) to the large segment (B) is the same as the ratio of the large segment (B) to the small segment (C).† (http://www.goldennumber.net/golden-section/) Paintings, buildings and sculptures adapted and drew inspiration from classical roman structures (a time when the Golden Mean was recognized To Greeks as dividing a line in the extreme and mean ratio) during the High Renaissance period in order to interlace the crucial ascetic appeal that was desired when Humanism was at great interest. High Renaissance style architecture conventionally begins with Donato Bramante (1444-1514) who built the Tempietto at S.Pietro in Montorio, Rome in 1510. The Tempietto ‘’is an attempt at reconciling Christian and humanist ideals’’. With no limitations of Humanism on any particular art medium, Michelangelo’s sculpture of David in (1501) is a perfect example of its boundless effect on accurately conveying the human body with precise proportions and measurements. Other works relating to Humanism included The Birth of Venus (1485), by Botticelli. Prior to Humanism, the majority of art appeared two dimensional or flat. These artists were one of the first to begin adding vast details and highlighting the illusion of space, form and dimension in all art mediums. Combining these and taking into mind perspective (the notable technique of all Renaissance artworks) they ultimately crafted the image of humanist art; molding the backbone of the High Renaissance. In order to embrace this philosophy within art, artists needed to explore the relationship between the human body and mathematics. These artists are one of the many from the High Renaissance period to articulate this relationship physically through multiple art forms. Before the High Renaissance, there was Early Renaissance. During the mid 14th century, architects such as Leon Battista Alberti and Flippo Brunelleschi began taking an interest in proportion. The concept was that a building should be â€Å"fitted together with such proportion and connection, that nothing could be added, diminished or altered, but for the worse.† (Alberti) The rising theory of proportions was looked into by a number of artists and many architects such as Alberti and Brunelleschi over a long Period of time, but it wasn’t until Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man (1490) that people started to take it seriously. Not limiting himself to just art, but exploring the realms of math, music and science, da Vinci used his experience and knowledge to establish the link between art and mathematics. Some would say that his work acted as a catalyst towards the start of the High Renaissance and that he was able to pave the way for painters, sculptures and architects that were interested in creating realistic dynamics of human proportion within their art medium. When Michelangelo was commissioned in 1501 by the Board of Works for Florence Cathedral to sculpt David from marble, he used the opportunity to illustrate the true growth of the art movement and the influence of Humanism on various art forms. Michelangelo works against the medieval concept of humanity, a time where man was seen as sinful, immoral and ‘born of dirt’. He shows David before the fight, highlighting his ability as a human to make conscious decisions and a choice to commit himself to act. This depiction of man is one who can become godlike through his own intellect and power of will. Compare this David to Donatello’s David, made out of bronze during the 1440’s. Donatello depicts David as a young boy, looking rather effeminate in a shepherd hat and boots. He’s shown with a smug smile and his foot on Goliaths severed head subsequent to the battle. Donatello’s version of David is an interpretation of the biblical text. His feminine like physic serves the purpose of clarifying that his triumph in throwing the stone at Goliath was not of his own doing, but rather God’s will. He is created very close to the biblical story, having hat and boots typical of a shepherd, where as Michelangelo’s David’s complete nudity shows how he has stripped almost all biblical context from him, focusing entirely on the human entity. He is no young, scrawny boy that follows God blindly, but a man with the ability to make his own choices and fight his own battles. His full nudity shows the true beauty of the human anatomy, which fascinated Michelangelo. Not only has his work shaped the perception of humanity through symbolic catalysts, but through the riveting recreation of the human form with accurate proportions, illustrating the perfect use of the golden mean. It is clear that a grave amount of thought and work went into creating an accurate insight towards the human body. David’s hands and upper body are made slightly larger in order for the human form to look accurate and proportional when seen from the ground. The truthful portrayal of vein and muscle within the body highlights the humanistic elements within the sculpture. In contrast to this, Donatello’s David looks quite unusual and incongruous, although he was sculpted at a younger age than Michelangelo’s David, their anatomical differences are distinct in a way that can’t go unrecognized. Donatello’s work shows shoulders and a chest that are diminutive and slightly disproportioned to the rest of the body. Prior to Humanism, there wasn’t this striving focus for anatomical excellence within art for anyone unless they were a religious character holding the supremacy over man kind that everyone once believed they had. His work on David provided the humanist vision with its first and most prevailing artistic expression. He’s shown as a strong and heroic man, not a smug boy as shown in Donatello’s sculpture. The Birth of Venus, painted by Bottichelli in 1486 is a celebration of Renaissance Humanism, depicting the classical myth. The picture is very calming and somber, focusing on the true beauty of Venus with warm and soft tones. Venus, Goddess of Love, is shown emerging from the sea on a shell, parallel to the story of her birth. There is an emphasis on sea imagery that was used to please church authorities. Zephyr and Chloris are blowing her to the shore with wind, amongst a shower of flowers, while a Nymph, Flora, is reaching out to cover her naked body with a cloak. The nudity of Venus was very unconventional at the time; primarily, pictorials of naked women were only shown through portrayals of Eve; but here Venus stands; completely naked and not in a biblical context. In a time when almost all artwork was of Christian theme, the honest portrayal of Venus and the secular imagery had a crucial impact on High Renaissance art and was a catalyst for other artists to explore humanistic elements within their work. Venus, the goddess of love is depicted in human form with such magnificence and accuracy that humanist themes are not suggested, but a manifest to Botticelli’s audience. Godly figures began taking form of earthly beings and showing the true exquisiteness of the female body. There is a de-emphasis of deep space in order to stress the sense of pattern and beauty that defines the painting. Flora is not giving the cloth for just modesty, but giving her the ‘veil of wisdom’. She shows us how great intellectual gifts are always concealed from plain sight. Botticelli’s portrayal of the female body is used to further drive ideas of Humanism. Her physique is quite an accurate and refreshing portrayal compared to earlier years were nudity was not yet established in non biblical paintings. Her stomach is a truthful portrayal of what a women with some muscle tone in her abdomen would have, the legs and arms are somewhat shapely, showing the female body in its most natural form. Venus in this painting is both humble and pure. It’s plausible that one of the main themes within this painting, second to Venus’s birth; is the idea of beauty. The picture has a decorative quality to it; not only does it showcase the substantial change in art during the High Renaissance, but its symbolic of a rich classical history, reinvention and an earthly world view. It is through The Birth of Venus, and many other High Renaissance paintings, where the true impact of Humanism is made clear. Artists would incorporate Greek and Roman mythology as apposed to writing and painting about biblical texts. This was because humanists turned to the classics for inspiration, and so these were often the themes of High Renaissance art. The inspiration of Greek Philosophers inspired those within this period to strive less for divinity. This painting is one of the many to depict Roman or Greek deities, other famous works include Mars and Venus and The School of Athens. One of the most outstanding changes during the High Renaissance period was Architecture. The statement that man is the measure of all things is mirrored within different art mediums, showing a great point of difference within humanist and non-humanist architecture. Humanism meant that architects built not only churches, but palaces and buildings exposing ideals of classical styles. Humanism gave people a chance to look for inspiration from ancient Greeks and thus buildings took influence from the Ancient Classic period. One of the highlights in High Renaissance Architecture is the Tempietto, built in 1502 by Donato Bramante. The building marks the crucifixion site of St Peter and follows selected traditions from the Christian building the Martyria while employing classical principles that create a geometric ideal. Both ancient Greeks and ancient Romans employed the circular plan that governs the perception of the Tempietto. The devotion to symmetrical perfection makes it clear of Bramante’s conscious decision to recreate this in a way that is not only true to the humanist theory, but one that depicts the thoughts of the ancient roman writer Vitruvias, who studied and wrote about architecture and correct proportions within it. Bramante is really following this line of thought with the Tempietto. He’s created a radial building with a round structure that is very dissimilar to the traditional crucifix form of church, which is based on the ancient basilica. His work is considered almost nothing short of architectural brilliance, due to his innovative techniques at changing the orthodox designs of churches and buildings. The building is the perfect example of the relationship between ideal ancient geometry and the divine. Geometry was thought by the ancient Greeks and again later in the Renaissance to be a vehicle in which we can imagine the perfection of heaven. The Tempietto is a building that truly celebrates Humanism. It’s believed to show how man can produce exemplars on earth of the perfection of the heavenly, using correct geometrical structures and symmetrical portrayals. This is similar to that of the golden mean, while relating to the work of Michelangelo and Botticelli, where Humanism was celebrated through the accurate portrayal of the human form. The Humanist theory allowed Bramante to make these changes within architecture; he drew inspiration from classical traditions while making his own original decisions to enhance the symmetrical nature of the Tempietto. His work is similar to that of classical origins, but he allowed for variation. Greek and Romans would not put pilaster that pairs with the columns of the building, however Bramante did. By aligning the true columns with the false columns, he was able to maximize the radial quality and overall centrifugal theme of the building. The Tempietto shows a rhythm, one that was definitely inspired by classical antiquity, the Doric Order in particular. The columns of the Tempietto are a roman variant of the first level of the Coliseum. Depicting the styles of the Doric Order, there are triglyphs and metopes above the columns. Mitchell Beazley was literal when he wrote; â€Å"The emphasis here is on the harmony of proportions, the simplicity of volumes (cylinder, hemisphere) and the sobriety of the Doric Order. The circular plan symbolizes divine perfection. Inspired by ancient temples, the Tempietto is both a homage to antiquity and a Christian memorial. Humanisms affect on architecture was one of the largest. Despite differing in architectural elements, different styles of columns were explored throughout all High Renaissance architecture, utilizing techniques that show proportion and highlighting themes of classical tradition. Nearly all buildings constructed after Humanism follow these principles and show a vivid influence of ancient Greek and Roman cultures. The Humanist movement allowed architects to make changes in what they were creating. They drew inspiration from classical architecture, traditions and even philosophies and refabricated it within new architectural masterpieces that shaped the Humanist theory in many inconceivable ways. Alberti and Brunehlleschi were a crucial aspect in the innovation of humanist architecture. They were no Greek philosophers, however they employed the idea of symmetrical excellence and inspired the creations of many renowned and prominent buildings including the Tempietto itself. Many great architects of the high renaissance period such as Bramante and Michalangelo were captivated by this idea and were thus able to shape traditions and techniques to produce the conventional high renaissance architecture style that we’re accustomed to today. Inclusive to classical traditions, architects began taking the beauty of human proportions and reflecting it through architecture, similar to the way humanist painters and sculptors depicted the human form with symmetrical perfection. Humanism was noted for 3 things. The revival of classical Greek/Roman art forms and styles, faith in the nobility of man as apposed to pure worship of religious or god-like figures; and finally the appreciation of the human body, that influenced almost all artists and architects of the era to portray this accurately in their work. Humanism shaped the art of the High Renaissance period through a change in architectural style and content; subject matter of paintings and sculptors; and a difference in the anatomical structure and proportions of man. People became important and an appreciation for human life fell apparent through a range of art where human history and perspective was no longer considered sinful, but was explored multiple times with a range of artists. Humanism provoked the study of classical and mythological traditions. Paintings began to depict Roman or Greek deities. Biblical figures no longer subjugated artworks with height and proportion, but became equal to man. Sculptors began creating humanist characters that were strong and noble, architects began referring to classical and ancient antiquity for new innovation towards humanist architecture†¦ the freedom of thought and self expression was at its highest.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Ikea Essay Example for Free

Ikea Essay Ltd. is a furniture operations company that offers â€Å"quick assembly† furniture with 15% lower price than its competitors. IKEA’s success brought imitators, such as Sears. In order to analyze IKEA’s competitive position in the Canadian Furniture Industry as well as Sears competitive threat, a model of competitive rivalry was used. IKEA and Sears both compete against each other in multiple markets across Canada, they both have market commonality and resource similarity. The Sears catalogue has almost the same format of an IKEA catalogue, and they both offer knock-down, self-assembled line products which allows the customers to create particular designs. In addition, the price for Elements’ products in Sears seemed almost identical to IKEA prices. They both go closely to the supplier in marketing, research, design and development, production standards and production planning. Some of the suppliers of the Elements line for Sears were from Sweden, which is the same as IKEA, but it didn’t show that they had any suppliers in common. It’s evidently that both of the market commonality and resource similarity are very high between those two companies. The market commonality and resource similarity can influence the drivers of competitive behaviour. The awareness of IKEA to recognize the degree of imitation by Sears is very high. High awareness enables IKEA to understand the consequences of Sears’ actions and responses. IKEA has a high motivation to respond Sears’s imitation. In order to protect IKEA’s position in the furniture market, IKEA has a philosophy to dealing with the copyright. IKEA would like to make a new model to replace the stole one rather than bring a lawsuit. Furthermore, IKEA has the ability to attack or respond to Sears’ actions. Since they both hold the similar resources, the ability to attack and respond is similar. IKEA should consider all important issues before taking action or respond to Sears. First-mover incentives, organizational size, and quality are the three factors that IKEA may take action to its competitors. As a first mover, IKEA’s business approach was fundamentally different from the traditional Canadian retailers. IKEA focus on â€Å"quick assembly† furniture and allow the customers assembled at home. Due to this reason, its price is 15% below the lowest prices for traditional furniture. The size of IKEA Canada is relatively small than Sears. The smaller size enables IKEA to launch competitive actions to defend their market position. The quality of IKEA’s product can be guaranteed. As one of the competitive strategy, IKEA had nearly 100 production engineers to assist suppliers in every way to low costs, introduce new technology, and design. The company has a philosophy to â€Å"create a better everyday life for the majority of people. † In order to defend its market position, IKEA may response Sears’ imitation in the following ways. IKEA may implement some strategic action, such as new innovation, to replace the stolen model from Sears. IKEA may lower its price, always by 10 to 15 percent on a particular item, than Sears. If IKEA can’t do it, IKEA may just drop the item and select some other one, to compete against Sears. Sears is one of Canada’s largest merchandising operations, and offering a wide range of medium price and quality goods. IKEA can predict that Sears with relatively lower market dependence are less likely to respond strongly to attacks threatening their market position.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Operation Management in Hard Rock Cafe

Operation Management in Hard Rock Cafe 39 years has passed, which creates a fascinating history for one of 100 greatest brand in the world Hard Rock Cafe. Since its establishment in 1971, Hard Rock Cafe has expanded in over 51 countries with 133 Hard Rock Cafes and 15 Hotels / Casinos. The great success relies on many many factors but the core one we can not deny is its changing strategy. Hard Rock Cafe took a shift of serving, from serving food with entertainment to serving food with experience. Based on its direction, its operation strategy is defined to providing experience. Regarding to 10 operation management strategy decisions like Design of Goods and Services, Managing Quality, Process strategy, Location Strategies, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, Inventory Management, Scheduling and Maintenance, in the long road of development, Hard Rock Cafe has obtained respected achievements in all fields. The world recoginses its reputation and most of us heartly admize it. I myself can not ignore the stories of Hard Rock Cafe eventhough it has not opened in HaNoi where I am living. The story of its changing strategy from times, the story: of its living museum, of its greatest brands, of its employees.step by step take me to the places of Hard Rock Cafe. Sometimes the place is too far and sometimes the place is too near me. It is that those places and stories there help me get different views of Hard Rock Cafe. Based on my knowledge, understanding and research that I am having now, I take some good points and some not good points to give my own views of Hard Rock Cafe. There will be opposite points that is viewed in the concept of analyzing one operation management decision not only in theory but also in reality. The following operation management decisions take my interests and my thoughts. The design of Goods and Services. The outstanding point of designing goods and services in Hard Rock Cafe is DIFFERENTATION. According to Anthony Henry (Understanding Strategic Management 2008), A differentiation strategy is based on an organization producing products or services which are perceived by customers as unique or different, Hard Rock Cafe has built Living museums of Rock experienced by its customers who are in love of Rock. One cafe with its differentiation mainly is that Rocks collection including customes, instruments, piece of music, CDs, souvernirs of the greatest artists like Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen The E Street Band, Pearl Jam, Neil Young, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrixà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.That living museums are always updated and becoming more and more fascinating to customers with its memorabilia (more than 70, 000 pieces) from the hottest musical artists of the last 50 years. Besides its differentiation, it is recognized that Hard Rock Cafe is a typical symbol of Product concept method a new tool of marketing. Hard Rock Cafe is a combination of experiences, styles, entertainment, awareness of sharing and memories. All products mentioned above are defined in specific, which creates unforgettable experience for its customers. Hard Rock Cafes customers, in fact it is so hard to call them customers as they are members in Hard Rock family, create the style for Hard Rock. Once they come to Hard Rock, a truly deep impression would leave on them. Love all Serve all A guilding service philosophy creates a special place where you or anyone would be respected, regardless of age, sex or class. The place where all express their love for music one international language. The language which gives us more understanding and narrows the gap among strangers. Not only love for music but also love for humans, love for serving humans. In service industry, Hard Rock Cafe created the high connection point between its employees and its customers. Lay out strategy Before discussing Lay out strategy of Hard Rock Cafe, we should look at some pictures of Hard Rock Shop in Ho Chi Minh City. About 48% of a typical cafes sales are from merchandise quoted in Page 83 Principles of Operations Management 2008 by Jay Heizer and Barry Render, this number has shown the success of Hard Rock shops. It has changed its strategy from times, which adapts to the movements of the global. The world has witnessed great achievement of Wal Mart, McDonalds, HSBCà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.in retail field. Here it gained 48% of revenue through merchandise, which reveals the growth of retail in Hard Rock. What creates the success? One part of the answer you will find in Layout Strategy of Hard Rock Cafe. Each Hard Rock Cafe has its own Rock shop designed in Retail layout an approach that addresses flow, allocates space and responds to customer behavior quoted in Page 83 Principles of Operations Management 2008 by Jay Heizer and Barry Render. Looking at some pictures above, you can see that one small space display numerous of items like hats, T-shirts, shoes, gifts, picturesthat attract customers. Customers not only are fascinated by items in the shop but also are impressed by the light, the color Black and Red. The combination between Black and Red or the symbol of luxury and attraction calls for purchasing action of customers. Quality Management Hard Rock Cafe establishes its quality standards and takes controls to meet these standards. We will look at some points of quality management in Hard Rock Cafe. Responding to customers needs, taste and expectations, Hard Rock Cafe menus are continuously upgraded and service has been changed. To assess the quality of food and service, it regularly conducts surveys. In the survey, scoring method is used to classify the quality. If the evaluating score of food and service is not up to 7, it will fails. In my opinion, quality management following the method shows strictness, clearness and fair. Hard Rock Cafe also takes advantages of technology to ensure the quality of products and services. Chris Tomasso Vice President of Hard Rock updates monthly Microsoft Project. In a real case, to ensure the performance of the rock concert on time, Chris Tomasso gave customers anticipated surprise. The helicopter was used to take the band in, which overcome an unexpected traffic jam. It was the back-up plan that Microsoft Project had put Chris Tomassos ideas into reality. Moreover, techniques and software support Hard Rock s managers to maintain efficient schedule, to estimate budget performance, to estimate time service, to daily forecast sales, to allocate workforce and to give bonusà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.All the things have been done in professional way to meet the standard of the quality management. Regarding to quality management, whenever and wherever, Hard Rock Cafe opens a new cafe, all of us take opportunity to enjoy live musical performances. In opening celebrations in Las Vegas and in Ho Chi Minh City, the shows of Chris Cornell and DMC respectively created a high energy atmosphere and overspread the excitement not only for rock lovers but also for the youth, for the people working in entertainment industry. Through it, we deeply understand how great and strong Hard Rock is. Human Resources In a company, especially in a big corporate like Hard Rock Cafe, there is a lot of tasks for Human Resources Department. Besides the job of recruitment, maintaining, training, creating career development and personal growth, the challenging task Human Resources takes is to providing a nice working environment for employees. According to Hard Rock careers, This place is revolutionaryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Why? Because you can be who you are because who you are defines you, the employees are highly respected. Beyond on my understanding, Hard Rock Cafe is creating a working environment in which each of us takes opportunity to prove ourselves and to promote our career path. It is so wise to do that, to attract job-seekers and to create a competitive advantage for Hard Rock Cafe. In October 2010, according to BBC News dated on 13 October 2010 50 jobs at risk as Cardiff Hard Rock Cafe closes. If I were one employee of Hard Rock Cafe Cardiff, clearly, I would be in an unexpected situation as it has closed suddenly as staff prepared to celebrate its seventh birthday. One question here is that whether Hard Rock Cafes employees in Cardiff location are trully informed timely or not? Some employees may find another jobs, some employees may transfer to other Hard Rock cafe in London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Manchester, some employees may be unemployeed. I myself wonder the real case would get any support from Human Resources of Hard Rock Cafe. Furthermore, in Human Resource strategy of Hard Rock, outstanding pay and benefits are a start quoted in Principles of Operations Management 2008 of Jay Heizer and Barry Render Page 445, is an attracting invitation to employees. Honestly, you and I try our best to work for high income, and it is the same for the others or for the employees of Hard Rock. However, in one article posted on BBC News Hard Rock wages below minimum by Martin Shankleman Business correspondent dated on 18 July, 2008, we should seriously consider Human Resources Strategy and its implementation. In this article, the unnamed waiter of Hard Rock said Its an abuse of customers they are being misled in that they believe they are giving a tip when they are subsiding the actual wage. One question raises in my mind, in fact, there is a big gap between outstanding pay and the wage? In the article mentioned above, Its almost insulting, no wonder people leave said the waiter. In my understanding, people leave it means the employees of Hard Rock had given up their jobs. The reason for them to leave is unreasonable pay? I wonder where the point of outstanding pay is. If I read one article in one book, If I saw only things written on Hard Rock website, I would take only one side of the coin or I would see one thing in one direction without arguments, without feedback, without consideration. In general, regarding to 4 operation management decisions (Product and Services Design, Lay out Strategy, Quality Management and Human Resources) I am taking in consideration, the different views are discussed and analyzed in some aspects. Some give us a perfect model of Hard Rock Cafe in operation management. That we highly respect and admire the achievement, the improvement and the innovation of the world leading Corporate. In the other side, we still see some not good points of Hard Rock. In fact, those points may be in argument, may be unresolved, which leads us researching and discovering in reality through our own experience. Only taking a real experience gives us the whole picture with light and shade, with color of black and white, with ideas and the real life. HARD ROCK CAFE HANOI 16 Dec 2009 was one day marking the step of Hard Rock Cafe in VietNam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City. Hard Rock Cafe Ho Chi Minh is run by Viet Thai International (VTI) the owner of Highland Cafe. Based on its statement The Best of Both Worlds, VTI develops Hard Rock brand following VietNamese tradition. Based on the information I have got throung internet (www.toursvietnam.net), articles, Hard Rock Cafe is not populated. There are so many people asking for raising Hard Rock Cafe Ho Chi Minhs quality standard. Customers there concern too much its price. The problems may face Hard Rock Cafe Ho Chi Minh in developing its business. Those are some views of Hard Rock Cafe Ho Chi Minh. And what about the future of Hard Rock Cafe coming to HaNoi? The youth and rock lovers in HaNoi keep their ears to the ground as it is coming in HaNoi in 2011? What are waiting for Hard Rock Cafe HaNoi? What are the opportunities and challenges for it? OPPORTUNITIES are regarded as an attractive call for Hard Rock Cafe expanding in HaNoi. Hard Rock Cafe will take opportunity to meet the demand of the young population in HaNoi. In 2010, according to General Statistic Office of VietNam, the population in HaNoi is 6.5 million and the number will increase to 7.7 million in 2015. Moreover, most of the population is in the age of working and average personal income is estimated up to USD 4,300 / year. All the numbers creates the great demand for entertainment in HaNoi today and tomorrow. Another point we shoud not miss is that from times, HaNoi youth changes their lifestyle and consumer behavior. The night of 12th November witnessed the youth HaNoi burn themselves with rock. At the night, Tiger Translate Metropolis 2010 gave an impressive show to fan rock in HaNoi. It was a sleepless night of HaNoi youth. We can imagine how expectable and excited the youth welcome Hard Rock Cafe in HaNoi. Due to young population of VietNam and particularly in HaNoi, Hard Rock Cafe may take the advantage of labor cost. The average personal income in HaNoi is around USD 2,000 2,500 / year, which is a big gap comparing to personal income in London or other cities. The income shows how cheap the labor is in HaNoi. Simply, Hard Rock Cafe can balance the cost the benefit. Locally, in comparison with labor in Ho Chi Minh, labor cost in HaNoi is lower than in Ho Chi Minh. Regarding labor cost, HaNoi offers Hard Rock Cafe a very favorable condition. According to Smart Travel Aisa A travel magazine, HaNoi is voted one of 10 attractive tourist destinations in Asia. In 2010, HaNoi has welcomed 1.4 million tourists and the number will go up more, especially in the hope of the worlds economy recovery. During 39 years, Hard Rock Cafes winning strategy is to expand to destination cities. Hard Rock Cafe would not miss the chance of doing business in HaNoi one destination cities in Aisa. In fact, HaNoi residents expect more new kinds of entertainment to attract domestic tourists from other provinces in the North of VietNam. Hard Rock Cafe will gain much benefit with new one in HaNoi from its foreign and domestic toursists. In 2013, according to the report of PriceWaterhouseCoopers about the Prospect for Entertainment and Communications Industry, VietNam will achieve USD 2.3 billion of market value. The report estimate the growth of Entertainment and Communication Industry: 16.7% the highest level. The growth create chances for Hard Rock Cafe and service industry in VietNam. Based on its software and computered programs, it is not difficult for Hard Rock Cafe to estimate potential earnings.Both entertainment industry in VietNam and service of Hard Rock Cafe take benefits of each other and support themselves for development and growth. VietNam has strengths of exporting cafe, textile and agriculture foods. All the things create a strong supply chain for Hard Rock Cafe to choose. One of supply chain strategies Hard Rock Cafe may define is negotiating with many suppliers quoted in Page 457 of Principles of Operations Management by Jay Heizer and Barry Render. Opening a new one in HaNoi, Hard Rock Cafe has in hand numerous of ingredient suppliers. It is so clear that Hard Rock Cafe takes a lot of advantages from them. Cheap and diversified ingredient is one advantage. Another is the long-term commitment of those suppliers because of fierce competition among them. One another is updating menus that satisfy customerstastes and local culture. Opportunities and challenges play as two sides of the coin. One side we should look at to take chances just in time for creating advantage of doing business. In business, we try to search for opportunities of increasing profit, opportunities of expanding market share, opportuinities of remaining our power, our positionComplying with them, challenges continuously occur and force us to be awared of and to overcome. What CHALLENGES are for Hard Rock Cafe with a new one in HaNoi? There is a clear difference between culture of the North and the South, between personality of the Northerners and the Southerners, between life style in HaNoi and lifestyle in Ho Chi Minh. People in HaNoi is more conservative than those in Ho Chi Minh. For a new one, it takes a little longer time to accept, experience and like it. It can be said that conservativeness typifies personality of the Northerners. Because of conservativeness, the life style of HaNoi is not so exciting as it in Ho Chi Minh. Most of people enjoy their lives with family or in a small cafes without much noises. They lead a life in a less quiet and less exciting way than those in the South. From times, they have changed but the tradition have much influence on their changes. The people in the North prefer saving money to spending it. Whenever earning money, their habit of putting money in savings becomes too popular. Unlike the people in the South, overspending is usually avoided. Due to low personally income, when taking any service, they put too much concern on the price. The price may limit their spending on entertainment. This challenge Hard Rock Cafe should take in consideration. The price of real estate in HaNoi is evaluated too high eventhough comparing to Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, LondonLocation plays as vital factor of determining the success of one business, especially the business of Hard Rock Cafe in which location is on the top of concern, research and investment. It is estimated that about 50% operating expenses belongs to location investment. The price of location in destination cities like HaNoi causes headache for investors. This challenge is facing Hard Rock Cafe for a long period as real estate market in HaNoi will be hotter and hotter when the economy recovers, when the finance activities flow strongly and smoothly. From 2010, VietNam Food Administration focuses on the Safety goods. VietNam Food Administration gives Regulations for evaluating the quality of food. Firstly, the main product of Hard Rock Cafe is food and the food quality needs to meet international standards and vietnamese standards. The problem may arise if those standards are defined in different ways and evaluated based on different criteria. Secondly, for suppliers of Hard Rock Cafe in Viet Nam and in the world, what adjustment can be made not to violate the Regulations of VietNam Food Administration. Some suppliers may meet the requirements and adapt to the changes. Some may not meet the requirements and change their own kind of business or stop doing business. There will be a shortage of suppliers, which results in price increase. This challenge sometimes cause problems in quality management. Doing business means searching and capturing opportunities timely. Besides it, facing challenges and overcoming them plays as motivating factor for growth and success. It is so important for us to take business opportunities in developing markets. HaNoi attracts investment due to its development, its undiscovered potential, especially in service and entertainment industry. If I were one of marketing managers taking the task of opening a new Hard Rock Cafe HaNoi, I would recommend one idea as follows. Based on the theory of Differing Marketing Tasks. Even if globally sold product varities are similar, the marketing task can vary geographically quoted in Page 285 Competitive Strategy 1998 by Michael E.Porter, I would carry out one promotional campaign called Love Rock Shop Rock. Why do not I build a connection music network of High schools, Universities and Rock lover clubs in HaNoi? A greeting card valued one souvernir or one small gift of Rock Shop should be presented to the youth in HaNoi before the coming of Hard Rock Cafe. By this way, I would send one message to the youth, encourage them to change their consumer behaviors and excite themselves with Rock, shopping and gift. HaNoi is looking forward to welcoming a high energy of Hard Rock Cafe for tourists, the youth, rock lovers and for the people who have not know Hard Rock yet.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Essay on Characters, Tone, and Setting in A Farewell to Arms :: Farewell Arms Essays

Characters, Tone, and Setting of A Farewell to Arms Throughout the world many individuals believe love is the cure for everything. In the novel, A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway, is a typical love story between a nurse and a war soldier. Their love affair must survive the obstacles of World War one. Hemingway develops this theme by means of characters, tone, and setting. Hemingway expresses the theme through the use of two main characters, Frederick Henry and Catherine Barkley. Frederick henry is a young American ambulance driver in the Italian army during World War one. At the beginning of the novel Henry never experienced love he believed it was an elaborate game. When he is wounded and sent back to the American hospital where Catherine works their relationship progresses. Frederick slowly falls in love with her and in his love for her, he finds commitment. At the conclusion of the novel, Frederick realizes that he cannot base his life on another person or thing because it will eventually leave him. Catherine Barkley is an English nurse who serves in Italy. On the other hand Catherine is experienced when it comes to love since she has already lost a loved one which was killed earlier in the war. Hemingway also lets us know Catherine already has the knowledge that her life cannot be dependent on another through her husband's death. This all sets the tone for the novel. Hemingway also develops the theme through tone. The tone of this novel is a tragic one. Throughout the novel Hemingway foreshadows Catherine's death. When Catherine is brought into the delivering room, the doctor tells her he has concerns about her narrow hips. Therefore, they had to get a caesarean, and the baby dies. Then Catherine starts to hemorrhage and Henry realizes why he did not want to become involved with love and now he must suffer the consequences. Frederick then states "it was like saying goodbye to a statue," he walks back to his hotel without finding a way to say good-bye. Frederick realizes that Catherine was just a symbol of strength in his life. Evidently, Hemingway conveys this novel as a tragic one. One last ingredient the author expresses to develop the theme is the novel's setting. The story takes place during World War one. However, the plot is always active. The characters were never staying in one place too long.

Child Abuse Prevention Programs Essays -- Child Development

Introduction Child maltreatment is a pervasive problem in the United States, as well as other countries. Child maltreatment touches everyone, from the child to the nurse that cares for the child to the entire community. I have chosen to research this problem because of its far reaching effects on the community and its preventable nature. Research on prevention Research on the prevention of child maltreatment focuses on home visitation programs, abusive head trauma prevention programs, and parent training programs (Krugman, Lane, & Walsh, 2007). Mikton and Butchart (2009) also concluded that there are four promising intervention, which include: home visitation, parent education, abusive head trauma education, and programs that have multi-components. Krugman, Lane, and Walsh (2007) note that it has been hard to test the effectiveness of these programs because many programs have not integrated robust program evaluation or meticulous research methodology. Interestingly, laws banning corporal punishment have been looked at as a prevention technique. Sweden was the first country to ban corporal punishment of child by any caregiver and research found that there was a reduction of infant mortality from child abuse (Krugman, Lane, & Walsh, 2007). However, Roberts states that it was not the ban but the change in the attitude towards corporal punishment that caused the reduction in child abuse (as cited in Mikton & Butchart, 2009). Parent education programs, community child abuse prevention programs, abusive head trauma programs are all promising, however, they have not been studied well. It has been shown that these all decrease the risk factors for child abuse; nonetheless, there is insufficient evidence that these programs ... ... Care Professionals. Pediatrics, 127(4), 962-969. Hien, D., Cohen, L. R., Caldeira, N. A., Flom, P., & Wasserman, G. (2010). Depression and anger as risk factors underlying the relationship between maternal substance involvement and child abuse potential. Child Abuse and Neglect, 34, 105-113. Krugman, S. D., Lane, W. G., & Walsh, C. M. (2007). Update on child abuse prevention. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 19, 711-718. Leventhal, J. M., Martin, K. D., & Gaither, J. R. (2012). Using US Data to Estimate the Incidence of Serious Physical Abuse in Children . Pediatrics, 129, 458-464. Mikton, C., & Butchart, A. (2009). Child maltreatment prevention: a systematic review or reviews. Bulletin of World Health Organization, 87, 353-361. Newton, A. W., & Vandeven, A. M. (2010). Child abuse and neglect: a worldwide concern. Cerrent Opinion Pediatrics, 22, 226-233.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

The Fall of Communism in Russia :: essays research papers fc

Communism in the USSR was doomed from the onset. Communism was condemned due to lack of support from other nations, condemned due to corruption within its leadership, condemned due to the moral weakness of humanity, making what is perfect on paper, ineffective in the real world. The end of this system was very violent. It left one of the two most powerful nations in the world fearful of what was to come. Communism can either be called a concept or system of society. In a society that follows the communist beliefs groups own the major resources and means of production, rather than a certain individual. In theory, Communism is to provide equal work, and benefits to all in a specific society. Communism is derived from many ancient resources, including Plato’s Republic and early Christian communities. In 1917, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in their Communist Manifesto finalized the philosophy of Communism. ("Communism," Microsoft(R) Encarta(R) 98 Encyclopedia) In the beginning, people in Russia thought of Communism as a utopian ideal. (Funk & Wagnall’s) The elimination of social classes, and guaranteed employment sounded outstanding to the people who lived in Russia. Communism did call for a role of socialist dictatorship to help control any form of protest. Through persuasive tactics this new government seized power and in 1917 Vladimir Ilich Lenin came to power. Under his control the Soviet Union underwent many radical changes that led to the development of NEP (New Economic Policy). This policy called for some private ownership of the means of production and business. Still the government controlled the majority of production. Throughout Lenin’s government there were many achievements. It ended a long civil war against the remnants of the old Czarist military system and established institutions in government. He later died in 1924, and was quickly succeeded. In 1924 Joseph Stalin became head of the Soviet Communist Party. He soon became the most powerful man in Russia. He ran the Soviet Union with brut power, removing all that opposed him and the Communist beliefs. This time period was known as the â€Å"Great Purge.† Stalin systemically executed anyone who stood in his path. Stalin had millions of people arrested and killed. The government once again changed in its economic status. All private ownership was ended. Industrialization commenced, and the strength of the Soviet’s Military significantly increased. The only downfall was agriculture production slowly diminished. This eventually led to food shortages. During this time period the Second World War broke out and drained most of what was left of the already impoverished state. However after the war, national unity was improved and the Soviet Union once again became a super power of the world. (" Stalin and World War II,"

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Character Analysis †Achilles Essay

In Homer’s epic â€Å"The Iliad† the main character, Achilles, is not really the typical run of the mill hero. Even though he is a great warrior he doesn’t come off as one in the epic. His rage constantly comes up when his feelings get hurt or someone insults him. Because of this he stops fighting with his own people all because he has been offended by his commander, Agamemnon. It is not till after his friend gets killed in battle that he re-enters the war, only again because of his rage has overtaken him. This rage continues on after he avenges his friend’s death but his anger is finally resolved when Hector’s father Priam comes asking for his dead son’s body. Even though Achilles was a very swift tempered man, in the end he did finally show some sympathy for another. In the beginning of the epic Achilles was not in the battle because of his anger. As Fenno (2008) stated that Athena urged him to not go into battle while he was angry against Agamemnon (para. 6). Because he felt slighted by Agamenon he just sat by the ships for most of the epic. Lombardo (2009) also stated that just to spite his commander he withdrew from battle due to his anger (p. 1790). Again one can see that his anger was the root cause of why he did not enter into battle. After finding out that Achilles’ friend, Patroclus, was killed in battle his rage again then took over and he entered the battle. Fenno (2008) quoted that â€Å"Hector will not cease from fighting until such time as Achilles rouses himself on the day when battle rages around a slain Patroclus† (para.7). This shows the rage that Achilles brought up inside of him due to his fallen friend. Lombardo (2009) also stated that because of Achilles’ wrath and withdrawal from entering into battle, caused a heavy consequence upon the Achaeans but more so upon Achilles himself (p. 170). Here you can see how he probably felt guilty of his friends’ death in battle and how this rage was a way to make amends. Once Achilles entered into the battle, his rage was focused more on vengeance upon Hector. After Achilles and Hector stopped running, as shown by Lombardo (2009), Hector tried to cut a deal with Achilles, but Achilles alluded that he hated him to the core, comparing a wolves to a lamb, and would not honor his request to not dishonor his corpse† (p. 248). Also after the death of Hector he then took his body, tied it to a chariot and dragged it around (p. 252). This rage kept continuing on after he had a funeral for his friend Patroclus as shown again by his need to drag Hector’s corpse around Patroclus’ tomb 3 times (p. 255). Lombardo (2009) shows that once King Priam came to Achilles begging for his body, he was physically moved by the sight of the King, and remembered that he too has a father that he would never see again and both of them wept together (pp. 170-171). This is where Achilles softer side finally comes out and allows for Hector’s body to be returned to Priam for proper burial. Now after all the rage has left Achilles, he is now at peace with himself which could be because of his soon to come fate. Achilles, character wise, does not develop or change over the course of the Iliad for the most part. With the death of his friend Patroclus he is prompted to seek reconcile from Agamemnon, but that focuses his rage toward Hector. Due to this his lust for vengeance and his overwhelming pride overtake him. He ends up desecrating Hector’s body at the funeral of his dead friend Patroclus. It was not until King Priam came begging for Hector’s body that Achilles’ was free from his anger and returned the body to King Priam because of the memory of his father, Peleus. This shows that in the end, even though Achilles had a great temper, he was able to show his softer side and slightly transform into a kinder person.

Friday, August 16, 2019

A Biography of Indian Yellow Essay

Indian Yellow is a raw pigment which, as the name suggests, originated in India in the 17th century and was used until the early 20th century. Its source remained a mystery for many years. In 1786 the amateur painter, Roger Dewhurst recorded in letters to friends, that Indian yellow was an organic substance made from the urine of animals fed on turmeric (Myers, pg 1). Around this time, the English chemist George Field claimed it was made from camel urine. In 1839, J.F.L. Merimee, denied its association with urine in spite of its odor, citing its origin was a shrub called ‘memecylon tinctorium’ in his book ‘The Art of Painting in Oil and Fresco’, In 1886 the Journal of the Society of Arts in London began a systematic inquiry of the pigment, revealing that Indian yellow was manufactured in rural India (in particular in Monghyr, a city in Bengal) from the urine of cattle fed only on mango leaves and water (Finlay, pg 216-217). The collected urine was heated in order to precipitate the yellow matter, then strained, pressed into lumps by hand and dried, producing foul-smelling hard yellow balls of raw pigment, called ‘purree’ (Mukharji, pg 16-17). European importers would then wash and purify the balls, separating greenish and yellow phases. It is the mango not the urine that’s crucial to the color. The colorant is a magnesium salt of an organic acid released by the mango. Chemically it is magnesium euxanthate, the magnesium salt of euxanthic acid. See more: My Writing Process Essay Naturally, the cows that were exploited by this process were extremely undernourished. In part because mango leaves did not supply the cattle with sufficient nutrients along with the fact that these leaves contain the toxin urushiol, also found in poison ivy. In 1908, British law (which applied to colonized India) prohibited the production of Indian yellow, citing the torture of sacred animals. The pigment is believed to have first been used in Europe by Dutch artists in the 17th century (the Dutch having extensive trading links with India by then) and by the end of the 18th century across Europe in watercolor and oil painting. For the first years of its introduction in the European market, this pigment was simply named after its country of origin, ‘Purà ©e of India’(Finlay, pg 209-211). This was further simplified to ‘jaune indien’ (French), ‘giallo indiano’ (Italian), ‘Indischgelb’ (German) or ‘Indian Yellow’ when tr anslated into other languages (Myers, pg 1). Deep, clear and luminescent, it was favored for its great body and depth of tone. It had a peculiar characteristic in its watercolor form of fading in artificial light and in the dark but being fairly stable in direct sunlight. In its oil form, it requires one hundred percent for grinding, dries slowly, and the addition of varnish improves its drying, in fact its lightfastness is also improved when it is isolated between layers of varnish. Dutch and Flemish painters of the 17th and 18th centuries favored it for its translucent qualities often using it to represent sunlight. Beautiful as the color is, the pigment was said to be foul-smelling in its raw form. In the novel ‘Girl With the Pearl Earring’ Vermeer’s patron remarks that Vermeer used â€Å"cow piss† to paint his wife, the pigment referred to was Indian Yellow. By the early twentieth century the pigment was no longer available, although its modern substitutes are still sold under the name â€Å"Indian yellow†. Bibliography 1. Baer, N.S., â€Å"Indian Yellow† in â€Å"Artists’ Pigments, a Handbook of Their History and Characteristics†, Volume 1, R.L. Feller, Editor, Oxford University Press, New York (1986) 2. Finlay, Victoria, â€Å"Color: A NAtural History of the Palette† (2003 edition), Random House 3. Merimee, M.J.F.L., â€Å"The Art of Painting in Oil and Fresco† (2009 edition), Kessinger Publishing 4. Mukharji, T.N., â€Å"Piuri or Indian Yellow†, Journal of the Society of Arts (1883-84) 5. Myers, David, â€Å"Indian Yellow†, The Art Blog of David Myers (February 1, 2011) http://toxicgraphix.blogspot.com/2011/02/indian-yellow.html 6. â€Å"Indian Yellow†, Pigments Through the Ages, webexhibits.org http://www.webexhibits.org/pigments/indiv/history/indianyellow.html

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Capital Expenditure and Revenue Expenditure Essay

Revenue expenditure is an expenditure which on cost of doing business on day to day basis and is necessary to be cover to maintain the business going on effectively. Thus, revenue expenditure is the cash or credit that being spent immediate for short-term purpose, example, expenses on assets such as repair and fuel which will or will not improve the value of the given assets. Capital expenditure is an expenditure which will cause future benefit to the company. It’s the money that spends on the fixed assets or improves the value of existing assets which will increase the company’s strength to pull in profit or higher performance level. Unlike revenue expenditure, capital expenditure is more to an investment than a cost, since it create better business for the company. (Stolowy and J.Lebas 2006, p 234) Capital expenditure is expenditure on fixed assets or increasing their earning capacity. Meanwhile, revenue expenditure is to maintain their earning capacity. The difference being that capital expenditure increase the earning capacity, long-term and produce future benefits, while revenue expenditure maintain the earning capacity, short term and produce immediate benefit. (ACCA F3 2009) Capital expenditure defined as expenditure on purchase or improvement of non-current assets. For example that purchases a van to deliver the goods. Other example such as:- -Delivery of fixed assets-Legal cost of buying property -Installation of fixed assets-Demolition costs -Improvement (but not repair) of fixed assets -Architects fees Revenue expenditure defined as expenditure on running or management of business, example, cost of fuel or diesel for vans. Other example such as:- -Maintenance of fixed assets -Administration of business -Selling and distribution expenses The main difference between the two forms of expenditure is that effect it has of the financial statement of business as the Balance Sheet and the Income Statement. Revenue expenditure affects in the income statement since it is fully consume within the period or carry forward to the next period as left over. Capital expenditure improve the net book or obtain value of an asset or getting a new asset on the books. It is a long term expenditure and will be wrong to be set off as an expense in the current period. It is because that that fixed asset will pull in profit to the company for more than one year or accounting period. We can spread the cost of the asset over those accounting period in the form of depreciation since the fixed asset is used for several accounting periods. (Spiceland, Thomas, Herrmann 2009, p308 and p309) Revenue expenditure shown on the income statement as an expense while capital expenditure treated as fixed asset on the balance sheet. It is necessary to classify these expenditure accurately in the accounting system to avoid uncertain errors. For example, if cost of a van was treated as an expense in the income statement, this will affect the net profit to be reduced; in the meantime the value of the van (fixed asset) will not show on the balance sheet. Hence, incorrect treatment of these expenditure will result:- (Wood 2012, p277) Capital expenditure – treated as – Revenue expenditure Income Statement Balance Sheet Expenses increaseNet profit decreaseFixed assets decrease. Revenue expenditure – treated as – Capital expenditure Income Statement Balance Sheet Expenses decreaseNet profit increaseFixed assets increase. Inappropriate asset classification can skew the financial position and profit of a business. Thus, it’s necessary to classify assets correctly and accurately. Decent classification of the expenditure maintains the  fundamental accounting assumption of accrual, reasonable presentation and accuracy of presentation.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Conflict theory Essay

Copy and ecause those in control of a disproportionate share of society’s resources actively defend their advantages. The masses are not bound to society by their shared values, but by coercion at the hands of those in power. This perspective emphasizes social control, not consensus and conformity. Groups and individuals advance their own interests, struggling over control of societal resources. Those with the most resources exercise power over others with inequality and power struggles result. There is great attention paid to class, racWhereas most other sociological theories focus on the positive aspects of society, conflict perspective focuses on the negative, conflicted, and ever-changing nature of society. Unlike functionalists who defend the status quo, avoid social change, and believe people cooperate to effect social order, conflict theorists challenge the status quo, encourage social change (even when this means social revolution), and believe rich and powerful people force social order on the poor and the weak. Conflict theorists, for example, may interpret an â€Å"elite† board of regents raising tuition to pay for esoteric new programs that raise the prestige of a local college as self-serving rather than as beneficial for students. Whereas American sociologists in the 1940s and 1950s generally ignored the conflict perspective in favor of the functionalist, the tumultuous 1960s saw American sociologists gain considerable interest in conflict theory. They also expanded Marx’s idea that the key conflict in society was strictly economic. Today, conflict theorists find social conflict between any groups in which the potential for inequality exists: racial, gender, religious, political, economic, and so on. Conflict theorists note that unequal groups usually have conflicting values and agendas, causing them to compete against one another. This constant competition between groups forms the basis for the ever-changing nature of society. Critics of the conflict perspective suggest that it glosses over the complexities and nuances of everyday life and relationships of power.

Green cost to go green Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Green cost to go green - Research Paper Example None of the three is renewable and they also pose great dangers to the environment (Hargreaves). Although there is no fixed computation, different sources estimate another 50-120 years of supply of these sources of energy (McLamb). These could go shorter if the dependence accelerates. This is the primary reason that makes it critical for everyone to develop renewable sources of energy. Just like any revolutionary idea, renewable sources of energy are getting their fair share of criticism such as the high cost of initial installation. In the United States, Massachusetts is one of the States that are vigilant in pushing the growth of renewable energy sources. Solar panels, wind turbines and geothermal energy are the top three sources that are being developed. Below is critical examination of the current state of renewable sources of energy, legislations that are helping push it forward and the costs and savings that each source requires. Solar Panels Traditional energy sources are slow ly dwindling away, which one of the main reasons for sky rocketing energy bills experienced by most resident in Massachusetts. As a way to overcome this financial debacle and also to safe guard the energy needs of the nation, the government has look for ways to establish more cost efficient and renewable energy sources for the residents of Massachusetts. ... Current State of Solar Energy Solar power installation figures in Massachusetts are around 2,000 solar panels, which generate around 22 megawatts of electricity. Those figures are impressive but not big enough compared to the target the government has set for itself according to its energy portfolio standard. An energy portfolio standard is a regulation which seeks to increase the production of energy from renewable energy sources like solar, wind, geothermal, etc. The Massachusetts renewable energy portfolio standard (RPS) was created to legislate the restructuring of the electric utility industry. In the year 2003, the RPS required that 1% of electricity in Massachusetts should be generated from renewable energy sources. Thereafter, the percentage should increase by 0.5% every year up to 2009. After that, the annual percentage increase should be 1%, until suspended by the Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources (DOER). With those types of targets in mind, the government would li ke to increase from the current production of 22 Mw to 400MW by the year 2020. This is quite a tall order to meet, and one the solution that Massachusetts has been able to use, is the establishment of the Common Wealth Solar Rebate Program. This program provides rebates through a non-competitive application process for the installation of solar (photovoltaic) panels, done by professional, licensed contractors at public, commercial, institutional and industrial facilities. Eligibility is limited to host customers and project sites, located in Massachusetts and be a customer of either a municipal lighting plant or a Massachusetts electric distribution utility. Under this program, there are several rebate systems that encourage both utility