Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Dell Value Chain - 1717 Words

VALUE ADDED CHAIN IN DELL SUBMITTED BY: SIDDHARTHA DAS ROLL NO: 32 BATCH: PGDM (FM) 2010-12 SUBJECT: Project and Infrastructure Management: Financing, Implementation and Control Table of Contents Sl.No. | Description | Page No. | 1 | VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS | 3 | 2 | VALUE CHAIN IN DELL | 4 | 3 | DIRECT SELLING STRATEGY OF DELL | 5 | 4 | COMPONENTS OF DIRECT SELLING STRATEGY | 6 | 5 | ADVANTAGES OF VALUE CHAIN OF DELL | 8 | 5.1 | CONCLUSION | 9 | CHAPTER-1 What is Value Chain analysis? The value chain of a company is the entire product flow of a company beginning from its suppliers to the customers as well as managing the flow of information so that both the customers derives maximum satisfaction while at the†¦show more content†¦Products were first stored in company warehouses and later dispatched to resellers, retailers, and other intermediaries who typically added a 20–30 percent markup before selling to their customers. But Dell sells directly to all its customers, â€Å"from home-PC users to the world’s largest corporations†. Inbound Component Logistics Final Assembly Outbound Supply Logistics Direct Marketing amp; Sales Product Service Dell’s value chain as per Porter’s Model CHAPTER-4 Components of Dell’s Value Chain (A) SUPPLIERS: Dell outsources all of its component manufacturing. But, it does not outsource the final configuration and keeps control over the production and supply chains. Since Dell follows build –to- order and just-in-time, the inventory remains in the supplier’s books till Dell puts the order. Dell’s direct selling model depends critically on lead-time management so that inefficient lead conversion time would not leave the company with overage or underage of components. Dell selects suppliers that have â€Å"expertise, experience and the ability to deliver value† and their performance is regularly evaluated against pre-agreed measures. In fact, every quarter Dell meets with its suppliers to provide direct feedback on performance and future expectations. The performance is evaluated through a scorecard that compares each supplier with its competitors based on cost, quality, reliability andShow MoreRelatedCase Study - Dell Value Chain1171 Words   |  5 PagesQuestion 1 How has Dell used its direct sales and build-to-order model to develop an exceptional supply chain? The many challenges in order to improve the supply chains usually come with the unidentified. Many companies produce products they think their consumer will want. After that, they ship their products to retail stores. Then, these stores try to sell the products to the customers. Here, the supply chains slows down as they are figuring out what to build next. Then, these companies dealRead MoreDell Competitive Advantage and Value Chain Analysis1544 Words   |  7 PagesManagement: Dell Value Chain Activities Analysis INTRODUCTION According to Porter the value chain is defined as the complete flow of products from the suppliers to the customers and management of the information flow in a way that maximizes the consumer satisfaction with the increase in the profit margins of the company.(ivythesis,2009) Dell’s value chain is one of a kind, they outsource all there components across the world and then assemble and sells it directly to the customers. Dell works in aRead MoreDell s Value Chain For The Profitability Of The Company899 Words   |  4 Pagespaper will enumerate a brief background of Dell, customer Focus Company that has maximized its value chain for the profitability of the company. This paper will analyze the unique value chain of the company. Furthermore, the paper will evaluate how Dell has used its direct sales and build-to-order model to develop an exceptional supply chain. The main advantages and disadvantages of Dell’s direct sales model will also be analyzed. Also noted is how Dell competes with other retailers that alreadyRead MoreDell Computer Value Chain1962 Words   |  8 PagesORGANISATION: Dell Computer Corporation Background: Founded in 1984 by Michael Dell with the aim of building relationships directly with customers. Dell is a premier provider of PC products and services sought by customers worldwide to build their information technology and internet infrastructures. Through its direct business model it designs, manufactures and customises products and services to customer requirements and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Dell’s operationsRead MoreValue Chain of Dell Computers3509 Words   |  15 PagesVALUE CHAIN INTRODUCTION AND DELL VALUE CHAIN Introduction to Value-Chain   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Value-Chain was conceptualized and popularized by Porter in 1985 through his book, a  best-seller, Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance. The main thrust of â€Å"the value-chain† is to categorize the generic â€Å"value-adding activities† of an organization. The value-chain management tool recognizes two value-adding activities in an organization, the â€Å"primary activity† and the â€Å"supportRead MoreDell Packards Value Chain And Its Value1215 Words   |  5 Pagesthis very jolting market trends. To sustain the business in day today environment, companies focuses on business process and value chain to establish their evaluations about the performance. This paper creates a better understanding of Hewlett-Packard’s value chain and its value proposition. A successful organization like Hewlett-Packard maximizes it public value through value creation, reduced total cost, imp rovised business performances, customer satisfaction and increased interoperability. HP’sRead MoreCase Study - Dell Value Chain1162 Words   |  5 PagesQuestion 1 How has Dell used its direct sales and build-to-order model to develop an exceptional supply chain? The many challenges in order to improve the supply chains usually come with the unidentified. Many companies produce products they think their consumer will want. After that, they ship their products to retail stores. Then, these stores try to sell the products to the customers. Here, the supply chains slows down as they are figuring out what to build next. Then, these companies deal withRead MoreSummary of Dell Computers Value Chain Analysis1957 Words   |  8 PagesSummary of Dell Computers Value Chain Analysis Primary Activities Inbound Logistics Here goods are received from a companys suppliers. They are stored until they are needed on the production/assembly line. Goods are moved around the organization. Dell relies mostly on its highly reliable supplier, where Dell streamlines its operation and relies on its computer monitor supplier to ship directly to the customer. As long as its supplier retains its leadership position, Dell would collaborate with itRead MoreValue Chain Management (Hp vs Dell)3903 Words   |  16 Pageseffective and all the data to be interpreted into charts. List customer values The most important value when customers purchase products or service from HP is Quality, HP holds a reputation for selling quality products which knocks their competitors of the level. The other value is ‘good value for money’ they offer their customers the most modern improved technology at a decent price from all their competitors. When these values are combined it creates a perfect solution, as most customers want theRead MoreGlobal Value Chain : Lincoln University Essay1297 Words   |  6 PagesUniversity Global Value Chains Ereatara Enari ID: 1119812 COMM110 – The Global Business Environment Dr. Anthony Brien 19/03/2015, 12:00pm 1.0 Table Of Contents: 1.0 Table Of Contents †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.1 2.0 Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦2 3.0 Global Value Chain Definition†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..2 4.0 GVC Example 1: Adidas†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...3 4.1 Value 1†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.3 4.2 Value 2†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.4 5.0 GVC Example 2: Dell†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Cigarettes And Other Nicotine Products - 884 Words

Mikhaylovich Group topic: Cigarettes and Other Nicotine Products In today’s session, group members were to learn the physiological and neurological effects of using nicotine and tobacco. The importance of quitting smoking and the methods of cessation were discussed. PO was on time and minimally engaged in the discussion. PO showed no interested in today’s topic as evidenced by only answering questions when prompted. PO completed the weekly treatment progress, reported having attended one sober meeting, no verification was provided. PO’s response to treatment was not as positive as usual. Eliason Group topic: Cigarettes and Other Nicotine Products In today’s session, group members were to learn the physiological and neurological effects of using nicotine and tobacco. The importance of quitting smoking and the methods of cessation were discussed. PO was on time and moderately engaged in the discussion. PO openly shared personal experiences and thoughts related to tobacco use with peers, stated â€Å"I started smoking cigarette when I was 10 year old because everyone was doing it†. PO stated no desire for quitting smoking cigarette at this point. PO completed the weekly treatment progress, reported that he did not attend any support meetings as he was â€Å"sick and lack of free time†. PO has maintained a positive attitude throughout the group process. Sleister Group topic: Cigarettes and Other Nicotine Products PO was not present for IOP group today. PO contacted CDPShow MoreRelatedShould E-Cigarettes Be Restricted in Public Areas? Essay1598 Words   |  7 PagesShould E-Cigarettes Be Restricted In Public Areas? E-cigarettes have heating elements that are battery operated and hold cartridges of nicotine and other liquids and flavoring. They were produced to assist those who are trying to quit smoking or reduce the amount of nicotine that is actually inhaled in the body to make it a safer product for the consumer than actually smoking a cigarette. There is controversy on whether or not this product promotes a safer nicotine habit or stimulates someone toRead MoreAnalysis On Reduced Nicotine Content For Cigarettes1171 Words   |  5 PagesAnalysis on Reduced-Nicotine Content for Cigarettes Smoking is a major problem concerning public health. It comes with many side effects that affect not only the smoker, but also victims of secondhand smoke and even thirdhand smoke. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide that affects at least 6 million people a year. Previous research has shown that smokers die an average of 15 years earlier than non-smokers. Eric C. Donny, Ph.D, along with several other researchers, proposedRead MoreA Look At Tobacco Additives1504 Words   |  7 PagesWiggins September 24, 2014 â€Æ' In an article published in 1999 entitled Tobacco Additives: Cigarette Engineering and Nicotine Addiction, C. Bates, M. Jarvis, and G. Connolly explore the ins and outs of the tobacco industry. They discuss the regulations placed on the tobacco industry, and discuss various studies that give information about the effects of the additives included in cigarettes and tobacco products. This 25 page document gives a detailed explanation of the tobacco industry and the way theyRead MoreElectronic Cigarettes: A Safer Alternative? 1074 Words   |  4 Pagesoutweigh other smoking interventions. Existing smoking cessation programs have high failure rates if no nicotine replacement is being used, however, smokers who use nicotine replacement therapy or more likely to stop smoking than those without. So that brings us to electronic cigarettes a new growing trend which may prove to be an alternative to current r eplacement therapy products. In the United States electronic cigarettes are being advertised as a safe alternative to tobacco products, even thoughRead MoreE Cigarettes, The Next Big Thing1612 Words   |  7 PagesE-Cigarettes, the Next Big Thing The Los Angeles Times states: â€Å"Electronic Cigarettes are either a potent weapon in war against tobacco, or they are insidious menace that threatens to get kids hooked on nicotine and make smoking socially acceptable again† (Morin). E-cigarettes are now becoming more widespread, especially among young people. The electronic cigarette industry is growing rapidly in the United States due to the rising demand, which is stirring up opinions and research among the massesRead MoreElectronic Cigarettes ( E Cigarettes )980 Words   |  4 PagesElectronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been increasing popular in the last several years for various reasons. An e-cigarette will automatically turn on by sensing pressure being applied at the base of the cigarette (Dennis 2015). Electronic cigarettes are battery operated that are supposed to mimic a real cigarette, meaning that the one end of the e-cigarette lights up, and a vapor is released into the air (Stein 2015). Inside the cigare tte, there is a cartilage where the nicotine is stored (DennisRead MoreThe Legal Considerations For E Cigarettes1638 Words   |  7 Pagesfrom deaths related to cigarette smoking. This costs the public over $300 billion. Have you ever wondered about alternatives to this habit? Have you ever wondered â€Å"what exactly is an e-cigarette?† Where did they originate? Does it pose a threat to health? Yes, we know that it is an alternative to cigarette smoking, but what is the big rave about this small device that has the center of attention for smokers? Today we will expand on the history and the science of e-cigarettes, and understand if thereRead MorePersuasive Essay On Smoking752 Words   |  4 PagesE-cigarettes are Better for Smokers than Regular Ones Smoking tobacco is probably one of the worst habits humankind has developed. Originating as a tradition of the Native Americans, practiced mostly on special occasions, smoking has gradually become a kind of mass addiction. Due to the efforts of tobacco companies seeking to increase their sales, people started smoking more and more often; the evolution of a more traditional pipe to a cigarette took some time, but eventually tobacco became moreRead MoreElectronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Industry Essay1609 Words   |  7 PagesThe UK has seen a rapid growth in the Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems industry, which consists of several devices including e-cigarettes. The question of their safety and supply arises with more concern in the pharmacy sector as they become increasingly popular. In today’s generation, pharmacists face a tough challenge to balances their roles as healthcare professionals and as successful retailers in order to survive against their competitors. The R oyal Pharmaceutical Society has maintainedRead MoreElectronic Cigarettes: The Alternative Way to Smoke Essays1191 Words   |  5 PagesElectronic Cigarettes: The Alternative Way to Smoke Once again man is faced with the age old question to smoke or not to smoke. Today, I feel that isn’t the question that faces man. The question should be why smoke when one could vape? The use of battery-powered electronic cigarettes is growing across Europe and the United States because they allow users to inhale nicotine vapor without also ingesting tar and other cancer-causing substances present in traditional cigarettes (par. 2). Health experts

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Responses to the Spread of Buddhism Free Essays

Responses to the Spread of Buddhism Although some elites in China found Buddhism to be important for the development of China between 220 CE and 570 CE, as time progressed through this period, Buddhism’s popularity seemed to decrease. Between 200 CE and 500 CE, scholars and the few followers of Buddhism seemed to have simply been trying to inform the people about Buddhism and they were attempting to gain popularity. Unfortunately, by around 819 CE, people seemed to have started disproving of Buddhism as China started to turn towards a more imperial society. We will write a custom essay sample on Responses to the Spread of Buddhism or any similar topic only for you Order Now Shortly after the fall of the Han Dynasty in 220 CE Buddhism started to spread very rapidly throughout the Chinese society. The people of China in this period were in a devastated state with no structured government and a falling economy. For them, Buddhism was a form of mental escape and it gave them a chance to let go of the natural world and reach a peace of mind. The first sermon preached by Buddha (Doc 1) was preached to help people who were unaware of the religion to acknowledge it and realize that it is a religion that will give them an opportunity to forget about the current devastation they are in. The sermon teaches the people that there is no point in grieving over something and instead they should rid themselves of their pleasures and try to look beyond the material world. The sermon teaches that every negative feeling someone might have is a form of sorrow and getting rid of that sorrow is the only way to attain happiness. Zhi Dun (Document 2) is conveying both to Buddhists followers and non-followers of Buddhism that Buddha is the almighty. He is trying to teach the people that without recognizing and obeying Buddha, it is impossible to attain enlightenment. Both Dun and Buddha are find Buddhism to be relieving and are attempting to gain more followers. Both documents are attempting to convince and inform people of what Buddhism really is and how it can help one’s mental stability. After about 500 CE, as Chinese people seemed to start rethinking their disposition on Buddhism more people became accepting of Buddhism and other religions or philosophies to coexist. Both â€Å"The Disposition of Error† (Doc 3) and Zong Mi (Doc 5) are neutral in their point of view of religion and they are both willing to accept more than one religion. â€Å"The Disposition of Error† is claiming that Confucianism and Buddhism should both be accepted and that Confucian and Buddhist practices should not have to wholly agree with each other in order for both of them to be accepted. Although ancient Confucian scriptures to not contain any mention of Buddhism, it does not mean the Buddhism cannot be practiced by anyone because Confucian script ures do not consist of every possible view of the world. Likewise, Zong Mi (Doc 3) believes that Confucianism, Daosim, and Buddhism all took a major role in creating the orderly society that the Chinese were currently living in. He believed the all three were equal in their teachings even if they were being taught in various ways and they should all be accepted with the same amount of respect. After the late 700s, as societies in China became more developed and a finally stable nation seemed to be right around the corner, people started to view Buddhism as impractical in their current societies. They felt that practicing Buddhism would cause much disruption in the society. This mentality started to develop because Buddhism asked for a person to let go of everything in life and to live independently. Unfortunately, not many people liked this lifestyle anymore because in order for the society to function there would have to be a working class and in order to increase population, a man must be able to start a family neither of which Buddhism allows. Han Yu (Doc 4) felt that Buddhism was a crude religion and that Buddha himself was an immoral person. He felt that Buddha disobeyed Confucianism which he claimed to follow and he did not even follow a simple dress code for the society. Yu sees Buddha as a form as a rebel and did not understand the importance of obeying rules. Yu is disgusted at the fact that servants and citizens are bringing back newly found remains of Buddha’s body into the palace. Similarly, Emperor Tang Wu (Doc 6) believes that practicing Buddhism is extremely unreasonable. He feels this way mainly because Buddhism does not allow men to work or contribute to society and that is vital in order for the developing Chinese society to keep building. Wu finds Buddhism as evil because he believes it causes people to abandon their responsibilities as a part of society such as having kids and cultivating their crops, much like the ideas of Han Yu. Although many different documents from various time periods were provided, additional points of view could help the reader’s analysis on the response to Buddhism more accurate. For example, all of the documents were of only elite class people while the readers are unaware of what a peasant in the society feels about Buddhism. A peasant’s input would be a great contribution to the overall analysis of responses because peasants make up most of the population so their point of view would be extremely important. Another possible extra opinion could be that of a woman. Although a woman’s opinion didn’t necessarily have much importance in early China, it may still be important for us to know whether women truly accepted Buddhism, or if they went along with it only because they were forced to. All in all, Buddhism was met with many mixed reviews in its introduction shortly after the fall of the Han Dynasty. At first many people found Buddhism as an excuse to not have to cope with the devastating society they were living in. However, as time progressed and China’s future seemed much brighter, people started feeling as though Buddhism was in fact hindering the society from being able to move forward and catch up with the rest of the world. Overall, Buddhism has greatly affected our world’s past and present and with without it, we wouldn’ How to cite Responses to the Spread of Buddhism, Papers

Friday, December 6, 2019

Antitrust Laws free essay sample

Kendra Bryant August 9, 2010 Professor Thompson Abstract The purpose of this paper is to analyze federal antitrust enforcers are investigating whether a multinational pharmaceutical company has attempted to minimize the impact of generic competition to one of its most profitable prescription drugs. This anti-depressant drug is the company’s best seller, with sales last year of $2. 11 billion, representing a 22% increase from the year before. I will review whether pharmaceutical companies have engaged in activities that will prevent generic brands to the prescription drug from entering the market. Federal Trade commission is challenging a practice among brand-name and generic drug manufacturers to agree to delay the introduction of the lower priced generic drugs to the market. This paper will define antitrust laws and express the purpose to these laws. This paper will review reasons why would drug makers want to stymie generic competition. Next, I will discuss what types of legal barriers to market entry exists. We will write a custom essay sample on Antitrust Laws or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Finally I will express some of the possible ethical dilemmas that can be presented in this example. Let us begin with the hindering of generic competition. Antitrust laws are considered state and federal laws. This law applies to businesses and individuals. Antitrust laws were created to stop businesses that got too large from blocking competition and abusing their power (Multimedia course material, 2010). The antitrust law seeks to make businesses compete fairly. 1. It is possible that the multinational pharmaceutical company would want to stymie generic competition because of cost. It takes time, research and development to create a new product. Pharmaceutical companies spend an average of $800 million to $1 billion and between eight and sixteen years to research a new drug (nationmultimedia. com). As far as generic brands being a competitor, I can see why pharmaceutical companies would want to hinder generic brands. Once the brand name is no longer patent the competition which is generic brands is free to recreate the drug and getting it approved by FDA to ensure that it is equivalent to brand name drugs. Generic brands are drugs that are manufactured and marketed without brands. Generic brands are much cheaper than brand name drugs for numerous of reasons. Brand name pharmaceutical companies feel the need to charge ridiculous practices to make a profit for the product as well as the research and development for the product. Although drug makers are interested in making a profit to make up for research and development, it is negatively affecting those who need the drugs and are unable to afford it. Drug makers in the long run will be the one affected once the product is off-patent. When generic brands drugs enters the market it will force pharmaceutical companies to decrease the price for branded products. . Businesses face numerous of entry barriers that they must adapt to be successful. Entry barriers are the result of competitive behavior by existing businesses within the market place. In this case the legal barrier would be the pharmaceutical company trying to stop generic brands from entering the marketplace being that it would affect profits. There are four types of legal barriers to market entry exist research and development, pa tents and copyrights, costs, and government restrictions (AmosWeb. com, 2010). Patent is the right to use, sell, or market an invention for a specified period. Government is the source of barriers to entry that created by patents and copyrights (AmosWeb. com, 2010). The government is the entity that establishes all laws on how things work within the market. Entering the market can be very costly. 3 . The possible ethical dilemmas in this case will probably be the delay of the introduction to generic brands to the market. It is possible that there are trade agreements which are illegal under the Sherman Antitrust Act.

Friday, November 29, 2019

Are You Writing for You or Writing for Them - The Writers For Hire

ARE YOU WRITING FOR YOU OR WRITING FOR THEM? A Tip on How to Balance Good Writing with Good Customer Service I had spiders in my garage. Lots of them. Probably hundreds, to be honest. But they were just in my garage — they hadn’t infiltrated my home. Yet. In fact, I hadn’t seen a single spider in the living room, the bedroom, or the bathrooms, and I kept trying to tell that to the lady on the other end of the phone. The problem was, she wasn’t listening. Pest Control Lady continued to insist her company didn’t sell pest treatments just for the garage. I needed the whole house done. And not only that, I needed a quarterly pest treatment plan. Yeah, OK. So, I called the local guy, who did it my way. And, you know what? It’s half a year later. And still no spider re-infestation. So, what does that have to do with writing? Well, listening to your clients — I mean truly listening — is hard. And just like Pest Control Lady, copywriters often try to force clients into their own mold. But, ultimately, trying to convince a client to take on a copy style that they don’t like is not going to work. It certainly won’t work for the client-copywriter relationship, and in many cases, the end copy doesn’t convert well to sales, either. Why? Your clients may know more about marketing than you give them credit for. Clients who have been in business for a long time tend to know their customers — and they often attract customers who are very similar to them. So, if, for example, your client is fascinated by the workings of shot peening — their clients may actually be interested in that, too. The trick is to balance what you know about best practices in writing with what your clients know about their business.Tweet this Maybe you don’t put the mechanics of shot peening on the home page, or front-and-center in the brochure. But there probably is a good place for it, if your client thinks their clients want to know. So, tip of the day: avoid copywriter hubris. Find out what marketing approaches have been successful for your client in the past, and leverage them. Don’t reinvent the wheel, and don’t exterminate the copy angles that are already pest-free. Are You Writing for You or Writing for Them - The Writers For Hire ARE YOU WRITING FOR YOU OR WRITING FOR THEM? Image by Vanessa Pike-Russell via Flickr A Tip on How to Balance Good Writing with Good Customer Service I had spiders in my garage. Lots of them. Probably hundreds, to be honest. But they were just in my garage – they hadn’t infiltrated my home. Yet. In fact, I hadn’t seen a single spider in the living room, the bedroom, or the bathrooms, and I kept trying to tell that to the lady on the other end of the phone. The problem was, she wasn’t listening. Pest-lady continued to insist they didn’t sell pest treatments just for the garage. I needed the whole house done. And not only that. I needed a quarterly pest treatment plan. Yeah, ok. So I called the local guy, who did it my way. And, you know what? It’s half a year later. And still no spider re-infestation. So, what does that have to do with writing? Well, listening to your clients – I mean truly listening is hard. And just like the pest-control lady, copywriters often try to force clients into their own mold. But ultimately, trying to convince a client to take on a copy style that they don’t like is not going to work. It certainly won’t work for the client-copywriter relationship, but in many cases, the end copy doesn’t convert well to sales, either. Why? Well, the thing is, your client just may be right. Copywriters have taken all these marketing classes and read all these marketing books and written all this great marketing copy. So after they’ve gotten a few happy clients under their belt, they have a tendency to assume they know more about their client’s clients than the client does. So, for example, if the copywriter is used to getting response with short, pithy copy and using a lot of chunking on a website, sometimes they get in the habit of trying to write every clients copy that way. Then, if the client wants longer, more technical copy, the copywriters first response is to think, Well, Ill do it their way, but the client is obviously an idiot and this will never work. The thing is, surprisingly, your client may know more about marketing than you give him credit for. Clients who have been in business for a long time tend to know their customers and they have often attracted customers that are very similar to them. So, if, for example, your client is fascinated by the mechanics of shot peening their clients may actually be interested in that too. The trick is to balance what you know about best practices in writing with what your clients know about their business. Maybe you don’t put the mechanics of shot peening on the home page, or front-and-center in the brochure. But there probably is a good place for it, if your client thinks their clients want to know. So, tip of the day: avoid copywriter hubris. Find out what marketing approaches have been successful for your client in the past and leverage them. Don’t reinvent the wheel, and don’t exterminate the copy angles that are already pest-free.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Liability for Defective Advice from an Expert System The WritePass Journal

Liability for Defective Advice from an Expert System Introduction Liability for Defective Advice from an Expert System IntroductionThe harm of Negligent MisstatementsDefence of the LiabilityThe harm of defectionThird PartiesReferencesAppendicesRelated Introduction An expert system can be considered to have two major components. First, there is its knowledge base. This is the portion of the system that contains specialized knowledge and expertise about its domain of application. In commercial law, liability is a form of business ownership in which business owners are legally responsible for no more than the amount that they have contributed to a venture. [1] A contract is an agreement between two or more parties to do, not do, or promise something. Contracts can come in many forms - they can be oral or written, implied or express, and legally enforceable or not. [2] Negligent misstatement relates to a representation of fact, which is carelessly made, and is relied on by another party to their disadvantage. The harm of Negligent Misstatements A false statement of fact made honestly but carelessly. A statement of opinion may be treated as a statement of fact if it carries the implication that the person making it has reasonable grounds for his opinion. However, a negligent misstatement is only actionable in tort if there has been breach of a duty to take care in making the statement that has caused damage to the claimant. There is no general duty of care in making statements, particularly in relation to statements on financial matters. Responsibility for negligent misstatements is imposed only if they were made in circumstances that made it reasonable to rely on them (Hedley Byrne v Heller Partners Ltd [1964] AC 465 (HL); Caparo Industries plc v Dickman [1990] 2 AC 605 (HL)). If a negligent misstatement induces the person to whom it was made to enter into a contract with the maker of the statement, the statement may be actionable as a term of the contract if the parties intended it to be a term or it may give rise to dama ges or rescission under the Misrepresentation Act 1967. [3] It has long been recognized that liability in Tort might arise from negligent actions, but liability for negligent misstatements and negligent advice has been less well accepted by the courts. A negligent misstatement might be defined as a representation of fact, carelessly made, which is relied on by the claimant to his disadvantage. Where the misstatement or advice is Fraudulent, this is a different matter; such misstatements may amount to the tort of deceit. In derry v peek 1888, the house of lords held that Dishonesty was an essential element of deceit, and that mere carelessness would never suffice. This judgement was taken, perhaps wrongly, to indicate that there could be no liability in tort for negligent statements; but since this judgement predated the seminal donoghue v stevenson 1932, there was no well-developed law of negligence at the time. Consequently, it is not entirely surprising that this conclusion was reached. [4] Especially where physical damage is involved, cour ts may disregard a contract in which a customer expressly assumes the risk of the suppliers negligence. Negligence, when proven, can thus surmount almost any legal obstacle the suppliers erect. As courts and legislatures become less tolerant of negligent corporate behaviour, any business that is judged negligent will likely pay for actual damages, possibly be assessed punitive damages, and may even face regulatory or criminal proceedings. Therefore, the only secure protection is not to be negligent. Defence of the Liability Products liability involves the defence of manufacturers and sellers of allegedly defective products. I defend companies who are sued by injured plaintiffs due to alleged defects in the design or manufacture of a product. Generally, the injured parties claim that additional safety features should have been included or that a necessary part was improperly manufactured or installed on a product. [5] When a products liability claim is filed, we will work with you to prepare an intelligent, vigorous and strategically aggressive defence. We will obtain the information and documentation necessary to effectively evaluate the merits of the claim and promptly analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your adversarys case and of your own. We will analyze insurance coverage issues and prepare and prosecute, to trial if necessary, insurance claims for any coverage you may have. [6] Not only can making a claim secure the compensation you deserve and help recover the costs of any treatment, but it can also help draw attention to the negligent manufacturer or retailer. By doing so, you may be able to prevent others from having to endure a similar experience. Where there are several incidents of personal injury related to a particular product, the manufacturer should issue a product recall. [7] Manufacturers are responsible for products sold to consumers and the safety of their customers is paramount. You should seek advice if a defective product has caused you personal injury as you may be entitled to claim compensation. The Consumer Protection Act 1987 makes manufacturers or importers of products into the EU strictly liable for personal injury caused as a consequence of any product defect. [8] For a claim based on tort law, the claimant will need to show that the defendant was negligent and in breach of its duty to take reasonable care in relation to the product. The claimant will also need to overcome other assertions by the defendant, for example that the defect in question was unforeseeable. [9] The harm of defection There are broadly speaking two approaches which could be adopted to the issue of â€Å"defectiveness†. On one view it could be said that a product is defective when it does not live up to the expectations of consumers. On the other hand a product could be said to be defective when the product is in a condition which is unreasonably dangerous to persons or to their property. The 1987 Act appears to be closer to the tort standard than the contract standard. The safety of the product is not such as persons generally are entitled to expect; and for those purposes â€Å"safety†, in relation to a product, shall include safety with respects to products comprised in that product and safety in the context of risks of damage to property, as well as in the context of risks of death or personal injury. [10] Third Parties Third-party liability insurance protects the insured from legal liability claims presented by third parties. It can be difficult to determine who party to a contract is when it is a three way relationship. For instance, there is a legal contract between International Water Service and Pennine Water. There is also a legal contract between Pennine Water and its customers. The three or more roles in the contract are different from two roles in the contract. In this case, there is no legal contract between International Water Service and the customers of Pennine Water. The case that relate to third parties is The Salvage Association v CAP Financial Services Ltd [1995]. The more important factor that I must pay attention is ‘reasonable care and skill’ in this case. For example, if we will develop this system, we must supply some compilers who have sufficient experience in the skill. If we send some no-sufficient compilers, IWS has the liability when the system is defective. S o the supplier, if acting in the course of a business, will carry out the service with: ‘reasonable care and skill’. There is another important aspect in third parties. It is Privity of Contract. Privity of Contract is a doctrine of contract law that prevents any person from seeking the enforcement of a contract, or suing on its terms, unless they are a party to that contract. Suppose there are a customer, an agent and a manufacturer. There is a subcontract between agent and manufacturer. Moreover, there is a contract between agent and customer. So we can give a definition to privity of contract. Privity refers to a connection or bond between parties to a particular transaction. Privity of contract is the relationship that exists between two or more parties to an agreement. Privity of estate exists between a lessor and a lessee, and privity of possession is the relationship between parties in successive possession of real property.    References [1] Legal liability http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_liability [2] What is a contract wisegeek.com/what-is-a-contract.htm [3] Negligent misstatement http://law.jrank.org/pages/16397/negligent-misstatement-(negligent-misrepresentation-careless-statement).html [4] Negligent misstatement lawiki.org/lawwiki/Negligent_misstatement [5] Practice Insights: Products Liability Law http://legalcareers.about.com/od/legalspecialties/a/productsliab.htm [6] Products Liability Law floridalawyer.com/services-products.html [7] Making a Defective Product Claim national-accident-helpline.co.uk/accident-claims/defective-product-claims.html?s=googlegclid=CKOEzujgrKgCFUdP4QodK1f9HQ [8] Defective Products Liability Claim firstpersonalinjury.co.uk/our-specialities/defective-products-and-product-liability-claims [9] What is product liability? findlaw.co.uk/law/accidents_and_injuries/defective_and_dangerous_products/500054.html [10] Insite Law insitelawmagazine.com/ch11productlaibility.htm [11] David Bainbridge ‘Introduction to Information Technology Law’ (2008) Appendices Donoghue v Stevenson On 26 August 1928, Donoghue cost 30 minutes to Paisley by a tram. At about 8:50 pm, she was in the Wellmeadow Cafe with her friend. Her friend ordered and paid for a pear, ice and an ice-cream drink. The owner uses a tumbler to contain ginger beer and ice cream. Donoghue drank some and her friends lifted the bottle to pour the remainder of the bottle. Then, they found there is a snail which was in a state of decomposition dropped out of the bottle into the tumbler. Donoghue complained soon and her doctor diagnosed her as having gastroenteritis and being in a state of severe shock. On 9 April 1929, Donoghue brought an action against David Stevenson who is the water manufacturer in Paisley. Donoghue claimed 500 pounds as damages for injuries sustained. Caparo Industries plc v Dickman A company called Fidelity plc, which is a manufactures of electrical equipments, was the target of a takeover by Caparo Industries plc. Fidelity did not run well. In March 1984 Fidelity had issued a profit warning, which had halved its share price. In June 1984, the annual accounts were done with the help of the accountant Dickman. Caparo found that Fidenlity’s accounts were in an even worse state than had been revealed by the directors or the auditors. Hedley Byrne Co Ltd v Heller Partners Ltd Hedley Byrne was a firm of advertising agents. Easipower Ltd is a customer who put in a large order. Hedley wanted to check the information, which includes financial position and credit-worthiness. Heller Partners Ltd replied in a letter that was headed, â€Å"without responsibility on the part of this bank†. Easipower said that consider good for its ordinary business engagements. Derry v peek (1888) The defendant tram company advertised in its prospectus that it would employ steam power, and intimated that it had the authority of the Board of Trade to do so. In the end, the Board refused consent to steam power, and the company was wound up. The claimant investor brought an action in the tort of deceit, which ultimately failed in the HouseOfLords. While there was no doubt that the defendants claim was unfounded, the House held that deceit required actual Dishonesty Negligence, however culpable was not enough.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Building E-commerce (Rent all Marine activities and boat charters) Research Paper

Building E-commerce (Rent all Marine activities and boat charters) - Research Paper Example The company will commence its operations, under the Commercial Law of Kuwait government, with a total share capital of KD 60,000. The contributors are Mr. Fahad Alnasrallah (Chief Marketing Officer – CMO), Mr. Mohammed Almejadi (Chief Financing Officer – CFO) and Mr. Abdulaziz Almohaisen (Chief Executive Officer-CEO and founder). Each partner will invest KD 20,000. The NPV after the feasibility study for five years forecasting shows a positive KD 2,247, which indicates that it is a feasible business venture. It will start generating positive income cash flow for the third year in 2018 with a margin of 7%, and on an increasing scale to reach a margin of 22% in the year 2020. The Pay Back Period is 4.6 years. The primary value proposition for the company is to save time and money by providing the customers an opportunity to adventure the sea with the convenience and avoiding unqualified vendors. The company will receive transaction fee based on successful transaction/confirmation done, the yearly subscription from vendors, and advertisement from advertisers. The market opportunity is large due to lots of individual vendors who will be attracted to join. The market will be competitive after few years of initiative, but the company will mostly possess the largest market share, giving the new entrants a bleak in an entry. This will be achieved by engaging experienced, knowledgeable, and well-known employees. The market strategy includes marketing campaigns, advertisements, and word of mouth. The company will undertake to recruit highly skilled staff to achieve an effective organizational development plan. With the well-able management team, the company will pull in and convince customers th at the business has a plenitude of market-specific expertise and the experience necessary to implement the business plan. Given the positive Net Profit Value of KD 2,247 after the feasibility study for 5 years

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Interpersonal, Group, and Organizational Communication Skills Assignment

Interpersonal, Group, and Organizational Communication Skills Assessment - Assignment Example Interpersonal, Group, and Organizational Communication Skills Assessment My spoken language skills are average. By average, it is meant that both verbal and non-verbal forms of communication are used. Listening is one of my strengths. Am able to absorb and process information given. I am usually relaxed, silent, check for non-verbal features, and avoid distractions. My relationship skills are normally based on the person I am communicating with. As for my peers, I relate with them casually and am usually at ease. For elder persons, respect is paramount and I give them the appropriate attention required. Overall, my interpersonal communication skills are better than good as they allow me to communicate appropriately in face to face communications. It is vital that all persons within a group focus on the processes through which duties are completed, while ensuring that the atmosphere within the group is just right to accomplish the duties. Being a group member requires that one is equipped with various group communication skills. My overall group communication skills include ability to describe my ideas, listen keenly, convey feelings in an appropriate way which does not threaten other group members, trigger conversations within the group and sense the attitude of other group members. There are characteristics that would describe me as a group member. One is that am respectful of other group members. When I communicate, I ensure that my opinion is communicated in a manner that respects other group members.

Monday, November 18, 2019

Research Paper to included Data Analysis Plan Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

To included Data Analysis Plan - Research Paper Example The same document reveals that among the general public, men are more likely (60%) to come across traumatic experiences that may trigger PTSD than do females (50%). However, women are more likely to develop the condition despite their lower rate of exposure, with a likelihood of 10% compared to men’s 4% (Gradus, 2014). At the same time, research has established that veterans who took part in different operations have varying rates of PTSD prevalence. This could be the result of varying intensities of the wars, and differing levels of exposure to other traumatic experiences. The Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans have a prevalence of between 11% and 20%; Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans have a 12% prevalence; and 30% of Vietnam War veterans have endured PTSD in their lifetime. Taking a look at the gender dimension in prevalence of PTSD among military personnel reveals that a higher percentage of women (55%) are exposed to sexual harassment than men (38%) (U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, 2014; Haskell et al, 2010). Needless to say, these experiences elevate female veterans’ risk of developing PTSD. With this fact in mind, it is accurate to adjudge that female veterans are more prone to PTSD than are male veterans. It is these assertions on higher prevalence of PTSD among veterans and among females in society (both in the general public and the veteran community) that this research seeks to investigate. None of the literature material consulted appears to point at the implications of longer or shorter exposure on the prevalence of PTSD among veterans. The researcher delves into this issue by seeking to establish whether those who have been in the battlefield for longer periods are equally likely to suffer PTSD as a result of accumulated traumatic experiences. As indicated, this research aims to investigate whether there

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Psychology Essays Psychiatric Diagnosis

Psychology Essays Psychiatric Diagnosis To what extent do the negative implications of a psychiatric diagnosis outweigh the benefits? The idea that a diagnosis of mental illness can be more harmful than beneficial is a concept which many might find surprising. However if we examine the emergence of sociological theories originating from the symbolic interactionist movement of the 1960s we can construct an argument based on these theoretical insights as to how a diagnosis of being mentally ill might be harmful outside of the implications for possible treatment with which such a diagnosis would bring. In this manner we consider what the most effective strategy of treatment should be. Emerging from dissatisfaction with the structural functionalists theories drawing on symbolic interactionists are interested in analysing how the various interactions between people within social situations are played out (Rogers and Pilgrim, 2001). In the works of Goffman this is portrayed as a drama with actors of sorts and his work on stigma for example showed how the rules of the game varied for people perceived as being different in some way (Goffman, 1968a, 1968b). Thus in relation to mental health it is the possible societal reactions arising out of a diagnosis of mental illness which is the vital element. The theory which developed out of these ideas hence became known as labelling theory and it became strongly associated with the anti-psychiatry movement of the late 1960s and 1970s (Cockerham, 1992). At the heart of this theory are two concepts related to deviance or mental disorder these being called primary deviance and secondary deviance. Primary deviance refers to those symptoms which do indeed have a basis and grounding in clinical symptoms. These are the actual incidences of disease. Labelling theorists have some interesting things to say about this, in that namely much of primary deviance goes undiagnosed (Pilgrim and Rogers, 1999). The reasons for this is the reaction of those around the sufferer attempting to make sense of the individuals behaviour, rationalising it until a certain point is reached when it is impossible to dismiss the behaviour as aberrant anymore. Indeed labelling theorists argued that it was not just family members or other people close to suffers who displayed this sort of behaviour but also medical practitioners demonstrating a wide range and extensive set of either mis-diagnosis or non-diagnosis of mental illness (Yarrow et al, 1955). However it is the realm of secondary deviance in which labelling theory has the most interesting things to say and it is here this essay argues that the most harmful aspects of a diagnosis of mental illness can be found. For labelling theorists secondary deviance refers to ways in which other members of society, the psychiatric and medical profession and eventually the person who has been diagnosed act as a result of the category of mentally ill being applied to them (Pilgrim and Rogers, 2001). Working from this supposition then a number of factors are critical for labelling theorists and one of the most important is how conformist a particular society is. The reason for this is that the higher a level of conformity is found in a society the greater the chance that a particular behaviour which breaks the rules of that society will be labelled as deviant. A particularly interesting feature of this idea built upon subsequently by social constructivist theories is that concepts of deviancy also change as the conformity levels of a society alter, thus while homosexuality was a deviant behaviour for western societies in the 19th century and psychiatric treatment was recommended for those who were afflicted with the disorder the changing prevalent views on homosexuality have lessened its perception as a deviant behaviour, though not completely dispelled it (Cockerham, 1992). In a series of studies it was demonstrated that otherwise sane people who mentioned specific circumstances of strange behaviour were labelled as insane and where those people did normal behaviours these other behaviours in turn then became labelled as insane and became seen as part of the behavioural pattern of the insane person. Thus in Rosenhams (1973) study his fake patients who gained admission into institutions and who were taking notes of their own observation and treatment by doctors had in the observations kept on them notes on how they displayed incessant note taking behaviour. Thus patients who are labelled as mentally ill face difficulties when they try to escape the label and the behaviours which are the objects of labelling. Even where for example patients have been cured they will carry the stigma of such a label and the consequent reactions of people who learn of the past status of the individual will labelling theory argues lead to a vicious cycle of reinforcement of both label and behaviour. However while labelling theory was a powerful critique of psychiatric practice which was popular also it has since fallen out of favour and its concepts can be critiqued on a number of grounds. In Yarrows study case it was found that subsequent to the experiment that his patients in fact did not continue to display aberrant behaviours for long after the study. Thus we can argue that there is a weakness in the idea of a secondary deviance, that for those who are not mentally ill the labelling of being mentally ill which while it might have an effect may not be as strong as the theory suggests (Rogers and Pilgrim, 1999). But it remains to be said that the practice of diagnosis and cure of the mentally ill must be aware of the broader social environments in which those who are mentally ill will operate in, thus a primarily bio-medical model of mental health, i.e. in that there is a specific cause which when cured will make the patient better, is inadequate and as labelling theory and more recently the field of health psychology suggests we must consider a holistic type therapy which factors in the effects of wider social phenomenon such as the reactions of people and clinicians to the patient in order that effective strategies of cure can be developed which benefit the person involved (Heller, 1996). As such while moves away from institutional care can be commended as ceasing to separate the mentally ill from society and thus stigmatising them in a highly visible manner the effectiveness of community care must be judged against both successful curative techniques and levels of effective integration wi th the community setting in which the care is provided.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Communicating Between Men and Women Essay -- CommunicatingLanguage Rel

Chromosomes Can't Explain This It's no secret that men and women often have difficulty communicating with one another. How many times, for example, have small disagreements combusted into gigantic tragedies with the exchange of only a few words and frustrated expressions? Despite the fact that male and female bodies were obviously made for clear interaction, our respective linguistic capabilities appear to have been scrambled. Some people may wonder how in the hell the human race continues to propagate given the disparaging gap separating the sexes. In an effort to peel away the layers of confusion forged between men and women, authors such as Deborah Tannen, John Gray, and Susan Page have worked to help couples deal with the strain of miscommunication. These authors present their viewpoints and offer their advice in their written work, offering reeling couples a chance to piece together the fragments of their relationship. While certainly not without their critics, these authors have taken steps to show both men and women how they can work towards better understanding what his or her mate is saying, and how to properly respond. "He doesn't understand!" Men have been traditionally chastised by their female companions for lacking the ability to communicate on an emotional, empathetic level. Oftentimes women do not understand why men can't relate to them as well as they'd like. Tannen, Gray, and Page cite different explanations for this phenomenon, and each suggest ways for men to overcome their natural disposition in effectively connecting with their special ladies. Tannen, first of all, proposes the notion that men communicate on a different basis than women. According to Tannen's book, You Just Don't Understa... ...rrestrial metaphor, criticizing him for blurring fiction with fact as a cornerstone for his popularity. Finally, Gleick insinuates that Gray thinks of himself as something of a messiah that would one day use his skills as a negotiator to parley world peace. Whether these authors, or their critics, can be taken for their word is left to each individual to decide. Tannen, Gray, and Page have endeavored to untangle the complex web of miscommunication between men and women. By the same token, their critics have worked to find fault in their arguments and perspectives. Nonetheless, their work has provided a basis from which all manners of people can begin to evaluate their own lives and relationships. Regardless of whether their advice is accurate or not, perhaps the words of these authors can be something to consider during that next fight with the significant other.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Training Day: Management Analysis

Michael Rounsavall 1/9/08 Management 202 Training Day: Movie Analysis The movie Training Day starring Denzel Washington,proved to show many interesting outlooks of managing activities and skills that I have never even came close to noticing before. Alonzo Harris played by Denzel in the movie expressed many forms of management throughout this movie. He displayed different basic management functions, fundamental management skills, parts of the evolution of management, and also some other key management terms. Jake Hoyt, who Alonzo is supposed to give in an evaluation on, also shows many different forms of management throughout this movie. The first thing I noticed during this movie was the basic management functions that Alonzo was planning throughout the whole movie to achieve a certain goal. At the beginning of the movie I noticed that Alonzo took the drugs from the dealers instead of arresting them. As the movie went on this pattern continued, and it wasn’t until Alonzo sat down with the three police officers that I realized what was actually going on. This meeting was a form of bureaucracy (Griffin, 15), because the top dog police officers, who I thought of as the top managers set a set of guidelines for Alonzo, and allows him to go cash in on Roger’s money stash. At this point I realized throughout the movie I realized Alonzo was displaying basic management functions throughout this entire movie. He obviously had a goal, which was get enough money to save himself from the Russians. He then began planning, and deciding the best way to achieve these goals. (Griffin, 9). This plan consisted of going around and stealing from the drug dealers then selling it for one hundred percent profit or Illegally searching homes for money, when that didn’t work he got permission from the top ranks to steal from his friend Roger. Alonzo then began to organize his plan by getting the people he needed, and determined how each activity and resource would be demonstrated during this robbery. (Griffin,9) This plan was to frame the murder of Roger to look like he had shot a cop, then to steal Roger’s money which would save Alonzo. Alonzo did a spectacular job of leading the group so that it would seem like it was an act of self defense towards Roger. He was barking out orders, and made everyone work together, so that there would be no problem getting away with this (Griffin, 10). After the money was taken by Alonzo he displayed the final step which is controlling. During this stage you must ensure that your firm is going to arrive at its destination at the appointed time. (Griffin, 9) For Alonzo this met he had to get the money to the Russian’s, and he saw Jake as a problem. To ensure that he would reach his final destination Alonzo set Jake up to be murdered, but this didn’t work out because Jake saved the murderers sister. After this Jake realizes that Alonzo is very corrupt, and goes to take back what Alonzo has stolen. This movie not only displayed the basic management functions but also proved to show fundamental skills and other key terms. During this movie I definitely thought of Jake as more of a first line manager who was able to control the streets, but was under the wing of Alonzo and the top executives. Throughout the movie Jake showed just about every one of the fundamental management skills you could show. He definitely possessed the technical skills because he was able to show all the skills necessary with being a cop, especially when he had to fight of f the two rapists (Griffin, 10). He showed most of the other skills at the end of the movie when he was going to take down Alonzo. After Jake escaped from the â€Å"set up†, that Alonzo had planned out for him,he made his own theory about what he was going to do. In management a theory is organizing knowledge, and providing a blueprint for action (Griffin, 12). Jake realized that he gained the respect from Alonzo’s administration in which he controlled, and planned to sneak in Alonzo’s house to take the money back from that he had stolen. As Jake got into Alonzo’s house he showed very good communication skills with Alonzo’s son ensuring his safety, while making sure Alonzo wasn’t able to hear him come in, and conveyed his message effectively so that he could take care of the situation (Griffin, 11). After this Jake was able to take down Alonzo until they were outside, and Alonzo had all of his administration together. Alonzo ran a form of administrative management throughout the projects, where he organized, lead, and controlled what went on, and how the operations were going to take place (Griffin, 15). As Alonzo’s organization realized how corrupt he really was, just like many higher level managers are accused of, they stopped letting Alonzo control them, and allowed Jake to take Alonzo’s stolen money for evidence. Jake definitely was not interested in the human ethics movement whereas that workers respond social context of the workplace(Griffin, 15). Jake did a good job proving that he was very ethical throughout this movie, and proved he was ready to move up to a higher position. Even though Alonzo did a good job displaying management skills, he was very corrupt, and was cheating his way through the system. This movie showed how people could control an administration, but be shut down for doing things the non-ethical way. Jake fought through this corrupt system, and showed great fundamental managementskills throughout this entire film. I never realized how much this film actually showed related to the world of management until I really looked closely at it. I’m sure now that I will be able to look at films such as this one, and be able to understand how they also have to do with managing a company. York, 2006.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Love and Lust in the Lyrics (Shakespeares Sonnets) Essay Example

Love and Lust in the Lyrics (Shakespeares Sonnets) Essay Example Love and Lust in the Lyrics (Shakespeares Sonnets) Paper Love and Lust in the Lyrics (Shakespeares Sonnets) Paper Essay Topic: The Sound and the Fury A sonnet is a poem of fourteen lines that rhyme in a particular pattern. William Shakespeare’s sonnets were the only non-dramatic poetry that he wrote. Shakespeare used sonnets within some of his plays, but his sonnets are best known as a series of one hundred and fifty-four poems. The series of one hundred and fifty-four poems tell a story about a young aristocrat and a mysterious mistress. Many people have analyzed and contemplated about the significance of these â€Å"lovers†. After analysis of the content of both the â€Å"young man† sonnets and the â€Å"dark lady sonnets†, it is clear that the poet, Shakespeare, has a great love for the young man and only lusts after his mistress. In order to fully understand the depth of emotion that Shakespeare (hereafter the poet) felt for the young man of his sonnets, one must be familiar with the story line of the first sub-sequence of the sonnets. When analyzing the content and depth of the poet’s love, the ambiguous nature of the poet’s relationship with the young man should also be considered. Sonnets 1-126 are addressed to a salient young man: advising him, praising him, and nagging him. The first nineteen sonnets repeat the same message. They encourage the young man to settle down and have children. Because his youthful beauty will not last forever, the poet urges the man to procreate so that the young man’s unmatched beauty can live on in his children. Many of the early sonnets sing the approbation of the young man and express the poet’s love and emulation for him. Shakespeare used love in the context of a deep friendship, as read in the first four lines of sonnet 26: Lord of my love, to whom in vassalage Thy merit hath my duty strongly knit, To thee I send this written ambassage To witness duty, not to show my wit; (see appendix P for whole sonnet) The mistress then seduces the poet’s friend and after he contends for her with the young man, the poet gives her up to the lord. In sonnet 42 (see appendix A) the poet confesses his alleged love for his mistress, however, he still lets her run away with his friend. This action poses two questions to the reader. If he loved her so much, why did he let her go? How deep was his love for the young man, that he let him have his mistress? Examining what type of relationship the poet has with the young man answers both questions. Interpreters on the subject of the poet’s sexuality can be divided into two groups. There are the few who find sexual attraction revealed toward the friend. Then there are the many that reassure themselves and readers that such an attraction is far from affirmed. For the purpose of this essay, a focus on the minority viewpoint will be examined. Sonnet 20 (see appendix B) shows just one example of sexual connotation that is present throughout the sonnets of the first sub-sequence. Sonnet 75 (see appendix C) is particularly dense with sexual innuendo. Here, to begin with, is the third quatrain: Sometime all full with feasting on your sight, And by and by clean starved for a look; Possessing or pursuing no delight Save what is had, or must from you be took. Here Shakespeare makes â€Å"delight† allude to sexual pleasure. Eric Partridge, author of Shakespeare’s Bawdy: a Literary and Psychological Essay and Comprehensive Glossary, records that â€Å"Shakespeare does these elsewhere, a typically including among the citations 36. 8 (see appendix D for whole sonnet) where the ‘sweet hours’ of ‘love’s delight’ consists of amorous play between the lovers† (Pequigney 38). Having the poet and the young man in a relationship that goes beyond friendship allows a reader of the sonnets to better understand the depth of the poet’s love for the young man. Of all the sonnets expressing the poet’s love for the young man, sonnet 116 is the most renowned. According to Freud, love is â€Å"the synthesis between the unsensual, heavenly love and sensual, earth love, of which the characteristics are: a lasting cathexis upon the sexual object, so that it may be loved in the passionless intervals between the gratification of erotic desire and it’s return, the phenomenon of sexual overvaluation, and a narcissistic relation to the subject’s ego† (Bloom 59-60). So the lover, the poet, treats the loved object, the young man, as he would himself. The loved object serves as a substitute for some unattained ideal. In the case of the sonnets, the ideal is love. Being in love allows the poet to have what he wants but could not acquire before and serves as a means of satisfying his self-love. Joseph Pequigney, author of Such is My Love: A Study of Shakespeare’s Sonnets, agrees with and elaborates on Freud. He writes, â€Å"All of these characteristics belong to the poet’s love for the friend. It is a love that pays handsome narcissistic dividends; it is advantageous also for the friend, who is praised for personal qualities that would likely pass unnoticed were the poet not under the spell of his beauty. † Pequigney goes on to touch on the antithesis of the poet’s love for the young man, his lust for his mistress the â€Å"dark lady†. Because the mistress offers no self-seeking advantages, she is â€Å"disesteemed with vice but never virtue ascribed to her† (Pequigney 157). The poet attacks and questions her physical attractiveness as the affair goes on and she arouses lust that comes and goes. Sonnets 127-154 are addressed to the â€Å"dark lady† (hereafter the mistress). Shakespeare’s relations to his mistress vacillate; sometimes sanguine, tender, teasing, or bitterly anger; yet it is a simpler relation than that with the young man. The poet does not have to justify her, as he had to justify the young man out of deep psychological need. The relation with her is for pleasure, passion, and infatuation. When the poet first begins too court the mistress, he employs unmistakable salacious humor, exhibits the combination of desire and disrespect that is the hallmark of lust in the second sub-sequence. His lack of jealously at the fact that she has two other men exhibits his lack of genuine love for his mistress. He does not look to get rid of his mistress’s other lovers; he simply asks that he is not gotten rid of either. As long as she grants him sexual favors as well, he will remain happy. She may be the opposite of celibate, but he does not mind, so long as he gets his share. The two have sexual relations, for the first time, in the period following sonnet 128 (see appendix F) and shortly before the opening of sonnet 129 (appendix G). Once desire for the woman has been satisfied, revulsion sets in. In his current frame of mind the poet delivers the monologue of sonnet 129, which anatomizes lust while dramatizing his struggle to come to terms with it. The experience is described as three successive phases: (1) carnal desire; (2) consummation; and (3) the aftermath (Ramsey 146). The vicious cycle continually repeats throughout part two. Immediately after sonnet 129 the poet goes back to gaily, gently teasing his mistress, shown in sonnet 130: I love to hear her speak, yet well I know That music hath a far more pleasing sound; I grant I never saw a goddess go- My mistress when she walks treads on the ground. And yet by heaven I think my love as rare As any she belied with false compare. (see appendix H for whole sonnet) Later he goes back to anger and bitterness (131, appendix I) to a mixture of teasing and strong emotion (132, appendix J) back to hatred (133, appendix K). From there, he goes to witty obscenity, with shades of self-contempt and some hostility (135, appendix L) to delicate tenderness (143, appendix M) and back to anger (144, appendix N), to start the cycle all over again. Shakespeare ends the poems to the dark lady savagely and appropriately: For I have sworn thee fair: More perjured eye, To swear against the truth so foul a lie. (see appendix O for whole sonnet) The fury is the fury from his conscious wavering between supposed love and lust. It is not a pleasant way to end 154 love poems, but it is a great way. The story of Shakespeare’s sonnets clearly shows, through the content of the sonnets, how deeply he feels for his young friend and how he merely lusts after his mistress. The sacrifice that the poet made for the young man, by giving up his mistress to the man he loved, proves his great love for him. The poet’s reaction to the consummation of the relationship between his mistress and him characterizes his animal lust for her. Shakespeare justifies the young man; he blames the dark lady; he struggles with himself, blames himself, and then tries to justify himself to no avail.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Galeries of Paris essays

Galeries of Paris essays At the start or the academic year I attended a study trip to Paris where we visited some of the famous galleries and sights of the capital. As a part of our contextual studies we asked to produce a essay on a exhibition or a gallery of witch seen during the study trip. I have decided to look at two of the famous galleries of the capital witch are the Pompidou and the Muse d'Orsay. I am intending to look at the differences between the buildings and the work that is displayed within. I intend to do this because I find the differences interesting. I am looking at the comparison between the both buildings at two different levels at the simplest level I find it very interesting the way that the both galleries are similar in the way that hold pieces of art but they are both very different in the way that they have been built and designed. The Muse d'Orsay was originally a railway station and then got converted in to a art gallery. Therefore the building is very old and traditional and fits in next to the many other old and famous buildings in Paris, of witch the main feature is the tower clock witch is still there today. Whilst on the other hand the Pompidou is a new and modern building that includes many shapes and colours in the design of the building. This building is not very traditional and in my opinion dose not fit in against many of the old and traditional buildings in the capital. The Pompidou has sparked many debates about its daring and strange architecture. The comparison of the two buildings interests me because eve n though the Pompidou was accepted only slowly and with great difficulty into the rhythm of daily life in the area. But now, the metal and glass parallelepiped air ducts with stairwells stuck onto the outside has a unique central role in the capital. The number of people who visit the building daily is astounding, and for many years it was the most visited museum in Paris. The other level that I am looking at t ...

Monday, November 4, 2019

MARKETING MANAGEMENT Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

MARKETING MANAGEMENT - Research Paper Example 88; Valentin, 2001). This explains why most of the colleges and universities are very focused on equipting all future managers with regards to the use of this particular analytical tool in business (Aghdaie and Zardeini, 2012; Chan, 2011). As defined by Lamb, Hair and McDaniel (2012, p. 40), competitive advantage is â€Å"a set of features of a company and its products that are perceived by the target market as signficant and superior to the competition†. Considering the tight market competition that is currently going on in both domestic and international market, the ability of the managers to develop and create a competitive advantage on behalf of the company becomes very important. With the purpose of gaining more insight on how to critically examine both internal and external factors that can significantly affect the success or failure of a business organization, this study will focus more on critically evaluating the main role of the SWOT analysis framework particularly w hen it comes to establishing strategic priorities that will improve the company’s ability to compete within the local and international market. ... 88) defined SWOT analysis as a â€Å"technique for focusing an individual’s or group’s attention on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, or threats†. Using a 2 x 2 matrix, the main purpose behind the use of the SWOT analysis framework is to help executive managers make important decisions that can affect the company’s short-term and long-term overall business performance (Aghdaie and Zardeini, 2012; Oetomo and Ardini, 2012). According to Ommani (2011), it is possible to conduct a SWOT analysis to help the business people and executive managers gain a better understanding and full insight with regards to the company’s past business experiences. By going through the previous experinces of the managers, Ommani (2011) explained that the company’s top executives can think better in terms of developing effective solutions to the problems. For example, through the use of this particular analytical framework, executive managers will be able to ident ify the company’s current position in the market and all signs of potential future risks. Specifically the identified strenghs and weaknesses are internal factors whereas opportunities and threats are external factors that can significantly affect the business (Aghdaie and Zardeini, 2012). Using the SWOT analysis framework, executive managers will also be able to compare and constrast the company’s internal strengths and weaknesses with that of its close competitors (Aghdaie and Zardeini, 2012; Murray-Webster, 2010, p. 88). According to Ferrell and Hartline (2011, p. 120), the SWOT analysis framework is the simpliest and most effective strategic planning tool which can be used in the study and analysis of all marketing facts and figures. It means that through the use of

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Suffragette in the 1910's Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Suffragette in the 1910's - Research Paper Example New leaders of the movement such as Lucy Stone, Lucretia Mott, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton came from antislavery movement. Relations between the two movements were cordial at different political, personal and ideological levels but a turn came when Wendell Phillips set aside the issue of women suffrage to work for enfranchisement for newly independent blacks: â€Å"I hope in time to be as bold as Stuart Mill and add to that last clause ‘sex’!! But this hour belongs to the Negro.† From there on the movement split into two camps: the â€Å"moderates,† headed by Lucy Stone followed the Republican strategy while the radicals were led by Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, focusing the movement nearer to the New York Journal, The Revolution. Christine Stansell, â€Å"Feminism and Suffrage: The Emergence of an Independent Women's Movement in America by Ellen Carol DuBois,† Feminist Studies, 1980, 70-71. Introduction The history of women suffrage movement in the U nited States begins from 1848 when a call for the right to vote was made at the Seneca Falls Woman’s Right Convention. Initially, the movement vouched for equal rights in all areas of public interest such as civil, political, economic, and personal related to property, guardianship of their own children, equal salaries and reach to top-tier professional jobs besides freedom to right over family planning. The demand for the right to vote was not on the top of their agenda and there was no unanimity over demanding suffrage among the leading women functionaries of the movement. The new line of suffragists gaining national stature were the â€Å"New Women,† like Carrie Chapman Catt, Nettie Rogers Shuler, Harriet Taylor Upton, Anna Howard Shaw who saw no logic in running two parallel bodies and assimilated the associations into The National American Women Suffrage Association (NAWSA). This was a lackluster phase of the movement, as it was passing through â€Å"the doldrums ,† period from 1896 to 1910. Presidency of Anna Howard Shah in 1904 could not revive the movement. After she stepped down, Carrie Chapman Catt was appointed the president of NAWSA. Her â€Å"winning plan,† made it sure that in stead of running state-level campaigns attention should be given on federal amendments to effectively get the right to vote for the American women. 2 ________________________________ 2. Elna C. Green, â€Å"Southern Strategies: Southern Women and the Woman Suffrage Question,† (The University of North Carolina Press), p. 2-4. There was no doubt over Catt’s capability of organization; she could handle NAWSA resources and staff in two states effectively. Finally, the nineteenth amendment was made on June 1919 by the Congress and was sent to the states for ratification. From 1910s onwards, the second wave on suffragette started on a forceful note bringing the movement out of â€Å"the doldrums,† recruiting women in large numbers w ith every southern state having a permanent suffrage organization by 1913. 3 Fanny Wright led the movement by supporting the cause of abolition of slavery, free secular education, birth control, and softer conditions on getting a divorce by women through her books such as Course of Popular Lectures (1829) and writing in the Free Enquirer. In 1840, the suffrage movement got another push when Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott were not granted permission to speak in the World Anti-Slavery Convention, as Stanton remarked on it: "We resolved to hold a convention as soon as we returned home, and form a society to advocate the rights of women." The American Equal Rights Association came into existence in 1866 but no decision could be made in Kansas on Negro suffrage and women suffrage. Later, in 1869 the National Women Suffrage

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Marketing research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marketing research - Essay Example Moreover on its growing popularity Skitka and Sargis (2006) stated that in 2003-2004 American Psychological Association Journals had at least one article published that used web based data collection. Web based survey gained popularity at accelerated pace. Lyons, Cude, Lawrence, and Gutter (2005) mentioned that web based surveys provide greater benefits as compare to traditional methods of paper –pencil or telephonic surveys. Most frequents benefits associated with online survey are efficacy, specific to time and money, huge data availability, less response bias etc while biggest demerits associated with this kind of survey are reliability and validity of the research (Vereecken, 2001). This ease of conducting survey is being witnessed in two domains; first, reduced cost as it is relatively less expensive and cheaper to get the required data through online survey. Second, the ease provided by the online survey, in getting one’s customers’ feedback has provided sm all companies an opportunity to conduct survey which was earlier confined with companies having large marketing and research budgets. Companies now use this option on constant on-going basis to keep customers intact with their websites; hence, it has become an important tool to keep bringing traffic to the websites that on one side brings in revenue from advertisers as well as constantly upgrades data-bank regarding changing customers’ thought patterns. On most prominent feature of the web based survey is characteristics of population it uses to get responses. At an instance, where internet based population provides access to virtual groups and communities this feature can also turn as disadvantage (Wright, 2005). With lack of control on environment it gets difficult to verify participants. For instance, verification of age, status etc is not possible. Similarly, one cannot verify if the participants are actually eligible for the response e.g. minors responding to surveys des igned for adults etc or people are participating frivolously or maliciously in a way that could undermine the integrity of the study (Garrick, 2009). RESEARCH PROBLEM: Web based survey has taken an extensive importance in business research as well as business enhancing tools. With the growing popularity of web based research there has arisen many problems with it more specifically with the main component of research .i.e. population (Litvin and Kar, 2001). For every product there is certain group of customers who do not participate in online surveys and hence, their liking, disliking or in general their opinions are left unattended. Therefore, there arises a problem to cater the suggestions of that particular group of people (Yun and Trumbo, 2000). Hence, the research problem this study is aimed to address is finding if any difference exist in response of people in online surveys and other surveying techniques. Internet usage has grown in multiples in past years and the pace is stil l growing, however there is still certain percentage of population that do not use internet. The objective of this research is to explore the fact that how much similarity exists in the responses of customers through online surveys and through other survey techniques. This study will explore an entirely new domain for researchers as well as businesses. Similarity in results would benefit the research organizations to divert their resources (expertise) more towards web based resources. On contrary to this, if

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Gender and Video Games Essay Example for Free

Gender and Video Games Essay The current development in the literature concerning videogames and gender constitutes the formulation of perceptions of how not only game developers but also players establish their individual and collective identity in this process. Their relationship then corresponds to creating specific norms and principles that seek to identify specific ideas concerning their representation of reality and also their ability to capitalize on existing genres for cultivating game play and the issues related to acceptance of existing norms. Due to this, to better understand the relationship circumventing around video games and gender, fair amount of analysis must be made not only in its ability to represent the gaming public but also in the impact it creates towards taking the issue into a bigger picture as it relates to the construction of social norms and roles. Assessing Video Games and Gender Indeed looking at previous literature studies, it can be seen that misrepresentation remains apparent especially among the representation of gender in video games. Here, common patterns of male masculine figures and characters continue to dominate different platforms and games. Such idea remains to be seen particularly, during the earlier times wherein there is a corresponding depiction of players that are relatively male and ultimately dominate both the primary and secondary characters. Here, Williams, Martins, Consalvo and Ivory (2009) study highlights these apparent trends by arguing that â€Å"the most popular games are less representative than the typical game produced by developers, indicating that players also play a role in the cycle of creation and consumption† (p. 828). Similarly, such actions then establish the formation of implications relating towards both businesses and gamers alike. Given the constant marketing and exploration of new strategies to expand the level of gamers within a specific platform, there are indeed restrictions that this gender bias and formulation of games create. It necessitates not only hindering the potential appeal of these games towards consumers but also induce common means for limited appreciation and also shortage in sales. These dynamics in turn necessitate a constricted response to the ever growing number of patrons of video games as it encompasses the majority of participants and involve other actors who also place emphasis in their capacity for media to exhibit their common associations and relationship within the platform (Williams, Martins, Consalvo, Ivory, 2009). Opening up Patterns for Diversity and Change Assessing the validity of how video games embrace diversity, careful analysis needs to be made in the manner that video games seek to portray and outline the views concerning the gaming culture. Since social symbols often connote this process to be a male/masculine endeavor, earlier platforms somehow inhibit female participation in such activity and more often than not associated with male roles and tendencies (Williams, Martin, Consalvo and Ivory, 2009). However, this started to change as new designs and models have been introduced to cater to the changing perceptions of gender roles related to video games and adherence to the objectives to transcend over common representations that platform has over male and female responsiveness. Recognizing the current needs for embedding gender equality within the video game platforms, many game developers now seek to apply these strategies in the formulation of new titles that seek to connote better ability for people to utilize their perception of themselves within a particular game. This brought about significant changes as designers brought into consideration diversity and equal representation of male and female roles in the process. This dynamics then consolidated better means for outlining not only significant areas related to the overall game play but also in the appeal it gives towards different individuals regardless of their racial and gender associations (Brandtzaeg and Heim, 2009). Seeing this, the study by Jansz and Vosmeer indeed offer a good analysis of how the game ‘Sims 2’ address these changing trends and outline the evolution of gaming from a masculine and male dominated genre to a more lax and diverse area that induces common connections between masculinity and femininity. By using this game as an example, the study was able to highlight significant changes in these perceptions and was able to ascertain common ideals shaping and furthering opportunities accounting to how diversity serves as an instrument in merging the idea of gender and video games together. To complement this process, it takes into account creating video games that are not only responsive to the needs of gamers but also reach out towards their ability to utilize connections over the roles specific characters play. Here, Jansz and Vosmeer (2010) argues, â€Å"developing gender and games theory requires more detailed insight into the mutual shaping of game content, game play, and gender identities† (p. 247). By collaborating on these three aspects accordingly, the ability of growth of video games have indeed showcased a reality that is more conducive and responsive to the needs of individuals by offering a variety of platforms wherein interaction and associations remain possible. Videogames, Violence, and Gender Roles Another precept shaping the understanding concerning the idea of videogames and gender is the corresponding perceptions and roles it provides participants. Since this element is one part of media, it is through this that representations about culture and gender roles are provided among individuals regardless of age, race, or cultural affiliations. These dynamics in turn necessitate both positive and negative responses in terms of the establishment of identity and formulation of specific patterns of behavior innate within the characterization of primary and secondary characters in a particular game. In essence, there continues to be a relationship in the way individuals ascertain their preferences in games with their innate social behavior and ability to denote a particular response to each theme of a video game played (Brandtzaeg and Heim, 2009). Seeing these diverse variations concerning the ability to extract experiences and ideas from video games, it then presents the formation of specific behavior and inputs depending on the themes provided. Such actions then result in current diversity of games available in the market today. As Brandtzaeg and Heim (2009) argue, â€Å"the new electronic gaming landscape is complex, and consists of a vast array of choices in different game content genres tailored towards a range of user profiles in regards to highly different interests and content preferences† (p. 71). These in turn result in the formulation of specific behavior that equally shapes an individual’s personality and the manner that each one seeks to equate this in the formulation of their identity and role within social institutions. Associated with the formulation of gender roles, there are also instances of video games promoting violence as themes in its platforms. Such dynamics then necessitate impact on individual behavior as they try to ascertain specific tendencies towards the acceptance of violence to be a social norm and apparent in different scenarios and environment. Though research and literature may argue differently concerning this stance, it also goes to show the impact that video games can provide towards the inducement of violent and aggressive tendencies among gamers. Here, it is what Kim refers to as desensitization of violence within video games genre and points out its impact not only in the formulation of gender roles but also the acceptance of its role within the development of a player’s identity (Kim, n. d. ). Under this process, there continues to be new developments happening in video game technology that aides the desensitization of violence among consoles. These in turn contributes to further exposure and creates a real-life scenarios wherein players experience an almost-real setup where violence as a theme is depicted. Here, Kim (n. d. ) argues that â€Å"as video games become more sophisticated, there is a wide range of input devices at various levels of realism – from pushing keys on a keyboard to a turning wheel to drive or actually shooting a gun† (p. 5). Such realities then brings about the question of how such games provide the means to explore means to correspond the manner to ascertain violence, videogames and gender. It does take into account the value of how these themes permeate within choices and ability to partake in the gaming experience of individuals. By establishing these relationships, it can help analyze the formulation of behavior as well as how it corresponds to the nature of furthering opportunities to extract behavioral responsiveness on the part of individuals who partake in such endeavor. (Jansz, and Vosmeer, 2010). To conclude, the idea of gender and video games have undergone an expansion of literature that takes into account its development from a more conservative and masculine-oriented dimension towards the creation of games that seeks to highlight and induce elements of diversity. By taking account of these areas, it was able to consolidate better means to reach out towards different gamers and allow better means for access among people. Though there may still be corresponding bias views concerning gender, it was able to construct a new playing field wherein new games are able to cater towards the dynamic needs among gamers. Alongside this development, there is also the corresponding perspective of shaping new means to carry out effective means to extract gender roles among players. These elements manifest in the themes and perceptions utilized by individuals who participate in such endeavor. One element that can be seen in these areas is the corresponding violence that video game creates. Though there are contrasting views in the impact on human behavior, it plays a crucial role in establishing analysis in its association with the interplay of social norms and roles through the spectrum of perceptions and choices of video game genres. References Brandtzaeg, P. B. and Heim, J. (2009) Children’s Electronic Gaming Content Preferences and Psychosocial Factors: Is there a connection? Nordicom Review. 30 (2), pp. 69-86 Jansz, J. , Avis, C. and Vosmeer, M. (2010) Playing The Sims 2: An exploration of gender differences in players’ motivations and patterns of play. New media and Society. 12 (2), pp. 235-251 Kim, O. T. Effects of Violent Video Games on Desensitization: The Role of Gender, Previous Exposure, and Input Device. Williams, D. , Martins, N. , Consalvo, M. and Ivory, J. (2009) The virtual census: representations of gender, race, and age in video games. New media and society. 11 (5), pp. 815-834

Saturday, October 26, 2019

The Cold War: A New History

The Cold War: A New History By 1945, World War II came to an end, but there was no victorious celebration or a promising future of hope for peace. The members of the Grand Alliance had already toasted their success in winning the war. However, the United States and the Soviet Union became wary of each other as they had very different goals regarding how to deal with Germany and eastern Europe. The competing visions of the two countries had led the world to fall under the shadow of the Cold War. In his one-volume-book The Cold War: A New History, John Lewis Gaddis examines the dynamics of the political conflicts that dominated the world from the end of World War II to the late 1980s. John Lewis Gaddis is currently the Robert A. Lowett professor of history at Yale University. He is a distinguished historian who had written six other books on the subject of the cold war. In 2005, he was also rewarded a National Humanities Medal by the National Endowment for the humanities (Gaddis, back of front cover). Unlike his previous six books, Gaddis was convinced by his students and agent to write a short, comprehensive, and accessible (Gaddis, pg x). He had intended to write his book for a new generation of readers for whom the Cold War was never current events' (Gaddis, pg x). From many research from the works other Cold War historians and as well as his own analysis, Gaddis created a masterpiece of work that leads his reader through the history of a fearful era and behind-the-scene strategies and thoughts on both sides of the war. His objectives were to reveal the underlying dynamics of the political struggles of the confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union that shaped, and threatened to end, our lives (Gaddis, back of front cover) while intertwining with his own judgments of the historical events. The superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, may have collaborated together to end the World War II; however, their visions of shaping the postwar settlement of Germany and eastern Europe could not have been more different. As Gaddis had stated in his book, The tragedy was this: that victory would require the victors either to cease to be who they were, or to give up much of what they had hoped, by fighting the war, to attain (Gaddis, pg 6). Stalin of the Soviet Union desired security for himself, his regime, his country, and his ideology, in precisely that order (Gaddis, pg 6). He solely believed that his country deserved a lot of territories because of the wartime expenditures that caused the countrys land to be ravaged and the notorious, bloody casualties of an approximate of 27 million civilians that died as a result of World War II (Gaddis, pg 9). He also had a zealous dream which was influenced by the Marxist-Leninist ideology that communists would soon dominate Eur ope through patience because capitalists cannot comply with one another for long. On the other hand, unlike Stalin, the Americans had a less determined goal of grasping security and global influence of their democratic ideas. Most part of Americas history was isolated from the rest of the world until its involvement in World War I. Americans did not have to worry much about security since they were apart from the other continents up until their involvement in the world wars. Within time, the distrust between the United States and the Soviet Union intensified by major issues such as the Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, and especially the fear of the atomic bomb. President Truman announced to provide military and economic aid to Greece and Turkey along with a speech that publicized the aid program in supporting the free people to make their own destinies (which became known as the Truman Doctrine). As the Americans searched for an explanation of the Soviet behavior, George F. Kennan, a Foreign Service officer who served in the American embassy, found the problem that the Soviet Unions internally driven hostility toward the outside world (Gaddis, pg 31). After the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan was devised as a solution to Kennans identification of problem, which was committing the United States to provide economic aid for the reconstruction of Europe. The Marshall Plan was intended to produce psychological benefits that would prevent Europeans to not tu rn towards communism as a solution for their hunger and poverty. According to Gaddis, the Marshall Plan was a trap to get Stalin to build the wall that would divide Europe, which was the blockade of Berlin (Gaddis, pg 32). The fear of the atomic bomb was probably most intensifying cause of the distrust between the two superpowers. The atomic bomb was developed by the Americans and British (without telling the Soviet), called the Manhattan Project, to use against Germany. When the bomb was used on Japan, Stalin reacted strongly, War is barbaric, but using the A-bomb is a superbarbarity (qtd. by Gaddis, pg 25). Not soon after, Soviet scientists devised atomic bombs in August 1949 to Stalins relief. Silently, Stalin and Truman both knew well enough how the atomic weapons can hardly be used without destroying the world. Gaddis analyzed how the two sides did not go into war, especially with the nuclear weapons involved because those weapons could very well end the world. The Cold War spends a good amount of time in examining the emergence of autonomy during the Cold War. However, Gaddis was not focusing on the decolonization of the various countries. Instead, the author dove into what was beneath the surface by showing how the non-alignment of independent countries had an advantage by not committing to either side of the Cold War. As Gaddis writes, if one superpower became too great, a smaller power could defend itself by threatening to align with the other superpower (pg. 124). Other countries such as North and South Korea, North and South Korea, and East and West German kept the two superpowers on their hooks. The weaknesses of those countries became their strength because if their countries collapsed, the countries may turn to communism (which is what the United States does not want) or capitalism (which is what the Soviet Union does not want). The best way to put to is in Gaddis words, a compelling form of Cold War blackmail: if you push me too h ard, my government will fall, and youll be sorry (pg. 130). In this short, comprehensive, and accessible book, Gaddis did an impressive job to discuss and condense down his judgments and the history of the entire era of the Cold War in a fewer than 300-pages of text. Gaddis divided his book into nine different chapters, in which each chapter covers a different topic that were occurring on both sides of the Cold War. Although each chapter covers a different topic, Gaddis subdivided each chapter into smaller sections, yet still able to compel the events or topics in a sequenced manner which allows the reader to follow along without confusion. In each topic, Gaddis does not only provide the hard facts that happen but examines and provides insightful analysis of how the events or ideologies influenced the leaders of the superpowers. This made it difficult to summarize and capture everything of what the author has to offer to the reader about an era that is commonly written about. In the center of the book, Gaddis provided sixteen pages of black-and-white photos that are organized in chronological order of the important people that made up the history of the Cold War as well as events. In addition, there were maps of Europe that added as a visual aid for the reader as the author explains territorial changes, bases, and alliances of the two superpowers. The author was very straightforward with what he had to say, which makes it easy to read and understand, and revealing to his audiences of what the superpower leaders were truly thinking of and their strategies in reaching their ambitions. However, there are flaws or bad choices of events that the author decided to take time to talk about. For instance, Gaddis spent two to three pages on the Watergate crisis, which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. As a reader, one may find how such an event is irrelevant to the Cold War. Overall, it was impressive of how the author organized the numerous events of the Cold War into a one-volume book. The writing style of Gaddis is very absorbing, which makes the book to be enjoyable to read. He chose great quotes from leaders and other people during that time that backs the judgments he makes. Also, he included little anecdotes that supplement his grand narrative of analysis of the various events of the Cold War. For example, every person who has some background knowledge of the Cold War knows that the atomic bombs were not used since the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. However, he started out on the second chapter telling the reader how General MacArthur commanded five atomic bombs to be dropped on the Chinese advancing down the Korean peninsula and two Soviet bombers took off from Vladivostok (Gaddis, pg. 48-49). I was momentarily fooled by this little fiction Gaddis created. The purpose of the story was to show how close the world was to have a nuclear-violent war that could virtually destroy the entire planet. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who anyone who is interested in the Cold War because the book is not just a history book that provides hard facts about events, but also deep analysis of how the events influenced leaders during that era and the future of today. The book is not difficult to read but it would be better if the reader already had some background knowledge of the World War II and the Cold War. The book is worthy for a reader to take their time and absorb the analytical thoughts, examples, and anecdotes that the author conveys. Gaddis examines the different aspects of the events switching and back and forth between the perspectives of the two superpowers. While doing so, he guides the reader through the history of the Cold War without missing any of the commonly-known landmarks of the era providing a well-written narrative of the authors own interpretation and the history itself.