Monday, September 30, 2019

Chicago Gangs and History

This paper deals with gang violence in the city of Chicago since the beginning of time. It takes a deep look into the history of Chicago gangs and how they interact today. Also the past problems the City of Chicago made when dealing with gangs and the problems that gangs today have and how Chicago has the worst gang problem in the country. Also how gangs have turned themselves into big, and lucrative enterprises most known for money. Also stated are possible solutions to stop or reduce violence of the gangs that all start off with teaching the young kids about gangs and gang prevention. Chicago Gangs, Then and Now with Solutions Jimi Hendrix once said â€Å"Every city in the world always has a gang, a street gang, or the so- called outcasts. † Every city deals with gangs but some cities are worse off than others. Chicago is infamous for gang violence and problems dealing with gangs. For some getting to school in the Chicago land area can even be a matter of life and death because of the gangs and their violent ways (Belluck, 2000). Throughout history gang violence infested the city of Chicago, and it continues to create problems today; hopefully solutions planned by the city can stop the violence. Race shaped Chicago gang history. â€Å"African Americans were crowded into to the south side ‘Black Belt’† (A brief outline of Chicago’s gang history, para 2). As the First World War ended, blacks came back to Chicago and fights broke out to find jobs. The Democratic Party led by Mayor Richard J. Daley decided to keep segregating the city (Brief outline). The blacks were separated by an expressway and an 18 story housing project. Separating races caused violence to sky rocket. The segregated areas proved more nationalistic for their area and defended it to the core. Gang leaders were constantly thrown into jail so they had to find ways to keep a lucrative business. The Chicago Police Department declared war on gangs in the 1960’s and the prisons soon became overpopulated (Brief outline). Gangs reorganized and many combined their gangs into one bigger enterprise. Gangs were mostly run from prisons during the 1970’s and on (Brief outline); therefore one could not escape the gangs. Gangs shaped Chicago early on. Gentrification is displacing gangs and causing turf wars. Gentrification and the tearing down of public housing in Chicago left many gangs homeless (Brief outline). Due to this, gangs battle over land and housing, known as turf wars. The violence rises, along with the number of deaths. Therefore police attempt to limit the gangs, but that also leads to fighting and violence with police. The whole cycle involves violence and is vicious. Chicago has the biggest gang problem in the country (Thomas & Bass, 2009). â€Å"There are more gang members per citizen in Chicago than anywhere else in the country† (Thomas, 2009, para 4). The average Chicago gang leader is 43, convicted of murder and lives in the suburbs. That leader on many occasions directs his gang from jail (Main, 2006) and 95 percent of inmates in the Cook County Jail are gang members (Thomas, 2009). Gangs are everywhere today just like they use to be. The high number of gangs causes violence and deaths to rise in Chicago. â€Å"Gangs have morphed from social organizations into full-fledged criminal enterprises† (Thomas, 2009, para 5). Gangs are highly sophisticated and more dangerous then ever. The number one reason to join a gang is money; and 95 percent of gangs profit comes from drug dealing (Thomas, 2009). Gangs do not worry about others and civilians, but rather money and their respective gang. Dealing with gangs is very dangerous. Even coming into contact with gangs can be dangerous. There are a wide variety of ethnicities and groups of gangs. â€Å"Gangs can not be attributed to one ethnic or cultural group† (Decker, 2009, pg 404). The high number of gangs again leads to turf wars because of a need for land and housing. Due to all of this violence police can not stop gangs alone; people must contribute to the effort (Thomas, 2009). Gangs can not be stopped but reducing the violence can be done. It will require Chicagoans participation and officers doing their job but it will make gangs less apparent in the city. Gang prevention must start with kids. The young people must be taught about gangs and the consequences of them since they are the future. They need to be taught the right way so they will not become involved with gangs and eventually gangs will die out. Schools should offer after school and summer jobs programs in order to get kids off the street after school and learning. Schools also should teach about gangs and offer drug prevention programs (Main, 2006). Kids are the key to stopping gangs and if taught correctly it can happen. Going after leaders of gangs is beneficial. Superintendent Jody Weis put in an ordinance saying, â€Å"That if gangs resort to violence, police will go after their leaders (Tarm, 2010). Gang leaders will be held accountable for all the actions of their members. It is likely that a leader might become infuriated after going to jail so many times for actions of his gang members that he might leave the gang. If this happens a couple of times the gang might diminish or vanish completely. This is one possible way to stop gangs. Controlling â€Å"hot spots† is key in stopping gangs. An ordinance was passed saying that police can arrest suspected members of a gang if they don’t leave and area an officer tells them to (Belluck, 2000). A similar ordinance was passed that allows officers to tell people to remove themselves from an area and to stay eye distance away (Johnson, 2000). This again allows officers to watch â€Å"hot spots† and can destroy gangs business in an area causing them to lose money. It also allows gang members to keep being jailed and off of the streets for a period of time so they can not commit crimes or violence. This will limit gang’s enterprises. Gang violence infests the city of Chicago but solutions can stop the violence. Chicago has the worst gang problem in the country but with the help of police and members of society it can be lowered. Kids must be taught from a young age about gangs and ordinances that make it hard for gangs to conduct business must be passed. Gangs can be stopped but it is no easy task. Chicagoans will have to work very hard but gangs can become lesser of a problem or maybe even obsolete one day.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

How far were ideological factors responsible for Stalin’s decision to replace the NEP with the collectivisation of agriculture Essay

How far were ideological factors responsible for Stalin’s decision to replace the NEP with the collectivisation of agriculture and the Five Year Plans? I believe that ideological factor were responsible for Stalin’s decision to replace the NEP with the collectivisation of agriculture and the Five Year Plans as Stalin was disgruntled by the peasants work ethic and continuingly wanted to become more communist and ideological issues were the main contributors that, if changed would make a vast difference to Russia. However, other factors also could have been responsible for Stalin’s decision to replace the NEP with the collectivisation of agriculture and the Five Year Plans such as political and economical aspects. I feel that the main contributor in determining Stalin’s decision was the economic factors that Stalin was determined to industrialise Russia and under the NEP this was not possible. Ideological factors were responsible for Stalin’s decision to replace the NEP with the collectivisation of agriculture and the Five Year Plans as the introduction of these new things meant that Russia could become more communist which was what Stalin ultimately wanted. Before collectivisation was introduced, Stalin felt that peasant attitude lacked revolutionary spirit, rather than producing grain for the good of the community the peasants produced it for themselves and their own profit. This was viewed as capitalism and was against what Marx, Lenin, Stalin and Russia tried to achieve and the NEP was helping the peasants develop capitalism. This is true in that of the introduction of collectivisation and the Five Year Plans and Stalin constantly wanted to become a ‘more communist’ state. Through collectivisation Stalin promised significant increase in production which would allow the government to sell more overseas, providing more resources for industrialisation and a higher standard of living for urban workers. Collectivisation had a devastating effect on the Russian peasantry, which resulted in Stalin’s ‘change of tactic’ in the Five Year Plans. Under the NEP the peasants had prospered while conditions for the workers were slow to improve. Stalin wanted to reverse this. He intended to replace the ‘bourgeois specialists’ with the ‘red specialists’ who were educated by the Communist government and who came from the ranks of the working class. However, political factors could also be seen as responsible for Stalin’s decision to replace the NEP with the collectivisation of agriculture and the Five Year Plans. Stalin’s desire to initiate collectivisation was motivated  by his struggle against Bukharin and the Party’s rightwing. The radical nature of collectivisation appealed to the Party’s left wing. Moreover, it was far more appealing to many in the Communist Party than the right-wing alternative of importing grain. Grain imports would mean reducing the pace of industrialisation because the money used to buy grain could not be spent on developing Russia’s industry an d Stalin was incredibly eager to introduce industrialisation, it was one of his main aims for Russia. Under the NEP, importing grain many have been inevitable as without collectivisation Russia would have had to get grain from abroad or they would have starved. This would have resulted in the slowing down of industrialisation which Stalin would not have been pleased about. Additionally, Stalin’s own understanding of agriculture (which was very little) also had some bearing on his decision. He had a different view and understanding of agriculture to that of Lenin so the changing of the NEP to collectivisation seemed a logical step for Stalin. Political factors were also responsible for Stalin’s decision to replace the NEP with the Five Year Plans. For many, these plans were seen as Stalin’s consolidation of power. His message was very clear- Lenin’s Russia, the Russia of the NEP was over, and ‘Stalin’s Russia’ was just beginning. By this he removed the NEP which Lenin had brought in, so that to show Russia it was no longer going to go by the words of Lenin, but of Stalin. Finally, economic factors also could have been seen to be responsible for Stalin’s decision to replace the NEP with the collectivisation of agriculture and the Five Year Plans. The autumn of 1926 saw record grain harvests for the USSR. However, the harvests of 1927, 1928 and 1929 were poorer. The decrease in production forced the price of agricultural products up. Consequently, the standard of living amongst urban workers declined. The NEP caused this decline in production and economically it was terrible for the country as without grain being produced the economy suffered huge losses and many Russian families were homeless. Collectivisation held out the prospect of many economic benefits, those being that large farms would increase efficiency, with improved efficiency it would mean that fewer people were needed to work on the farms, therefore releasing extra manpower for Russia’s developing industry and collectivisation promised a significant increase in production. Industrialisation was a main aim for Stalin and in his eyes through  collectivisation Russia would become more industrial; however under the NEP this was not possible. Similarly, the First Five Year Plan was introduced in response to the NEP’s failure to industrialise Russia. Even the NEP’s supporters acknowledged that that policy could only industrialise Ru ssia ‘at a snail’s pace’. The Five Year Plans aimed to speed up this process. It was evident that the NEP was not producing results quick enough and a new approach was needed. In conclusion, I believe that economic reasons were the important factor responsible for Stalin’s decision to replace the NEP with the collectivisation of agriculture and the Five Year Plans as the economy under the NEP was in tatters and if Stalin had not tried to change the approach quickly the Russia economy would have been completely destroyed. Stalin wanted to increase the pace in which things were improving; under the NEP results were often slow and unpredictable. Although I feel that political and ideological were important in Stalin’s decision I don’t feel that they contributed to the extent that economical factors did. However, many points are linked, one in which that Stalin wanted Russia to become more communist and under the NEP that was not possible. This comes under all three factors and was an importa nt factor in Stalin’s decision. By Lara Williamson 12 MBE

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Strategy at Different Levels of a Business Essay

Strategy at Different Levels of a Business - Essay Example It defines the tactics that will assist the company to realize its objectives. The business strategy also defines the number of resources that an organization requires and it is going to manage in order to achieve its goals. This business plan dictates the steps to be followed and the responsible persons for each step. Â  Business strategy is more than visioning, forecasting, and planning. Implementation is what matters most and this should be done carefully to ensure that there is a match between the internal capabilities of the organization and its external environment. The strategies should influence the position of the organization at any time. It should enable the stakeholders to understand the better ways of realizing the desired objectives. Application of the business strategy is very paramount as it bounds business operations together. Â  Corporate Strategy- business should meet the expectations of the diverse stakeholders; customers, employees, and the owners. This level of strategy deals with the objectives and the purpose of the business in satisfying the stakeholders. At this level, the owners or the investors are very influential as they act to guide the decision makers to achieving the stated goals. Â  Business Unit Strategy- Fair competition is a factor that cannot be neglected by the organization. It is imperative that the organization is in a position to compete successfully in the economy. This strategy is governed by the demands of the market hence the organization is obliged to ensure that the right products of the right quality are supplied in the market to enable it to compete with others competitively. At this level, the products should meet customers needs enabling the organization to outwit the competitors.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Family Reunion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Family Reunion - Essay Example Stepping out of the car, I could see many faces, which were familiar, even though I was unable to remember the names so as to match the faces. People were mingling and probably conversing about their daily lives and their kids. Some seemed to be gossiping already. At last, the family reunion was here with us, and whether I looked forward to being here for the next one week or not, I had to get the best out of it. Inside the house, I could notice that all the doors and windows were crystal clear. A smell of fresh bed sheets and chlorine filled the air. Someone had done a commendable job in cleaning. Most of the adults talked between themselves while the children played. By this time, I had not realized that my ancestors were beneficial since I had not paid keen attention when the adults spoke. I had always wondered how my forefathers ended up in this small town in Wisconsin anyway. I decided to engage my grandfather on this topic, and I must admit that I was shocked by what I discover ed. He showed me an old picture of a man who I came to understand was the Czar of Finland, who according to my grandfather is my distant relative. My great grandfather came from Kuvlax, Finland. He was born in 1840. When he was twenty three, the Czar of Russia, Alexander I, appointed him to be the Chief Magistrate of Jacodstad. This was after Russia invaded Finland. Jacobstad used to be the second biggest city in Finland. His appointment was so as to keep the Russian’s and Finish in line. His post was the equivalent of the country’s chief of police. He later got married to a Pasalm University of Sweden graduate. They had four sons all of whom remained in Finland until their father, the Chief Magistrate, died. Poverty forced the four brothers and their mother to immigrate to the United States on September 30th, 1908. The mother and four sons settled in a small town in Wisconsin named Medford. Their house still stands up to date. One of my great uncles jokes that it has not changed any bit, only the paint has. The four brothers remained in Wisconsin state. According to my great aunt, the family experienced a few real hardships in Medford even though they were forced abandon the royal lifestyle for an average lifestyle. To support themselves, the family established a shoe making business. My great-grandfather was a craftsman in this job who retired late during his life. I met him when I was a child and although I barely remember him, he is very significant in my family history, and the same thing applies to the city of Medford, Wisconsin. Medford is not only important to me by being a home to my forefathers, but also the city’s progressive community is something which everyone wants to associate with. During my one week stay, I took my time to tour around the city and learn a few things. The city is an industrial hub within the surrounding communities. Medford provides over six thousand, seven hundred jobs in a community with a population of four thousand, four hundred people. This translates to abundance of jobs for the city residents, a phenomenon which is not common. This family reunion was characterized by late breakfasts early evening dinners or afternoon luncheons. Later in the evening people would listen to music, poetry reading, songs, recitals of history and reminiscing, honorary recognitions, educational achievements and community contributions. The older family members seemed to only highlight the family’

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Mao Zedong's view on writers and artists Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Mao Zedong's view on writers and artists - Essay Example On attitude, Mao Zedong speaking at the Yenan Forum talked on the issue of attitude towards different matters. The difference in attitude was in relation to the enemies, allied fighters at the front row of the war and the last groups were the masses. He encouraged the writers to criticize the enemy, that is the Japanese Imperialists, and expose their cruelty while at the same time point out the inevitable outcome, defeat. Such criticism would act to encourage the anti-Japanese fighters to fight with more vigor. However, the Allied fighters were to be that of alliance and criticism. They were to receive praise for any achievement towards any achievement in addition to their resistance to Japan. In case they were not doing enough though, the literary and art experts had the moral authority to criticize them. The proletariat had to be supported for their struggle and input in the revolutionary process. Mao Zedong noted that different audiences existed. These referred to the people who the literary and art works were directed at. Giving the examples of Shensi-Kansu-Ningxia border region, Kuomintang area Shanghai area, he noted that there were different expectations amongst those areas. The audiences consisted of workers, peasants, soldiers, and students. They, therefore, needed revolutionary work tailored to meet their needs. This difference meant that part of the audience was literate while another section was not. An effort, therefore, had to be made to ensure that the information was made available to all the segments of the population.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Funding Cuts on District Schools Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Funding Cuts on District Schools - Essay Example To ensure that each child is catered for including the disabled and special needs children, district education boards assisted by the federal governments have over the time funded these schools. The district education board also recognizes that aspects of growth in a child are related; which means that the emotional, physical, social and intellectual needs in a child have to be catered for (Farguhar & Fitzsimons, 2007). This has forced the district boards to use massive budgets in employing different types of teachers and other instructors in the different fields to ensure a smooth growth in children under district schools. These areas of child growth make the idea of having several early childhood instructors an important undertaking in all district schools. However, currently, with the economic crisis in federal governments and the overall spending cuts by the central governments, there has been a crisis where the budges under the district schools required to runt these operations have been subjected to massive cuts and strict control in funding of these schools. This has been viewed by many as lack of a strong grip by the federal government on the education system, while others have feared that such massive cuts will affect the quality education for all children in these schools. However, considering the alternative approaches that district schools can apply to balance the effects of budget cuts, these budget cuts would not affect the quality of education in these schools. In most cases, schools are faced with serious budgetary constraints in their performance, which has been explained by many to affect the learning quality especially in early childhood education, where special care has to be taken in offering the children quality care that attributes directly to their growth.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Case study ( subject accounting theory) Assignment

Case study ( subject accounting theory) - Assignment Example The company shareholders had been complaining of airline’s image and share prices have faced a slowdown. The profits also have declined and for the second consecutive time. Problem 1: Hidden fees Ryanair required its passengers to check in online for boarding and arrive at the airport with the boarding pass. If the passenger failed to do so, he or she would have had to pay a fine of â‚ ¬70. A reissue of boarding pass invites a charge of â‚ ¬70 (Pope, â€Å"Is this the advent of a new caring, sharing Ryanair?†). Another issue with hidden fees is with the baggage standard norms and charges associated with it. Ryanair has been famous for having one of the strictest baggage allowances in Europe. The airline allows a baggage size of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm which is even smaller that what IATA standardizes as baggage allowance. Also, the airline charged a pretty high sum of â‚ ¬60 at the bag drop counters and boarding gate. Measures taken The charge for not checking in on line remains unchanged. The argument put forward by Ryanair is that if a passenger can come forth with his passport, he can check in online as well. This is one criticism that the company refuses to accept. They deny that the hidden charges are hampering company’s brand image and need to be tackled. ... Company chief says that they are actively participating in improvising on customer service and actively listening and responding. As a part of the initial steps towards better customer service, the company has reduced these charges to â‚ ¬30 at the bag drop counters and â‚ ¬50 at the boarding gate. The company also plans to put an end to hefty fines on baggage’s that weigh a little heavier or are just slightly larger. It also announced an allowance of a second carry in baggage that shall be limited by the measure of 35 x 20 x 20cm over and above the pre-existing 10 kg baggage allowance (â€Å"Ryanair Rolls Out More Customer Service Improvements†). Analysis The reasons provided for impositions for not checking online are unreasonable. People might not accept the reason that checking online is as cultural as carrying a passport while taking a flight. Technology has made online access easier. It shall be a matter of time until people get used to the idea of boarding online. Moreover, not all airlines view online check-in likewise. Until then, hefty fines on not checking in online is detrimental to company image. Strict rules on baggage size have been detrimental to company’s brand image. Complains have gone unheard over slight mismatches in size inviting heavy fine impositions. Such brand reputation goes a long way in bringing down customer count, word of mouth reputation spreads stronger and faster for factors that are unacceptable by consumers. In this view, small improvements in baggage allowances shall be welcomed but the change in consumer perception shall take long to change unless the fuss over extra handle size or extra wheels are not eliminated.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Discuss the influence of Christianity during the rise and fall of the Essay

Discuss the influence of Christianity during the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. OR Discuss the importance of Christianity during the Carolingian era - Essay Example His laws were based on Christianity and the dogma preached by the church would be seen as little more than Draconian today but in the Carolingian era the church saw Charlemagne as a hero for the faith (Story 15). His objectives for conquest could have been to encourage the growth of Christianity but power and repute certainly came with the conquests made by Charlemagne. These conquests were certainly beneficial to his standing in the eyes of other rulers around him who saw him as a competitor and those who saw him as a friend. It was this repute as a conqueror which led Pope Leo III to seek his assistance when the pope was removed from power and wished to regain his seat. The support of the pope meant a great deal to Charlemagne since it gave him the legitimacy as a king as well as a spiritual leader for his followers. This support was firmly established with Christian ideals when Charlemagne was made the Emperor of the Romans (Rogers 27). The coronation of Charlemagne was done by Pope Leo III and it took place a few days after Charlemagne had agreed to help the Pope regain his throne. The coronation was unannounced and is supposed to have happened when Charlemagne was leaning on the Altar to pray on Christmas day and the pope took the Iron Crown and placed it on Charlemagne’s head. The pope then announced that Charlemagne was Imperator Romanorum i.e. Emperor of the Romans. While it has been suggested that Charlemagne did not want this, West (345) and Bullough (352) imply that this was certainly wanted by Charlemagne since Christianity was an important aspect of his politics. Such a coronation gave him the blessings of the established church to do what he wanted to when the Pope was restored to power. This was called by Story as a â€Å"defining event that epitomizes the spirit of the age (Story 2)†. Of course this was not the first instance that

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Charity events and fundraising Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Charity events and fundraising - Essay Example The nurses of the centre are also actively involved with patients who stay at home. They give them support and best counselling to ensure that their situation is better. The centre was established in 1975 and it was the first of its kind and offers free services Payne, Seymour and Ingleton (2008. p. 368) The centre depends entirely on donations and financial commitment from other people to enable the centre run smoothly. Government funding accessed by the centre can only cater for 28% of budget. For 2014-2015 financial years, the centre will need about  £8 million. Out of this the government has only taken care of 28% and therefore the rest has to be raised by the centre. The centre uses 85% of its expenditure on direct costs where as the remaining 15% is used in support cost. Below is a description of a proposal aimed at creating awareness and raising funds for St. Luke’s Hospice. This is a one day event that is aimed at getting the community around Sheffield involved in raising funds as well as give emotional support to the patients in the centre. A community has high chances of participating in a charity especially if the community is the primary beneficiary Stelljes (2008, p. 150) Sheffield is known to produce top names in the world in all fields. May it be entertainment, sports, politics, business, education you name it. Most of these people were born, raised or live in Sheffield. They are what we call celebrities. They have a massive influence in the society and most people admire them. St. Luke’s is more of a community centre considering that its operations are primarily focused on the people of Sheffield. The centre has helped many people in fighting their illness. The idea of this proposal is to work with one of the celebrities who have their roots in Sheffield to hold a one day event that will attract all the residents within 20 miles radius in Sheffield.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Foreign Policy from 1515-1529 in England Essay Example for Free

Foreign Policy from 1515-1529 in England Essay How Far do you agree that Foreign Policy failed from 1515-1529 failed to make England stronger as an international power? Initially, Henry and Wolsey created a reasonable foreign profile. They managed to maintain this for 10 years until 1525. However a massive decline occurred subsequently it wasnt long before the pair found themselves out of the Major League of European Countries and neither France nor Spain cared who it made allegiances with. England was at a disadvantage from the outset; with very limited resources compared to France and Spain. Alone England didnt stand much chance of survival and therefore it was vital that England formed alliances with other international powers. On august the 15th 1521, Henry VIII and Emperor Charles V formed a secret treaty known as The Treaty of Bruges. It provided for a joint invasion of France; primarily before March 1523. This in one respect merely defined the dependence Henry and Wolsey had upon Charles. This was mainly due to the reliance Englands economy beheld upon the Flanders Cloth Market. Nevertheless, the treaty never materialised and whilst she displayed and attempt to resolve this in autumn 1523, they could do little without the support of Charles V. There was a constant need to show his worthiness and match up to wealthier kings such as Francis I. Henrys favourite way was though extravagant wars. From 1511-1525 he spent an equivalent of 1.4 million on wars, whilst his annual income was à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½110,000. This put England fundamentally on huge strains and it was up to Wolsey to turn this around. 1518, the Treaty of London prior to all discussed, a treaty of diplomatic importance influencing England to be noticed by other countries. This was a universal peace collective and signed by all major leaders. This gave England support from over countries and also made them noticed. It was a non aggressive treaty and agreed that none of the countries would attack one another, and if they were, they were support one another. This was Wolseys finest hour. It reflected glory upon Henry VIII, putting the pair in good terms with one another as well as with all other major countries. It also meant that if any country broke away from the treaty, then war would b veiled upon them. However, at the same time it wasnt entirely successful. It only lasted for a short time and inevitably war broke out from an alliance between Spain and England against France. Another very important affair to mention was the Field of The Cloth of Gold which occurred from June 7th to June 24th in 1520. It was a meeting between the two kings Henry VIII and Francis the I of France and its aim was to increase the bond between the two kings, furthering England profile internationally. Each kind tried to outdo the other. The proof of Henrys attempts was that in one month 2200 sheep were consumed. In the fields past the castle, 2800 tents were erected for less important visitors. Even though it made a great impression, politically it did very little. Hence the war previously discussed a year later. The decline of Wolseys success made England lose its profile it started with. In 1525 was the introduction of the Amicable Grant. When Wolsey tried to raise more money through the Amicable Grant it depicted the anger within England itself. Wolsey needed to raise taxes (1525) in order to cover the cost of taking France to war. However it was strongly opposed and subsequently Wolsey had to back down and reduce the payments for the 1523 subsidy 10,000 men converged in Lavenham. In summery this lost England support of Charles V which inevitability meant the only way was to make a peace treaty with France. The Treaty of More, in 1525. Meanwhile again Wolseys attempts failed. France undermined England and formed an alliance with Charles V leaving England no stronger than to begin with. A long term affect of this, is that it meant Henry lost his trust in Wolsey causing the downfall in 1529. As well very importantly was Henrys divorce to Catherine of Aragon and its international relevance. Catherines nephew was Charles V, a may with great power. He threatened the Pope to not go ahead with the annulment. Wolsey was in a predicament, if he allowed the annulment his own life was in risk, but the time he wasted trying to decide one way another outraged Henry emphatically. So much so that Henry stripped him from his title.

Friday, September 20, 2019

In depth study on IKEA

In depth study on IKEA The scope of this paper is to conduct in-depth study on IKEA, the global home furnishing retailer from different perspectives. The report consists of IKEA corporate and business strategies in global markets, the firm previous experience in US and business model IKEA applied in Asian countries. 1.2 Objectives The objective of this paper is to produce a comprehensive report to CEO with the aim of determine IKEA strategic position in the future. The report critically assesses IKEA current market positioning and challenges IKEA have to overcome in order to sustain the competitive advantages. SWOT analysis is used to provide clearer picture regarding the firm internal performances in term of strengths and weaknesses, as well as the external opportunities and threats. Meanwhile, macro environment issues will be evaluate by using PESTEL analysis to capture IKEA potential growth and firm competitiveness. Recommendation to promote IKEA future growth will be provide base on strategies review. 2.0 Company Background 2.1 Industry and Company Background In 1943, a Swedish entrepreneur Ingvar Kamprad established IKEA. The name of IKEA came from its founder name Ingvar Kamprad, the farm Elmtaryd and home country Agunnardy where Ingvar Kamprad grew up. IKEA has developed rapidly as a global home products retailer. The corporate structure mainly divided into two divisions which are operation and franchising. Operation covered the management of majority stores, design, purchasing, supply functions and manufacture of furniture, which manage by a private profit Dutch company, INGKA Holding. In 1982, Kamprad established Stichting Ingka Foundation, a non-profit foundation that control over INGKA Holding. Ingka Foundation chaired by Kamprad and five executive committees which included her wife. The IKEA trademark and concept is owned by separate Dutch firm, the Inter IKEA Systems based in Luxembourg. Every IKEA stores pay 3% of sales to Inter IKEA as a franchise fees. IKEA consumers are mainly distributed into four different geographic region s, Europe, America, Middle East and Asia. The vision of IKEA is to provide a better living solution which is affordable and its mission statement is to offer functional and stylish low price furniture which everyone could afford. 2.2 Company Product and Services IKEA seized retailer chain that sells flat pack furniture, kitchen and bathroom accessories across the world. The furniture designed to be self assembled in order to reduce transportation cost. Besides, the company include traditional Swedish food restaurant in their stores, which serving Swedish meatballs, smoked salmon, lingo berry tarts and cream source. Additionally, thoughtful part of IKEA is many stores have play area for children named Smaland, where parents able to drop their children to playground while shopping and pick them up at another entrance. 2.3 Corporate and Business Strategies The impressive growth of IKEA lies on the distinctive corporate and business strategies. IKEA employ marketing mix strategy to position its brand identity in the market. Armstrong et al. (2006) explains that marketing mix strategy is a business model tools that focus on product, price, place and promotion. IKEA provide wide range of product selection. Although the product functional category is same, IKEA designed it in different features. For example, IKEA laptop stand act user friendly like a small table allow customers to use their laptop while lying on sofa. In term of pricing, IKEA flat pack furniture able to reduce transportation cost which resulted in price saving. Moreover, IKEA tend to locate in suburban area. This factor helps cut operational cost and able to provide more parking spaces for customers. Besides, Armstrong et al. (2006) also mentions that promotion is a marketing communication that consists of advertising, personal selling, sales promotion and public relations . IKEA promote their products by mail order service and free distribution of catalogue which enables IKEA cut cost in furniture storage. To improve competitiveness, IKEA modified the value chain strategy. Bartol et al. (1993, p.211) explains that Porter argues a business able to improving and value adding by focus on the key internal activities in the value chain. However, the independent (1994, p.9) states that IKEA integrate the value chain by create a two directional value adding system between customers and suppliers. On the other hand, IKEA used to expand by franchising method in their globalization strategy. Currently, IKEA has further explored their globalization strategy by joint venture. Evans et al. (2000) states IKEA joint venture strategy enable the firm minimizes the financial risk, expand the expertise network and get to know local market better. 2.4 IKEA Performances According to IKEA group fiscal year 2010 report, the independent (2010) states that IKEA currently opened 280 stores in 26 countries. The total sales archived 23.1 billion euro by 2010, raise 7.7% compare to its 21.4 billion sales in 2009. The net profit increased 6.1% at 2.7 billion euro. The IKEA market share mainly distributed in Europe which is 79%, North America 15%, Asia and Australia 6%. The distribution of purchasing per region is Europe 62%, Asia 34% and North America 4%. In term of growth perspective, IKEA demonstrated sustainable sales improvement which was average 21.9 billion euro in the past three years, 21.2 billion euro in 2008, 21.4 billion euro in 2009 and 23.1 billion euro sales by year 2010. 2.5 SWOT Analysis of IKEA 2.5.1 Strengths IKEAs distinct strategies have successfully shaped it strengths in competitive furnishing environment. The strengths comprise of strong global brand recognition that able to retain group of customers. Another strength is distinctive business strategies allow IKEA control over the products design, low pricing and global sourcing materials. Backward integration is one of the strength as well that permit IKEA enjoys economies of scale. 2.5.2. Weaknesses The weaknesses of IKEA derive into few elements. IKEA niche markets concept did not work in every country. Another potential barrier is IKEA over emphasis low price products may lead to their customers doubtful in products safety. Furthermore, IKEA has limited manufacturing capabilities by its own due to global sourcing strategy. 2.5.3 Opportunities An outstanding corporate realized that encounter weakness is the key of opportunity. The firm has foreseen the great opportunities in developing countries where IKEA may put more concentration on outsource his business in some developing Asia countries which is potential because of low cost manufacturing for example Cambodia. Meanwhile, India high population rates also one of the huge markets for IKEA expansion. IKEA may improve the existing its customers network by promote more online shopping. 2.5.4 Threats IKEA facing extreme environmental threats among competitors, some of the new entry companies adapted IKEA low cost strategy and imitated its flat pack furniture concept in the markets. On the other hand, global economy recession may reduce consumers buying power in emergent markets. Likewise, political instability may influence IKEA business performance. Chapter 3: Main Body 3.1 Assessment on IKEA Current Strategic and Distinctive Competitiveness In order to archive competitive advantages among competitors, IKEA adopted Porters generic strategy which comprise of differentiation strategy, differentiation focus, cost leader and cost focus which enable IKEA differentiate their brand identity among competitors. IKEA uphold its differentiation concept by offering high quality and low cost products to archive competitive advantages. Porter (1985) states that differentiation aims at deliver products and services that are different from the product mix of their competitors at a premium cost. The company provides functional style of self assembly furniture which material used is source globally to reduce the cost. Guardian (2005) describes that IKEA able to cut their prices at an average of 2% to 3% each year to compete in some markets segment. To sustain the differentiation strategy, IKEA may focus in adding more additional features into different products and keep the products user friendly. Adoption of differentiation focus allows IKEA to focus on particular segmentation market. Porter (1985) illustrates that differentiation focus means of differentiating its product within smaller number of target market segment. Recent years, IKEA concentrate its segmentation markets by opening trading office globally to serve customers better. Venorika (2006) states that IKEA opened 46 trading offices in 32 countries by 2006 where the suppliers need to fulfill IWAY code of conduct in supplying materials. To fulfill variety of local demands, IKEA should ensure the suppliers and designers constantly customize some of their products to provide range of choices. The advantage of being cost leader in market is able to draw attention and attract customers in long run business. Guardian (2005) illustrates that IKEA attain cost leaders by working together with its suppliers, provide technology and consultation. Likewise, cost focus can be mutual benefits for manufacturer and consumers where manufacturer save its cost of production and consumers enjoy the cost saving harvest. For example, the benefits of global sourcing where Captell (2005, newspaper) states that one of the IKEA best selling products Klippan sofas price was $354, by 2006 the price has drop to 202. To sustain cost focus, IKEA should critically examine some suppliers and further diversify its major suppliers for their materials. For example, Map of The World (2006) states that Canada, Russia and United States are top timber producing countries. 3.2 Organizational Gaps to Date Increasingly globalization is an enormous challenge for IKEA. To sustain, IKEA should further integrate their management by letting its independent business group has greater managerial decisions to effectively implement business process and boost quicker respond during crisis occur. Carrillat et al (2004) illustrates management that market driving is described to be outstanding in implementing unique business process, figuring market structure and value adding to their organization. Secondly, a company that provides professional service able to retain customer loyalty. Rowley (2005, pg 574-578) states customers loyally are company business core assets in the competitive market environment which add value to a business future. IKEA may review their service policy while dealing with customers flow during weekends. It can be archived by retraining their staffs to handle more customers efficiently. Alternately, the company can increase their manpower by hiring part time workers which is lower cost. Development of information technology has increase convenience in searching broad information. Brent (2005, pg 2) explain that a comprehensive information system allows company strategic core to be flexible, scalable and effectively operating in a high stress and limited resource environment. Hence, IKEA should utilize the information technology resource by promotes online shopping to resolve weekend customers flow issue. 3.3 Performances of Current IKEA Strategy 3.3.1 Analysis on IKEA challenges in US market. IKEA in United States In the mid of 1980s, IKEA entered United States to challenge an entirely different culture. IKEA success in United States doesnt come easily. Although the low price products always preferences of consumers but IKEA still faced difficulties at the beginning stage. Measurement standard and size of furniture were the major issues to IKEA. Nordin study (2002) illustrates one of the customer feedbacks emphasized they were drinking out of vases to refer the size obstacle. In order to delight American markets, IKEA realized the importance of modify its products design to suit local needs. By the mid 1990s, the independent (2003) states that IKEA has successfully increased the revenue from USD 600 million to USD 1.3 billion and became IKEA third largest markets after Britain and Germany by 2002. PESTEL analysis for United States I. Political Factors The research by Wayne et al. (2006, p.101) states that United States exercise constitutional republic in their political system for decision making process. The government promotes equality of laws which is fair to all everyone, therefore the policy has resulted equal opportunity to enhance trade freedom. However, governments tax policies play important role that impact business competitiveness during economy recession. For example, the independent (2009) states tax reform act enacted on 1986, the incentive has benefits individual but loaded burden to corporate. II. Economic Factors The United States gained steady growth of GDP in the past decade. Wright et al. (2007, P.185) illustrates that the capitalist mixed economy result in well developed infrastructure and high productivity that lead United States become the world largest economy. Nevertheless, the saving and loan crisis during 1980s and 1990s has great impact to United States business and financial system. Timothy et al. (2000) states from 1985 to 1995 United States insured thrift institutional deficit from 3,234 to 1,645 has resulted raise in interest rates. III. Social Factors United States is one of the largest countries with highest populations in the world. Adam et al. (2001) illustrates that United States society consists of multicultural immigrants and vary in ethnical diversification. Understand different levels of American culture are a challenge as well as opportunity to overcome barrier in order to compete with local markets. For example, IKEA strategy of niche markets has failed due to American cultural preference in bigger size products. IV. Technological Factors The science and technology advancement have shaped American success in various aspects including economic, education system, infrastructure and legal institutions. Rapid growth of technology provides job opportunities and promotes growth in business markets. In addition, the facilities and expertise available has encouraged foreign investments. Linda et al. (1991) describes that technological advancement is essential for economic growth. Porters Five Forces Model Analysis for IKEA I. Rivalry The competitors try to adapt IKEA strategy by offer low price and functional furniture products. In low end market, Wal-Mart tends to cut price and do promotion on their furniture products. Conversely, Ethan Allen aims for high end market by offer functional quality products with comfort shopping atmosphere. Tewary (2002) states the furniture markets in United States are highly fragmented, the top ten furniture retailers were just stand 14.2% of total markets share. However, IKEAs strength to deliver brand identity in both ends allows the company to develop in coming future. II. Substitutes Currently, IKEA effective global sourcing strategy and unique supply chain management has allows the firm leading without threats of substitute. Moreover, IKEA innovation designs at all time able to satisfy trend of consumers demand. John Leland (2002) states typical Americans shopper like new things, travel abroad, take challenges and functional technology. Thus, IKEA consistently revise the fashion design style of furniture able to tag along consumers trend. Power of Buyers Consumers have limited choice on selection by specific retailer, due to particular retailer focus in certain perspective for example, design, quality, service and pricing. IKEA stands advantage on all. Therefore, the bargaining power is little for consumers. Nordin study (2002) illustrates that customer visit to IKEA able to find good design and low pricing products. Therefore, in IKEA internal perspective, the consumers bargaining power is little. New Entrants Most of the IKEA stores are located outside the cities to avoid massive traffic and provide bigger parking space. IKEA did not expand the markets in metropolitan areas, so there is potential for another furniture retailer to offer low price products to compete IKEA markets share. Tewary study (2003) shows that United Stated furniture reported USD 67 million sales by 2002 and keep on growing. Hence, some of the retailers may seize opportunity in sharing the furniture markets. Power of Suppliers IKEA has high demand in timber for their products. The supplier needs to bids contracts for supply raw material to IKEA. Meanwhile, IKEA will provide consultation in term of technology and training to ensure the consistency of material quality. Hence, the supplier bargaining power is low. Due to green environmental issues, it can impact the timber supply. Knight study (1998) shows that more than 200 million hectares of forests vanished due to development became the barriers of supply raw materials, Green Agreement of Tariffs has signed allows corporation to seek more profitable forest. Factors to Consider in Assessing Industry Attractiveness. Factors High Impact Low Impact Description Ref 3.3.2 Growth Potential and Competitive Advantage IKEA Secure in China IKEA in China In 1998, IKEA opened its first furniture store in Beijing, China. The company core target customers are the middle class young people which are around 30 years old. IKEA realized that different strategy need to be use while entry a new market. Lee et al (1998) states that China has numerous differences in culture, political, economic and business models compare to Sweden. Among the challenges, Trompenaars et al. (2004) illustrates that as a new business entry, language is one of the main barriers for IKEA enter China market. To win Chinese customers heart, IKEA has the Chinese translation named of Yi Jia which means comfortable and family. PESTEL analysis for china PESTEL analysis critically evaluates IKEA potential growth and present arguments on its competitive advantage to secure in China. I. Political Factors China exercise communism in their political system. In China, the government controls all the resource activities. Capdevielle study (2007) states that China enacted reform and opening up policy that opened its market to attract foreign investment in 1978. The policy provided opportunity for many multinational companies to expand their business in China. However, government tax polices influence markets growth. A study of Li et al. (2007, p.26-27) illustrates that 70% of foreign investment enterprise reported loss due to the transfer pricing measure enacted by China in 1990s to control the wealth out of their nation but China has slowly loosen the trade policy to promote business growth. Presently, IKEA adapted joint venture strategy to share risk of losses as well as dealing with government policy to archive competitive advantage. II. Economic Factors The joined of China into World Trade Organization (WTO) has result the country economy growth rapidly. Phang et al. (2010) describes that China is the second largest world economy after United States by 2010 with the GDP of $1.337 trillion. The strong economy growth has raised China people purchasing power toward the housing demand which can be a huge potential for furniture industry. Wang (2003, p.121-143) states that housing investment annual rates has increased by 20% which is currently urban Chinese most important property. Nevertheless, IKEA facing competitive challenges in China local markets due to government weak control on intellectual property. Imitation of brand pattern which offer in very low price often found in China markets. Therefore, IKEA global sourcing strategy and supply chain management effectiveness which constantly offer low price products determine the company growth. III. Social Factors China has the world largest population. A study by Judith et al. (2010, p.4) illustrates that population of china has risen approximately to 1.35 billion by 2010, the world largest population and estimate to be peak during 2030 which is 1.5 billion. From the social point of view, that is a great opportunity for foreign investor to fight against the business markets share. However, the population aging issue and the one child government policy in China should be taking into consideration due to IKEA targeting young middle class people. Bloom et al. (2008, p.40) states that China population aging and low fertility rates could result impact on future economic growth. IV. Technological Factors Over the past decade, China has archive significant improvement in their science and technology development. The rapid improvement in research and development drive manufacturing industry expansion and create more jobs opportunity. Wang (2007) illustrates that china government implement policy to raise the ratio of RD to GDP, resulted sustainable growth which reported 1.4% by 1996 compare to 0.7% of GDP in RD during 1987. Nonetheless, lack of local core technology may increase foreign company cost in buying the technology license and import to China. For example, the independent (2006) states due to the lack of core technology, local company paying 20% to 40% of price for each computerized numerical control machine. Yet, IKEA stand advantage with the unique value chain management in providing technology consultation for their suppliers to maintain long term business relationships. 3.3.3 IKEA Current Strategy on Market Diversification (China) IKEA Diversification in China Globalization is the current trend for most of the companies nowadays. However, Brooks et al. (2004, P.233) illustrates that there is certain level of risk to invest in foreign country. To gain market share in new entry countries especially Asia, IKEA corporate and business strategies determine its sustainability and competitive advantage among competitors in future. For example, IKEA globalization strategy in Asia country, China, comprise of joint venture, localization and pricing strategies. Joint Venture First of all, IKEA decided to joint venture with local companies in China due to one of the macro-environmental element which was China government policy. Capdevielle et al (2007) elucidates that China practice joint venture policy to gain mutual benefits and principal of equality for their nation. Dealing with entirely different culture, IKEA adapted passed experience in globalization to analyze China market. Joint venture strategies add value to IKEA by sharing risk of losses. Bragssington et al. (2003, p.106) points out that full analysis should be conduct in order to informed the expansion decision to contribute the success in investment. Localization To continually growth IKEA business after joint venture, the firm adapted localization strategy to suit local Chinese culture. For example, the independent (2005) illustrates that IKEA localization strategy consists of offer wide range of Chinese market products that tailor customers preference as well as the design of showroom is constructed accordance to Chinese style. Despite of it, IKEA also focus on Chinese sub-culture to lure the local customers. Copeland et al. (1986) states that Chinese preference on decoration in red color during Chinese New Year which means good luck and fortune. Recent years, one of the most exclusively IKEA localization effort was during Chinese New Year. In 2006 Chinese New Year, many IKEA products designed with red rooster to welcome the Chinese year of rooster. Pricing Strategies IKEA based on its low price strategy in offering wide range of quality products to consumers. Usunier (2000) elucidates that product price is always a vital communication element between buyers and sellers. To compete with local furniture retailers, IKEA has dramatically slashed their products price and outsourced locally to reduce cost. Song (2005) points out that currently 70% of IKEA selling products are made in china and certain products has slunk 70% of its original price. For example, the tray BAGN for eating on bed purposes cost RMB 29 in 2007 compare to its price RMB 89 during 2000. Chapter 4: Recommendation To survive in the changing environment, IKEA have to constantly adapt changes and aware on customers preference trend. Several elements IKEA may focus to improve its value proposition as well as to maintain competitive advantages. 4.1 Justification on IKEA diversify strategy in China Joint venture strategy in China has improved IKEA operational network and culture understanding. Jonsson (2008) states that IKEA react more responsive to the local Chinese demands due to the sharing knowledge of Chinese culture with joint venture partners. Recent years, Capdevielle (2007) points out that IKEA has currently offer typical Chinese furniture such as Chinese kitchen wares. IKEA pricing strategies in China have significant progress throughout the years. Wei (2007) illustrates that by 2002 IKEA overall products price drop 12% and sales increase by 35% in 2003 compare to year 2002. Despite of it, IKEA move further to improve their customers service. Wei (2007) also mentions that IKEA started to provide delivery service with a little charge and even free of charge for deliver their products for those area are near. 4.2 IKEA Diversification on New Asia Country As the global business operational costs increase for example labor cost. IKEA may look for alternative opportunity to source its business from developing country. Cambodia can be IKEA potential business expansion due to the broad agriculture activity and strong GDP growth in recent years. Mohan (2005, p.10) points out that there is potential growth in future for Cambodia as an agriculture dependent country due to the labor cost advantage. Furthermore, Purcell et al. (2010, p.9) states the opened policy of Cambodia government in joining the ASEAN and WTO has increased the GDP 9.6% by 2007. The political and economic factors are vital elements IKEA should consider while entering into a new market. 4.3 Continue Focus on Innovation Innovation is a key in adding value to development of organization. Drucker (2002, p.95-103) states that capability to be innovative in an organization is the key to endure business grow. IKEA has a very different innovation perspective compare to others organization. Victoria et al. (2007, p.46) illustrate that IKEA posses unique forms of innovation in introducing new technology, widening the low cost products design range to maintain long term suppliers and consumers relationship. Victoria et al. (2007, p.46) also mentions IKEA focused on technological innovation by online products provision and supply chain management which contributed to the growth of its business. The critical factors to continue IKEA success in innovations are all level of consumer centric innovation, further analyzes the segmentation markets by research and innovative marketing campaign to match local preference. 4.4 Reviews on Strategy Competitiveness For IKEA to lead furniture industry as a market driver, the firm should periodically review and enhance the existing strategies. Adaption of blue ocean strategy enables IKEA to seek the value of innovation by cost reduction and differentiate it products to meet customer needs. Kim (2005, p.4) explains that blue ocean strategy enable corporate to create new customer value and provide lasting core competitiveness. Moreover, blue ocean strategy challenges the traditional business concept in breaking market competition and growing organization brand identity. Continually review the business strategy provides bigger picture and direction for an organization to attain growth in future.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Roth IRAS or Traditional IRAs :: essays research papers fc

Choosing Between Roth IRAs and Traditional Deductible IRAs The decision is complicated if you're eligible for both types of IRAs. With the creation of the Roth IRA and the liberalized eligibility guidelines for the traditional IRA, the vast majority of individuals are now eligible to make some sort of IRA contribution. IRA Eligibility All but the wealthiest of workers are eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA. Eligibility to make the maximum contribution to a Roth is limited to married couples with adjusted gross incomes of less than $150,000 and single individuals with incomes under $95,000. Smaller contributions are allowed for couples with adjusted incomes up to $160,000 and singles with incomes up to $110,000. Roth IRA contributions aren't deductible, but withdrawals are tax-free once the account has been open more than five years and you're over age 59 1/2. Fewer taxpayers qualify for traditional IRAs, where contributions are deductible, but withdrawals are taxed. But Congress loosened the eligibility requirements to allow many more taxpayers to take advantage of traditional IRAs than in the past. The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 raised the income-eligibility limits for taxpayers who participate in a 401(k) or are covered by some other employer retirement plan. Before the rules were liberalized by the 1997 tax act, a married couple above the income-thresholds could make deductible IRA contributions only if neither spouse was covered by a retirement plan at work. But this restriction was eased beginning with 1998 returns. If only one spouse is covered by an employer retirement plan, the other spouse will be eligible for at least a partial IRA deduction so long as the couple's joint income is below $160,000. If neither spouse is covered by an employer retirement plan, then both spouses can make deductible contributions to a traditional IRA, no matter how high their income. Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA The decision about which type of IRA to set up will be a simple one for most higher-income taxpayers who will only be eligible for Roth IRAs, but the decision is complicated if you're eligible for both types of IRAs. There have been numerous articles in the financial press and advertising campaigns by financial institutions extolling the virtues of the Roth IRA. All the ballyhoo has made the advent of Roth IRAs seem like the financial equivalent of the Second Coming. And indeed, many people will find that the ability to make tax-free withdrawals from a Roth IRA is a more valuable tax benefit than getting an upfront deduction for contributions to a traditional IRA.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

They Flee From Me by Thomas Wyatt :: sixteenth-century lyric poem poetry

Thomas Wyatt, "They Flee From Me" Set of Multiple-choice Questions Analyzing a Poem Sir Thomas Wyatt's sixteenth-century lyric "They flee from me" is an enigmatic poem that pleases at least partly because it provides no final certainty about the situation it describes. Yet the poem, while in some respects indefinite and puzzling, is nevertheless quite specific in its presentation of a situation, particularly in the second stanza, and it treats a recognizable human experience--that of having been forsaken by a lover--in an original and intriguing fashion. They flee from me, that sometime did me seek with naked foot stalking in jay chamber. I have seen them gentle, tame, and meek That now are wild, and do not remember (5) That sometime they put themself in danger To take bread at my hand: and now they range, Busily seeking with a continual change. Thanked be fortune it bath been otherwise Twenty times better, but once in special, (10) In thin array after a pleasant guise * When her loose gown from her shoulders did fall, And she me caught in her arms long and small, * Therewithal sweetly did me kiss, And softly said, 'Dear heart, how like you this?' (15) It was no dream: I lay broad waking. But all is turned thorough my gentleness Into a strange fashion of forsaking, And I have leave to go of her goodness, And she also to use newfangleness. (20) But since that I so kindly am served, I would fain know what she hath deserved. *manner or style * slender The image developed in the first stanza is especially striking, with its suggestion of once tame and friendly animals who have reverted to wildness and will no longer risk the seemingly innocent taking of bread from the speaker's hand. This stanza establishes at once the theme of change, a change from a special, privileged condition to one of apparent mistrust or fear, and the sense of strangeness (no explanation is given for the change) that will continue to trouble the speaker in the third stanza. Strangeness is inherent in the image itself -- "with naked foot stalking in my chamber" - -- and the stanza is filled with pairs of words that reinforce the idea of contrast: "flee"/"seek," "tame"/"wild," "sometime"/"now," "take break"/"range." Most interestingly, we are never told who "they" are. Moving from this somewhat disconcerting description of the speaker's present situation, the second stanza abruptly shifts the reader to an earlier moment in the speaker's life when "Thanked be fortune, it hath been otherwise/Twenty times better.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Nausicca :: History

Nausicca NAUSICAA; HOMER ‘THE ODYSSEY’ BOOK VI INTRODUCTION A close look at book V1 and others in Homers Odyssey may lead us to this observation. Far be it from one to lay blame at the door of a Goddess but as far as Nausicaa is concerned surely Athena did contribute by leading the poor girl on to believe that Odysseus was ‘The One’, she was to marry. This will be taken into account as we look in more depth at the poem. Virgil acquaints us with similar facts in his book The Aneaid whose content look at Aeneas abandoning Dido at the instigation of the gods, infact Virgil’s work is classically dubbed as a conscious effort to imitate Homer. We should also look at the myth of Theseus and Ariadne for comparison when Ariadne aided Theseus, as did Nausicaa aid Odysseus, these two stories feature abandonment at the instigation of Athena and Aphrodite. Abandonment as a theme can be looked at certainly, along with the god’s interference in the affairs of men. C.M Bowra the late eminent author and professor of poetry (wadham c ollege 1946-51) puts to us that â€Å"Despite her early hopes Nausicaa is left with only the consolation that after all she saved Odysseus and that he will remember it†. Which along with the afore mentioned themes we will discuss. THE MEETING This part of the Odyssey begins with Athena appearing to the sleeping Princess having a beautiful dream convincing her that all too soon her wedding day will be upon her. It is clearly assumed by Nausicaa that this is all real because the god’s wouldn’t lie! Athena arrives in disguise of Dymas whom Nausicaa has affection for, a ploy by Athena to gain trust from the innocent Nausicaa who would then not question the content of her dream. Homer tells us that Athena insists she prepare for her ‘wedding’ by going outside the city to the river with her maids to clean and prepare her trusso. Homer lets us know that Athena is all too aware of the sleeping shipwrecked Odysseus in need of rescue. Nausicaa probably for her naivetà © and youth is the chosen subject to assist the rescue of this man. Odysseus is discovered after a ball the maidens play with lands near him. Nausicaa discovers the partially naked man and again Athena interrupts the proceedings by placing ‘courage’ in her heart to face this bedraggled spectacle of a man without fear.

Comparing the ‘Club 18-30’, ‘Superfamily’ and ‘Forever Young’ brochures

Media is the means of communicating news and information to the public via printed and visual media. In contemporary society printed media has become an essential way to advertise a product to its target audience, as it is a cheap and accessible form of communication. Furthermore, examples of printed media can be seen in many different ways as they are varied forms such as leaflets, newspapers and brochures. For this particular piece of coursework I will be comparing the ‘Club 18-30', ‘Superfamily' and ‘Forever Young' brochures and seeing how they attract their target audience by using various linguistic and presentation devices. The Club 18-30 brochure appears to be aimed towards a younger and more outgoing audience who are partygoers. This can be seen through its choice of layout and organization. Although its layout might appear rushed and erratic to the older and untargeted section of society, it actually provides the younger generation with all the qualities needed in a good club brochure. The layout and organization can also be seen to be enticing as it engages the younger audience because of its simplistic form. However through the choice of layout and organization of the ‘Superfamily' brochure the audience immediately realises that the brochure's target audience is families with young children as shown by the childish qualities of the presentation: bubbles, distinctive colours etc. The layout and organisation of the Superfamily brochure is different to the others as it is clearly trying to lure children and their parents to read the brochure. Furthermore, the ‘Forever Young' brochure identifies its target audience, which appears to be mature sophisticated adults. This is shown through the layout and organization of the brochure, as it is well structured and organised. The brochure appeals to this specific type of audience since mature reserved adults are not interested in a humorous brochure as they care not for the brochure's appearance, this is shown in the brochure's text layout and organisation as most young people in a contemporary society will find the brochure dull and tiresome. The use of presentational devices in the Club 18-30 brochure reinforces the sense of reliability and authenticity, as shown by the logo of the brochure, which informs the audience that the club is an established company. Furthermore the logo specifies its target audience and uses eye-catching colours, red and yellow, reflecting the sun to entice the reader to continue reading the brochure and display the enjoyment many experience at the resort in order for people travel to the resort so they can participate in the excitement. Equally the picture succeeds in attracting its the target audience in a similar way as it enhances the sense of reliability and enjoyment, which is shown by the way the people in the picture are presented as enjoying themselves. Sub headings are also used to empathise with the audience and deal with essential questions but can be slightly abrupt by reflecting the demanding attitude of many young people. Furthermore the Superfamily brochure appeals to its target audience with its use of presentational devices such as; the irregular shape of its picture, which develops the child theme of the brochure as it is something interesting to a child would enjoy. The central, socialising picture, also illustrates the lively yet relaxed social scene for all the family and focuses on the more relevant aspects of the holiday for a family holiday, such as the accommodation, which clearly guides the reader suggesting it is a comfortable and secure environment for young children. On top of this, bullet points and sub-headings are effectively combined to summarise key points of the holiday and focuses the reader on essential information as parents need this useful information to organise their holiday so that they may feel that their children are being catered for. Additionally the use of presentational devices in the Forever young brochure enhances the quality and sophistication of the brochure, as devices such as bullet points and sub-headings are used to organise and structure the most useful information and present it in an informative way. The two pictures in the brochure also illustrate the accommodation but balance it with interesting educational places to visit on the holiday. This is done in a controlled manner, as the brochure seems to be aimed more towards mature sophisticated adults who would expect formality and professionalism. The ‘Club 18-30' brochure employs the use of informal language to engage its target audience as this type of language appeals to the youthful generation in the contemporary society. The line ‘you will need a fair bit of wedge because there's so much to do' demonstrates the writer desire to relate with younger people on an informal relaxed level, which helps the reader engage his audience because of its simplicity. Abbreviations like ‘Fab' and ‘Med' are used in the brochure to further empathise with the youthful audience and to manipulate them not to lose interest, as the brochure uses informal language they understand but mature adult would be less comfortable with, which confirms how ‘friendly' the writer to be towards young people, as obviously this is a device used to persuade and encourage young people to spend their hard earned money at the club. Further use of informal language can be seen in the line ‘enough to keep even the most hardened party animals happy' which challenges the reader and cleverly influences them to go to the club. Factual language can also be seen in the brochure but it is not excessive preferring to engage young people with informal and more evocative language compared to factual. However the Super family brochure takes a different approach compared to the Club 18-30, as the brochure is aimed towards families with young children. This is shown in the line ‘It has a beautiful one kilometre long beach of gentle-shelving white sand' where the brochure employs the use of emotive and factual language, which appeals to a wider audience rather than the expected target audience. The activities also listed in the first paragraph ‘Water sports are available, as well as tennis, go-karting and cycling' attractive active and out going people who are energetic. The brochure also empathises with audience in the line ‘No need to agonise over a menu' which inform the audience that their holiday will be taken care for them and illustrates a relaxed, calm, comfortable scene as many parents wish to do this on their holiday. The line ‘There are plenty of family activities' evokes a sense of security to the parents as they know what will be available for them to do on there holiday. The linguistic devices used to entice mature adults in the Forever young brochure vary from; factual language in the line ‘It is the largest of the Balearies' which is used to give a factual representation of the holiday, to emotive language in the line ‘an island of incredible beauty' to evoke a sense of anticipation for the holiday. The consolidating options in the line ‘it need never be the same resort twice' along with the emotive word ‘abundance' emphasises the numerous activities available in the resort and the variety available to the people on holiday. The simple sentence ‘Quite simple it has something for everyone' empathises with the audience and their needs, at the same time as informing the audience of the quality of the holiday. Through my analysis of the three brochures and their use of presentational and linguistic devices they can be seen to have engaged their targeted audiences effectively; as the brochures employ the use of formal, informal and emotive language to entice their targeted audience to the holidays the brochures are advertising. Furthermore, I can clearly announce that the brochures have achieved their fundamental purpose, as I have identified their targeted audience and empathised with them to get a clear understanding of the brochures are trying to convey.

Monday, September 16, 2019

The Hobbit Double Entry Journal Prompts

Nicholas Gangone Ms. Sottas Double Entry Journal Prompts March 20, 2013 â€Å"But men remembered little of all that, though some still sang old songs of the dwarf-kings of the Mountain, Thror and Dragon, and the fall of the lords of Dale. † (Tolkien 176) â€Å"I hope I never smell the smell of apples again. † (Tolkien 179) â€Å"But the Master was not sorry at all to let them go. They were expensive to keep, and their arrival had turned things into a long holiday in which business was a standstill. † (Tolkien 185)Although the men keep alive old traditions in a new era, this quote symbolizes how the majority of things have changed in this world. This excerpt situates the dwarves in the present time frame where power has shifted to evil forces, how the dwarves lost control of their mountain city, and also how old legendary maps don’t so well in a new environment. The men never really experienced what it was like to live in a time where everyone and everythin g blended harmoniously. After reading this in the book, I immediately made a mental connection to a memory of the 6th grade.At the peak of the swine flu epidemic, my school started to administer vaccines to protect the students against the disease. I forgot to hand in a consent form to give them permission for a vaccine, so instead of getting a vaccine, I got the nasal mist in my nose. The nurse asked me what my favorite fruit was, and I replied â€Å"umm.. apples! † Not knowing what it was for, she made the thick goo they shot up my nose apple flavored. This was probably one of the weirdest feelings I have ever experienced. Just like Fili, I did not want to smell apples for a long time.This excerpt I picked reminds me of a part of the Odyssey. The specific part I am referencing to is the Suitors. After learning how expensive it is to have company over for an occasion, the connection I made between both pieces of literature only emphasizes this idea by giving more evidence. à ¢â‚¬Å"Not at any rate until the songs have come true! † (Tolkien 186) â€Å"They beat on it, they thrust and pushed at it, they implored it to move, they spoke fragments of broken spells of opening, and nothing stirred. † (Tolkien 190) â€Å"Tomorrow begins the last week of autumn. Said Thorin one say. â€Å"And winter comes after autumn,† said Bifur. â€Å"And next year after that,† said Dwalin, â€Å"and our beards will grow till they hang down the cliff to the valley before anything happens here. † (Tolkien 193) I purposely picked this quote to talk about my reasoning of how these words relate to the current generation of music. There is little or no rate of songs that are produced today that stay true to the art of music. For starters, most songs today aren’t even made with â€Å"real† instruments. Secondly, almost all of the big time artists are auto-tuned.It isn’t the strongest reference I have made, but I just canâ€℠¢t stand how the stuff they call music is so greatly praised. As the group searches for the secret entrance Elrond has promised the dwarves based on the map, their failure to open the door foreshadows further struggle. The group will encounter more forms of resistance, because this isn’t even the worst part of their luck they have been blessed with. This quote also shows the much repeated theme of perseverance displayed throughout the novel. The excerpt I presented here shows how the race against time is presented for the crew.This is because they do not have forever to complete their tasks. Since they get agitated at how long parts of their quest take, it highlights qualities of the average Joe that they possess. They are not a group of godly, or immortal beings. We saw them cut down to size similarly when they were trapped by the wolves. â€Å"The most that can be said for the dwarves it this: they intended to pay Bilbo really handsomely for his services; they had brought him to do a nasty job for them. And they did not mind the poor little fellow doing it if he would: bit they would all have done their best to get him out of trouble, if he got into it† (Tolkien 196) I have absolutely no use for dragon-guarded treasures and the whole lot could stay here forever, if only I could wake up and find this beastly tunnel was my own front-hall at home† (Tolkien 198) â€Å"†¦but rising from the near side of the rocky floor there is a great glow. The glow of the Smaug! † (Tolkien 200) I had to chew this quote up a little bit and ponder upon it. A side of the dwarves that has not yet been shown is expressed here. I believe it is greed. The dwarves seem to be using Bilbo for his talents – which make up a good thief.There isn’t much to say about the dwarves if they used Bilbo all along as their scapegoat. Bilbo speaks for himself in this quote. He is not there to be someone’s tag along. He has a mind of his own and kno ws what is right and wrong. He also yearns for the safety and comfort of his own home when thrown into the midst of a sticky situation. I can say that Bilbo is a very convincing being. I specifically picked this quote because we have heard of the dragon throughout the whole book, but this is the first actual account we have about Bilbo’s encounter with the dragon – first hand.The dragon is pictured as any other dragon from a mythical tale would be. The first and most important trait being the dragon having firey breath. It is because of the dragon’s ability to promote havoc that gives the story an interesting outcome. â€Å"Now do be careful! † whispered the hobbit, â€Å"and as quiet as you can be! There may be no Smaug at the bottom, but then again, there may be† (Tolkien 215) â€Å"Suddenly Bilbo’s arm went towards it drawn by its enchantment. His small hand would not close about it, for it was a large and heavy gem; but he lifted it, sh ut his eyes and put it in his deepest pocket. (Tolkien 217) â€Å"Hear, hear! † cried Bilbo, and flung himself on the ground. In the rock-chamber there would have been room for a hundred and there was a small chamber in the back. There they laid out all of their burdens. †(Tolkien 224) I like this quote because it emphasizes Bilbo’s resourcefulness. He thinks through every possible consequence before he acts. This is a very useful trait to have, especially for someone that is on an adventure where one silly mistake can prove fatal. Acting so vigilantly will later prove fruitful for Bilbo.This is a substantial quote in a rather small chapter. Here we are introduced to the turning point of the story – the Arkenstone. This is just one of the few treasures Bilbo retrieves. The arkenstone is one of the main reasons Thorin set out to reclaim what was once his ancestors’. This quote also foreshadows Bilbo’s future resourcefulness. After reading the rest of the story, I noticed that the men start to reclaim what is theirs. It almost acts as a foreshadowing tool. The men, especially Thorin, know what’s rightfully theirs and how it has been taken from them.It will only be a matter of time before they find out if they can hold on to their newly conquered area. â€Å"The King beneath the Mountain! They shouted. His wealth is like the Sun, his silver like a fountain, his rivers golden run! The river is running gold from the Mountain! they cried, and everywhere windows were opening and feet were hurrying† (Tolkien 226) â€Å"Already men were jumping into the water on every side. Women and children were being huddled into laden boats in the market-pool. † (Tolkien 228) â€Å"Arrow! Said the bowman. â€Å"Black arrow!I have saved you for last. You have never failed me and always I have recovered you. I had you from my father and he from of old. If ever you came from the forges of the true king under the Mountain, go now and speed well! (Tolkien 229) I interpreted this quote as a great example of dramatic irony. The townspeople, who think the golden colored river in the distance is amassed wealth, are horribly wrong. The gold is in fact, a raging dragon ready to destroy everything in its sight. Everyone starts to cry cheers of joy, when they should be crying tears of sadness.From this quote, I perceived a very strong mental image. The quote shows the true wrath of the Smaug. At the time The Hobbit was written, 1930, women and children were put first in the event of a disaster. For example, in the movie Titanic, one could see how women and children were loaded onto life boats before men. Here in this quote, if men were the first ones to give up and jump into the water, no one had a chance at survival by far. There would be no one to help others get on their way to safety. This quote stresses the theme of tradition throughout the story.Because the arrow was handed down from generations of old, it had a much higher importance. The archer believed the arrow had more â€Å"experience† seeing more time in battle situations. It is also interesting to read about how much faith was invested into his last shot. This excerpt also sparks my curiosity as to how the archer talks to the lifeless arrow like an old friend. â€Å"Now we will return to Bilbo and the dwarves. All night one of them had watched, but when morning came they had not heard or seen any sign of danger. But ever more thickly the birds were gathering.Their companies came flying from the South; and the crows that still lives about the Mountain were wheeling and crying unceasingly above. † (Tolkien 234) â€Å"Hail Thorin! Why do you fence yourself like a robber in his hold? We are not yet foes, and we rejoice that you are alive beyond our hope. We came expecting to find non living here; yet now that we are met there is matter for a parley and a council. † (Tolkien 240) â€Å"The whole place stil l stinks of dragon,† he grumbled to himself, and it makes me sick. And cram is beginning simply to stick in my throat. † (Tolkien 243)I picked this quote to explain how the foreshadowing of Thorin reclaiming his ancestor’s mountain cabin wraps up. The dwarves are hiding out in the mountain, and now they will have to hold off against whoever feels obligated to collect the dragon’s treasures. As the narrator switches points of views, he pictures birds thickly gathering. When you see something abnormal occur in nature, you get a feeling something bad is about to happen. This picture Tolkien painted compelled me to keep on reading. Expecting the dwarves to be dead, the humans and their allies have come to claim the dragons’ treasures.The humans mean no harm to the dwarves, and once they find them there they suggest they should split the riches. Thorin, feeling all of it is his become very defensive and abruptly declines. This is the first time in the nov el I found Thorin to be so bold in his actions. Considering they greet him with an overly-polite â€Å"Hail Thorin! †, I think he should have gave them a small share for slaying the dragon. Although I am not in the situation personally, I couldn’t say what I would suggest. After finally reaching what his whole journey was driven off of, he would need time to make a decision.I find quote humorous and ironic. Thus because Thorin wanted to remain close to his newly acquired treasures, and now he has to being that the mountain is besieged. Now, Thorin has had enough of the mountain when the fun just started. â€Å"Now the days passed slowly and wearily. Many of the dwarves spent their time piling and ordering the treasure; and now Thorin spike of the Arkenstone of Thrain, and bade them eagerly to look for it in every corner. † (Tolkien 244) â€Å"I am tired of stairs and stone passages. I would give a good deal for the feel of grass at my toes.I would give a good d eal for the feel of strong drink in my throat, and for a soft bed after a good supper! † (Tolkien 246) â€Å"All in good time! † said Gandalf. â€Å"Things are drawing towards the end now, unless I am mistaken. There is an unpleasant time just in front of you; but keep your heart up! You may come through all right. There us news brewing that not even ravens have heard. Good night! † (Tolkien 249) This is one of my most favorite examples of dramatic irony I came across in the novel. Thorin is searching for the Arkenstone restlessly.What he doesn’t know is that Bilbo swiftly retrieved it on one of his first adventures into the mountain. At one point Bilbo gets worried after Thorin says he would put his life on the stone to get it back. Bilbo doesn’t want a conflict to erupt between the three races. The dramatic irony throughout this novel up to this point made it much more fun to read. Eventually Bilbo is tired of sticking it out in the mountain. He l ongs for him humble life so he takes matters into his own hands. Offering the Arkenstone, something so valuable to his expedition, to avoid conflict is something that was just in his nature.An action like this was very brave for him, but he knew what he needed to do. In this quote, Gandalf is congratulating Bilbo on a job well done, yet not to become complacent because it is not all over yet. I think that it is essential Gandalf appreciated Bilbo’s actions of bravery and how he carries out what he believes in with such finesse. Bilbo gets excited because of Gandalf’s compliments, and I felt happy for him. â€Å"By the beard of Durin! I wish I had Gandalf here! Curse him for his choice of you! May his beard wither! As for you I will throw you to the rocks! He cried and lifted Bilbo into his arms.Stay! Your wish is granted! † said a voice. The old man with the casket threw aside his hood and cloak. â€Å"Here is Gandalf! And none too soon it seems. If you donâ₠¬â„¢t like my Burglar, please don’t damage him. Put him down, and listen first to what he has to say! † (Tolkien 250-251) â€Å"The Goblins are upon you ! Bolg of the North is coming, O Dain! Whose father you slew in Moria. Behold! The bats are above his army like a sea of locusts. † (Tolkien 255) â€Å"It was a terrible battle. The most dreadful of all Bilbo’s experiences, and the one which at the time he hated most. † (Tolkien 257)This quote that I picked only further emphasizes the fact that Gandalf’s and Bilbo’s views correspond with each other. Nothing bad can really result from a duo with supernatural powers and great resourcefulness. I also appreciate how Gandalf cuts Thorin down to size. I believe that the riches he sits upon got to his head and now he somewhat corrupt. In this part of the book, we are introduced to a new character, â€Å"Bolg of the North†. According to the book, Bolg is the son of Azog. This is very in teresting because earlier in the book we learned Azog was the goblin who killed Thorin’s grandfather, Thror.This reminds me of the short story we read earlier in the year, The Interlopers, and how the hostility remained between the generations of family. This explanation of the battle given on the account of Bilbo really made me realize the degree of severity in which it occurred. If this was worse than Bilbo’s experience of being chased up a tree by wolves and then having it slowly burnt down with him stuck up there, then this battle must have been pretty bad. I would have to say it was by far Bilbo’s nightmare occurring in reality. â€Å"When Bilbo came to himself, he was literally by himself† (Tolkien 261) There indeed lay Thorin Oakenshield, wounded with many wounds, and his rent armour and notched ace were cast upon the floor. He looked up as Bilbo came beside him. â€Å"Farewell, good theif,† he said. I go now to the halls of waiting to sit b eside my fathers, until the world is renewed. Since I leave now all gold and silver, and go where it is of little worth, I wish to part in friendship with you, and I would take back my words and deeds at the Gate. † (Tolkien 262) â€Å"So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their ending! † said Bilbo, and he turned his back on his adventure.The Tookish part was getting very tired, and the Baggins was daily getting stronger. â€Å"I wish now only to be in my own armchair! † he said† (Tolkien 268) This statement, which opens up the 18th chapter, highlights the life of solitude Bilbo longed for the whole time he was away from his ascetic life. Tolkien shows how he was forced to cope by himself with no one there for him as they were either dead or in hiding. I felt a lot of sympathy here for Bilbo because he was always there to lend a hand to everyone else but in this instance, no one was there for him.Thrown in a much different situation, Thorin acts completely different towards Bilbo. Even though I disliked Thorin a lot since the beginning of the book, I looked at his character with a lot more respect after he parted by making amends with everyone – especially Bilbo. Bilbo definitely deserved an apology and I revere Thorin for delivering it. I noticed that as time went on in the book, Bilbo kept longing for his hobbit hole. Since his Tookish blood that has longed for adventure is now satisfied, he needs time to recover from everything he has seen and experienced.Now fueled and fired by the drive to get home, nothing is going to stop Bilbo. He is now a much stronger, wiser, and keen hobbit. â€Å"The dragon is withered, his bones are now crumbled; His armour is shivered, His splendor is humbled! Though sword shall be rusted, And throne and crown perish With strength that men trusted And wealth that they cherish, Here grass is still growing, And leaves are yet swinging, The white water flowing, And elves are yet singing C ome! Tra-la-la-lally! Come back to the valley! † (Tolkien 269) â€Å"Bless Me! What’s going on? He cried.There was a great commotion and people of all sorts, respectable and unrespectable, were thick round the door, and many were going in and out – not even wiping their feet on the mat, as Bilbo noticed with annoyance. † (Tolkien 274) â€Å"Thank goodness! † said Bilbo laughing, and handed him the tobacco-jar. † (Tolkien 276) This excerpt, the elves being the speakers behind it, recite these lines in song. This quote shows how the slaying of the dragon and triumph over the goblins and Wargs not only positively affected Bilbo and the dwarves, but life in all of the lands. Because of their brave actions, everyone can now live much more peacefully.In this quote, Bilbo finally returns home. He’s been ‘round the world and back – literally – only to find his belongings are being auctioned off to strangers. If I was in Bilb o’s situation I would have probably gone berserk and thrown everyone out, one by one. I couldn’t even have imagined such a thing happening to Bilbo. If there was one thing I can see Bilbo caring about is his good ‘ol pipe and tobacco. These two items are the perfect combination to calm down and relax such a humble hobbit like Bilbo. I happy that at least his pride wasn’t stripped from him at his homecoming. Bilbo has returned at last.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Globalization & Development of economies Essay

Globalization has been perceived as a beneficial factor in the development of economies, technological advancements as well as sociological and political development. However, not everyone gains from these benefits. Instead, other nations particularly the developing states are subjected to the dangerous effects of globalization. The truth about globalization is while the benefits may be enjoyed by a few individual states, the negative impacts of globalization are felt by all the nations in the world. Globalization and the associated changes in the social work organization has led to a creation of economic systems where various corporations are increasingly moving around the world to find the cheapest labor possible. A good example is out the trend of outsourcing, which is quite common in the modern world of business. Cheap labor in this context is reproduced through political, social, technological and economic means which allows corporations to pay extremely low wages to the workers. Globalization has led to a number of technological innovations and technology has played a pivotal role in the reshaping of the social organization of work. The introduction of computers and information technologies has greatly changed the work setting. For instance, the shift from demands for physical work to mental, intellective operations and information handling has substituted the skills of all collar workers. This has reshaped the social organization of work. The overall effect of such changes is the reduction of employment and the eventual reduction in the wage levels among the workers performing physical work. The social organization changes of capitalism have intensified the effect of globalization and affected how employment and labor relationship is regulated. This has mainly been seen through the intensification of acquisition and cross-border mergers where companies value the importance of mergers and acquisitions in order to increase the strength of business. There has also been a pronounced trend of the global corporations of transforming themselves into organizers and coordinators of activities performed by suppliers, contractors and sub-contractors. This has had a significant effect to the regulation of employment and labor relationship leading to the production of cheap labor. Through globalization, employers can easily subcontract and outsource cheap labor from different states which further allows global corporate to externalize and reduce the costs that are incurred from employing directly. Outsourcing of labor makes the employers to pay low wages since they can choose to employ from states where cheap labor is readily available. The political instability, poor living standards and poorly developed economies in developing states have all contributed to the reproduction of cheap labor and global corporations are taking advantage of this. In order to avoid further tearing of the social fabric caused by globalization, consumers and /or producers of cheap labor should devise machineries to provide salient working conditions with improved wage levels. This can be achieved by setting the international wage minimums that will prevent the overexploitation of workers from the developing countries. All workers with similar qualifications should earn on the basis of a unified wage rate. The increased acquisition and merging of companies can be beneficial as it increases the strength of business in a synergistic manner. However, agreements should first be made to integrate the social values of each company and respect the rights of employees of each of the merged companies. Through this, the benefits of globalization can be reaped by both the developing and the developed states or the producers and consumers of labor. Reference: Amin, M. (2009). The effect of globalization, labor fexibilization and national industrial relations systems on human resource management. International Business Research. 2(4), 36-45. http://www. ccsenet. org/journal/index. php/ibr/article/viewFile/3910/3434