Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Case Study: Shutterfly

Its as simple as a depiction. Shutterfly has settled on incredible advertising choices consistently. Regardless of the year they were continually pushing forward of the innovation of their time. With very few computerized cameras spurning around and web at moderate dial-up associations, Shutterfly were permitting the transfer of â€Å"digital pictures to arrange prints from an online organization. † This was new to individuals even with hare speed broadband. Continually looking forward, Shutterfly now have become a â€Å"major power in the online photograph printing industry. † Shutterfly has invested impressive energy into keeping quality in center. Putting resources into certain business helps, the photograph preparing organization has made a name for themselves and improved assistance quality. To grandstand their quality they â€Å"invested in uncommon printing equipment† so they could control the â€Å"clear, fresh and colorful† picture quality as opposed to handing-off on orders from an outside photograph handling firm that may not perform to Shutterfly’s standard. This kept up Shutterfly’s quality as dependable with next to no to no variety of value. The new extraordinary printing gear additionally included â€Å"photo upgrade functions† to give clients supportive photograph enhancements, similar to red-eye impact, to guarantee their fulfillment. Besides, they separated themselves from other photograph organizations by giving costumers the choice to transfer and store their photographs on Shutterfly’s site. They even â€Å"promised never to erase any photos† which provideds incredible client contact and is exceptionally esteemed by their costumer base. On the whole, Shutterfly has dealt with the difficulties of heterogeneity well indeed and have made a dependable, quality photograph preparing organization. Experiencing good and bad times consistently, Shutterfly has utilized promoting to attract clients to their item. At an opportune time, they supported reception through contribution free photograph printing. They parted with in excess of 80 percent of the prints in the initial a half year. Albeit after serious rivalry in 2003, Shutterfly expected to have a go at something other than what's expected. In 2005, CEO, Jeff Housenbold, propelled â€Å"a cutting edge individual distributing platform† that would let costumers â€Å"take, use, and offer photos† at their own home. Be that as it may, before the dispatch of this new stage they studied clients to increase better information on clients needs and inclinations. This stage furnished clients with organization search characteristics where they could encounter Shutterfly before buy. What's more the organization â€Å"negotiated to permit notable characters†, for example, Clifford and SpongeBob Squarepants for â€Å"personalized photograph welcoming cards, photograph collections, and different items. † To present these new contributions Shutterfly utilized â€Å"print advertisements in different child rearing magazines and woman’s magazines and ads on the Home Shopping Network. † Shutterfly has demonstrated their commitment to clients fulfillment by including supplemental highlights just as emblematic and experiential advantages to their contributions. The CEO noticed that â€Å"people have a natural want for social expression† and that prints are an extraordinary method to recount to a story, notwithstanding, he has faith in recounting to the story through different ways. Enlarging their item blend, Shutterfly has given T-shirts, adornments boxes and tote packs that help fulfill that longing for social articulation. â€Å"You will see much more of that† says a senior VP. Moreover, permitting notable Nickelodeon characters on welcome cards gives superb representative advantages of energy and even satisfies people groups inventiveness. As such, â€Å"it recounts to a story. They significantly offer online collaboration with the goal that clients can share their accounts fast and bother free. Through significant exertion and solid client contact, Shutterfly has given contributions and significant advantages to those contributions. Their are numerous reasons why Shutterfly would permit Nickelodeon characters for customized photograph items. One explanation is that the notable characters make a well known product offering that clients can use to share their â€Å"stories. † It gives the clients a systems administration stage to begin from and it is perky and fun. Additionally it gives more extensive choices to altered photographs. For instance, on the off chance that a client needed to give a casing on the image, at that point they could utilize one of these characters to do as such. In conclusion and most vitally, these characters are outfitted more towards youngsters and as a photograph organization a significant number of the handled photographs will in general be recollections of people groups kids or past youth. Giving these Nickelodeon characters is an extraordinary method to attract clients and possibly make a bigger benefit. They have sold 400 million prints, putting away in any event 1 billion pictures for its clients and have expanded deals by a great 670 percent in the â€Å"last five years to about $100 million. It is without question that Shutterfly is firmly connected with quality and responsive assistance. They have kept up a phenomenal client degree of consistency are as yet growing right up 'til the present time. Through good and bad times and hard rivalry they empower individuals to pass on the compelling feeling in their photographs easily. Individuals need â€Å"to catch and offer their encounters, to remember extraordinary minutes, to convey their memories,† and Shutterfly gives the best help to do as such; the best assistance to recount to a story.

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Performance management is key to achieving sustained competitive Essay

Execution the board is vital to accomplishing supported upper hand - Essay Example advantage (Amit and Schoemaker, 1993; Barney, 1991; Schoenecker and Cooper, 1998). Human capital is more versatile than other impalpable assets (Teece, Pisano, and Shuen, 1997). In this way, it might appear to be an improbable wellspring of supported upper hand. Consequently the association must scan for the methods and approaches to hold them to accomplish completive preferred position. Upper hand is increased just when the association chooses or builds up these assets and structures work errands and the prize framework in manners that inspire the group to perform well and in this way add to hierarchical adequacy (Guzzo and Shea, 1992). A few associations reward workers monetarily when they exhibit a capacity to get and ace new information (Jenkins and Gupta, 1985; Gerhart, 2000; Lawler, ch-10).Also a few examinations like, Jackson and Schuler, 2002 thinks about that hierarchical structures for remunerations improve authoritative execution and demonstrates upper hand as opposed to group viability and choice and preparing. In any case, as indicated by Dobbins, Cardy, Facteau, and Miller, 1993 conclusion, framework factors are the main compelling impacts that confine singular capacity and inspiration, and result in brought down execution. Execution the executives includes empowering individuals to play out their work as well as could be expected, meeting and maybe surpassing targets and measures, and subsequently the PM framework includes the accompanying components.1. The emphasis is on a person's work.2. There are desires or gauges of performance.3. There are generally two meetings between the representative and the evaluator: one to build up the gauges and another to audit execution. 4. The evaluator is normally the individual who has line the executives authority over the one assessed. 5. The assessment meeting generally brings about some composed end - some paper trail in regards to the exhibition of the individual looked into. Corporate Performance Management (CPM) has become a generally embraced methodology execution in the present day corporate situation with precise and coordinated enhancements in the administration procedures to guarantee proficiency and adequacy. At the center of CPM is A measurements based vital arranging and execution structure that adjusts vital designs to asset assignment and vital activities Vital objective arrangement through improved correspondence and centering forms/assets towards association targets An organized data based audit component that gives the criticism circle and associates key wanting to operational execution measures Eg: Infosys is a best guide to watch the upper hand of the organization that has accomplished through the selection of CPM approach. Execution the executives and improvement is seen as Cycle to embrace in the process with specific advances. The act of Infosys CPM is seen through the accompanying strides of PM cycle. 1. Execution arranging: Here

Monday, July 27, 2020

Adventures in Camberville

Adventures in Camberville (For those who dont know/cant figure out, Camberville is a reference to Cambridge and its neighbor Somerville) The weather here sucks. It has been 45 degrees and raining for the last week. Yes, this is relevant to my story. Saturday night, I was going to Rax 04s house because Id heard that Anna 02 (like Rax, an alum of my hall, and now a grad student at Caltech) was in town and going to be there. I like Anna, and with her being in Pasadena, I dont get to see her that often, so I figured Id make the trek out to Davis Square via the T (the Boston subway line). The rain was annoying, but hey, its not that far from the Davis station to most alums houses that I visit. However, when I got there, I discovered that Id mistaken the date, and Anna was not in fact in town, but still in Pasadena. I felt dumb, but I hung out at Raxs house for a few hours. No harm done. A little after midnight I went to catch the last T home. My timing, sadly, was off. The last T left about two minutes before I got there. I spent a while standing in the station and cursing. If Id had the money, I would have taken a cab, but the three dollars in my pocket wouldnt exactly get me very far. I realized that I would have to walk. Really, I like walking, so I wouldnt have considered this a problem, except that 1) it was 45 degrees and raining, and 2) I had no idea how to actually get home walking from Davis. I discovered that there was a small and poorly-detailed map in the Davis station. It had the subway lines and a few major roads. Hmm, I thought. If I can get to Mass Ave, Ill be fine. Mass Ave is south of here, near Porter Square. Elm Street appears to take me south from this station. Therefore, I will walk down Elm Street. I started down Elm Street. There were even enough buildings with small overhangs that I could occasionally be partially shielded from the rain. I walked down Elm for a while, and noticedthe Porter Square Shopping Center! Hooray! Suddenly I knew where I was. I walked across the parking lot and to the Porter T station, which is right next to Mass Ave. There are shorter ways from Porter to MIT than Mass Ave. I discovered one last time I got lost in Camberville going to or from an alums house (Note to everyone: Just because [street number, street name] exists in Somerville does not mean that it does not also exist in Cambridge, and you should be sure that the one you searched Yahoo Maps for is in the correct city before you follow Yahoos directions). But this time, I was more concerned with having a route that I knew would get me home correctly, even if it was a little longer. Mass Ave. By this time, I was pretty wet. I looked at a nearby shop. The address in the window said 1810 Massachusetts Avenue. MIT is 77 Mass Ave. Oh, thats depressing, I thought, resolving not to look at any more addresses until Id made substantial progress. I told myself that I was being silly. I would have no objections to this walk if it was warm and not raining. Im wearing a trenchcoat, I told myself, so Im a lot drier than I could have been. And theres no real reason that being wet should bother me, other than my brain deciding that being wet is bad! I will just enjoy the walk and not worry about the rain! I was pleased to be able to report that Harvard Square was still there, right where I left it last time I came on a dinner mob to Bartleys. Okay, I figured, this is a walk Ive made before, so it should be trivial. Which it was. It just took a long time. Once I got to the intersection of Mass Ave and Main, there was road work, so I turned down Main. Eventually I came to building 46, where I work. I was suddenly thankful that, even though it took more than half a term, I was able to get card access to the heavily-secured building, and cut through it. After that, I cut through a few more buildings, and finally got back home, at nearly 2AM. I think the lesson here is to be careful about how you time your travels when youre relying on the Ts schedule. Well, the other lesson is that, even in a bad situation where it feels like youre stuck, you can find your way out if you keep your head and use the knowledge and sense that you have. Also, leather trenchcoats are water-resistant.

Friday, May 22, 2020

Mid term case - 9450 Words

Lin21477_ch01_001-020.qxd 8/26/11 2:10 PM Page 1 What Is Statistics? 1 Learning Objectives Goals When you have completed this chapter, you will be able to: LO 1-1 List ways that 1 Organize data into a frequency distribution. statistics is used. FPO LO 1-2 Know the differences 2 Portray a frequency distribution in a histogram, frequency between descriptive and polygon, and cumulative freinferential statistics. quency polygon. LO 1-3 Understand the differ3 Present data a sample and a ences between using such graphical techniques as line population. charts, bar charts, and pie LO 1-4 charts. Explain the difference between qualitative and quantitative variables. LO 1-5 Compare discrete and continuous†¦show more content†¦Why is this so? What are the differences in the statistics courses taught in the Engineering College, the Psychology or Sociology Departments in the Liberal Arts College, and the College of Business? The biggest difference is the examples used. The course content is basically the same. In the College of Business we are interested in such things as profits, hours worked, and wages. Psychologists are interested in test scores, and engineers are interested in how many units are manufactured on a particular machine. However, all three are interested in what is a typical value and how much variation there is in the data. There may also be a difference in the level of mathematics required. An engineering statistics course usually requires calculus. Statistics courses in colleges of business and education usually teach the course at a more applied level. You should be able to handle the mathematics in this text if you have completed high school algebra. So why is statistics required in so many majors? The first reason is that numerical information is everywhere. Look in the newspapers (USA Today), news magazines ( Time, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report), business magazines (Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes), general interest magazines (People), women’s LO 1-1 List ways that Lin21477_ch01_001-020.qxd 8/26/11 2:10 PM Page 3 3 What Is Statistics? magazines (Ladies Home Journal or Elle), or sportsShow MoreRelatedEssay Mid Term Case1400 Words   |  6 PagesEastern Waves Inc. Case OM 527 Edward Elric Background Eastern Waves Inc. is a steel manufacturing company located in Kuantan, Malaysia. In 2009, Eastern Waves’ cash on hand was 188 ringgits (RM). In the previous year, they had an even lower cash balance of RM188. Without cash, Eastern Waves are unable to purchase raw materials from local raw material suppliers. Eastern currently has a joint venture relationship with Jinan amp; Iron Steel Corp., which enables Eastern to buy scrap steelRead MoreEssay on Mid Term Case Study1244 Words   |  5 PagesMid term case study Problems Lael Matthews is facing an ethical dilemma issue. She need to decide which of three managers to promote. Each manager has their advantage and disadvantage own, and Lael’s superior has his or her own preference and concern as well. Lael have to make a decision that is moral, and hopefully can satisfy all the parties involved. According to the article, â€Å"Thinking Ethically: A Framework for Moral Decision Making†, developed by Manuel Velasquez, Claire Andre, Thomas ShanksRead MoreThe Principle Of The Distributive View Of Equality1643 Words   |  7 Pagesoccur (293). For example, a student who does not study for the mid-term, and at the result, he fails in the mid-term. So, in this case, the failure of his exam is resulted from the bad option luck. 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Nevertheless, the title seemsRead MoreInsurance Coverage Case : A Fatal Car Accident1711 Words   |  7 Pagesinsurance coverage case stems from a fatal car accident in Helena. Respondent Joel Powers, while driving his mother’s 1990 Eagle Summit, struck Benjamin Homan while Homan was on a bicycle. Power’s mother insured the 1990 Eagle Summit through Mid-Century Insurance Company (â€Å"Mid-Century†). Powers received a defense pursuant to that policy, and Mid-Century paid the applicable policy limit under Powers’ mother’s policy to the Homan Respondents. Powers also, however, had a separate Mid-Century policy thatRead MoreThe Pros And Cons Of Tradings889 Word s   |  4 PagesThe two trades that I choose to discuss about are the mid-term and long-term bond. First of all, in terms of CB2020, the trade starts by short selling the bond at t40 at a price of $101 after the news of CPI Index increase and Bank of Canada raises overnight rate. As a higher inflation rate or overnight rate would raise the nominal interest rate as well as the yield of bonds and thus lower the price of bonds. The bond is bought back at t160 at $98.5, which is around the one-year low of the bond.Read MoreEvaluation Of Performance Management Strategy1256 Words   |  6 Pagesbusiness strategy of the company. With the evaluation approach complete, the methods to communicate with employees throughout the performance year are established next. In the case of Motors and More, a mid-term counseling will be completed 6 months prior to the final evaluation. During a mid-term counseling, the employee will be provided with a fair, accurate and realistic assessment on where they are in relation to the goals and objectives that were established for them. All goalsRead More Comparison of Mid-Term Break, The Field Mouse, and On My First Sonne819 Words   |  4 PagesComparison of Mid-Term Break, The Field Mouse, and On My First Sonne The above poems are written by 3 different people and on reading them they seem to be about very different things. But at heart, they are about death and the pain that appears afterwards. Seamus Heaneys Mid-Term Break is a memory of his four-year-old brothers death. Gillian Clarkes The Field Mouse is about death in a political conflict compared to a death in nature. Finally On My First Sonne by Ben Johnson is about theRead MoreMid-Term Examination1003 Words   |  5 PagesIn my social psychology class, there was a recent examination given to the class. It was the mid-term examination. For the mid-term examination, the class was instructed to read chapters 1-6 in the text book. The class was also instructed to study for the exam by reviewing the lecture notes. In this paper I will focus on a few questions I answered incorrectly on my mid-term examination. The exam contained 48 multiple choice questions and two true/false questions. Out of this 50 questions totalRead MoreDevelopment Of Aging Or Mid Life Crisis863 Words   |  4 Pages There will come a time when one has to come to terms of aging or mid-life crisis. According to Weaver (2009) the major psychological changes occur in childhood. The author also noted that Freud also mentioned that all stages of the psychosexual development are also completed in early childhood (pp.69). Freud and Freud also had differences when it referred to coming of age (Weaver, 2009). Jung saw mid-life not as a crisis, but put the emphasis on growth and maturation (pp.70). Most of the clients

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Nike Inc. - 4013 Words

The topic that I have chosen to do a research project on is Nike Inc. I chose to do my research on Nike because I am for one, very much interested in Nike, and secondly I am very interested in Nike s clothing, shoes, and accessory line. br brBasketball players want to be like Mike, but shoe companies want to be like NIKE. NIKE is the worlds #1 company and controls more than 40% of the US athletic shoe market. The company designs and sells shoes for just about every sport, including baseball, volleyball, cheerleading, and wrestling. NIKE also sells Cole Haan dress and casual shoes and a line of athletic wear and equipment, such as hockey sticks, skates, and timepieces. In addition, it operates NIKETOWN shoe and sportswear stores†¦show more content†¦br brAds work on a variety of different levels including, but not limited to, sign typology, paradigmatic meaning, psychological appeals, emotion, roles, values/beliefs, and knowledge. Again, the impact of an ad comes from the interplay between these various aspects of make-up and the reader s own notions about him/herself and the world. br brRubber-soled shoes were first mass-marketed as canvas-top sneakers by U.S. Rubber, with its keds ® in 1917. But the elevation of athletic shoe manufacture to both a science and a fashion was due largely due to Phil Knight and Steve Bowerman of Oregon. br brIn 1958, Phil Knight, a business major a the University of Oregon, and a miler on the track team, shared with his coach, Bill Bowerman, a dissatisfaction with the clumsiness of American running shoes. They formed a company in 1964 to market a lighter and more comfortable shoe designed by Bowerman. In 1968, this company became NIKE, Inc.--- named for the Greek goddess of Victory. At first, Knight and Bowerman sold their shoes in person, at track meets across the Western US. Their company thrived through a classic combination of entrepreneurship and innovation. Bowerman s most memorable technical breakthrough was the optimal traction of the waffle soles he invented by shaping rubber in the waffle iron in his kitchen (1972). Other essential innovations were theShow MoreRelatedCompany Overview: Nike, INC1106 Words   |  4 PagesNike, Inc. is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of spo rts and fitness activities. NIKE, Inc. sells, distributes and licenses its products in approximately 200 countries around the world. NIKE focuses its products in seven key categories: Running, Basketball, Soccer, Men’s Training, Women’s Training, NIKE Sportswear and Action sports. NIKE sells products through its NIKE Brand and Affiliate Brands (ConverseRead MoreTaking a Look at Nike Inc.974 Words   |  4 PagesBrief Overview Nike, Inc. is a multinational corporation that designs, develops, markets, and sells athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories for a variety of sports and fitness activities. In 1964, it started its empire as a company that distributed Japanese running shoes, Tiger, in the United States with the name Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964. Nike founders—Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight—had a great coach-student relationship when both were still at University of Oregon; Bowerman wasRead MoreNike Inc. Case Study2161 Words   |  9 PagesNike, Inc. : Case Study in Operations Management MGT 441 Prepared for: Dr. Davidson, Concord University Prepared by: Jeremiah Nelson Johnathan Coleman Emily O’Dell December 4th, 2012 Introduction Low-cost, time-efficient manufacturing of goods is a key feature of a successful production company in today’s competitive global economy. Operations management, often abbreviated in the business world as OM, is defined as â€Å"...the set of activities that creates value in the form of goodsRead MorePrinciples of Marketing: Nike Inc9497 Words   |  38 PagesNike’s pricing Strategies 20 Price versus Promotion Matrix 21 Price versus Quality Matrix 22 Place (Distribution) 23 Nike -Direct Marketing 24 Nike - Indirect Marketing (Wholesalers amp; Retailers) 25 Value added services – Intermediaries 25 Distribution strategies 25 Promotion 26 Nike’s promotional strategies 27 Communication Model 28 SWOT ANALYSIS OF NIKE INCORPORATED 30 Strengths: 30 Strong Brand Image 30 Supplier Diversity 30 High Growth 31 Weakness: 31 Recent SetbacksRead MoreStrategic Analysis of Nike Inc12147 Words   |  49 PagesPositionÂ…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â….p.30 Strategic PlanÂ…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…..p.33 ConclusionÂ…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…...p.38 LIST OF EXHIBITS Sales Trends GraphÂ…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…p.5 Net Income Trends GraphÂ…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â….p.5 Nike Board of Directors TableÂ…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…...p.11 Table of Key Financial RatiosÂ…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…...p.22 Net Income Trend GraphÂ…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â….Â…..p.24 Primary Strategic Match Position ChartÂ…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…..p.30 IndustryRead MoreEssay on NIKE Inc.: Why It Is Such a Leader2547 Words   |  11 Pagesand Phil Knight started Nike Inc. in 1971, formally known as Blue Ribbon Sports. Bill Bowerman was a former track and field coach at the University of Oregon, and Phil Knight was a student-athlete at the University of Oregon. After numerous years of supplying under Blue Ribbon Sports, the two decided to enter the athletic shoe manufacturing business. The first employee of the company was Jeff Johnson, who helped them with branding what is known today as NIKE Inc. NIKE Inc. main headquarters are locatedRead MoreNike : Nike, Inc.1965 Words   |  8 PagesNike, Inc. NIKE, Inc. â€Å"was founded by William Jay Bowerman and Philip H. Knight in 1964 and is headquartered in Beaverton, OR† (Nike, Inc.). NIKE, Inc. concentrates on NIKE Brand and Jordan Brand products divided in seven key categories: Nike sportswear, football, action sports, women and men’s training, basketball and running. The operating segments for its Brand are: North America, China, Japan, Western, Central Eastern Europe and Emerging Markets. Its wholly-owned subsidiaries include ConverseRead MoreNike Inc.: Study of Value Chain Functions and How They Contribute to the Success of Nike.2448 Words   |  10 PagesNike Inc.: Study of value chain functions and how they contribute to the success of Nike. Prepared by Helgi Frimannsson MBA 640A Dr. Norcio 2/19/2007 When Bill Bowerman, a former track-and-field coach at University of Oregon and co-founder of Nike Inc, once said if you have a body, you are an athlete, his words marked the foundation for a future business venture. Built on this quote is Nike ´s mission statement that states: bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in theRead MoreNike And Challenges Of Nike Inc. Essay1349 Words   |  6 PagesSummary Nike was founded in 1972 by Philip Knight and Bill Bowerman. The focus of this report would be an analysis of how Nike’s manages and delivers its service to its customers. It also looks into Nike’s emphasis on its product quality and innovative design to meet the ever changing consumer preferences. By looking at its current strategies that Nike adopt and its appropriateness, this report will provide you a better understanding on how consumer see Nike and challenges that Nike Inc. faces.Read MoreNike, Inc. Strategic Case Study Essay example6087 Words   |  25 PagesForces and Government model analysis 8 2.1.3 Turbulence Model 9 2.2 Internal Analysis 9 3. Strategic directions and strategic objectives 10 3.1 Mission 10 3.2 Strategic objective 11 3.2.1 The financial objective of Nike 11 3.2.2 The non-financial objective of Nike 11 4. Key broad business-level and international strategies 12 4.1 Ansoff’s product and market business level strategies 12 4.2 Miles and Snow’s adaptive strategies 13 4.3 Porter’s competitive business level strategies

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Resource Based View Approach Free Essays

Persuasion Tools Model Kenneth Berrien ‘40s Definition This model helps an individual find the best way to negotiate, by using and recognizing an individuals capabilities and intuition. How does it work? Using a model to see which point an individual stands horizontally represents influencing and vertically represents the intuition needed. For example: one with a low level of intuition but good at influencing it would be best to use logic. We will write a custom essay sample on Resource Based View Approach or any similar topic only for you Order Now Low intuition and poor at influencing, best approach is compromise. Limitations: isky using emotions in negotiations. A clear understanding of the clients is needed. Emotional intelligence, empathy and compassion are skills that people with high levels of these are required to take advantage of, these people can be rare to find. How can these skills be measured? How can each person be assigned a certain quadrant? Good negotiators have a mixture of all of these! Advantages: Provides a clear model tool to seek out with employees possesses which of the quadrants and they can fulfill their role naturally. Good form of management responsibility. Can reap short/long term benefits. Good preparatory skills. Negotiation skills are a good asset and can lend to other areas of life. A useful characteristic! INVESTMENT- SECURING. SALES- SUPPLIERS. EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT. Link to EQ 1. Knowing emotions 2. Managing emotions 3. Motivating yourself 4. Recognizing and understanding other peoples emotions (empathy). 5. Managing relationships i. e. managing other peoples emotions. Define each quadrant of the model+ examples Logic = Facts, data, computer based models. Use office example Bargaining = high levels of intuition and general intelligence through communication. Use market stall example, or buying goods in china. Compromise = Less skilled negotiators use. Accepting less money to get something you really want. Use time off work. Distributive bargaining: Compromise bargaining, not all negotiations can end in a win-win situation. Win-lose approach! Call up the car garage and work out their monthly target, how much cash they need, what other services they can offer then make a deal that suits both. Integrative bargaining: Both sides fighting over a price, hiding their real positions and aims, like POKER. Fighting over a price of a fixed package of goods or services Evaluation Different industries require different approaches to bargaining. This model is a great way of mapping out person’s skills linked to the negotiation process and linking the two. Comparing integrative negotiation and distributive negotiation = and make own personal judgment in third person. KEY WORDS Translating Confidence influential Exchanging How to cite Resource Based View Approach, Essay examples

Resource Based View Approach Free Essays

Persuasion Tools Model Kenneth Berrien ‘40s Definition This model helps an individual find the best way to negotiate, by using and recognizing an individuals capabilities and intuition. How does it work? Using a model to see which point an individual stands horizontally represents influencing and vertically represents the intuition needed. For example: one with a low level of intuition but good at influencing it would be best to use logic. We will write a custom essay sample on Resource Based View Approach or any similar topic only for you Order Now Low intuition and poor at influencing, best approach is compromise. Limitations: isky using emotions in negotiations. A clear understanding of the clients is needed. Emotional intelligence, empathy and compassion are skills that people with high levels of these are required to take advantage of, these people can be rare to find. How can these skills be measured? How can each person be assigned a certain quadrant? Good negotiators have a mixture of all of these! Advantages: Provides a clear model tool to seek out with employees possesses which of the quadrants and they can fulfill their role naturally. Good form of management responsibility. Can reap short/long term benefits. Good preparatory skills. Negotiation skills are a good asset and can lend to other areas of life. A useful characteristic! INVESTMENT- SECURING. SALES- SUPPLIERS. EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT. Link to EQ 1. Knowing emotions 2. Managing emotions 3. Motivating yourself 4. Recognizing and understanding other peoples emotions (empathy). 5. Managing relationships i. e. managing other peoples emotions. Define each quadrant of the model+ examples Logic = Facts, data, computer based models. Use office example Bargaining = high levels of intuition and general intelligence through communication. Use market stall example, or buying goods in china. Compromise = Less skilled negotiators use. Accepting less money to get something you really want. Use time off work. Distributive bargaining: Compromise bargaining, not all negotiations can end in a win-win situation. Win-lose approach! Call up the car garage and work out their monthly target, how much cash they need, what other services they can offer then make a deal that suits both. Integrative bargaining: Both sides fighting over a price, hiding their real positions and aims, like POKER. Fighting over a price of a fixed package of goods or services Evaluation Different industries require different approaches to bargaining. This model is a great way of mapping out person’s skills linked to the negotiation process and linking the two. Comparing integrative negotiation and distributive negotiation = and make own personal judgment in third person. KEY WORDS Translating Confidence influential Exchanging How to cite Resource Based View Approach, Essay examples

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

It is the year of 480 and Xerx... free essay sample

It is the year of 480 and Xerxes, King of Persia, leads an army of 5.3 million soldiers against my lacking army of 7,000 men, 300 of which are my own Spartans.1 Many advantages are ours in battle, including unprecedented battle tactics and determination, but even that is not enough to defeat the army of Xerxes. We have no hope of winning, but for honor and glory we must fight to the last man and hope that Greece does not fall into the hands of our enemy. It is the eve of the battle. I lay in my pallet with the words of the Oracle swirling in my mind. The Persian king possesses the might of Zeus and shall not be stopped until either death befalls a Spartan king or Sparta is conquered.2 Those retched words of the Oracle could not be vanquished from my mind. Must I die? Is there not another way for favorable victory? No answers are forthcoming and I can do nothing but wait. We will write a custom essay sample on It is the year of 480 and Xerx or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page We are up before daybreak when a lone, Persian messenger on horseback approaches with a message. My men and I stop eating what very might be our last meal. I take the message from the Persian, break the seal, and read it loudly to my men. Within the message is a polite greeting and words of false flattery that are meant to stroke our egos. Finally, Xerxes finishes the letter with the advice to surrender. Xerxes writes that if we are wise and accept this cowardly, alternate way no harm shall befall a single Grecian. Is this meant to be an insult? I sneer at the Persian who now trembles with fear. How dare the Persians think we are cowards who are so easily wrought with fear that we would even think to surrender. I turn to my men, No, my countrymen, we will not surrender this day nor any day! We shall fight to the last and bring honor and glory to our homeland! Shouts of Greeces honor and the glory of battle ring throughout the troops. One of my officers suggest that we send the head of the messenger to the Persian King to show him what we think of his message. The messenger, whose face has gone as white as that of a ghost, drops to his knees prostrating himself at my feet. I beg of you noble king, do not take my life. I am but a lowly servant and if you will, allow me to live and deliver your return message, begged the disgraced messenger. I laugh at his pitiful state, I wonder, are all Persians so easily terrified as you, little messenger? For if they are, this shall hardly be a fair fight. My men roar with agreement. Looking down at the messenger, I say, Get up you poor excuse of a man and deliver my words to your king. Molon labe (come and take them). 3 With the messenger gone, my men and I now geared ourselves for battle. Not long after organizing the troops in a phalanx formation, the Persians descend on us. The battle continues all day and ends with the death of many Persians but few loss of Grecian lives. I know this first day preludes to a much longer and gruesome battle. We are still doomed to defeat, but, I and my countrymen will die honorable deaths with the knowledge that we will take the lives of many Persians to Hades with us. The next day is much the same as the first. With so many Persians fallen, hope begins to bloom in my heart. Perhaps we shall have a chance at victory. I lay in my pallet, pleased with the outcome of the past two days. Suddenly, an officer bursts into my tent and reports damning news. A traitor has told the Persians of a pass that was left unguarded because of its secrecy. At this point, all hope of victory is crushed and I know defeat is imminent. The Persians have outmaneuvered us and death is at hand. The dawn of the last day of battle comes all too quickly. A council had already been called and all but the Spartans, some Thebans and Thespians have been sent away to live another day. I cheer my men on, A new life awaits us. Tomorrow we dine with full glory in the halls of the gods! Not long into the battle I am struck by an arrow.4 As life flows from my veins, I pray to the gods to save all of Greece. I close my eyes for the final time and embrace the arms of death.Epilogue: Ultimately, the words of the Oracle proved true. The Battle of Thermopylae ended the life of a king, but from it, brought forth a noble legend. The name of Leonidas will go down in history as the name of a great warrior, leader and king.

Friday, March 20, 2020

Philosophy Essay Example

Philosophy Essay Example Philosophy Essay Philosophy Essay GITANJALIIntroduction Gitanjali is the one of the greatest book wich is written by the rabindernath tagore and it was written in bengali and it has been tranlated into english, gitanjali is the collcetion of 103 poems and for this poem tagore won nobel price the word â€Å"gitanjali† is drived from th rood git which means â€Å"git† means songs and â€Å"anjoli†means offerings and thus means â€Å"prayer offering of songs†and rabindernath became first non eropian who won the nobel price. It reflects on the iterrelationships among the poet or speaker, the deity ,and the world. He sometimes seems to be resisting tradional religion and prophetically looking towords a new spirituality. It resembles the poetry of mysticism and ofcouse tagore’s reaction ti the vision of reality. Here he presents the divine as the great affirmation, the fountion of energy, the source of life and death, and also the belief of the vedantic doctrine . In the vedantic doctrin e â€Å"that art thou† tagore expains pretty wll about the human existence in the word and also about the nature. Telling the true beauty about these things. His lyrics like a transparent and they open to us the door of inner spaces abd longing for the divine. Tagore like sufi saint brings out the concept reaching god through music and when i read tagore’s works writings would clearly say about the ocean and and personification of the human life and death.Rabindernath writings It is about full of inspiration and full of color. Gitanjali speaks of birth of life, to the death, nature and man’s quest for answers from god. Be it song or rain, nature or god,each poems disply the simplicity of thoughts. Nuances between god and man’s tributions with are captured beautifully in this book.while one poem describes a person waiting for the temple gates to be opened, the other describes beautifully a womean who is ready and awaiting her lord to come and embarence he r. De- mystifying the joys of trhe naature is also one of the Philosophy Essay Example Philosophy Essay Philosophy Essay Philosophy Currently, the Federal Communications Commission suggested changes have raised mixed reactions in the media. Some oppose the changes while some agree to them. These changes will have several implications on the legal and ethical philosophy in the media. Merges would reduce the number of media owners. The implications include unfair competition in the market. Some of the changes suggested include allowing broadcast stations to reach 45% of the United States market, on the geographical area compared to the current 35%, lifting the ban that allows the media to own more than one station and newspaper (Hirst Harrison, 2007). This changes address deregulation of the media. Part A 1. A disagreement is the failure to convene on an opinion presented by a person or group. An argument, on the other hand, is the presentation of opposing views on a particular subject matter. A formal argument is presented in an ordered series of statements called premises that lead to a conclusion. A disagreement is not a prerequisite for an argument. It does provide an incentive for an argument by giving two differing positions on a subject. An argument may exist to analyze the validity of widely accepted concepts further or for intellectual jousting purposes. The existence of two or more people in an argument is not necessary, but it provides differing views that may further the argument. A single person may take different stances on the same topic. 2. An explanation is a statement or a number of statements aimed at providing a clearer understanding of certain facts. An argument seeks to prove that a certain statement is true based of factual premises. This means the argument purposes to contribute knowledge in a given subject. If two people, A and B, address the issue of whether or not a third person, C is sleepy, they may refer to the fact hat he is dosing. This is an argument based on the premise that C is dosing and people dose when they are sleepy. However, if A and B agree on it, they may what to know why C is dosing and hence propose an explanation that C is exhausted from working in the hot weather. The difference is that they both what to show why a case is true. 3. A deductive argument is one that derives a conclusion from a set of premises that arrive logically at a certain conclusion. It directly links the premises presented with the conclusion. If the premises are true, then it follows that the conclusion is true by logical necessity. Validity is determined by the condition that a conclusion is logically evoked by its premises considering each step of the argument is logical. A deductive argument is valid if and only if a true conclusion is drawn from the premises, whatever they may be. It means that an argument can be valid even though the premises are false. An example of a valid deductive argument: Everyone who eats chips is overweight. James eats chips. Therefore, James is overweight. The first premise is false because there are people who eat chips but are not overweight. The conclusion is true because it is derived from the premises. This is a valid deductive argument. 4. The quality of validity, as far as deductive arguments are concerned, relates the conclusion arrived at to the premises to judge whether true or false. If the conclusion is true based on the premises, then the argument is valid irrespective of whether or not the premises are true. Conversely, inductive arguments only state the probability of a conclusion being true based on the premises put forth. This gives the inductive its quality of strength based on the degree of probability. Another noteworthy difference between the two types of arguments is that, in an inductive argument, the conclusion may be false despite the premises being true. 5. The argument follows the structure: If P, then Q. When Q happens, the conclusion is made that P is true. This is an invalid argument since the conclusion is false. Not all other possibilities have been excluded to the exception of P. As long as the conclusion of a deductive argument is false, the argument is rendered invalid. A counterexample of the given example is: Miami is in the USA. Sam lives in the USA. Therefore, Sam lives in Miami. The above argument is invalid because the conclusion is false even though the premises are true. 6. A dilemma is a problem that offers two solutions, neither of which is desirable. A common example of such a situation is depicted when one encounters a homeless person asking for change: Either the change will help the person or not. Giving them change may lead to dependency. Denying them change may result in them sleeping hungry. Therefore, dependency or hunger will result from giving change. There are several solutions to a dilemma. The analogy of â€Å"being on the horns of the dilemma† is used to refer to the person facing a dilemma as it is akin to facing a charging bull. The outcome – impalement – is undesirable. The first involves grasping the first horn, which means giving the person the change to prevent the risk of them going hungry. Grasping the second horn means denying the person change to prevent dependency. The other option of going between the horns would be to ignore the request for change hence, avoiding both outcomes. Charging the bull involves changing strategy, resulting in a proactive approach to the dilemma. Other solutions to this dilemma can be broached, such as finding employment for the person to provide sustenance and eliminate dependency. 7. The argument is weak because the conclusion of an inductive argument is probabilistic, that is, given certain premises, the conclusion is probable. The given argument is an example of a weak inductive argument. To turn it into a strong inductive argument would entail changing the conclusion drawn from the premises: I have observed five crows today. All five crows were black. Therefore, there is a probability that most crows are black. The change in the framing of the conclusion changes it to a strong inductive statement because chances are that not all crows are black. Five crows are a small number on which to base an argument. They are not a representative of the entire crow population. The argument is strong because the likelihood that the conclusion is true is higher. 8. Modus ponens is an argument form that follows the structure: if P implies Q and P are true, then Q is true. An example is: If it is sunny, then I will go for a swim. It is sunny. Therefore, I will go for a swim. The fallacy ensues from affirming the consequent â€Å"then I will go for a swim† since â€Å"if it is sunny† was not presented as the only sufficient condition of the consequent of the conditional statement. Part B The Apology, correctly Apologia, is a philosophical work that documents Socrates’ trial. The meaning of apologia is a presentation of a case in one’s own defense, which is what Socrates offered the jury and the public that had gathered to take part in his trial. Socrates was accused of being a heretic by not worshiping the deities of that time and misleading the youth in his charge (Plato 2000). As a leading philosopher, Socrates was in charge of the education of the youth of Athens. The people who brought theses charges against him were those slighted by his philosophies. Socrates believed that he was tasked by the gods to enlighten the people of Athens by showing them that the acceptance of ignorance was the beginning of knowledge. As part of his defense, Socrates offered a speech to the Athenians present, seeking to explain his actions from a philosophical standpoint. In his address, he referred to himself as a gadfly poking the lazy horse that was Athens from its slumber. The metaphor referred to Socrates’ calling to investigate on the prevalence of knowledge among the experts on different fields of study. His findings illustrated that those proclaimed experts only pretended to have profound knowledge, but lacked in-depth understanding of their fields of expertise. Socrates went about stirring them into action from the state they had put themselves. The relevance of this metaphor to the role that philosophy to intellectual pursuits is to stir the academicians from a state of contentment with the advances made so far. As a gadfly, philosophy should continuously wake the academicians, ensuring that the inquisition of knowledge is relegated. Philosophy serves to remind that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding should stem from the acceptance of ignorance, contrasted with the arrogance of the Athenians who purported to possess wisdom but on further inquisition by Socrates were proved arrogant in their ignorance. The men in Socrates time were insulted by his inquisitions, which proved their ignorance on matters they professed excellence. Instead of seeing the challenged posed by Socrates’ findings, they were quick to take offence (Plato 2000). The inquiries were viewed as a personal attack by Socrates, and the ‘targets’ instead sought to eliminate Socrates by propagating trumped up charges against him. These charges were proved baseless, but all the same, Socrates was condemned to death. This defensive strategy adopted by the Athenians did not help them in the long term. Constructive criticism is useful to the development of academic fields. As a part of his defense, Socrates mentioned that the unexamined life is not worth living. He referred to his opponents and their objection to his inquiries into their intellectual pursuits. They were opposed to the examination the Socrates carried out into their work and understanding of it. Most were found to lack an understanding of the fields they purported to be experts. Socrates had humiliated them by exposing their ignorance. In their anger, they missed the point of the inquiries Socrates made into their work. An examination of their lives’ work was vital to provide insight into the accomplishments and failures made. This point is relevant to our daily lives. The stocktaking that Socrates mentioned is important to illuminate the advances people make as well as the shortcomings encountered. Organizations carry out this analysis on a regular basis to ensure its survival and growth. This review should not only be restricted to such organizations but also extended to all spheres of life. Without it, there is no account made to the activities carried out on a daily basis. It is philosophically immoral to live a life without introspection, as this is a requirement of any being that possess intelligence and a desire of self-improvement. The only way to ensure constant development and avoid stagnation, such as the lazy horse Socrates described Athens to be, is to set the course of constant introspection and improvement (Plato 2000). As a society and individuals, stagnation arises from arrogance nurtured by perceived excellence. There is so much that the human race is yet to understand; hence, arrogance would be folly. These types of fallacies are cultivated by egos that refuse to accept the limited nature of the human mind verses the limitless universe. There is a lot to be discovered, and even that, which is known, can still be improved. The knowledge of human ignorance is the only key to gain wisdom. Socrates understood the prophecy of the oracle at Delphi to be a riddle as he was considered himself the most ignorant man in Athens. His wisdom, as prophesied by the oracle, lay in his acknowledgement of his ignorance. Socrates was open to learn as opposed to the other distinguished men in Athens who considered themselves masters in their respective fields. Their ignorance lay in their arrogance juxtaposed with Socrates wisdom that lay in his acceptance of ignorance. To truly learn, one must accept the limited knowledge one possess, hence the process of learning will emanate from the quest to eliminate the ignorance. Socrates was a pioneer in the methods used in presentation of arguments. In his trial, the formal arguments he presented served to negate the accusations levied against him by his detractors. He used various methods in his cross-examination of the accusers, for example, Meletus. He backed Meletus into a corner by proving that his allegations of heresy and atheism were unfounded because Meletus accused Socrates of believing in demigods who were sons of gods (Plato 2000). It does not make sense to believe in something but not its progenitor. In his lifetime, Socrates provided philosophies that are still applicable to our lives today and to the future generations.

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

The Fallacy of Division

The Fallacy of Division In critical thinking, we often come across statements that fall victim to the fallacy of division. This common logical fallacy refers to an attribution placed onto an entire class, assuming that each part has the same property as the whole. These can be physical objects, concepts, or groups of people.   By grouping elements of a whole together and assuming that every piece automatically has a certain attribute, we are often stating a false argument. This falls into the category of a fallacy of grammatical analogy. It can apply to many arguments and statements we make, including the debate over religious beliefs. Explanation The fallacy of division is similar to the fallacy of composition  but in reverse. This fallacy involves someone taking an attribute of a whole or a class and assuming that it must also necessarily be true of each part or member. The fallacy of division takes the form of: X has property P. Therefore, all parts (or members) of X have this property P. Examples and Observations Here are some obvious examples of the Fallacy of Division: The United States is the richest country in the world. Therefore, everyone in the United States must be rich and live well.Because professional sports players are paid outrageous salaries, every professional sports player must be rich.The American judicial system is a fair system. Therefore, the defendant got a fair trial and was not executed unfairly. Just as with the fallacy of composition, it is possible to create similar arguments which are valid. Here are some examples: All dogs are from the canidae family. Therefore, my Doberman is from the canidae family.All men are mortal. Therefore, Socrates is mortal. Why are these last examples valid arguments? The difference is between distributive and collective attributes. Attributes which are shared by all members of a class are called distributive because the attribute is distributed among all members by virtue of being a member. Attributes which are created only by bringing together the right parts in the right way are called collective.  This is because it is an attribute of a collection, rather than of the individuals. These examples will illustrate the difference: Stars are large.Stars are numerous. Each statement modifies the word stars with an attribute. In the first, the attribute large is distributive. It is a quality held by each star individually, regardless of whether it is in a group or not. In the second sentence, the attribute numerous is collective. It is an attribute of the entire group of stars and only exists because of the collection. No individual star can have the attribute numerous. This demonstrates a primary reason why so many arguments like this are fallacious. When we bring things together, they can often result in a whole which has new properties unavailable to the parts individually. This is what is often meant by the phrase the whole is more than the sum of the parts. Just because atoms put together in a certain way constitutes a living dog does not mean that all atoms are living - or that the atoms are themselves dogs, either. In Religion Atheists often encounter the fallacy of division when debating religion and science. Sometimes, they may be guilty of using it themselves: Christianity has done many evil things in its history. Therefore, all Christians are evil and nasty. One common way of using the fallacy of division is known as guilt by association. This is clearly illustrated in the example above. Some nasty characteristic is attributed to an entire group of people - political, ethnic, religious, etc. It is then concluded that some particular member of that group (or every member) should be held responsible for whatever nasty things we have come up with. They are, therefore, labeled guilty due to their association with that group. While its uncommon for atheists to state this particular argument in such a direct manner, many atheists have made similar arguments. If not spoken, its not unusual for atheists to behave as if they believed this argument was true. Here is a slightly more complicated example of the fallacy of division which is often used by creationists: Unless each cell in your brain is capable of consciousness and thinking, then the consciousness and thinking in your brain cannot be explained by matter alone. It doesnt look like the other examples, but it is still the fallacy of division - its just been hidden. We can see it better if we more clearly state the hidden premise: If your (material) brain is capable of consciousness, then each cell of your brain must be capable of consciousness. But we know that each cell of your brain does not possess consciousness. Therefore, your (material) brain itself cannot be the source of your consciousness. This argument presumes that if something is true of the whole, then it must be true of the parts. Because it is not true that each cell in your brain is individually capable of consciousness, the argument concludes that there must be something more involved - something other than material cells.   Consciousness, therefore, must come from something other than the material brain. Otherwise, the argument would lead to a true conclusion. Yet, once we realize that the argument contains a fallacy, we no longer have a reason to assume that consciousness is caused by something else. It would be like using this argument: Unless each part of a car is capable of self-propulsion, then self-propulsion in a car cannot be explained by the material car-parts alone. No intelligent person would ever think to use or accept this argument, but its structurally similar to the consciousness example.

Sunday, February 16, 2020

Balanced Scorecard and answer 2 questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Balanced Scorecard and answer 2 questions - Essay Example They need to get a clear picture of performance in order to identify and align their initiatives. With the implementation of the scorecards they will be able to link their strategies with long term goals Governments are trying to be more business-like and are trying to use result oriented sector management tools, thus the adoption of the scorecards. Although the scorecard is not yet implemented full many government organizations have started adopting it and customizing it to fit their needs. The several organizations and governments that have already adopted it demonstrate that the balanced score card can be applied successfully to the government sector. The customer perspective should be at the top in a governments balance scorecard. However, the other three perspectives are not provided for in the order in which they should appear, but all of them eventually lead towards the customer in the balanced score

Sunday, February 2, 2020

UK FILM INDUSTRY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

UK FILM INDUSTRY - Essay Example The advent of the Internet and related technologies has also brought about a paradigm change in the way enterprises are performing their business operations. The speed, technological superiority and economical operating costs are features that attract more and more businesses to put their money in internet technologies to conduct their business in a far better and cost effective manner. Films are increasingly being distributed through the internet thanks to the increasing speed of the internet and the capacities of the PC that is growing by leaps and bounds. Today, producers are distributing their wares through the internet, which gives them an advantage over costs and logistics. For example, producers can definitely have an advantage of cost when they distribute films through the internet. This also means that they gain a lot through cost savings in the logistics department. Distribution of films through the internet started in 1994 when films were streamed through the internet. However, producers of films had to contend with issues such as privacy and lack of security that often meant that their films could easily be stolen through the internet. However, newer technologies will help them to distribute their films through the internet without the fear of its being stolen. With regard to consumers, distribution of films through the internet has simplified the process of film viewing. Now, consumers can sit at home and watch their favourite movies on demand. This also means that the films that they want to watch are available to them at their convenience. They do not have to depend on physical distribution networks or make time to watch the movie. It is available to them at their beck and call. However, consumers will miss the experience of watching a movie in the theatre when they resort to the internet to watch the movie. None the less, newer technologies that will beam films direct to the theatres are expected to mix the pleasures of film watching

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Democracy in Africa: Botswana, Morocco and Ghana

Democracy in Africa: Botswana, Morocco and Ghana Contents (Jump to) INTRODUCTION Categories of democracy Direct democracy Indirect/ representative democracy Characteristics of democracy Elected representative; Free and fair elections Civil liberties/ Fundamental human rights Rule of law Separation of powers Democracy in Africa Botswana Uninterrupted Free Elections Accountability and Transparency Anticorruption Powers Fundamental human rights Morocco Authoritarian Monarchy Reforming Monarchs Reconciliation and Justice Freedom of Expression Ghana Conclusion Bibliography INTRODUCTION Democracy is a term conversant to most people, but it is misunderstood and misused at a time when authoritarians and coup leaders assert popular support by claiming the mantle of democracy especially in Africa. Democracy has prevailed through a long and turbulent history, and democratic governments in Europe and America, notwithstanding continuing challenges, continues to progress and flourish throughout the world. Democracy derives from a Greek word demos, or people, it is defined as government in which the supreme power is vested in the people. A democracy is a system of government in which leaders are elected in competitive elections, where many parties and candidates take part and where opposition parties can attain power if they gain widespread support (deth Van Deth, 2005). Democracy has different forms, in some cases it can be exercised directly by the people, in large societies or by the people through their elected representatives. According to the memorable phrase of Abraham Lincoln, â€Å"democracy is government of the people, by the people, and for the people.† Categories of democracy Democracy has two categories, direct and representative. Direct democracy Citizens partake in making public decisions without the intermediary of elected representatives. This system is practical with rather a small number of people in a community, tribe council, for example in the UK, New England Town Meeting residents of the town attend debates and vote directly on town policies. Some U.S. states, practice direct democracy by placing propositions and referenda to change laws. In Switzerland, vital political decisions on matters, including health, employment, are put to vote by the citizens. Indirect/ representative democracy Indirect democracy is a system of government in which the public controls the government through elected representatives. The voted agents represent the people as opposed to the direct democracy whereby citizens make public policy decisions directly through polls or initiatives. An example of this type of democracy is in Kenya. The public votes in people to represent them in government institutions. The elected officials make laws, political enactments and administer public programs. Characteristics of democracy Democracies are different in every part of the world; people’s democratic ideals are influenced by their culture and society. It is more than a set of precise government institutions (Gupta, 2013). Most democracies rest upon a well unstated set of values, attitudes, and practices which may have diverse forms and expressions among cultures and societies around the world. However, the fundamental characteristics and principles of a democracy remain consistent (Cincotta, 2004). A true form of democracy should include: Elected representative; Free and fair elections All democracies should hold regular elections and allow adults or people of a certain age to take part in voting. The elections should be free and fair so as to encourage political competition for the good of the public. A democracy must have officials elected by the people to make laws and frame policies of the government. Civil liberties/ Fundamental human rights A vital characteristic of democracy is that it gives or ensures its citizens have top civil rights or fundamental rights. Democracies allow their citizens freedom of speech and press, freedom of religion and conscience, freedom of assembly and association, right to equal protection by the law, right to due process of law and fair trial, and property rights to land goods and money. Rule of law Rule of law is another characteristic of democracy. Democratic governments should ensure that there is rule of law whereby no individual is above the law and there is due process of law. This ensures emphasizes that the Law is supreme and citizens are all equal in the eyes of law. Separation of powers A democracy should ensure that all institutions of the government have equal power. This ensures accountability by encouraging checks and balances between the government institutions. Democracies with separated powers ensure provisions for effective checks and balances between the executive, judiciary and the parliament are made. This makes sure that all levels of government must be as accessible and responsive to the people as possible. Democracy in Africa Democracy started sweeping across Africa in the early 1990s after the end of cold war. A wave of democratization was propagated all over Africa by the West. Claude Ake argues that the reforms in Eastern Europe contributed to the west advocating for democracy in Africa. Ake claims that Eastern Europe provided the West with a dramatic vindication of its own values and a sense of the historical inevitability of the triumph of democracy (Ake, 1991), a mission widely believed, would consolidate the domination of Western ideals all over the world. Authoritarians and single party states were forced by western powers to democratize their states. Undemocratic states were expected to launch democratic reforms so that they could get international support and donors themselves started to provide democracy assistance. Activists during the time of democratization of Africa wished for more political freedoms and strong institutions hoping that democracy would lead to more government accountability and more effective development. Africans themselves have also struggled for democracy, an example of this is the Saba Saba movement whereby Kenyan political activities fighting for multiparty democracy had a violent confrontation with authorities. Ake gives examples of the popular rejection of military rule in Nigeria and also the struggle for multiparty in Cameroon (Ake, 1991). Thomas C. Mountain argues that Western style â€Å"democracy† is destroying Africa. Thomas insists Africans should have been allowed to practice their traditional form of democracy which was more of most arriving at a consensus where everyone got something after persuasion by council of elders (Mountain, 2012). Democracy in Africa continues to face many challenges such as poverty, coup d’à ©tats, corruption and many other problems. However there are countries that have overcome these problems and challenges. Some of these states have enjoyed long periods of political stability but their level of democracy can be argued according to ones definition of democracy. A case study of three African states would be used to analyse democracy in Africa. Botswana In November 2008, Festus Gontebanye Mogae, the former president of Botswana received an award from (Sarkin Cook, 2008)Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. The reason why Botswana’s president won was because [Botswana‘s] democracy was strong, stable and rooted in the rule of law. Botswana was widely regarded as one of the more effective countries in the world in combating corruption. President Mogae‘s outstanding leadership has ensured Botswana‘s continued stability and prosperity in the face of an HIV/AIDS pandemic which threatened the future of his country and people. The Prize Committee believed that good governance requires an environment conducive to peace, security and development, based on the rule of law and respect for human rights. Botswana has had to address the challenge of advancing each in a balanced way. This has been helped by the independence and integrity of its institutions which bodes well for further progress towards sprea ding wealth and opportunity across all sectors of Botswana society. Botswana’s democracy has been characterized by: Uninterrupted Free Elections Botswana is one of a few African countries that have enjoyed free and uninterrupted elections in Africa since it gained independence from Britain. Having held free elections since it gained independence, Botswana portrays an ideal democracy in Africa. Civilian rule has been uninterrupted by the military or any autocratic governments. Accountability and Transparency Botswana has had a reputation for accountability and transparency. Accountability and transparency have been formalized through mechanisms such as the constitution and legislation requiring open government, accountability, and transparency. Presidents of Botswana have insisted on governments accountability mechanism and limiting corruption Anticorruption Powers Botswana’s government enacted a bill in 1994 that set up an anticorruption body. The anti-corruption body was vested with the powers to conduct investigations and make arrests. (Sarkin Cook, 2008) In Botswana, there are laws that establish civilian supervision over the police and a process, through a supervisory body, for civilians to lodge complaints against police abuses and other human rights violations. Fundamental human rights The constitution of Botswana guarantees the freedoms of speech and the press, association, religion and right to equal protection by the law. The right of the citizens is protected by the constitution which is the supreme law of Botswana. There are many reasons for Botswana‘s democratic success. Some reasons are due to Botswana‘s unique history and context, a few are coincidental, but several are as a result of efforts put in by the country‘s leaders (Sarkin Cook, 2008). (Hazan, 2006)Scholars have debated these achievements, resulting in many assessments applauding Botswana and a handful that note Botswana‘s success story is not without significant flaws. Some of these flaws include oppression of the minority San tribe, expulsion of foreign reports and scholars, and limitations on access to information. Morocco Authoritarian Monarchy The kingdom of Morocco is an example of an authoritarian state. After its independence, Mohammed V assumed the title of king after imposing a constitutional monarchy and establishing a one-party state. Morocco has been characterized by oppression of opposition, forced disappearance, extrajudicial killings, and imprisonment of political opponents. (Hazan, 2006) Reforming Monarchs Remarkably for an authoritarian leader, King Hassan IIs last, initiated a reform and reconciliation process, in which he freed political prisoners, enacted constitutional amendments in 1996, which established a bicameral parliament with extended powers, and launched an independent commission of inquiry to start investigative human rights abuses. Hassan invited exiled political opposition to return and after the 1997 legislative elections, which despite irregularities brought many previously banned parties and opposition members to the Chamber of Representatives. Unusually for an authoritarian leader, Hassan 2 initiated a reform and reconciliation process. When Mohammed VI, the son of Hassan 2 assumed the throne in 1999, he continued with his fathers political reforms. The King gave out two amnesties, resulting in the release of thousands of political prisoners. By the election in 2002, the elections were deemed free and fair by international observers. In 2004, a new law was passed and it placed restrictions on polygamy, divorce and improved women’s right. Reconciliation and Justice Mohammed VIs established the Equity and Reconciliation Commission (IER) in 2004 with a mandate to examine human rights abuses that occurred from 1956 to 1999. Driss Benzekri, a former political prisoner was appointed as its head. The nature of the commission assessment of compensation brought about changes in government’s support for international human rights agreements previously unsupported. (Hazan, 2006) Although Hassan II and Mohammed VI introduced reforms, they were outwardly impressive. They made sure that no real changes to the constitutional monarchy were made to date. . Freedom of Expression Morocco is extensively condemned for its lack of freedom of expression. The government exercises control over the media and punishes a few independent newspapers that exist. Most broadcast media in Morocco are entirely or partially owned by the state. Self-censorship is common due to punishment for coverage that is deemed inappropriate by the government. Newspapers such as Le Journal have been shut down or penalized, and editors arrested. Le Journal came under government condemnation for its political coverage, and also coverage of corruption of government officials. The Moroccan government has failed to respect human rights since independence, and its constitutional monarchy does not tolerate any serious checks and balances on the kings powers or actions. No democracy movement has been able to press for the resignation of the king or to fight for reforms. (Hazan, 2006) The recent resolutions have failed to create a genuine accountability or justice for the victims or their families. Due process and rights expression and association remain curtailed. Ghana Ghana is rated highly on most of basic measures of democracies. This includes protection of fundamental civil liberties and human rights. Ghana has been successful in holding free and fair elections over the past two decades, and reducing poverty. Ghanaian democracy has not been as much successful in participation of most political actors in the country’s governance processes and institutions beyond elections. (Anebo, 2001) Actual participation drafting and implementation of public policy has been restricted to a number of political elite who have succeeded in capturing the presidency although through fairly competitive elections. The president has more powers than the other branches of government. He enjoys vast political and economic resources that he can use to get political support. Elections are the only real check and balance on the executive. Although major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have accepted the legitimacy of the guidelines that govern politics in Ghana, these guidelines have serious flaws. (Bratton, Michael, Lewis, Boadi., 2001)The elite accord among partisan parties is an agreement to uphold the status quo, regardless of its negative impact on good governance and democratic practice. Ghanaians expect economic and social benefits (Anebo, 2001) of democracy than the government appears to produce through existing institutional arrangements. The 1992 Constitution of Ghana guarantees the Human Rights of all individuals found within the territorial boundaries of the Republic of Ghana. Chapter 5 of 1992 Constitution, Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms ensures rights such as right to life, economic rights and womens right are adhered to. The entire chapter 5 can only be amended by the people of Ghana through voting at a referendum. Ghanaians enjoy freedom of press and information thus making it one of the countries in Africa that does not oppress the media. (Arthur, 2010) Conclusion Africa has a long way to go to attain full democratic status with them being welfare states. There a lot of limitations those hinder the full initiation of democracy in many African countries. Ethnicity, poor leadership, poverty, corruption have been significant in preventing democratization in Africa. I strongly agree with Akes arguments that the trail of democracy would not feed or shelter the needy. (Ake, 1991) If Africa is to achieve democracy, people must first be enlightened and kick out the anti-democracy forces. Some African countries are still under authoritative and corrupt rulers. These leaders pretend to be practicing democracy; they hold elections full of deceit and thus cling on to power. Democracy must be considered African context most pressing needs and people must first be educated to accept and appreciate democracy as Ake argues. (Ake, 1991) Bibliography Ake, C. (1991). Rethinking African Democracy. Journal of Democracy, 33-44. Anebo, F. (2001). The Ghana 2000 Elections. Journal of African Political Science, 69-88. Arthur, P. (2010). Democratic Consolidation in Ghana:The Role and Contribution of the Media, Civil Society and State Institutions . Comparative and Commonwealth Studies, 203-226. Arthur, Peter. 2010. Democratic Consolidation in Ghana: The Role and Contribution of the Media, Civil Society and State Institutions.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬- Comparative and Commonwealth Studies 48(2): . (n.d.). 203-226. Bratton, Michael, Lewis, P., Boadi., E. G. (2001). Constituencies for Reform in Ghana. Journal of Modern African Studies, 231-259. Cincotta, H. (2004). Democracy in brief. Washington DC: division of US studies. Deth, k. n., Van Deth, J. W. (2005). The Democratic State. In Foundations of Comparative politics (p. 22). New York: Cambridge University. Gupta, T. (2013, 12 4). preserve articles. Retrieved from preservearticles.com: http://www.preservearticles.com/2012051632235/what-are-the-five-features-of-democracy.html Hazan, P. (2006). Morocco: Betting on a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. United States Institute of Peace Special Report 165 . Mountain, T. C. (2012). Destroying Africa With Western â€Å"Democracy†. Foreign policy journal, 72-96. Sarkin, j., Cook, A. (2008). Is Botswana the Miracle of Africa? Democracy, the Rule. TRANSNATIONAL LAW CONTEMPORARY PROBLEMS, 453-457. Individual Differences: Trait Theory and Personal Constructs Individual Differences: Trait Theory and Personal Constructs Miss Emma Elizabeth Dorothy Meredith How well does trait theory help us understand individual differences? Discuss this question with reference to personal construct theory. This essay will explore trait theory and how it helps us to understand individual differences in comparison with personal construct theory. The basis of each approach is; trait theory describes a reasonably solid characteristic which differentiates one individual from another, whereas personal construct theory argues that individuals create their own way of making sense of the world through creating their own private structures. The essay will begin by outlining the main notions of the theories, to gain an insight of how individual differences are perceived by each approach. This essay will aim to identify strengths and limitations in each approach and will conclude by evaluating the extent to which each theory can account for and explain individual differences. Trait theory is based in the social cognitive perspective and developed from the experimental tradition to individual differences and which are seen as fixed ways in which individuals can vary from each other (Butt, 2012). The aim of trait theory is to find commonplace dimensions from a broad variety of individuals, which would then help theorists to predict the behaviour of an individual in certain situations. Individual differences are defined by using questionnaires as a measurement of personality. This fits in well with the social cognitive approach which sees individuals as information processing beings in the social world (Hollway, 2012). Eysenck and Rachman (1965, cited Butt 2012) argued genetic and biological factors were responsible for personality traits. By using psychometric tests, designed to assess traits of individuals, they sought to explore personality causality. Eysenck’s theory suggests personality can be characterised by three specific traits (extraversion/ introversion, neuroticism and psychoticism) suggesting each of these traits are characterised by particular behavioural attributes. From the data gained from Eysenck’s personality inventories (Eysenck and Eysenck, 1963, cited Butt 2012) they argued these traits are behavioural expressions of biologically based differences, similar to the â€Å"four temperaments† of Hippocrates and Galen from Ancient Greece. Eysenck and Rachman’s (1965, cited Butt 2012) research claims there are two main dimensions of personality which are unrelated. These are extraversion and neuroticism and are behavioural definitions of differences in temperament. They argue these dimensions are grounded in autonomic and cortisol arousal and suggest the relationship between behavioural patterns and inherent brain structure is similar to phenotype and genotype in biology (Butt 2012). It was argued by Eysenck there could be a clinical application if main dimensions were found and linked to disti nctive types of neurotic behaviour and may explain the some of the psychological disorders some individuals acquire, which would allow for future treatment and interventions. Trait theories of personality describe personality in terms of characteristics such as, reliable – unreliable, or group traits, which have been recognised through factor analysis to form clusters into personality dimensions, for example, extraversion includes traits such as ‘risk taking’ and ‘sociability’(Stevens 2007). Personal construct theory was developed by George Kelly (1955, cited Butt 2012; Stevens 2007), he focussed his work on individual differences and viewed personality as an individual experience (Stevens, 2007). It promotes constructs which Kelly used to describe the bipolar dimensions (e.g. Friendly/cold, interesting/boring) which underlie the ways in which a person makes sense of their world (Stevens 2007). Based in the phenomenological perspective, which focuses is on how things (especially other people) appear different to each individual, personal construct theory aims to understand how an individual uses their subjective experiences to create a set of personal constructs which in turn help them to make sense of the world and to take account of the distinctiveness of each individuals personality (Butt 2012). Personal construct theory considers individual differences as taking account of and recognising each individual’s view of the world and how this helps to create their p ersonality and who they become as an individual (Butt 2012; Stevens 2007). Kelly (1955, cited Butt 2012; Stevens 2007) argued it is peoples own experiences which build their set of constructs and these are used to evaluate situations. Two people assessing the same scenario will therefore see things differently, and this is where individual differences occur. Constructs are seen as being fluid and looking at oneself through another’s eyes, individuals can make conscious choices in order to change their view of the world and their personality (Butt 2012). However, as individuals put a lot of effort into building these constructions, Kelly (1955, cited Butt 2012) argued the individual may not wish to change them. Personal construct theory is grounded in subjective methodology. Kelly (1955, cited Butt 2012) developed the Repertory Grid to investigate the sets of personal constructs used by individuals. This works through the process of individuals designating constructs to all persons considered to be a part of their life. This enables the bipolar dimensions to be determined. When analysed it reveals the differences found in each individual’s experiences and how they will assess the same person or situation in completely differing ways. If a person is rigid in their constructs they may believe an individual who is aloof would also be a cold person. Having this rigidity in a personality could lead to relationship problems as opposed to someone with a more fluid personality. Constructs are created subconsciously, so by using the grid, individuals are able to gain insight and relate their own particular meaning to their surrounding environment which would not usually be available (Butt, 20 12). A strength of personal construct theory is it adds a holistic understanding of individual differences. It also transcends both the individual-society dualism and agency-structure dualism, the individual is considered from their own experiences and also by being part of the social world (Hollway, 2012). Personal construct theory accepts people change and society can help in promoting this change. Personal construct theory does have limitations. The findings cannot be compared across a wider population. It is also a relatively new theory and as a result has not been researched or tested to the same extent as trait theory. Trait theory is an older theory and has been thoroughly researched and tested extensively. The methodology is objective and the ontology views humans as information processing entities and by using personality measurements such as Eysenck’s personality inventory, larger groups of individuals can be compared. The aim is the objective measurement of individual differences. A biological reductionist attitude to individual differences was adopted by Eysenck suggesting traits are biologically determined, making them consistent and giving predictive value. This reductionist approach means problems with dualism are avoided as the behaviour is reduced to physiological levels. This enables behaviour to be better understood. The objectivity and consistency allows trait theory a broader range for application and its findings can be used to pinpoint trends within organisations. Being grounded in the experimental tradition the knowledge production is limited to the data with no reference t o the influence of social environments and individual experiences (Hollway 2012). Trait theory does have other limitations, it only describes personality and identifies trends it does not explain it; neither does it explain behaviour (Skinner 1974, cited Butt 2012). It is designed to measure reactions and consistency in the reactions of individuals in certain situations. Mischel (1968, cited Butt 2012) argued that trait theory methods reduced the complexity of human behaviour to become more general. He also argued that there is very little evidence supporting the consistency in behaviour that is claimed by trait theorists assuming that behaviour is fixed over time, compared to the considerable amount of substantial evidence to support behaviours changing in time and in different situations. Compared with personal construct theory, trait theory is seen to be an apt way of considering personality resembling lay theories used by individuals when gauging others. Individuals are able to predict future behaviour assuming that these traits are consistent (Butt 2012). Personality traits are seen as biological and rigid within trait theory and unlikely to change. As a result has it has a less practical use, compared with personal construct theory, in assisting changes in personality. Unlike personal constructs, how the individual’s social life influences the individuals personality is not taken in to account within trait theory. As personal construct theory is subjective, in comparison to the objectivity of trait theory, it is situated in time and place whereas the situated knowledge displayed in the trait theory data from the questionnaires are specific to the current situation and are not necessarily generalised therefore could be ecologically invalid when taken out of context. Individual personalities are considered to be rich with differences and largely taken in to account within personal constructs, which is not seen in trait theory (Butt 2012). As personal construct theory uses a qualitative interview method, any power that the therapist has would be in drafting the questions needed to gain details of the personal experiences of the client. The client can then interpret these and place onto the repertory grid. The power relations found in personal construct theory are by no means to the same degree as those found within trait theory. The repertory grid method stops the researcher having much influence over the research findings and is a large strength of personal construct theory (Salmon 2003 cited Butt 2012). Trait theorists have more power over the individual, coming from the experimental tradition, it is argued that rather than totally showing an individual’s personality traits accurately, the outcomes are heavily influenced by the personality and experience of the researcher as they have influence over the design of the questions and can manipulate this design. Therefore, trait theory findings have the potential to be inaccurate as individuals are judged against what is treated as normal by people who they believe are the authority on the subject (Mischel 1968, cited Butt 2012). Psychometric measures are used in education in such a way the result is pupils are only taught how to pass tests by their teachers. It was argued by Salmon (2003, cited Butt 2012) by teaching and testing students in this way, the ability level becomes rigid and the learning becomes generalised. Students are then grouped according to how they have performed in the test and their individual personalities are ignored. Personal construct theory in contrast to trait theory, do not see students abilities as fixed but are somewhat fluid. Salmon (2003, cited Butt 2012) applied essential parts of personal construct theory to education and argued the way that trait theorists suggests children learn is false and children do not leave their own personal worlds at the door when they enter the classroom. Instead meanings are derived from a personal system of understandings. In the way each student’s individuality brings with it their own world and their own personality within world. This me ans they will have different views on learning styles to others, a type one pupil loves another may hate and Salmon argued to promote personal development and growth, schools need to take account of the current personal constructs held by each student. The Salmon Line was later developed as a qualitative tool, where personal meanings are plotted on a line. These represent the student’s current abilities and their desired goals. This allows students to see how they are progressing and what they need to do to change and grow using their own meanings and sense of progression, and giving them an active part in their learning (Salmon 2003, cited Butt 2012). Trait theorists see traits as fixed, determined by biological factors and unchanging through the environment which would suggest individuals have no part in changing their personality traits and social structures to not have any bearing on personality traits at all. However, the methodology used in trait theory means that it has a wide scope to be used across larger populations. In contrast, personal construct theory accepts people change and society facilitates that change, allowing for a better understanding as to why change happens in different situations, when this happens and how this happens. Variations of personal construct theory allows insight to change in the future, for example the ‘Salmon Line’ helps to promote learning by allowing students to set their own objectives to their learning and be aware of what they need to change in their personality to achieve it. This doesn’t make either of the theories right when it comes to explaining individuals diffe rence, as demonstrated they both contribute to our understanding of individual differences in very contrasting ways, and both have their fair share of strengths and weaknesses. Word Count: 2053 References: Butt. T, (2012) ‘Individual Differences’ in D. Langdridge, K. Mahnedran, S. Taylor (2nd ed) Critical Readings in Social Psychology, Maidenhead, Open University Press/Milton Keynes, The Open University. Hollway, W. (2012), ‘Social psychology: past and present’ in W. Hollway, H. Lucey, and A. Phoenix, (eds) Social Psychology Matters, Maidenhead, Open University Press/Milton Keynes, The Open University. Hollway, W. (2012), ‘Methods and knowledge in social psychology’ in W. Hollway, H. Lucey, and A. Phoenix, (eds) Social Psychology Matters, Maidenhead, Open University Press/Milton Keynes, The Open University. Stevens, R. (2007), ‘Person Psychology: psychoanalytic and humanistic perspectives’. In D. Miell, A. Phoenix, K. Thomas (Eds), Mapping Psychology (2nd ed). Maidenhead, Open University Press/Milton Keynes, The Open University.

Friday, January 17, 2020

American Dream Is Still Alive

American Dream is Still Alive My whole life I grew up believing that there is such thing as the American Dream. The last couple years my faith in that has been tested for sure. Today there are many problems with the economy; there are many people out there who think there's no such thing as the American Dream anymore. â€Å"The creation of a government that is out of control, and thus out of touch, robs every citizen, preventing fulfillment of the original American Dream (Thomas 569). I agree with this, however I am still proud to be an American and I believe that no matter how hard it is, you can do anything you put your mind to. It's not going to be easy; in fact it will be much more challenging than it used to be when the economy was different. But that doesn’t mean that the American Dream has been lost forever. The American dream may not be exactly what it used to be, and it may be harder to achieve than ever before; however, it is still alive. One reason the American dre am is harder to achieve is because America is in a financial crisis.Costly war after costly war is being fought. Our men and women are fighting wars in other countries and are gone for years on end†¦many don’t return at all. Our economy has taken a nose dive, and at a rate that many wonder if there is any hope of it ever coming back up. It seems that more people are unemployed than working, and even those who were highly employable before can’t seem to find a job anymore. The top 4 percent of Americans hold the largest amount of money, and is not trickling down. Many believe we are going through another depression. Children are starving and standards of living are lowering. Wherever you choose to look—at the economy and jobs, the public schools, the budget deficits, the nonstop warfare overseas—you’ll see a country in sad shape (Herbert 564). † It is evident that things need to change. The American Dream may be buried, but we can dig it up and find ways to make it live long and prosperous once again. The news shows that unemployment is slowly dropping, but I can’t help but wonder if that is because those people who receive unemployment benefits are no longer receiving benefits, not necessarily because they have a job, but because their money has run out.In order to make it at all we need to be earning an income. Not to mention the fact that when we are working, most people aren’t even earning a living wage; but what makes matters worse, unemployment is so high these days, just finding a job is becoming next to impossible. The high unemployment makes things so difficult these days. So many people are scrambling to make a living or to make ends meet. With the economy as fallen as it is, even highly educated people are without a job. Many people are finding out that you can be too educated for a regular job.Others are finding that employers don’t want to hire you if you are unemployed. Again, othe rs are highly trainable and would make excellent employees, but employers don’t want to take the time or spend the money to train. During a recession like this, many people need to be working two jobs just to make ends meet. But even fast food restaurants have raised their standards to high that they expect a resume before the consider you. With so little people hiring and those hiring having such high standards, people are becoming desperate just to find a job. State and local governments, faced with fiscal nightmares, are reducing services, cutting their work forces, hacking away at health and pension benefits, and raising taxes and fees. In many cases, the austerity measures are punishing some of the most vulnerable people, including children, the sick, and the disabled (Herbert 565). † These cutbacks have had many ramifications on the American Dream. People who were well on their way to achieving it had their dreams snatched out from under them as employers let peop le go, lowered wages, took away bonuses, and raised the fees on benefits or cut it all together.Suddenly new grads needed more experience and education to get their foot in the door while earning barely enough to pay their rent, let alone their student loans. America has recently fallen into a great recession, and though some claim we are no longer in a recession, our country and has never quite bounced back. Our economy is fragile and unstable. â€Å"In June 2009†¦. native born workers lost 1. 2 million [jobs] (Herbert 565). † Businesses are afraid to hire more workers; for fear that consumers aren’t comfortable spending money quite yet.Consumers are afraid to spend money for fear that they won’t be earning any more. People who were once financially stable are barely getting by, some even homeless. This recession has been said to be equal to, if not worse than, the Great Depression. â€Å"The human suffering in the years required to recover from the reces sion will continue to be immense (Herbert 565). † Recovery may be happening, but is definitely an unstable process. Jobs are still hard to come by and a living wage is still almost unheard of. â€Å"The U. S. needs to develop a full-employment economy that provides jobs for all ho want to work at pay that enables workers and their families to enjoy a decent standard of living (Herbert 565). † In this day and age, it is as much about earning a wage that pays the bills as it is to have a job. What’s the point of working 45 hours a week if it doesn’t pay all your bills? Many people are willing to work the jobs that they may have never considered before, but those jobs don’t come close to paying a living wage. Potential small business owners are having a hard time starting up, as banks are uneasy about giving business loans, slowing job growth even more.Another hindrance in the comeback of our beautiful country is the enormous gap between our wealthiest and our poorest. â€Å"As long as income and wealth keep concentrating at the top, and the great divide between America’s have-mores and have-lesses continues to widen, the Great Recession won’t end, at least not in the real economy. Weak national real estate markets, sluggish job growth, and slow recovery of liquid assets lost during the recession are obstacles to a full recovery (King 574). † There was once a time where you could not exactly be rich, but not exactly be poor.You could afford to live, have a decent job, and even go on vacation. Maybe you couldn’t afford to own two brand new vehicles and put your children in expensive private schools, but you had a savings account that had money in it and were happy with where your hard work had taken you. That, my friends, is what used to be called the Middle Class. It is quickly becoming something of the past, and without those striving for the American Dream, may become a mythical fairytale that we tel l our children and grandchildren about. The importance of education has fallen to the back burner as cuts to public school become greater.As the saying goes, children are our future. They are the people that will be, one day, running our government. When cuts are constantly being made to public schools, children aren’t getting what they need to get the kind of education that allows them to grow up to be critical thinking adults. â€Å"A monopolistic government school system keeps the poor from achieving their dreams, as many remain locked, producing graduates who lag behind other nations in subjects that matter (Thomas 569). † The subjects children are taught were chosen with care.Every child has different talents, and those talents need to be fostered. When subjects get cut from schools, many children miss out on learning what they need to learn in order to grow and become who they are supposed to do. â€Å"There was a time when the United States understood the impor tance of educating its young people and led the way in compulsory public schooling. It also built the finest higher education system in the world. Now, although no one will admit it publicly, we’ve decided to go in another direction (Herbert 566). † This is sad but true.Somewhere down the line, we must have forgotten that a poor education creates a poor society. There is only one teacher per classroom, but each classroom has over two dozen children, each having separate learning needs, and each having different learning styles. With funding being directed places other than public education, the result is schools closing. All over America school after school after school is being closed. This puts hardworking teachers out of business and crams the classrooms even more with children who require a proper education that consists of one-on-one time. Public figures talks endlessly about ‘transformative changes’ in public education, but the years go by and we see no such thing (Herbert 566). † Lately, it seems the only changes we’ve seen have not been what are best for our education system. â€Å"School systems around the country are being hammered with dreadful cutbacks and teachers are being let go in droves, not because they are incompetent, but strictly for budget reasons (Herbert 566). † This leaves kindergartens with waiting lists and parents who have to pay upwards of $300 a month kindergarten fees.Some children are put in part time daycare, while others get full time. However, both go to first grade. I can’t help but wonder if one is more prepared than the other? But I believe there is a silver lining to all of this. The American dream is still alive there is always hope for a better future. The fact that there hasn’t been an overturn of government proves that we are strong. We can adapt to new challenges that come our way. We may get knocked down a time or two, but it’s that light at the end of the tunnel—the one some call the American Dream—that get us back up to try again. As a nation, we have dealt with economic downturns in the past, and the American Dream has faced trials and tests before†¦We have adapted the values contained within the American Dream to meet new challenges (King 577). † Many people have been hit hard with the economic changes. They acclimated to new situations, new ways of living, reinvented themselves, and in doing so, they have found their way back on top. One way we can help bring back the American Dream to its full potential, is to support local business and buy locally.Entrepreneurs create businesses, hire people; people get paid, people shop. People have nice things and money in their pockets, they aren’t so scared to help pay taxes and fund good schools. â€Å"I believe it is necessary and imperative to continue to support the business mechanisms that sustain our economy (King 577). † Without a booming economy, we don’t have a functioning society. We need to support our brothers and sisters. We need to help those around us, and not let it burden us. All this will help create more jobs, and will in turn help the community.If anyone works hard enough, they can â€Å"climb out of hardship and achieve success (King 577). † Hard work is key. It pays off. Sometimes it takes longer than we want it to, but if we don’t give up, we will reap the reward. If we have proven anything in this day and age, it is that we are persistent. â€Å"Despite the recent recession, many have faith that as long as people believe they have a chance of becoming better off than they are today, then the American dream is intact (King 577). † We all have the American Dream inside us, and we will work to achieve it, doing whatever it takes.I believe the American Dream is very much alive. It may not look exactly like it did 50, 60, or 70 years ago, but it is here to stay. Society has ad apted and changed, and so has the American Dream. No longer is it about becoming as rich as one possibly can, but about being financially secure, having a job that pays a living wage, as well as having a savings. Stability is more important that material wealth. It’s a good dream. It may not be so easy to obtain, but it is within reach. With hard work and a positive attitude, I believe it is much closer than we realize.Work Cited Herbert, Bob. â€Å"Hiding from Reality. † They Say, I Say with Readings. 2nd ed. Eds, Gerald Graff, Cathy Birkenstein, and Russell Durst. New York: WW. Norton Company, 2012, 564-67. Print. King, Brandon. â€Å"The American Dream: Dead, Alive, or on Hold? † They Say, I Say with Readings. 2nd ed. Eds. Gerald Graff et al. New York: Norton, 2012. 572-79. Print. Thomas, Cal. â€Å"Is the American Dream Over? † They Say, I Say with Readings. 2nd ed. Eds, Gerald Graff et al. New York: Norton, 2012. 568-70. Print.