Wednesday, July 31, 2019

The Advance of Technology and Pollution

Here is a quote that I believe tells the entire story of mankind†s existence: â€Å"Man's long adventure with knowledge has, to a very marked degree, been a climb up the heat ladder†¦. Today the flames grow hotter in the furnaces†¦. The creature that crept furred through the glitter of blue glacial nights lives surrounded by the hiss of steam, the roar of engines, and the bubbling of vats†¦. And he is himself a flame — a great, roaring, wasteful furnace devouring irreplaceable substances of the earth.† –Loren Eiseley, anthropologist and essayist (1907-1977), Man the Firemaker As this quote from Loren Eisely suggests the relationship between the advancement of technology and the increase in pollution has gone hand in hand throughout the ages of mankind. Humans are very much responsible for their actions and have and will continue to feel the impact of the carelessness that they have shown toward mother earth. Studies of temperature records preserved deep in the underground rocks show that the Earth has been gradually warming over at least the last 500 years. These studies, done by scientists in the US and Canada, show that the trend of the increase in climate has increased on an increasing pace during the 20th century, which was the warmest of the past five centuries. Since 1500, the Earth†s temperature has increased by about one degree Celsius, with eighty percent of that increase during the last century. In the northern hemisphere, the five-century long change has been 1.1 degrees, with 0.6 occurring since 1900. There have been numerous extreme changes in the climate throughout the world that have had astonishing effects on the people, wildlife, and environment. Many of these events have led to people having to vastly change their lifestyle or have to move out the area due to the fact that living conditions are unsafe. In the summer of 1998, Dallas, Texas recorded a deadly heat wave. Heat claimed more than 100 lives in the region, as temperatures were over 100 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 straight days. Waimea Bay, Hawaii is has also seen its share of misfortune. Along with costal development, sea levels have risen contributing to considerable beach loss over the past 90 years. In October of 1998, Hurricane Mitch dumped between three and six feet of rain within 48 hours over most of Central America. Mitch killed more than 10,000 people in mudslides and floods, triggered a cholera epidemic, and virtually wiped out the economies of Honduras and Nicaragua. Several days after the horrendous hurricane in Central America, a large meeting in Buenos Aires met at the fourth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Many at the conference pointed to Hurricane Mitch as an example of the catastrophes that will await our world if we do not act immediately to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and other so called greenhouse gasses. Various experts blame many different sources of technological change and events for this vast change in temperature throughout the world. The fact is, not just one major event or area is the sole cause of this. Fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide when burned, are used to generate electricity, heat and light homes and workplaces, power factories and run cars. Experts suggest that unless we reduce population growth and use of fossil fuels, the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will double by sometime in the middle of the next century. Starting in the mid-1700s, human activities began to alter the composition of the atmosphere. Vast supplies of charcoal, and later coal and oil, fed the growing fires of the Industrial Revolution. The carbon stored in these fuels was released to the air as carbon dioxide, which is a gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. Today, for every one of the more than 5.8 billion people on Earth, nearly six tons of carbon dioxide are spewed into the air annually. As a result of our activities, the atmospheric concentration of this heat-trapping gas has risen by more than 30 percent in the last 250 years. The future of Earth's climate will depend partly on the buildup of heat-trapping gases, primarily carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. One of the major problems of global warming is that it exists as an environmental issue only because of science. People can†t directly sense global warming, the way they can see a clear-cut forest or inhale the urban smog in their lungs. This is an enormous issue to overcome if anything is going to be done. New information is now being presented to the public†s eye everyday, giving them new and more accurate facts on such issues. People are starting to become aware of the consequences of their actions. However, even though the facts are present, very little is being done. Only in the most affected areas are people trying to fix the problem. It seems like no one really cares about it, until it happens to them. To me this seems like it could be the largest feat for us as humans to overcome in the prevention of man-made global warming. What sort of astronomical disaster must happen to get us to pay attention to what we are doing in our lives? Is it going to take a major flood across the US that destroys numerous states? What about miles of coastline to be taken by rising sea levels? These are the issues that scare me the most. I truly believe that something must be done, and it must be done now. Another large area of pollution due to technological advancement is water pollution. This pollution takes place by three different types of activities: agricultural, municipal, and industrial. The worst part of this pollution is the fact the actual pollution is a form called non-point source pollution. This is where the source of the actual pollution may be hard to identify and it possibly doesn†t even affect the areas around the point, but possibly downstream or scattered over a wide area. Due to this it makes the pollution extremely hard to regulate. The advancement in agricultural activities of the US and other developed countries, such as new and stronger types insecticides, herbicides, pesticides, along with the large-scale cattle and hog lots provide large amounts run-off. This run-off contains a high content of fertilizers, animal wastes, and silt which go in to the surface waters. This results in an increase in the nutrients in the water called eutrophication. Eutrophication causes rapid growth in algae and bacteria in the water. This is tragic to the fish and other things because the algae use up all of the oxygen in the water and the fish suffocate. The run-off of the silt causes water to become very unattractive for recreation and also covers up fish spawning sites. Many theories and ideas have been developed in an effort to help control the major productive source of these agricultural activities. The success or failure of any agricultural non-point source pollution control project depends on the participation of the many landowners and farm operators. These producers must install or utilize land-based treatments, or best management practices (BMPs), that minimize the movement of agricultural pollutants such as sediments, nutrients, and pesticides to water resources. One of such is organic farming. Organic farming avoids the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Another is to avoid large concentrations of animals, which can reduce nutrient pollution, and their waste can be used as fertilizer for crops. Also, other certain cropping methods can reduce the erosion of sediment from the land. As our municipal wants and needs advance, more, and more municipal pollution occurs. The salt from snow removal activities increases the cost of purification. As we consume more, we also throw more away, as the increase in landfills needed throughout the country has been rapidly increasing. These landfills allow large amounts of chemicals to enter into the ground water, which in turn also increases the cost of purification. Inadequate sewer water treatment facilities lead to the possible outbreak of enteric diseases. The last source of water pollution is that of the industrial activities. As the times change, so do that of the modern industry. Companies are always trying to find ways to decrease their costs, in turn to increase their profit margins. Many times these costs are converted into the pollution of water. Industrial pollution of water comes in many different shapes and forms. The chemicals that industries use get into the water supply by various means. These chemicals increase the existence of numerous diseases and the cost of the purification of the water for drinking. One of the sources of water pollution one rarely thinks of, as pollution, is one called thermal pollution. Thermal pollution is from the warm water discharges that an industry emits into various bodies of water. This kills coldwater fish and also increases the costs of water treatment. Overall, there is much to be done in this world in an effort to help control the increased pollution by technological advancement. In my opinion, I believe that the answers to the prevention in pollution are ironically a part of our technological advancement. As we learn of what types of things are really making a significant impact on the environment, we will be able to develop steps to counter the effects of the harmful pollutants that we are causing.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Social Structures

Social structure theories are based on relationships or bonds. A good example of a social structure would be family counseling. This is where families would learn to bond and work together. Community events such as team events or social gatherings can become part of the social structure that helps to mold juveniles being involved in positive social functions is important in the development of a youth. So in my community the Youth Sports program will be a good example of â€Å"social structure. Because this involves both juveniles and families it provides the ability to have closer relationship with both family and community. Social process theories go rights along with both the conflict and the social theory. It is a learned behavior one that often comes from watching siblings or parents display tier patterns of behavior. A public program that exemplifies this again would be the Boys and Girls club. These clubs are designed to create positive environments for children and youth to spend time learning sports and positive interactions. Social conflict theories definition, what the cause of crime is and how does economics play a part in this theory. Social economics do play a factor in how juveniles are treated in the system after committing a crime. In a poor neighborhood if a youth steals a TV they are quite often convicted and sent to Juvenile detention. A juvenile from a more affluent neighborhood may only be brought into court and considered indiscretions. How the county’s juvenile programs would treat the two social groups differently. This happens with both youth and adults. The juvenile system would be an example of this social structure theory and how the conflict between social groups is treated in the system. Juvenile detention is the county’s number one way in which to denture criminal behavior.

Implied Warranties Case Study

Implied Warranties Case Study Implied Warranties FACTS: Peter and Tanya Rothing operated Diamond R Stables near Belgrade, Montana, where they bred, trained and sold horses. Arnold Kallestad owns a ranch in Gallatin County, Montana, where he grows hay and grain, and raise Red Angus cattle. For more than twenty years, Kallestad has sold between 300 and 1,000 tons of hay annually, sometimes advertising it for sale in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. In 2001, the Rothing’s bought hay from Kallestad for $90 a ton.They received a delivery on April 23. In less than two weeks, at least nine of the Rothings’ horses exhibited symptoms of poisoning that was diagnosed as botulism. Before the outbreak was over, nineteen animals died. Robert Whitlock, associate professor of medicine and the director of the Botulism Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania concluded that the Kallestad’s hay was the source. The Rothing’s filed a suit in a Montana state court against Kalle stad, claiming in part, breach of the implied warranty of merchantability.Kallestad asked the court to dismiss the claim on the grounds that, if botulism had been present, it had been in no way foreseeable. ISSUE: Should the court grant this request? Why or why not? [Rothing v. Kallestad, 337 Mont. 193. 159. P. 3d22 (2007)] DECISION: The court should not grant Kallestad’s request for dismissal because he breached his contract with the Rothings and failed to honor the implied warranty of merchantability. In addition, Kallestad should be ordered to reimburse or compensate the Rothings for the goods and products they’ve lost due to the defective product they received from Arnold Kallestad’s ranch.REASONS: From a personal standpoint, Arnold Kallestad may have not known the true conditions of the hay he sold to Peter and Tonya Rothing. For more than two decades Kallestad provided quality alfalfa hay at a competitive price. This, from what the facts tell us, is the fi rst major incident to occur within their business relationship. All the other purchases of hay were perfectly fine and free of disease and toxins. This isolated incident could be viewed as an unforeseeable accident. From a legal standpoint, Peter and Tonya Rothing have the law on their side.The Rothings claimed Kallestad breached the implied warranty of merchantability which is defined as â€Å"a warranty that goods being sold or lease are reasonably fit for the general purpose for which they are sold or leased, are properly packaged and labeled, and are of proper quality. The warranty automatically arises in every sale or lease of goods made by a merchant who deals in goods of the kind sold or leased† (Miller and Gaylord 360). The goods in question would be the alfalfa hay Kallestad harvested from his property annually.For the purpose of this case, goods are defined as â€Å"at  Ã‚ §Ã‚  Ã‚  30-2-105(1), MCA, to mean:  Ã‚  all things (including specially manufactured goo ds)  which are movable at the time of identification to the contract for sale  other than the money in which the price is to be paid, investment securities †¦ and things in action† (asci. uvm. edu). Kallestad would be considered a merchant of these goods because he has sold 300 to 1,000 tons of hay every year and advertises his product in the local newspaper on a regular basis.Therefore, it is established In Arnold Kallestad’s testimony, he admitted the hay the Rothings received were second cuttings and properly treated and dried. He also admitted â€Å"the hay was exposed to moisture during the winter months and that, one winter, a ditch near the stacked hay overflowed causing water to go along the west side of the stack of hay and then onto the road† (asci. uvm. edu). During this possible exposure, the overflow of water could have contained toxins from the soil or standing water located on Arnold Kallestad’s ranch, and contaminated the hay sold to Peter and Tonya Rothing.According to the U. S. National Library of Medicine, â€Å"Clostridium botulinum  is found in soil and untreated water throughout the world† which may be where the botulism came from (nlm. nih. gov). As for the compensation for the goods and products lost due to the defective hay sold to the Rothings, Kallestad is held liable refunding all monies paid for the purchase of the hay. In addition to the refund, he must also remit monies for the clean-up of infected areas on Diamond R. Stables, veterinary bills for services rendered, and compensation for the 19 animals killed as a result of the hay infected with botulism. Botulism: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. †Ã‚  U. S National Library of Medicine. Ed. Linda J. Vorvick, MD and Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD. U. S. National Library of Medicine, 24 Aug. 2011. Web. 05 Mar. 2012. . Miller, Roger LeRoy. , and Gaylord A. Jentz. Business Law Today: The Essentials: Text & Summarized Cases: E-commerce, Legal , Ethical, and International Environment. 9th ed. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning, 2011. Print. â€Å"Rothing v. Kallestad. †Ã‚  Department of Animal Science (ASCI): University of Vermont. The University of Vermont. Web. 04 Mar. 2012. .

Monday, July 29, 2019

Latin American Bond Markets Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Latin American Bond Markets - Essay Example an that, it examines Latin Americas international capital markets access starting 1980 to 2005 while dwelling mostly on the role of factors both domestic and external. Since the nineties, several of the Latin American countries have undertaken major policy reforms directed at ensuring the development of bond markets that had previously been non-existent. This has resulted, decades later, in an unevenly developed bond market, with thriving government and private bond markets that are still yet to be consolidated. These markets mainly concentrate on small numbers of large suppliers and show spurs in monetary growth that is unsustainable over time. As such, in several of these countries, bank credit is still the main source of financial credit to date. However, market based financing has experienced a lagging performance. Several efforts to explain this lag in performance have been made, none of which has explicit focus on the bond markets. This has left many questions regarding these markets unanswered. 1Empirical approaches to the capital markets have been descriptive with no intent to pursue models looking into market participant behavior. This raises the question as to whether, basing on policy, private bond markets development is crucial for the growth and development of economies of the involved countries, and if so, to what extent? In recent years, domestic bond markets in Latin America have constituted a growing finance source for the economies of respective countries and for global investors, a portfolio allocation. This brings up the question as to whether the region’s countries can borrow, at longer maturities, in local currency. Over the past decade, domestic issuance of securities has had a rapid expansion. This growth has led to fixed income markets domination as a funding source for both private sector and public sector. It is clearly evident that bond markets in Latin America have a long way to go in as far as policy reformation is concerned.

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Managing Change at an Unstable Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Managing Change at an Unstable Company - Essay Example Introduction Change refers to transition from a condition to another. Organizational can either be positive or negative to different or all parties in an organization. Managing such changes, especially adverse changes, are important in defining an organization’s progress. This paper explores a case scenario to determine possible initiatives for managing adverse changes in an organization. The paper reports on different approaches that the organization’s leaders must adopt to rescue the unstable company. Summary of the company’s case The organization that has been financially disadvantaged has undergone numerous challenges in the past one and a half years. These include high employee turnover rate, inability to update the company’s software for application in the Information and Technology systems, and stressed up employees who lack motivation. Even though the company’s top management has developed a strategy for reorganizing the company’s job s and responsibilities, each moment of imminent implementation of the strategy is impaired by employee turnover. A more comprehensive approach, based on an understanding of organizational behavior, is therefore necessary for a successful implementation of the strategy towards the company’s rescue. ... This is because such an organization is in dire need of a developmental phase to spearhead its recovery. The skills can for example motivate positive change even in instances where developmental initiatives have not been identified. One of the fundamental skills in development processes is an in depth knowledge of the processes and behavior in the subject organization. This has the advantage of facilitating effective strategies that can successfully spearhead developmental change. Listening and communications skills are also fundamental in development processes that involve coordination of different personnel and activities. Similarly, skills in research and statistical analysis are critical for monitoring and evaluation of change. The skills allow for identification of underlying problems for policy development, determination of progress made in development processes, and control of implementation of change strategies. Identification and implementation of the skills in the organizat ion will facilitate knowledge development in the company’s core problem and a subsequent management towards implementation of a selected policy (Brown, 2005). Short and long-term strategies The company also needs to develop strategies for its developmental strategies. Elements of capacity based theory of change processes; dynamism, learning, and personnel based strategies facilitate development. From this perspective, the company can develop short-term strategies such as employee motivation with the aim of controlling employee turnover during a planned reorganization initiative. Similarly, short term training to promote dynamism among existing employees, prior to a planned reorganization initiative, is essential in facilitating employee’s reception of change. This is

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Moral Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Moral Development - Essay Example Kohlberg modified an earlier theory by psychologist Jean Piaget by expounding on it to form a theory that illustrates the development of moral reasoning. Gilligan on the other hand, advanced a theory that was an improvement in Kohlberg’s work, but her focus was on moral development in girls (Duska & Whelan 25). Kohlberg’s theory This theory was based on research and interviews that Kohlberg conducted with many groups of privileged young children. The children were presented with various dilemmas, and each child’s reasoning behind the judgment made in response to the dilemma was analyzed (Duska & Whelan 56). From responses that the children gave, Kohlberg managed to classify responses into 3 stages of reasoning. These stages are; pre-conventional morality, conventional morality and post conventional morality. The stages are further classified into sub-stages, two in each case. This forms the basis for the theory of Kohlberg on moral development. The stage of Pre-c onventional Morality is between birth and 9 years comprises of obedience and individualism. By young children being obedient to rules and ideas, it enables them to avoid punishment. The children also are individualistic by only caring about themselves. They make judgment basing their reasoning on factors that favor their individual needs (Duska & Whelan 58). The stage of Conventional Morality is between 9 and 20 years... Criticisms of Kohlberg’s Theory and the Defense Just like with other theories, Kohlberg’s theory of reasoning in moral development has been faced with criticisms from other psychologists. For one, there is the assertion that Kohlberg’s theory discusses about moral thinking ignoring the fact that moral reasoning does not necessarily lead to moral behavior. This assertion is misplaced because moral thinking always leads to moral deeds. We all perform deeds based on our thinking. It is, therefore, rare to find an individual who thinks wickedly doing well to others. Because of this, Kohlberg’s theory is accurate. Other critics have highlighted that Kohlberg’s theory overemphasizes on justice when making moral decisions and choices. They argue that this may be inaccurate because other factors like compassion and other interpersonal feelings may play a part in making moral decisions and reasoning. Therefore, this shows that justice is not the only aspect of moral reasoning that should be considered. However, this assertion is also not true. All individuals who know and understand dictates of the law make decisions based on justice. As much as other factors come into play, Justice is the greatest factor to consider when making decisions because an individual may be willing to do something but because it does not conform to justice, the individual may abandon the idea. Furthermore, many critics argue that Kohlberg’s theory overemphasizes on western philosophy. This makes the theory inaccurate because Eastern cultures may have different outlooks and perceptions on moral reasoning that Kohlberg’s theory does not discuss at all. Kohlberg is right in the use of western philosophy because, one always bases a theory on the surrounding conditions. Kohlberg studies the

Friday, July 26, 2019

Starbucks External and Internal Environment Essay

Starbucks External and Internal Environment - Essay Example Business of Starbucks is complemented by three operating segments such as International division, United States division and Global Consumer Products division. The study has selected UK in order to analyze critical success factor and resource capability of Starbucks. Impact of external environment on business policy of Starbucks will be measured by using PESTLE and Porter’s Five Force analysis. SWOT, value chain analysis and VRIO framework will be used to understand internal strength of Starbucks. Critical success factor (CSF) analysis will be important part of the study. Starbucks Corporation was established by Jerry Baldwin, Gordon Bowker and Zev Siegl in the year 1971. In the initial years Starbucks operated business with single store located in Pike Place Market of Seattle. The company is headquartered at Seattle, Washington, U.S. Distribution network of the company is complemented by 6700 owned stores and 4080 licensed stores in USA. Starbucks has established their presence in more than sixty countries with the help of 20,000 stores. The company offers hot drinks, food items, various coffee drinks and other retail merchandise. As of 2011, market capitalization of the company is US$37.84 billion while sales revenue was more than US$ 13 billion. The company is facing competitions from various big players such as Dunkin' Brands, Nestle, McDonalds, and Wendy's International, Inc. Strategic Group map for Coffee industry can be explained in the following manner: (Source: Brown, 2011) Task A (1) Analysis of Starbucks External Environment Macro Environme nt Analysis PESTLE will be used to analyze macro environment condition of UK. Political UK is one of the most influential countries in the world and plays crucial role on deciding business policy in North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Government in the country has taken stern steps such as 24% budget cut for department of media, sports and culture in order to reduce overall financial deficit in the country. Government in the country has planned to reduce corporate tax by 22% within next two years and raise income tax bar ?8,200 to ?9,205. Economic Economic recession has contracted GDP growth by 0.2% while industry growth rate of the country has slumped to 0.8% last year. Economists forecasted unemployment of UK will touch 8.4% by the end of 2012 and more than 2.5 million people will get unemployed within next one year Social Budget deficit of Government has created challenge for people of the country to maintain standard living style while "managed migration" police government has f urther deteriorated the situation. Working age population in the country is growing at a rate of 7.7% for last two years. Technology Retailers are using latest technologies such as RFID, ERP and

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Poetry paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Poetry paper - Essay Example By asking, â€Å"Who are you? Are you nobody, too? Then there’s a pair of us† the poetic voice assumes both the speaker and the reader are a nobody. From this point, they cannot tell anyone because once it is out they are a somebody. She doesn’t want to be found. She doesn’t want to be somebody. The poetic voice in the second stanza tells us that being somebody is boring and â€Å"dreary.† This is a sign that he had experienced the somebody life before coming back to nobody. Therefore, the poetic voice leaves readers to judge and make conclusions between being a somebody and a nobody. Notably, the poetic voice thinks that â€Å"being somebody† is boring and unexciting. She compares the public figure to a frog. In normal environments frogs live in water surrounded by water and at the same time make a lot of noise. They have limited freedom and face harshness from other water animals. This is what being a somebody involves. I don’t think Emily Dickinson would have liked to become a well-known poet in her lifetime; she seems she wanted to remain nobody. She has passed through the life of a somebody where one becomes an important person getting all the attention needed. She faces a lot of problems and forces than when being a nobody. If being somebody means being a celebrity, famous artist or a politician, I do agree with Emily Dickinson’s poem. I would not hope to be a public figure because people will watch my every move and I will have no privacy. President Obama, for example, is a somebody who sits at the throne of super power. People keep watch of his private life including marriage, behavior of his children and even the wife. He has no liberty to say anything or maintain a free social life because people watch all the actions. Being a somebody compares to a frog. However, if being somebody means being a member of a family, society or a member in a

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Letter requesting OPT addressed to DSO Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Letter requesting OPT addressed to DSO - Essay Example Some of the concepts that I have acquired through the course include management information systems, business strategies, finance, law, marketing and accounting among others. These concepts and other concepts in business administration are closely related to the role of a business analyst in various ways. Firstly, business administration provided one with a foundation for understanding business processes, strategies, and the general business environment. The course has also familiarized me with the methodologies, tools, and processes involved in the successful analysis of businesses. I possess great leadership skills having held numerous leadership positions at school. I cherish teamwork and collaboration in order to achieve a common objective. I have the ability to learn fast and develop competencies in very diverse areas including financial modeling, comparative analysis, comparative analysis, tax planning, and investment strategies. In addition to my analytical skills, I also possess advanced computer skills. I have expertise in various computer programs including MS office suits and programing languages such as SQL, VB, and HTML. I have attaches a sample of my resume for consideration. I would appreciate the opportunity to come at your premises for an interview where I can elaborate more on my skills I relation to the

Three Approaches To Management in Criminal Justice Essay

Three Approaches To Management in Criminal Justice - Essay Example In his Principles of Scientific Management, Frederick W. Taylor stated that all work organization responsibilities should be assigned to managers but not workers; scientific methods should be used in order to determine job performance, and the person best suited to perform each task should be selected to carry out such a task. Further, the principle states that workers should be trained to perform each task correctly; work performance should be monitored to make sure that specified procedures for a task are being followed correctly and the desired outcome achieved. Finally, work assignments should be planned, and work interruptions eliminated (Sapru, 2008). Lillian Gilbreth and Frank invented the motion study, which is an approach that reduces jobs to their basic movements. Henry Gantt developed a bonus and task wage plan where workers could be paid a bonus whenever they completed their job within the given time. The Hawthorne Studies used scientific techniques to study the behavior of human beings at work. More experiments saw researchers come into a conclusion that social factors explained the outcomes observed in all the Hawthorne studies. Douglas McGregor’s Theory X assumes that an average number of human beings dislike work and always avoid it whenever possible. As a result of this dislike of work, majority of persons must be controlled, coerced, directed, or even threatened with punishment prior to putting effort towards achievement of organization’s objectives. An average number of human beings like avoiding responsibility, prefer being directed, has little ambition, and above all, want security. Managers’ responsibility is to organize money, equipment, materials, and people. In addition, manager’s function is to direct workers’ efforts, motivate them, modify their behavior, and control their actions. Without such managers’ intervention, indiv iduals would be resistant to or passive about organizational needs. For the sake of the

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

The Death Penalty in the United States Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Death Penalty in the United States - Essay Example Currently, US states with capital punishment record higher murder rates than those without. This means death penalty has failed deter crime the US. A recent survey conducted on the country’s most leading criminologists reveals that many of them do not believe that the enforcement of death penalty has helped to deter homicides (Radelet and Lacock, 2009). One reason for this is that death penalty never addresses the internal and external forces behind offense. For example, many crimes are driven by the prevailing unfriendly and increased unemployment rates. Such situations also trigger aggression among populations. Therefore, killing those found guilty does not solve the problems of the remaining lot. There are also some types of murders that are non-deterrable for example family disputes that result to a non-premeditated murder. These normally increase during times of economic hardships. Increases crime rates can also be linked to increased drug abuse and the never-ending racia l biases (Liebman, et al, 2000). Glaeser and Sacerdote (1999) state that whenever execution is publicized, it tends to trigger more murders in the subsequent days and weeks. The Linberg kidnapping is a good example this. A number of states adopted the death penalty for kidnapping but figures indicate that kidnapping increased.

Monday, July 22, 2019

Donnie Darko - Detailed Summary Essay Example for Free

Donnie Darko Detailed Summary Essay Donnie Darko is an intelligent, yet delirious and emotionally-ill teenager, whos idealistic fantasy of correcting the wrongs in society, finally appears possible in a tangent universe (an imaginative reality), where he is guided by an imaginary friend Frank, who appears as a malevolent giant bunny in Donnies day-time hallucinations. In the early stages of the film, Frank literally lures Donnie from reality and introduces him to a tangent universe where Donnie observes what wouldve been, (yet ultimately is) his own death in reality, where he is crushed by a plummeting airliner engine that crashes through the roof of his house directly above his bedroom where he sleeps. In the tangent reality though, he is merely a bystander, bemused and frightened by the calamity of the aftermath, as he returns home the morning subsequent to the disaster. He realizes that his long sleep-walk adventure the previous night, (Summoned by Frank) had ensured the avoidance of his death. The viewer is initially under the impression that Frank is a product of Donnies disturbed and inventive sub-conscious, as he is but a vehicle to allow Donnies inhibitions to express themselves through acts of desecration. In many ways, Frank seems to take advantage of Donnies mental state by coercing him to perpetrate crime. Yet Donnie appears to advocate his own actions, indicating his intentions for societal change, reformation, and also for companionship he fears the prospect of dying alone, in which case, Frank is an ally who can assist Donnie in coping with his emotional struggles and hardships. The fact that Donnies mental condition is later classified as paranoid schizophrenia by Dr Thurman (Donnies psychiatrist), would appear as another viable theory or impression, for the viewer to follow. However, it proves not as strong. The reason being, is that the initial or aforementioned theory supports the films noteworthy theme that destruction is a form of creation (an idea propagated by Donnies secondary literacy teacher, Mrs. Pomeroy), whereas the latter is a shallow, yet logical conclusion that isnt glaringly in keeping with any underlying messages of the film itself. Later in the film, the tangent universe allows for the discovery of Frank, as an authentic person, who is murdered by Donnie as he is directly responsible for a fatal car accident involving Donnies much- adored tangent girlfriend, Gretchen. This enlightens us as to the reason for Franks contact with Donnie. Frank has traveled back through time, to in-turn; open a port-hole to Donnies future and enable Donnie to view aspects of his life ahead as a series of visual manifestations, (ie post airliner engine catastrophe). In doing this, he informs Donnie that Armageddon will arrive in twenty-eight days, which conveniently serves as a manipulative motive to aid his primary objective: To discourage Donnie in continuing his life in reality; in the hope that Franks life will be spared. At this point in the film, the recurring theme of time travel claims its stronghold, regardless of previous acknowledgements and inferences. For instance, in one particular scene Frank implies he is from the future, and in numerous others, Donnie is seen eagerly researching and discussing theoretical revelations, pertaining to the philosophy of time travel. Evidently though, these scenes and others, such as the Frank-influenced despoilment of Donnies school and the arson of a corrupt perverts house, illustrate critical stages of Donnies inner journey that is, from a disillusioned teenager, troubled by the folly of mainstream attitudinal beliefs, to an individual who transcends reality in order to subsist in an idealistically superior society, of his own invention. After twenty-seven days of endeavor through outrageous public displays and clandestine defilement, the foretold event of Armageddon looms near. Donnie ambles through the final moments of his tangent existence (inner journey), as his character-defining tenacious dynamism begins to fade. As expected, he assumes his fatalistic mentality of all living things have a set path, and that humans are merely vessels traveling along Gods channel, gradually nearing a pre-determined destination. At this stage, Donnies mindset suggests a search for spiritual solace and religious meaning. Whilst denying an utterly defeatist outlook, Donnie exerts a courageous exterior by modestly welcoming his fate, in the hope that there will be so much to look forward to. He is of course referring to a reformed humanity that is devoid of inadequacy, corruption and suppression. It is here, that the film takes an unexpected turn, whereby Donnies inner journey in the tangent universe is virtually thwarted due to the sub-conscious acknowledgement of an audible phrase, originally voiced by his late girlfriend, Gretchen. It is part of her conjecture of emotional solace: What if you could go back through time, and replace all those hours of pain and darkness with something better? At this point, Frank uses his god-like essence to summon Donnie in reality, assuming that hed been subjected to enough to be dissuaded, and, much to the viewers astonishment, Donnie awakes in bed, hysterically laughing in awe and disbelief of his dream. Whilst conscious, he remembers the tangent visions of pain and anguish, including Gretchens death, and the murder of Frank, and decides that his future should be exempt from more emotional suffering. Donnie opts to conclude his inner journey heroically, by means of self-sacrifice that is, to allow the plummeting airliner engine to destroy him, thus ensuring an extended life for his beloved female tangent counterpart, Gretchen. The film Donnie Darko is significant to the theme of imaginary journey as it details a persons sinister epigrammatic voyage into the future, and consequent development of emotional alteration. Director Richard Kelly uses the character Donnie as a representation of idealistic thought inherent in society. It is no undisclosed fact that society itself, is pervaded by thoughts and ideals that are in contrast with expected societal opinion. Kelly hints at the notion that we are engaged in the journey of life, yet our propulsion is suppressed somewhat, by the  undeniable need to conform to societys bounds and restrictions thus society would seem to preclude humans from achieving their primary goal(s) or concluding their journeys. Also intertwined with this perception, is the suggestion of the faà §ade of human nature. Kelly suggests it is unnatural for veritable human inclination to be constrained, hence the rationale of life-long journeys that are embarked upon to discover a sense of self. Donnies self discovery is shown through his sacrifice for Gretchen. Whilst on his imaginary journey, Donnie identifies with her troubled emotions and sinister background of family trauma. He discovers a person remarkably similar to himself, so his sacrifice in essence could be perceived as an effort of self-preservation as he was intent on ensuring continuity of his spirit within a physical entity other than himself. This is a viable interpretation, relevant to a reflective inner journey, as it is a primary motive for initial commitment to the journey itself. Kelly realizes that Donnies journey is exceedingly implausible and unrealistic. Without detracting from the intended solemnity, it seems a feat such as Donnies could only be surmounted by a philosophical super-hero with ethereal powers. Kelly deliberately captures the fervent yet slightly naà ¯ve central vision of Donnies ideological expectations in the films title, and in Donnies heroic bravado. Nonetheless, he encourages provocation of thought and motivational urge on our set path in life, or inner journey. The reason being is that humans are inclined to stray from reality, if indeed; there is an absence of true accomplishment in their existence. By this, Kelly infers that an inner journey is necessary to undergo, as it induces self-gratification and contributes to the conservation and perpetuation of ones psyche. Director Richard Kelly uses the medium of time travel to symbolize the eternal human endeavor/journey in Donnie Darko. I use eternal, because we yearn for such an easy method as time travel to reveal future outcomes and destinations, yet we are simultaneously disenchanted by its obvious  impracticalities. Kelly expresses his interpretation of fatalism via liquid spears, which consist of water and metal, and appear as a cylindrical protrusion from a humans chest. In the scene known as the liquid spear waltz, (tangent universe), Donnie in his hallucinatory state, sees these spears connected to the chests of his friends and family. He observes that the individual always follows the path of the spear, to their immediate destination. For example, Donnies spear leads him to the fridge on one occasion, whilst he was thirsting for a drink. He wouldve made that same trip even if the spear wasnt there. Furthermore, the inclusion of mystical activity in the film, such as the liquid spear, adds to the surrealism of the tangent universe, reinforcing the imaginary focus of Donnies journey. Kelly has portrayed the same dream-like atmosphere via other medium also. For example, many of the tangent universe scenes are in slow-motion, and filmed from an aerial perspective. This informs the viewer of the simulation of the tangent universe, whilst creating a mystic atmosphere and mood. Finally, Kellys concept of fatalism may well be perceived as a mere scapegoat for human failure, yet such a perception would be grossly incorrect. He emphasizes that; we shouldnt knowingly inhibit ourselves because we travel on a set path in life. If anything, a pre-determined future should provide motivation, and encourage one take advantage of daily opportunities and prospects. After all, we are oblivious as to when exactly, our journey of life shall ultimately cease.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Marks and Spencers Business Strategy

Marks and Spencers Business Strategy Introduction In section A of this report, we will analyse and assess Marks and Spencers (MS) food sector business strategy. In previous consultancy task we examined UK supermarket sector and business environment. That will be crucial in understanding current MS strategic position. Also, it will help us to identify sources of competitive advantage and at the same time opportunities for future strategic positioning. In addition, we have to be aware of companys non-financial performances as well as quantitative corporate objectives and key performance indicators. Analysing them using balanced scorecard and benchmarking method will show us, is our strategy sustainable, does it have long run perspective and direction we are currently moving. This will be covered in part B of this report Part A Strategy can be defined as â€Å"the direction and scope of an organization over the long term, which achieves advantage in a changing environment through its configuration of resources and competences with the aim of fulfilling stakeholder expectations† (Johnson et al. 2005, pp.9). According to Porter (1996) company can do better than other companies only â€Å"if it can establish a difference it can preserve† (Porter 1996, pp.63). Delivering additional value to customers, providing them with comparable products at lower cost or both is a good way to make a difference according to the author. Johnson et al. (2005) presented three Porters generic strategies which could be used by companies to achieve competitive advantage: cost leadership, differentiation and focus. It can be concluded that MS using focused differentiation strategy. According to the Bowmans strategy clock this strategy is seen as high price strategy which gives perceived high value to customers. They choose to differentiate themselves from other food retailers with: top quality own label food, ready prepared meals, fresh food and food for special occasions. They do not attract customers for full weekly groceries shopping but gives them additional value for their money with focus on freshness and quality. Their simply food stores contributed with high margins to overall sales in past few years. Also, they expanded abroad to 40 countries in order to attract new sales into the same niche. This is consistent with Johnson et al. (2005) who explained that growth may be achieved by targeting new sale at the same market niche abroad. In previous consultancy we analyse supermarket sector using Porters five forces framework. That helped us to better understand industry in which MS operates. We concluded that power of suppliers is high due to a lot of supermarkets and brands. Also the threat of substitutes is high because customers now want better value for money. MS is aware of that, especially because that was primary reason for a big decline in sales in 1990. The power of suppliers is low because of huge number of fragmented suppliers. Threat of new entries is on medium level and competition among industry is on high level. The four biggest food retailers in UK (Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury and Morrison) have almost 76% market share. Therefore, MS with 3.9% market share in 2009 cannot compete with lower price strategy. Their focus is more on product quality. The MS food offer ‘has largely focused on the upper end of the mass market, typically higher than its positioning for non-food.'[1] They are selling own brand labels only to their customers which giving them value for money. It helps them in promotion of overall MS brand. The good thing is introduction of some branded goods from 2008, because of higher targeted customers demand. MS food sector strategy lies on companys basic values: Quality, Freshness, and Value, Standards of innovation, Ethical Sourcing and Healthy eating.[2] MS is premium food retailer and food sector is very important to overall group business and performance. It brings over 50 percent of group revenues in UK with sales of  £4.25bn in 2009. Previous consultancy also shows that the most influential trends in broad environment related to food industry are: Food industry was relatively recession proof and these days UK is officially out of recession after six consecutive quarters.[3] High level of inflation in UK (CPI inflation=3 percent) is the reason which contributed to retailers profitability. In 2009, MS reported slightly decrease in margins and profitability. Previous year, they were moving in good direction with initiatives to cut costs (marketing, distribution, support) and reinvest that money in prices to provide better value to customers. The bad thing is reducing capital expenditures for almost 40% which have to create value in future. Increasing number of healthy conscious consumers is a second trend. As a premium food retailer who is selling top quality food, this trend is big strategic opportunity for MS future strategic positioning. In addition to this, survey show that only one in six customers switched to less expensive and frozen food.[4] Today we have environmentally aware consumers. MS is first food retailer who realizes that. Thus, they presented Plan A in 2007 with 100 environmentally commitments to complete within five years. Today, after two years they achieve 39 commitments. This strategy have aim to differentiate their food business from main competitors. Online shopping is also todays trend and opportunity for retailers. They launched MS direct and free wine delivery as a result of growing demand. In 2009 MS market share decline from 4.3% to 3.9% and this is opposite to what board of directors announced in 2008. They predicted growth in market share to 5%.[5] In formulating strategy for next year, they have to take into account few things which will have effect on customers disposable income. From January 2010, we have increase in Value added tax from 15 to 17.5%. Personal income tax will stay at the same level in 2011.This fiscal measure will affect 70,000 people across UK who are now in higher tax band. Additionally we have announced increase in sin taxes for alcoholic drinks. Customers are today spending  £36 per person per week on food in UK.[6] Previous mentioned changes will have certain impact on customers spending habits. Probably they will not cut food expenses, but some products coul be more affected. That is one reason more for MS to provide customers with additional value for money. Part B Balanced scorecard The Balanced scorecard is â€Å"an integrated set of performance measures derived from the companys strategy that gives top management a fast but comprehensive view of the organizational unit.† (Drury 2004, pp.1001). The main question behind the balanced scorecard concept according to Kaplan and Norton (2001) is how to measure future performance. The authors were aware that companies are only in 10 to 30 percent successful in executing its strategy. The main reasons are vision, people, resource and other barriers. For example non-understanding of strategy by employees or management fails to link budget with strategy objectives. Also they realize importance of intangible assets, not capital anymore in adding value to company. In this new business environment focus only on past financial measures (profit, cash flow) and not taking into account non-financial performances such as customer satisfaction could be fatal for organization. The authors presented framework and suggest eve ry company to be viewed from four perspectives: financial, customer, internal business process and learning and growth perspective. All financial and non-financial measures and objectives should be based on companys vision and strategy. That will help managers to have overview over whole processes in company and employees to better understand global firms strategy. We will use suggested framework to support formulation and implementation of Marks and Spencers current strategy. 1. Financial perspective Kaplan and Norton (2001) argue that non-financial perspectives are important but the same is with financial perspective. The reason is simple. Effects from other three perspectives will show their impact through companys financial performances. Marks and Spencer current financial objectives on group level and business unit level are to reduce costs and manage cash flow. In 2009, the effect of broad environment and recession in UK impacted direction of MS strategy. Because of decrease in UK food sector sales and decrease in market share from 4.3% to 3.9 % they choose to reduce costs with aim to keep profitability. Food gross margin was down 235 bps at 31.5%. We can continue to use gross margin as performance measure. Also, we could use profitability measures such as Operating profit, Return on equity, Return on capital employed and net margin which are already being used as MS key performance measures. The results of reducing costs are, reduced spending in support areas and marketing activities of 8.6% without threatening customer satisfaction (stayed at average high level of 84%) and increase of only 1.9% in staff costs. These activities will have impact on profitability in coming years. The target for next year should increase of 10% in mentioned profitability measures. On the other hand, significant cut in capital expenditures of  £450 million h ad immediate impact on companys cash flow from investing activities. MS also have to focus to on how to improve operating cash flow. They decreased cash conversion cycle for almost 6 days.[7] They should further monitor debtor payment period, creditor collection period and stock clearance period (decrease from 8.7 to 4.29 days in 2009).[8] In future, decrease of 10-20 % in stock clearance period and cash conversion cycle could help the company to have stronger cash flow. 2. Customer perspective Main objectives of MS in order to increase market share, acquire new customers and keep customer satisfaction on a high level are to provide customers on targeted market with additional innovation, improved on-shelf availability and to give them additional value for money. The last have roots to year 1935 slogan â€Å"Dont ask the price its a penny†[9]. They took numerous promotions like â€Å"Wise buys†, ‘Family favourites for  £4 and ‘Dine in for two for  £10 during the year. Despite this investing in prices across food range have impact on companys margins, it also provides customers with better value. In 2009 survey, MS is recognized as a leader in top quality food. In future, they should increase ‘wise buys products from existing 10% food range and set target measure to 15%. Also, innovation in products should be continued and monitored with comparing percent of new products in overall products. Relating to on-shelf availability, they already employ more people in stores, open new 75 and close 26 stores with underperforming performances. This trend should be continued because it gives customers more convenience shopping. Customer loyalty, satisfaction and quality customer service are important in future period especially when market share declined 0.4%. 3. Learning and Growth perspective Kaplan and Norton (1996) recognized importance of intangible assets and employees as most important resource company have. In order to keep customers satisfied and loyal, company need to invest in its employees, systems and organizational procedures according to Drury (2004). Therefore, employee satisfaction, investment in employee skill and training must not be overlooked. MS have good communication with employees via MS intranet and employee magazine. The results from employee satisfaction survey ‘Your Say show high response rate (90%) and consistent score with previous years of 70%. Another two measures could be applied to measure employee capabilities- employee retention and employee productivity. Last two derived from employee satisfaction, because only satisfied employee could be productive. Investment in employee skills is recognized as important for MS. Thus, organization of development programme for 2000 lines managers, leadership programme and food academy are vital for future growth and development. The aim to become most sustainable retailer by 2015 they converted into the Plan A. It is also in accordance with Food industry sustainability strategy presented by DEFRA in 2006. They already fulfilled 39 commitments in order to become energy efficient, send no waste to landfill and become carbon neutral. Target of accomplished 15 new commitments per year will keep them on right way to reach this strategic goal. 4. Internal business process perspective According to Drury (2004) internal business process perspective need to give answer on question what business processes will increase value to shareholders and customers and help company achieve its vision at the same time. MS recognizes that investment in innovation process and operation process (decrease distribution costs, maintain supplier satisfaction, increase efficiency in value chain and process quality) are vital to succeed. MS already presented innovation in food from national cuisines (Italian, Chinese etc.) and should monitor percentage of sales from these new products, also compare themselves with competitors (at first place Waitrose who is concentred on the same market niche- top quality food). To excel in innovation field, they should also focus on market products in which they are first or second in the market according to Drury (2004). Innovations in operation process has aim to make more efficient supply and value chain in a company. On one side we have suppliers and customers on other. Already half of 2000 suppliers were trained on MS ethical standards. Distribution costs will be managed with implementation of SAP software and building of domestic and international logistic and distribution centres. Once a build, they will significantly decrease distribution cost and time. Balanced scorecard method (BSC) will help organizations to translate vision into performance measures and improve communication within the company. Also we have to be aware of some limitations of BSC. Othman (2007) argues that BSC is static, ignores external environment and treat company as mechanical system. Drury (2004) describe that empirical study failed to provide evidence that link between non-financial data and financial performance in future exists- which is the assumption of BSC method. Benchmarking There are numerous definitions of benchmarking. One of the first books written about benchmarking providing definition of this method was in â€Å"The search for industry best practices that lead to superior performances† in 1989 by Camp. Until today many definitions emerged but still the most quoted one is from this book that says â€Å"Benchmarking is the search for the best industry practices which will lead to exceptional performance through the implementation of these best practices† (Ungen 2007,pp. 335). In this part, we are going to look at our internal strength and weaknesses, make comparison with our closest competitor in UK market- Waitrose, because both have almost the same market share of about 4% and the same market focus- top quality food. At the end, we will make comparison with Tesco and Sainsbury as a market leaders and see could we use knowledge to improve our operations. Here the aim is to learn from our competitors, not only to compare with them. First we have to understand our internal position- segments we are good at, possible opportunities and segments where improvement is needed. MS differentiate itself with high quality food and at the same time have perception among customers as a top food retailer. It has strong brand for last 125 years, strong internal financial sources and good communication with customers and suppliers. Almost 100% own label food is advantage but at same time could be weakness. So, they start selling branded premium food which they do not produce. Main opportunity is in further expansion to international market. Today, MS has 296 stores in 40 countries with significant 26% increase in international sales. In future, they should expand more as a wholly owned business, not as franchising business. Second, comparison with Waitrose we will start comparing their financial performances because they will show us how successful other perspectives from the balanced scorecard are. An MS food sector sale is down 0.1% at  £4.25bn with loss of market share of 0.4%. On the other hand, in the same period Waitrose increase its sale for 5% to  £4.2bn, market share 0.4% and decrease in operating margin 45 bps to 5.1%. Increase in Waitroses margins is at some part result of 13 Somerfield stores acquired in 2008. Waitrose is also focused on premium organic food brand. Comparing with Waitrose, MS opened 47 stores more and is selling 3600 products more with much more own label food selling. This store opening trend in previous years was primary reason for margin increase but now MS should closely monitor store performance (already close 26 underperformed stores in 2009) and different product lines and replace slow selling products. MS in terms of pricing is above Waitrose and selling almost 1 00% own brand food with products made in UK is major difference from competitor.[10] As a result their sales depends entirely on own label products. In addition to this in 2009 MS made a cut of  £127m in marketing activities which was important for him in food sector positioning.[11] In Corporate social responsibility section, MS is leader with presented 100 commitments plan A. Also partnership with Amazon will help them improve on-line shopping segment. On the other hand, Waitrose presented online food delivery service which could be next step for MS in satisfaction of customer needs. In UK food retail sector, major market share has Tesco and Sainsbury. They both have access to economies of scale and price promotions are fundamental part of their strategy. On the other hand, MS differentiate itself with providing additional value not cheaper price to customers. Despite different in size, MS could use good practice from leaders to achieve better results. Sainsbury launched these days promotion ‘buy now free next time.[12] MS could implement these on 500 wise buys products which are 10 % of range in a one month period and closely look at sales, profit margin and overall financial effect. Also, Tesco since last year increase 29% percent increase in marketing activities.[13] In year where we have 13.8% drop in organic food sale, cutting marketing activities as MS did should be re-examined. Tesco, for example offer double points in order to keep customer loyalty. MS has only 39 outlets out of 668 stores in UK. This number should be increased in future because of rising consumers demand for convenience shopping. Also, search for value and healthier eating will be still in customer focus.[14] Benchmarking can support BSC with recommendations from outside the company how internal, customer and learning and growth perspective could be improved. One of the main critics to benchmarking according to Johnson et al. (2005) it will not identify the reasons for companys good or poor performance. But Benchmarking as a tool have aim to improve companys performance and can support BSC. Therefore, synergy between benchmarking and BSC and implementation of current trends and best practice into organization will improve financial perspective of our company. Conclusion This report showed importance of understanding broad environment and market sector in strategy formulating and implementation. For example, mature supermarket sector in UK is one of the reasons for MSs decision to invest in developing countries in the same premium food market niche. In part B we showed changed focus from capital to intangible assets and from financial to non-financial measure. It is important for MS to monitor all four perspectives in order to have sustainable long- run strategy. Also it is vital for MS to understand what facors influence the financial and operational performance. Therefore, benchmarking and BSC should be used together in strategy formulation and implementation. References: Competition Commission (2000). Supermarkets: a report on the supply of groceries from multiple stores in the United Kingdom. Chapter 5. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.competitioncommission.org.uk/rep_pub/reports/2000/fulltext/446c5.pdf Competition Commission (2008). The supply of groceries in the UK market investigation. [online]. Last accessed on 23 April 2010 at www.competitioncommission.org.uk/rep_pub/reports/2008/fulltext/538.pdf Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) (2009). Food Statistics Pocketbook. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April at www.defra.gov.uk Delpachitra, S. and Beal, D. (2002), Process benchmarking: an application to lending products, Benchmarking: An International Journal Vol. 9 No. 4, pp. 409-420. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.emeraldinsight.com DEFRA (2010). Recovery, Growth and the Environment. [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at www.defra.gov.uk DEFRA (2010). UK Food Security Assessment. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.defra.gov.uk DEFRA (2010). Economic note on UK grocery retailing. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.defra.gov.uk Department store retailing (2007), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk Drury, C. (2004), Management and cost accounting, 6th edition, Thomson learning, London Food Standards Agency (FSA) (2008). Consumer Attitudes Survey. [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at www.food.gov.uk/ Food retailing in UK (2009), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk IGD Retail Analysis (2010). IGD Retail Analysis News Tescos growth strengthens. [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at www.igd.com/analysis/news/index.asp?nid=6634 Johnson, G., Scholes,K., Whittington, R. 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(2003), Revising the concept and forms of benchmarking, Benchmarking: An International Journal Vol. 10 No. 3, pp. 210-225. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.emeraldinsight.com Marks and Spencer annual report (2009), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at www.marskspencer.com Managing food costs (2009), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk National statistics office, [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at www.statistics.go.uk Norreklit H. (2000), The balance on the balanced scorecard- a critical analysis of some of its assumptions, Management accounting research, Vol. 11, pp. 65-88. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.emeraldinsight.com Othman, R. (2007), Enhancing the effectiveness of the balanced scorecard with scenario planning, International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management Vol. 57 No. 3, pp. 259-266. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.emeraldinsight.com Porte, E. M. (1996), what is strategy?, Harvard business review, November-December 1996. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at http://hbr.org/product/what-is-strategy/an/96608-PDF-ENG Retail review, UK (2008), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk Telegraf newspaper (2009), [online], Sainsbury launches first ever buy now free next time promotion, [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/agriculture/supermarkets/6609035/Sainsburys-launches-first-ever-buy-now-free-next-time-promotion.html Telegraf newspaper (2009),Shoppers turning their backs on supermarker own label brands, [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/agriculture/supermarkets/6790854/Shoppers-turning-their-backs-on-supermarket-own-label-brands.html Thompson, L. J. (2003), Strategic management, 4th edition, Thomson learning, London Ungen, C. M., (2007), Manufacturing best practices: implementation success factors and performance, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 18, issue 3,pp. 333-348. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.emeraldinsight.com Food retailing in UK (2009,pp.2), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk Marks and Spencer annual report (2009), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at www.marskspencer.com National statistics office, [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at www.statistics.go.uk Managing food costs (2009), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk Marks and Spencer annual report (2009), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at www.marskspencer.com Food retailing in UK (2009), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk Marks and Spencer report (2009),Fame database, [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at https://fame2.bvdep.com/version-2010420/Report.serv?seqnr=0context=GH10NF_cid=159 Marks and Spencer report (2009),Fame database, [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at https://fame2.bvdep.com/version-2010420/Report.serv?seqnr=0context=GH10NF_cid=159 Marks and Spencer annual report (2009,pp.37), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at www.marskspencer.com Department store retailing, UK (2007), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk Retail review, UK (2008), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk Telegraf newspaper (2009), [online], Sainsbury launches first ever buy now free next time promotion, [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/agriculture/supermarkets/6609035/Sainsburys-launches-first-ever-buy-now-free-next-time-promotion.html Telegraf newspaper (2009), http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/agriculture/supermarkets/6790854/Shoppers-turning-their-backs-on-supermarket-own-label-brands.html Retail review,UK (2008) [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk

Culture Stereotypes in Advertising

Culture Stereotypes in Advertising Case Study: HSBC Eels AD According to standard view, a culture is a complex set of shared beliefs, values and concepts which enables a group to make sense of its own life and which provides it with directions for how to live. This set might be called a basic belief system. By internalizing a particular belief system and its attendant forms of feeling and interaction a person acquires the basic of his or her identity. A culture penetrates its individual members mentally and socially. This penetration produces in them their distinctive capacities and characteristics. In this holistic way identity is a function of enculturation (cited in Holliday, Hyde and Kullman, 2004, pp.60-61) HSBC- a public limited company based at United Kingdom since 1993 in the expansion name of Hongkong and shanghais Bank Corporation. It is one of the worlds largest banking groups. It has enomorous operational base and local branches all over the world saying in their advert tagline HSBC-Worlds local Bank. The adverts about the company and its services have come through distinctive since its establishment. The advertisements that come through have always been the representation of neither Chinese nor English culture or both for its promotional campaign on television. I would like to argue why the culture is represented in the context of stereotypical characteristics in the (Eels) HSBC advert. What process does stereotype involve? Hall (1997:268) writes that stereotypes get hold of the few simple, vivid, memorable, easily grasped and widely recognized characteristic about a person, reduce everything about that person to those traits, exaggerate and simplify them, and fix them without change or development to eternity. Moreover stereotype both reflects and promotes particular perspectives, Osullivan, (Hall, 1997, cited in Holliday, Hyde and Kullman, 2004, p.126). With the help of Stuart Hall theory on stereotypes, the representation of culture in the advertisements and its characteristics can be explained. In the HSBC Eels Advert, set in a Chinese restaurant where the English man is served a meal and the English custom believe its a slur on your host food if you dont clear your plate and the Chinese generosity to fill up the plate until they are satisfied. In this Advertisement both the culture is represented and especially the Chinese culture is portrayed in a stereotypical and in a comical way. Most of the HSBC Ads are interlinked with the representation of Chinese culture because of its brand from country-of- origin. It is generally assumed that things go wrong because two cultural groups behave differently, which makes communication between them problematic. So culture becomes negative term rather than a positive one. (Cited in Holliday, Hyde and Kullman, 2004, pp. 62) The ways in which we commonly understand the advertisements are the categories and concepts that are historically and culturally specific. This means that all the ways of understanding are historically and culturally relative in some way. Our current accepted ways of understanding the world, is a product not of objective observation, but the social processes and interactions of the people are still constant. There are always two ways of representation involved; mental representation and public representation. Beliefs, intentions and preferences are mental representations and signal, utterances, texts and pictures are all public representations. Public representations are material oriented. Public representations are generally means of communication between user and a producer distinct from one another. So these representations are used to serve the purpose of commodity by the producers through consumers. Culture identity Is it that collective or true self hiding inside many other, more superficial or artificially imposed selves which a people with a shared history and ancestry hold in common (Hall, 1990). Above all in relation to the process of globalization, which I would argue are coterminous with modernity (Hall, 1996) and the process of forced and free migration which have become a global phenomenon of the so-called post-colonial world (Hall, 1996, pp. 3-4). The concept of identity is both theoretically and politically discoursed in the modern developed world. The definition of culture identity is always under ongoing changing process according to the culture variations in generation. Stereotypes are defined as social classification of particular groups and people as often highly simplified and generalised signs, which implicitly or explicitly represent a set of values, judgements and assumptions concerning their behaviour, characteristics or history. Stereotypes however, not only identify general categories of people, it also signifies national populations, classes, genders, occupation in a deviant groups. It also seems that we commonly have stereotypical ideas about people on basis of their language accents. In the HSBC Eels ad the Chinese set of values, characteristics are portrayed as stereotypical, alike in the Guillin fisherman, Lantern, Ant energy, advertisements of HSBC. These stereotypical aspects are because of the brands country-of-origin effect. In terms of market discourses, it can be defined as the country which a consumer associates with a certain product or brand as being its source, regardless of where the product is actually produced. Since the prior knowledge that a given country is associated with a certain brand ensures that exposure to the brand name triggers recall of that country and its attributes. It is important to point out that this experience may take actually result in a purchase, and it may in fact have nothing to do with any purchase decision whatsoever. It may take place purely in the realm of experiencing and processing, consciously or subconsciously, advertising messages about brands, countries and language to which individual is exposed every day (Cited in Kelly-Holmes, 2005, pp.29). In the perspective of language, it is a fundamental human activity through which we communicate our particular representation of the world. Cultural values and beliefs are transmitted from one member of a society to another and from one generation to another primarily through language. We can often see the structure of language that reflects the way that particular culture is viewed by this world and kinds of distinctions that are held to be important. Even in the HSBC Eels ad the language spoken by Chinese are suppressed by the English voice over showing the power and prestigious. One language may be imposed and another suppressed by dominant power. In some situation, the power and dominance are portrayed to maintain their own variety, or move to a more extreme variety of their dialect, in order to emphasise the difference between themselves and the person or people they are talking to. In the UK, Advertisers draw on the ideas using country accents to indicate and advertise nature o f food products or using more prestigious accent to promote financial services. Language as a form of representation, highlight power relations and promote particular perspectives like advertisements for commodities. A sense of cultural identity is often centred on a particular language and speakers perceptions of the connection between the languages they use and that identity is well supported. Language is always used as a medium of communication in ethnic majorities and groups that hold social and political power. The knowledge the advetisee has about these relationships and about common sense assumptions in the advertisements is acquired through experiencing the particular habitus on an everyday basis. Consumerization or socialization into consumer society happens, primarily through example and through language. It is worth keeping in mind here that advertising messages are simply explicit. It encompasses a whole range of texts and objects, such as toys, books, television programmes, packaging and so forth. Consequently, the employment of foreign words in advertising has the potential to create in groups and out groups and contribute both directly and indirectly to societal attitudes to languages and multilingualism. Multilingual advertising communication is, in this book, defined as the appearance of a number of different languages or voices in a market-discourse situation. This appearance may be minimal, consisting of only one word, or it may be fairly extensive, consisting of entire texts or blocks of text. The word may come from an entirely different language of the medium of text within which they appear, or they may be familiar, coming from his/her everyday linguistic repertoire (Kelly-Holmes, 2005, pp.25). Even in the HSBC Eels ad, it is a multilingual communication of advertising, initially the Chinese chattering and followed by the voice over of the English dominantly suppressing to show power, so the purpose of commodity serves the specific culture. The effects of multilingual advertising on the other hand, have the effect of reinforcing this monolingualism by making speakers of another language the object of humour in advertising and by constructing them as an out group. In all cases, however, the examples of multilingual advertising communication discussed in the following chapter have two things in common: they are driven by the market, and have meaning within the context of the society and culture imposed on the market and they do not permit a purely monolingual communication experience. (Kelly-Holmes, 2005, pp.25). Even the music plays significant role in the culture representation and identity. The issue is not how a particular piece of music or a performance reflects the people, but how it produces them, how it creates and constructs an identity in particular television ads. In most of the HSBC advert the traditional Chinese folk music will be played as back ground music so as in the Eels advert, again which is a stereotype representation of culture identity. The social categories or labels of identity are frequently imposed on some groups by others, who may be in a more powerful position than they are. Your social identity is not something you can always determine on your own, it is by how others perceive you. In the west representations of ads will very largely respond to the public demand. So they show the power of dominance in a multilingual advertisement through their accents and performance suppressing the other culture. Here the Chinese culture in Eels ad is portrayed in an innocent and comical way and English culture in a decent and dominant behaviour being the product, country-of-origin in china. Most of the multilingual ads are being portrayed on their own cultural demands. Beside cultural beliefs and ideals apply to people in differential positions of power. Moreover a result of norms and ideals result from histories of struggle in which significant voices are silenced. In an International advertising, Cultural objects may be made into saleable products. For e.g. the country houses may be sold as a second home for the urban. So cultural products are from other places can be marketed in global supermarket. This may include foods, drink, dance, music, sport, and holidays abroad almost all consumable things. Applying Marxs idea to the use of foreign or other language in advertising today, the use-value of languages can be seen to have become obscured by their exchange or symbolic value. The use-value of the language can be equated with its referential function, its utility as a means of communication The language appears to achieve value independently and this value is not the product of its communicative, but rather of its symbolic value in process of advertising communication (Kelly-Holmes, 2005, Pp.24). Why does English deserve special treatment? For many people in the world, it is simply foreign language, other or second language, so its contribution to multilingual advertising communication is massive and has a huge effect. English is presented as both an inevitable consequences of the marketization of such economies, and, at the same time, almost one of the driving forces behind the transition to market economy. There can be no doubt that we absorb the messages around us about the media and culture, we are in project the illusion. There is also no doubt that today the media is a very powerful tool for those who want to control society and to sell ideas and products to its members. The representation of media is more political in that, it is controlled by external bodies that offer images and understandings in an influenced way for us to consume. At the conclusion I would like to summarise my points that the media plays a significant role in representing culture and their identities. There is always a personal demand for a particular culture to denote oneself dominant even in the multilingual, intercultural communication. The HSBC ads are a good example of how the Chinese culture is represented as a stereotype in almost all of their advertisements against the dominant English culture in a Bi-lingual advertisement. Language also plays an equally important role in showcasing their own particular culture and identity and the usage of foreign language produces advantages and disadvantages. Thus in a way these adverts are served for the purpose of commodity and personal demand of representing their culture in power and dominant style.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Atmosphere of Terror and Suspense in Gothic Literature Essay -- essays

1764 saw the birth of Gothic literature with the novel 'The Castle of Otranto', written by Horace Walpole. Although, this novel was based on some much earlier literature it set the standard for all the gothic novels that followed. The 18th century was a time when political power was in the hands of a few rich men. Women did not have the vote, let alone any legal rights. The majority of the population lived in poverty. However things were changing ? the Church was no longer as powerful and the social structure was being questioned. For example, in 1789 the French monarchy was overthrown by the masses starting the French revolution. People were no longer so willing to accept their ?lot in life?. It was in this background that the genre of Gothic literature was first written. It was called gothic because it placed emphasis on emotions such as awe, terror, insignificance and vulnerability. Gothic novels were fascinated with the grotesque, horrible and supernatural. They were a reaction against realistic literature of the 18th century. Some saw it as a sub-genre of romantics but others argued it was a genre in its own right. Whatever its genre, gothic novels were typically characterized by their romanticism, melodrama and dark foreboding settings. They were critical of the society of the day and fiercely anti- catholic, disliking the church?s power and brutality. Some of the main gothic writers of the time included Edgar Alan Poe, Charles Dickens, H.G.Wells, Charlotte and Emily Bronte. By the end of the19th century Mary Shelley?s famous novel of Frankenstein had been published and later on Bram Stoker?s Dracula. Of all the stories written in the gothic era, they all contain many of the typical gothic ... ...ation and descriptive language. Also, with The Tell Tale Heart the tension and suspense has great effect, making the reader wanting to read on. The building of suspense through specific language and literary devices is so firm and efficient that ?The Tell-Tale Heart? has become one of the most famous Gothic short stories in English literature. Poe?s choice of words is known to be precise and concise, and so is his writing style: no devices are used without having certain effects. The Cask of Amontillado is the least representative of the genre because it does not contain so many gothic features and the narrator has a reason for killing: revenge. I believe gothic literature has remained so popular because people like to be thrilled by horror and ghost stories and the central themes never age. The reader can empathise with the story without having to believe it.

Friday, July 19, 2019

A Feminist Look at The Descent of Odin :: Descent of Odin Essays

A Feminist Look at The Descent of Odin  Ã‚     It is obvious that there are many differences between men and women.   Throughout history women have been taught to dress, act, and speak differently than men.   These differences are so common that they can sometimes be overlooked in everyday life and in reading.   By taking a closer look at poems and stories one can begin to see how frequently gender differences occur.   Thomas Gray’s â€Å"The Decent of Odin,† read from a Feminist point of view can reveal many examples of these differences through the use of dialogue.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Marxist Feminist view looks at the relationship between class and gender (HCAL 202).   This poem was written in 1761, a time when women were considered second to men.   Men spoke down to women and controlled them, especially women of a lower class.   In this poem Odin is the chief of the Norse gods and the Prophetess is but a lowly god of the underworld (Grey 61).   This gives Odin control over her. The poem shows a good example of this control that men Odin has.   When he is asking to find out who killed his son he commands the Prophetess to, â€Å"Once again my call obey† (51).   Three times he orders the Prophetess to obey.   This continual order to obey is also a clue to the reader that Odin is of a higher class than the Prophetess.   He not only commands the Prophetess, but also insults her.   After she discovers who Odin is, he lashes back at her by saying, â€Å"No boding maid of skill divine art thou, nor prophetess of good; but mother of the giant brood!† (84-86) At the time that this poem was written chivalry was very important.   Although a woman was not considered equal to a man, she was treated with some respect if she was of an upper class.   The Prophetess, however, was of a class of gods below Odin and, therefore, she was spoken to like a servant.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Gender differences are further woven into the tone of each of the characters. Odin speaks forcefully as men do more often than women.   He is also more direct in what he is saying, where as the Prophetess takes four lines to ask who wakes her from her sleep.   Odin interrupts the Prophetess at one point in the poem, which is an action associated with men more than it is with women.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Hackin’ the Sack

Hackin’ the Sack. If you are a slow runner or can’t jump to save your life foot bag is the game for you. Foot bag, known today as hacky sack, was invented in 1972 by John Stalberger and Mike Marshall of Oregon City, Oregon. Recovering from knee surgery, John Stalberger decided he wanted to find a fun way to rehabilitate his knee. Mike Marshall is the one who actually created the first hacky sack. He created a hand-made bean bag and was kicking it around. During the time of John Stalberger’s recovery the two decided to kick around the bean bag for fun. They ended up turning it into a game and calling it Hackin’ the Sack. Later on the two men collaborated and marked their new game under the trademark of â€Å"Hacky Sack ®Ã¢â‚¬ . Different varieties of the sport of Hacky Sack have now came into play including â€Å"Freestyle Footbag† where players stand around in a circle and pass the hacky sack while doing tricks and there is also â€Å"Footbag Net† where players try and volley a Hacky Sack over a 5-foot-high net. The rules for playing freestyle are 1. No hands (except when serving) and no arms – shoulders are allowed in the average circle but are technically forbidden. 2. Always pass the sack to someone else when serving (unless you are playing alone). . Don’t hog the bag. This is a co-op game. If there are others playing please share. 4. Never say sorry! When you are passing the hacky sack and another player misses do NOT under any circumstances apologies. Everyone makes mistakes. 5. Don’t pass from the knee. Most likely if you try and to pass the sack from the knee it will go straight to the ground before the other play can get it. 6. Don’t play with a drink in your hand. It is nearly impossible to keep your hand and eye coordination going and you will only get frustrated and possibly lose the hacky sack. General tips while â€Å"Hackin’ the Sack† starts with proper foot wear. So ladies please do not try and play in high heels someone might get hurt. The most common footwear would have to be a nice snug, mid cut sneaker. Although preferences do vary from bare feet to boots. The second tip would be using the perfect service to play on. If you are playing out in the street on the pavement make sure you are paying attention to your surroundings. There are a lot of cars out there that you will have to dodge and make sure you stay away from all sewers you really don’t want to lose your sack down one of those. Grass is also a good ideal for playing freestyle even though it is a little more difficult to play on, but eventually you will grind away the grass and have a nice area of dirt to play on. Mike Marshall died of a heart attack in 1975, at the age of twenty-eight. Stalberger continued with the â€Å"Hacky Sack† cause and formed the National Hacky Sack Association. He later sold the rights for the Hacky Sack ® Footbag to Kransco (operating under the Wham-O label), which also manufactured the Frisbee flying disc.

I need help with the book called warriors dont cry Essay

Oluwatemi Kukoyi December 3. 2013 incline Period 7 Gang aban fall apart Death of a Friend In the united States, there atomic number 18 all over 1. 4 million gang members. With much(prenominal) small percentage of the U. S, their the reason wherefore most kids such as Isaac Johnson, 17 years old killed by the crossfire are fearing for their support every day. They say dont blame the streets, blame the populate in it. I look back, and visualize all the Hard work the States take for done to change the life styles of Gang Bangers. Based on the results, on the streets. d what the Media hit been embracing, it searchms that America confuse been doing absolutely nothing. His name was mike. I normally wouldnt say not Like microphone as of In the movie, but, in this case, he was Like Mike All he wanted to do was play Basketball, on that point was never a sequence when he was bored, because basketball is what hell be playing. He was smart on the streets but, not in addition b veracious when it came down to books. He was my top hat friend, my right hand man, every time I looked at his face, I see a wallet full of enJamln bills, because I knew with his talent, and he would make It to the real romance (NBA).The courtroom raised him, but, the streets changed him. Mike hated indoctrinate. He would accept graduating with Ds down his account statement card, and be high- school principaled of It. He didnt care. He was solo in it, to Just yield step up of his life. I use to see mike outside around the corner sometimes, green goddess weed, and with gang affiliates. remember It wish It was yesterday, or 5 minutes ago. I was home, wake up from a nap from school. I went in the kitchen to induce a adept cold bowl cereal. The skirt rang. peerless of my good friends whispered through the phone in a dreadful bankers bill that mike was died.And when hear that, it felt like I have died also. walked in my pull away with a limp of sorrow, and just cried. I swallowed my Machoness and swallowed my pride. I felt as If I was handicap. That my right hand man was killed, that the bruise will never go away. skipped school for weeks. My mind was full of questions. At that point, I unfeignedly didnt care, but for only to get my friend back. I need jock with the book called warriors dont cry by melba beals By Jamesthegreatl 2 Oluwafemi Kukoyi December 3,2013 In the united States, there are over 1. million gang members. With such small streets, and what the Media have been embracing, it seems that America have been His name was Mike. I usually wouldnt say not Like Mike as of in the movie, but, in this case, he was Like Mike All he wanted to do was play Basketball. There was never a time when he was bored, because basketball is what hell be playing. He was benJamin bills, because I knew with his talent, and he would make it to the real court ccept graduating with Ds down his report card, and be proud of it.He didnt care. I remember it like i t was yesterday, or 5 minutes ago. I was home, argus-eyed up from mike was died. And when I heard that, it felt like I have died also. I walked in my bed with a limp of sorrow, and Just cried. I swallowed my Machoness and swallowed my pride. I felt as if I was handicap. That my right hand I skipped school for weeks. My mind was full of questions. At that point, I really didnt care, but for only to get my friend back.

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Thirsting for Power

Power is defined the readiness to do something or encounter in a particular way, especiall(a)y as a faculty or quality. from each one and only(a) and e rattling person possesses some fictitious character of bureau over a nonher thing. such(prenominal) or less batch atomic number 18 content with not having any office whatsoever and then(prenominal) there are heap whose blameless lives revolve around that hurt and invite for cause. The latter is a description of dickens famous people in history, Malcolm X and Julius Caesar. Thirsting for power and deficient to lots of a good thing lay close be very(prenominal) self-destructive. This longing for power can cause people to be blind but the reality of what is going on around them.Taking into consideration that twain of these hefty leaders had this longing for power that in the long run leaded to their destruction we can hear more similarities and differences that may be relevant to their nature and the way they both lived, and died. The major(ip) difference between Julius Caesar and Malcolm X is obviously the clipping period in which they were from. Malcolm X was born in the early 20s and Julius Caesar was born around degree centigrade BC. These clip periods are completely distinguish qualified eras from each other yet the hungriness for power and a solid spare-time activity was present in both of them.The ache for power is something that has been around since man was created. A key coincidence between these cardinal leaders is that their dispositioniness for power and their exponent to hurl an influential effect on peoples lives was seen from a very early age. Caesar was born around blow BC and by the time he was 18 had already been through and witnessed more(prenominal) than than than many people had that were in their afterwards eld of age. He was married to the lady friend of a very noble man, fathered her child. hence was ordered to divorce her or be determine t o death. Caesar refused to divorce Cornelia and her fathered ordered him to be executed which caused him to go into hiding.After escaping that level(p)t, barely with his life he was kidnapped in Grease Around 60BC is when his power really started to motivate his daily actions as well as increase the sore thirst he had for power. While sailing to Greece for further study, Caesar was kidnapped by Cilician pirates and held for ransom. When informed that they mean to ask for 20 talents, he is suppositious to have insisted that he was worth at least(prenominal) 50. He maintained a friendly, joking relationship with the pirates go the funds was cosmos raised, but warned them that he would remnant them d let and have them crucified after he was released.He did just that, with the help of volunteers, as a warning to other pirates, but he first cut their throats to lessen their worthless because they had treated him well, (Yavetz). The experience of Caesars twat helps us to see a nother similarity between him and Malcolm X. both(prenominal) men were considered very wise, intellectual and eloquent speakers. This worked very much in their advantage. They were quick to think on their feet and were able to persuade and convince people very easily. This is a very recyclable skill regarding the thirst of power because in order to have power a person must also have support and some sort of following.This is essential in order for the power to evoke and to help to protect the leader from enemies who are not so supportive or easily convinced. The fact that Caesar could be held wrapped by pirates, entertain and joke with them magical spell warning them of their deaths that will come as revenge, shows so much virtually Caesars attitude. In 72 BC Caesar was pick out military tribune and then would go on to speak to the people at the funerals of his love ones. Instead of putting much of the center on those who died, those who were close to him, he make sure tha t the people that were listening declare his noble past and bloodline (Kebrick).It was during this time that the thirst for power began to really be set in motion. It was at this time that he was beginning to recognize more and more of a following and put into the peoples passs how magnificent of a leader he would be. In 58 BC Caesar left Rome for salientian he would not return for 9 years, in the phase of which he would conquer most of what is straight central Europe, opening up these lands to Mediterranean civilizationa decisive act in world history. However, much of the con sideline was an act of aggression prompted by face-to-face ambition (not unlike the conquests of Alexander the Great).Fighting in the summers, he would return to Cisalpine Gaul (northern Italy) in the winters and manipulate roman letters political relation through his supporters, (Kebric). After this and many more complex events and elections Caesar would continue to plunder near territories and occ upy them. This is how the rise of the Roman Empire, the strongest and extended stand uping empire began. Caesar would publicly abandon his want to be idolized as a King but acted in ways that suggested he cherished to be idolized more of a theology than a Monarch. It was this attitude and his thirst for more power, more territory that would lead his enemies to slaughter him in 44 BC.Caesar attended the last meeting of the Senate before his departure, held at its ephemeral quarters in the portico of the theater reinforced by Pompey the Great (the Curia, located in the Forum and the regular meeting abode of the Senate, had been badly burned and was being rebuilt). The deuce-acescore conspirators, led by Marcus Junius Brutus, Gaius Cassius Longinus, Decimus Brutus Albinus, and Gaius Trebonius, came to the meeting with daggers hide in their togas and struck Caesar at least 23 times as he stood at the base of Pompeys statue, (Yavetz).Although his get direct was short lived an d his thirst for power caused his own self destruction, Julius Caesar will always be known for the creation and rise of the Roman Empire. Malcolm X, like Julius Caesar, had a troubled childhood. His parents died teen and he was in and out of rear homes as well as toss away cells. When the law finally caught up with him in Boston, for a robbery charge, he was sentenced to a 8-10 year sentence in Charleston Prison. It was in prison in which his thirst for power began to take shape.He was introduced to many books and would much read many in one day. Also while in prison, he was visited by several siblings who had joined to the tribe of Islam, a small sect of dumb Muslims who embraced the ideology of black nationalismthe image that in order to secure freedom, rightness and equality, black Americans required to put in their own state entirely separate from etiolated Americans. Malcolm X converted to the nation of Islam while in prison, (Malcolm X). Malcolms transition and th irst for power was a lot contrastive from Caesars for the reason that he had good intentions.He valued better for his people, African American people. He had seen so much racism and alienated many close friends and even his family to the KKK. Teachers told him from a young age that because he was African American, he wouldnt be able to do things such as extend a lawyer and that he needed to be more realistic about his place in life. It was these numbered events that offered fuel to the burn up that was burning inside Malcolm. He was depressing with the way society was working, along with the bulk of society at this time.In my opinion, Malcolm wasa much better leader than Caesar because the motives behind his thirst for power had some justification, at least for African Americans and was not just about taking over any and everything that he could, like with Caesar. Malcolms thirst for power was to offer something better to his people whereas Caesars thirst for power came from a rrogance and wanting the world to recognize him as being the most powerful. When X was released in 1952 he would relocate to Detroit, Michigan and join forces with the head of the Nation of Islam, Elijah Mohammed to spread the word of this newfangled way of life.In the eyes of the Nation of Islam, he was a miraculous leader. He became overseeing subgenus Pastor of a temple in Harlem, a temple in Boston and even helped to found temples in Philadelphia and Hartford. Articulate, passionate and a naturally gifted and inspirational orator, Malcolm X exhorted blacks to cast off the shackles of racism by any means necessary, including violence. You dont have a peaceful revolution, he said. You dont have a turn-the-cheek revolution. Theres no such thing as a nonviolent revolution.Such unpeaceful proposalsa violent revolution to establish an independent black nation win Malcolm X large numbers of following as well as many fierce critics, (Malcolm X). It was Malcolms ability to overtake au diences, just as Caesar, that would put him front-and-center of a power vacuum. Also, like Caesar, he would be betrayed and envied by those who were close to him. In Malcolms case it was Elija Mohammed who would begin to envy Xs power and ability to gain support. X would leave the Nation of Islam in 1964 after constant tension with Elijah and his plague with disregarding his own teachings.He considered Elijah to be a hypocrite and felt that the path the Nation was going down was one goddamn for disaster. Little did he know, this move would be the lead to his own disaster. On the level of February 21, 1965, at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan, where Malcolm X was about to deliver a speech, three gunmen rushed the stage and shot him 15 times at point lily-white range He was 39 years old. The three men convicted of the assassination of Malcolm X were all members of the Nation of Islam. Although both Caesar and X were both powerful speakers and leaders, their motives behind power w ere quite different.Both men wanted to convince as many people as they could that the way things were being done, were not right. Both men felt they had the power to depart the world. However, the differences lie in how they wanted it to change. Caesar wanted violently take over all and any territory he could and X wanted to gain the support of his people and ultimately begin a quest back to Africa where African Americans could live amongst themselves without discrimination. The actions that resulted from their thirst for power is what would ultimately lead to both of their assassinations.