Sustainability in Armenia as an Ethnographic Problem Case Study

Sustainability in Armenia as an Ethnographic Problem - Case Study Example Cultures and the lifestyles that people in a location practice leads to sustainability issues. For instance, a normal environmentally conscious citizen of the United Kingdom leaves a carbon foot print of over 6 tons of CO2 and an ecological footprint of 3.4 global hectares. This is the case with most of the western countries. The US for instance has a higher footprint on an average. This indicates the usage of more fossil and non-renewable energy sources causing more of environmental problems (WWF 2004). Sustainability is not only scientific or engineering related; it is also related to the cultural and ethical values of the community. Any community that does not have a tendency to protect its own environment and is interested more in commercialization of its own resources would end up denuding the environment faster; reducing sustainability. Sustainability reflects in many of the performance indexes of the country. While the gross domestic product (GDP) of a country could indicate the amount of money the country has spend or has earned over the period in consideration, other indexes take into consideration various parameters including the overall development of the country. Demographic and ethnographic factors hurt the performance of the country as a voter for sustained development. In the case of Armenia, it is ranked at 83rd position in 2005 with a Human Development Index of 0.775. This has increased from 0.701 in 1995, according to UNDP (UNDP 2008). At the same time, the percentage of people living below the national poverty line is well over 50%. This indicates that the wealth is not distributed uniformly across the population resulting in increased poverty at one end and extremely rich people at the other. This is one of the factors that will affect sustainable development in the Armenian Society. The Happy Planet Index is a measure of the long and happy lives people lead in that country or place. In the case of Armenia, it was found to be 36.1 out of 100 and the country was ranked at 130 out of 178 countries. This is a measure of the long lives people live and indicates how happy people are (nef 2006). As Aristotle says, the purpose of social living is to be happy. The same is supported by the US constitution when it says that every individual has the right to pursue his own happiness. This indicates that Armenia has a long way to go before it can turn into a happier place to lead human life. The Environmental Sustainability Index is produced out of 25 different factors in six policy categories. Multiple happenings in a country, including large corporate and social projects, affect the performance of a country when this index is measured. The index is a measure of the environmental health, air and water pollution levels, Productive natural resources, Biodiversity and habitat and finally, climate change contribution by the country. Environmental sustainability is an important criterion while looking for sustainable development. In case of Armenia, the ESI released in 2005 ranked it at 44 (CIESIN 2005). With the changes made in the factors estimated, the Environmental Performance Index was produced in 2008 where Armenia was ranked at 62 a substantial loss of position. There had been a number of factors that affect the

The effect of education in our socicety Essay Example for Free

The effect of education in our socicety Essay Education is the most important achievement of a persons lifetime. The possibilities and accomplishments become virtually endless once you have achieved a college education. One can tailor their education toward specific areas of learning to become anything they want in American society. Having an education not only gives you the promise of a decent life, but produces self confidence and self esteem. Knowledge is the most important tool that America bestows upon her citizens. Anyone who lives here, without prejudice, has the right to pursue an education in any field and to any level they wish. A solid, basic education, followed by a specific, career orientated, college education, is the cornerstone of the American way of life; the first major step toward achieving the American dream. An example of this is the way technology is advancing in our everyday life. Computers have become as common in every household as a television. This was not the case as little as ten years ago when the Internet, having been in existence since the late sixtys, was barely giving birth to what we now know as Web (World Wide Web). Education, along with creativity, is the driving force that brought the information super-highway to life. Today, the rate of advancement in new technologies is approximately three months. These advancements are due to the men and women who have spent years of training acquiring the education needed in our technology based society. This training has given them the knowledge to expand upon, or even discover new applications in science, business, technology, agriculture, art, or any other educational path one might wish to pursue. These advancements are improving the quality of nearly every aspect of our lives. All of us, without exception, benefit on a daily bas is, from the bounties reaped by normal, everyday people, in the physical application of there education. A further example of the benefits of education in our society is employment. There are more self employed people and private or family owned businesss in America then ever before. People have always had good ideas to make money. Now, thanks to the communicability of the internet and the accessibility of the Web, coupled with an education, these relatively new technologies allow people to apply their ideas in ways never before possible. This is because they now have access to virtually everyone, and,  virtually everyone has access to them. All of these web based businesses require an education in computers as well as business management. These new virtual stores have no shelves to stock and no cashier up front, everything is done electronically. General labor used to be the predominant way to earn money in America, this however, is rapidly changing. As the level of our technology grows, the need for a highly educated workforce grows with it. With a proper education, ones choices and opportunities are increased dramatically, as does the earned wage. A third example of the benefit of an education is personal accomplishment. One has the tools to set higher personal standards and achieve higher goals. Everyone feels good about a job well done. Doing exceptionally well at a given task builds self confidence that carries over to all other aspects of life, building character and self esteem. An education brings out the creativity in a person. The ability to come up with an original idea, based on known ideas, is how all invention comes about. An education is the basis through which all known ideas were conceived. I believe that education is the foundation for the future, the building block through which we will create a totally new world. Obtaining an education is not a simple matter; it takes commitment, dedication, and a lot of effort. The rewards of having and using an education far outweigh any hardships dealt with in acquiring it. Not only are there personal benefits, there are benefits to society in helping to shape a new tomorrow. I believe that the American dream is to use acquired knowledge to make money doing something you enjoy, to get paid for doing something you would do for free. Education is the way to that dream.

Neil Armstrong Essay -- Moon Flying Armstrong Biography Essays

Neil Armstrong When Neil Armstrong was two years old he loved going to the Airport to watch the planes take off and land. He got so excited just watching. When he was five years old he pretended that he was hovering over his bed. He wanted to fly! He loved airplanes and at six years old he had his first airplane ride. He was so smart in school that they moved him from second grade into third grade because he was reading at a fifth grade level. Every airplane book he got his hands on he read. He always liked building model airplanes. When Neil was in high school he worked in the Chemistry lab. In his basement he made a wind tunnel. And on the roof of his garage he built an observatory where he had telescopes to look at the moon and the stars. He learned so much and was so excited that he couldn't wait to fly. He worked in a pharmacy to pay for his flying lessons. When he was only sixteen years old he got his pilots license! He graduated high school and went to Perdue University on a US Navy scholars hip. He learned everything he could about planes and rockets. After college graduation he was a pilot in the Korean War. After the war he went back to Perdue to learn even more. He became a test pilot for experimental X-15 rocket planes which flew to the end of the earth's atmosphere. He didn't want to stop there, he wanted to just keep on going. So in 1962 when NASA was taking applications for astronauts he applied and was accepted. His first mission was on Gemini 8. He and D...

Belonging Essay: “Rabbit Proof Fence” by Phillip Noyce Essay

â€Å"A sense of belonging comes from having connections with people and place†/ Compare how the texts you have studied convey these ideas. Who am I? Where do I belong? ‘A person’s identity is shaped by their sense of belonging and/or not belonging’. This concept is clearly explored in the touching movie â€Å"Rabbit proof fence† of three girls running away to find way home, to where they belong to. Whereas, Peter Skrzynecki’s poems â€Å"Postcard† and â€Å"10 Marry Street† focus on the self-awareness and conflicts inside the author as he tries to find his identity and belonging through a postcard and his old house. â€Å"Rabbit- Proof Fence† is a 2002 Australian drama film directed by Phillip Noyce. The true story is set in 1931, about three aboriginal girls forced to leave their families in Jigalong as they are half caste children to be trained in the domestic ways of modern civilization. The film explores aspects of bo th belonging and not belonging in telling the story of these Aboriginal girls. Throughout Phillip Noyce’s â€Å"Rabbit Proof Fence†, Molly has a strong sense of connection to the land and to her family. As she says at the beginning, â€Å"Our people, the Jigalong mob, we were desert people then, walking all over our land†; it clearly shows where she feels she belonged. But her words â€Å"The white people†, shows her opposite feeling as she has no sense of belonging to white society. Young Molly is told by her mother about a significant figure of her culture, the spirit eagle which symbolises the totem of her community and the connection to her ancestor. The image of the family playing and hunting together in the opening scene is one of unity, support and protection. Unfortunately, Molly’s family is soon separated as the children are sent thousands of miles away. The scene when the children are taken by the police is extremely dramatic and intense. The sense of loss is made greater by the screaming of the children and mother, her repeating the word â€Å"mine† showing her ownership of her children and the frenzied feeling created through hand-held camera work. The children’s new home at Moore River is so unfamiliar and is juxtaposed with the natural world of their bushland home. The image of Molly, her sister and her cousin sleeping together in the same bed focuses our attention on their need to feel secure and protected. They are forced to s peak English, and their language was thought â€Å"wangka†, â€Å"jabber†. The girls are taught to give up their culture and their language to learn the white culture which is completely strange to  them. The enticements of the white people, â€Å"You’ll feel quite at home in this new world† does not attract Molly and even makes her sick. The climax is when Molly decides to escape from Moore River. They walked 1500 miles along the longest fence in the world being hunted by Constable Briggs and an Aboriginal tracker. The fence in the movie represents a symbol of the way to their home. When they grip the fence, the film juxtaposes image of their mother also gripping the fence, and a close-up shot of their smiles reveal their joy of being connected by beautiful emotional music. Molly and her sister then continue their long journey home overcoming many obstacles to be finally reunited with their family. The slow motion image of the mother crying, hugging the kids emphasises the significance of their need to belong and the strong connection to fa mily. The movie would not have a happy end as Molly is then taken away after she gets home, but it cannot stop her from running away all her life to be where she belongs. If â€Å"Rabbit-Proof Fence† leaves the audiences beautiful images of a family’s strong connection and the desire to belong to a real home, the poem ‘Postcard’ by Peter Shrzynecki explores the concept of belonging on the persona’s sense of cultural identity. It is a postcard that the author received, which depicts the city of Warsaw in Poland, his homeland. However he does not feel the same sense of connection to his homeland that his father feels, but rather feels alienated and disengaged. The negative connotations of the verb â€Å"Haunts† and its position on a line by itself highlight the persona’s unease and uncertain connection to the place. This contrasts his friend’s perception that his parents will react positively to this postcard, feeling a sense of connection to it: â€Å"he requests I show it to my parents.† The separation of â€Å"I† and his parents on a separate line suggests their different perception s to the postcard. The poet described the picture in the postcard without enthusiasm, from the â€Å"Red buses† to â€Å"The River and its concrete pylons and the sky’s brightest shade†. The colours in the post card are unnatural and his unfamiliarity with Warsaw is emphasised when he cannot tell whether something is a park. Skrzynecki however, is stuck by the moment. The usage of personification gives the effect of the poet’s conversation with Warsaw, â€Å"I never knew you†, which is his direct refusing of relation to the place. The following â€Å"Except in the third person† emphasises the poet’s sheer distance and detachment in his life from the city. Contrast to Skrzynecki’s  negative to the city, his parents and their friend as â€Å"dying generation† are continuing the attachment to the city with a strong sense of belonging. They â€Å"shelter†, â€Å"defend†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Despite living in a new city, these older migrants find a sense of collective belonging in reminiscing about their â€Å"Old Town†. The persona clearly distances himself from this, separated through the distinction made between the pr onouns, â€Å"I† and â€Å"They†. The author then confronts the conflict which lies in the rhetorical question â€Å"What’s my choice to be?† as his parents will be proud and speak of their â€Å"Beloved Ukraine†. The poet recognises the city’s offers but concludes that he cannot give it more than â€Å"eyesight† and â€Å"praise† and his response will not come from his heart. Yet, it then ends with a tone of desperation as he asks, â€Å"What more do you want besides the gift of despair?† Which reinforces the poet’s conflict to acknowledge his connection and loss with the city. The use of direct speech: â€Å"A lone tree whispers, we will meet before you die† personifies Poland and suggests it is calling him home. It is a prophecy that he must visit Poland in order to understand his identity. The reason he could not yet belong to Australia is simply because he did not understand his original heritage. For Skrzynecki, to belong to Australia he must first belong to, and understand Poland by visiting it and giving in to its calling. The experiences of belonging on the other hand, are often initiated at birth within family, as it is the first group an ind ividual becomes a part of. â€Å"10 Mary Street† is the address of Shrzynecki’s family, and the poem that conveys with insight into the concept of familial bonds, and our instinctive choice to belong in the home. The sense of the comfort is established in the beginning of the poem with the simile ‘A well-oiled lock’ indicates the positive image of the Skrzynecki household going through the sense of ownership and security it provides. The ‘Nineteen years’ also adds a depth to this and expresses the sense of belonging Skrzynecki felt to the place. Plus the repeat of the pronoun ‘We’ emphasises their togetherness and belonging to each other. In another simile, ‘ ravage the backyard garden like a hungry bird†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢, Skrzynecki compares his early boyhood days of hunger after school with a young bird in the nest revealing the delights of the family’s vegetable garden and it creates an image of comfort, security and familiarity. The garden is an important aspect of their lives where the poet’s parent â€Å"watered plants- grew potatoes†¦ like adopted children’,  stressing their strong connection to their home. The posi tive images ‘For nineteen years, we lived together’, and later of â€Å"visitors† sharing their common interests, ‘discussions’, ’embracing gesture’ present their home as a trusted site of the liveliness and friendliness. Contrasting to the warmth and security inside, outside of the house with â€Å"its china-blue coat†, represents a refugee for them, and an unwelcoming culture into which the family must go, but do not really belong. Once again there was a barrier, the â€Å"still too-narrow bridge† that separated the two worlds. Besides giving them a haven from nature, the enclosed space gives them a chance to preserve a private life and include their past life in â€Å"pre-war Europe†. ‘For nineteen years’, Skrzynecki ‘lived’ his Australian life style while his parents ‘kept prewar Europe alive with photographs and letters’. This juxtaposition portrays the adopted nature of the home for his parents as a refugee, and for the persona as a home. The immigrant family’s naturalisation into Australian society is described as becoming â€Å"citizens of the soil†. This metaphor creates a feeling of being connected as Skrzynecki’s family accepted and became a part of the land. Throughout the poem is tone of positive feeling and contented. The family’s only regret is leaving the home. In essence, belonging is a fundamental aspect of an individual’s life and one should make as many positive interactions with others in order to enrich their experience of this essential human need. Peter Skrzynecki’s â€Å"Post Card† extensively explores that the sense of belonging if is undefined can â€Å"haunt† a person their entire life. This is contrasted with the idea that positive interactions of an individual to a group or their family as is highlighted in the film â€Å"Rabbit-Proof Fence† and especially in Peter Skrzynecki’s â€Å"10 Marry Street†, as the members of the Skrzynecki family feel an enriched sense of belonging to one another.

Business models: a strategic management approach Essay

The 21st century presents new and exciting opportunities for doing business; the entrepreneurial realm is greatly expanding and becoming an excellent platform for personal and societal growth. Individuals and institutions are realizing the significance embedded in the development of vibrant business ideas. Doing business has become a lucrative venture in the world of today with the emergence of budding entrepreneurs in a quest to yield huge benefits in the corporate world. Indeed, the sale of goods and services to make profits is not a reserve of a chosen few as it was conventionally perceived, but it is a dynamic venture for virtually any innovative and growth-centered entrepreneur. Nevertheless, the fundamentals of doing business have not changed; success in business requires immense input and dedication. What is it that makes businesses grow exponentially? With the advent of technology, continuous globalization influence and the ever-increasing rate of competitors in the market, what are the appraisal factors for business expansion and development? These imperative questions should continually linger in the mind of an entrepreneur. Developing a feasible business concept is the most elemental factor for one to consider while venturing into the entrepreneurial real (Nagendra, 2010, p 146). The business concept, based on an entrepreneurial idea, should be in a position to integrate well into the market place. Of course, the integration process requires a substantial analysis of the pivotal factors influencing the growth of the business. This necessitates a deliberate evaluation of the internal and external environments of the business. Comprehending the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the business concept is extremely important (Hannagan & Bennett, 2000 p 46).Outlining and executing the strategies for growth and development is equally vital in the process. Thus, this paper seeks to bring out the fundamentals of developing a business and ensuring its success. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the concepts involved will definitely unearth the drivers and constraints of business development. Business Concept             In the corporate world today, it has become increasingly important to develop strong corporate leadership capacity to drive the dynamic instruments in the business. The corporate leadership concept is significant in various fronts. It provides management solutions by streamlining the internal and external environments of a business enterprise (Davis, 2003, p 16). Of importance still, corporate leadership is the platform in which dynamism and innovation is accrued in a business through investing in the relevant resources. Accomplishing this calls for the management to put in best practices in accordance with a business’ goals and objectives. Human resource management is another imperative aspect in the business world. As the driving force in respect to capacity development, it is vital for businesses and corporate bodies to invest expansively in human resource development (Sims, 2007, p 361). Companies are realizing the need to enhance corporate leadership a nd develop vibrant human resource frameworks. In reference to the statements above, I believe that there is a gap in the corporate world that needs to be filled; an opportunity to provide solutions to the prevailing trends in many businesses today. In order to bridge this gap, I strongly believe that offering consultation services to corporate bodies in the areas of corporate leadership and human resource management will go a long way in addressing the inadequacies of the two elements in many businesses today. In other words, the need for strong corporate leadership structures and vibrant human resource management frameworks in corporate institutions offers me an entrepreneurial idea to develop a consultation firm in the significant areas. The business concept involves providing consultation services to companies in the realms of corporate leadership and human resource development. Given the need for corporate institutions to find lasting solutions in feasible management practices and investing in their employees, and the experi ence as well as the passion I have for consultancy in the areas, the business concept is certainly a viable entrepreneurial idea. Developing the Strategies for the Business Concept             Developing strategies for a business concept aims at improving its value in the market place. It is a process of ensuring that the structures of a business have a means of transition from one point to another. Successful strategies for growth are flexible and have the ability to foster growth; they encompass the instrumental elements of running a business (Nilsson & Rapp, 2005, p 361). Therefore, developing the most feasible business strategies for operating the corporate leadership and human resource development, consultancy firm will be an important starting point.Developing a business strategy with utmost proficiency will encompass the following areas: The purpose or aspirations for the business-This will simply portray the position of the business and what it aspires to achieve in respect to its aims and objectives. Clear goals and objectives will empower the employees of the firm as well as giving a clear-cut picture to its potential clients. A feasible purpose will also connect the business well with its expansive stakeholders. Instilling competitive advantage and creating a market niche. Ideally, this is coming up with excellent ways of convincing clients about the adeptness and quality of services in the firm (Effron, Gandossy & Goldsmith, 2003, p 61). Setting the boundaries for the strategy- This refers to the jurisdictions of the business; the products, services and markets that the firm will deal with. According to Kozami (2005), setting strategic boundaries will enhance its effectiveness and flexibility; hence, leading to growth. In this reference, too many boundaries create inflexible business patterns, while too few boundaries diminish the focus required by a company. Prioritizing- This involves emphasizing on the most significant goods and services in the market. In addition, it is important to identify the most significant clients and markets. This is a strategic move in fostering the much-needed growth and development in the business. This will also require the employees of the firm to have strategic responsibilities of unearthing the potential in the priorities. Management practices- Developing viable internal management practices are critical in integrating the functioning of the firm’s diverse structures. a) Purpose of the business             The consultancy firm is based on an entrepreneurial idea whereby it will offer consultation services and products to corporate bodies for a fee. The firm aims at providing consultation services in corporate leadership and human resource development to other companies. The firm’s objectives are: Providing in-depth training to managers on efficient management practices to foster growth in their companies Training employers on capacity building and how to empowering their employees for sustained growth Providing corporate leadership and human resource development services to companies Raising professional corporate leaders through mentorship programs Enhancing entrepreneurial skills to emerging entrepreneurs Creating effective manuals as viable products for reference to managers in corporate leadership and human resource development Goals of the firm include: To be the best consultancy firm in corporate leadership and human resource development To serve a wide clientele ranging from companies and businesses To offer dynamic and up to date services and products in the area of corporate leadership and human resource b) Creating a market niche             Creating a competitive advantage for a business in the market is a significant tool in advancing the purposes of the company (Barney & Hesterly, 2006, p 122). Competitive advantage improves the performance of a business enterprise in respect to other businesses. Ideally, creating a niche involves capitalizing on practices that attract customers more. In order to have a competitive advantage over other businesses in the industry, the consultancy firm will offer quality services to its clients. Offering quality services will certainly put the firm in a strategic position and attract more clients. Clients find it more satisfying to work with quality service providers (Rao, 2011, p 374). Moreover, offering quality consultation services to clients will undoubtedly enhance the firm’s corporate reputation. Corporate leadership and human resource development are extremely instrumental concepts that require services of utmost proficiency. Of significance still, is t he firm’s pricing index. Depending on the market trends in the industry, the firm’s products and services pricing policy seeks to accommodate all clients across the board. This is a competitive advantage platform of winning out the ever-increasing competition. c) The company’s boundaries             This refers to the strategic placements of the company in respect to its services provision. The firm will concentrate on offering consultation services to companies that wish to enhance their corporate leadership and human resource development functions. The company will work closely with companies that wish to outsource the above functions. Moreover, the firm’s jurisdiction also covers individuals who desire to grow their corporate leadership and human resource management portfolios. Apart from the consultancy market, the firm’s boundary accommodates training at part of its corporate jurisdiction. The training structures of the firm in corporate leadership encompass the mentoring of corporate leaders. In addition, offering manuals on effective human resource practices to companies is a significant product offering. The firm’s jurisdiction is also in the e-commerce realm where it offers its services and products through the internet. The abil ity of the company to stick to its corporate jurisdiction is an imperative growth impetus. Furthermore, the capacity of the consultancy firm to communicate clearly to its clients about the services offered is significantly vital in growing the client base. The business will foster a viable communication platform to allow clients to understand clearly its portfolio in the market. Setting and maintaining feasible boundaries in respect to the firm’s service and product offering is a pertinent aspect in the growth and development of the firm’s corporate identity and image. d) Areas of priority             In order for the business to grow, there is need for its structures to identify the areas of urgency and works towards improving them. Among the firm’s target market, there is more emphasis in the private sector. The firm sees more business prospects in the private sector, where by it reaches out to the management teams of private institutions for business propositions. Additionally, the firm’s target market is young entrepreneurs who do not have sufficient expertise in corporate leadership and the management of human resource. Through adequate market research, it is possible for the company to identify the areas of priority in the target market, and work towards its growth and development. Putting emphasis on the most significant clients is a viable way of enlarging the firm’s profit margins. In addition, the employees of the firm are an important resource in ensuring the realization of its priorities. Thus, strategies of empowering them go a long way in ensuring success both in the short-term and long-term. In reference to this, the employees have duties and responsibilities that seek to foster growth and development. Mathis & Jackson (2003) assert that an empowered human resource and a culture of high-involvement in any institution are strategic features in enhancing its chances of success. e) Management practices             The company’s initiative in creating a coherent working environment within its organs is an efficient way of realizing its objectives. The management’s commitment in streamlining the functions of each employee and fostering high-involvement in the internal structures of the firm is instrumental in the development of the best corporate practices. SWOT Analysis             Evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the company will be extremely significant in understanding its objectives as well as the factors that influence them. This is a vital tool in unearthing the positive and negative factors, which affect the functioning processes of the consultancy firm. Given that the company is new in a highly competitive market, it is evident that a SWOT analysis will be beneficial in providing a realistic framework for growth. The analysis is indeed significant for growth as it provides a framework for development. Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats I. Great expertise in corporate leadership and HRM consultancy II. Adequate and sufficient number of consultants III. Vibrant employees IV. Quality services Financial constraints Limited infrastructure The company is relatively new in the market Increase of emerging companies Expanding its target market portfolio An established market niche Competition from other consultancy firms Dominance by large companies Loss of employees to other companies Strengths             The company’s strengths place it at a favorable position of enhancing its growth index. Mainly, the strengths are attributed to the internal credentials that consequently contribute to a viable output. Expertise in corporate leadership and HRM concepts is an imperative platform of winning out competition. The availability of qualified consultants plays a pivotal role in creating a market niche and reaching out to clients effectively. Additionally, vibrant employees make it possible for the company to strengthen the internal structures of the company that complement the external success. Provision of quality services is an imperative impetus that attracts customers and enhances the much-needed growth. Building on the strengths calls on the concerted efforts from the internal organization of the firm Weaknesses             Given that the company in new in the market, chances of it taking relatively slow to catch up in the market are high. It places the company at a disadvantage in respect to other companies. Limited infrastructure limits the ability of the company to handle many job propositions. Additionally, lack of a stable financial status to finance the internal, and external functions of the company pose huge challenges to the growth of the company. In reference to this, the company needs to put in place viable measures of addressing the weaknesses in order to enhance its growth prospects. The firm’s management has a duty to ensure that its internal structures are in tandem with growth factors. Opportunities             The influx in emerging companies is an amazing opportunity for the growth of the company. The emerging companies provide an opportunity for offering consultancy services, given the importance attached to the function. Moreover, the firm has an opportunity to expand to other target markets because of the demand for its specialty. An established market niche because of a ready market provides the company with an immense opportunity to expand its corporate image and identity. Therefore, the opportunities presented by the external forces demonstrate positive prospects for the firm. Threats             Competition is a huge threat to the firm; its ability to penetrate the mainstream market is limited by the ever-increasing competition from other consultancy companies. The dominance by large established companies also threatens the ability of the company to grow. Losing highly qualified employees to other companies is a serious threat that incapacitates the ability of the company to expand its corporate jurisdiction. These constraints limit the goals and objectives of the company; hence, it is pertinent for the firm to articulate strategic platforms of addressing the threats. Value Innovation Analysis             Kaufman & Woodhead (2006) argue that value innovation analysis refers to the methodologies used in enhancing the value of a product, service or business. This is aimed at increasing the functionality of a service or product in order to enhance the satisfaction of a customer. According to Gregoriou (2010), value innovation analysis offers companies with competitive solutions for remaining relevant in the market by investing in the customer and finding practical answers to the needs of the customer. Based on the designed consultancy firm, it is evidently clear that value innovation analysis will play a significant role in its desire to offer value-centered services to its clients. The company, which is primarily a service provider, will enhance its ability to reach out to its clients by critically analyzing its functions in meeting the needs of an ever-increasing market. Innovation is significant in finding breakthrough in a high competitive market. Given that the consultancy firm is new in an industry that is value-centered, the value innovation analysis will enable it to realize its areas of functionality in order to improve the value of its services. I. Orientation stage             The orientation stage is the first process in analysis value innovation. This includes identifying the component for analysis. In respect to the consultancy firm, service offering is the most essential component of analysis. Based on its core objectives, the company offers consultation services with a specialty in corporate leadership and human resource management. The need to analyze this component arises from the value attached to it; it is an important aspect in the running of corporate organizations today. Corporate leadership and human resource management are elemental in the growth and development of businesses in the corporate world today (Jockenhofer, 2013, p 34). II. Information             The information stage involves understanding the areas of priority in relation to the target customers in the component discussion above. The firm’s most significant clients are emerging companies as well as established companies that need to outsource corporate leadership and HRM functions. The company’s function also encompasses small-scale businesses wishing to develop in the respective specialties. The customers’ opinions are extremely significant in realizing the fundamentals of functionality. Based on the preferences of the clients, it is the mandate of the service provider to enact innovative ways of producing the much-needed value (Murray, Markides & Galavan, 2008, p 63). Therefore, gaining sufficient knowledge and information on the target customer or client attached to the service offered is an important step in building value innovation. III. Analysis             This is important as it entails the transformation of a need into functionality that meets the needs of the client. Ideally, this step of analysis involves identifying the functions of precipitating from a service or product offering (Afuah, 2004, p 112). A detailed analysis of the products or services offered creates the values accrued to diverse functions of the component. Therefore, a deep evaluation and understanding of the service offerings in the consultancy firm indicates varied functions. The functions can be graded in order of importance; hence, giving the firm a platform to accord value to different functions depending on the needs of the clients. The need for efficient corporate leadership and human resource development has been more in high-involvement organizations with many structures and functions. The desire of managements to enhance the internal environments of their companies has precipitated the need for outsourcing the services offered by the c onsultancy firm. Hence, this implies that high functionality and value is placed on large institutions. Based on the needs of large organizations in enhancing their internal structures, the consultancy firm has a duty to place high functionality and values in them. Emerging companies also place dire need for effective corporate leadership and HRM management policies, thus it is also a valuable area of functionality according to the analysis. On the other hand, though small-scale businesses have a need for the services, there is little value depending on the frequency of services offered. It is worth noting that the price attached to the different functions depends on the values attached to the functions. The diverse clients to the company present different values and consequently, the cost of the services. IV. Innovation             This stage involves coming up with viable alternatives of complementing the existing structures or having a complete overhaul. Bilton & Cummings (2010) assert that designing creative strategies is an important innovative component in the growth and development of business functions. Therefore, the innovation stage implies that the consultancy firm needs to evaluate its functions and costs of service offering, and identify ways of either changing or improving the existing functions. It is utterly important for the firm to change its functions capacity and seek for ways of enhancing the value accrued in the small-scale businesses category of clients. This calls for creative measures of turning it from a low functioning ratio to a high functioning ratio. According to the analysis, the service offering needs to seek for ways of expanding its jurisdiction and having a comprehensive approach. V. Evaluation             This involves evaluating the alternatives brought forward in the enhancement of value in the functions of the company. The alternatives developed in the innovative stage are critical in defining the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the alternatives. The qualitative techniques involves a critical evaluation of the high value standards that should be advanced to transform the poor performing functions and improve the high performing functions (Rughase, 2006, p 67). Conducting market research and raising awareness among small-scale entrepreneurs is a viable qualitative approach in improving the value of the function. Additionally, the quantitative analysis techniques involve the application of innovative value-based measurements of increasing the value of functions. Budgeting for the effective value-based ways of improving the service offering to small-scale businesses is a viable option in the analysis. Website Specifications             The growth and development of a company requires excellent communication strategies in the internal and external environments (Das, 2009, p 140). Communication with the stakeholders especially with the customers is an imperative aspect in the growth of the business. Building a reputable website is an excellent platform in enhancing the communication between a company and its customers (Das, 2009, p 141). Therefore, it is important for the consultancy firm to have a functioning website as a marketing strategy. Since it is a new business in the market, the website is indeed a great tool in enhancing its corporate reputation. The following are the website specifications befitting the development of the budding consultancy firm. a) Home page details             Since the home page is the first point of contact between the firm and potential customers, it should have an appealing effect to the customers and communicate effectively about the business (McGovern & Norton, 2002 p 202). The firm’s logo is the first thing that visitors and customers should see when they visit the website. The professional logo of the company at the home page will play an instrumental role as a marketing tool. This will surely give the site’s visitors a perfect assurance that they are in the right place. Secondly, a tag line that describes the business is also available in the home page as a significant way of connecting with site visitors and creating an enthusiastic environment for potential customers to learn more about the consultancy services in the firm. The descriptive tag line is put strategically next to the company’s logo to connect the two and improve the communication aspect of the company. This is meant to creat e a strong appeal for clients about the products and service offerings in the company. Thirdly, a reception blurb is also a pertinent home page detail specified in the website. This is simply an advertising platform for customers to have a quick idea of the company’s specialty-consultancy in corporate leadership and human resource development. Finally, a critical aspect in the home page of the company’s website is the content teaser that connects visitors with the content they need. It is the methodology through which the customers will be connected with the information they will need about the company. b) Formatting details             Every page in the site contains the company’s logo and corporate theme colors. This is an important aspect in defining the identity of the company to the site visitors. A continuous reflection of the logo is critical in reassuring the customers on the firm’s specialty in corporate leadership and human resource development portfolios. Furthermore, the navigation bar is helpful in linking the site visitors with the primary and secondary content in the website. Tables, text effects, images and background colors are important formatting details in the website that make it easier for the customers to learn about the company. c) Menu structure and rationale             The website is organized in a straightforward way to allow site visitors to get the information they need. The web pages in the site are arranged in a focus-oriented design to allow maximum gain to the visitors (potential clients). The firm’s website is organized in a hierarchical; the web pages are structured well with an easy way of navigation through the different contents. In respect to the website’s menu structure and rationale, there are significant pages defining its content. The Home page, Services and products list page, Services and products details page, About us page and Contact us page are significant in defining the website’s content. The menu structure offers a strategic way of navigating through the content. d) Reports and management information             Reports and management information are clearly elaborated in the website. Potential clients and site visitors have the opportunity to learn and have a sufficient update on the financial and management information in the company. Quarterly, biannual and annual information is made available for the clients whenever they visit the website. In addition, significant information about the firm’s functions and employees is well articulated in the website content. e) E-commerce aspects of purchases             The platform for offering services and products on line is also an important aspect of the consultancy firm. This platform helps the company to sell services and products through an on line mechanism. This service is elaborated clearly in the services and products details page in the website. Clients favorable with e-commerce trends are able to connect with the company through the website. Critique on the design concept, strategy and website specifications             The design concept is indeed a vibrant platform in the industry, thus there is an influx of competitors in the field. Offering consultancy services to corporate institutions is an entrepreneurial approach that attracts many entrepreneurs in the trade. Based on the fact that the business concept is in great demand, the number of competitors is certainly on the increase. Based on the idea, a competitor would capitalize on the weaknesses in the business concept to maneuver ways of competing in the lucrative market. Based on a critical analysis, the concept is narrow in its conceptualization. Its specialties are only applicable to corporate institutions. A competitor would capitalize on the gap to increase the scope of the business venture and incorporate non-corporate bodies as clients. Balling (2006) argues that a limited scope of operations in business gives a competitor an added advantage in securing better returns. With adequate articulation of necessary business structures, a competitor would virtually have an upper hand in the expansion of the business; hence, competing effectively in the industry. Again, the business concept has a narrow boundary in relation to the target client. From a critical analysis, the business concept would accommodate nurturing corporate leadership and HRM fundamentals in learning institutions whereby professionals conduct public speaking forums for a fee, as well as organizing conferences and seminars on corporate leadership and HRM development. These are lucrative ideas lacking in the concept, which a competitor would find extremely beneficial. Thus, from a critical analysis perspective, it is true that the business concept has weaknesses that give advantages to a potential competitor. In view of the company’s business strategy, it is clear that it is not highly strategized because of the narrow scope of the business concept. A business concept has a huge impact on the goals and objectives that an entrepreneur enacts (Grant, 2008, p 18). This implies that it is important for a business concept to have a wide focus that will consequently affect its goals and objectives. In reference to the discussion above, the consultancy firm has a narrowed focus; hence, limiting its purpose. Based on the vibrancy of the industry, it is evident that a competitor would seek ways of enlarging the strategic jurisdiction of the industry. Through a wide scope business concept, a competitor has the capacity to increase goals and objectives of his business. This implies that the competitor will have a wider range of clientele compared to the existing consultancy firm. A competitor can look at the ways of enhancing competitive advantage to clients capitalized by the consultancy firm and unearth means of winning out the competition. Since there are many ways of creating competitive advantage, a competitor can offer price subsidies to a section of clients to attract more clients as well as to retain the existing ones. This is a strategy that the consultancy firm does not practice, thus giving the competitor a reasonable advantage in the market. Indeed, this is a strategic move in winning out competition from the firm. Offering quality products at a reduced cost is indeed a strategic move in advancing the competitive advantage of a company. It is certainly a creative way of increasing the value of the services offered by a company. The management practices of the company do not have a feasible platform of addressing the external environments of the company. A competitor can capitalize on increasing the opportunities in the market through this serious lapse. Williams (2000) asserts that it is through viable management practices that a company is able to grasp the needs of the external stakeholders effectively. By ensuring that the internal and external management practices of a company are working together to add value to the functions of the competitor, it is highly likely that the competitor will realize more opportunities than the consultancy firm will. Consequently, it is vital for companies to input the most strategic management functions in order to realize their full potential. In respect to the website specifications, there is an important aspect that the company gives advantage to competitors. This is about an outline of the companies that have benefitted from its consultation services. This imperative section sets the pace for other companies, and encourages them to seek their services. A website is an instrumental tool in communicating with customers and attracting potential customers as well. Therefore, it is significant for companies to include such details in their website specifications. This is a challenge to new companies that have not yet developed a wide client base. Thus, the lack of concrete historical background on the successes of the consultancy firm puts off some clients, and benefits a competitor with such web applications. The critique shows that there are various aspects, which would limit the company compared to other companies. The business concept, strategy outline and website specifications present lapses that could give an upper hand to competitors in the market. Despite the lapses, the consultancy firm has a high prospect of growing if more actions that are deliberate are put in place. Conclusion             In conclusion, it is apparent that entrepreneurship plays a huge role in the growth and development of markets and the corporate realm. This requires immense investment in the relevant structures of ensuring success. Individuals and companies need to put in place the most fundamental business platforms of ensuring success. Primarily, designing a viable business concept is significant in starting the entrepreneurship journey. One has to consider the market trends and growth factors surrounding the idea. This will ultimately play a huge role in defining the growth of the company. After coming up with an entrepreneurial idea, it is imperative to set strategic factors and steps of ensuring the success of the business concept. Ideally, the growth and development of a business concept depends on the capacity to integrate the internal and external environments of a business. Such initiatives, of course, by the careful articulation of management practices are integral in realizing the full potential of a business enterprise. Moreover, it is imperative to continually, conduct a value innovation analysis in order to enhance the functions of a business concept and explore new opportunities in the market. The dynamism in the market in today’s business world calls for companies to invest in value innovation to increase their chances of survival in the highly competitive environment. Additionally, effective communication with clients and customers is immensely essential, that is why the website is an instrumental tool in advancing the need. With efficient communication strategies, a company is able to connect and relate with its stakeholders in a practical manner. Undoubtedly, entrepreneurship is a growing venture that will continue to influence the society greatly. References Afuah, A. (2004). Business models: a strategic management approach. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.Bilton, C., & Cummings, S. (2010). Creative strategy: reconnecting business and innovation. Chichester, West Sussex [England: Wiley.Balling, M. (2006). Competition and profitability in European financial services strategic, systemic and policy issues. London: Routledge.Barney, J. B., & Hesterly, W. S. (2006). Strategic management and competitive advantage: concepts and cases. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.Davis, M. J. (2003). Corporate culture as the driver of transit leadership practices. Washington, D.C.: Transportation Research Board.Das, B. (2009). Business communication (Eastern economy ed.). New Delhi: PHI Learning.Effron, M., Gandossy, R. P., & Goldsmith, M. (2003). Human resources in the 21st century. Hoboken, N.J.: J. Wiley & Sons.Jockenhofer, M. (2013). How to promote entrepreneurship within established companies? human resource. S.l.: Grin Verlag.Hannagan, T. J., & Bennett, R. (2000). Management: concepts & practices. London: Pitman.Gregoriou, G. N. (2010). Emerging markets: performance, analysis and innovation. Boca Raton: CRC Press.Kozami, A. (2005). Business policy and strategic management (2nd. ed.). New-Delhi: McGraw-Hill Published.Kaufman, J. J., & Woodhead, R. (2006). Stimulating innovation in products and services with function analysis and mapping. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Interscience.Nagendra, S. (2010). Entreneurship and management. Banglore: Sanguine Technical Publishers.Mathis, R. L., & Jackson, J. H. (2003). Human resource management (10th ed.). Mason, Ohio: Thomson/South-western.McGovern, G., & Norton, R. (2002). Content critical: gaining competitive advantage through high-quality Web content. Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall.Murray, J. A., Markides, C., & Galavan, R. (2008). Strategy, innovation, and change challenges for management. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Rughase, O. G. (2006). Identity and strategy how individual visions enable the design of a market strategy that works. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Pub.Sims, R. R. (2007). Human resource management: contemporary issues, challenges, and opportunities. Charlotte, N.C.: Information Age Pub.Nilsson, F., & Rapp, B. (2005). Understanding competitive advantage the importance of strategic congruence and integrated control. Berlin: Springer.Williams, C. (2000). Effective Management. Cincinnati, Ohio: South-Western College Pub. Source document

Free Essays on Dr. Politics

If you like government policy and hate pre-medical science, political science may be for you. I interviewed Professor Stephen Schmidt, also known as â€Å"Dr. Politics† and senior Katie Gilbert. Professor Schmidt teaches political science classes, specializing in Latin Studies and Internet courses. He also has a weekly radio show on WPOL, where his nickname â€Å"Dr. Politics† began. He has been doing the radio show for fifteen years as volunteer work. Katie began college wanting to work with government policy and public relations. She started her freshman year in political science. Unlike Professor Schmidt, Katie has learned to keep good study plans since she was a freshman. Professor Schmidt began his college career in pre-medical science. After two years of failing classes in science and math, he noticed that he got good grades in political science classes and other classes that intertwine political science. So after learning how to make a good balance between personal life and school, Professor Schmidt began to enjoy school and received passing grades. Professor Schmidt has been teaching at Iowa State University for thirty-two years. He has taught many classes from American Government and Law to Latino Studies to Internet classes. His future plans including learning oceans policies, which deals with things like pollution and coral reefs. This way he can tie some of his favorite hobbies like boating and scuba diving into his future classes. From the reputation that Professor Schmidt has created through his radio show he has been a major source for the media during election years. He has been on national radio talk shows and quoted in newspapers such as The New York Times. Usually weeks before the Iowa Caucuses, he has more than fifteen messages from the media to get back to during one day. I explained to both interviewees my future plans to work into running for public office. Katie told me that downfalls to public office... Free Essays on Dr. Politics Free Essays on Dr. Politics If you like government policy and hate pre-medical science, political science may be for you. I interviewed Professor Stephen Schmidt, also known as â€Å"Dr. Politics† and senior Katie Gilbert. Professor Schmidt teaches political science classes, specializing in Latin Studies and Internet courses. He also has a weekly radio show on WPOL, where his nickname â€Å"Dr. Politics† began. He has been doing the radio show for fifteen years as volunteer work. Katie began college wanting to work with government policy and public relations. She started her freshman year in political science. Unlike Professor Schmidt, Katie has learned to keep good study plans since she was a freshman. Professor Schmidt began his college career in pre-medical science. After two years of failing classes in science and math, he noticed that he got good grades in political science classes and other classes that intertwine political science. So after learning how to make a good balance between personal life and school, Professor Schmidt began to enjoy school and received passing grades. Professor Schmidt has been teaching at Iowa State University for thirty-two years. He has taught many classes from American Government and Law to Latino Studies to Internet classes. His future plans including learning oceans policies, which deals with things like pollution and coral reefs. This way he can tie some of his favorite hobbies like boating and scuba diving into his future classes. From the reputation that Professor Schmidt has created through his radio show he has been a major source for the media during election years. He has been on national radio talk shows and quoted in newspapers such as The New York Times. Usually weeks before the Iowa Caucuses, he has more than fifteen messages from the media to get back to during one day. I explained to both interviewees my future plans to work into running for public office. Katie told me that downfalls to public office...

North Carolina Regulators Essays - Rebellions In The United States

North Carolina Regulators Essays - Rebellions In The United States North Carolina Regulators North Carolina Regulators The North Carolina Regulators were a group of people who rebelled against corrupt government officials. The people experienced strong feelings of discontent with the way in which the provincial governments officials were conducting the affairs. The government officials were running the colony both unfairly and unjustly. Many small groups of people formed. After the spring of 1768 when the small groups allied , they called themselves the Regulators. The Wealthy colonists considered these Regulators to be a mob. North Carolina had a lack of supervision from the British monarchy. The colony was isolated from the rest of the country by numerous swamps, bad road conditions and unnavigable rivers. Therefore the government officials of North Carolina became independent, in a very unfair and unjust way to the people of North Carolina, such as excessive taxes, dishonest sheriffs, and illegal fees. The injustice of the government officials urged the Regulators for justice. The once peaceful negotiators became violent, and lawless from the slowness of legal remedies taking place. The Regulators refused to pay fees, and terrorized those who administered the law. They also disrupted court proceedings. The Regulators first tried negotiations; it was the injustice of the government officials that made them resort to violence. The Regulators intentions were not to terrorize the government officials, but only to find justice. The regulators fight for justice was a problem for royal Governor William Tryon, who wanted the Regulators revolt to stop. The governors council was determined to crush the Regulators. General Hugh Waddell was ordered to approach Hillsborough by way of Salisbury and Governor Tryon and his army proceeded more directly towards Hillsborough. General Waddell had a small force of 284 men. The Regulators saw this and attacked General Waddells troops. The Regulators almost 2,000 men strong sent General Waddell and his troops in a quick retreat. Tryon heard of this and brought his forces to go to Waddells rescue. A battle began. Tryons, the much better trained, equipped, and organized army, crushed the Regulators. The only thing the Regulators wanted was justice. Thats what they were fighting for. They were abused by the government officials in such away that it caused them to revolt. The Regulators were killed in battle, wounded, captured, and executed. Some were pardoned in exchange for pledging an oath of allegiance to the royal government. The War of Regulations was a foreplay to the American Revolution. The Regulators opposed Royal authority with confidence. It was a lesson of armed resistance, a lesson that would be used in the War for Independence.

Statistics from the War on Drugs Tell a Story

Statistics from the War on Drugs Tell a Story In 1971, President Richard Nixon first declared a national â€Å"war on drugs,† and greatly increased the size and authority of federal government drug control agencies. Since 1988, the U.S. war against illegal drugs has been coordinated by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). The director of the ONDCP plays the real-life role of Americas Drug Czar. Created by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, the ONDCP advises the President of the United States on drug-control issues, coordinates drug-control activities and related funding across the Federal government, and produces the annual National Drug Control Strategy, which outlines Administration efforts to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing and trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences. Under the coordination of the ONDCP, the following federal agencies play key enforcement and advisory roles in the War on Drugs: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationFederal Bureau of InvestigationBureau of Justice AssistanceDrug Enforcement AgencyUnited States Customs and Border ProtectionNational Institute on Drug AbuseU.S. Coast Guard Are We Winning? Today, as drug abusers continue to flood America’s prisons and violent drug crimes devastate neighborhoods, many people criticize the effectiveness of War on Drugs. However, actual statistics suggest that without the War on Drugs, the problem may be even worse. For example, during fiscal year 2015, Customs and Border Protection alone reported seizing: 135,943 pounds of cocaine;2,015 pounds of heroin;6,135 pounds of methamphetamine; and4,330,475 (Yes, 4.3 million) pounds of marijuana. During fiscal year 2014, the Drug Enforcement Agency seized: 74,450 pounds of cocaine;2, 248 pounds of heroin;6,494 pounds of methamphetamine; and163,638 pounds of marijuana. (The discrepancy in marijuana seizures is attributable to the fact that Customs and Border Protection has the main responsibility for intercepting the drug as it flows into the U.S. from Mexico.) In addition, the ONDCP reported that during 1997, U.S. law enforcement agencies seized an estimated $512 million in illegal drug trade-related cash and property. So does the seizure of 2,360 tons of illegal drugs by two federal agencies in just two years indicate the success or utter futility of the War on Drugs? Despite the volume of drugs seized, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported an estimated 1,841,200 state and local arrests for drug abuse violations in the United States during 2007. But whether the War on Drugs has been a smashing success or a dismal failure, it has been expensive. Funding the War In fiscal year 1985, the annual federal budget allocated $1.5 billion to fighting illegal drug use, trafficking and drug-related crime. By fiscal year 2000, that figure had increased to $17.7 billion, increasing by almost $3.3 billion per year. Jump to fiscal year 2016, when President Obama’s budget included $27.6 billion to support the National Drug Control Strategy, an increase of $1.2 billion (4.7%) above fiscal year 2015 funding. In February 2015, U.S. Drug Czar and director of the Obama administration’s ONDCP Michael Botticelli attempted to justify the expenditure in his confirmation address to the Senate. â€Å"Earlier this month, President Obama in his 2016 Budget requested historic levels of funding including $133 million in new funds to address the opioid misuse epidemic in the U.S. Using a public health framework as its foundation, our strategy also acknowledges the vital role that federal state and local law enforcement play in reducing the availability of drugs another risk factor for drug use,† said Botticelli. â€Å"It underscores the vital importance of primary prevention in stopping drug use before it ever begins by funding prevention efforts across the country.† Botticelli added that the expenditure was intended to remove the â€Å"systemic challenges† that had historically held back progress in the War on Drugs: Over-criminalization of illegal drug use;lack of integration with mainstream medical care;lack of insurance coverage for drug abuse treatment; andlegal barriers that make it difficult for people once involved with the criminal justice system to rebuild their lives. A recovering alcoholic himself, Botticelli urged the millions of Americans in substance abuse recovery to â€Å"come out† and demand to be treated like people with non-abuse related chronic diseases. â€Å"By putting faces and voices to the disease of addiction and the promise of recovery, we can lift the curtain of conventional wisdom that continues to keep too many of us hidden and without access to lifesaving treatment,† he said.

Brain-Based learning theory strategies for ADHD Research Paper

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Assignment Example Each of the puffy curved arms is 14 inches from outside seam to inside and the seat is 22 inches between the arms with the back extending up 29 inches. So it is large and a little squat looking with the total width including the seat and the two arms being 48 inches, making it wider than it is tall, even considering that part of each arm is curved, meaning that it truly only 45 inches measured across the seat from the outside of one arm to the outside of the other. The other three inches is puffiness of the arms. These chairs barely came through the apartment door with two people turning them on an odd angle and pushing them through while turning the frame. The chairs are light tan covered in microfiber that resembles fine Italian suede. The seat is divided into squares and overstuffed as is the whole chair. Everything is rounded. There are no square corners of sharpness of any kind on tis chair until you look at the little flat metal feet. The feet actually do not look large enough to keep the chair upright. The covering is clean mostly, except on its rounded corners. There are tiny little needle-like punctures on the bottom of one side of each chair where a tiny chocolate point Siamese loved it. And a slight tear in the fabric gotten during moving on the left side back corner, right on the 1† by 4† wooden framing piece, has been super glued together and is almost invisible. The wood underneath is a solid cut piece of light colored medium soft wood. There is a ofoam covering over the wood even on the back, and steel strips on the wood corners under the foam The wood across the back is a solid piece or well fitted matched p lanks, probably about  ¼ ‘ thickness from the sound it gives to a knock. The texture of the fabric covering looks like fine suede and feels like a baby’s bottom. It has little tiny wrinkles in it like skin and a subtle pattern that also looks like skin. Each of the arms has ample storage under the top,

ROWE Program at Best Buy Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

ROWE Program at Best Buy - Term Paper Example Hellreigh and Slocum (2011) stated ‘ROWE is all about results. Â   No results, no job’ (p. 553). ROWE program displays a culture of more personal life friendly atmosphere. It was implemented and demonstrated at the Best Buy headquarters in Minneapolis. In the year 2009, Best Buy replicated this program to its retail stores. The ROWE program is aimed at building employees’ competencies so that they become better managers of their work and time. The program gave the employees a sense of power over their work and provided a paradigm shift from how work is completely to only the work results. The change made the employees more flexible in terms of work-life balance, which boosted employee morale. Managers now have a sense of accountability regarding the part they have played to create stress free environment for their employees. Discuss the resistance, both organization and individual, which the ROWE program had to overcome. Immediately after the ROWE program was lau nched, there was resistance from the employees in the program implementation. The management thought that too much flexibility was being given to the employees and they could not handle it. There was an issue of whether the program was fair to the employees regardless of the department they worked in. For the individuals, they were simply moving from known to unknown and they were not sure of what lay ahead. They felt that their way of work was being interfered with and they had to figure out another way to get ahead. Organizations in Best Buy had to change they was of production. The managers could no longer set up work without proper and adequate planning. They had to devise ways of assigning employees work. Then get the job done without having the workers working longer hours than was necessary.... ROWE Program at Best Buy The organizational development approach of Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE) was adopted by Best Buy in 2003. A good organizational culture is a result of sharing core values among employees of an organization. Prior to ROWE program, there was minimum sharing of values among the Best Buy employees. The negative working environment prevalent in the organization hindered the work bond among employees. There was not much time available for employees to interact since each was busy trying to beat deadlines and working overtime. A survey conducted to verify the attitude of ROWE participants found out that the participants’ feeling of pressure and a sense of working hard had killed the creative ability to initiate and develop a participative culture. Stunted growth and insecurity had been created by the lack of interaction, brought about by lack of time and too much fixation with the individual work. It goes without saying that no organization can effectively achieve its mission and objective if the organizational culture is improperly balance. A source of stress that is evident in this case is the work-life balance by the employees of Best Buy. Initially, they were not able to balance work and their personal life. Thus, both of them were negatively affected, to the point that results produced were not optimal. The pressure of having to spend long hours working to get ahead created work stress which some employees could not cope with.

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 10

Assignment Example Each of the puffy curved arms is 14 inches from outside seam to inside and the seat is 22 inches between the arms with the back extending up 29 inches. So it is large and a little squat looking with the total width including the seat and the two arms being 48 inches, making it wider than it is tall, even considering that part of each arm is curved, meaning that it truly only 45 inches measured across the seat from the outside of one arm to the outside of the other. The other three inches is puffiness of the arms. These chairs barely came through the apartment door with two people turning them on an odd angle and pushing them through while turning the frame. The chairs are light tan covered in microfiber that resembles fine Italian suede. The seat is divided into squares and overstuffed as is the whole chair. Everything is rounded. There are no square corners of sharpness of any kind on tis chair until you look at the little flat metal feet. The feet actually do not look large enough to keep the chair upright. The covering is clean mostly, except on its rounded corners. There are tiny little needle-like punctures on the bottom of one side of each chair where a tiny chocolate point Siamese loved it. And a slight tear in the fabric gotten during moving on the left side back corner, right on the 1† by 4† wooden framing piece, has been super glued together and is almost invisible. The wood underneath is a solid cut piece of light colored medium soft wood. There is a ofoam covering over the wood even on the back, and steel strips on the wood corners under the foam The wood across the back is a solid piece or well fitted matched p lanks, probably about  ¼ ‘ thickness from the sound it gives to a knock. The texture of the fabric covering looks like fine suede and feels like a baby’s bottom. It has little tiny wrinkles in it like skin and a subtle pattern that also looks like skin. Each of the arms has ample storage under the top,

Integrity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Integrity - Essay Example y is a concept that has an ethical angle in itself serves to indicate that it is a complex concept, which can then be defined in different terms, considering the fact that ethics has no definitive interpretation due to the subjectivity of ethical interpretations in the realms of either right or wrong. At this point it becomes inevitable to ask the question; what is integrity? The term integrity can be defined as the consistency and the commitment to honor whatever choices that an individual has made (Killinger, 2). Thus, the concept of integrity cannot be divorced from three major aspects; the consistency of principle, the soundness of mind and the commitment not to adulterate. The ethical and moral perspective views integrity from the point of the honesty of one’s actions (Killinger, 9). Honesty is the aspect of truthfulness that guides both the talk and action of an individual to ensure that both of them are consistent. It is therefore not possible to term a person as being a man of integrity, where the actions of that person are not in line with whatever the person says. Integrity demands that an individual will talk and at the same time, walk the talk (Killinger, 4). Therefore, when the ethical angle of defining integrity is taken, then it demands that no aspect of contradiction should be found within a person. In case an individual is holding conflicting beliefs within, it is only fair that the individual discards the conflicting beliefs and stands for one principle, so as to be regarded as a person of integrity. This is because; integrity and contradiction are two aspects that cannot coexist (Killinger, 8). This aspect fulfills the requirement for consistency of principle as a major element of integrity. The soundness of mind is yet another aspect that integrity must fulfill. The soundness of mind simply means that an individual makes a choice that is well informed, well thought-out and fully considered, so that the individual can be able to stand by that

Scanning The Environment Essay Example for Free

Scanning The Environment Essay Business organizations, especially those dealing with particular industry must encounter situation where the success of their operations depend on both internal and external factors. The situation suggests that it is useful to carry out an analysis that takes into account not only the company’s internal factors but also external factors such as activities of the company’s competitors and current industry situation as well. In many cases, the elaboration of internal and external environment of particular industry must be elaborated by using business analysis tools that specifically discuss internal and external factors the businesses. Some common business analysis tools include Porter’s Five Forces, SWOT analysis, BCG Matrix, PESTLE analysis, Value Chain analysis, and many others. Some of them deal with both internal and external factors while others only address one of them. Concerning the analysis of internal and external factors in an organization, this paper will develop strategic development of Airbus by using analysis of Strategic Factors, which is based on IFAS and EFAS factors. The others are strategic alternatives and recommended strategy, implementation, and evaluation and control of the recommendation. 1.Analysis of Strategic Factors The strategic analysis on the Airbus includes all that encloses a business’s marketing purpose. Business environment in this term can be described as the whole thing that enfolds in the Airbus system. With the intention of being successful, and as the players in the environment cannot be managed by the Airbus, the Airbus be obliged to observe the environment for transforms and incessantly become accustomed to them. The Airbus’s environment can be separated into the micro environment and the macro environment (â€Å"Introduction to Hot Topics in Marketing†, 1999). In airline industry, the analysis of strategic factors involves two major issues; they are capacity and quality. In terms of capacity, Airbus Company recognizes their strength and their competitive advantage the customer value the most. Meanwhile, regarding the quality factors, the airline continues practicing ethical standards and keeps honoring their commitments. The company is found to improve quality of services in order to delight customer, employee, and community satisfaction. Delighted customers are important elements of the company’s success. To e specific, below is the specific elaboration of internal and external factors analysis that Airbus Company experiences. 1.1.Internal Factors Analysis Summary The internal analysis illustrates factors/issues that impinge on The Airbus straightforwardly (â€Å"Assessing the Micro-Environment†, 2006), which can be elaborate through following factors: 1.1.1.Organizational structure Airbus is managed by an Executive Committee led by President and Chief Executive Officer Christian Streiff and appointed by the Shareholders Committee, which consists of five members from EADS and two from BAE Systems. Each member of the Executive Committee has responsibility to manage core functions and strategy in his field. There are four General Managers; each has geographical responsibilities representing four countries where Airbus exists; the countries are France, Germany, Spain and the UK, while the subsidiaries in China and Japan are each headed by a President and in North America by a Chairman.   Currently, Airbus Company employs a hierarchical, ridged, and semi autocratic management style. Airbus Company must change their organization culture and structure in order to maintain and build on its worldwide dominate position as a major producer of commercial jet aircraft. 1.1.2 Coordination Airbus Company regards skills, strengths, and perspectives of their diverse team as the most import things to sustain the company’s growth. Therefore, the airline continues encouraging an atmosphere that encourages employees to involve in decision making. In every way, Airbus Company is executing the strategy. Airbus Company is running healthy core businesses. They are experiencing strong growth in adjacent businesses such as aerospace services. Moreover, Airbus Company has exhibited that the company is well-prepared to make tough decisions to make sure real leadership in the aerospace industry extensively to come. 1.1.3. Supervision Poor vertical and horizontal communications within the Airbus Company make employees feel separated from the staff management of the company. Grass battles restrain cross-functional and cross-divisional communication. Airbus Company has labor problems. 1.1.4. Training Airbus Company realizes that their most important resource is their staffs. The staff is the people who work and manage the company’s products and service to the customers.   That is why Airbus Company gives them the right combination of skills, training, communications, environment, and leadership. Beside Airbus Company provides a safe workplace and protects the environment, they also promote the health and well-being of the staffs and their families. 1.2. External Factors Analysis Summary The external factors describe issues that a company like Airbus has a little influence but affect the company severely. It includes universal tendencies and powers that possibly will not directly influence the links that Airbus has with their consumers, suppliers and mediators. Furthermore, Airbus separates the macro-environment into many sections, as the following: 1.2.1.   Economical factors One major external factor is an aircraft manufacturer like Airbus is prone to the political and economical situation. According to a research and observation, it is found that airline companies’ growth has a very close connection to economic growth and trade, which in turn prevent airlines from buying new airplanes from Airbus and other aircraft manufacturers. For example the gulf war in 1990s has damped the airline industry as the war resulted worldwide economic recession. In the era, IATA’s member airlines suffered $20.4 billion losses within 1990 to 1994 (â€Å"The Airline Industry†). The 9/11 tragedy has give the economy a significant down phase, especially the airline industry which has a direct involvement in the tragedy. Almost all airlines suffer losses during the following periods of the incident. Safety and security concerns have been major discussion topics on government bodies, business firms and common society in general.

Charlotte Temple Essay :: essays research papers

The Tabloid of the Century (1800’s -1900’s) The general reason I think Charlotte Temple stayed on the best seller list for so many years is because the subjects that were discussed in the book were taboo in that day and time. Montraville was a soldier in the army who was about twenty three years old, and Charlotte was only fifteen. He was much older than Charlotte. Montraville influenced her in evil ways; he impressed her with his knowledge of love and the world by writing her a letter and giving it to her personally . Montraville knew this was forbidden but gave it to her anyway. " Tis a romantic attempt," said he,"and should I even succeed in seeing and conversing with her, it can be productive of no good: I must of necessity leave England in a few days and probably may never return; why then should I endeavor to engage the affections of this lovely girl, to leave her prey to a thousand inquietudes, of which at present she has no idea? I will return to Portsmouth and think no more about her"( Rowson 11 ). Montraville went against his judgment. He knew that her parents would be angry if they knew that their daughter was having a relationship with a man! He was supposed to be a responsible soldier: an honorable man that would not do this kind of thing! But he would continue to see her. He even paid her guardian so she would keep bringing her to see him. " He soon pund means to ingratiate himself with her companion, who was a French teacher at the school, and, at parting, slipped a letter he had written into Charlotte’s hand, and five guineas into that of Mademoiselle, who promised she would endeavor to bring her young charge into the field again the next evening" (Rowson 11). Montraville was influenced himself by Belcore who was evil. When Montraville and Charlotte would meet, he would bring Belcore along to entertain Charlotte’s guardian, La Rue. "...he had wisely brought Belcore with him to entertain Mademoiselle while he could have an uninterrupted conversation with Charlotte. ... Belcore... possessed a genteel fortune and had a liberal education; Dissipated, thoughtless, and capricious, he paid little regard to the moral duties, and less to religious ones: eager in the pursuit of pleasure, he minded not the miseries he inflicted on others, provided his own wishes, however extravagant, were gratified.

Oppression in Jane Campion’s The Piano Essay -- Jane Campion The Piano

Oppression in Jane Campion’s â€Å"The Piano† Jane Campion’s â€Å"The Piano† relates the story of a Scottish woman who is sent to New Zealand, during the Victorian Era, for an arranged marriage with a farmer. Ada voluntarily gave up speaking at the age of 6 and communicates by either signing for her daughter, writing on a small paper tablet around her neck, or, more joyously, through playing her piano. After a long and arduous journey with the piano, Ada is forced to leave it on the beach where her boat landed. Left without her musical passion, Ada must learn to adapt in very male world. A native white man who has adopted the culture of the Maori Indians named Baines quickly discovers what the abandoned piano means to Ada. Baines secures the piano by trading 80 acres of land to the farmer and husband of Ada, Stewart. After getting the piano back to his home, he employs Ada to give him lessons, but really wants to have sex with her in exchange for the piano. Her passion for the music allows for this and an affair is born. The affair is discovered by Stewart and he goes irate eventually cutting off Ada’s forefinger in a backwards attempt to win her love. When he realizes the futility of winning her love, Stewart sends her off with Baines. On the boat to a new home and life, Ada insists of getting rid of the piano and almost commits suicide as the piano sinks to the bottom of the ocean. This movie is beautiful to watch, yet difficult. It is raw, yet the cinematography is breath...

The Civil War and Appalachia

Eric Lane English 1020 Tim Parker 11/9/12 The Civil War and Appalachian Geography Did Appalachian geography have an effect on the civil war? Every major war in history has two things in common: a winner and a loser. There are many factors of war that decide the winner and the loser, some going unnoticed. The geography of a war has an impacting affect on the war and is sometimes overlooked, often leading to one side's downfall (Falls 5). Appalachia has a fluctuating geography, for it ranges from eroded down, plain-like areas, to mountains areas of up to almost 7000 feet (â€Å"The Appalachians†).The Civil War had many battles located in Appalachia, an area stretching from southern parts of New York, all the way down to northern Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi(â€Å"The Appalachians†). Appalachian geography was home to many battlefields of the Civil War, but could this geography actually have had an overall impact? Throughout history, many substantial wars have been dis puted on various types of terrain around the world. Halvard Bugaug and Scott Gates support this and have made a claim in the article, â€Å"The Geography of Civil War†, that geographical factors play a critical role in determining how a war is fought and who will prevail.The two most important factors they give are terrain and climate. In the article, Bugaug and Gates both reference the book History of Warfare, written by John Keegan, to give examples of how these factors effect wars. Keegan gives many samples of previous generals who have ignored these factors and lead to their catastrophic downfall. One commonly known example given is the French army lead by Napoleon. Napoleon lead his fearfully large army into Russia, not taking into account Russia's fiercely cold weather.Although they fought, and won, battles located in Russia, the cold weather began to take its toll on Napoleon's army, causing them to be greatly weakened. This weakened state of his army, in turn, lead to the French being defeated and losing the war(Bugaug 418). However, the geography does not always have a negative effect. Keegan also gives samples of ‘gifted' generals who took these factors into account, allowing them to use these factors to their advantage(Bugaug 419). Cyril Falls, professor of Military History at the University of Oxford, acknowledges this as well in her journal Geography and War Strategy.The journal discusses how world geography should be a subject of study for a commander and how this geography should shape their war strategies. Mapping out and understanding the terrain of a battleground before the battle begins is crucial to achieve military success(Falls 5). A general understanding of the battleground gives opportunities to change and adjust military strategies and tactics, which could give an army the edge needed to be victorious (Falls 6). Falls then adds that using the available natural resources located in the geography of an area has its benefits as well.These resources can be distributed accordingly, supplying the army and possibly allowing them to stretch their campaign(Falls 9). Alex J. La Rocque, writer of the journal â€Å"The Role of Geography in Military planning has a similar viewpoint. La Rocque acknowledges that the existence of this relationship between geography and military science is not new. He says that environmental factors, such as relief, climate and weather, vegetation, drainage characteristics, and cultural features can cause military tactic and strategic problems.These elements of the environment have played important roles in all wars from those in which the stone hammer was the principal weapon down to the present time(La Rocque 70). La Rocque states that the essential difference between the requirement of geography in tactical planning and strategic planning is similar to the same difference that exists between mapping areal categories on large-scale maps and mapping areal categories on small scale maps. The mapper's requirement in presenting information on maps at different scales is determined by his objective.Appalachia has many different geographical conditions that make it eligible to have an effect on the civil war. The appalachian area has many mountain ranges and plain-like areas. The entire system is almost 2000 miles long and 300 miles wide and ranges from northern Mississippi all the way to southern New York(â€Å"The Appalachians†). These mountains are known as a â€Å"barrier† running east to west as it forms a series of alternating ridglines and valleys oriented in opposition to any road running east-west.The Appalachian Plateau is the westernmost part of appalachia and is bounded by a steep slope on the east called the Allegheny Front(â€Å"Appalachia and the Ozarks†). This front is the most significant barrier to western movement in the country of the Rocky Mountains(â€Å"Appalachia and the Ozarks†). The topography of this region ha s been created largely through steam erosion of the horizontal beds of the interior lowland. The following map will show the appalachian region. Many encounters of the civil war were located in this region, as shown in the map Civil War Battlefield map following.Comparison of the two maps shows that many battles were located in appalachia and its geography, giving it potential to have an effect on the war. Wilma A. Dunaway, in his archive, â€Å" Slavery and Emancipation in the Mountain South: Sources, Evidence and Methods†, provides examples of how the Union(the North) and the Confederates(the South) strategically used the Appalachian area. Dunaway states that the mountainous areas of West Virginia allowed for guerrilla warfare attacks. Both armies grew fatigued from traveling up and down the mountains, leaving them open for attack(Dunaway).In addition, both armies targeted various sites within the region as strategic occupancy points because they were located on major river s, were railroad junctures, or were the sites of important resources such as the national rifle works, saltworks, mineral springs, or mines(Dunaway). Farms and livestock were also destroyed and/or pillaged to also be somewhat beneficial to the armies(â€Å"Appalachia†). One specific battle located in Appalachia is the Battle of Gettysburg. The battle was located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and lasted for a total of 3 days.After the first day the Confederate army was outnumbering the Union and looked as if a victory was inevitable. The Union, after a surprising loss on the first day, was devastated that they had lost nearly half of their troops and retreated up to Cemetery Hill and Gulp's Hill. There they prepared as much as possible with the little time they had for an oncoming Confederate attack. Barricades and various other fortifications were built on the higher grounds, giving Union troops the advantage that was pivotal in the battle.The Confederate soldiers now had to fi ght the rest of the gruesome battle now traveling uphill. The video from the History Channel, â€Å"The Battle of Gettysburg†, showed images of many soldiers struggling to fight the battle at this disadvantage. They had trouble seeing distances up the hills and were even known to have had friendly fire on themselves thinking that it was the enemy. After the second day of battle the union was still shorthanded and outnumbered, although they fought off the confederate push.The Confederate General, Robert E. Lee, made the decision to lead a large force to attack the Union line. Union artillery, who had an extreme range advantage, had what was called â€Å"target practice† on the confederate troops, greatly weakening the force. By the time they were in range of the Union line, Confederate troops had been torn apart to the point that retreat was the only option, giving the Union the victory of the Battle of Gettysburg. The battle was the bloodiest ever fought on american so il.The Battle of Gettysburg rallied the North and is what turned the tide of the Civil War. They had the confidence that they could defeat the fearful general Robert E. Lee. The geography of appalachia provided the North with the edge that they needed to take the battle which, in turn, shaped the outcome of the Civil War. Wars are an important part of history that have shaped the way we live today. War has many factors that decide the winner and the loser, and geography is one that should not be forgotten.Geography has caused aided many armies to victory, and taken many armies to defeat. Appalachian geography varies much over its large spam and proved to be a major factor. The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal battle that the North won, due to the large hills that they used to their advantage. Should that geographical advantage be taken away, odds are that the South, outnumbering the North, would have won that battle and changed history. This leads to the question, did Appalachian geography have an affect on the Civil War?