A play Dennis Potter Essay

Blue remembered hills is a play Dennis Potter. The title is taken from the poem ‘Shropshire lad’ by A. E Houseman. It challenges the perception that childhood is innocent and that all children are pure and ‘nice’. One of the ways he does this is by using adults to play children so the unrealisticness of the play forces adults to focus on the meaning of everything going on in the play. The main meaning of the play is focused around the mindless cruelty of war and how this affects children living through it. The style of the play is flared narration. The play was originally a television play for the BBC in 1979. it was set in rural west country. For our play we are using bright lights to show that we are outside. We are also going to have some stones and sticks on the floor to play with to help us show the kid’s restlessness and constant movement. Could kick them etc. the setting is rural and in 1943 during the 2nd world war, this has affected the children a lot. There is a lot of racist speak about the ‘Ities’ and the ‘Japs’. Then there are the games, also war related. Most of the games revolve around guns and violence. Lastly there is a lot of bragging that the boys do about what they are going to do in the army. In this essay I am also going to refer to ‘my mother said I never should’ by charlotte Keatley and ‘gum and goo’ by Howard Brenton. Charlotte Keatley was a feminist writer. My mother said I never should was first performed in 1087. In 1987 there were stronger roles for women and more active feminist movements in society. The play represents the plight of women and how women were treated in society, both by men and each other. The scene where the women are talking about menstrual cramps or the ‘curse’ as they call it contrasts directly yet is similar to when the boys are talking about the war in blue remembered hills. Both plays show children discussing ‘taboo’ subjects in an open and careless way. Howard Brenton play ‘gum and goo’ was first performed in 1969. Adults didn’t understand learning difficulty’s as well as they do now, in 1006. Ignorance leads to prejudice and eventually tragedy in gum and goo. This play is about an autistic girl who invents two friends, ‘gum and goo’, this character links directly to Raymond in blue remembered hills who has learning difficulties, maybe similar, but less severe to Michelle’s autism. . All three plays have adults playing children. This creates an objective distance so the unreality of the play is so obvious it doesn’t allow the audience to get absorbed into the play. This was the audience is forced to concentrate on the issues and the challenged perceptions of childhood.

Case History on Best Buy

Best Buy, Inc. Case Study: Case History Clayton Bender, Justin Swanson, Kaitlyn Krause, Michelle Chambers, Elmon Tanielian Company Background: Best Buy Co. , Inc. operates as a multinational retailer of consumer electronics within the services industry. Founded in 1966 under the name Sound of Music, Inc. , Best Buy underwent a name change in 1988. It was founded by Mr. Richard M. Schulze and is headquartered in Richfield, Minnesota. Best Buy operates under a Board of Directors but is a publicly traded company owned by stockholders.The company operates retail stores and call centers and conducts online retail operations under a range of brand names such as Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile, The CarPhone Warehouse, Five Star, Future Shop, Geek Squad, Magnolia Audio Video, Pacific Sales and The Phone House. Best Buy is the 11th largest online retailer worldwide and ranks #468 on the Forbes Global 2000 (Global 2000 Leading Companies, 2012). The mission of Best Buy, though not directly outlined a s such, can be summed up by a quote from the CEO. Our formula is simple: we’re a growth company focused on better solving the unmet needs of our customers—and we rely on our employees to solve those puzzles. Thanks for stopping† (About. com). Best Buy’s vision is, â€Å"To make a meaningful and lasting impact on the quality of life in the countries and communities we serve. † Best Buy has four primary values that govern decision-making processes; unleash the power of our people, learn from challenges and change, show respect, humility and integrity, and have fun while being the best (Code of Business Ethics, 2013).Best Buy’s Market Philosophy: Best Buy operates in all 50 states, districts and territories within the United States. Various brand names under the Best Buy Inc. umbrella exist throughout the geographic area including Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile, Geek Squad, Magnolia Audio Video and Pacific Sales (Best Buy 10k Report, 2012). In the US alone, Best Buy reaches nearly 1 billion consumers each year in stores, on BestBuy. com and on m. BestBuy. com or the mobile shopping website. Out of the $165 billion per year spent on electronics in the U. S. , more than 6% of that is at Best Buy —ahead of Wal-Mart Stores (12%), Amazon. com (5%), Costco (3. 5), and Target (2. 5%) (On Best Buy Media Network, 2011). Within the domestic market, store development is aimed at multi-channel retail points of presence that focus on a given local environment, while simultaneously decreasing overall store square footage. To do this, the company anticipates closing approximately 50 large format U. S. Best Buy branded stores in fiscal year 2013 to explore other options, as well as downsizing to appeal to increasingly popular online shopping trends.They have also decided to close all Best Buy branded stores in the UK, Turkey, and China. They instead chose to focus their attention on their Five Star branded stores in China, and their Car Phone Warehouse, and Phone House stores in Europe. Best Buy’s international market is comprised of operations in Canada (Best  Buy, Best  Buy Mobile, Cell Shop, Connect Pro, Future Shop and Geek Squad), Europe (The CarPhone Warehouse, The Phone House and Geek Squad), China (Five Star), and Mexico (Best Buy and Geek Squad) (Best Buy 10k Report, 2012).These varied brands allow the company to include several lines of consumer retail products such as mobile phone products, entertainment products, appliances and related services that are tailored to appeal to each niche market. In 2012, international markets generated 26% of Best Buy’s revenue (Best Buy 10k Report, 2012). In the Canadian market, Best Buy is the fastest-growing specialty retailer and â€Å"e-tailer† of consumer electronics, PCs, and entertainment software.Best Buy focuses on children and communities, attempting to â€Å"help youth develop their skill set, discover their talents, and sustain a las ting interest in education† (About Us, 2013). Best Buy has decided to close their large-format Best Buy branded stores in China, Turkey, and the United Kingdom in order to reach areas that offer the best growth opportunity to particular locations (Best Buy 10k Report, 2012). Competitive Environment: Best Buy’s competitors range between online retailers (Amazon), big box retailers (Target and Wal-Mart), club stores (Sam’s Club and Costco), pecialty electronic retailers (Apple), and home improvement stores (Home Depot and Lowes). Some Best Buy rivals compete purely on price, while others compete on experience. Best Buy believes that online retailers will have their price advantage reduced as state governments around the country re-evaluate sales tax laws that allow some online competitors to offer lower prices. Additionally to combat price wars Best Buy also has price matching policies for other brick and mortar retailers and during this last holiday shopping seaso n even matched some online retailers’ prices (Best Buy to Match Online Prices, 2012).With the elimination of Best Buy’s biggest rival, Circuit City, they are left to focus on competitors such as Amazon, Wal-Mart, and Home Depot. None of these stores compete directly with Best Buy in every segment, but each of them offers products that compete directly with Best Buy. As shown in Exhibit 1, while Best Buy does compete with Home Depot and Lowes, the effect of appliances on Best Buy’s sales is quite small, accounting for only 5% of sales in 2011.Because there are no stores which offer a value proposition exactly like Best Buy, it presents a problem when analyzing financial statements of Best Buy’s main competitors (Best Buy 10k Report, 2012). See Exhibits 2-5 for detailed copies of Amazon and Wal-Mart financial statements. Trends- Best Buy competes in the electronics stores and consumer electronics industries. The industry overall is heading into new territor y as online shopping continues to take over the market. Recently, traditional big box stores such as Best Buy have been threatened by an increase in online consumption tendencies.Often, consumers will use stores such as Best Buy as a showroom to test new products, make a purchase decision, but then go home and find a cheaper price online. With many established, online retailers of consumer electronics on the web, retailers must find a new way to attract customers. The various methods of promotional channels such as large and small structured stores, websites, and kiosks, are all ways the company is tailoring to the market they are attempting to reach. Marketing: Products and Services- Best Buy specializes in technological goods and services.This includes home office, consumer electronics, appliances, and entertainment software. Best Buy is an ideally suited ‘one-stop-shop’. Best Buy offers Geek Squad Technical Support to consumers to aid with any difficulties or defects , to ensure customer happiness, and build loyalty. Also offered is a low-price-guarantee, where Best Buy will match the price if you find a lower price on an identical available product at a local retail competitor's store, a local Best Buy retail store or BestBuy. com (Best Buy 10k Report, 2012).As Best Buy is not a manufacturer of unique products, the main differentiating factors would be their low-price-guarantee and the in-home service â€Å"The Geek Squad†, which offers personalized technical support. In addition, there are many products that are exclusive to Best Buy, such as certain televisions, video games, and computer devices. Distribution- Best Buy sells products through both its 1,103 retail locations and their website bestbuy. com. Domestic Distribution- Inside the U. S. , most Best Buy products are shipped directly from the manufacturers to the regional distribution centers.The exceptions to this method are large TV’s and appliances which are shipped from producers to specific satellite warehouses in each major market. In certain cases, where release dates play a large role in a product, the item will go directly from the producer to individual Best Buy stores (Best Buy 10k Report, 2012). Products purchased online are either picked up in store, or shipped directly to consumers via the same regional distribution centers the stores receive their products from. International Distribution-In Europe, Best Buy’s two small cell phone stores have their products shipped from manufacturers to regional distribution centers and then to the stores. Individual stores hold only immediate stock requirements while distribution centers hold additional merchandise. Best Buy stores in Canada and Mexico follow the distribution method used in the U. S. (Best Buy 10k Report, 2012). Promotion- The customer base is primarily centered on high income earners (75,000+), 24-54 aged males who have children (ad example targeting this listed in exhibit 6).B est Buy shoppers are viewed as mobile, technically savvy, advanced digital users, who are highly engaged in learning about technology as well as encourage their children to learn about technology, too (On Best Buy Media Network, 2011) (promotion example targeting this listed in exhibit 7). Including selling, general and administrative expenses, promotional costs were $995,000,000 in fiscal year 2012, $862,000,000 in 2011, and $709,000,000 in 2010 (Best Buy 10k Report, 2012).Best Buy has traditionally focused on media involving print, television, large-scale events, and is now shifting gears more towards digital advertising for promotional efforts due to consumer changes in shopping habits. Best Buy spends most of the promotional budget during the holiday season in response to high sales during Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas (Best Buy 10k Report, 2012). A detailed list of quarterly expenses can be found in exhibit 8. One of the largest and most expensive prom otional efforts undertaken by Best Buy is the commercial segments aired during the Super Bowl.Best Buy has utilized this tactic for the past three years. In 2011, the commercial featured the celebrities Justin Bieber and Ozzy Osbourne. In 2012, it featured mobile innovations such as Instagram and the popular game, Angry Birds. For this upcoming Super Bowl, Best Buy will feature the comedian Amy Poehler. These are significant decisions considering this year’s thirty-second ad placement cost $4 million and is projected to reach over 100 million viewers (The Associated Press, 2013). Leadership:Best Buy’s Board of Directors, elected by the shareholders, is responsible for overseeing the business and affairs in order to manage the long-term interests of the company (Best Buy, Inc. , 2013). The Board of Directors is in charge of selecting and evaluating the performance of senior executives. There are four distinct committees structured within the Board: Audit Committee, Comp ensation and Human Resources Committee, Finance and Investment Policy Committee, and Nominating, Corporate Governance, and Public Policy Committee.A detailed visual of the organizational structure can be viewed in exhibit 9. Organizational Culture: Traditionally, Best Buy has been known for enforcing strict policies and encouraging employees to work overtime. In 2003, however, the corporate culture was radically changed to a system designed by two of the company’s own human resource department employees, Cali Ressler and Jody Thompson (Brandon, 2007). This system, known as ROWE or the results-only-work-environment, allows personnel to come and go as they please.Many corporate employees have no official office or work schedule. Similar systems have become popular in the advanced technical industry, including companies such as IBM, but no such corporate culture existed in a large retail company before Best Buy. The system is working to meet their goals, as employee turnover dec reased drastically after implementation. However, recently, employee satisfaction has suffered as a result of a decrease in company profitability (Conlin, 2006). Stakeholders:The primary stakeholders are the stockholders; the individuals that have an active interest in the company’s successes and failures because their personal investments are directly impacted. Additional stakeholders include employees (who rely on the company to stay in business and guarantee their employment), consumers (who depend on the products and services of the company), and the surrounding community which Best Buy is committed to serving in their values. Currently, a general concern of stakeholders is the increasingly competitive nature of the of the electronic retail market.With e-retail and internet stores becoming more significant players in the market place, Best Buy seems to have become a place of research and testing by the consumer, rather than actual purchasing. Stakeholders are calling for innovative and differentiating factors to emerge for Best Buy to remain a key player in the consumer electronic market. In addition, as typical of most companies, the stakeholders of Best Buy want increased sales and profit margins, to hopefully lead to increased stock prices as well. Financials: Balance Sheet-Best Buy currently has approximately $16 Billion in assets, $12 Billion in liabilities, and $3 Billion in stockholder equity. Over the past three years, total assets and stockholder equity have been decreasing while total liabilities have been increasing. (Best Buy Balance Sheet) A detailed balance sheet can be found in exhibit 10. Income Statements- Best Buy had a loss in net income during FY 2012 of $1. 2 billion compared to net earnings of $1. 3 billion in 2011. A detailed balance sheet can be found in exhibit 11. Objectives ; Performance Strategy:Best Buy competes in a competitive retail industry constantly affected by the current state of the economy and consumer confiden ce. Such an industry presents difficulty in predicting consumer behaviors and corresponding sales. These tough times have forced Best Buy to begin transforming the company and hone in on strategies they believe will â€Å"offer the best opportunities to improve returns† (Best Buy 10k Report, 2012). Best Buy has committed to focusing on four main initiatives all revolving around that transformation and improving financial performance. Multi-year Cost Reductions-Best Buy aims to lower the cost structure of various areas of their business through improvements in efficiency as well as current investments designed to provide long term earnings benefits. These changes will include closing 50 of their large, brick-and-mortar stores within fiscal year 2013. In addition they aim to decrease the costs of goods sold as well as reduction in corporate and support structures (Best Buy 10k Report, 2012). U. S. Store Format Improvements- Best Buy will be revising their store formats in order to â€Å"increase points of presence, while decreasing overall square footage†.These changes will occur through increasing the number of their Best Buy Mobile stand-alone stores, decreasing their large-format stores, and to remodel key market Best Buy stores into their smaller, leaner, â€Å"Connected Stores (Best Buy 10k Report, 2012). Growth Initiatives- Best Buy will execute growth initiatives in e-commerce, connections, services, and China. They will approach growth in e-commerce with â€Å"more competitive online pricing, broader use of free shipping, the expansion of our online assortment, and further development of Best Buy Marketplace†.There will be a focus on increasing all mobile connection expertise, all product services, and store locations in China. Improved Customer Experience- Best Buy believes that they differentiate themselves from competitors through careful and persistent attention to the experiences their customers have. Through programs such as t heir â€Å"Perfect Match Promise† which provides customers with a 30 day period of full technical support, hassle-free returns, and competitor price matching as well as their Reward Zone loyalty programs, they desire to provide their customers with an incomparable experience as they shop at Best Buy.Finally, Best Buy aims to increase their enhanced training for employees in order to meet these customer service goals (Best Buy 10k Report, 2012). Works Cited Global 2000 Leading Companies. (2012, April). Retrieved from Forbes: http://www. forbes. com/companies/best-buy/ Best Buy Balance Sheet. (n. d. ). Retrieved from Yahoo Finance: http://finance. yahoo. com/q/bs? s=BBY+Balance+Sheet;annual Best Buy Income Statement. (n. d. ). Retrieved from Yahoo Finance: http://finance. yahoo. com/q/is? s=BBY+Income+Statement;annual Best Buy, Inc. (2011, January 23).On Best Buy Media Network. Retrieved from Best Buy Media Kit: http://www. bestbuymediakit. com/assets/files/Media_Kit_Presentati on. pdf Best Buy, Inc. (2012). Best Buy 10k Report. Richfield: Best Buy. Best Buy, Inc. (2013, January 22). About Us. Retrieved from Best Buy Canada: http://www. bestbuy. ca/en-CA/about-best-buy-canada. aspx? path=9825360f7559258208ae2438cb28c580en99 Best Buy, Inc. (2013, January 22). Code of Business Ethics. Retrieved from Ethics Point: https://secure. ethicspoint. com/domain/media/en/gui/32565/code. html? 3 Brandon, J. (2007, April 4).Rethinking the Time Clock. Retrieved from CNN Money: http://money. cnn. com/magazines/business2/business2_archive/2007/03/01/8401022/index. htm Conlin, M. (2006, December 10). Smashing the Clock. Retrieved from Bloomberg Businessweek Magazine: http://www. businessweek. com/stories/2006-12-10/smashing-the-clock Kerrigan, H. (2012, April). Results-Only Work Environment Goes Public Sector. Retrieved from Governing: http://www. governing. com/topics/public-workforce/gov-results-only-work-environment-goes-public-sector. html The Associated Press. (2013, J anuary 22).Best Buy Super Bowl branding spot will focus on humor, enlists Amy Poehler. The Washington Post, p. 1. Zimmerman, A. (2012, 10 12). Best Buy to Match Online Prices. Wall Street Journal. Exhibit 1: Best Buy’s Domestic Sales Allocation (Best Buy 10k Report, 2012) Exhibit 2: AMZN Income Statement Exhibit 3: AMZN Balance Sheet Exhibit 4: WMT Income Statement Exhibit 5: WMT Balance Sheet Exhibit 6: Promotional Ad Example Promotional Ad Source Exhibit 7: Promotion Example-Scholarship Program Promotion Example-Scholarship Program Source Exhibit 8: US Promotional Focuses Broken Down in Quarters On Best Buy Media Network, 2011) Exhibit 9: Organizational Chart Exhibit 10: BBY Balance Sheet Exhibit 11: BBY Income Statement Here are my thoughts†¦ The purpose of this Case History is to provide data for the next document, the Case Analysis. You should examine your Case History to ensure that it contains sufficient data for a complete Strategic Analysis—an Environment Analysis and a Company Analysis. For example, do you have sufficient data to conduct a PEST Analysis? Do you have sufficient data for conducting a complete Competitive Forces Analysis?On page 5, you do not provide data under the heading of â€Å"Leadership†. On a more comprehensive scale, does the Case History tell the story of Best Buy, or is the Case History a collection of different pieces of data? Does the sequence of the data facilitate a story? From the Heading â€Å"Balance Sheet Analysis† to the end of the document’s text, you seem to be presenting an analysis. The purpose of the Case History, though, is to present data. The analysis should be saved for the next document, the Case Analysis. Midnight- Sunday, February 3rd Other points to Add: 5 Forces Model Highlights: Risk of Entry by competitors- * Low everyone is in that wants to be * Intensity of Rivalry * High * Bargaining power of buyers * High price and experience dictate where we go * Bargaining power of suppliers * Low buyers took control * Closeness of substitutes * No idea what a substitute would be †¦ * Power of complement providers * †¦ PEST Analysis: * Political * * Economic * disposable income levels affect the amount people want to spend on these goods * Social * Trending products * Technological * whoever continues to provide/produce the newest gadgets

Development of the American Experiences

Current society of America dates back to past development experiences. The American nationalities comprise of distinct tribes, states and ethnic groups who survived from diverse political, cultural and social backgrounds. New societies, culture and people mainly originate from migration in search for new opportunities and lives. American society in the United States traces back their origin to more than one migration experiences. Such emigrational experiences labeled America as nation of immigrations.Change is inevitable, development experiences have been influenced by changes in the society where immigrants sought for new destinations. Change occurred due to impact of immigrant culture to the natives. The change results from pursuit of freedom and acceptance in the American society. The article seeks to evaluate the development experiences in the American Society by discussing thinker Jr. Martin Luther King commentary on â€Å"Letter from Birmingham Jail† The paper presents a new interpretation of American history by focusing on Jr.Martin Luther King, political thought as a commentary on principles and problems of free government. In addition, some respects on modification of the principles as advanced in the declaration of independence and embodied in the constitution are discussed in this paper. The pursuit of Negro towards freedom and justice is discussed based on Jr. Martin Luther King answers to criticisms of his activities. Martin Luther King, Jr. , â€Å"Letter from Birmingham Jail† While Jr. Martin Luther King was confined in the Birmingham city jail, he came across statement calling his activities â€Å"unwise and untimely.† He sought to answer criticisms of his work and ideas since the men who criticized him were of genuine good will with sincere criticisms. He served as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization that was established in every southern state with Atlanta, Georgia being headquarter. The organization had several affiliates who shared staff, educational and financial resources. The affiliates in Birmingham called the organization to engage in a nonviolent direct action program if such sharing deemed necessary. These lead to Jr. Martin Luther King confined in Birmingham city jail because of injustices.The rise of injustices compelled Jr. Luther to fight for freedom beyond his home town by responding to the Macedonian call for aid. He was aware of the interrelationship of all communities and states, this lead to his concern about the injustices in Birmingham which threatened justice all over the state (Luther 1). The Negroes faced multifaceted problems from political, social and economic injustices. They faced segregation, racial discrimination, brutality, bloodshed and poverty. Such problems gave rise to freedom fighters in pursuit to achieve social freedom and justices.The Negro leaders were caught in an unavoidable network of mutuality which was tied to a single element of destiny. Importantly, what affects one directly affects all indirectly. He explored the demonstrations which took place in Birmingham, the city’s power structure of white left the Negro community with no alternative but to use demonstration to raise the issues which they faced. The nonviolent campaign comprised four basic steps namely: collection of the facts to determine existence of injustices, negotiation, self purification and direct action. All these steps were followed by black in Birmingham with aim of gaining justice.Racial injustices were dominant in the community; Birmingham was tremendously segregated city in the United States with brutal experiences. They experienced unjust treatment in the courts, high proportion of unsolved bombings of their homes and churches in Birmingham than in any other cities. The Negro leaders sought to negotiate with the white leaders of the city who consistently refused to engage in negotiation and understanding (Luther 1). After several failures of negotiations, Negro leaders got opportunity to talk with leaders of Birmingham's economic community.Certain promises were made during negotiation, which saw merchants removed stores which were racialism sign. Such promises led to suspension of demonstration by Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth and other leaders of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights. Negroes become victims of broken promises where injustices were briefly removed, returned and others remained. Shadow of disappointment remained upon the Negro leadership who sought for direct action with aim of presenting their cases to local and national community. Self purification was used, nonviolent workshops were introduced.Direct action was scheduled for the Easter season since it was main shopping period of the year. The by-product of direct action was a strong economic-withdrawal which brought pressure on merchants for a change to occur. Direct action plan was postponed until mayoral election wa s over and later till the run off with aim of demonstrations not to cloud the issue at hand. The defeat of Commissioner of Public Safety, Eugene â€Å"Bull† Connor resulted to more postponement of direct actions. The call of negotiation was indeed a purpose of direct action.Nonviolent direct action was used to create crisis and foster tension because community consistently refused to negotiate. The force was used to confront and dramatized the issue which could no longer be ignored. Luther is strongly opposed to violent tension, but he asserts that there is a constructive nonviolent tension which is effective for growth. It was very necessary to create a tension in the mind of individuals to enable them rise from the bondage of myths and half truths to the free realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal.This suggests that the kind of tension is created in society to help individuals rise from dark depths of prejudice and racism to the greater heights of understanding and sense of belonging. The purpose of direct action was to create the crisis situation which opened door for negotiation (Luther 2). Despite Mr. Boutwell being a gentleman than Mr. Connor, they are both segregationists, who were interested in maintenance of status. One is forced to understand the Negro leadership legitimate and unavoidable impatience of breaking laws. Luther urged people to obey Supreme Court's decision of 1954 which outlawed segregation in the public schools.However, one can ask why to break some laws while obeying others? Luther suggested that there are two types of laws: just and unjust. One has a legal and moral responsibility to obey just laws and to disobey unjust law. Just law is a man made code that mutually respects the moral law and God natural law while an unjust law is a coded unharmonious moral rule. Just law uplifts personality while unjust law degrades personality. Segregation is unjust since it distorts the soul and damages the personality. Segregat or feels superior while the segregated are viewed as inferiors.Segregation is politically, economically, sociologically and morally wrong and sinful. Throughout the nation of Alabama, all sorts of segregation were used not to vote despite being majority in the population. Another form of segregation was that citizens were denied a privilege to have peaceful assembly and protest. Luther asserts that one who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly and willingly to accept the penalty (Luther 4). From Luther’s point of view, Negro's great stumbling block towards achievement of freedom is not white citizens but the white moderates.The white moderates are highly devoted to order rather than to justice. They preferred a negative peace with absence of tension to a positive peace with presence of justice. In addition, they agreed on Negro’s pursuit for justice and freedom but not methods of direct action. They blocked social progress and revolution. Federal courts affi rms that it is very wrong to advocate an individual to cease from efforts that enable one to gain basic constitutional rights because the pursuit may precipitate violence. Society must be involved in protecting the robbed and punishing the robber.It was hoped that the white moderates would reject the myth of timing concern in relation to struggle for freedom (Luther 5). It is apparent that Luther stood in middle of two opposing forces in the Negro community. One force was complacency, made up oppressed and drained Negroes who have adjusted to segregation. The other force comprised few middle-class Negroes who had academic and economic security. The forces were characterized by bitterness and hatred. Despite such forces, the Negro church way of nonviolence became an integral part of the struggle for freedom.The yearning for freedom eventually manifested itself among American Negroes which gave birth to freedom. With the conjunction of Africans, Asian, South Americans and the Caribbea n, the United States Negro moved to great urgency towards racial justice (Luther 6). However, some of white individuals from South grasped the meaning of social revolution and they committed themselves towards it. Despite their low quantity, their high quality outweighed quantity. Some such as Ralph McGill, Lillian Smith, Harry Golden, James McBride Dabbs and Ann Braden have languished in jails for their pursuit of Negro social freedom (Luther 7).Conclusion From the evidence presented in the paper, it is concluded that developments of American experiences dates back to pursuit of political, social and economic freedom. Despite confinement of Jr. Martin Luther King in Birmingham jail, he answered all criticisms of his activities. Injustices such as segregation, brutality and racism compelled Luther to fight for freedom. Nonviolence demonstration which comprised of negotiation, self purification and direct action were used to raise issues of injustices.Direct action involved tension w hich helped society to wake up from racism to great heights of brotherhood. Laws are divided into two, just law which lifts up personality and unjust law which degrades personality. were segregated not to vote and privilege of peaceful assembly and protests were denied. The stumbling block of Negroes achievement of freedom was influenced by white moderates. Luther eventually won through the help of Negro church for struggle despite standing in the middle of Negro community opposition forces. Some whit individuals embraced social revolution though they languished in jails.Civil rights are not gained without determined legal and nonviolent pressure. It is known that through painful experience that freedom is not voluntarily given by the oppressor but it must be demanded by oppressed as the statement â€Å"Justice too long delayed is justice denied.† suggests. Time is neutral variable which can either be used destructively or constructively.

Learning through touch - why children who are deafblind or Essay

Learning through touch - why children who are deafblind or multi-sensory impaired (MSI) are more reliant on touch or their tactile senses to experience the world - Essay Example 2000; Bradley-Johnson et al., 2004; Chen, 1995 & 1999; Chen et al., 2000; Goold & Hummerll, 1993; McLinden & McCall, 2002; Miller & Ockelford, 2005; RNIB, 2011; SENSE, 2011). In many instances children who are deafblind or multi-sensory impaired (MSI) may also have additional physical and health problems that limit their ability to move about in the world as freely and independently as possible. The disability of deafblindness or multi-sensory impairment (MSI) presents unique challenges to teachers who must make sure that the person who has varying degrees of visual and hearing impairment, possibly combined with learning and physical disabilities, has access to the world beyond the limited reach of his or her eyes and ears. They must try to include them in learning and in experiencing the physical environments that surround them. If they do not, the child will not have the opportunity to develop (Department of Education, 2011; Huebner et al., 1997; Joffee & Rikhye, 1997; McInnes, 1999; McInnes & Treffry, 2001). In this assignment, I aim to discuss the reasons why children who are deafblind or multi-sensory impaired (MSI) are more reliant on touch or their tactile senses to experience the world. This assignment is divided into the following sections. Firstly, I have attempted to define the function of touch in development of a deafblind or multi-sensory impairment (MSI) child. Secondly, I have outlined the abilities of one particular pupil as I observed him over the period of two weeks in order to gain an insight into his learning. I have provided information about the child’s special educational needs based on references to information in the school class files, archived materials (medical reports) and my own observations. Thirdly, I have tried to point out the various challenges that were presented to me during the course of my observations. Finally, I will consider how to develop his early tactile skills. My role in relation to this project was chiefly

Illegal Immigration - For illegal immigration for America Research Paper

Illegal Immigration - For illegal immigration for America - Research Paper Example It also includes the existing laws being implemented to combat this long-term issue that has conquered America by storm. It will also document the reasons as to why the US immigration policies failed as evidenced by the increasing number of illegal immigrants from all over the world. The role of government is given an emphasis to come- up with domestic policies to ensure that security and anti-terrorism concerns of the country are dealt with by law. Lastly, it will also provide the worldwide effect of immigration in the US and the participation of the other nations on how to prevent their citizens from entering the US without legal documentation. Keywords: illegal immigration, immigration laws, amnesty, legalization, illegal immigrants. ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN AMERICA Since time immemorial America has been considered the land of â€Å"milk and honey† for millions of people from all across the world. Most of the citizens from poor countries aim to reach America as their end dest ination thinking that this is the place where there is more than enough for everything. It has been perceived as the land of abundance, wealth and endless opportunities. The ultimate goal of the illegal immigrants is to enter US and land a job which will earn them a substantial income to support their families in their country of origin. However, at present time, we all know that America has been experiencing economic recession and even its countrymen were not spared of this crisis, as many became unemployed, homeless and suffered financial distress. Dubbed as the â€Å"nation of nations†, Lemay (2009, p. xv) has reported that the United States has absorbed immigrants from 170 countries across the globe. It has been the home of almost 70 million legal immigrants and experienced the influx of an estimated 11 million of illegal immigrants. The unauthorized flow of illegal immigrants entering the America is caused by inefficiencies of the immigration system of the US government to enact stricter laws and policies to address the current problems. History Ngai (2007, p.2) has reported that as early as 1920’s, the unauthorized entry has become the most common form of illegal immigration which has been condemned by both the state and the society. These unauthorized immigrants may either be welcome or unwelcomed by the US. They became in demand by the economic sector as their labor is cheap and replaceable. In the middle decades of the 20th century, they were only billeted in the western and southwestern agriculture. But at present, illegal immigrants have evolved and can be found in almost every region in the United States. Based on the records, the United States documented the number of immigrants who earned the status of authorized immigrants. â€Å"An approximate of 70 million of them forms part of the legal immigrants, but as history would tell us, the flow of unauthorized entrants likewise increased. According to LeMay (2007 p.1), the heavy traffi c of these illegal immigrants commenced after 1970, and the massive volume was recorded at present time. Today, there is an estimate of 10.5 to 11 million illegal immigrants living in the US. The Evolution of US Immigration Laws In the study made by Kenney (2009, pp. 21-23), she highlighted the significant immigration laws: The Immigration and International Act of 1965 was the law which set the limit on the immigrants coming from the Western Hemisphere, including Mexico. It set a limit of 20,000

Self-Assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Self-Assessment - Essay Example spects†, seem at odds; they actually show how I much I like to bring a strong, organized mind to leadership roles, that allow me to work with big ideas and other people. I couldn’t have asked for a better fit for my chosen profession, as I will be working indoors, but closely with others. My most important characteristic is social; as a parole officer my job description requires me to work with people. Perform liaison activities with criminal justice agencies, social service agencies, and other public and private entities. Then there are my â€Å"Investigative skills†, or problem-solving techniques. â€Å"Enterprising skills†, will be useful when interviewing and/or counseling offender’s. â€Å"Conventional skills†, clerically, I can type 45 words per minute, I have no problem working closely with others or alone; working protracted or irregular hours, are not a problem for me, nor is traveling by car, van, bus or airplane. In my self assessment I have scored highly in the areas of communication, math, leadership and physical performance, while being below average in artistic and mechanical abilities. I feel that this fits in very well with my chosen profession of parole officer. Field officers need to be able to communicate very well with their paroles as well as their supervisors; so this will be an important ability. While leadership, will provide me with access to advancement on my chosen career path. As a last resort a parole officer might have to deal with physical violence, so my high physical score will enable me to better protect myself, as well as others that may be

Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 6

Personal Statement Example way of life is found to be intriguing and offers vast opportunities for a career path with potentials for personal and professional growth on a more holistic and multidisciplinary perspective. Natural science is more than a good choice. It is a dynamic and contemporarily relevant discipline that pervades various facets of human life. It is a broad based science education and will provide me with the theoretical foundation to be an instrumental contributor as a competent and qualified worker for future employers. I look forward to being a proactive citizen of the human race that is committed to protect, preserve and ensure sustainability of the natural resources of the environment. As one of my research findings revealed, natural science provides an integrated, quantitative, and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental systems. As I have been made aware, there are diverse disciplines within the Natural Science course that interested students can specialize in. I am actually interested in all disciplines as they are all interconnected and could provide the more holistic and comprehensive development of knowledge and abilities, if taken in its entirety. As a potential candidate for the position in future organizations that have core competencies and requirements for graduates from the Natural Science course, I have envisioned to begin as an environmental technician - gaining hands on field experience, leading to field supervisor or site foreman. I plan to utilize my quantitative and analytical abilities gained as an auditor; my communication and management skills gained as an accountant; and interpersonal skills gained as a floor coverer. Majoring in Bachelor of Science in Natural Science by August, 2011 would enable me to obtain a solid foundation and reinforced understanding of the diverse principles and potential relevant applications of environmental science in our contemporary times and in addressing environmental problems in the future. The

Rivalry between the Two Online Shopping Companies Assignment - 1

Rivalry between the Two Online Shopping Companies - Assignment Example The researcher states that China has become one of the most attractive (in terms of profitability) international markets for making FDIs, and hence, many foreign companies have already entered in this market and other new entrants are trying to enter. However, the domestic Chinese companies have realised market potential considering the performances of the foreign companies in China. Online trading in China has come a long way. The start of China’s online or E-tailing revolution was slow because of several key issues. The political, Legal and social structure in China had many internet based companies question the profitability of setting up e-business in China. Lack of proper infrastructure also delayed the entrance of e-business in China. China lacked technological and financial backing to enter the e-business market. The main reason which made companies avoid China for their e-business was the uncertainty about the policies that the Chinese government will devise to attract foreign industries. China had an extremely low internet penetration. A very selective elite percentage of Chinese population had access to computers and internet. The legal framework regarding the laws and policies governing e-business were not stringent. Buyers often after bidding something online would back out on payment. Such casual approach discouraged many e-businesses from entering Chinese market. The buyers were often not provided with the product they had ordered for. These trends had made the buyers in China very sceptical about the credibility of online purchase. A survey conducted in 2002 by China internet network information centre (CINIC) showed that 13.9 percent of buyers in China did not receive their ordered products.

Neptune Orient Lines Limited (NOL) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Neptune Orient Lines Limited (NOL) - Essay Example 73). Using NOL as a case study, this essay examines the principles behind why organisations have to operate in and be responsible to a number of different external environments. It begins with a general discussion of the management theories behind why and how organisations interact with the environment. It then explores how NOL deals with its external environment before concluding that NOL's business is able to thrive because the company is mindful to respond and be responsible to the external environment. According to the system theory (Bertalanffy 1972, pp. 407-26), a closed system has no interaction with the outside environment, while an open system survives on interacting with the outside world. Clearly, most organisations are open system as they are dependent on their external environment for inputs such as raw materials, human resources and capital. In turn, their outputs are produced for the consumption of the outside world (Bateman & Snell 1996, p. 42). Surely, therefore, an organisation's environment is important to its strategic management (Bateman & Snell 1996, p. 56). Management scholars have come up with different ways to characterise an organisation's environment. For instance, Bateman and Snell (1996, pp. 57-69, 73) distinguishes between the macroenvironment and the competitive environment, while Robbins and Mukerji (1994, pp. ... These are forces that management must take into account when doing strategic planning. The competitive environment is composed of forces that are closer to the organisation with examples including, but not limited to competitors, threat or new entrants, threat of substitutes and customers. In short, macroenvironmental forces are factors that are less controllable than factors in the competitive environment. As for the typology observed by Robbins and Mukerji (1994, pp. 60-66), the general environment refers to everything outside the organisation whereas the specific environment is that part of the environment directly related to the achievement of organisational goals. By way of a clarifying example, the general environment includes factors such as political and economic conditions and the social milieu and the specific environment typically includes supplies, customers, competitors etc. Irregardless of the particular terminology used by different scholars, the received wisdom today is that companies must respond effectively to the environment. Bateman and Snell (1996, pp. 69-73) forcefully argue that companies can devise proactive strategies to change the environment using strategic maneuvering. For instance, companies can change the boundaries of their competitive environment through merging with or acquiring a competitor's company, domain selection and the like. Robbins and Mukerji (1994, pp. 68-69), on the other hand, are not as forceful as Bateman and Snell. They argue that most organisations are powerless to change their environment, but large and powerful organisations can manage the environment in such a way that minimises the constraints imposed unto them by the environment.

Research paper (The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner by Randall Essay

Research paper (The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner by Randall Jarrell, 1945) - Essay Example The message that Jarrell is trying to convey is presented in only five lines, descriptive and abstract five lines. Brief as it is, it evokes a powerful, vivid, and moving message. The tragedy of war and lives lost in battle is depicted, leaving the readers a poignant recollection of the cruelty and obscenity of armed conflict. His concise tribute to the victims of war is achieved through his mastery of paradoxism, metaphor, even hyperbole. Thus, it unfolded various conceptual interpretations of the prose. The opening line speaks of birth. He fell from his mother’s womb not into ordinary human life but into the womb of the State (Wood). This is during the wartime period when men were drafted for military service. A man conceived in the protective nest of his mother’s womb, ironically delivered into the chaotic world of government servitude. A moment of stillness and sleep superseded by terror and anguish. Going into the battle is opening to the possibility of losing his life in the name of his motherland. And to lose his life in the hands of the enemy. The thought of whether such action is his personal choice comes to mind. It appears as if he does not want to go, for the threat of being killed in action is possible (Pericles). Sleep and State accords the commanding words in this line. Sleep is to comfort, and State is authority. The analogy of an innocent life and horrible death of the machine gunner as expressed by Randall Jarrell. From the beginning he is moulded for only one purpose, and all that happens to him is for this public usefulness. He exists only to be a victim (Fein, 1961). The birth, according to Dawson, may be seen as the rebirth of initiation into a mature vision of reality and evil. The time between birth and death is lost. The poem presents a man who seems to have lived in order to die (Ferguson, 1974). It encompasses a single moment in the gunner’s life- his identity, his innocence and when he was robbed of his life

Security Analysis Report of Kellogg (stock ticker K) Research Paper - 1

Security Analysis Report of Kellogg (stock ticker K) - Research Paper Example â€Å"The most common deciding factors used in the market to attempt to anticipate future stock pricing are recent price history and patterns, current price relative to past price levels or other stocks, beliefs about future price movement, and a fourth area that can be described generally as ‘reckless optimism† (Thomsett 1). 2. Discussion of background of the company. Kellogg is a leading producer and distributor of cereals, which was founded in the year 1906. From the year 1906 Kellogg had been expanding mainly by creating its own new brands of cereals, cornflakes, and other cereal related food products. The financial statement from 2006 to 2010 contains 5 years, which require to be inspected to recognize the stock activities in Kellogg. It is listed on the Dow Jones Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange. Kellogg’s had expanded over the years and has a good market share. Its stocks and share prices showed a very positive trend and investors were on a rush t o invest in Kellogg stocks. Due to economic recession of 2007 like other companies kellogs socks also took a stagnat approach. So this paper investigates whether an investigator should invest in Kellogg’s shares by buying, or he should be holding his decision or in fact the investor should be selling Kellogg’s shares in the stock market. ... A stock is considered as best or perfect only when all the dimensions are perfect and project a future growth for its investors. An expanding business has growing and healthy revenue. The stock movements are a projection of a business and past results are no guarantee yet the past stock records of a firm influence its present and future movements to a certain extent. A firm which has high sales does not mean it is earning high profits. High sales do not measure a stock’s performance, whereas the profits of a firm directly affect the stock movements. From the income statement of Kellogg, it is understood that the net sales from the year 2006 to 2008 show an increasing trend while the year 2009 and 2010 point out to a decreasing movement in net sales as compared to the previous year. From 2006 to 2008 there was an increase in net sales by around 18%. While in the year 2009 there was a drastic downfall by around 2%, similarly, the year 2010’s net sales also showed a decrea se by 1.41% A consolidated average from the year 2006 to the year 2010 with respect to the net sales of the firm shows that Kellogg has experienced a growth of 13.66%. Comparing the net earnings of Kellogg there is an increase of 24%. In such a case, Kellogg stocks have to be brought. Comparing the net earnings of the years 2009 and 2010, there is a decrease of 2.9%. The profits of a firm are understood from its payment of dividends. A firm with a strong balance sheet does not have to worry about its debt. The return on equity helps to measure how well a firm is converting its resources into profitable business endeavors for expansion purpose. If the five-year annual revenue growth is more

The effect of acid rain on building materials Essay Example for Free

The effect of acid rain on building materials Essay Due to dissolved carbon dioxide rainwater is naturally acidic in the form of the weak carbonic acid. However gases such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides cause acid rain, which is responsible for the corrosion of buildings and damage to the wildlife. The burning of fossil fuels releases these gases into the atmosphere when the small quantities of sulphur react with the oxygen in the air, forming sulphur dioxide. The aim of this investigation is to investigate the way in which one factor alters the rate of erosion of building materials such as stonework and metals. To conduct this experiment I can use marble chips (calcium carbonate) or magnesium ribbon and in place of sulphuric acid dilute hydrochloric acid will be used. This is because sulphuric acid produces an insoluble salt which prevents any further reaction with the acid. The two possible equations for the experiment are: 1) Mg + 2HCl MgCl + H 2) CaCO? + 2HCl CaCl + CO + H O I have decided to conduct my experiment using magnesium ribbon and so equation 1 will be used. Here is a list of the factors which I could investigate: Volume of acid Concentration of acid. Temperature of reaction Mass/length of magnesium ribbon Particle size (no. of strips of magnesium) The factor which I have decided to investigate is the volume of hydrochloric acid. The range of volumes I have opted to use are 10cmi , 20cmi , 30cmi , 40cmi and 50cmi. The concentration of acid will remain at 2M throughout the investigation and the investigation will be conducted at room temperature. Also 1 strip of magnesium ribbon of mass 0. 05g will be used throughout the investigation. For each volume of acid used I will time how long it takes for 50cmiof hydrogen gas to be produced and collected in a gas syringe. Apparatus Conical Flask (with bung) 100cmi gas syringe Scales Measuring cylinder Stopwatch Hypothesis I believe that as the volume of acid increases so will the rate of gas produced. This is because there will be more acid molecules and so there will be more chance of collisions between the magnesium and hydrochloric acid, thus a higher rate of reaction. I believe that the volume of acid will be directly proportional to the rate of reaction and so the following will be true: Therefore, if the volume of acid is doubled then the rate of gas produced should double. Diagram Method First of all the gas syringe was connected to the conical flask. 0. 05g of magnesium ribbon was weighed using the scales and placed inside the conical flask. The first volume of 2M hydrochloric acid, 10cmi , was measured out using a measuring cylinder and then added to the flask. Simultaneously the stopwatch was started and the bung was placed on the conical flask. When 50cmi hydrogen had been collected the stopwatch was stopped. This was repeated 3 times with each of the volumes of hydrochloric acid, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50cmi. For each volume an average time was calculated and then using that time the rate of reaction was calculated with the following equation: Rate (cmi /s) = Volume of gas produced (cmi ) Time (s) Results Time Taken (s) Volume of HCl (cmi ) Reading 1 Reading 2 Reading 3 Average Reading Rate of Reaction (cmi /s).

Rene Descartes And Rationalism

Rene Descartes And Rationalism Rene Descartes method of doubt centers on destroying knowledge to reconstruct knowledge thus, gaining certainty. To do so, one has to first doubt everything. This in my opinion promotes a certain kind of disunity in the world of knowledge, thus leading to no definite knowledge. Descartes states that in order for man not to be deceived by the supreme and powerful being (the devil), man will have to doubt everything, to be more specific, doubt everything in the physical sense. Descartes emphasizes that the only thing true in the world is thinking. Indeed the senses tend to make mistakes, but Descartes fails to see that these mistakes have a possibility in helping man conform into the world of knowledge. The method of doubt downplays every aspect of success in the realm of knowledge. There are several scientists who made scientific breakthroughs and contributions to the world of science by making these mistakes. This method of doubt is borderline pessimistic by nature. A mistake is in itself an error for man, but what Descartes fails to see is that these mistakes can help in making man better. Certainty cannot be obtained by doubting everything. Rene Descartes fails to present an endpoint. Meaning, he doesnt say when man has to stop doubting everything. Rene Descartes states To conquer that habit, therefore, I had better switch right around and pretend (for a while) that these former opinions of mine are utterly false and imaginary. He then states that he will stop doing so, until he finds a something that can counter-balance the weight of old opinion. All Rene Descartes does here is to present a means to an endpoint. But he never states what that endpoint is. Thus, rendering this kind of thinking unusable simply because one will never know when to stop doubting. The endpoint being certainty can also be doubted. This is because, how will one know that, that he is indeed nearing certainty or he has gotten to the truth. Rene Descartes offers absolutely no information whatsoever. All he does is again, state a means to an end. In Rene Descartes method of doubt the train of thought is always moving backwards. Backwards in the sense that in doubting everything, or by apparently destroying knowledge in order to reconstruct it, there is no sense of moving forward to certainty. The train of thought is always in the negative plain. In doing so, Id like to point out, man cannot reach certainty or at least know when to stop destroying knowledge to reach that certainty, by doubting everything. There should be a means of moving forward to that certainty, but in doubting everything all you are doing is going back and in fact lowering the plane of knowledge by doubting it. So what remains true? Perhaps just the one fact that nothing is certain? In thinking like this, Rene Descartes disproves that the only thing he is trying to find. In applying the method of doubt, I affirm that is indeed better to doubt something first before making a quick verification of something. In making a quick verification of things or in trusting your own senses quickly, at times you will err in doing so. But I would like to emphasize that I only affirm only until this aspect of Rene Descartes method of doubt. I believe it is in fact better to examine ones senses first before making a quick conclusion. Rene Descartes was right in saying that your senses are not clear enough to prove things. There are indeed things that elude the senses of man. But insofar, as doubting to the very core, I believe that no one will actually reach certainty. According to Rene Descartes, the only true science is mathematics. He states that, Mathematics is the only science that is indeed true. Insofar as certainty is concerned, there is no doubt that Mathematics is indeed certain in its plane of knowledge. But the certainty Mathematics emits is far different from the certainty we are looking for. Mathematics shows how the intellect can conform into something that is certain without the use of senses. But beyond that thinking, Mathematics is in no way useful. Mathematics as a starting point for reaching something that is certain outside numbers, will in no way bear any fruit. Mathematics is limited to the intellect. As far as certainty is concerned, it is indeed true. The big difference between Mathematics and all the other sciences is that, Mathematics is the only science that conforms to certainty. There is no way one can prove that 1 + 1 is not equal to two. In applying Mathematics as the basis for the method of doubt, I deny that Mathematics is useful. The mode of thinking in Mathematics is far distinct than the thinking used in the method of doubt. Meaning, the thinking in answering the mysteries of the world, or in this case, whether or not everything is an illusion, is far different from the realm of knowledge in Mathematics. Even if Mathematics conforms into something that is certain, I believe that Mathematics is still not a viable science in knowing whether or not something is true this is because the method of doubt of Rene Descartes is quite complex. Mathematics should not be the central science simply because it is the only science that conforms into something that is certain. Insofar as the statement Its not true if its not certain is concerned, there is no way one can reach at something that is beyond probable and without dispute. This is because the method of doubt has no clear path to begin with. The path to certainty with the use of the method of doubt, ultimately leads to nowhere. Furthermore, in the meditations, Rene Descartes emphasizes on doubting everything man sees because the devil works to deceive man. But I would like to point out, if man lives under these conditions, and supposing that there is indeed an entity that is out to trick man, man will not have a basis in understanding what is true. I believe man should never cower in fear of the unknown, and if a man does indeed doubt everything for the sole reason that there is an entity out to deceive man rather man should rise from this thinking and think accordingly. When someone is the author of his own thoughts and that author of thoughts is indeed wrong in something. I would like to argue that it is not because a supreme powerful being deceived that author of thoughts rather it is a mistake because of ignorance. The author of thoughts simply did not know what that thing is. It is not because of some supreme powerful deceiver rather the author of thoughts deceived himself because of his lack of knowledge. Mistakes in general happen because of a lack of knowledge. In conclusion, I believe Rene Descartes method of doubt is in fact useful only to a certain extent, but anywhere beyond it is downright absurd and a danger to the thinking of man. Certainty cannot emerge from doubt simply because in doubting everything, you also doubt truth as well. And in doubting truth or finding the real truth it beats the purpose of using the method of doubt of Rene Descartes. On Mathematics, I believe that Mathematics cannot be used as the central science in the method of doubt simply because it is the only science that conforms to something that is certain. And lastly, the method of doubt does not show any sign of an answer or a basis of what is true, rather all it states is to doubt everything until man reaches that very truth. Meaning, man will ultimately continue to doubt everything he senses without a limit. In doing so, if man does indeed doubt without a cause, I see no point in using the method of doubt.

Key Areas That Affect Profitability And Continued Growth Marketing Essay

Key Areas That Affect Profitability And Continued Growth Marketing Essay The objective of this report is to discuss key areas that affect profitability and continued growth at Starbucks and to provide strategic recommendations. This report can be used to analyze current strategic decision making effectiveness as well as provide a roadmap for Starbucks continued success. Company Background Starbucks is a publicly traded company (SBUX) founded in 1971 in Seattle, WA and is a purchaser and roaster of whole bean coffees. Starbucks produces and roasts high-quality whole bean coffees and sells them along with food items and coffee related accessories through over 7000 plus company operated retail stores. Starbucks also licenses its trademark through other channels known as specialty operations. Industry Definition Starbucks has a variety of industry code classifications including SIC code: 2095 -roasted coffee and NAICS code:  311920 Coffee and Tea Manufacturing. Starbucks is a specialty eatery serving both food and beverage products. Mission Statement Analysis Starbucks mission statement is simple; to inspire and nurture the human spirit- one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. Backing Starbucks mission statement are its six principles on how they operate found in Appendix A. These principles encompass their product, customers, partners, stores, communities, and shareholders and provide the company vision. A well defined company mission statement should include the companys product, market and areas of emphasis that reflects the values of the strategic decision makers in the company (Regis University, 2009). Pearce and Robinson define a mission statement as a unique purpose that sets a company apart from others of its type and identifies the scope of its operations (Regis University, p. 18). As a result of our analysis, we found that Starbucks mission statement coupled with their principles defines the scope of the company operations and aligns with there current strategies. External Environment Porters Five Forces Analysis The Porter 5 forces analysis is a framework for industry analysis and business strategy development developed by Michael E. Porter in 1979. Michael Porters framework sees five major factors that influence a business: threat of substitute products, bargaining power of suppliers and buyers, rivalry between competitors and threat of new entrants to a market. The porters five forces model will help identify where improvements can be made through the current competitive force, threat of potential entrants, bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers and the threat of substitute products. Using Porters framework as a guide, Starbucks should consider the following: Power of Suppliers: Starbucks prides itself on its guiding principles one of which states, Our Coffee-It has always been, and will always be, about quality. Were passionate about ethically sourcing the finest coffee beans, roasting them with great care, and improving the lives of people who grow them. Therefore, in keeping with their mission and principles, Starbucks must ensure that the type and quality of coffee it offers is always the same. This means they would use the same suppliers that integrate their standards. Coffee is one of the largest traded commodities in the world. Starbucks is directly affected by Central America in terms of production of the Arabica beans they purchase. The bargaining power of suppliers to the specialty coffee industry would be exerted by either an increase in the price of the beans which are used in the production process, or by a threat of decline in the quality or quantity of the coffee beans themselves. An over-populated market could also give the suppliers more bargaining power. Starbucks needs to be aware of supplier power and potential price increases. Power of Buyers/Customers: A buyer group is powerful if the industrys product does not save the buyer money (Pearce and Robinson, 2007) This is a plus for Starbucks as their coffee products are higher in price and considered a luxury brand. Starbucks is much more concerned with the quality of their product versus price. However; the other consideration is small local coffee companies that were around before Starbucks took over the marketplace. These smaller coffee shops may have their core customers who will not give their business to anyone else. Available Substitutes: Starbucks must be aware of substitute products. Given the current grave economic crisis, consumers are vying towards less expensive alternatives than the luxury coffee Starbucks provides. This effect could alter Starbucks current pricing strategies.   As more substitutes become available, the current pricing model would become more elastic since customers have more alternatives.   Potential substitutes include bottled water, healthy water/juice drinks, and at home espresso machines.  Ã‚   Current Competitors: While companies like Dazbog and Caribou Coffee appear to be the most obvious competitors, McDonalds and Dunkin Doughnuts are Starbucks tops competitors. Both these organizations can compete with Starbucks in terms of sandwich items and coffee related products. More of a concern with these two competitors is their pricing modules. Both competitors are priced less than Starbucks products. Threat of New Entrants: Starbucks provides a luxury good that consumers often scale back on when they want to save money. In 2007, Starbucks saw its shares fall more than 30% partly down to customers deserting it for cheaper rivals. As McDonalds and other chains like Dunkin Doughnuts realize the money in luxury coffee more companies will begin to enter the marketplace offering similar product lines for less cost. Remote Environmental Factors Economic- Economic factors concern the nature and direction of the economy in which a firm operates. Current recession trends imply a reason for concern for a luxury brand like Starbucks with regard to the companys financials. Social- Promoting the health benefits of coffee remains a challenge for the industry and consumers are often confused with the myths propagated by the media. Social concerns regarding caffeine, and it addictive properties also need to be considered. Political-Current tensions in the Middle East and boycotts of American made products are strategic concerns for Starbucks globalization plans. Starbucks also imports their coffee beans and thus any changes in import laws should also demand special attention.    Ecological Factors- Starbucks also has a strong environmental mission statement. Starbucks promotes ethical sourcing, contributes heavily to their communities, as well as continually strives to buy, sell and use environmentally friendly products. Starbucks uses key performance indicators to be sure they are measuring the degree to which they fulfill their social and environmental responsibilities. Starbucks should maintain abreast of any changing environmental legislation that could impact their corporate strategies.   Ã‚   Technological Factors -Starbucks has been continually looking for ways to enhance the customer experience. They have also expanded their partnership with ATT. ATT offered consumers WiFi service in more than 7,000 Starbucks locations in the U.S. in spring of 2008. Industry and Competitive Environments When in a recession, luxury products tend to decline and coffee is no exception. Consumers dont find as much worth in spending $4.35 for a cup of coffee when they can purchase the same size coffee at 7-eleven for $1. 75. However, Starbucks has an immediate plan for continued growth including the introduction of its instant coffee line. Despite the challenging economic environment, Starbucks is profitable, has a strong balance sheet and generates solid cash from operations, said Schultz, CEO of Starbucks Corporation. The company is also making strategic investments in key initiatives by: Entering the $17 billion instant coffee market earlier this month with the launch of Starbucks VIAà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ Ready Brew instant coffee; Growing its consumer products, licensed stores and foodservice channels; and Focusing on disciplined global store expansion in key markets. Operating Environment Pearce and Robinson (2007) stated, The operating environment factors in the immediate competitive situation that affects a firms success in acquiring needed resources. Starbucks current operating environment includes threats from competitors and rising expenses including fluctuating costs of dairy products. Price increases could have a negative impact on traffic. As of 2007, Starbucks has less than a 10% share of all of the coffee consumption in North American, and less than 1% internationally. International Environment Starbucks is an organization that operates in an international market both with regard to retail locations and use of international suppliers. Thus, Starbucks needs to consider the countries involved in its international partnerships and the impact it can have on their business strategies with regard to political, social, economic and legal locality concerns and events. Internal Analysis SWOT is an acronym for the internal strengths and weaknesses of a firm and the environmental opportunities and threats facing that firm (Pearce Robinson, 2007, p.153). Starbucks has several strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that are listed in Appendix B. Strengths: Key strengths for Starbucks include the value of their employees and their corporate culture. Starbucks considers its employees partners which provides a sense of inclusion for those who work there. Also, Starbucks was one of the first organizations to offer full benefits for part-time employees. Another key strength for Starbucks is brand loyalty and name recognition. Howard Schultz, CEO, has created an every day item and turned it into a mega brand similar to Nike. Starbucks is on every street corner, in your local supermarket, and in your bookstores and campuses nation wide. Weaknesses: A key weakness for Starbucks is weakened innovation and creativity. According to Schultz, the Starbucks experience is about passion for a quality product, excellent customer service, and people. With over 4500 coffeehouses in 47 countries Starbucks coffee becomes somewhat of a commodity. In a February 2007 memo, Schultz warned top executives about over saturation of the brand. Diminishing growth opportunities are likely. Opportunities: Starbucks is a global corporation that sells its coffee in more than 16,000 coffee shops in more than 35 countries. Continued global expansion is an important opportunity. Starbucks has established relationships with PepsiCo, Barnes and Nobles, Dreyers Ice Cream and other major brands. Opportunities include continued co-branding with major manufacturers of food and drinks that have greater potential and enable further global expansion. Finally, another key opportunity is the creation of additional coffee related products and an expanded menu. Threats: Substitute products influence the demand for a companys product. More substitutes offer a bigger choice for customers and thus Starbucks has to be aware of potential substitutes available. Given the weakened economy, these substitutes become more desirable if they are a lesser cost than Starbucks offerings. With a weakened economy also comes an increase in purchasing cost for coffee related products and dairy products; both of which impact the return on investment and profits for Starbucks. Resource Based View (RBV) Analysis Resources are the distinct combination of assets, skills, capabilities and intangibles of an organization (Pearce Robinsons, 2007, p. 164). Examination of Starbucks resources can provide a method to analyze strategic advantages and assist with strategic planning. There are three basic resources reviewed when using this method; tangible assets, intangible assets, and organizational capabilities. Tangible Resources-Tangible resources are the physical and financial means a company uses to provide value to its customers (Pearce Robinsons, 2007, p. 165). Examination of Starbucks balance sheet shows inventories make up largest portion of their assets at 692.8 million of the 1, 748 billion in total current assets. Interestingly, cash and cash equivalents make up a mere 269.8 million of current assets. Starbucks owns 5 Roasting and Distribution locations, 9000, company operated retail stores, 205, 000 sq foot office building with 36,000 sq ft plot of land totally 2,956.4 million in net assets. Intangible Resources: A companys intangible resources are also important to the overall business advantage. Brand recognition is a key intangible resource for Starbucks. Starbucks reputation is positive and they are known for high quality coffee coupled with high quality customer service day in and day out. Starbucks has also used their brand recognition to introduce new products including bottled coffee drinks ice-cream products, and home espresso machines, and this intangible asset provides overall reliability that is difficult for competitors to penetrate. Other intangibles include quality of locations; skill at citing new shops; employee training, skill at customer service, and morale; employer of choice-Forbes 100 Best Companies to Work for 2007, 2008. Organizational Capabilities: Howard Schultz continues to strengthen Starbucks top management team, hiring people with extensive experience in managing and expanding retail chains. Starbucks also maintains and continues to expand its ownership of desirable locations so location analysis is a capability which allows the company the ability to increase quality of the same input factors as their competitors. Value Chain Analysis The term value chain describes a way of looking at a business as a chain of activities that transform inputs into outputs that customers value (Pearce and Robinson, 2007, p.158). Primary Functions Include: High quality product, Ethical coffee sourcing and fair trade, global responsibility, and Baristas (quality of customer service).  Inbound logistics: negotiation with coffee providers, purchasing, receiving, processing, distributing raw materials to service sites.   Support Functions Include: Coffee Master training program, desirable locations, and modern technologies and research and development. Plus traditional organizational support functions such as HR admin, accounting and finance, marketing, etc. Strengths of the value chain for Starbucks include their high quality product and the sourcing and creation of their product. Starbucks is committed to ethical sourcing and fair trade. Starbucks is also globally responsible and has introduced a shared planet program thus producing a sustainable image. This differentiates their product from their competitors. Weakness of the value chain for Starbucks include over saturation of the brand and diminishing growth opportunities due to buying out their competitors in prime real estate locations. Financial Analysis Liquidity Starbucks 2008 Industry Median Current Ratio 0.80 0.89 Quick Ratio 0.50 0.50 A current ratio measures how well Starbucks is able to meet its short term obligations. A quick ratio measures the same, minus inventories. Starbucks current ratio aligns with the industry median which means their current ratio is considered a norm for the industry. Their quick ratio also aligns with the industry median suggesting that the company doesnt have too much of its liquid assets tied up in inventory and that they are not dependent on the sale of that inventory to finance operations. The ratios above generally imply that Starbucks is able to pay its short term obligations including items such as vendor bills, rent, utilities and payroll. This number also indicates that Starbucks is credit worthy because they have enough cash to pay off their short term debt and suggestive that they pay their bills on time. Activity Starbucks 2008 Industry Median Inventory Turnover 8.3 29.2 Total Asset Turnover 1 1.2 Inventory Turnover Ratio describes how quickly product is being sold. Starbucks inventory turnover is 8.3. The industry median is 29.2; suggesting that Starbucks is lagging in ability to turn over its inventory compared to its competitors. With a ratio of 8.3, Starbucks essentially filled and sold everything on its shelves eight times in the year 2008, while the competition filled and sold 29 times. Total Asset Turnover offers managers a measure of how well the firm is utilizing its assets in order to generate sales revenue. An increasing ratio would indicate that the firm is using its assets more efficiently. Starbucks 2008 ratio was 1, slightly lower than the industry median, and their 2007 ratio was 1. This implies that Starbucks hasnt changed the way its using its assets. As this number also indicates pricing strategy and thus suggests that Starbucks has not changed its pricing strategy in the past two years of data. Profitability Starbucks 2008 Industry Median Gross Profit Margin 55.30% 42.16% Net Profit Margin 0.88% 7.67% Gross Profit Margin represents a firms money left over after the cost of goods sold. Gross Profit Margin helps the company pay for future liabilities and future savings. Starbucks earned 10,383 million in revenue for 2008. Their ratio of 55% indicates that they made roughly a little more than 50 cents for every dollar earned after the cost of goods sold was subtracted. Net Profit Margin Ratio depicts how much of every dollar earned a company keeps in earnings. Starbucks is much lower than its industry median. A higher profit margin indicates a more profitable company that  has better control over  its costs compared to  its competitors. As Starbucks markets itself as a luxury brand and charges on average four dollars for a cup of coffee, its no wonder its much lower than its competitors. This number can also indicate that Starbucks operating costs to produce their luxury coffee is increasing in cost. These items include dairy products, coffee beans, cups, syrups etc. Finally Starbucks has a high gross profit compared to a low net profit. This could suggest that Starbucks isnt very good a controlling their expenses. Leverage, Earnings Per Share, Price/Earnings Starbucks 2008 Industry Median Debt to Equity 1.28 1.17 Debt to Assets 0.56 The debt/equity ratio shows how much a firm has borrowed as a percentage of its stock equity. Often, the lower, the better. Starbucks ratio suggests that it is not borrowing heavily against the stock equity compared to its competitors. Debt to assets ratio shows what portion of funds is being provided by creditors. Starbucks ratio shows that they are using very little credit. Price to Earnings Ratio: 127 According to Benjamin Graham, and investment is considered speculative stock when it has a P/E higher than 15, regardless of industry. Warren Buffet currently trades on this rationale. Using this rationale, that would suggest that Starbucks is severely overvalued. If we were to follow Benjamin Grahams theory on speculative stock, Starbucks should be trading at a 1.80 per share. The industry average for P/E is approx 20-25 under current finance ratios. This number fluctuates based on current stock price. Therefore Starbucks range should be from 2.40-3.00 per share. Earnings Per Share-12 Cents (1 Q, 2009) Earnings Per Share shows how many dollars in profit were earned per outstanding shares of the common stock. The current EPS would show that Starbucks business has pulled back considered since 2008s quarterly reports which listed EPS at 43 cents per share. Therefore, based on this information, an investor could make the assumption that Starbucks debt is virtually equal to there income. And given one more or two more quarters of loss, the income would be less than the debt and would set the company up for a loss. This could generate from closed stores, overstock of inventory, and inflation. Strategy Recommendation A generic strategy is a core idea about how a firm can best compete in its current marketplace (Pearce Robinson, 2007). While Starbucks has many different strategies to consider, a generic strategy is currently recommended below given the research found in this report. Recommended Strategy For Starbucks: Differentiation Starbucks can best achieve its long terms strategies by continuing to strive to create and market unique coffee based products to varied customer groups through differentiation. The following direction points will be the basis for the competitive strategy: Rivalry will be reduced with successful differentiation. As Starbucks markets itself as a luxury brand and experience, customers will be less sensitive to prices if Starbucks products are successfully differentiated. Starbucks differentiation and focus strategy pushes customers to brand loyalty which will make it difficult for new entrants to overcome. Starbucks currently exhibits and utilizes both differentiation strategy and the focus strategy. Starbucks has developed a customer loyalty that enables the firm to charge a premium price for its products. Starbucks demographic composition of their consumer base is narrow in direction. Their target consumer is middle to upper class and an educated coffee drinker who prefers quality and customer service over a low-cost price. This suggests that the firm is using a focus strategy anchored in a differentiation base because they attend to the needs of this demographic. Starbucks has differentiated themselves from their competitors by providing an image of the luxury coffee experience and should continue this approach for long term growth and profit. Implementation With regard to implementation, the following outline is recommended. initiate specific functional tactics outsource nonessential functions communicate policies to all partners design effective rewards Starbucks can successfully implement their implementation plan by turning their strategy into action by following the steps below: continue to provide and create new products perceived of higher value to buyers create a new products business unit for streamlined product development introduction analyze current economies of scale to reduce costs continue to develop and motivate there partners as they are there best assets. continue closing of under performing stores as needed increase global presence in prime locations to wash out weakening domestic economy issues Evaluation and Control Starbucks should evaluate these goals quarterly beginning in 2009 to avoid potential losses and provide for ample time for development of contingency controls. Starbucks can measure success by analyzing the following metrics with regard to new strategies and products: Return on Investment Net Profits Partner Feedback-Starbucks values its partners and considers and considers them one of their greatest strengths. Customer Feedback-Continued customer satisfaction is key to the success of the business. Leadership and Ethical Concerns Howard Schultz is a CEO who embraces change and someone who has a strong strategic plan. His vision is currently being announced in his transformation agenda which essential brings Starbucks backs to its roots. It is a simple plan and it is compelling. His ethical standards are directly tied to the culture of the company and at present is not a concern. Starbucks guiding principles found in Appendix A keep the company focus driven on providing high ethical standards across all business operations.

Essay --

OPERATION JUST CAUSE Introduction On December 20, 1989 the United States military launched a full scale invasion of Panama, code named Operation Just Cause. Operation Just Cause was also known as Operation Blue Spoon but was later changed for political reasons. This invasion occurred during the presidency of George H. W. Bush. The goal of Operation Just Cause was to capture General Manuel Antonio Noriega who was the commander of the Panama Defense Forces (PDF). Noriega was wanted for drug trafficking, money laundering and other illegal activities. At the time, President Bush wanted to put an end to drug trafficking. By capturing Noriega, the amount of drugs coming into the United States from South America would be reduced. â€Å"Just Cause was extraordinarily complex, involving the deployment of thousands of personnel and equipment† from across multiple military instillations and branches. Within the first twenty-four hours, over two dozen objectives were to be been secured.1 These victories would place the U .S. in a position to continue influencing operations for the remainder of the invasion. Planning and preparation helped U.S. forces minimize casualties and excessive collateral damage during the invasion. â€Å"Within seventy-two hours of the outbreak of hostilities, all major combat operations ended† and shifted the role of American forces from that of â€Å"war fighters to that of peacekeepers†. The success of the operation was the result of well thought out objectives, detailed planning, excellent leadership, and dedicated training.2 The operation lasted only a few weeks and concluded on January 31, 1990. History President George Bush defended the invasion with a number of reasons as to why the U.S. military was sent into Panama ... ...an agencies were given little warning about their upcoming role in supporting the post combat mission. With the lack of warning and proper time to prepare, the transition from military to civilian operations became very complex in the time following Operation Just Cause. 17 This led to improvements made in the planning process where several military and civilian governmental organizations now come together to discuss upcoming operations and how the post process will be carried out by all parties. Working together allows for multiple ideas to be brought forth and all strengths and weaknesses can be taken into account. Civilian agencies such as the State Department, Justice Department, and the U.S. Agency for International Development must be given the necessary time to plan for post combat phases so that their assistance is of a great value to the military. 18

Biography of Ferdinand Porsche Essay -- essays research papers

Ferdinand Porsche was born in Maffersdorf, Austria (now in the Czech Republic) on September 3, 1875. At age 18 he found a job in Vienna. While working in Vienna he audited a few courses at the technical university for the only engineering training he ever received. A few years later he took his first job in the automotive industry with Jacob Lohner. There he was involved in the design of an electric car, the Lohner-Porsche. That first car by Porsche set land speed records in Austria, speeding up to a remarkable 35 miles per hour. Later he participated in the development of a mixed car using an internal combustion engine combined with electrical power. In 1905 he won the Austrian Poetting Prize as Austria?s outstanding automotive designer. On the strength of Porsche?s earlier work he was offered a position with the Austrian division of the Daimler automobile company (today Daimler/Chrysler) as its chief designer. After several successful designs of early Mercedes he also worked on airplane engines, fire trucks, buses, wind electric generators and even an agricultural tractor. By 1923 he moved to the company?s headquarters in Stuttgart as technical director. There he developed several more very successful Mercedes models. In 1924 the Technical College of Stuttgart awarded him an honorary doctoral degree in engineering on the basis of his achievements. Since his days at Austro-Daimler he had a personal dream of a mass produced automobile which could be produced cheaply enough to be affordable for the average citizen. He made a proposal for such a car to his employers at Mercedes-Benz, but was disappointed that there was no interest at Mercedes for his plan. Irritated, he left the company. In 1931 he founded his own compa... ...h the Distinguished Service Cross. In 1965 he was presented with an honorary doctoral degree by the Vienna Technical College. In 1972 Porsche converted the company into a stock company with shares available to the public. The family, however, retained essential control with family stock holdings and seats on the board of directors. The name of the company was retained, ?Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche? but now with the addition of the letters AG (Aktiengesellschaft: stock based company). Ferry Porsche was given numerous awards for achievement. In 1984 he was presented with the title of ?Professor? by the Minister-Prà ¤sident (Chief Minister) of the state of Baden-Wà ¼rttemberg, Lothar Spath. Porsche remained as the chairman of the board of Porsche until 1990 when he retired and became the honorary chairman. Ferdinand (Ferry) Porsche died at the age of 88 on March 27, 1998. Biography of Ferdinand Porsche Essay -- essays research papers Ferdinand Porsche was born in Maffersdorf, Austria (now in the Czech Republic) on September 3, 1875. At age 18 he found a job in Vienna. While working in Vienna he audited a few courses at the technical university for the only engineering training he ever received. A few years later he took his first job in the automotive industry with Jacob Lohner. There he was involved in the design of an electric car, the Lohner-Porsche. That first car by Porsche set land speed records in Austria, speeding up to a remarkable 35 miles per hour. Later he participated in the development of a mixed car using an internal combustion engine combined with electrical power. In 1905 he won the Austrian Poetting Prize as Austria?s outstanding automotive designer. On the strength of Porsche?s earlier work he was offered a position with the Austrian division of the Daimler automobile company (today Daimler/Chrysler) as its chief designer. After several successful designs of early Mercedes he also worked on airplane engines, fire trucks, buses, wind electric generators and even an agricultural tractor. By 1923 he moved to the company?s headquarters in Stuttgart as technical director. There he developed several more very successful Mercedes models. In 1924 the Technical College of Stuttgart awarded him an honorary doctoral degree in engineering on the basis of his achievements. Since his days at Austro-Daimler he had a personal dream of a mass produced automobile which could be produced cheaply enough to be affordable for the average citizen. He made a proposal for such a car to his employers at Mercedes-Benz, but was disappointed that there was no interest at Mercedes for his plan. Irritated, he left the company. In 1931 he founded his own compa... ...h the Distinguished Service Cross. In 1965 he was presented with an honorary doctoral degree by the Vienna Technical College. In 1972 Porsche converted the company into a stock company with shares available to the public. The family, however, retained essential control with family stock holdings and seats on the board of directors. The name of the company was retained, ?Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche? but now with the addition of the letters AG (Aktiengesellschaft: stock based company). Ferry Porsche was given numerous awards for achievement. In 1984 he was presented with the title of ?Professor? by the Minister-Prà ¤sident (Chief Minister) of the state of Baden-Wà ¼rttemberg, Lothar Spath. Porsche remained as the chairman of the board of Porsche until 1990 when he retired and became the honorary chairman. Ferdinand (Ferry) Porsche died at the age of 88 on March 27, 1998.

Dr King vs Dalai Lama

Upon comparing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Dalai Lama it becomes apparent that the two share many similar doctrines and beliefs. Although they come from two totally different backgrounds it seems as though their overall goals and dreams coincide. The most striking similarity is that both men advocated/advocate for peace and nonviolent solutions to problems. While they may have approached matters differently the goal was the same. Analyzing both men one begins to see that they are admired by so many people because of their philosophies. Dr. King said, â€Å"†¦ the nonviolent resister does not seek to humiliate or defeat the opponent but to win his friendship and understanding. † In comparison, Dalai Lama said, â€Å"Real peace is not just the absence of violence or war†¦. A mere absence of war is not genuine lasting world peace. Peace must develop on mutual trust. † Looking at only these two quotes one can see the likeness of thought the two men shared. Dr. King crusaded for civil rights for African Americans, while Dalai Lama is an advocate for the liberation of Tibet. In both situations oppression is/was trying to be wiped out, due to environment and upbringing there are contrasts in the facets the men explored to achieve their goals. Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyasto, was born July 6th 1935 in Takster, Amdo in northeastern Tibet. He came from humble beginnings in farming village and lived with his family in a small hamlet. At the age of two he was deemed the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama and his education began at age six. Studying logic, Tibetan art and culture, Sanskrit, medicine, and Buddhist philosophy Dalai Lama proved to be a good student. At the age of twenty three he took his final exam and passed with flying colors, he received multiple honours and received the Geshe Lharampa degree in Leadership responsibilities (This is the highest degree in Tibet and is equivalent to a doctorate). Dr. King was born January 15th 1929 in Atlanta Georgia to Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King.

Natural resource conflict

Before we proceed to our tidings roughly the context of the Natural alternative Conflict, it is imperative to take first into flier the definition of two terms which atomic number 18 always a part whenever troubles and booby hatch may arise. These two terms be Conflict and Security. According to (Kernerman Multi Lingual dictionary), warrantor mover the state of beingness, or devising safe, secure, free from danger etc while impinge is being defined as something to scrape up into collision or disagreement be contradictory, at variance or in opposition clash a fight, battle, struggle, esp. a prolonged struggle strife( dictionary.com unabridged). This two ar sure to go hand in hand whenever trouble or in a larger scale war arises.I- How and in what ways be meshs everyplace natural resources to a greater extent issues of development and semipolitical economy, rather than security, traditionally conceived?Natural alternative Conflict is ane of the most confusing pro blems that the terra firma nowadays is confronting. Some ar resolved through diplomatic personal manner while early(a)s argon thus far being contested until now in the tier of a hostile confrontation which abject victims ar usually the innocent civilians and children as well. Natural resource conflicts are ordinarily seen in the continent of Africa where according to a original report in 1998 that 9 out of thirteen battle related conflict on Natural Resources had occurred (Scott fall autumn 2003).The best answer to this interrogation is that they are conceived as something that has got to do with light-colored states, to the increased erosion of boundaries and to open or clandestine intervention from populate countries. thither are a lot of lawsuits to be considered in regard to this situation. One was the character reference of Sierra Leone, when that country was turned cover down by the atrocities of the group who called themselves the basal joined Front. This gr oup whose savagery and tongue was confirmed by the presence of thousands upon thousands of quite a little including children whose limbs and arms were cut off from their bodies.R.U.F. during it heydays period of time were using the vast amount of rhomb deposits in Sierra Leone in evidence for them to purchase arms and ammunitions, that are inevitable in their fight against the Countrys Government.. What is interesting about this was the inability of the governing body of Sierra Leone in arresting the major personalities of the group. In fact, what is quite ironic is that afterward the peace agreement. The government even let the R.U.F. to participate in the ensuing election. or else of making them pay by move them all to jail, for all the miseries and pain they keep inflected towards the populace. If the government of Sierra Leone is pull and wholesome enough there is no reason why they merchantmant do it. What happened is a mere comment of the weakness of the govern ment.II- Internal and External Factors about the Natural Resource ConflictTalking about factors concerning the origination of Natural Resource Conflict, well, there are a lot to be counted as such.First we have to discuss about the 3 internal factors. These are the1. Authority2. Ideology3. PoliticsSpeaking of Authority it means bureaucratic control and a agreement of rewards, which generates courtly, but passive consensus.About political orientation it addresses a sense of mission, indoctrination, which results in formal but passive consensus.Lastly is political sympathies (power Game) it touches the result of temporary internal alliances and strong links with the external people of influence.In regard to the external factors there are the so called1. Share holders2. Financiers3. Other individuals or groups of individuals having a stake in the behaviour of the organization, such as political parties, shift unions, other formal and informal CSOs, right on individuals with eco nomic or ideological interests.We can cite as example are the sovereign Countries of Angola and Sierra Leone during the time when they were unchanging struggling to resolve their respective insurgence problems. Both these governments at the time were hiring the function of Executive outcomes, a private troops company. The purpose for these was to check the flow of diamonds from these countries which as had been alleged were perpetrated by insurgents in suppose to use the proceeds from this felonious duty in sustaining their effort of destroying the already existent government of both countries. Its called illegal because the government had nothing to do with this trade. De Beers, the worlds larges trader of diamonds was even beneath pressure because some of its purchases were coming from these areas.III- The ActorsWhenever conflict arises it cannot be denied that there are a lot of organizations who are ready to make do all their expertise just for the pastime of concludin g a certain conflict. Whether they are government sponsored or not, it should be say that theyre here to help. One example for this was the time when Kuwait was invaded by Iraq. The United States together with the assistance of several countries and beneath the complete approval of the U.N. was able to change state Kuwait from the occupation of Iraq.IV- The dynamics of Neo-Liberal CapitalismThe dynamics of Neo- liberal capitalism is an event that is greatly manifested by the massive harvest-feast of chinaware, India and other countries which several years ago were still waddling along the seemingly unending bungle of poverty and non-growth. It is the kind which leads to the resurgence of this so called globalization. It promotes drastic reforms concerning the economic status of ones country and give extensive opportunities for countries to invest from one country to another.Naturally the more investments made to a certain country, the greater the economic growth that the reci pient of these investments entrust experience. Like for example China. Its tremendous and bedazzle economic growth started when it initiated the reform frame by the late Deng Xiao Ping. It opens China economically to foreign investments.The resulting effect is the way China is being treated nowadays, not but in Asia but throughout the world. However, growth sometimes will lead to certain negativity, like what happened to Japan in the midst of the 20th century. Because of its massive economic and industrial growth, it was forced to invade China and its neighboring countries. The reason for that was to gain control of those countries resources so that it can sustain and maintain the obligatory materials for its huge industrial and economic sector.REFERENCESPegg, Scott. globalisation and Natural Resource Confict- The New strategic Environment. http//findarticles.com/?noadc=1. 2003. Naval War College Review. 9 may 2007.