Vodafone Group Plc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Vodafone Group Plc - Essay Example The availability of the cheap credit made it very easy for people to finance car loans. Thus people ended up spending much more than they were earning. This led to an over flow of cars on the road. The increased demand also forced manufacturers to spend more on capital expansions. However as the world saw this demand was not real demand but in fact only an inflated market. The financial hit to these automobile manufacturers was therefore very severe. The developments in the financial sector also directly affected another industry. The real estate sector was without doubt the most affected in the recent economic crisis. The large amount of were mortgages taken out on properties which were worth much less than, led to a terrible crash in the housing market. When the market corrected itself and reached equilibrium it was a bit too late for the financial gurus who had missed the apparent signs of what was to follow. The telecommunication industry was another industry which was severely i njured by the financial crunch. The affects on the telecommunication industry however were relatively different as compared to the other two sectors discussed above. This is because the affect on the telecom sector was not a direct affect but rather a trickle down affect. The industry suffered from a general slowdown in business and lack of available credit to sustain the capital costs the industry had incurred in the periods of growth. The reduced consumer spending due to lack of jobs and increased competition from competitors also results in major setbacks to the telecommunications industry. Therefore we can say that the telecommunication industry was a victim to its own fast growth. The increased competition amongst the industry led to reduced profit taking opportunities for players and thus lower profits. Telecommunication Industry The telecom industry for the year 2010 was steady even if there was no great growth. The industry was suffering from limited consumer base in the las t couple of years. However new niches have appeared in the market which can be targeted by smaller players. Moreover the turmoil in the market which was very common in 2009 was slightly reduced. Many smaller companies were being closed down or were being bought off. This trend was greatly reduced in the last year. This does not only show that there is still demand for new telecom products but in fact the market is more diverse than ever before. Therefore opportunities are present from large networks with long reach and smaller networks with specialized products. Another reason to this revival is the reduced emphasis of the industry on replacing older technology with newer versions. This is also in part due to the sluggish market conditions. A very good example is of the NT6X21AC line card. To predict the future of the telecom industry is right no not possible. This is because more than economics factors this is actually mostly dependent on technological factors. The recent progress brought about in the telecom industry by gadgets such as iphone and android can be a life saver for the telecommunication industry. This is because the telecommunication industry is finally getting consumer’s money for using the internet services. If this trend continues, the smart phones would turn out to be the laptops of tomorrow. This would however depend

Gulf Cooperation Council Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Gulf Cooperation Council - Essay Example Gulf Cooperation Council was started in 1981 by the leaders of the state of Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia (Rashid, 21). The purpose of the council was to promote and enhance close ties among the member states and by formulating strategies to ensure that non-GCC countries would not intimidate its members or attack them. As a result, the council engages in integration courses including peace campaigns in its member’s countries (23). The council intentions are more visible in its political activities including the diplomatic campaign to reduce tension between Oman and Yemen and to a whole range of efforts and initiatives to bring peace in Qatar, Yemen, Iraq, Iran as well as Oman. The council also helps in protection of the fundamental freedom of the citizens of its member states and stresses on the importance of GCC countries to take all the necessary measures to protect the citizens from their states. The GCC purpose towards Yemen is mainly on its deep concern for the Yemen situation and its continued condemns of the violence experienced in Yemen (Rashid 45)

BT Global Services Strategic Analysis

BT Global Services Strategic Analysis In the past BT Global services strategy has experienced hard times, resulting in the company incurring high levels of debt through the heavy use of joint ventures. In recent times, BT Global Services have adapted from this past by offering more homogeneous products, leading to a needs-based strategy focusing on multinational corporations instead of products intended for domestic use, as they offer in the UK. Their strategy is based on their strategic position in the telecoms industry: Hard for new competitors to enter, however they have a competitive parity with their main competitors ATT, Verizon Business and Orange Business Services. Their large client base and brand image has played a key role in their strategy for targeting multinational corporations and world governments. However, they show a weakness that they have a relatively high senior management turnover which may have had a negative effect on their strategy formation process. Due to the size of BT Group, it is difficult to judge the success of BTGS strategy in relation to the whole of the corporations operations. However, as a business unit, their financial results are inconsistent potentially showing that improvements are needed to be made. Recommendations made relate to maintaining key senior management staff; truly differentiating themselves by innovating to create a temporary competitive advantage; and to focus on European based multinational corporations to take advantage of BTs brand power that it has developed in that region. 1. Introduction to the report This report contains a strategic analysis of the international company BT Group (BT) focusing upon its business unit BT Global Services (BTGS) through the lens of strategic formation. The report starts with an analysis of BT Groups overall strategy, then their subsidiary BT Global Services global strategy, then the report progresses onto conducting an external and internal analysis before concluding with recommendations. 2. Introduction to the Company British Telecommunications (BT Group) is one of the largest publicly traded companies in the FTSE 100 at the present time, with a market capitalisation of  £ 13,818 million (London Stock Exchange, 2011). The company operates in the telecommunications industry supplying various products ranging from Broadband to Ethernet to Voice. From humble origins as a subsidiary of The Post Office and its initial public offering in 1982, BT has grown into a large multi national company whilst maintaining itself as the market leader in the UK. Since its flotation, BT has been prevalent on the international scene, entering joint ventures with many overseas corporations, most notably ATT. (BT Plc, 2011) 3. BT Group Overall BT Groups strategy has been focused on standardisation of their products and services; since 2009 they have decreased their range of products from 3,500 to 1,400 (BT, 2011). In the future BT are planning to combining their global networks into one standard network, by doing this they aim for a cost transformation (BT Plc, 2010). Since Global Services expansion abroad, BT Group has had to change its strategy to protecting its dominant market share in the UK after deregulations in the UK and the subsequent emergence of foreign competitors has posed a threat (Turner and Gardiner, 2007). BT Groups strategy for their domestic marker involves diversification into new markets such as Broadband, Online gaming, Voice, TV and IT services (BT Plc, 2010). 4. BT Global Services BT Global Services have experienced some large changes over the past decade, they have just recovered from incurring large losses standing out from BT groups improving subsidiaries financial achievements: their pre-tax profits fell 45% in three months (BBC, 2009). These large losses were contributed to BTGS bad global strategy during the period of 1994 to 2004. During this period BT set out to become the largest supplier of telecommunications, therefore its strategy was to expand globally. The companys target market was multinational corporations who have operations in a variety of regions. However, due to BTs industry, heavy investment in physical infrastructure would be needed. To overcome these market entry barriers, BTs strategy had to involve forming strategic alliances with foreign companies: BT committed itself to numerous joint ventures. By creating a truly global network, they hoped to posses a unique and rare product to gain the advantage over their competitors who could not offer such a large network (BBC, 1999; Turner and Gardiner, 2007). Nevertheless, this did not succeed. Reasons for this could be attributed to their strategic alliance partnerships. BT failed to maintain stable relationships, such as for example, in their joint venture Concert originally with MCI but due to flaws in a takeover bid, this failed. BT then set up a new joint venture called New Concert with another US telecoms giant ATT. Yet this failed again. These flaws in BTs joint ventures, couple with the huge amount of debt that BT built up acquiring them, lead to BTs large losses (BBC, 2001; BBC, 2001; Turner and Gardiner, 2007). In response to these failures, BT radically changed its strategy. This strategic renewal saw BT initiate a radical withdrawal from the majority of its international markets, to consolidate their UK and EU market to protect their main source of revenue, the UK market (Forbes, 2010; Turner and Gardiner, 2007). At present they are forecasting a result of  £100m in operating cash flow this year, which is evidence that their current strategy is effective and that they have learned from their mistakes in the past. Their change of strategy can be seen by their offering of an increasingly homogeneous service around the globe (BT, 2011). Levitt (1983) highlights the importance of multinational corporations operating in a consistent manor, in BTs case, by offering the same service globally, by doing this BT can operate at a relatively low cost. BTGS are differentiating themselves by utilising a needs-based strategy. By focusing on meeting the needs of large multinational corporations that are constituents of strong global sector industries, they can differ from their competition by using their breath of scope, thanks to their large multi-protocol switching network (Porter, 1997; BT, 2011). One could say, that BTGS strategy formed itself out of an adaptive mode, in which their strategy was decided by many managers with conflicting views compromising over issues to produce their final decision; Turner and Gardiners (2007) case study outlined poor management behaviour as a cause for their initial strategys shortcomings (Mintzberg, 1978). BTs intended strategy was to replicate its business in the UK globally, however through the pattern in a stream of decisions, the realised strategy became focused on consolidating their home market and the European market, whilst taking on lighter activities worldwide. Their strategy has been formed through the environment of the dynamic telecommunications market, influenced by many changes in leadership (BBC, 2001; Mintzberg, 1978). 5. External Analysis De Wit and Mayer (2004) state that external and internal assessments are necessary for the diagnosing aspect to a realised strategy. Using Porters (2008) five forces, focusing on potential entrants of new competition and direct competitors, one can see how the competitive environment has affected BTGS strategy formation. Threat of new entrants The need for infrastructure to enter the market makes it very difficult for small firms to enter because of the huge amount of investment required. This point can be emphasised because one can see the problems BT experienced when they attempted to set up their own global system with joint ventures. Therefore all of BTs competition is from other large multinational telecommunication companies. New competitors may also find a difficulty to establish a market share due to brand issues; multinational corporations have high prerequisites and need established companies that have a track record of consistent and reliable services (Gardiner and Turner, 2004). However the global telecommunications industry has an estimated worth of 3.7 trillion dollars which may attract large multinational companies that have the resources to diversify their operations, such as Virgin group has done in the past in different markets (Plunkett Research Ltd, 2010). Direct competitors The global telecommunications market is made up of large competitors which have access to a large pool of funds for extensive advertising campaigns. These multinational corporations such as Orange Business Services, ATT and Verizon Business are strong competitors with strong brand images in their own right; however Ovum (2009) reports that the BT brand is dominant when compared. Since ATT was granted an operating licence in 1994, they have been in competition for BTGS MNCs but also BT groups domestic client base (Fagan, 1994). BTGS competitor ATT, have a similar strategy of differentiated their products to multinational corporations. Before Concert ATT strategy had involved leasing out its use of networks from BT, however they began to offer the same standardised service as they offered when cooperating with BT in Concert joint venture, supplying businesses with their own global IP network (ATT, 2011). This is very similar to BTs strategy of targeting MNCs, and so poses a great threat; their joint venture in the past had a negative affect on BTGS performance (BT Plc, 2002). Since the end of the joint venture, ATT have been heavily investing in improving their global infrastructure, and in product innovation (Pappalardo and Mears, 2002). Cooperation with this competitor in the past has proved troublesome, however BT and ATT have joined an additional strategic alliance by interlinking their video-conferencing product network (Taylor, 2010). By using this strategic alliances, BT have been able to stem competition from ATT and maintain their MNC client base. 6. Internal Analysis Following on from the external analysis using a SWOT analysis, focused on BTGS strengths and weaknesses, one can further inspect the diagnosing aspect of strategy formation. Strengths BTGS has an increasing brand power, which BTs management have been focusing on customer service (Servicedesk, 2009). The image that BT has built upon over the decades have given BT Global Services a good foundation in which to build and maintain its own. BTGS has a large client base comprising of MNCs such as Siemens and BNP Paribas, these providing BT with large volume sales. BT Global Services have also managed to secure key exclusive contracts, such as supplying Unilever with a four year contract. By securing these contracts, BT have pushed out the competition and have created an opportunity for them to extend these contracts in the future (Harris, 2010;International, 2010;BT Plc, 2009). Weaknesses A large weakness that BTGS possess is relatively high executive management turnover, since 2001 BTGS has seen many changes in management which may have diluted the companys strategic vision (BBC, 2001; BT Plc, 2010; Servicedesk, 2009; Glick, 2008). Finally, the need for an extensive global network is a necessity for BTGS, without it they have no value on their products from their clients perspective. These network infrastructures carry high maintenance costs and must be constantly innovated to compete effectively. 7. Evaluation of Strategy Overall BT Global Services strategy seems to be overdependent on joint ventures which have led BT into large debt problems. Evidence for this can be seen in their financial reports as they coincide with the break up of their joint venture New Concert; BTGS suffered a loss of  £1,459m in 2003 surprisingly after they recorded their largest profit of  £8,911m in 2001 (FAME, 2011). Whilst their turnover has been steadily increasing from 2006, BTGS management have been unable to make consistent gains on their return on total assets (FAME, 2011). This could be because of the senior management not efficiently utilising their assets. Their trade-off of excluding offering domestic telecommunication products globally has, in my opinion, been a good strategic move because, for example the US market for Ethernet services is saturated with fierce competition (Vertical, 2007). Their strategy of focusing on multinational corporations fits well with their other operations The deregulation of telecommunications has had a large impact on their global strategy as governments in developing countries lift competition rules to end state owned monopolies (Poh, 1994). This deregulation has allowed BT to branch out internationally and to set up global networks to offer their prospective clients. Since the banking crisis, BT Groups share price has been steadily rising, however this may not be due to Global Services but other operations of the group such as BT Retail or BT Innovate, therefore it is difficult to judge BTGS strategys success on the groups overall share performance (London Stock Exchange, 2011). 8. Conclusion In conclusion, BT Global services strategy can be viewed as insufficient. Their strategy has proved successful in the fact that they are acquiring exclusive contracts; steadily increasing their total revenue over the past five years and maintaining themselves as one of the largest international telecommunications company. One the other hand, they have been incurring large losses and sub optimal return on assets shedding a pessimistic view on the strategys success. Their external and internal environment can be seen as contradictory; the limited threat to new entrants and their large client base show a favourable business environment, however their current competitors and the need to maintain such a large infrastructure pose a great threat. 9. Recommendations Taking into consideration BT Global Services past strategic history and their internal and external environment, recommendations to improve their global strategy would include: Creating and sustaining a clear strategic vision by maintaining key senior management staff, by doing this BTGS will be able to maintain their objectives in accordance to their joint ventures, a problem they had with Concert. Truly differentiating themselves from ATT and Verizon Business, these two companies offer very similar IT and telecoms solutions to multinational corporations: Innovating will help create a temporary competitive advantage. Focusing on the European telecommunications market to continue securing key exclusive contracts with multinational corporations head-quartered there to take advantage of the strength that the BT brand has in that region. 10. References Andersen, T. J. (2004) Integrating the Strategy Formation Process: An International Perspective. European Management Journal, Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 263-372 Ansoff, H. I., Avner, J., Brandenburg R. G., Portner, F. E., Radosevich, R. (1970) Does Planning Pay? The Effect of Planning on Success of Acquisitions in American Firms. Long Range Planning, December ATT (2011) Our Global Story. [Online] [Accessed on 01/02/2011] http://www.corp.att.com/globalnetworking/our_global_story.html BBC News (2001) BT chief quits early. BBC [Online] 31st October [Accessed on 26/02/2011] http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1629621.stm BBC News (2001) BT plans to break losing streak . BBC [Online] 4th December [Accessed on 26/02/2011] http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1691580.stm BBC News (2001) BT to ditch ATT venture .BBC [Online] 20th April [Accessed on 26/02/2011] http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1287589.stm BBC News (1999) Business: The Company File BT expands into China. BBC [Online] 8th April [Accessed on 26/02/2011] http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/the_company_file/314264.stm BBC News (2009) Global IT unit knocks BT profits. BBC [Online] 30th July [Accessed on 26/02/2011] http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8176033.stm BBC News (2001) QA: What now for BT?. BBC [Online] 10th May [Accessed on 26/02/2011] http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1323096.stm BT Plc (2010) Annual General Meeting. BT Group Plc. [Online] July [Accessed on 02/03/2011] http://www.btplc.com/Sharesandperformance/AGMs/AGM2010/AGM2010slides.pdf BT Plc (2011) Around BT: Global Services. BT Today. February 2011. pp 39-41. BT Plc (2009) BT Global Services provides full IP convergence project for Roberto Cavalli Group. BT Press releases [Online] 19th November [Accessed on 02/03/2011] http://www.btplc.com/News/Articles/Showarticle.cfm?ArticleID=A0C112A6-D3B5-47C5-B26D-383B12658748 BT Plc (2010) Investor Day Part 1. [Online] [Accessed on 26/02/2011] http://www.btplc.com/Sharesandperformance/Quarterlyresults/Financialpresentations/q410Investor1.pdf BT Plc (2010) Jeff Kelly joins BT as CEO BT Global Services [Online] [Accessed on 02/03/2011] http://www.btplc.com/news/Articles/ShowArticle.cfm?ArticleID=0D9B24BA-B757-4880-95AB-5B0820E975A5 BT Plc (2002) Risk Factors. [Online] [Accessed on 01/03/2011] http://www.btplc.com/report/risk.shtml BT Plc (2011) The historical development of BT. [Online] [Accessed on 27/02/2011] http://www.btplc.com/Thegroup/BTsHistory/History.htm De Wit, B and Meyer, R. (2004) Strategy: Process, Content, Context. 3rd Edition. London Douglas, S., Wind, Y. (1987) The Myth of Globalisation. Columbia Journal of World Business, Winter Fagan, M. (1994) ATT readies for battle with BT: Granting of licence to US giant sets scene for new wave of competition in British telephone services. The Independent. [Online] 9th July [ Accessed on 01/03/2011] http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/att-readies-for-battle-with-bt-granting-of-licence-to-us-giant-sets-scene-for-new-wave-of-competition-in-british-telephone-services-1412595.html FAME (2011) Company report: BT Global Services Limited [Online] [Accessed on 03/03/2011] Available from: FAME Forbes, C. (2010), Strategic Change, Lecture/Class, Manchester Metropolitan University, unpublished. Gardiner, P. D., Turner, C. (2007) De-internationalisation and global strategy: the case of British Telecomunications (BT). Journal of Business Industrial Marketing, Vol. 22 Iss:7, pp 489-497. Glick, B. (2008) BT Global Services chief quits after profit warning [Online] Computing.co.uk [Accessed on 02/03/2011] http://www.computing.co.uk/ctg/news/1859249/bt-global-services-chief-quits-profit-warning Harris, N. (2010) BT will continue providing the phone and internet services for the Department for Work and Pension. [Online] ITPro [Accessed on 02/03/2011] http://www.itpro.co.uk/620347/dwp-extends-bt-service-contract-worth-237-million Horsburgh, S. (2011) Strategy Formation. Lecture/Class, Manchester Metropolitan University, Unpublished. International Business Times (2010) Unilever signs à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬173 million IT services contract with BT Global. [Online] [Accessed on 02/03/2011] http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/35898/20100715/unilever-signs-it-services-contract-bt-global.htm Levitt, T. (1983) The globalization of markets. Harvard Business Review. May-June London Stock Exchange (2011) BT Group PLC ORD 5p [Online] [Assesed on 26/02/2011] http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/prices-and-markets/stocks/summary/company-summary.html?fourWayKey=GB0030913577GBGBXSET1 McIntosh (2000) BT wrestles with internal divisions over strategy The independent [Online] 19th September [Accessed on 01/03/2011] http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/bt-wrestles-with-internal-divisions-over-strategy-700126.html Ovum (2009) BT Global Services Scores First [Online] [Accessed on 03/03/2011] www.globalservices.bt.com/static/assets/pdf/Insights%20and%20Ideas/Ovum%20Research%20-%20BT%20Global%20Services%20Scores%20First.pdf Pappalardo, D. and Mears, J. (2002) ATT spells out international strategy. Network World [Online] [Accessed on 01/03/2011] http://www.networkworld.com/news/2002/129527_01-28-2002.html Plunkett Research Ltd (2010) Telecommunications Industry Overview. [Online] [Accessed 28/02/2011] http://www.plunkettresearch.com/telecommunications%20market%20research/industry%20statistics Poh, L.C. (1994) The Liberalisation and Privitaisation of Telecommunications in Singapore. [Online] [Accessed on 02/03/2011] http://www.ida.gov.sg/News%20and%20Events/20050727180231.aspx?getPagetype=21 Porter, M.E. (1979) How Competitive Forces Shape Strategy. Harvard business Review, July/August 1997 Porter, M. (1996) What is Strategy?. Harved Business Review, November-December Pritchard, J., Armistead, C. (1999) Business process management lessons from European business, Business Process Management Journal, Vol. 5 Iss: 1, pp.10 35 Servicedesk360 (2009) BT Global Services welcomes new chief. [Online] [Accessed on 01/03/2011] http://www.servicedesk360.com/archives/?p=937 Vertical Systems Group (2007) Ethernet Services Market Update. [Online] [Accessed on 02/03/2011] http://www.twtelecom.com/Documents/Announcements/News/2007/VSG_TWTC_Mid_year07Ethernet.pdf

Shooting an Elephant :: essays research papers

A police officer in the British Raj, the supposedly 'unbreakable'; ruling force, was afraid. With his gun aimed at a elephant's head, he was faced with the decision to pull the trigger. That officer was George Orwell, and he writes about his experience in his short story, 'Shooting an Elephant';. To save face, he shrugged it off as his desire to 'avoid looking the fool'; (George Orwell, 283). In truth, the atmosphere of fear and pressure overwhelmed him. His inner struggle over the guilt of being involved in the subjugation of a people added to this strain, and he made a decision he would later regret enough to write this story. Early on in his essay, Orwell describes how the abuses and treatment he witnessed oppressed him '… with an intolerable sense of guilt,'; (Orwell,277). This is not some minor pang, or nagging worry. The shame pressed down on his shoulders with an unbearable weight. He also describes the injustices in detail, using vivid pictures like 'The wretched prisoners huddling in the stinking cages…'; (Orwell,277). This does not come from someone who condones such behavior. It stems from a troubled, remorseful soul. The mob, thousands by his description, also pressured him. 'I could feel their two-thousand wills pressing me forward, irresistibly,'; he emphasizes (Orwell, 280). It is hard to resist the peer pressure of one or two people, much less a crowd of thousands. He admits, '…in reality I was only an absurd puppet pushed to and fro by the faces behind.'; Thus, the desire and will of the crowd urge him on, ominously. The people despised him. He speaks of being 'hated by large numbers of people'; and the 'sneering yellow faces of young men that met me everywhere..." (Orwell, 276). As one man, how could he dare to go against them? Two thousand could easily overtake one. They would not have aided him, should anything go wrong, and eagerly anticipated that eventuality. He describes his fear that they would watch him be '…pursued, caught, trampled on, and reduced to a grinning corpse…'; should the elephant charge (Orwell, 281).

Groupon †Daily Deal Aggregator Business Model Essay

Objectives 1. Choosing a company with an Innovative Business Model Groupon Groupon is a deal-of-the day website that features discounted gift certificates usable at local or national companies. It is based on the daily deal aggregator business model. Groupon was launched in November 2008, and the first market for Groupon was Chicago, followed soon thereafter by Boston, New York City, and Toronto. By October 2010, Groupon served more than 150 markets in North America and 100 markets in Europe, Asia and South America and had 35 million registered users. In addition to generation of revenues, offering daily deals on Groupon has proved to be beneficial for various businesses. Start-ups have gained market share by offering lucrative deals for customers on Groupon and attracting them to their businesses. Once these businesses gain their initial share of customers, it becomes easier for them to retain these customers and even attract new ones, with the help of providing quality product or service. Various businesses, domestic and international, have gained by often providing daily deals on Groupon. 2. Analysing the Business Model and Identifying the Innovation The Groupon Innovation Groupon is a daily deal website considered to be one of the top ten innovative Business Models with a huge user base of 83 million across 43 countries. Groupon sells coupons in a very unique way; As mentioned above, Groupon follows Daily deal Aggregator Business Model which enables groups of people who want to purchase a particular product or service to sign up and then seek a volume discount from vendors. These discounts are in the form of daily deals/coupons for products or services. Daily Deal websites typically  offer a single product or service a day for a discount and these deals become valid only after a pre-specified number of people sign up to avail this deal. When the deal expires, or sells out, the offer is gone. Daily Deal websites typically offer one product or service a day for a discount. This Business Model reduces risk for retailers who post the offers; They can treat the coupons as quantity discounts as well as sales promotion tools. Groupon makes money by keeping approximately half the money the customer pays for the coupon. For example, an $80 haircut could be purchased by the consumer for $40 through Groupon, and then Groupon and the retailer would split the $40. That is, the parlour gives a haircut valued at $80 and gets approximately $20 from Groupon for it (under a 50%/50% split). The consumer gets the haircut, in this example, from the parlour for which they have paid $40 to Groupon. Unlike classified advertising, the merchant does not pay any upfront cost to participate: Groupon collects personal information from willing customers and then contacts only those customers, primarily by daily email, who may possibly be interested in a particular product or service. Groupon breaks into new markets by identifying successful local businesses, first by sending in an advance a number of employees to gain data about the local market; when it finds a business with outstanding reviews, salespeople approach it and explain the model, and use social marketing sites such as Facebook to further promote the idea. Groupon’s biggest strength is its user base which has grown due to its First Mover Advantage and affordable deals. The question, however, at present is the sustainability of the business model. According to the CEO, Andrew Mason, Groupon is trying to â€Å"fundamentally change the way that people buy from local businesses in the same way that e-commerce changed the way that people buy products.† 3. Analysing the Market Scenerio Present Scenerio in the market The emergence of dozens of competitors to Groupon, with customers frequently playing one site off against another, diminishes the competitive differentiation between them. In addition, merchants whose goods and services are featured on the sites are now being courted by more players, making them less loyal and less likely to be prepared to pay rich premiums for the sites’ directing new customers to their store locations. Further, the benefits to both customers and merchants are likely to drop as the market is flooded with same kind of offers. Moreover, some of its big rivals are backed by some major funding and engineering resources. LivingSocial is backed by Amazon – it grew gross revenues 32 percent from August to September, bolstered by a blockbuster Whole Foods deal. Smaller players like TravelZoo and Bloomspothave their own advantages; They tend to be more focused on a particular niche. Apart from competition, there are also the issues of taxation; States including New York have decided merchants should collect sales taxes on the full face value of items purchased, not the price that consumers actually pay.

Fictional obituary: Romeo and Juliet Essay

Romeo Montague died on 1st November 1602. He was born in the National Hospital of Verona on the 20th October 1587. He sadly committed suicide at the tender age of fifteen. He committed suicide by drinking an unknown but extremely poisonous substance. While Romeo was alive he led a happy and joyful life. He always lived life to its fullest; he had no restrictions unlike the females of his age. Even though Romeo had a very short life he still had quite a lot of accomplishments. He won the award for the best swordsman of the city of Verona when he was only twelve years old. He also won the award for being the most handsome and good looking youngster of Verona. Although his death caused a lot of grievance, it had a positive outcome also. His death caused the end of the hostility between the Montagues and Capulets. He is survived by his father and mother. God bless his soul. Paris Escalus Paris Escalus sadly died on 21st October 1602. He died at the age of twenty years and one-hundred days. He was born in Prince Escalus’s royal family with a silver spoon in his mouth. He had all the luxuries one could possibly imagine. Even though he was from such a noble family he was very modest and down to earth. He studied very hard in school and did not live of his surname. Paris was brutally murdered by Romeo Montague at the Capulet cemetery. Paris was probably one of the most accomplished gentlemen of Verona. He was the youngest person to have their photography on the â€Å"Verona Times† magazine. In a city wide survey he had the highest IQ. He was you can say: ingenious. His intellect will definitely be missed. He is survived by his parents and his younger sister. Paris Escalus will be sorely missed and will be remembered forever. Au revoir! Juliet Capulet Juliet Capulet died on 31st October 1602. She was born in the Bumbum Hospital of Verona on the 20th September 1589. She sadly died from an unknown illness at the tender age of thirteen. How can God be so cruel? How can he kill out poor Juliet at such a young and tender age? Nevertheless, while Juliet was alive she led a happy life. She lived like a true lady and always seemed to have a positive outlook on life. Even though Juliet had a very short life she still had quite a lot of accomplishments. She won the award for the most thoughtful person of Verona. She also won the award for being the most beautiful and good looking youngster of Verona. Although his sadness caused a lot of grievance, it had a positive outcome also. Like Romeo her death caused a lot of misery but also signaled the end of the unfriendliness between the Montagues and Capulets. She is survived by her father and mother. May she rest in peace.

Comparison of the High Caliphate and the Golden Age essays

Comparison of the High Caliphate and the Golden Age essays The High Caliphate, including the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties, and the Golden Age of the Tang and Song dynasties had numerous similarities. Both strongly influenced foreign lands, while being influenced by others. However, the many differences in the more individual achievements of the High Caliphate and Golden Age of Tang and Song are what set the two ages apart and make them singular pieces to a larger whole in history, proving them worthy of closer study and comparison. First of all, there is the fact that both eras included two dynasties apiece. The Umayyad and Abbasid and the Tang and Song dynasties were called dynasties because a succession of the rule was passed along the ruling bloodline. This was more of a forced and reluctantly accepted trait in the Umayyad dynasty that continued throughout the Abbasid dynasty, whereas in the Chinese dynasties it was an integral part of the rule, according to the mandate of heaven that defined the rulers as divinely chosen for the task. Both the High Caliphate and the Golden Age of Tang and Song also had a period of transition and political fragmentation between dynasties as well. Both of these periods produced dynasties with extensive empires in different regions of the world. The Golden Age dynasties controlled a large part of the East, while the High Caliphate dynasties controlled a region to the West that spanned from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean. The reason so much land came under the rule of these dynasties was their extensive military forces. The army during the Abbasid dynasty was the most impressive in the world at the time. The only significant difference in the two armies was society's view of soldiers, as soldiers were thoroughly looked down upon by the people of the Golden Age dynasties. The two ages of dynasties produced effective, though different models of government and foreign affairs. The High Caliphate adopted and mixed some foreign governme...

Cats Essays - Cats, Cat, Dog, Cat Health, Dog Health, Cat Training

Cats Essays - Cats, Cat, Dog, Cat Health, Dog Health, Cat Training Cats One of the reason I would choose cat is because they are cleaner and neater than dogs. Cats wash themselves by their tongues most of the time, so they don?t smell and they always look clean. While the dog, if it wasn?t given a shower at least once a week, it would smell as well as the house. Another reason why cats are clean is because they poop and piss in one designated place in the house which is called the litter box, once that box is shown to the cat, it will use it reguraly. Unlike the dog, that needs to be walked out at least twice a day to get its things done, and whoever walking it has to pick up the waste after him, so cats are less work than dogs. Cats are more quiet and peaceful than dogs. They don?t meow all the time and they don?t meow at the visitors at home, they do so only if they are hungry or in pain . Whereas dogs bark whenever they hear someone knocking the door or they see someone around the house. But sometimes, they just bark with no reason which is annoying for the neighbors, and sometimes they get too excited and bite whoever is passing by, which can put his keeper in deep trouble. Another reason I prefer cats rather than dogs is that cat independent. As I stated before, cats don?t need to be taken out for a walk, so it?s okay if they are left home alone for couple for day but with enough food and water. By contrast, dogs always need someone to be next to them even if they have enough food and water because they need space where they run and play. Some people prefer to own dogs thinking that dogs would protect them from robberies since they have a high sense of smell and hearing which is something I agree with, but only the trained dogs that can smell and tell if there is any danger around and even if they heard something and started barking, they might be ignored since they bark all the time. Finally, cats will not destroy the furniture because there is a tall scratching thing that can be put for them in a corner of the house to use it whenever feel to like scratching, therefore they will leave the furniture alone. Cats are more favorable to be a home pet than dogs since they are low maintenance and good companions. It?s the perfect pet for someone who has less space and time. Yet many people who have plenty space and time still want a cat in their home because they love its characters. Citations

Profile of Anton Chekhovs Life and Career

Profile of Anton Chekhovs Life and Career The Origins of a Storyteller Born in 1860, Anton Chekhov grew up in the Russian town of Taganrog. He spent much of his childhood quietly sitting in his fathers fledgling grocery store. He watched the customers and listened to their gossip, their hopes, and their complaints. Early on, he learned to observe the everyday lives of humans. His ability to listen would become one of his most valuable skills as a storyteller. Anton Chekhovs Youth His father, Paul Chekhov, grew up in an impoverished family. Antons grandfather was actually a serf in Czarist Russia, but through hard work and thriftiness, he purchased his familys freedom. Young Antons father became a self-employed grocer, but the business never prospered and eventually fell apart. Monetary woes dominated Chekhovs childhood. Due to his experiences with poverty, financial conflicts are prominent in his plays and fiction. Full-Time Medical Student / Part-Time Writer Despite economic hardship, Chekhov was a talented student. In 1879, he left Taganrog to attend medical school in Moscow. Due to his familys poverty, he felt the pressure of being the head of the household. Chekhov needed a way to make money without abandoning school. Writing stories provided a solution. He began writing humorous stories for local newspapers and journals. Although paid very little at first, Chekhov was a prolific humorist. By the time he was in his fourth year of medical school, he had caught the attention of several editors. By 1883, his stories were earning him not only money but notoriety. Chekhovs Literary Purpose As a writer, Chekhov did not subscribe to a particular religion or political affiliation. He wanted to satirize not preach. At the time, artists and scholars debated the purpose of literature. Some felt that literature should offer life instructions. Others felt that art should simply exist to please. For the most part, Chekhov agreed with the latter view. The artist must be, not the judge of his characters and of what they say, but merely a dispassionate observer. Anton Chekhov Chekhov the Playwright Because of his fondness for dialogue, Chekhov felt drawn to the theater. His early plays such as Ivanov and The Wood Demon artistically dissatisfied him. In 1895 he began working on a rather original theatrical project: The Seagull. It was a play that defied many of the traditional elements of common stage productions. It lacked plot and it focused on many interesting yet emotionally static characters. The Seagull - The Breakthrough Play In 1896 The Seagull received a disastrous response on opening night. The audience actually booed during the first act. Fortunately, innovative directors Konstantin Stanislavski and Vladimir Nemirovich-Danechenko believed in Chekhovs work. Their new approach to drama invigorated audiences. The Moscow Art Theatre restaged The Seagull and created a triumphant crowd-pleaser. The Later Plays Soon after, the Moscow Art Theatre, led by Stanislavski and Nemirovich-Danechenko, produced the rest of Chekhovs masterpieces: Uncle Vanya (1899)The Three Sisters (1900)The Cherry Orchard (1904) Chekhovs Love Life The Russian storyteller played with themes of romance and marriage, but throughout most of his life he did not take love seriously. He had occasional affairs, but he did not fall in love until he met Olga Knipper, an up-and-coming Russian actress. They were very discreetly married in 1901. Chekhov the Playwright Olga not only starred in Chekhovs plays, she also deeply understood them. More than anyone in Chekhovs circle, she interpreted the subtle meanings within the plays. For example, Stanislavski thought The Cherry Orchard was a tragedy of Russian life. Olga instead knew that Chekhov intended it to be a gay comedy, one that almost touched upon farce. Olga and Chekhov were kindred spirits, though they did not spend much time together. Their letters indicate that they were very affectionate to one another. Sadly, their marriage would not last very long, due to Chekhovs failing health. Chekhovs Final Days At the age of 24, Chekhov began showing signs of tuberculosis. He tried to ignore this condition; however, by his early 30s, his health had deteriorated beyond denial. When The Cherry Orchard opened in 1904, tuberculosis has ravaged his lungs. His body was visibly weakened. Most of his friends and family knew the end was near. Opening night of The Cherry Orchard became a tribute filled with speeches and heartfelt thanks. It was their was of saying goodbye to Russias greatest playwright. On July 14th, 1904, Chekhov stayed up late working on yet another short story. After going to bed, he suddenly awoke and summoned a doctor. The physician could do nothing for him but offer a glass of champagne. Reportedly, his final words were, Its a long time since I drank champagne. Then, after drinking the beverage, he died Chekhovs Legacy During and after his lifetime, Anton Chekhov was adored throughout Russia. Aside from his beloved stories and plays, he is also remembered as a humanitarian and a philanthropist. While living in the country, he often attended to the medical needs of the local peasants. Also, he was renowned for sponsoring local writers and medical students. His literary work has been embraced throughout the world. While many playwrights create intense, life-or-death scenarios, Chekhovs plays offer everyday conversations. Readers cherish his extraordinary insight into the lives of the ordinary. References Malcolm, Janet, Reading Chekhov, a Critical Journey, Granta Publications, 2004 edition.Miles, Patrick (ed), Chekhov on the British Stage, Cambridge University Press, 1993.

Investigating the environemtal impacts from plastic bags Research Paper

Investigating the environemtal impacts from plastic bags - Research Paper Example The Case Against Plastic Bags The manufacturing process requires 12 million barrels of oil per year, creating over 100 billion plastic shopping bags (Gamerman). With only about a 5% recycling rate (inspiration green), the landfills will overflow with bags that are not recycled or reused. A number of wildlife groups report discarded plastic bags are eaten by a variety of land and sea creatures with fatal effects. These concerns and other create the larger argument for environmental stewardship: The Tragedy of the Commons (Hardin, 1968) and TANSTAAFL (Dolan, 1971). Both of these writings warn of the economic â€Å"free rider† problem that is the bane of environmental stewardship The free rider problem refers to the polluting or overuse of the natural resources since no tax or fee is associated with dumping. The tragedy of the commons is the overuse and overgrazing of the common land. Since each herdsman wanted to maximize profits, they exploited the free grazing land by adding m ore and more cattle. Soon, the grazing land was destroyed, unable to recover and nobody could feed their cattle. The herdsmen who believed in proper stewardship either went broke or joined the others in selfish overuse. Pollution and contamination work the same way. Traditionally, industry would dump waste into rivers, bury toxins on site and spew horrid smoke into the air because the water, land and air were considered a common good; and companies could dump waste at â€Å"no cost†. With the Environmental Protection Agency and State environmental departments cracking down on polluters with fines and criminal penalties, this practice has abated, but does continue to a lesser extent. The neo-tragedy argument includes recycling and the after-effects of environmentally resilient products. TANSTAAFL (Dolan) originated in science fiction by Heinlein; the acronym means â€Å"there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch†. Dolan adopted the acronym in order to present his economic argument that pollution rights should be sold as an economic good. A calculation of the maximum mass of each pollutant potentially and immediately sorbed into the environment would lead to an inventory of polluting rights. These rights would be sold at auction to industries with a waste disposal problem. Other constituents would have to design non-polluting mechanisms to compete. Obviously, the cost of pollution would be set by the market. (Dolan) The money raised through the auction plus fines on pollution cheaters would pay for remediation. The plastic bag opponents take this argument one step further and assign responsibility for individual litter and recycling to the manufacturer. As much as 4% of trash in landfills consists of plastic bags. (DOE) As consumers use more and more plastic bags, even to contain trash, the landfills will take longer to naturally reclaim the natural resource of land. In an interesting study, small communal group, the Hutterites, were observed . (Hardin, 3) The finding was that when the colony size approaches 150, individuals begin to under-contribute and over-demand. Smaller groups manage by shame; however, larger groups lose that capacity. The commonistic approach of the Hutterites loses manageability in larger

Education leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Education leadership - Essay Example ?s model relies on the personal responsibility of the individual participants within the system to administer the policies that ensure a safe environment to all involved. The first and primary goal is to focus on the end that leads to the maximalization of utility for the learning process. As such, the ways in which strategic goals and plans are implemented are entirely concentric around this. Rather than getting caught up in the minutia that many other educational approaches are so oftentimes ensnared, Clark’s approach seeks to focus on the end goal as a means of attempting to gain both educator and student buy in for the strategic goals and changes that will be pursued. This model helps to keep both parties focused on the true goal rather than becoming distracted by minutia. What is unique about Clark’s approach is the fact that many of the positions that may be required at a traditional school such as substitute teachers are not a requirement for his model. Rather, it is beholden upon the other staff members to shift their schedules and classes so that the subject matter can be covered with the class regardless (Clark 2011). Again, this focuses on the personal responsibility framework and encourages educators to not miss a single day of class for any reason other than a legitimate one. What is unique about Ron Clark’s approach to education is that he fully embraces corporate sponsors in attempting to recruit the raw capital that is required to perform the educational experimentation and development that his model encompasses. Although many forms of education have actively sought to separate themselves from such â€Å"corporate† sponsorship, Clark has embraced this due to the fact that it is highly likely that many of the students that he serves to educate will at least at some point in their life be employed by such a sponsoring entity. In this way Clark does not see that such sponsorship dilutes the educational process; rather, it is a form of

Sample Statistic, p-value, Confidence interval Assignment

Sample Statistic, p-value, Confidence interval - Assignment Example 1) What is the null hypothesis (H0) tested? H0: Ï€ ≠¤ 0.5 2) What is the alternative hypothesis (H1)? H1: Ï€ > 0.5 3) Sample statistic: a. What is the meaning of the sample statistic? A sample statistic is calculated numerical value that characterizes some aspect of sample set of data, often meant to estimate the real value of the corresponding parameter in an underlying population. What is its value? 0.05 4) Test statistic: a. What is the meaning of the test statistic? The test stat is the distance of the sample proportion from the population proportion in standard errors of the distribution of the test statistic b. What is its value? 0.8944 5) Critical values: a. What is the meaning of critical value? Critical value(s) is a factor used to compute the margin of error. Critical value(s) of the test statistic bounds the rejection region(s) of probability alpha = the risk we are willing to take of rejecting H0 when H0 is true b. What is (are) the critical value(s)? Critical lower value is 1.6449

Somalia Outline Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Somalia - Outline Example The World Bank and USAID have been involved in the water supply sectors of the given countries to a large extent; hence they provide credible and reliable data on the water supply situations in these countries and thus justify the use of these sources. Water provision is a serious problem in most developing countries, and it is even a worse scenario in Somalia. This is a country that has been war-ravaged for the last two decades. To generate effective recommendations for water provision in Somalia, it is first necessary to establish the water supply situation, and then compare water provision systems that are considerably effective in countries with a similar situation like Somalia’s. This study explores the water provision solutions that have been implemented in Mozambique and Ghana and use them to generate recommendations for the water supply crisis in Somalia. According to the Advanced Blue Revolution Initiative, Somalia lacks an official water supply and sanitation system (ABRI 2009, p. 1). A large population obtains water from boreholes and shallow wells. The shallow wells are usually located near settlements, and the condition of this water is alarming due to nearly latrines seeping health hazards to ground water; cholera and diarrhoea outbreaks are common, and ABRI statistics indicate that less than 29% of the population has access to clean and sustainable water sources. It might be necessary to point out that the urban water supply system that existed in Somalia before degeneration into conflict was already constrained, poorly funded and mismanaged, and became inoperable after the civil crisis. This is the basis that informs the choice of comparison countries; Mozambique has an experience of nearly 20 years in war, and Ghana is muted as a model for other developing countries in efforts to curb most of their challenging problems. A brief background on Mozambique’s water provision system indicates that it was rendered useless

Ralph Lauren Rugby 's fail reasons and re-launch marketing strategy Essay

Ralph Lauren Rugby 's fail reasons and re-launch marketing strategy - Essay Example ng up with a new market strategy for the company is to give the company a chance to re-launch and come in the market again growing at a good pace and capturing the maximum market across the globe. This will help the company to revamp and also grow in the Competitive market environment. Polo Ralph Lauren been the parent company launched Rugby Ralph Lauren in 2004 in America as a clothing brand. The brand was launched getting inspired from the Rugby lifestyle for both male and females of age group in between 16 to 25. Rugby brand was available at 12 stores in whole of US and one in London. The brand also started its online marketing from 2008 and started its own website Rugby.com. This brand was a concept which was developed by designer Ralph Lauren. The first store location of the brand was in Boston which was opened in 2004. The biggest advantage that the brand had was its low price and attractive designs which attracted the young generation a lot from their parent brand products which were much more luxury and costlier than the brand Rugby. The company did launch the dress materials and bags in the designs with logos and photos of rugby players and also in the colours of the uniforms of the rugby teams. This brand had a line of products under its name like the po lo’s, jackets, outerwear, dresses, shirts and also many other accessories for the young generation mainly. The brand also gave the option of making personalized shirts for the customers based on the patches of various designs that the company had under its list of designs. In this report the reasons for the failure of this brand in the market is been studied based on which the marketing strategy that can be utilised for the re-launching of the brand and make it successful is been understood and analysed using various marketing theories and concepts. The parent brand Ralph Lauren has many sub brands under its umbrella like the Polo brand, Club Monaco, Chaps, RRL and RLX brands, Black Label, Pink Pony,

Animal Agriculture in Ukraine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Animal Agriculture in Ukraine - Essay Example Since independence, Ukraine’s animal agricultural policy seeks to address key issues such as; food security, the development of rural areas and international competitiveness with the poultry, beef and pig sectors being the most protected. Poultry farming, pig farming, Animal Feed production, Cattle farming and Bio Energy production constitute the key animal agricultural sectors in Ukraine. The country’s agricultural sector remains a key economic determinant; although the sector’s total output collapsed by 40% between the years 1990 and 2010, (USUBC, 2008). The period also saw the reallocation of resources as a result of comparative advantage with the share of grains in production growing at the expense of livestock. Statistics indicate that, between the years 1990 and 2008, livestock output suffered extensively with the production falling by 50% compared to only 25% for grain production, (USUBC, 2008). It is further predicted that the sector will further contract by 18% in the projection period from 2010 to 2018. Besides, the country’s Foreign Direct investment in Animal agriculture continues to lag behind other countries as a result of its structure and regulatory framework. It is estimated that FDI in animal agriculture fell from over 21% in 1990 to just 5% in 2002. Generally, an estimated 13% of Ukraine’s total land area constitutes permanent pasture land. A 2001 statistic indicate that there were 9.4 million head of cattle, 963,000 sheep, 7.6 million pigs, 912,000 goats, 20 million ducks and 103 million chickens,(OECD 2004). Poultry numbers increased by 9% between the years 2004 and 2006 while the number of pigs 25%. However, the number of cattle decreased by 11% within the same period. Turkeys, goats, Horses, rabbits and ducks are also bred and raised in the country, (USUBC, 2008). Meat production is a key component of the country’s animal agricultural sector with a 2001 statistic indicating that 646,000, 591,000 and 239,000 tons of beef, pork and poultry meat respectively were produced within the year much less than the 1, 986,000, 1, 576,000 and 239,000 tons of the same products in 1990. Milk and egg production are also key segments within Ukraine’s animal agricultural sector. In 2001, milk and egg production totaled t o 13.4 million and 546,000 tons respectively, (USUBC, 2008). In addition to animal rearing, Animal food production is also a key component of the country’s animal agriculture. Most feed production is for poultry estimated at 2.2 million tones in 2006 while pig and cattle feeds accounted for 850 and 650 tones respectively,(OECD 2004). Animal food production is however highly centralized, with an estimated 30 companies producing half of all feed. Furthermore, the country’s largest producers manufacture nearly all major types of feeds although the tendency to produce feeds for personal needs by farmers has also increased. This has can be attributed to the desire to save cost and to practice contemporary animal breeding techniques within their own farms,(OECD 2004). Changing Trend Although Ukraine has done considerably well in the animal agricultural sector, its full potential is yet to be realized. In beef farming for example, the cattle heard in 2009 was found to be almo st 88% below that of independence in 1991. Beef remains the largest meat sector with 900, 000 tones production in 2008. This is followed by pig meat and Poultry meat at 700,000 and 30, 000 tones

Ralph Lauren Rugby 's fail reasons and re-launch marketing strategy Essay

Ralph Lauren Rugby 's fail reasons and re-launch marketing strategy - Essay Example ng up with a new market strategy for the company is to give the company a chance to re-launch and come in the market again growing at a good pace and capturing the maximum market across the globe. This will help the company to revamp and also grow in the Competitive market environment. Polo Ralph Lauren been the parent company launched Rugby Ralph Lauren in 2004 in America as a clothing brand. The brand was launched getting inspired from the Rugby lifestyle for both male and females of age group in between 16 to 25. Rugby brand was available at 12 stores in whole of US and one in London. The brand also started its online marketing from 2008 and started its own website Rugby.com. This brand was a concept which was developed by designer Ralph Lauren. The first store location of the brand was in Boston which was opened in 2004. The biggest advantage that the brand had was its low price and attractive designs which attracted the young generation a lot from their parent brand products which were much more luxury and costlier than the brand Rugby. The company did launch the dress materials and bags in the designs with logos and photos of rugby players and also in the colours of the uniforms of the rugby teams. This brand had a line of products under its name like the po lo’s, jackets, outerwear, dresses, shirts and also many other accessories for the young generation mainly. The brand also gave the option of making personalized shirts for the customers based on the patches of various designs that the company had under its list of designs. In this report the reasons for the failure of this brand in the market is been studied based on which the marketing strategy that can be utilised for the re-launching of the brand and make it successful is been understood and analysed using various marketing theories and concepts. The parent brand Ralph Lauren has many sub brands under its umbrella like the Polo brand, Club Monaco, Chaps, RRL and RLX brands, Black Label, Pink Pony,

Temperature-dependent impact tests Essay Example for Free

Temperature-dependent impact tests Essay Purpose This lab was performed to fully comprehend the temperature dependency of the fracture toughness of the Aluminum and Steel. It was also executed to discover the ductile-brittle transition of each. Summary The experiment solidified the hypothesis that the 6061 aluminum has no ductile-to-brittle transition do to its FCC crystal structure. The 1018 steel has a ductile-to-brittle transition temperature of -31Â ºC due to its BCC crystal structure. Results Figure 1: Graph of fracture energy vs. temperature for entire class data From Figure 1 one can determine that steel has a ductile-to-brittle transition temperature at -31Â ºC requiring a large increase in energy required to fracture over the temperature range. Also it can be determined that aluminum has no ductile to brittle transition due to the almost nonexistent change in fracture energy over the temperature range. Figure 2:Â  Photos of the fracture of each specimen for each testing temperature From the photos in Figure 2 one can see that the Aluminum fracture remains relatively constant throughout the temperature range. This shows plastic deformation due to its ductile behavior throughout the testing temperatures. The steel on the other hand is brittle at the colder temperatures and from the pictures you can see the grain boundaries are more visible and course. This represents a brittle failure. As the temperature increases, the grains become smoother as seen in the photos, which denote a transition to plastic deformation for a more ductile steel. Conclusion The results show that for the 1018 steel the fracture energy increases over the temperature increase, while for the 6061 aluminum the fracture energy stays relatively constant throughout the temperature increase. In the Figure 2 photos, the aluminum is relatively constant on the surface of the fracture. There is a smooth appearance to the grains on the surface of the aluminum, displaying plastic deformation. For the steel, the grains are jagged and rough at the lower temperatures, displaying shearing of the grains, but as the temperature increases the surface becomes smooth like the aluminum. The crystal structure of the 1018 steel is a BCC when the 6061 Aluminum has a FCC. For a BCC crystal structure there is ductile-to-brittle transition due to cleavage in the grains, but in a FCC crystal structure cleavage is nonexistent therefore no ductile-to-brittle transition occurs. In conclusion the 1018 steel has ductile-to-brittle transition.

The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer

The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer Abstract This paper aims at exploring the charm of the adventures of Tom Sawyer. It includes two parts: they are the charm of the plot arrangement and the charm of the words. It analyzes childrens characteristics in the novel. Besides, it indicates the charm of the twists and turns in the novel. Finally, this paper analyzes the charm of the words of the adventures of Tom Sawyer. Readers can understand the novel better through the above analyses. Key Words: charm, Tom Sawyer, adventures 1. Introduction Over the past decades, there have been many different kinds of novels come out. In addition, these new kinds of novels attract a lot of readers. However, it does not mean that people have to ignore or give up the old famous works. On the contrary, these famous works are unique; people should cherish the treasure which was left by those famous writers. People can know and learn much information from these works. For example, Mark Twains the adventures of Tom Sawyer. It was published in 1876; it focuses on Toms personal growth. The novel follows the development of Tom from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood. It also resembles novels of the picaresque genre, in that Tom moves from one adventures to another. The adventures of Tom Sawyer fits the style of satire, folk narrative, and comedy. This novel is worthy to read. This paper analyzes the charm of the adventures of Tom Sawyer. It includes two parts: they are the charm of the plot arrangement and the charm of the words. The author intends to analyze this novel in different ways, to let more people understand and like this amazing novel. 2. Literature Review In these years, the adventures of Tom Sawyer is a popular topic for experts to conduct their studies. Different aspects relevant to the adventures of Tom Sawyer have been come out. This section provides a brief survey of some researches on the adventures of Tom Sawyer. Li Li ping, from Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, she indicated, Though this novel tells about the life of childrens adventures, it is romantic and legendary; in the meanwhile, it is a very serious novel.(2008). Cao Shan ke, from Sun Yat-Sen University, he pointed out that the adventures of Tom Sawyer sustains its vitality to keep attracting readers from one generation to another, that is determined by its own literature charm. Mark Twain used variety kinds of writing skills to make this novel stretch over ages and keep pace with history,. In addition, he can let readers produce new realization and thinking about the heroes in the novel. (2003). Jiiang Li na, from Gan su Union University, she indicated, Tom make the experience of adventures and irony theme, both were dispersive, join together. Mar Twain uncovered the social hypocrisy and sati red the ugly people and phenomenon by the humorous and irony way. A sense of humor and irony is one of the most attractive features in this novel.(2009). There are many researches of the adventures of Tom Sawyer, but some aspects are the same, it will be difficult for readers to understand this novel in different angles. 3. The charm of the plot arrangement 3.1The charm of childrens characteristic 3.11 Childrens curiosity Curiosity is childrens common characteristic. Curiosity makes them interest in everything. Children want to explore the world; they want to know something new. In other words, curiosity is motivation; it can push children to do something. That is why Mark Twain endowed Tom Sawyer curious and venturesome characteristics. In chapter 2 of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, one Saturday morning, Tom was punished by Aunt Polly; he had to whitewash the fence. That was impossible for Tom, who was a boy could not stop hanging out. So, he had to find out a way to solve this problem. And, he saw Jim, who was the only guy was interested at his sore tore. Normally, who wants to look at a sore toe, who cares others sore toe. That was incredible. However, children were different form adults, they were curious about anything that they had not seen yet. As a result of curiosity, Jim helped Tom whitewash the fence just for the sore toe. Unluckily, Aunt Polly found that, Tom had to do it by himself again. Clever Tom always had methods, the key was -childrens curiosity. He did something to catch childrens attention. Tom went on whitewashing paid no attention to the steamboat. No answer. Tom surveyed his last touch with the eye of an artist What do you call work? Tom pretended to enjoy whitewash. Besides, he succeeded to stimulate others curiosity. Children wanted to try that mysterious task, and they were willing to exchange their toys to the whitewashing. In addition, Tom became a winner because of the childrens curiosity. And in the latter chapters, Tom persuaded his friends, Joe Harper and Huckleberry Finn to slip away to Jacksons Island. They agreed to do that because they had never experienced that before. Their curiosity pushed them to do that. In fact, in our daily life, curiosity has become an important part of childrens motivation to do anything. Curiosity seems a catalyst for the children; it can provoke children to finish tasks spontaneously. 3.12 Childrens naughtiness Naughtiness is childrens inborn nature. Children like playing, and playing is the essential task for them. So, in the novel, boys were so naughty that they made a lot of fun or troubles. In chapter 1, Tom had already showed his naughtiness to the readers. Though Aunt Polly had made some measures (sewed shirt collar, white thread) to prevent Tom swimming, clever Tom could still avoid those measures to go to swim. He could nearly succeed, but Sid let him down. Why did Tom make himself at risky? He knew Aunt Polly would check him whether swim or not. Because of naughtiness, which was childrens characteristic, it pushed Tom to take adventure. Naughtiness not just showed in chapter 1, in chapter 21, boys expressed their naughtiness onto the headmaster. He seemed to take a vindictive pleasure in punishing the least shortcomings, so the smaller boys spent their days in terror and suffering and their nights in plotting revenge. That just liked a circle, the kids became naughtier, and the hea dmaster punished them more. Consequently, the boys planed to make a big project-a cat. She grabbed his wig with her desperate claws, clung to it, and was snatched up into the garret in an instant with her trophy still in her possession! And how the light did blaze abroad from the masters bald pate for the sign-painters boy had gilded it! How naughty they were! They dared to play a joke on the headmaster. The boys were not evil, but just naughty. They did that just for fun, the biggest motivation. Actually, in the daily life, children like tricks, too. When parents tell them not to do that, they may not listen to their parents obediently. Because they are naughty, they do not want to a good boy or good girl. Or, they can catch others attention when they are naughty. People can accept childrens naughtiness because that is childrens nature. 3.13 Childrens innocence Childrens innocence is also another childrens common trait. Children do not like adults; they seem to be a piece of white paper, there is no stain on it. They are pure, they have not entered the society yet, instead, they live in a sterile world-a simple children circle. If they want to get one thing, they will just go for it, always directly, without other thinking. In the novel, though we can see many chapters show us childrens naughtiness, childrens innocence also was set. In chapter 6, Tom lay thinking. Presently it occurred to him that he wished he was sick; then he could stay home from school. Children are children; they often have this thinking-skipping class. Not for what, just do not like having class or for going out to have fun, this is a simple motivation. However, it seemed well worth while to chance it, so he fell to groaning with considerable spirit. When children want to skip class, they always want to find out a reasonable excuse. And the most frequently used and eff ective one is being ill. Many people have used this excuse when they were kids. But sometimes, it does not work, because parents know their children well. In the novel, Aunt Polly also found out Tom was pretending ill. Finally, Tom gave in. He said: Oh, please, auntie, dont pull it out. It dont hurt any more. I wish I may never stir if it does. Please dont, auntie. I dont want to stay home from school. Tom is typical, he is a portrait of children. He is clever, but he cannot hide his innocence. Adults can easily figure out these childish tricks. Overall, children are children, they will never solve problem with deep consideration as adults. They will just use their naÃÆ' ¯ve, simple way to deal with problems. That is also the big difference between children and adults. The charm of childrens wish to become adult Many children do not agree that they are still children, they do not want to stay in a little childrens world. They want to grow up as soon as possible. They suppose they are adults, they are mature enough to handle anything. Sometimes, they even hate others treat them as children. They want fair treatment (they think being treated like children is unfair). They often image that one day morning, they have become a adult when they wake up, and then they go to work not go to school. That is childrens desire-to be adults. 3.21 A wish to be a pirate In the novel, Mark Twain also set children with this wish. In chapter 8, he would be a soldier, and return after long years, all war-worn and illustrious. Boys not only like being heroes, but also cheers and big hand. However, being a child could not help to develop into a hero, Tom wanted to change this situation, so he would like to be a soldier that means he had the chance to become an adult and hero. And away in the future come back a great chief, bristling with feathers, hideous with paint, and prance into Sunday- School, some drowsy summer morning, with a blood- curdling war-whoop, and sear the eyeballs of all his companions with unappeasable envy. Many children may think that when they return home with wealth and power, their families and friends will proud of them. Therefore, the first step is, being an adult and going out. Then they can make their dream come true and do whatever they want to do. Thats one of the reasons why children hope to adults. 3.22 Study to smoke Children might be drawn to smoking for any number of reasons to look cool, act older, seem tough, feel more confident and independent. The most important is, they think that smoking makes them appear in the eyes of others more mature. They also believe that they will more easily be accepted or respected by their peers if they smoke. They want to shape their own identities by smoking among teenagers. They would like to break through the circle of being a good child, instead, they would prefer to be heroes. Children often image that they will grow up when they wake up next day. Then, they can go outside to make their dreams come true. At last, they will come back to hometown with wealth and power, their families and friends will be proud of them. In chapter 16, when Tom and his friends, Joe and Huck took adventure at an island, they studied to smoke that made them willing to stay at the island. Tom said, I wish the boys could see us now. Smoking became an approach to show off. They wa nted to let their peers to know that they were different among them. They were superior. They were not kids any more. How cool they were! And Ill say, Oh, thats all right, if its STRONG enough. And then youll out with the pipes, and well light up just as cam, and then just see em look! à £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¾Though Tom and his friends seemed to be naÃÆ' ¯ve, childish, it could not cover the truth they really wanted others to know that they could smoke, that means they had grown up. They could appear as adults. Children wanted to be more grown up because they thought that there would be fewer rules to follow. What needed to do was raise their status among other peers. They could be their examples and leaders. Tom, Joe and Huck studied to smoke not for the excitement of tobacco, but for the wish to become adults. They wanted to show they were not kids any more. (Even they were). The charm of twists and turns The adventures of Tom Sawyer can keep its own vitality from one generation to another because of its own literature charm. In the meanwhile, it attracts more and more readers. Mark Twain made this novel popular among these years. Even periods are different; The adventures of Tom Sawyer can let readers come about their own realization and thoughts about the characters in the novel. Twists and turns is one of the charms of novel, this kind of writing technique makes the novel more attractive. Mark Twain set lots of suspense, tortuous plots and terrifying description in the novel. All of these increased a kind of mysterious tension to make readers can not help to finish the novel. 3.21 Tragedy in the graveyard In chapter 9, Tom sneaked out of bed and went to the graveyard with Huck at night. They hid in the trees to wait for devils. After a while, three figures went into the grave. Tom and Huck thought they were the devils. They were delighted and horrified In fact, these three devils were three adults from the town. In addition, the boys were surprised to recognize the young Dr. Robinson accompanied by two local outcasts, the drunken Muff Potter and Injun Joe. Dr. Robinson ordered two men to dig up a corpse. After finishing the job, a fight ensued because of the extra payment. In the scuffle, Dr. Robinson knocked Potter unconscious with a stone. Moreover, Injun Joe killed Dr. Robinson with Potters knife. Tom and Huck witnessed the murder happened. This murder produced suspense, because the real murderer, Injun Joe told Potter that he killed Dr. Robinson. In addition, Potter believed that. From an adventure to a murder, this children fiction became a mystery story. It made the boys more ma ture in one night. It was difficult to accept the bloody killing process. The murder setting was astonishing for readers, too. In the previous chapters, they were just about childrens tricks, childrens adventures, which were simple, funny and interesting. However, in this chapter, the children innocent style was swerved to detective logically one. Actually, the author had set some tips to suggest that something different would happen. The ticking of the clock, Old beams, the stairs, chirping of a cricket, the howl of a far-off dog, a most melancholy caterwauling etc, showed the atmosphere was strange. These descriptions were so particular that made readers feel like the boys in the novel. These hints drew people into a creepy night to go for adventures with Tom. The boys were shocked by the murder and grew up psychologically in one night. In the meanwhile, readers suddenly realized that it was not only for children, but also for adults. 3.23 The salvation of Muff Potter After witnessing the murder, Tom and Hucks immediate reflection was to flee, both physically and psychologically. They ran from the scene of crime back into the world of children. They were shocked. When Injun Joe blamed Muff Potter for the crime, the boys did not tell the truth because of a blood oath and fear. Tom and Huck felt guilty. Nevertheless, they could still go back to the normal life. Forming pirate crew, learning to smoke, tricking the headmaster and so on, Mark Twain let the funny and relaxing style come back again. Readers can loosen their nerve temporarily from the previous tense atmosphere. Mark Twain could control this situation perfectly (loose-tight-loose). He could catch readers attention and give space for them to take a break or have a thought. Therefore, in chapter 23, a sharp turn came again. Readers sights were focus on the crime once more. In this chapter, Muff Potters trail approached, Tom and Huck agonized about whether they should reveal what they had kno wn. They feared Injun Joe would kill them if they speak out the truth. Huck, they couldnt anybody get you tell, could they? Get me tell? Why, if I wanted that half-breed devil to drownd me they could get me to tellà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦I reckon were safe as long as we keep mum. But lets swear again, anyway. Its more surer.' Children are children; they do not know what to do if they find something wrong. When readers read these words, they may worry about whether the boys would tell the truth or not. How Muff Potter would be sentenced? Whether Injun Joe would be charged? A series of question are raised. Fortunately, Potters lawyer called Tom as a witness for the defense. And Tom told the truth finally. At this moment, readers can take a break. However, at the same moment, the real murderer, Injun Joe escaped. Then, what would happen? Suspense was set again, which made readers worry once more. 3.24 The discovery of real robbers After Injun Joes escape, the town back to normal. Tom and Huck decided to hunt for the treasure. They discussed possible places to dig out treasure. They imaged what they would do if they find treasure. They dug a number of places around the tree but found nothing. At the midnight, the boys came back, found nothing again. Finally, they hesitantly agreed to go to the haunted house, a deserted building nearby. That appeared to be another adventure along the lines of the boys trip of Jacksons Island. It was only when Injun Joe appeared at the house that twists and turns showed again. Readers realized that narrative was no longer skipping from adventure to adventure but instead driving toward an ending. Tom and Huck found one of the two robbers was Injun Joe. At first, they were frightened that Injun Joe would make reprisals. However, when boys found the robbers wanted to hide gold coins at the house. They With gloating eyes they watched every movement. Luck!the splendor of it was beyond all imagination! Six hundred dollars was money enough to make half a dozen boys rich! Before the large sum of money (though they not yet had it), fear could be forgotten temporarily, that was kids thought. Nevertheless, they became desperate because robbers changed the hiding place. By this point of the novel, Mark Twain tight readers nervous again. Twain let the key chapter, Injun Joe show up to prepare finishing the novel. At this point, readers also have a deep thought. What is the ending? Happy or sad? Would Injun Joe take revenge ¼Ã… ¸ A series of query showed Mark Twain succeeded in setting this suspense. Actually, the discovery of real robbers was the hint to foreshadow the ending of the novel. But Mark Twain caught every chances to catch readers eyes, he liked twists and turns, so do the readers. This plot also showed Toms development of maturity and the effects that it had on his interactions with his friends and family. Twists and turns worked again. The charm of words Childrens tone Literature is the art of words. The words of childrens novel should be suitable for children. Childrens novel seems a game, which is played on paper. This game should be interesting and active because its readers are children, and their parents are selectors. This game is also full of childrens humor, direction, curiosity, simplicity and variety. Children can understand the lines without difficult logical reasoning. The adventures of Tom Sawyer is exactly this type of novel. Mark Twain passed the relaxing atmosphere to the readers by the words of Tom and other boys. The tone of the novel is children style; it can express its meaning and convey the characters characteristics by the words. In addition, most of the words of the novel were said by children. And the children in the novel were not good or well educated. In the daily conversations, they often used non-standard oral English, even dialect and slang. Their words were different from the standard language in St. Petersburg; they were thought to be vulgar, dirty and low-down. Mark Twain believed that bad boys should use bad language, they were perfectly matched. In chapter 1, Tom was very angry because Sid told Aunt Polly that he skipped class to swim. He scolded Sid: Siddy, Ill lick you for that. Besides, a boy was a new comer. Tom did not like the boy only because the boy was well dressed. Tom provoked: I can lick you! Id like to see you try it. Well, I can do it. No you cant, either. Yes I can. No you cant. I can.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ A naÃÆ' ¯ve and pure image was presented by Toms sharp and violent words. These words fit in with childrens speaking habit. That will be humorous and funny for the reader, no matter the reader is a kid or an adult. Exquisite description Another feature of this novel is exquisite description. Through the exquisite description, readers can understand the boys in the novel better. Mark Twain was good at description. In chapter 2, the most interesting plot is Toms whitewashing. In a beautiful Saturday morning, Tom was punished to whitewash the fence. For exchanging with his freedom, he took out his treasure-He got out his worldly wealth and examined-bits of toys, marbles and trash. He wanted to use these treasure to tempt other kids to help him whitewash. Afterwards, Tom had a better idea. He pretended the job-whitewashing was not work, it was an Art creation-Tom surveyed his last touch with the eye of an artist. Toms enjoyment of whitewashing caught kids attention as expected. And they were willing to exchange with their treasure for this art creating. Tom pretended to accept the deal reluctantly. Actually, he was happy to exchange. Moreover, he continued to plan another step. planned the slaughter of more innocents. H ow clever Tom was! He knew the boys way of thinking. As if the price of something is higher, people will believe the quality may higher than the cheaper one too. So, Tom knew if he wanted other kids to help, he must let them know how funny the job was and he liked the job. That is kid. If you wanted kids cherish what they got, you should let them get it more difficult. Mark Twains exquisite description not only shows us that the novel is funny but also his understand of childrens thinking. Through these exquisite descriptions, readers can entirely get into the novel, to know, to enjoy the world of children. A sense of humor and irony Humor and Irony is an indirect way to express authors thought. In the novel, Mark Twain satirized social vices, ugly phenomenon and people at that time by humor and irony. The most attractive characteristic of the novel is humor and irony, Mark Twain was always good at using it. In chapter 5, Mark Twain showed us an interesting scene that was people went to church to pray. When talking about the mayor, the author used these words the mayor and his wife-for they had a mayor there, among other unnecessaries, unnecessaries tells the readers that the mayor was a small potato, his position existed in name only. Then, after the minister sung the hymn which was thought beautiful, and the ladies would lift up their hands and let them fall helplessly in their lap, and walltheir eyes, and shake their headsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ On one hand, helplessly and wall expressed peoples appreciation to the minister. On the other hand, people were absent-minded. When the minister droned through an argument, ma ny a head by and by began to nod , they nod not because they agree or understand the argument, but because they dozed off. And another scene was interesting too. That was the first time when Tom met a girl who was a new comer; he fell in love with her immediately. Actually, A certain Amy Lawrence vanished out of his heart and left not even a memory of herself behind. He had thought he loved her to distraction; he had regarded his passion as adoration; and behold it was only a poor little evanescent partiality. Tom was fickle in love; he could love someone easily, and forget her more easily. How bad he was! Mark Twain did not mean to express Toms badness; he just wanted to show Toms naughtiness, smartness and loveliness through these humor and irony words. 5.Conclusion All in all, this paper tells the readers that the charm of the adventures of Tom Sawyer. It includes two parts: they are the charm of the plot arrangement and the charm of the words. From this paper, readers can know more information about the novel. It analyzes childrens characteristics in the novel, they are curiosity, naughtiness and innocence; it explains why the children in the novel did something like that. Besides, it indicates the charm of the twists and turns in the novel, Mark Twain was good at setting suspense to attract readers. Finally, this paper analyzes the charm of the words of the adventures of Tom Sawyer. Readers can understand the novel better through the analyses about the tone, description and writing style of the novel.

Balancing Politics and Pedagogy :: Bilingual Education Classroom Language Essays

Balancing Politics and Pedagogy Thesis: Research over the past thirty years shows conflicting evidence for or against bilingual education leading to a heated debate between educators and politicians with bilingual education becoming a scapegoat for a number of educational issues, perhaps hiding the real causes of Hispanic difficulties from the critics. Proposition 227, the so-called "English for Children" law, abolished thirty years of bilingual education in California in June, 1998, forcing students who are not fluent in English into all-English classes in all subjects all the time. Bilingual education, according to Krashen, is the target of critics who list a number of objections (1). Newspapers and TV are often against bilingual education. They say that bilingual education is not functioning, while students learn English very well without it. They also say that the majority of parents and teachers are not in favor of it. Another argument is that bilingual education is only for Spanish speakers and not for those who have different writing systems. In addition, it is true that there are not enough teachers for bilingual education (1). Furthermore, the dropout rate of Hispanic children in the U.S. is still high even after thirty years of efforts. Research of the past thirty years shows no justification for bilingual education, clai ms Porter (28). However, it may be a fallacy to conclude that bilingual education is not working. Bilingual education has become a scapegoat for a number of educational issues, perhaps hiding the real causes of Hispanic difficulties from the critics. The issue of bilingual education is not new. In fact, its history in the U.S. has vacillated between acceptance and rejection. During the nineteenth century, instruction was given in a wide variety of foreign languages, such as German, Polish, Italian, Dutch or any other language that parents demanded. Between 1897 and 1915, thirteen states changed their policies to requiring English instruction in basic subjects such as math, science, and geography from fears of a so-called "babel of tongues" (Zimmerman 39). By the end of World War I, thirty-seven states had limited foreign language instruction including explicit prohibitions on German in favor of "100 percent Americanism" (39). After the war, public schools became open to a wide range of foreign language instruction; however, in fact, only 20 percent of high school students were taught in any non-English language class by 1949. Immigrant parents, says Zimmerman, wanted their children to learn English as a vehicle of social mobility in America instead of taking courses in their native languages (39).

The Evolution of the American Television Family Essay examples -- essa

The Evolution of the American Television Family Television is not just a form of entertainment, but it is an excellent form of study of society’s view concerning its families. This study focuses on the history of television beginning in the early 1950s and will run through present day. It examines the use of racial, ethnic and sexual stereotypes to characterize the players of these shows. The examples assist in tracing what has happened to the depiction of the American family on prime time television. It reveals the change of the standards employed by network television as disclosed to the American public. Finally, I will propose the question of which is the influential entity, television or the viewing audience. The Goldbergs, which was originally a radio show, became the first popular family series. It became a weekly TV series in 1949, revealing to Americans a working class Jewish family who resided in a small apartment in the Bronx. The show, while warm and humorous, confronted delicate social issues, such as sensitivity due to the Second World War. It is an excellent example of an ethnic family’s status in society. A classic among classics, I Love Lucy appeared on television on October 15, 1951, (http://www.nick-at-nite.com/tvretro/shows/ilovelucy/index.tin). The series’ premise focused on the antics of a nonsensical wife who beguiles her easily angered husband. The series created the men-versus-women standard on television, (such as what we see between Dan and Roseanne on Roseanne today), that still predominates today. One circumstance that led TV executives to seriously challenge the show’s impending success was the use of Lucille Ball’s real-life Cuban husband, Desi Arnaz. The â€Å"mixed-marriage† status was a questionable concept that worried the administrators. The situation prevailed; its episodes routinely attracted over two-thirds of the television audience. Leave it to Beaver, the definitive 1950’s household comedy, focused on life through the eyes of an adolescent boy, Beaver. Beaver was a typically disorderly youngster. His brother Wally, just entering his teens, was beginning to discover the opposite sex. The relationship that existed between the boys and their parents, Ward and June, was impeccable. A situation never developed that damaged the kinship beyond restoration. The parents exhibited perfect attributes that no ... ..., the idea of the American family is much more realistic than that of those shows from the 1950s. The family’s obnoxious mother is the most dynamic member of the family. Married with Children was an overly exaggerated example of a problematic family. While it was a far cry from reality, the show expressed the society’s opinion of its own culture in a satirical fashion. Television’s portrayal of the American family has undergone a significant transformation in the fifty years of its existence, as stated by this essay. The families seen on television today are the diametric opposite of those seen in the early 1950s. The relationship between the parents and the children has gone from perfect to dysfunctional. But, it is the dysfunctional relationships that are better examples of American families. Racial and ethnic lines have been crossed in the fifty years of television’s existence. If anything, television families have been teachers, showing the viewing audiences how to act and how things truly are. Blind folds, previously worn by the American people, have been taken off and thrown away. It is society’s greater appreciation for honesty that has greatly influenced television.

High School and Peter Essay

1.In his senior year of high school Peter Martin was sixteen. He was built like a rock, but no one noticed him in his school until the day of the first football game. When he scored three long-running touch downs. At the high school dance Peter was very excited to be going. He had never been to a high school dance before because he didn’t really have any friends. After the game Peter felt good about himself for leading his team to victory, and wasn’t so shy and starting to talk to people that he didn’t know. The high school dance was at a really big house close to the high school. When Peter gets to the high school party he doesn’t know what to really expect. The first thing that happened at the party was that a girl that he didn’t really know came up to him and wanted to dance with him. Peter says yes to the girl, so they go and dance for a very long time. After they were done dancing the girl gives Peter her phone number. Peter and the girl that he meets start dating each other. Peter is a very smart kid and has very good grades. The types of friends that he hangs around are athletic people. On the weekends Peter sleeps in to around 12:30pm to 1:00pm. The way Peter and his family act to one another is that they treat each other with respect. 2.One implied detail about Peter is that he is timid. â€Å"His shyness, his shrewd and dogged ways, his blue eyes gazing from underneath a shock of dark hair†. This quote shows that Peter doesn’t like being around people. The second implied detail about Peter is that he is not easy to hit down. â€Å" 3.(A) The people that are there from Peter’s family are his dad, his mom, Joe, Mickey, Ruth, and Elizabeth. (B) It is cold outside, so everyone has to keep warm. â€Å"All bundled up in warm clothing and flushed from the cold wind.† Peter’s family might not know a lot about football. â€Å"It was the first football game in the Martin’s mother’s experience. 4.(A) One point that the coach give to his team is to don’t give up in this game because it isn’t going to be easy. Another point that the coach states are that he is comparing the sizes between his players and the Lawton Boys. (B) I think that the player â€Å"love† the old man because he is a good coach, but also the get the whole point of the speeches that he gives to them. 5.(A) One of the first things that happen is that the ball is kicked to Peter and Peter loses it in the sky and it drop right in front of him, but somehow he returns it for 30 yards. The second thing that happens in the game is that Peter run wide and gained five yards. (B) One thing that happens in the stands is that Peter’s family is shouting to him saying positive things. The second thing is that Peter’s mother never sees anything that Peter does on the field. (C) At half time the score ended 0-0. 6.At half time the coach states that he wants them to do more passing plays. Another thing that the coach says it that he wants them to do a trick play. The final thing that the coach says at half time is that he wants them to try the forty- seven in their end zone.

A Day in the Life of Project Manager

A Day in the Life of a Project Manager 1. How effectively do you think Rachel spent her day? Project is a complex, non-routine, one time effort that is limited by time, budget, resources and performance specifications and it’s implemented to meet the customer requirements. The following activities performed by Rachel are project related: a. Review project reports and prepare for the weekly status meeting – 25 min b. Participate in the progress review meeting – 45 min c. Reviewing project assignments – 30 min d. Listening to team mates – 20 min e.Discussing the problem with John – 30 min f. Exploring and getting the necessary equipments for the project – 30 min g. Exchanging information about technical requirements – 60 min h. Discussion with Mary (marketing manager), where she agreed to talk to her team members – 40 min i. Reviewing the impact the client’s requests could have on project schedule – 30 min j. Reviewing emails and project documents – 30 min A few things are ordinary daily work that requires doing the same work repetitively. Time spent on these routine activities: a. Reviewing her schedule – 15 min . Discussing the project with her boss – 20 min c. Updating boss on the key events of the day – 20 min Time spent on non-project activities: a. Socializing and catching up on personal news – 10 min b. Getting to her office and settling in – 10 min c. Project status meeting delayed – 15 min d. Gossiping with Edie – 30 min e. Everyone getting on conference call and checking emails – 15 min f. Waiting in Mary’s office – 10 min g. Going home – 30 min Her efficiency would be calculated as:- Total spend time Efficiency = Direct project related work * 100 = 340/515 * 100 = 66. 02%She has an efficiency of 66. 02% on the project. She is an efficient project manager to some extent. She has spent only 23. 3 % of her time on non project activities. 2. What does the case tell you about what it is like to be a project manager? A project manager provides direction, coordination and integration to the project team * Solve out the problems and direct the team members for the solution. * Discuss with the team members whenever there is an issue and get their ideas involved in the project * Keep regular project status meetings, small discussions to coordinate and integrate.This will provide all the team members an insight on how the project is progressing Involved in organization planning * Good relationship with managers, team members and other individuals. * Coordinating with the boss and updating him/her on daily tasks * Maintains great integration with other managers when solving an issue, e. g. integration with senior marketing manager Improving the project’s success rate with better leadership * Leading courageously * Influencing others * Act with resilienceManaging the overall sch edule to ensure work is assigned and completed on time and within budget * She has been helping Victoria on her project as it was behind the projected time Project Managers have a huge responsibility and authority over a project, it involves identifying, tracking, managing and resolving project issues * She attended a meeting in order to fix a project issue and tried to fix them * Also she found that several clients are requesting features that are not on the project, and she conveyed to her team members that she will get on this issue right away Communication skills One good example is where Rachel goes and talks to the purchasing agent assigned to her project on getting necessary equipments to the project site earlier than planned. * She also walks down to the marketing manager’s office to clarify on the problem they came up with.